An illustrated historical survey of the art, architecture and culture of Japan in a compact 5" x 7" format. It's a portable encyclopedia featuring 165 archival and modern illustrations and a section of original documents, surprisingly thorough in its coverage of all Japanese arts considering the size.  (JPN51, $12.95)

You might also like:

Japanese Culture
Paul Varley
HISTORY •  2000 • PAPER  • 383 PAGES
Valery traces cultural trends from the emergence of Japanese civilization through the present age, touching on religion, gardens, tea ceremony, the visual arts, theatre, literature and cinema. (JPN84, $24.00)

Japan, Its History and Culture
W. Scott Morton
HISTORY •  2004 • PAPER  • 311 PAGES
An introduction to Japanese history, people and culture from ancient origins to contemporary society. With selections from Japanese literature and arts, anecdotes and illustrations. (JPN03, $19.95)