"Factories of Death" is a synthesis, a history book, which is not completely my bag. Please look at my words here with some suspicion. They don't come from an expert.

I read this book in undergrad. I thought it was good. Coming to me recommended as it did, I expect it is or was the best book on the subject.

I remember reading several passages and being struck by the thought that I could kind of understand the mental processes of some of the actors described. A young Japanese man with newfound power in his military endeavors seemed to me, suddenly, an Alcibiades with tremendous undirected ambition. He seemed to me almost a child. That's probably just my imagination as a runaway, though. Dangerous, either way, I think, to imagine understanding so well. I'd rather not mislead myself.

Sometimes when I read history books, a kind of rhythm sets in, and the words become musical. I did not have that experience with Harris. ( )