James Murdoch (journalist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Murdoch
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| Born | September 27, 1856 |
| Died | October 30, 1921 (aged 65) |
| Nationality |  Scottish (British) |
| Occupation | journalist, educator, historian |
James Murdoch (born September 27, 1856 – died October 30, 1921) was a very smart person from Scotland who also lived in Australia. He was many things: a journalist (someone who writes for newspapers or magazines), an educator (a teacher), and a historian (someone who studies and writes about the past).
He was also a translator, which means he could change words from one language to another. He was an editor, helping to prepare books or articles for publishing. Most importantly, he was a Japanologist. This means he studied Japan, its history, culture, and language very deeply. He is best known for writing a big, three-part book called A History of Japan. This was the very first history of Japan ever published in the English!
His Early Life and Studies
James Murdoch was born in a town called Stonehaven, which is near Aberdeen in Scotland. He went to the University of Aberdeen where he earned two degrees. He also studied at Oxford University in England. These studies helped him become the knowledgeable person he was.
His Important Books
James Murdoch wrote many books and articles. His most famous work is A History of Japan. This huge book helped many people in English-speaking countries learn about Japan's past for the first time.
Here are some of his other important writings:
- A history of constitutional reform in Great Britain and Ireland (1885) – This book was about how the laws and government changed in Great Britain and Ireland.
- The narrative of a Japanese (1890) – He wrote this with Joseph Heco, sharing the story of a Japanese person's life.
- Ayame-san, a Japanese romance (1892) – This was a story set in Japan.
- A history of Japan (1903) – This is his most famous work, a detailed history of Japan.
- Scenes from open air life in Japan (1910) – This book showed what everyday life was like outdoors in Japan.
