Summaries of books about Asian History:
India
A History
John Keay
The book offers a comprehensive overview of the vast and complex history of the Indian subcontinent, from ancient times through the 20th century. It delves into the diverse cultures, political changes, and influential figures that have shaped India's past.
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No Surrender
My Thirty-Year War
Hiroo Onoda
The memoir recounts the experiences of Hiroo Onoda, a Japanese soldier who continued fighting World War II in the Philippines until 1974, refusing to surrender for thirty years because he did not believe the war had ended. It details his survival tactics, guerrilla activities, and the psychological journey he underwent until his eventual surrender and return to Japan.
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For All the Tea in China
How England Stole the World's Favorite Drink and Changed History
Sarah Rose
The book recounts the true story of a 19th-century British botanist, Robert Fortune, who embarked on a covert mission to China to steal tea plants and secrets of tea production for the British Empire. It details his adventures and the impact of his actions on global trade and the history of colonialism.
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Korea
The Impossible Country: South Korea's Amazing Rise from the Ashes: The Inside Story of an Economic, Political and Cultural Phenomenon
Daniel Tudor
The book delves into South Korea's remarkable transformation from a war-torn nation to a global economic powerhouse, exploring its unique history, culture, and society. It provides insights into the country's political landscape, technological advancements, and the cultural dynamics that have shaped its rapid development and influence in the world.
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The Man Who Loved China
The Fantastic Story of the Eccentric Scientist Who Unlocked the Mysteries of the Middle Kingdom (P.S.)
Simon Winchester
The book chronicles the life of Joseph Needham, a British biochemist who became fascinated with Chinese civilization and undertook the monumental task of documenting China's history of science and technology. It details his travels and research which led to the creation of the seminal work "Science and Civilisation in China," revealing the vast and often underappreciated contributions of Chinese innovation to the world.
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Pure Invention
How Japan Made the Modern World
Matt Alt
The book explores the influence of Japanese innovations on global culture, tracing the history of how post-war Japan's products, from the Walkman to anime, shaped contemporary lifestyles and consumer habits. It delves into the stories behind these creations and their creators, revealing how they transformed entertainment, technology, and social norms worldwide.
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No Beast So Fierce
The Terrifying True Story of the Champawat Tiger, the Deadliest Man-Eater in History
Dane Huckelbridge
The book chronicles the harrowing tale of a notorious Bengal tiger responsible for over 400 deaths in Nepal and India at the turn of the 20th century. It delves into the hunt led by British colonial hunter Jim Corbett to stop the man-eater, while also exploring the broader historical and environmental factors that contributed to the tiger's deadly behavior.
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The Silk Roads
The Extraordinary History that created your World – Illustrated Edition
Peter Frankopan
The book presents a visual exploration of the historical and cultural significance of the Silk Roads, showcasing the interconnectedness of trade, ideas, and civilizations from Asia to Europe. It features rich illustrations and maps that bring to life the diverse peoples, empires, and events that have shaped the world along these ancient trade routes.
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The Great Partition
The Making of India and Pakistan, New Edition
Yasmin Khan
The book provides a detailed analysis of the events leading up to the 1947 division of British India into two independent nations, India and Pakistan, focusing on the political decisions, social upheavals, and communal violence that accompanied the partition. It also examines the human impact of this geopolitical upheaval, including the displacement of millions and the lasting legacy of partition on the subcontinent's history and identity.
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Wuhan Diary
Dispatches from a Quarantined City
Fang Fang|Michael Berry
The book is a compilation of blog posts and social media updates written by a Chinese novelist during the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, offering a personal and candid account of daily life, emotions, and the societal impact of the pandemic as it unfolded. It provides an on-the-ground perspective of the challenges faced by residents, the response of the authorities, and the collective resilience of the community during the lockdown.
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