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Tokyo Noir

in and out of Japan's underworld

by Jake Adelstein ...

A darkly comic sequel to Tokyo Vice that is equal parts history lesson, true-crime exposé, and memoir.It’s 2008, and it’s been a while since Jake Adelstein was the only gaijin crime reporter for the Yomiuri Shimbun. The global economy is in shambles, Jake is off the police beat but still chain-smoking clove cigarettes, and Tadamasa Goto, the most powerful boss in the Japanese organised crime world ... Read more

$24.99 USD

A darkly comic sequel to Tokyo Vice that is equal parts history lesson, true-crime exposé, and memoir.It’s 2008, and it’s been a while since Jake Adelstein was the only gaijin crime reporter for the Yomiuri Shimbun. The global economy is in shambles, Jake is off the police beat but still chain-smoking clove cigarettes, and Tadamasa Goto, the most powerful boss in the Japanese organised crime world
... Read more
Christ's Samurai

The True Story of the Shimabara Rebellion

by Jonathan Clements ...

The sect was said to harbour dark designs to overthrow the government. Its teachers used a dead language that was impenetrable to all but the innermost circle of believers. Its priests preached love and kindness, but helped local warlords acquire firearms. They encouraged believers to cast aside their earthly allegiances and swear loyalty to a foreign god-emperor, before seeking paradise in ... Read more

$3.99 USD

The sect was said to harbour dark designs to overthrow the government. Its teachers used a dead language that was impenetrable to all but the innermost circle of believers. Its priests preached love and kindness, but helped local warlords acquire firearms. They encouraged believers to cast aside their earthly allegiances and swear loyalty to a foreign god-emperor, before seeking paradise in
... Read more
Korea

A History

by Eugene Y. Park ...

While popular trends, cuisine, and long-standing political tension have made Korea familiar in some ways to a vast English-speaking world, its recorded history of some two millennia remains unfamiliar to most. Korea: A History addresses general readers, providing an up-to-date, accessible overview of Korean history from antiquity to the present. Eugene Y. Park draws on original-language sources ... Read more

$28.99 USD

While popular trends, cuisine, and long-standing political tension have made Korea familiar in some ways to a vast English-speaking world, its recorded history of some two millennia remains unfamiliar to most. Korea: A History addresses general readers, providing an up-to-date, accessible overview of Korean history from antiquity to the present. Eugene Y. Park draws on original-language sources
... Read more
Hojoki

Visions of a Torn World

by Kamo no Chomei ...

Series series Rock Spring Collection of Japanese Literature
A luminous translation of the classic Buddhist poem.Japan's capital city of Kyoto was devastated by earthquake, storm, and fire in the late 12th century. Retreating from "this unkind world," the poet and Buddhist priest Kamo-no-Chomei left the capital for the forested mountains, where he eventually constructed his famous "ten-foot-square" hut.From this solitary vantage point Chomei produced Hojoki ... Read more

$7.99 USD

A luminous translation of the classic Buddhist poem.Japan's capital city of Kyoto was devastated by earthquake, storm, and fire in the late 12th century. Retreating from "this unkind world," the poet and Buddhist priest Kamo-no-Chomei left the capital for the forested mountains, where he eventually constructed his famous "ten-foot-square" hut.From this solitary vantage point Chomei produced Hojoki
... Read more
Destiny Disrupted

A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes

by Tamim Ansary ...

“A must read for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of the Islamic world” (San Francisco Chronicle)We in the West share a common narrative of world history. But our story largely omits a whole civilization whose citizens shared an entirely different narrative for a thousand years as the Islamic world saw it, from the time of Mohammed through the fall of the Ottoman Empire to the ... Read more

$15.99 USD

“A must read for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of the Islamic world” (San Francisco Chronicle)We in the West share a common narrative of world history. But our story largely omits a whole civilization whose citizens shared an entirely different narrative for a thousand years as the Islamic world saw it, from the time of Mohammed through the fall of the Ottoman Empire to the
... Read more
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World

by Jack Weatherford ...

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The startling true history of how one extraordinary man from a remote corner of the world created an empire that led the world into the modern age—by the author featured in Echoes of the Empire: Beyond Genghis Khan.The Mongol army led by Genghis Khan subjugated more lands and people in twenty-five years than the Romans did in four hundred. In nearly every country the ... Read more

$10.99 USD

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The startling true history of how one extraordinary man from a remote corner of the world created an empire that led the world into the modern age—by the author featured in Echoes of the Empire: Beyond Genghis Khan.The Mongol army led by Genghis Khan subjugated more lands and people in twenty-five years than the Romans did in four hundred. In nearly every country the
... Read more
Medieval Chinese Warfare 300-900

by David Graff ...

