W. Spencer Johnson Book order (chronological)

"A date which will live in infamy"—President Delano Roosevelt, December 7, 1941. Coinciding with the release of a high-profile film, this visually stunning volume offers an in-depth exploration of the Pearl Harbor attack, captivating readers long after the movie fades. Directed by Michael Bay and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the film features a star-studded cast, including Oscar winners Ben Affleck and Cuba Gooding, generating significant interest in the historical event. The attack resulted in 2,395 military and civilian deaths, 1,178 wounded, and extensive damage to ships and aircraft. The narrative begins with Japan's surprise assault, marked by Commander Fuchida's code words, "TORA, TORA, TORA." Through striking images and an authoritative text, the book delves into the background of Japan's rise as a military power and the strategic decisions leading to the attack. H.P. Willmott, a seasoned writer on the topic, presents new research, including detailed tables of warships and aircraft involved. The book also addresses the controversial reasons behind the absence of a third strike on Pearl Harbor. Ultimately, it argues that this pivotal day marked not just the beginning of Japan's war but also the start of its eventual defeat, contextualizing it within the broader scope of the Pacific conflict, including the Battles of the Coral Sea and Midway.