Show 66 - Supernova in the East V

This book provides a detailed account of Japanese war crimes during World War II, including the mistreatment of prisoners and civilians. It explores how the Japanese military perverted the noble principles of Bushido into a systematic campaign of torture, murder, and destruction. Notable incidents like the Nanking Massacre and the Bataan Death March are highlighted as part of a broader pattern of brutality.

The Encyclopedia of Military History is a detailed and authoritative reference work that spans over 5,000 years of military conflicts. It provides succinct summaries of battles, campaigns, strategies, and technological advancements, offering insights into military tactics and key figures. The encyclopedia serves as a valuable resource for historians, students, and enthusiasts interested in understanding the evolution of warfare across different cultures and eras.

In 'On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society,' Lt. Col. Dave Grossman explores the psychology of the act of killing and its implications on soldiers and society. The book is based on S.L. A. Marshall's studies from World War II, which revealed that most soldiers do not fire their weapons due to an innate resistance to killing. Grossman details how military training has evolved to overcome this resistance, resulting in significantly higher firing rates in subsequent wars. He also discusses the psychological costs of killing, including post-traumatic stress, and raises questions about the impact of escalating violence in society. The book has been widely acclaimed and is on the U.S. Marine Corps' Commandant’s Required Reading List and required reading at the FBI Academy.

In 'Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan', Herbert P. Bix provides a detailed and nuanced portrayal of Emperor Hirohito's life and reign, challenging the conventional view of him as a passive figurehead. Bix documents Hirohito's active involvement in Japan's military expansion and his role in prolonging the war, using extensive primary sources to shed light on Hirohito's influence on Japanese politics and history.

This classic book provides a detailed and gripping account of the Pacific War, drawing on declassified intelligence files and archival material. It reassesses US and Japanese strategies, highlighting the dual advance by MacArthur and Nimitz as a pragmatic solution to bureaucratic issues. Spector argues that Japan's fatal error was abandoning its offensive strategy after Midway, leading to a war of attrition.

Francis Pike's 'Hirohito's War' offers a detailed narrative of the Pacific War, challenging standard interpretations by incorporating the Japanese viewpoint. The book covers campaigns, battles, and strategic decisions, including the roles of key figures like Emperor Hirohito, General MacArthur, and Admiral Yamamoto. It also explores the involvement of China, Great Britain, and Australia, as well as military technology and the use of atomic bombs.

Mario Machi's book recounts his journey from enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1941 to enduring the brutal conditions of the Bataan Death March and other hardships during World War II. The narrative explores themes of courage, humanity, and survival amidst the chaos of war. The book includes historical anecdotes and photographs to enhance its vivid portrayal of one of the most infamous military episodes of the century.

This pathbreaking work of oral history by Haruko Taya Cook and Theodore F. Cook documents the experiences of ordinary Japanese people during World War II, offering a candid portrait of the Japanese experience during the war. It spans from the Japanese attacks on China in the 1930s to the home front during the raids on Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki, highlighting the contradictions between official views and personal testimonies.

In 'Wartime', Paul Fussell provides a deeply personal and wide-ranging narrative about the Second World War, focusing on the immediate impact on common soldiers and civilians. He analyzes the psychological effects, euphemisms, and myths surrounding the war, highlighting the disconnect between the sanitized public image and the brutal reality experienced by those involved. The book critiques the romanticization of war and explores its damage to intellect and individuality.

In this book, Kay Redfield Jamison examines the relationship between bipolar disorder and artistic creativity. She presents extensive case studies of historic figures such as Lord Byron, Vincent Van Gogh, and Virginia Woolf, who were likely suffering from manic-depressive illness. The book reveals the biological foundations of this disease and its impact on the lives and works of these artists, challenging the romantic notion of the 'melancholic artist' while highlighting the suffering and creative output associated with the condition.

This book provides a balanced and thorough examination of the Guadalcanal campaign, incorporating both American and Japanese sources. It covers strategic and tactical aspects of the battle, offering insights into the experiences of soldiers and commanders on both sides. The work is notable for its meticulous research and accessible narrative style.

The Conquering Tide is the second volume in Ian W. Toll's Pacific War Trilogy, covering the period from June 1942 to June 1944. It explores the pivotal campaigns in the Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal, New Guinea, and the Mariana Islands, highlighting the strategic and logistical complexities of the war. Toll's narrative combines personal stories with high-level strategic analysis, offering a comprehensive view of this critical phase of the Pacific War.

Into the Rising Sun offers a deeply personal and detailed account of the Pacific War, drawing from hundreds of interviews with veterans who fought against a fanatical enemy. The book provides a ground-level view of some of history's most brutal combat, including D-Day-sized beach assaults and encounters with extreme brutality. It presents a hard, unvarnished look at the war from those on the front lines.

In 'The Toughest Fighting in the World', George H. Johnston chronicles the grueling battles fought by Australian and American troops, aided by New Guinea natives, against the Japanese in 1942. The book highlights the extreme hardships faced by soldiers due to both the enemy and the harsh environment of New Guinea. Originally published in 1943, it remains a classic account of combat in World War II.

The Nobility of Failure examines the lives and deaths of nine historical figures from Japan, highlighting their tragic ends and the cultural reverence for such heroes. The book spans from the 4th century to World War II, including figures like Sugawara no Michizane and the kamikaze pilots. Morris explores why these heroes, who often knew they were destined to fail, are celebrated in Japanese culture for their courage and integrity.

Combined Fleet Decoded offers a comprehensive reinterpretation of the Pacific War, highlighting the crucial role of intelligence in Allied successes. The book delves into code-breaking, espionage, and strategic intelligence gathering, revealing how these efforts influenced key naval battles and the overall war strategy. It provides a detailed examination of both American and Japanese intelligence operations, offering new insights into the war's progression.

This book provides a visual account of World War II through photographs and stories originally published in Life magazine. It includes combat images, homefront stories, and cultural elements like propaganda posters and cartoons. The book offers a chronological overview of the war from an American perspective.

Ogawa Masatsugu's 'Island of Death' is a memoir that recounts his harrowing experiences as a soldier in New Guinea during World War II. The book explores themes of survival, trauma, and humanity in the face of extreme adversity.

This book provides previously untold stories of combat, brotherhood, captivity, and redemption from World War II veterans. It offers a poignant look at the experiences of those who served in the Pacific Theater, highlighting the impact of the war on American communities. The series aims to educate and remember the sacrifices of the 'Greatest Generation'.

Craig L. Symonds, a renowned naval historian, provides an in-depth analysis of World War II in the Pacific, highlighting key battles and strategic decisions that shaped the war's outcome. His work often emphasizes the importance of naval power and the leadership of key figures during this period.

War at Sea by Nathan Miller provides a detailed account of the naval history of World War II, covering significant battles and the impact of new technologies like aircraft carriers and submarines. The book draws on Ultra intelligence, ship logs, and personal accounts to highlight the heroism and strategic decisions that influenced the war's outcome. Miller also emphasizes the contributions of lesser-known allies and the uncertainty of Allied victory, especially in the early years.