Both comprehensive and captivating, EAST ASIA: A CULTURAL, SOCIAL, AND POLITICAL HISTORY, 3E features the latest scholarship on the cultural, political, economic, and intellectual history of China, Japan, and Korea--giving special emphasis to gender and material culture. Full color inserts on such topics as food, clothing, and art objects illustrate the rich artistic heritage of East Asia and bolster the coverage of material culture. A range of primary source documents spotlights women's independence, students-turned-soldiers, and other stirring issues, while intriguing biographical sketches throughout highlight the lives of popular figures as well as ordinary people. In addition, insightful "Connections" features provide an international context for the history of East Asia, exploring topics like the origin and spread of Buddhism and the global perspective of World War II.