Japan and the Shackles of the Past

R. Taggart Murphy (Get this book)
In this accessible, all-encompassing portrait, Murphy demystifies the nation that ended the 20th century with "some of the most dazzling business successes of all time." In part one, Murphy harks back to the establishment of the third-century imperial institution, then moves up to illustrate how the Tokugawa shogunate of the Edo period created a culture that "provided cover for the incubation of the modern Japanese state." In part two, Murphy explores the cultural mores that led to unsustainable career tracks for "permanent employees" and that barred educated women from the labor force. While the review of recent Japanese scandals such as the TEPCO coverup at Fukushima and of the scars of WWII is painfully familiar, Murphy sheds much light on Japan's current dependence upon the U.S. for maintenance of its political system and its future prospects, closing with an in-depth analysis of the current administration.

Waterloo Wellington, Napoleon, and the Battle That Saved Europe

Gordon Corrigan (Get this book)
Two centuries have not diminished the avalanche of books on this subject, but even history buffs familiar with the two generals and their epic 1815 encounter will not regret choosing this one. Corrigan delivers a gripping, nuts-and-bolts account of a clash whose first step does not occur until nearly 150 pages in. Until then, readers will encounter equally gripping biographies of three generals (Blucher, the Prussian commander, gets deserved equal billing) and a nation-by-nation review of early-19th-century European military recruitment, weapons, training, tactics and leadership. Corrigan dismisses the History Channel view of Waterloo as a stunning British victory against great odds. A superb addition to an overstuffed genre.--Kirkus

Snow and Steel: The Battle of the Bulge, 1944-45

Peter Caddick-Adams (Get this book)
A comprehensive account of the bloodiest battle in American history. Caddick-Adams points out that beginning in 1943, Hitler stopped appearing in public, and his knowledge of the world was based solely on phone, radio and written reports. Announced in September 1944, a massive offensive was "irrational, counter-intuitive, even suicidal." It was less a counterattack than a "political game-changer that would shatter the coalition ranged against him" and prove to the nation that, despite the plot to remove him, he was still in control. Filling over 800 pages, Caddick-Adams casts a wide net, delving deep into the background, conduct, consequences and even historiography of this iconic battle, so even experienced military buffs will find plenty to ponder.--Kirkus