Series series Warfare and History
Shortly after 300 AD, barbarian invaders from Inner Asia toppled China's Western Jin dynasty, leaving the country divided and at war for several centuries. Despite this, the empire gradually formed a unified imperial order. Medieval Chinese Warfare, 300-900 explores the military strategies, institutions and wars that reconstructed the Chinese empire that has survived into modern times.Drawing on ... Read more

Was $62.99 USD Now $55.99 USD

Shortly after 300 AD, barbarian invaders from Inner Asia toppled China's Western Jin dynasty, leaving the country divided and at war for several centuries. Despite this, the empire gradually formed a unified imperial order. Medieval Chinese Warfare, 300-900 explores the military strategies, institutions and wars that reconstructed the Chinese empire that has survived into modern times.Drawing on
... Read more
Coerced Liberation

Muslim Women in Soviet Tajikistan

by Zamira Abman ...

In 1924, the Bolshevik regime began an unprecedented campaign to forcibly emancipate the Muslim women of Tajikistan. The emancipatory reforms included unveiling women, passing progressive family code laws, and educating women. By the 1950s, the Soviet regime largely succeeded in putting an end to veiling, child marriage, polygamy, and bride payments. Yet today there is a resurgence in these ... Read more

$38.99 USD

In 1924, the Bolshevik regime began an unprecedented campaign to forcibly emancipate the Muslim women of Tajikistan. The emancipatory reforms included unveiling women, passing progressive family code laws, and educating women. By the 1950s, the Soviet regime largely succeeded in putting an end to veiling, child marriage, polygamy, and bride payments. Yet today there is a resurgence in these
... Read more
Samurai

A Concise History

by Michael Wert ...

The idea of the sword-wielding samurai, beholden to a strict ethical code and trained in deadly martial arts, dominates popular conceptions of the samurai. As early as the late seventeenth century, they were heavily featured in literature, art, theater, and even comedy, from the Tale of the Heike to the kabuki retellings of the 47 Ronin. This legacy remains with us today in the legendary Akira ... Read more

$13.99 USD

The idea of the sword-wielding samurai, beholden to a strict ethical code and trained in deadly martial arts, dominates popular conceptions of the samurai. As early as the late seventeenth century, they were heavily featured in literature, art, theater, and even comedy, from the Tale of the Heike to the kabuki retellings of the 47 Ronin. This legacy remains with us today in the legendary Akira
... Read more
Folklore in Mongolia

by G. N. Potanins ...

The vast Mongolian steppe is a place that few people will ever get to see. This enthralling book is a glimpse into the mysticism and stories spawned by this incredible landscape and rugged nomadic people. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900's and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, ... Read more

$6.99 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

The vast Mongolian steppe is a place that few people will ever get to see. This enthralling book is a glimpse into the mysticism and stories spawned by this incredible landscape and rugged nomadic people. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900's and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable,
... Read more
India

A History

by John Keay ...

The most authoritative and highly regarded single-volume history of India – from ancient time to the modern day. Five millennia of the sub-continent’s social, economic, political and cultural history are interpreted by one of our finest writers on India and the Far East.India’s history begins with a highly advanced urban civilisation in the Indus valley, regressing to a tribal and pastoral ... Read more

$11.99 USD

The most authoritative and highly regarded single-volume history of India – from ancient time to the modern day. Five millennia of the sub-continent’s social, economic, political and cultural history are interpreted by one of our finest writers on India and the Far East.India’s history begins with a highly advanced urban civilisation in the Indus valley, regressing to a tribal and pastoral
... Read more
Emperor of the Seas

Kublai Khan and the Making of China

by Jack Weatherford ...

"Astonishing...Brings to life a thriving – and rather civilized – empire" - The Telegraph**"sparkles with energy, insight and passion... difficult to put down." Nicholas Morton, BBC History MagazineControl the sea, and you control everything...a** gripping tale of dynastic rivalry and innovation, from the author of the classic work Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World.Genghis Khan built ... Read more

$12.99 USD

"Astonishing...Brings to life a thriving – and rather civilized – empire" - The Telegraph**"sparkles with energy, insight and passion... difficult to put down." Nicholas Morton, BBC History MagazineControl the sea, and you control everything...a** gripping tale of dynastic rivalry and innovation, from the author of the classic work Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World.Genghis Khan built
... Read more
The Book of Yokai, Expanded Second Edition

Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore

by Michael Dylan Foster ...

