ACROSS THE PACIFIC

by Akira Iriye ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 22, 1967

What Professor Brebner has done with the triangular relationship between Great Britain, Canada and the United States now has its Pacific counterpart in this highly readable analysis of the harmonies and discontinuities in the common fates of Japan, China and the United States. The book goes somewhat beyond describing the historical incidents and unravellings of policy that became particularly heated beginning with the middle of the 19th century, after China had Joined the family of nations. It also stresses each nation's perception of the other, so important for a true comprehension. America admired Japan's New England-type virtues but its affections traditionally have rested with the Chinese. As the author points out, this element of putative ingratitude by Peking has been one of the informing factors in Washington's inability to conceive of today's China as just another communist nation. As an historical compartmentalization, the author's methodology provides the reader with considerable information about the negotiations, the wars, the grand designs, and the lapses of rationality in statecraft that have left East Asia in continuing ferment over sixty years, without a clear road ahead.

Pub Date: Nov. 22, 1967

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harcourt, Brace & World

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1967

Categories: NONFICTION