Konoe Fumimaro and the failure of peace in Japan, 1937-1941

"The blame for a country's mistakes often falls on its leaders. In some cases, however, a leader's greatest mistake is to promote the mistaken goals of his people. Was this the case in World War II Japan? This book considers that question in the story of Japanese prime minister Konoe Fumimaro, who served as Japan's prime minister during one of the most difficult periods of the country's history. The author explores the general mood of 1930s Japan and traces Konoe's rise through the political ranks, including his first term as prime minister, his decision to step down, and his eventual comeback."--Jacket.