Posted by a reviewer on Amazon

There is a detailed description of the lead up to war and although the various politicians involved and their machinations rather overwhelmed me it was clear that war wasnt inevitable with conflicting views within the japanese hierarchy

Posted by a reviewer on Amazon

Roosevelt was anxious to avoid any actions that would be seen as aggressive and that might precipitate war but unfortunately american commanders dont seem to have been briefed explicitly to prepare adequately for the eventuality of war should the diplomacy fail

Posted by a reviewer on Amazon

The japanese cultural view of the shame of capture and their resulting fanatical defence is well portrayed

Posted by a reviewer on Amazon

Japanese atrocities are not dwelt upon but nor are they ignored

Posted by a reviewer on Amazon

The events unfold like a reading a diary

Posted by a reviewer on Amazon

If it does have any major flaws it is that it is perhaps too symapathetic towards the japanese for example it is the only book on this subject i have ever read that suggests the japanese were at least partly motivated to fight to emancipate their fellow asians and although it states it is about the rise and fall of the japanese empire in world war ii it should really just claim to be about the pacific war with the usa because the conflicts in china and burmaindia are only briefly mentioned

Posted by a reviewer on Amazon

It depicts the very curious relationship between the emperor and his household and the cabal of militant warlords who governed on his apparent behalf

Posted by a reviewer on Amazon

Issues of taboo honour and obligation having no parallel in western political structures led to a complex situation whereby the militarist elite could claim to be operating in the service of the emperors divine will and with his blessing