There's some interesting historical texts about change. I've got a used copy of The Meiji Restoration by W.G. Beasley, and I don't know if you know any of the history behind Japan's industrialization, but they (and this is incredibly simplified) went from a pseudo-feudalist and mostly unmodernized state to a world power within ~20 years by the time WWI was happening. I'd be willing to send you my copy, but there are A LOT of pen marks in it, since I just bought it from a library that was pissed about the amount of marking in it and looking to replace it. Most of it dies down after a few chapters though.
I'll pass on it now. I wouldn't mind the marks at all, but I don't think it's exactly what I'm looking for and I already have pretty big pile of books to read. Still thank you for the offer.