Book Reviews : Soldiers of the States: The Role of the National Guard in American Democ racy. By WILLIAM H. RIKER. (Washington, D.C.: Public Affairs Press. 1957. Pp. 129. $3.25.)

• Published date: 01 September 1958
• Author: Dayton D. McKean
• DOI: 10.1177/106591295801100338
• Date: 01 September 1958
• Subject Matter: Articles

737
Postwar Japanese&dquo; which surveys &dquo;Postwar Trends&dquo; beginning with &dquo;Social
Ferment&dquo; and taking in turn &dquo;Intellectual Developments,&dquo; &dquo;The Political
Scene,&dquo; and &dquo;Economic Problems.&dquo; This masterfully relates basic, in-
tangible social forces to the key problems of economic survival and inter-
national political tension which are paramount for Japan today.
A
documentary appendix has been expanded to include the Treaty of
Peace with Japan and the Security Treaty between the United States of
America and Japan. Appendix VI, &dquo;Suggested Reading,&dquo; presents a critical
bibliography which has been completely rewritten, shortened, and im-
proved.
Treating this topic in this compass requires oversimplification and easy
generalization and the style is readable and entertaining. Yet each generali-
zation is carefuly phrased or followed by some qualification so that only a
careless reader will be misled. The author eschews prediction but firmly
judges the past. His truly invaluable contribution is the application of
cautious historical judgment to Japan’s kaleidoscopic panorama and to the
diverse interpretations thereof which produces an intelligible interpretation
sensitive to the &dquo;subsurface configurations&dquo; of the philosophy on which
American relations with Japan rest. One need not wholly agree to be
heartily grateful for the assistance rendered to understanding the complex
problem.
This new edition makes available an up-to-date, improved statement
of a highly significant interpretation of vital problems for the United States
and for the world. Specialists and laymen alike should be grateful.
R. E. HOSACK.
University of Idaho.
Soldiers of the States: The Role of the National Guard in American Democ-
racy. By WILLIAM H. RIKER. (Washington, D.C.: Public Affairs Press.
1957. Pp. 129. $3.25.)
&dquo;This study of the militia was undertaken,&dquo; the author wrote, &dquo;not out
of mere antiquarian interest...