Retribution: The Battle for Japan, 1944-45 | 
 enlarge | Author: Max Hastings
Publisher: Knopf
Category: Book
List Price: $35.00
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Avg. Customer Rating:  45 reviews
Sales Rank: 1431
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 656
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.4
Dimensions (in): 9.5 x 6.2 x 1.8
ISBN: 0307263517
Dewey Decimal Number: 940.5425
EAN: 9780307263513
ASIN: 0307263517
Publication Date: March 18, 2008
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Product Description
Hailed in Britain as “Spectacular . . . Searingly powerful” (Andrew Roberts, The Sunday Telegraph), a riveting, impeccably informed chronicle of the final year of the Pacific war. In his critically acclaimed Armageddon, Hastings detailed the last twelve months of the struggle for Germany. Here, in what can be considered a companion volume, he covers the horrific story of the war against Japan.
By the summer of 1944 it was clear that Japan’s defeat was inevitable, but how the drive to victory would be achieved remained to be seen. The ensuing drama—that ended in Japan’s utter devastation—was acted out across the vast stage of Asia, with massive clashes of naval and air forces, fighting through jungles, and barbarities by an apparently incomprehensible foe. In recounting the saga of this time and place, Max Hastings gives us incisive portraits of the theater’s key figures—MacArthur, Nimitz, Mountbatten, Chiang Kai-shek, Mao, Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin. But he is equally adept in his portrayals of the ordinary soldiers and sailors—American, British, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese—caught in some of the war’s bloodiest campaigns.
With unprecedented insight, Hastings discusses Japan’s war against China, now all but forgotten in the West, MacArthur’s follies in the Philippines, the Marines at Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and the Soviet blitzkrieg in Manchuria. He analyzes the decision-making process that led to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki—which, he convincingly argues, ultimately saved lives. Finally, he delves into the Japanese wartime mind-set, which caused an otherwise civilized society to carry out atrocities that haunt the nation to this day.
Retribution is a brilliant telling of an epic conflict from a master military historian at the height of his powers.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 40 more reviews...
 Fascinating - superlative effort July 25, 2008
This is my first Pacific Theatre (in keeping with the author's heritage) non-fiction book and I was totally taken in by Max Hastings' effort. Realizing that this is just a single year of history, the breath covered was remarkable. It was fascinating reading with very little wasted on superfluous wording. Hastings knows the material and was meticulous in his delivery; mixing history and personal sagas throughout each chapter.
I cannot say if there is anything new here for the real WWII Pacific buffs, but for anyone in my situation, this is definitely a sensational start to learning about the Eastern effort. Additionally, there were a couple of chapters on China that helped me to learn about the setup for the Chinese Revolution that comes just after the war.
In reading some of the negative reviews, I wonder if those individuals read the entire book or just the chapters of their interest. Not knowing much about General MacArthur, I cannot say if Max was too harsh on him or if the General was a publicity hound, a good leader, a terrible strategist as well as an ego maniac. But it does make me want to read more about him - will read William Manchester's "American Caesar" soon after this one.
The scope of the fighting and the timelines were dealt with beautifully by Hastings. His ability to pull you into the various venues of fighting and help you to understand what it was like to be there was just superb. The maps of each battle being explained were a bonus.
What I particularly liked about Hastings was his review of the battles and warlord decisioning. He gave a balanced review of much modern day ridicule of many wartime decisions by reviewing each decision with situational facts that impinged on those decisions at the time of the decision. It seemed to me (a novice) that he was fair in his criticisms and with his praise. He raised and discussed some very touchy decision making with the Chapter on the Fire bombing of Tokyo; looking at it from various angles.
I believe that Hastings did a very credible job of superimposing today's critics onto the decisions of the atomic bombs at the time and with the knowledge that our leaders had in 1945. I was simply fascinated by Hastings telling of this year during WWII.
I am giving this book, my highest recommendation.
 Somewhat disappointing July 24, 2008
This book is the product of meticulous research and sourcing. Clearly reflects a significant amount of historical data that is collected across a vareity of sources. Kudos for his scholarly efforts. But I am deeply disappointed he could not find a better - and less offensive - example of a 'foxhole question' to illustrate relations between soldiers from the north and south. Incredibly disappointng for a book of this potential and a very low reach by the author that colors his treatment of race throughout the book.
