Oh, the comparison between Clavell and Japanese authors would be interesting, for sure! I've just finished two years in college of what amounts to comparative world history; it would be fun to go off on that tangent in fiction.

I also just finished an undergrad honors thesis on The Secret History of the Mongols; you may not want to turn me loose on that one. ;-) There is definitely enough material out there for this; I'll come up with more after I'm done with the damned India paper that's still biting at my ankles.

Thanks!