The Smithsonian Institution

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Paul H. Oehser published The Smithsonian Institution in 1970, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of travel & exploration from Japan. The book's treatment of the human condition accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Smithsonian Institution among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. What distinguishes The Smithsonian Institution is how it handles its central concerns — the human condition — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. The Smithsonian Institution reflects Paul H. Oehser's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Japan's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.

About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.