Jonathan Clements

Jonathan Clements is a British author and journalist known for his extensive work on Japanese history, culture, and animation. He has written numerous books on these subjects and served as a translator for many Japanese productions. A significant portion of Clements' career has been dedicated to writing about anime and manga, including his co-authorship of The Anime Encyclopedia and his historical study of the Japanese animation industry, Anime: A History. He has also worked as a voice director and script adapter for several English-language versions of anime productions. Beyond Japanese popular culture, Clements has written extensively on Chinese and East Asian history, producing works such as A Brief History of the Vikings and biographies of historical figures like Wu: The Chinese Empress Who Schemed, Seduced and Murdered Her Way to Become a Living God. His academic background includes a PhD in Classical Japanese from the University of Wales. He currently serves as a visiting professor at Xi'an Jiaotong University and continues to contribute to various publications and academic journals focusing on East Asian history and culture. His work bridges academic research and accessible writing for general audiences interested in Asian history and popular culture.

Readers describe Clements as a meticulous financial writer who focuses on simple, actionable advice rather than get-rich-quick schemes. His no-nonsense tone and clear writing come up repeatedly in reviews. Readers appreciate: - Real-world examples and data to support points - Focus on psychology and behavior around money - Practical tips without financial jargon - Short chapters with key takeaways Common criticisms: - Some concepts repeat across his books - Basic advice that experienced investors may find too simple - Conservative investment approach that some view as overly cautious Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Most books rate 4.1-4.4/5 stars Amazon: Consistently 4.5+/5 stars with 85%+ positive reviews How to Think About Money (2016) has highest ratings at 4.7/5 "Finally, someone who explains money without trying to sell something," notes one Amazon reviewer. Another states: "Wish I'd read this 20 years ago instead of chasing hot stocks."

The Anime Encyclopedia - A comprehensive reference work covering the history of Japanese animation from 1917 to present, co-written with Helen McCarthy.

A Brief History of the Vikings - A chronological examination of Viking history, culture, and influence from the late 8th to mid-11th centuries.

Anime: A History - A detailed study of the Japanese animation industry's development, from its origins to modern times.

Wu: The Chinese Empress - A biographical account of Empress Wu Zetian's rise to power and reign during the Tang Dynasty.

Mannerheim: President, Soldier, Spy - A biography exploring the life of Carl Gustaf Mannerheim and his influence on Finnish history.

Admiral Togo: Nelson of the East - A biographical examination of Admiral Togo Heihachiro's naval career and role in the Russo-Japanese War.

An Armchair Traveller's History of Finland - A historical overview of Finland from prehistoric times through its independence and modern era.

Christ's Samurai - A historical account of the Shimabara Rebellion and the role of Christianity in feudal Japan.

A Brief History of the Martial Arts - A chronological exploration of fighting techniques and combat traditions in East Asia.

Marco Polo - A biography examining the life, travels, and influence of the medieval explorer Marco Polo.

Frederik L. Schodt - Translator and writer who pioneered English-language coverage of manga and anime in the 1970s and 1980s. His books "Manga! Manga!" and "Dreamland Japan" established foundational knowledge about Japanese pop culture for Western audiences.

Donald Richie - Writer who documented Japanese cinema and culture through works like "The Japanese Film" and "A Hundred Years of Japanese Film." His decades living in Japan and direct access to filmmakers provided unique insights into Japanese media development.

Susan Napier - Scholar who combines academic analysis with accessible writing about anime and Japanese popular culture. Her works "Anime from Akira to Princess Mononoke" and "From Impressionism to Anime" examine Japanese animation's cultural significance.

Ian Buruma - Writer focusing on Asian culture and history, particularly Japan's modernization and cultural identity. His books "Inventing Japan" and "A Japanese Mirror" explore the intersection of traditional and contemporary Japanese society.

Helen McCarthy - Author specializing in anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture history since the 1980s. Her works include "The Anime Movie Guide" and biographical studies of major creators like Hayao Miyazaki and Osamu Tezuka.