Product Review

ADiscourse by Three Drunkards on Government takesthe form of a debate between a spokesman for Western ideals of democracy andprogress, and an advocate for adherence to traditional samurai values. Theirdiscussion is moderated by the imperturbable Master Nankai, who loves nothingmore than to drink and argue politics. The fiction of the drinking bout allowedChomin to debate freely topical political issues, in a discussion that offersan astute analysis of contemporary European politics and a prophetic vision ofJapan's direction. This lucid and precise translation of a delightful work hasbeen designated one of the UNESCO series of classics of world literature.