Pearl Harbor: December 7th, 1941

摘要

The attack on Pearl Harbor was one of the turning points of the Second World War and arguably of the 20th century. Looking back after almost 80 years, the events leading up to the attack can be seen to have followed each other like the acts of a Greek tragedy. For Japan it was a supreme strategic misjudgement, bringing a united America into the war; for the IJN it was a major tactical blunder: the slow battlewagons were smashed, but the fast carriers, the capital ships of the future, were safely away at sea, while the naval base itself was not targeted. The author describes this book as a labour of love; he returned to it after a gap of many years writing on other naval topics. Following in the steps of many previous accounts, it deals comprehensively with the build-up of the rival navies, particularly their air arms, and with all aspects of the attack. In addition to the stricken battle line, the lesser ships and aircraft are fully treated. Preceeding events in Southeast Asia are narrated and analysed impartially. The book is spacious, well-researched and thorough, and generously produced on good-quality paper. Full advantage has been taken of the very numerous photos available; the line drawings are from several sources.