Samurai William: the Englishman Who Opened Japan, by Giles Milton (HC, 2002, $3)
James Clavell's best selling novel, Shogun, was based on the true story of William Adams. In the 1600s all the European empires were trying to arrange for trade with Japan. The Spanish and the Portuguese, both Catholic, were usually allies. The Dutch and the English, both Protestant, were also usually allies. Except when they weren't.
Adams was one of the few survivors of a Dutch trading fleet. Marooned, he took a Japanese name and became a high officer in the ruling shogun's court. (The Jesuits didn't like the power he held, so they tried, unsuccessfully, to have him killed.) When the English found out about his existence, they had him advise and translate for them. Unfortunately the gap between the two cultures was too great for even Adams to bridge. After Adam's death, all Europeans in Japan were expelled, not to be allowed in for another 200 years. William Adams, though, is still remembered and highly respected throughout Japan.
What a man! Look for his life story in the bio. section, avail. 12/21.
