Matrix Games Forums

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

History of United States Naval Operations in World War II 15 Volume Set by RADM S. E. Morison

Some of these volumes were excellent. Others plodded a bit. Be honest-did you get much out of volumes 14 or 15? [;)]

ORIGINAL: bushpsu

Warspite - I agree with you on The Fast Carriers. Even though it is kinda old, it is a really great read.

ORIGINAL: Mike Dubost

I have recently finished a book that I think deserves mention in the Setting the Stage category:
Warships After Washingtonby John Jordan, from the Naval Institute Press is a look at how the signatories of the Washington naval treaty attempted to meet the limits of the treaty while still producing viable warships. The main focus is on design, with doctrine only mentioned in so far as it influenced design. As a fascinating bonus, there are 2 appendices with the full texts of the Washington and London naval treaties.
This is actually the first book I have read that explains the odd-sounding decision of the French to have all the main batteries on some of their capital ships in the front. It was adopted from a British design intended to reduce the size of the "citadel" and thus weight of armor.
I recommend it.

ORIGINAL: geofflambert

Here's Hata's list, might be some interesting stuff in there.

ORIGINAL: warspite1

An interesting discussion has developed in the modding thread about Japan's options in 1941.

Does anyone know any good books on Japan's journey to war - and specifically the internal and external discussions, debates and communications on the options available re China, and what to do about Roosevelt's screw tightening on Japan's economic position?

I have read Rising Sun and The Road to War as well as countless books that touch on the subject high level. I am looking for something much more detailed that covers the thoughts of the army, the navy, the Emperor's role and those poor anti-war politicians who had to walk a fine line between trying to do what was best for Japan's long term future and the personal wish to keep their heads firmly attached to their body's.....

Thanks.

ORIGINAL: Mike Dubost

ORIGINAL: warspite1

An interesting discussion has developed in the modding thread about Japan's options in 1941.

Does anyone know any good books on Japan's journey to war - and specifically the internal and external discussions, debates and communications on the options available re China, and what to do about Roosevelt's screw tightening on Japan's economic position?

I have read Rising Sun and The Road to War as well as countless books that touch on the subject high level. I am looking for something much more detailed that covers the thoughts of the army, the navy, the Emperor's role and those poor anti-war politicians who had to walk a fine line between trying to do what was best for Japan's long term future and the personal wish to keep their heads firmly attached to their body's.....

Thanks.

Last year I read a book on this topic called Japan 1941 by Eri Hota. It talks about the private face and public face views of the admirals, statesmen, and generals. I found it an interesting read.

ORIGINAL: pontiouspilot

You may try "Japan 1941" by Eri Hotta. I found it a bit ponderous but it covers the dysfunctional mess that Japan was in in 1941.