From the mid-nineteenth century on, America and Japan were caught in an extraordinary political, military and economic duel. This clash was characterised by a cultural incompatibility that was to haunt the negotiations of their two leaders, Emperor Hirohito and General MacArthur.Hirohito was a remarkable man. Diffident, uncharismatic and apparently obtuse, he survived as god-ruler of Japan for six decades through internal strife, war, defeat, occupation and economic victory. But Hirohito met his equal in MacArthur. Brash and domineering, MacArthur merited the honorary Japanese epithet shogun or 'army leader' for his almost single-handed six year rule over Japan. In this absorbing dual biography Robert Harvey traces their tense and complex relationship. His broad scope encompasses two great nations in war and peace -- a momentous period of history which provides illuminating insight into American actions across the world today.

"* 'No one makes historical narrative move with more energy and elan than Robert Harvey' - Scotsman * 'Exhilarating and wildly enjoyable' - Simon Sebag-Montefiore * 'Harvey wields his pen like a sabre, slashing with gusto at cant and received wisdom as he leads an exhilarating charge into history' - Sunday Telegraph * 'Stirring history, in which heroism and tragedy are brought together on an epic scale' - James Fergusson"

Robert Harvey has been a columnist for the Daily Telegraph, an assistant editor of The Economist and an MP who served for three years on the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee. He has written many books, including the recently published Comrades. He lives in London and Wales.