Pearl Harbor: Japan's Greatest Disaster: Mark Stille: Osprey Publishing

Pearl Harbor

Japan's Greatest Disaster

Pearl Harbor

Japan's Greatest Disaster

Description

A detailed re-examination of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Day of Infamy that saw the USA enter World War II.

In this the first comprehensive treatment of Pearl Harbor since the early 1990s. respected Pacific War naval historian Mark Stille traces the road to war and the Japanese attack itself. He examines the role of the man behind the operation, Japanese Admiral Yamamoto, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the plan. The American preparations for an attack are also carefully reviewed. The heart of the book is a comprehensive narrative of Pearl Harbor along with an appreciation of its results placed in proper perspective.

In common with many of the major campaigns of the Pacific War, many myths surround the Battle of Pearl Harbor, and, amongst others, Mark explores and dismantle the myth of Yamamoto as a military genius, as well as the myth that the attack was brilliantly planned. Long regarded as brilliant strike, Mark argues in Pearl Harbor that the attack was instead a tactical disappointment, an operational failure and a strategic disaster.

(subject to confirmation)

Introduction: The Myths of Pearl Harbor
Chapter 1: The Road to Pearl Harbor
Chapter 2: Japanese Options and the Great Debate
Chapter 3: The Japanese Plan
Chapter 4: Imperial Japanese Navy Forces Employed in the Attack
Chapter 5: The US Pacific Fleet and Pearl Harbor Defenses
Chapter 6: The Japanese Striking Force Approaches Pearl Harbor
Chapter 7: The First Attack Wave
Chapter 8: The Second Attack Wave
Chapter 9: After the Attack
Chapter 10: The Forgotten Offensive: Japanese Submarines off Hawaii
Chapter 11: The Reckoning
Chapter 12: Why Pearl Harbor Matters
Chapter 13: Responsibility Misplaced?
Appendices

Product details

Published	06 Nov 2025
Format	Ebook (PDF)
Edition	1st
Extent	352
ISBN	9781472865281
Imprint	Osprey Publishing
Illustrations	16-page plate section in black and white.
Series	General Military
Short code	GNM
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing

Author

Mark Stille

Mark Stille is the author of numerous Osprey title…

Praise for MIDWAY and LEYTE GULF
This work rises smartly above the massive literature on the Battle of Leyte Gulf with its concise yet very sophisticated narrative and above all analysis.

Richard B. Frank, author of 'Downfall: The End of the Imperial Japanese Empire'
[T]his is the most up to date and likely to be lasting overall study of the Leyte Gulf actions in one accessible account.

Anthony P. Tully, co-author of 'Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway'
Masterful. Mark Stille debunks many of the myths still surrounding history's largest naval battle.

Jon Parshall, co-author of 'Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway'
A worthy addition to any bookshelf.

The Naval Review
A major contribution to naval history.

Alan D. Zimm, author of 'Attack on Pearl Harbor'
Stille once again takes on the monumental task of challenging an accepted historical narrative and carries it off splendidly. The Midway epic is no longer gathering historical dust – it has emerged again as a stirring chapter in modern naval warfare.

History of War