The How Asia Got Rich: Japan and the Asian Miracle Book

I read various chapters of this book to gain an understanding of the lives my ancestors experienced prior to their emmigration to Australia in 1848/49. I am fascinated and delighted with the way Brose has meticulously researched this history. A heavy read of course, but Brose is able to capture the political machinations of the turbulant times post Napolean. So many interests at stake - the royal families, the nobles, the professional trades - all tipped upside down after Napoleon cut a swathe through their territories. Devastation often being followed by some surprisingly forward thinking reforms, some to be continued, some to be demolished and governance to return to the old ways. These times were constantly changing with the 'little' people being caught in the wake. This really does help me understand why my ancestors were keen to try their luck by taking a dangerous journey across the oceans to an unkown land. The Chapter I read in particular for my research was Chapter 14, The Revolutions of 1848 and 1849.