The Gist of Japan: The Islands, Their People, and Missions

"The Gist of Japan: The Islands, Their People, and Missions" by R. B. (Rufus Benton) Peery is a 19th-century narrative that explores Japan through the lens of its geography, people, and the influence of Western missionaries; the book begins by painting a vivid picture of the Japanese archipelago, highlighting its diverse landscapes marked by mountains, earthquakes, and volcanoes, and how these features affect the lives of its inhabitants. Peery uses the geographical overview as a foundation to build an understanding of Japanese culture, emphasizing its uniqueness and setting the stage for further study of its society. The work also underscores the importance of missionary endeavors in Japan, calling for increased attention and support from American churches to engage with and understand the societal conditions of the country.