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Book mentions
7 book mentions in this episode.
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Books Mentioned

The Nanking Atrocity, 1937-38 cover

A great book with different scholars writing each chapter, complicating the picture of the Nanking incident. The Japanese editor noted that contributors faced threats for their writings.

Sentiment: Highly Recommended
Trigger: Nanking incident analysis
For: Historians and students of modern history
Key quote: A great book with different scholars writing each chapter, complicating the picture of the Nanking incident.
The host highlights the collaborative nature of the book, where various scholars provide diverse perspectives on the Nanking incident. This complexity is underscored by the risks faced by contributors, emphasizing the importance of the work in understanding this historical event.
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Nanking, 1937 memory and healing cover

A Chinese historian gives the recognized Chinese view of the Nanking massacre, detailing the horrific events and the scale of killings and rapes that occurred.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: Nanking massacre historical accounts
For: Historians and individuals interested in war crimes and human rights.
Key quote: In general, the massacre itself can be divided into two types of killings, mass killings and sporadic killing.
The host references the book 'Nanking, 1937 memory and healing' to highlight the severity of the atrocities committed during the Nanking massacre. The book provides a critical perspective from a Chinese historian, emphasizing the scale and brutality of the violence against civilians.
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The Rising Sun cover
The Rising Sun
John Toland

Historian John Toland in a book that was written way back in 1970, but still has some value inside it despite being outdated in other respects, including what we know about the emperor.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: Japanese involvement in WWII
For: Historians and students of World War II
Key quote: Historian John Toland in a book that was written way back in 1970, but still has some value inside it despite being outdated in other respects, including what we know about the emperor.
The host references John Toland's book 'The Rising Sun' to highlight the complexities of the Japanese perspective during World War II. Toland's work provides insights into how colonial subjects viewed the conflict, challenging the simplistic good versus evil narrative often presented in the West.
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Pearl Harbor from infamy to greatness cover

In his very good book on Pearl Harbor called Pearl Harbor from infamy to greatness, author Craig Nelson quotes some of the wonderful pieces of dialogue that were extracted after the fact that look either prophetic or, you know, shows some sort of vulnerability that was exploited by the surprise attack.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: Pearl Harbor attack analysis
For: History enthusiasts and military strategists
Key quote: Kimmel wanted details on his thinking. Why are you so worried about this? Do you think we are in danger of attack?
The host mentions Craig Nelson's book to highlight the intelligence failures and decision-making processes leading up to the Pearl Harbor attack. The book provides insights into the conversations among military leaders that reveal a mix of awareness and disbelief regarding the Japanese capabilities.
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At Dawn We Slept cover
At Dawn We Slept
Gordon W. Prang

I like the way it's described in that dawn we slept. When you think about the unbelievable amount of tension, someone like, oh, I don't know, Admiral Nagumo with the strike force would have felt.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: Pearl Harbor attack analysis
For: History enthusiasts and those interested in military strategy
Key quote: There's a reason one of the most famous books ever written about the Pearl Harbor attacks was called At Dawn We Slept, because not only is Hawaii sleeping, it's Sunday morning, everybody's sort of rousing a little bit late, but It's a peaceful island, and I don't just mean in an environmental sense, I mean in a diplomatic one.
The host mentions 'At Dawn We Slept' to highlight the contrast between the peaceful state of Hawaii and the impending attack by Japanese forces. This book is referenced to emphasize the surprise element of the attack and the historical context surrounding it.
ASIN: 1841581399
Buy on Amazon
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Target, Pearl Harbor cover
Target, Pearl Harbor
Michael Slackman

In his book, Target, Pearl Harbor, author Michael Slackman describes the opening of this attack, and it's pretty clear that the torpedoes work.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: Pearl Harbor attack details
For: History enthusiasts and military scholars
Key quote: Slackman writes, quote, As the attack began at 7.55 a.m., unbelieving Americans watched as bombs rained down on Hickham and Ford Island airfields, while the low-flying kates, those are planes, released their torpedoes against the ships.
The host references 'Target, Pearl Harbor' by Michael Slackman to provide a detailed account of the attack's opening moments and the effectiveness of the Japanese torpedoes. This book offers a thorough examination of the events and the chaos experienced by American sailors during the assault.
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Pearl Harbor: From Infamy to Greatness cover

If you're looking for a modern up-to-date discussion about Pearl Harbor, that's a great read. Nelson does a great job in bringing these characters back to life and giving you a real sense and feel for it.

Sentiment: Highly Recommended
Trigger: discussion about Pearl Harbor
For: Readers interested in modern historical accounts
Key quote: Nelson does a great job in bringing these characters back to life and giving you a real sense and feel for it.
The host mentions this book as a valuable resource for understanding the events of Pearl Harbor. They highlight the author's ability to vividly portray the characters involved, enhancing the reader's connection to the historical events.
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