Books in Country Topics series

'It succeeds admirably in its goal of making the present country comprehensible through a narrative of its past, with asides on everything from bonsai to zazen, in a brisk, highly readable style...you could easily read it on the flight over if you skip the movie.' WASHINGTON POST Whether you are going to Japan on business, to study, to teach or simply on vacation, you know that you are going to a country which really does merit the title 'unique'. A TRAVELLER'S HISTORY OF JAPAN not only offers the reader a chronological outline of the nation's development but also provides an invaluable introduction to its language, literature and arts, from kabuki to karaoke. Political, social and industrial history and economics are also well covered; this clearly written history explains how a country embedded in the traditions of Shinto, Shoguns and Samurai achieved stupendous economic growth in the twentieth century only to lose its way at the turn of the millennium.

This series looks at different countries around the world in a fun, activity-based way. Using artwork, and photography, each book includes the geographical, historical and social aspects of everyday life in the country, looking at the different regions, trade, agriculture, school and home life of each. Interspersed are step-by-step guides to different activities - models to make, recipes to try, games to play, songs to sing, plus others, all designed to help the reader learn about the country and introduce its language in an enjoyable way. The book ends with a resource section and index.