Book excerpt: Schooling in East Asia: Forces of Change focuses on the condition and backgrounds of formal and non-formal education in several East Asian countries, as well as the identification of the factors that have inspired the educational systems that these countries have taken up. The book takes into consideration the backgrounds of the educational system in Japan and China, noting the different social structures that were prevalent there. The text explains how leaders of every social structure have a great influence on the form of education of their people. Relatively, the development of the educational system in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, North Korea, and South Korea is discussed. Educational policies, purpose of education, educational administration, and curriculum development are also considered. The text also gives emphasis on the forces that influenced the change in the educational system in these countries, including the educational attainment of teachers, teaching materials, curricula, and teaching methodology. A comparative appraisal of the educational system of these countries is also presented. The book is an important reference for scholars who are involved in promoting education, particularly curriculum development and implementation of schemes aimed at improving education.