Significantly expanded and updated—a lively excursion into Japanese folklore and its increasing influence within global popular culture.Monsters, spirits, fantastic beings, and supernatural creatures haunt the folklore and popular culture of Japan. Broadly labeled yōkai, they appear in many forms, from tengu mountain goblins and kappa water sprites, to shape-shifting kitsune foxes and long-tongued ... Read more

$29.99 USD

Significantly expanded and updated—a lively excursion into Japanese folklore and its increasing influence within global popular culture.Monsters, spirits, fantastic beings, and supernatural creatures haunt the folklore and popular culture of Japan. Broadly labeled yōkai, they appear in many forms, from tengu mountain goblins and kappa water sprites, to shape-shifting kitsune foxes and long-tongued
... Read more
Mysteries of the Gobi

Searching for Wild Camels and Lost Cities in the Heart of Asia

by John Hare ...

John Hare is a star author and one of the most well-known explorers of his generation. The Gobi is a perennially fascinating part of the world - a desert that people love to read about. China, the environment/natural world, exploration and discovery: broad and topical appeal.The Gobi is the largest, coldest and driest desert in Asia. Its shifting sands conceal ancient cities, 3,000-year-old ... Read more

$31.99 USD

John Hare is a star author and one of the most well-known explorers of his generation. The Gobi is a perennially fascinating part of the world - a desert that people love to read about. China, the environment/natural world, exploration and discovery: broad and topical appeal.The Gobi is the largest, coldest and driest desert in Asia. Its shifting sands conceal ancient cities, 3,000-year-old
... Read more
Religion and the Making of Modern East Asia

by Thomas David DuBois ...

Series Book 8 - New Approaches to Asian History
Religious ideas and actors have shaped Asian cultural practices for millennia and have played a decisive role in charting the course of its history. In this engaging and informative book, Thomas David DuBois sets out to explain how religion has influenced the political, social, and economic transformation of Asia from the fourteenth century to the present. Crossing a broad terrain from Tokyo to ... Read more

$31.99 USD

Religious ideas and actors have shaped Asian cultural practices for millennia and have played a decisive role in charting the course of its history. In this engaging and informative book, Thomas David DuBois sets out to explain how religion has influenced the political, social, and economic transformation of Asia from the fourteenth century to the present. Crossing a broad terrain from Tokyo to
... Read more
Ganbare!: Workshops on Dying

Workshops on Dying

by Katarzyna Boni ...

Translated by Mark Ordon ...

Series series Polish Reportage
Oral history of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, and the Fukushima accident in a style resembling Svetlana Alexievich ... Read more

$8.99 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

Oral history of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, and the Fukushima accident in a style resembling Svetlana Alexievich
... Read more
Tsushima 1905

Death of a Russian Fleet

by Mark Lardas, Paul Kime, Bounford.com ...

Series Book 330 - Campaign
A highly illustrated study of the naval campaign of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–05, focusing on the decisive battle of Tsushima.Japan was closed to the world until 1854 and its technology then was literally medieval. Great Britain, France and Russia divided the globe in the nineteenth century, but Japan was catching up. Its army and navy were retrained by Western powers and equipped with the ... Read more

$18.99 USD

A highly illustrated study of the naval campaign of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–05, focusing on the decisive battle of Tsushima.Japan was closed to the world until 1854 and its technology then was literally medieval. Great Britain, France and Russia divided the globe in the nineteenth century, but Japan was catching up. Its army and navy were retrained by Western powers and equipped with the
... Read more
The Golden Road

How Ancient India Transformed the World

by William Dalrymple ...

**INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERUSA TODAY BESTSELLERWinner of the Mark Lynton History Prize 2026 * A Kirkus Reviews Best History Book of 2025 * A Library Journal Best Book of the Year * An NPR Book We Loved This YearThe instant New York Times bestseller and international sensation-a sparkling, soaring history of ideas, tracing South Asia's underappreciated role in producing the world as we know ... Read more

$15.99 USD

**INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERUSA TODAY BESTSELLERWinner of the Mark Lynton History Prize 2026 * A Kirkus Reviews Best History Book of 2025 * A Library Journal Best Book of the Year * An NPR Book We Loved This YearThe instant New York Times bestseller and international sensation-a sparkling, soaring history of ideas, tracing South Asia's underappreciated role in producing the world as we know
... Read more
Kyoto's Gion Festival

A Social History

by Mark Teeuwen ...

