Writing in the 1960’s, John Whitney Hall covers Japanese history from the beginnings to the occupation after WWII. The book covers the basic narrative but what makes it most interesting are the historical generalizations that bring out the significance of Japanese historical developments and the threads that tie newer developments back to the earlier periods, such as the Meiji Restoration. Given Japan’s relative isolation, the comparative aspects (such as comparisons to European feudalism) are also of interest. Rather than condemn Japan’s imperialist period, Hall seeks to explain why it happened. One interesting observation is that the Japanese attack on China, by resulting in the union of Chiang Kai-Shek and the Communists in opposition, might have contributed to the Chinese Communists ultimate victory in the Chinese Civil War. If you master this book, you will have a strong grounding in Japanese history. ( )