The books reprinted in this volume--Low City, High City and Tokyo Rising-- together make up one of the best social and cultural histories of modern Tokyo in the English language. With a great eye for detail, Seidensticker follows the development of Tokyo from the years of great social and technological change that followed the end of the Shogun Era, through the disruptions resulting from the great earthquake and fire of 1923 and the Second World War, up to the boom years of the 1980s. Exceedingly well written and full of interesting stories, this book is a must for anyone interested in Japan and its history. Includes numerous illustrations, including 16 pages in full color. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)