Author:John W Dower
Drawing on a vast range of sources, from manga comics to MacArthur's report to Congress, this monumental new work by America's foremost historian of modern Japan traces the impact of defeat and reconstruction on every aspect of Japan's national life. Alongside the familiar story of economic resurgence, Dower examines how the nation as a whole reacted to the contradictory experiences of humiliation at the hands of a foreign power and liberation from the demands of a suicidal nationalism. The result is a titanic history, and a landmark book.
This is the first publication I've seen on the 1960s to address all closely the question: how did it feel in that dawn to be alive?
—— HeraldAn action packed tapestry of illuminating flashbacks
—— SpectatorA modern Field-Marshal applies his strategic expertise to the greatest confrontation of classical times... Bagnall's analysis is leavened with character sketches and dry humour
—— IndependentThe book is both a revelation and a compulsive read.
—— Robert Blake , Country LifeRichly documented and eloquent... challenges popular myths of the English and puts the record straight.
—— Roy Porter , The Times Literary SupplementIt is difficult to do justice to the scope and intelligence of this marvellous account of a much understood age.
—— Mark Archer , Financial TimesThe most comprehensive look at the work of these intrepid sailors . . . A celebration of their ingenuity and valor
—— Baltimore SunReads like an adventure novel, but it's all to real
—— Seyour M. Hersh, author of The Dark Side of CamelotThe veterans of the 'Silent Service' are silent no more
—— John Lehman, former Secretary of the Navy , Wall Street Journal