Book review by Dennis D. McDonald

This is a quick and enjoyable read. For serious history fans it does little more than whet one's appetitive for more. It provides useful insight into Japan's isolation and its tumultuous internal history. In that regard it is useful.

However, Japan's rapid industrialization is given very little attention following its "opening" to the West, as are Japan's native arts and culture. Also not clear: Japan's antipathy towards Western religions.

The last section of the book focuses on post-Pacific War changes to Japan's government as overseen by the U.S. and this only hints at how the country has evolved since then.

In summary, a quick intro that sets the stage for more study.

Review copyright (c) 2018 by Dennis D. McDonald