The Rising Sun

By John Toland

Book Overview

This magnificent Pulitzer Prize-winning history, told primarily from the Japanese viewpoint, traces the dramatic fortunes of the Empire of the Sun from the invasion of Manchuria to the dropping of the atomic bombs, demolishing many myths surrounding this catastrophic conflict. Why did the dawn attack on Pearl Harbor occur? Was was inevitable? Was the Emperor a puppet or a warmonger? And, finally, what inspired the barbaric actions of those who fought, and who speak here of the unspeakable - murder, cannibalism and desertion?

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553264354
• ISBN13: 9780553264357
• Release Date: October 1982
• Publisher: Bantam
• Length: 1072 Pages
• Weight: 1.09 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.0" x 4.3" x 6.9"

Customer Reviews

Pacific War

... incredibly rich information about the Pacific War! A very detailed and readable book. Outstanding!

WWII from the Japanese point of view

This is a monumental piece of work. The author has managed to craft hundreds of sources into one single narrative that reads like an epic novel. The book begins from Japan's involvement into China right up to the Allies' occupation after her surrender.Since history is mainly dictated by the victors, objective works from the point of view of the defeated countries are often hard to come by. John Toland has managed to do a great job in filling this void, giving us a rare glimpse as to the whens, whys and hows of Japan's decision to get herself into an ultimately disastrous war.If you are a WWII enthusiast, and have read mainly accounts written by American or British authors, then this book will fill in a lot of the gaps. If anything, it's enlightening to read the other side of the story to any conflict. Very highly recommended. Find a used copy today!

Great history, great drama

This book should be in print. The story of the Pacific War as the Japanese experienced it. Toland did extensive research, including interviews with people on the Japanese side who were involved with the war at every level--from the battlefield to the conferences where the emperor "presided". He has a novelist's eye for detail. The result is a sweeping historical account peppered with fascinating vignettes that show how these events impacted the lives of hundreds of individuals. A long book, but never boring.