Give and Take

Give and Take by Maren A. Ehlers presents a captivating exploration of government in Tokugawa Japan (1600–1868) through the lens of everyday individuals. This insightful book delves into the lives of merchants, artisans, villagers, and those on the fringes of society, offering a fresh perspective on historical narratives. Ehlers examines the intricate ways in which both the elite and the common people interacted and collaborated to tackle the pressing issue of poverty during this transformative period in Japanese history. With 368 pages of rich content, this 2021 publication invites readers to reconsider the dynamics of power and community in early modern Japan. Discover how these ordinary subjects shaped their world and contributed to the fabric of society in Give and Take.