Michael Armacost
Edwin O. Reischauer played a pivotal role in US-Japan relations for decades. He also educated a generation of American students and citizens about the contours of Japan's society and the character of its international role. George R. Packard, a member of Reischauer's U.S. Embassy staff, has provided a fascinating portrait of his life-long friend. He offers a detailed biography of Reischauer's personal life, his contribution to U.S. policy toward Japan and Asia, and his influence on America's understanding of its own interests in developments across the Pacific. A great read.
— Michael Armacost, The Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University
Gerald Curtis
George R. Packard writes an informative, insightful, and interesting book about a man who played a critical role both as a scholar and as a diplomat. A fine portrait of the man and his times.
— Gerald Curtis, author of Election Campaigning Japanese Style
Richard Halloran
George R. Packard's biography is a perceptive, respectful, and affectionate memoir of a superb scholar and diplomat. Edwin O. Reischauer served America well with his illuminating scholarship at Harvard and inspired diplomacy as ambassador to Japan. Packard has deftly captured his admirable life of service in a lucid and eminently readable book.
— Richard Halloran, former Asia correspondent for the New York Times
Charles E. Morrison
This is more than a well-researched and highly entertaining account of legendary scholar and diplomat Edwin O. Reischauer. It is also a story of modern Japan and the evolution of the U.S.-Japan relationship. From his own vast intellectual, diplomatic, and media experience and personal friendship with Reischauer, George R. Packard provides unusually rich context and deep analytical insight into a fascinating man and the story of two great nations. I have no doubt this will stand as the definitive treatment of Reischauer's life and an enormous contribution to U.S.-Japan relations, enthralling readers on both sides of the Pacific.
— Charles E. Morrison, president, The East-West Center
