Asia has a long, rich history, with nations that continue to shape the world today, including China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. This two-volume set picks up the story at the time when Europe and the West were entering the Middle Ages. Asia was shrouded in mystery for many Europeans, and the popular myth of the inscrutability of the Asian mind took a strong hold. This set takes a detailed look at significant documents developed by scholars, politicians, warriors, emperors, scientists, and reformers, from He Zhen to Mao Zedong. Through these documents, the scope of the contributions made by individuals, groups, and nations throughout Asia can be seen. Organized into major categories that include: Philosophy and Religion; Class and Society; Politics, Revolution, and Reform; and Interactions with the West. Each primary source document, often reproduced in its entirety, includes Summary Overview, the Defining Moment, Author Biography, Document Analysis, and Essential Themes sections.