Synopsis
In 1873 few Japanese people knew that the Western world -- or even a country called America -- even existed. Then Commodore Matthew Perry arrived with a letter from Pres. Fillmore asking the Emperor to open Japan's harbors to American ships. Even as the panic caused by "the Black Ships of the evil men" spread through the Land of the Shogun, Amer. & Japanese began taking the first tentative steps toward the Treaty of Kanagawa. This book, illus. with 19th-century prints & photos, illuminates the lively human side of the negotiations. Shows how both peoples overcame fear & prejudice, largely because they were curious about one another. A well-researched, look at one of history's most significant diplomatic achievements. A Newbery Honor Book.
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