Series series Bloomsbury Shinto Studies
This book focuses on the long history of what is arguably the most prestigious and influential festival in Japan – Kyoto's Gion festival. It explores this history from the festival's origins in the late 10th century to its post-war revival, drawing on Japanese historical studies and archival materials as well as the author's participant observation fieldwork.Exploring the social and political ... Read more

$33.99 USD

This book focuses on the long history of what is arguably the most prestigious and influential festival in Japan – Kyoto's Gion festival. It explores this history from the festival's origins in the late 10th century to its post-war revival, drawing on Japanese historical studies and archival materials as well as the author's participant observation fieldwork.Exploring the social and political
... Read more
Asian Armageddon, 1944–45

by Peter Harmsen ...

Series Book 3 - War in the Far East
A gripping account of the final period of the war in the Asia Pacific during WWII.The last installment of the War in the Far East trilogy, Asian Armageddon 1944-1945, continues and completes the narrative of the first two volumes, describing how a US-led coalition of nations battled Japan into submission through a series of cataclysmic encounters. Leyte Gulf, the biggest naval battle ever, was ... Read more

$15.99 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

A gripping account of the final period of the war in the Asia Pacific during WWII.The last installment of the War in the Far East trilogy, Asian Armageddon 1944-1945, continues and completes the narrative of the first two volumes, describing how a US-led coalition of nations battled Japan into submission through a series of cataclysmic encounters. Leyte Gulf, the biggest naval battle ever, was
... Read more
A History of Japan

by Hisho Saito ...

Translated by Elizabeth Lee ...

Series series Routledge Library Editions: Japan
This volume presents the Japanese version of the history of Japan from its origins, through the subjection of Korea, the introduction of Chinese culture, rebellion in Korea, Buddhism, Taika reforms, Ainu insurrection, the founding of Kyoto as the capital, the power of Fujiwara, the founding of the Kamakura Shogunate, Hojo family, Ashikaga Shogunate, Oda & Toyotomi families, Tokugawa Shogunate, the ... Read more

$33.99 USD

This volume presents the Japanese version of the history of Japan from its origins, through the subjection of Korea, the introduction of Chinese culture, rebellion in Korea, Buddhism, Taika reforms, Ainu insurrection, the founding of Kyoto as the capital, the power of Fujiwara, the founding of the Kamakura Shogunate, Hojo family, Ashikaga Shogunate, Oda & Toyotomi families, Tokugawa Shogunate, the
... Read more
Fall of Civilizations

Stories of Greatness and Decline

by Paul Cooper ...

**"A treasure trove of myths and terror… Atmospheric as hell… Immersive."―**The TimesBased on the podcast with over one hundred million downloads, Fall of Civilizations brilliantly explores how a range of ancient societies rose to power and sophistication, and how they tipped over into collapse.Across the centuries, we journey from the great empires of Mesopotamia to those of Khmer and ... Read more

$15.99 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

**"A treasure trove of myths and terror… Atmospheric as hell… Immersive."―**The TimesBased on the podcast with over one hundred million downloads, Fall of Civilizations brilliantly explores how a range of ancient societies rose to power and sophistication, and how they tipped over into collapse.Across the centuries, we journey from the great empires of Mesopotamia to those of Khmer and
... Read more
Women in Tang China

by Bret Hinsch ...

Series series Asian Voices
This important book provides the first comprehensive survey of women in China during the Sui and Tang dynasties from the sixth through tenth centuries CE. Bret Hinsch provides rich insight into female life in the medieval era, ranging from political power, wealth, and work to family, religious roles, and virtues. He explores women’s lived experiences but also delves into the subjective side of ... Read more

$32.99 USD

This important book provides the first comprehensive survey of women in China during the Sui and Tang dynasties from the sixth through tenth centuries CE. Bret Hinsch provides rich insight into female life in the medieval era, ranging from political power, wealth, and work to family, religious roles, and virtues. He explores women’s lived experiences but also delves into the subjective side of
... Read more
Public Zen, Personal Zen

A Buddhist Introduction

by Peter D. Hershock ...

Among Buddhist traditions, Zen has been remarkably successful in garnering and sustaining interest outside the Buddhist homelands of Asia, and “zen” is now part of the global cultural lexicon. This deeply informed book explores the history of this enduring Japanese tradition-from its beginnings as a form of Buddhist thought and practice imported from China to its reinvention in medieval Japan as a ... Read more

$48.99 USD

Among Buddhist traditions, Zen has been remarkably successful in garnering and sustaining interest outside the Buddhist homelands of Asia, and “zen” is now part of the global cultural lexicon. This deeply informed book explores the history of this enduring Japanese tradition-from its beginnings as a form of Buddhist thought and practice imported from China to its reinvention in medieval Japan as a
... Read more

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