The international impact of Commodore Matthew C. Perry's mission to Japan cannot be overestimated. Though the initial trip was a forced entry into Japanese ports, the resulting voyages resulted in diplomatic and trade treaties between Japan and the United States, thereby opening Japan to relations with the rest of the Western powers.

Subsequently, in less that a century, Japan effected one of the most astonishing modernization programs in the history of humanity. By the early twentieth century, she was the third largest sea power in the world.

Before you now is Perry's own reports on his trips. For the first time, this long out-of-print book is available in an affordable, well-formatted edition for e-readers and smartphones.

Be sure to LOOK INSIDE or download a sample.