The Age of Visions and Arguments

"The Meiji Restoration of 1868 inaugurated a period of great change in Japan; it is seldom associated, however, with advances in civil and political rights. By studying parliamentarianism - the theories, arguments, and polemics marshaled in support of a representative system of government - Kyu Hyun Kim uncovers a much more complicated picture of this era than is usually given."--book jacket.