Give and Take

Give and Take by Maren Annika Ehlers is a groundbreaking exploration of the social dynamics in Tokugawa Japan (1600–1868). Published in 2018 by Asia Center, this hardback edition spans 368 pages and delves into the lives of ordinary individuals—merchants, artisans, villagers, and marginalized groups. Ehlers presents a fresh perspective on the history of government during this period, emphasizing the interactions and collaborations between different social classes as they confronted the pressing issue of poverty in early modern Japan. This insightful work not only sheds light on historical governance but also resonates with contemporary discussions on social conditions and inequality. Perfect for history enthusiasts and scholars alike, Give and Take invites readers to reconsider the complexities of social relations in a pivotal era of Japanese history.