Rating: 
Summary: Xenophobia induced attitudes
Review: This book details the history that led up to the allied war with Japan, both the actions that the allies (US) and the Japanese took that led to the Day of Infamy. This book provides insite to racism on both sides of the Pacific and offers apologies to no one! Both cultures projected their darkest fears and stereotypes on the other and utilized every propaganda tool at their disposal to incite nation wide mobilization.The illustrations and propaganda pieces are very informative and interesting. It is gripping to read about the dehumanizing actions that took place on both sides (mailing enemy heads home to girlfriends, etc). How the "no surrender, no prisoners" attitudes were intertwined with government policy, cultural identity and the peculiarities of fighting on small islands where retreat may not have been an option. As an American, I have to admit, my attitudes toward the Imperial Japanese government are not very forgiving. But I think this book should be read in schools on both sides of the Pacific incase we all forget what was done. Neither side comes out as completely just, but I have to admit, the Japanese actions in Manila, Nanking to mention but two make me wonder why they haven't gotten the critical attention that formations of the Nazi SS have had. Surely the war in China was no less a war against Untermensh than Barbarossa! My only criticism about this book is that it reads a little dryly. It took some dedication to finish, but was well worth it.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting but apologistic
Review: This book showcases many of the atrocities of the Second World War in the Pacific War, in particular, the rarely discussed misdeeds of individual Americans. However, the implication is that Imperial Japan did nothing worse than the U.S. Ghoulish Americans collecting gold teeth or the killing of fanatics unwilling to surrender is equated to executing prisoners and experiments on Chinese civilians. Do yourself a favor and stay away from this unless you need to difuse another apologist...
Rating: 
Summary: Groundbreaking and astute
Review: Unlike any historian before him, Dower's career has blazed new paths of thought and discussion. In this book, he reveals the significance to historiography of propaganda, it's uses and abuses, and how it reflects existing cultural and nationalistic biases. The invidious use of material on both sides of the ocean during the Pacific War (1939-1945) is closely examined by Dower and contrasted with ethnocentric fervor, war hates, and a disturbing ability to inflame stereotypes to create support for new myths and political agendas. This book is relevant to any student of history or politics and resounds with truths in America today. David R. Bannon, Ph.D.; author "Race Against Evil."
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