Soldiers of the Sun - by Meirion Harries (Paperback)

About the Book

The authors trace the origins of the Imperial Army back to its samurai roots in 19th-century Japan to tell the story of the rise and fall of this extraordinary military force. "Analyzes the military legacy of the Imperial Army and assesses moral repsonsibility for its excesses".--Kirkus. Photos.

Book Synopsis

Soldiers of the Sun traces the origins of the Imperial Japanese Army back to its samurai roots in the nineteenth century to tell the story of the rise and fall of this extraordinary military force.

Meirion and Susie Harries have written the first full Western account of the Imperial Japanese Army. Drawing on Japanese, English, French, and American sources, the authors penetrate the lingering wartime enmity and propaganda to lay bare the true character of the Imperial Army.

Review Quotes

Praise for Soldiers of the Sun

"This book ought to be read as a necessary prelude to the ill-informed and uncultured debate that rages in the United States. The lessons of history, and of what happens when a thwarted nation finds itself encircled, are there to be learned."

-- Newsday

"A fine history that analyzes the military legacy of the Imperial Japanese Army and assesses moral responsibility for its excesses."

-- Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Meirion and Susie Harries began their writing partnership in 1979 and have since co-authored six books, as well as articles on Japanese security and environmental policy for English and Japanese newspapers. This is their second book on Japanese history. They live in England.