The Rising Sun: The Decline and Fall of the Japanese Empire, 1936-1945

by John Toland

Book Overview

This Pulitzer Prize-winning history of World War II chronicles the dramatic rise and fall of the Japanese empire, from the invasion of Manchuria and China to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Told from the Japanese perspective, The Rising Sun is, in the author's words, "a factual saga of people caught up in the flood of the most overwhelming war of mankind, told as it happened--muddled, ennobling, disgraceful, frustrating, full...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0812968581
• ISBN13: 9780812968583
• Release Date: May 2003
• Publisher: Modern Library
• Length: 976 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.9" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Pacific War

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

Outstanding Primary Source

Thirty years later, John Toland's work is still setting the standard for excellence. This book is no exception. The author is able to make history come alive, portraying events and personalities in a manner that allows the reader to grasp the subjective details that influenced the history of that time. History, it is often forgotten, is made and delivered by men and women whose subjective experience has a lingering impact on culture and society. His focus on the little details does not impinge on the larger picture. His sources are exhaustive and impeccable. While he has garnered some criticism over his neglect of some events ( such as Nanjing and other Japanese atrocities ) and personalities ( Roosevelt and Cordell Hull, for example), these complaints usually stem from a belief that Mr. Toland was pro-Japanese and out to deconstuct the American actions. This is sure nonsense. This books compensates for the bulk of standard history, much of which still carries on with attempts to demonize the Japanese and honor the American decisions and actions of that time. The sheer hubris and lack of a REAL central intelligence authority in the United States prior to Pearl Harbor, as well the Americans' complete inability to understand their adverseries are all portrayed in stunning detail. After 9/11 and events since, this book has become even more poignant. A necessity for any thinking person's library. An outstanding piece of work that has stood its first trial of time.

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.