The End of the Imperial Japanese Navy

I unknowingly picked up this book at a second hand bookstore several years ago, and it turned out to be one of the best non-fiction books I'd ever read.

What makes this book is that it is the product of a journalist and not an academic. It does not endeavor to back every statement with a bibliography, rather it tells the STORY of the Japanese navy in WW2. But that doesn't mean it lacks for detail,
any battleship geek coming to this book will be well served. There is a personal viewpoint here because the journalist knew several of the figures involved (which makes for a few excellent anecdotes), and there is a bias in this book. But that does not mean there is a lack of
criticism of the Japanese side, and the conclusion of the book is a show more criticism of Japan's then military establishment.

Ultimately The End of the Imperial Japanese Navy is a good mix of details that history nerds love, but also a good story of the tragic arc of a pointless war. show less

Starting with the battles of Leyte Gulf these two inform us of the dying days of a very impressive navy. The details are sad, but when you are facing the two largest navies of WWII, and have a weak strategic position, there is little to be done but die gallantly. No WWII Pacific War library should be without this basic text. I read it twice.

First...the description is messed up. The FULL title of this book is 'The End of the Imperial Japanese Navy'. IMHO, it is one of the best books available in English on the Japanese navy in World War 2.