The book is a precious reference book for development economics or the political economy of development in Asia or anywhere else. Unlike other books, first, it deals with all the East Asian countries, including Japan and other Asian countries. Second, it offers some empirical research findings based on surveys conducted by the author's group. Research on developing countries has been limited by individual scholars' observations, particularly about the value-related issues like politics or religions. Thirdly, the book digs into the nation-building problems which are often neglected by economists. It bridges the politics, sociology and economics in East Asian countries and is an important reference book for graduate students.