ONE OF THE BETTER CURRENT WORKS IN THIS AREA. July 23, 2008
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
This was quite a read and I must say that it has been sometime now that I read a work in which I gleaned so much information from. Like another reviewer here, I am getting a bit long in the tooth, and when I first picked this book up I was a bit discouraged at the weight, length, fine print, etc. But, like the other reviewer, once I read the first few pages, I was hooked.
Retribution, The Battle for Japan, 1944-45 by Max Hastings is the study of and chronology of the last year of the war in the Pacific. As with Hasting's companion work, Armageddon, the author has given us a sweeping overview of who, what, where, when and, most importantly, why, events were the way they were, and has done it quite well. While certainly addressing the overall "big picture," this writer/historian has placed special emphasis on the view of the common soldier and sailor, the grunt on the ground, the blue jacket on the sea and the air crews, all whom did their part. One of the more unique features of this book is that the author has given all sides of the war, not only the allies side, but that of the Japanese also. Another feature I loved, and learned so much from, was the author's coverage of the war in China, Burma, Thailand, Russia, Australia and the involvement of each of the countries and the extent of their involvement. He has also recorded extensive interviews with members of the civilian population, on all sides, caught up in this horrible conflict. The entire work is filled with page after page of the personal stories of the men and woman who were directly involved in these world changing events.
The author has addressed problems in this work that are still with us today. Having read quite extensively in this area, I found little to criticize as to his facts and the conclusions he came to. I feel the hard core reader and student of WWII will probably not learn many new facts, per se, but do feel the author does a wonderful job of putting everything in perspective. As an example; the author dose make a very good case for the justification of dropping "the bombs," but on the other hand, well presents the arguments that are still raging against their use, and when they were used. Also, this writer is certainly no fan of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, and does have some rather harsh things to say concerning a number of the military leaders on both sides, and from all countries involved. This may well offend some fans of these men, but again, the author well documents his opinions. Of course, like any work of history, by any historian, one should not take just their word for it completely, and certainly should seek out the opinions of others before the mind is made up, as it were. Each individual must study, read and form their own opions as to some of these controversies, keeping in mind at all times that hind-sight is great and it is much easier to judge now than it was then. We must look at the entire situation through their eyes, and not ours, and not judge decisions made them, using the values and criteria of today. While the author has indulged himself to some extent in this, he has been quick to point it out when he did it.
This book not only addresses the actual battles during this time period, but gives us a great look at the political situation which was going on behind the scenes, and how they effected the front line and support troops who where actual there. From a personal point of view, I found this to be fascinating.
This is a very readable book. There are a couple of things to remember though. This is a British author, therefore the syntax and vocabulary is a bit different and does take some getting use to. Secondly, no work of this size and scope will be completely with out error in minutiae. If you are one of those that has problems and is willing to write an entire work of because the author recorded that the 76th Battalion did such and such on 4 August, and it was actually the 77th Battalion that did it on 3 August indyrsf, then you may have trouble. I am certainly no expert, far, far from it; even I spotted a few flaws. Of course I do not recall a single history book after years of reading that I did not find as such. These few flaw, and they are few, should not in anyway distract from the overall work. If you are that hung up on such matters, you should research and read the after action reports yourself.
Now as to the opinions the author has come to; you may or may not be in agreement each and ever time. I personally found this to be a good thing as it stimulates further research. I will say though, that the author has back up his opinions quite well. Of course as I am in agreement with almost all of them and I suppose that it is easier for me to say.
A ward of warning: Some of the action and events described here are quite graphic. Atrocities committed by both sides are documented, but those committed by the Japanese are of particular note. It should also be noted that the author is quite anti-communistic and anti Soviet. I.e. Stalin. I had to laugh at a friend recently who read the same book and made the statement that Hasting is quite left wing in his writings and opinions. This could not be farther from the truth and I really had to question if the man had actually read this work or the author's other works.
All in all this was a great read. I enjoyed ever page and do recommend it highly.
A Fascinating Book! July 1, 2008
Max Hastings, Retribution; the Battle for Japan, 1944-45
The author describes the last year of the war against Japan, which had started on 18th, September 1931, when Japanese troops attacked Manchuria. However, this was just the beginning of their conquests, which up to December 1941 included large portions of China, and the whole Korean Peninsula. To stop the Japanese expansion, which was accompanied with so far unheard of atrocities against the captured soldiers as well as toward the occupied populations, the USA imposed progressively tighter embargoes on industrial goods and raw materials exported to Japan. Since this might actually stop the Japanese war machine and prevent their further conquests, the Japanese committed a fateful move by attacking Pearl Harbor.
