THE INDESTRUCTIBLE COMMODORE MATTHEW PERRY

Commodore Perry is credited with opening Japan to the West --how he managed this amazing occupies a good deal of attention in this biography. His treaty negotiations were unique in history as representatives of divergent cultures met, exchanged customs and finally were able to communicate. But this achievement was the highlight of a long career distinguished always by leadership and initiative. Perry's experiences aboard his brother's ship, his important role in African affairs and his victories in the bloodless internal battles of the Navy Yard adequately prepared him for his final triumph. This biography is geared toward history minded youngsters and recommended for supplementary reading in that department.