Pearl Harbor - by Mark Stille (Hardcover)

About the Book

A detailed re-examination of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Day of Infamy that saw the USA enter World War II.

Book Synopsis

A detailed re-examination of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Day of Infamy that saw the USA enter World War II.

In this the first comprehensive treatment of Pearl Harbor since the early 1990s, respected Pacific War naval historian Mark E. Stille traces the road to war and the Japanese attack itself. He examines the role of the man behind the operation, Japanese Admiral Yamamoto, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the plan. The American preparations for an attack are also carefully reviewed. The heart of the book is a comprehensive narrative of Pearl Harbor along with an appreciation of its results placed in proper perspective.

In common with many of the major campaigns of the Pacific War, many myths surround the Battle of Pearl Harbor, and, amongst others, Mark explores and dismantle the myth of Yamamoto as a military genius, as well as the myth that the attack was brilliantly planned. Long regarded as brilliant strike, Mark argues in Pearl Harbor that the attack was instead a tactical disappointment, an operational failure and a strategic disaster.

Review Quotes

"With a detailed, exciting examination of the Japanese plans and battle action, Mark Stille has addressed a considerable gap in the story of the Attack on Pearl Harbor. Highly recommended." --Alan D. Zimm, author of 'Attack on Pearl Harbor: Strategy, Combat, Myths, Deceptions'

"Mark Stille continues his yeoman's work in the field of Pacific War history by bringing his personal experience as a naval intelligence officer to bear on the most enduring and controversial surprise attack of them all-Pearl Harbor." --Jon Parshall, co-author of 'Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway'

"This is now the definitive history of the Pearl Harbor attack. Comprehensive details are provided, false assumptions corrected, and alternatives suggested. Above all, a persuasive explanation of why the end result was so disastrous for Japan." --Evan Mawdsley, author of 'The War for the Seas: A Maritime History of World War II'

"With Pearl Harbor: Japan's Greatest Disaster, Stille has produced a detailed and encyclopedic study of the Japanese mindset in the early part of the 20th century...Stille has successfully set out to clear out the confusion and mythology that has entrenched itself around the event, producing what will surely be a definitive resource on the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor." --World War II History Magazine

"This critical assessment of not only the planning and execution of the Pearl Harbor attack but also of the historiography-even mythology-that grew around the attack in the past 80+ years is Stille's forte...Stille's Pearl Harbor is an excellent operational and tactical analysis of the attack with crucial strategic linkages and impacts properly addressed" --Rockey Mountain Navy

"Successfully clearing out the confusion and mythology that has entrenched itself around the event and producing what surely will be a definitive resource on the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Stille has produces a detailed and encyclopedic study of the Japanese mindset in the early part of the 20th century..." --Military Heritage Magazine

"This was one of the BEST books that I have read this year. Mark Stille does a great job of breaking down not only what led to the attack, but the ramifications that the Japanese were going to deal with due to it...The tactical analysis is top notch, so if you enjoy a good, detailed read, this is one of the best that you can pick up." --A Tale of Two Pages

About the Author

Mark E. Stille is the author of numerous Osprey titles focusing on naval history in the Pacific. He recently concluded a nearly 40-year career in the intelligence community, including tours on the faculty of the Naval War College, on the Joint Staff and on US Navy ships. He received his BA in History from the University of Maryland and also holds an MA from the Naval War College.