William Beasley

About

Remembered for his John K. Fairbank Prize-winning work The Meiji Restoration (1972) and for his widely-read work The Modern History of Japan (later re-titled The Rise of Modern Japan), this British writer, scholar, and Japanese history expert is also well known for his teaching work in the University of London's Far East Studies program.

Before Fame

After graduating from University College London, he volunteered for the Royal Navy and studied Japanese language and history as part of his military assignment.

Trivia

He was inducted into the British Academy in 1967 and became an honorary member of the Japan Academy in 1984.

Family Life

His marriage to Hazel Beasley began in 1955 and produced a son.

Associated With

He and Ian Kershaw are both well known British historians.