The architect of this assault was the competent Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. He had studied at Harvard and served several years as the naval attache in Washington D.C. Knowing well enough the strength of the USA and their mighty industrial potential, he at first opposed the planned adventure. But, as an obedient soldier, he nevertheless carried out the order to attack. His plan was to destroy the main US Pacific fleet with a single decisive blow, by attacking Pearl Harbor, where - at the time of the attack - the major part of US Pacific fleet should be anchored. If successful, then Japan would have a half to one year's time to expand her possessions. Then the Japanese Government should offer acceptable terms for peace, before the USA, supported by its enormous industrial power, would start reversing the process. He almost succeeded, but on December 7, 1941, when the attack was launched, no US airplane carriers were in Pearl Harbor. And just those carriers, plus others, built in 1942-45, together with submarines and other navy vessels as well as the new B29 Superfortress bombers were decisive in achieving the eventual Japanese defeat.
After crippling the US Navy in Pearl Harbor the Japanese hastily began fulfilling their plans. In the following three years they occupied all important Pacific harbors of China, French Indochina, Thailand, Burma, Malaya, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Celebes, Philippines, a larger part of New Guinea and some smaller Pacific islands, all the way from the Aleutians in the north, down to Gilbert and Salomon Islands in the south. The "Battle of Coral Sea" (in May 7, 1942) was the turning point, followed by the massive defeat of the Japanese Navy in the "Battle of Midway" (in June 4, 1942). Then the circumstances became ripe to beat Japanese for good.
To liberate such a vast occupied area and press the Japanese to surrender, the leaders of the British-, Chinese-, Australian-, American- and other armies, had basically different ideas of how (and why) to achieve their ultimate goal. The most straightforward was the American plan. After the B-29 bombers began their massive air raids on Japan in 1945, their plan was to bomb the "Country of Rising Sun" into the Stone Age and starve the population by the navy and submarine blockade to such extent, that the assault on the main Japanese islands would probably not be necessary in order to achieve capitulation. (At that time the knowledge that an atomic bomb was being developed was limited just to few US leaders).
However, even on the US side General Douglas McArthur wanted to liberate the Philippines before the main assault on Japan. When he was forced to escape these islands on March 11, 1942, he promised to return and he wanted to keep his word no matter what the cost. It is easy to understand that all nations suffering under Japanese occupation would prefer to be liberated first, before attacking Japan proper. The British, French and Dutch, which had their colonies in Asia, would prefer to get them back as soon as possible. For Mao Zedong in China the preference was to establish a Communist system in his country, while the struggle against the Japanese was of secondary importance. On the other hand, for the Chinese nationalist leader Chang Kai-shek the most important thing was to get rid of the Japanese (and to prevent Mao fulfilling his plans) but the effectiveness of his actions was excessively impaired by the corruption and incompetence of his army. For Australians the price to continue fighting the Japanese, who had bombed Darwin and Broome in 1942, seemed too high, after the occupied islands in their immediate north were liberated. In short, the main burden of final assault on Japan lay on the shoulders of the Americans. And even among them the Army, Navy and Air Forces had different concepts of how this should be carried out.
From the book we learn of discords and concords among the allies, of enormous cost in blood and material for the liberation of Philippines, and of the stubbornness of the Japanese, who were fighting almost to the last soldier. Their leaders were harboring the false idea that the Americans would not dare to attack the main Japanese islands, because they were already paying an extremely high price in blood, when conquering the Philippines and minor islands in Pacific.
It became clear that the Japanese military leadership has lost the main objective - that the Army is to defend their people. Instead - to "save face" - their Army intended to perish together with their people. When in the beginning of 1945 it became obvious that Japan will be defeated, they kept fighting, neglecting the lives of their soldiers, of their own people and even more so the lives of peoples under their occupation.
