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The Rising Sun

The Decline and Fall of the Japanese Empire, 1936-1945

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The Rising Sun

Written by: John Toland
Narrated by: Tom Weiner
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This Pulitzer Prize-winning history of World War II chronicles the dramatic rise and fall of the Japanese empire, from the invasion of Manchuria and China to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Told from the Japanese perspective, The Rising Sun is, in the author’s words, "a factual saga of people caught up in the flood of the most overwhelming war of mankind, told as it happened - muddled, ennobling, disgraceful, frustrating, full of paradox."

In weaving together the historical facts and human drama leading up to and culminating in the war in the Pacific, Toland crafts a riveting and unbiased narrative history.

©1970 John Toland (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc. 20th Century Asia Military Modern Wars & Conflicts World War China Imperial Japan Imperialism Russia Submarine Naval Warfare Franklin D Roosevelt Japanese Empire
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This is undoubtedly one of the best, if not the best, books I have read on World War II. The authors knowledge on the subject matter indicates a very high level of research and the way it was narrated kept me hooked till the very end.

An eye opener.

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very informative and all around well done. would recommend it even if you've gone through similar books. I could listen to it a 2 times regular speed with no issues.

very well done

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The book covered the political and military aspects of the period well, and in depth. also I was a little weird a 40hour listen would be dry, but it was not. I listened to this book every chance I got.

Recommended

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I am embarrassed that it took me 50 years to get around to reading this book. The length was I think the main disincentive. But now that I have listed to it, I realize what I was missing: a riveting, balanced and compelling book which tells the story of the war in the Pacific not just from the allied side, but in great detail from the point of view of the Japanese. From interviews with allied, Japanese and other officers and political leaders after the war, and from some very detailed analysis of letters, meeting notes and other sources, John Toland has made what was to me previously the least interesting of the theatres in World War 2, into an unforgettable drama, revealing - to me at least - a gripping history. This is, no doubt, why he received the Pulitzer prize for this book.

There are very interesting details about the politics leading up to the war, how the personalities interacted, and often misunderstood each other, the infighting between the navy and army both in Japan and among the allies, and of course about the battles. There are some truly heart-breaking descriptions of what happened to both Japanese and allied sailors and soldiers here, as well as to the civilians in the countries affected by the war, and moments where I found the suspense about what would happen to some of these people, profound.

I found the narration quite compelling too. I will be looking for more books by John Toland, on the Korean War for example, and for more books narrated by Tom Weiner

A compelling, very informative book

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Excellent, in depth look into this subject. Extremely well researched and presented. Highly recommended.

Amazing

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