‘The next Bill Bryson’ (New York Times) explores international relations between Japan, South Korea and China in this lively, absorbing travelogue

‘The next Bill Bryson’ New York Times

Two tigers cannot share the same mountain - Chinese proverb

Despite geographical proximity, cultural similarities, and shared status as highly powerful nations, China, Korea and Japan love to hate each other. Why?

In search of an answer, Michael Booth journeys across East Asia to explore the mutual animosity that frequently threatens to draw the world into all-out war. From misjudged cake decorations to electoral meddling, contradictory origin myths to territorial disputes, this deeply researched and hugely entertaining book shows that no conflict is too small to keep the fires of neighbourly hostility burning.

‘A fine summary of East Asian cultures and conflicts…useful, fact-packed and readable’ Spectator