Though the Japanese were brave soldiers, the author concludes that their leaders were mainly moral cowards. They did not have the guts to admit to their own people, that the war was lost, and stop the senseless bloodshed. Even when confronted with the fact of both atomic bombs, which were dropped in August 6th and 9th, and the Russian assault of August 8th on Manchuria, the Japanese Government remained indecisive. (The total number of deaths due to atom bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was approximately equal to the number of Nanking citizens, massacred by the Japanese in January 1937.) It was Emperor Hirohito, who eventually tilted the scale (in mid August) by accepting the terms of capitulation - providing it would not affect the Emperor and the members of his family. To stop the senseless further carnage, the Americans accepted, though this was not an unconditional surrender.
The author describes in great detail the struggles in continental Asia, on Pacific Sea and islands, and the bombing of Japan. His vivid description of living conditions of people and soldiers on all sides is excellent. The book is probably the best information of the final year of the war against Japan, which can be found in a single volume.
History in a Grand Scale June 24, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The history of the last years of the Pacific War is expansive,so many details, so much to tell. I think the author did a wonderful job in telling in a thorough but readable fashion this history.
The portrait he paints of Douglas MacArthur is unflattering and this may cause some concern with American readers as he is one of their main heroes but I can readily credit this portrait as men with huge egos and great responsibilities many times act for the preservation of their image to posterity even against the best interest of their nation as a whole. We are presented with a rather inept handling of the Phillipines campaign that cost the American military many unnecesary lives and suffering as the islands could have been by-passed as suggested by Adm. Nimitz. In the end Manila got the worst as the Japanese vented their vengeance in the unarmed civilians and the city itself was subjected to destruction in the fighting.
We are presented with the ineptitude of the japanese Navy that readily caused its demise in the Leyte Battle without getting any visible results and loosing the Battleship Musashi and many carriers in a flawed plan. This battle also gave a bad reputation to Adm. Halsey as he recklessly abandoned the San Bernardino Straits to pursue a decoy fleet of japanese carriers led by Adm. Ozawa but that didn't have planes and did not represented a real threat to the American navy. This in turn produced the battle of Samar as the main Japanese navy encountered no resistance in the part of Seventh Fleet in San Bernardino and found the Taffy 2 group almost defenseless and American destroyers and escort carriers had to fight heroically a fleet of japanese dreadnouts including Battleship Yamato that produced many casualties among the small American ships. If Adm. Kurita in command of the japanese main fleet had more stomach for fighting he could have destroyed the entire American invasion fleet at anchor at Leyte but chose to retire again through san Bernardino accomplishing almost nothing. The japanese fleets that attacked through the Northern route were totally destroyed by Adm Kincaid's Battleships (some of them survivors of Pearl Harbor) to add to the pathetic handling of this battle by the japanese that in the last year of the war seemed to do everything wrong. The only visible damage done to the American fleets was done by the japanese Kamikaze suicide pilots in a strategy that will create in the end one of the conditions for the release of the atomic bombs.
We are confronted with the British campaign on Burma led by Field Marshall Slim that was heroic and well led but ultimately futile as it did not contribute in a great fashion to the overall victory but gave the British some consolation to the dismal fashion in which they at first conduted their part of the war.
The campaigns of Iwo Jima and Okinawa are reviewed in all of their gory details. Also the extensive destruction brought forward by the B29 bombing campaign that reduced to rubble Tokyo and many important cities in japan.
We are confronted with the fact that Japan itself was almost at the brink of starvation as the American submarine campaign destroyed most of their merchant navy and that this if continued could have led to the ultimate submission of Japan. Japanese main armies were stationed in China and Korea and continued to provide victories against the Chinese Kuommingtang army almost to the end of the war thus making a necessity to bring the Soviet Union to the war in order to deal with these huge field armies. The Soviet invasion was devastating especially for the civilian population that were systematically plundered and raped by the Soviet victors.
In the end the japanese military even confronted with the destruction of their main fleets, the devastation of their cities, the starvation of the citizens did not want to concede victory to the allies thus making necessary the use of the atomic bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Japanese army was ready to fight to the death defending the homeland in the event of an allied invasion that could have cost the Americans espcially millions of casualties. There are some scholars that think the use of the atom bombs was unnecessary and that the ultimate surrender of Japan was just a matter of time but I believe cool heads were not the norm in the japanese Army's high command and that the atomic bombing was the price to pay in order to make the japanese leadership to see some reason and not think just in terms of honor or saving face. In the end Anami and the Japanese Army's leadership brought destruction to their countrymen for their inhability to see the truth.
Great read and a real eye openner to the end of this great conflict that still shapes the way we are living today.
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