The book "Where Half the World Awakens: Old and New in Japan, China, the Philippines and India, Described with Special Reference to American Conditions" by Clarence Hamilton Poe is a fascinating journey through East Asia and India that allows readers to better understand the contemporary realities of these regions . The author draws attention to the interaction of traditions and innovations, analyzing the influence of American conditions on this process. Through lively reports and interesting observations, Poe opens up to the reader the unusual world of the East, revealing its cultural and social components. This book will be a useful source of knowledge for anyone interested in the study of East Asian countries and their relations with the West.