a concise and accessible account of Japan’s development from the Meiji Restoration (1868) to the post–World War II era. The book covers key political, economic, and social changes, including industrialization, modernization of institutions, rise of imperialism, militarism, and Japan’s transformation into a modern state. Yasuoka also discusses the impact of war, especially World War II, an…
A detailed historical analysis of the United States’ decision to deploy atomic weapons against Japan in August 1945. Feis examines the strategic, political, and military factors that led to this unprecedented action, exploring alternatives such as a conventional invasion, coercion through diplomatic inducement, and the shock of the atomic bomb itself.
Nineteenth-century English traveler, writer, and natural historian Isabella Bird contributes this stunning narrative to the genre of early travelogues about Japan. The volume Unbeaten Tracks in Japan includes a series of essays recounting Bird's months-long sojourn in the Far East. Already a treat for fans of 19th century travel literature, the book is rendered all the more unique by virtue of …
A detailed narrative of the political, military, and scientific decision-making that led to the dropping of the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Drawing on hundreds of interviews and thousands of documents, including previously unpublished material, Kurzman reconstructs the key moments and personalities behind the Manhattan Project and the U.S. leadership’s debate over using the bomb.
The Blood of the People examines the social revolution that accompanied Indonesia’s struggle for independence in Northern Sumatra. Anthony Reid analyzes how revolutionary violence led to the collapse of traditional political authority, particularly the power of local aristocracies, during the period following the Japanese occupation and the proclamation of independence. The book explores the …
This commemorative volume, published by the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia in 1980, marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the 1955 Asian-African Conference held in Bandung. The book reviews the historical background, achievements, and global impact of the Conference, which gathered leaders from Asia and Africa to promote solidarity, anti-colonialism, and internationa…
This publication presents the official results of the Round Table Conference as accepted in the Second Plenary Meeting held on 2 November 1949 in the Ridderzaal, The Hague. The document outlines the political agreements negotiated between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Republic of Indonesia, including the terms for the transfer of sovereignty, the formation of the Republic of the United…
This volume contains the official results of the 1949 Round Table Conference held in the Ridderzaal, The Hague, as adopted during the Second General Meeting on 2 November 1949. The document presents the agreements between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Republic of Indonesia regarding the transfer of sovereignty, the establishment of the Republic of the United States of Indonesia (RUSI),…
This commemorative volume, published by the World Affairs Press in Beijing in 2005, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 1955 Asian-African Conference. Edited by Zhang Yan, the book presents historical reflections, political analyses, and documentary materials that highlight the enduring influence of the Bandung Spirit on Asia-Africa solidarity. It examines the legacy of the Conference, China…
Riyadh: Heart of Arabia is a richly illustrated photographic journey through Saudi Arabia’s capital region, written by Mohsen Al-Dajani (a Bedouin-born pilot) with co-author Brian Salter. Over three years, the authors document the city’s past and present — from mud-brick palaces, modern skyscrapers, and bustling souqs, to archaeological sites and the rugged natural beauty of its surroundi…