This book is a biographical account of the events, environment, and influences that led Emperor Hirohito of Japan to surrender to the Allied forces and put an end to World War II. In addition to describing the life of that civilized man of peace in an era of war and conquest, the author attempts to trace the path of Japan, the Japanese people, and the government from the turn of the century. He also delves deeply into Hirohito’s family background and the contributions of his ancestors to Japanese society. The book contains an extensive bibliography.