Hirohito: Behind the Myth [Hardcover]

Edward Behr (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 1989

A biography of Japan's Emperor, the man who started an extraordinary period in history. The work covers the period prior to 1939, World War II and the post-war reconstruction of Japan.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Along with Hitler and Mussolini, he was one of the "three most hated men" of WW II, but Emperor Hirohito of Japan became an internationally respected figure during his 63-year reign, which ended with his death in early 1989. Armed with new evidence, however, Behr ( The Last Emperor ) convincingly argues that Hirohito, far from being an innocent tool of the Japanese military, actually sanctioned military expansionism in the 1930s; did little to reverse a tendency toward battlefield confrontation with the U.S.; was fully informed of preparations for the attack on Pearl Harbor; and, in fact, presided over the war to the end. Describing how the Emperor later extricated himself from responsibility for the wartime deaths of millions, Behr concludes that Hirohito was "without doubt the ultimate survivor of all time." And, suggests the author, he set an example of slippery diplomacy that continues to reverberate: Japanese teachers, according to Behr, continue to relate to students a version of military events that characterizes their country as blameless victims of WW II. Photos.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

The late emperor Hirohito has been the subject of several biographies, notably David Bergamini's Japan's Imperial Conspiracy (LJ 12/15/71) and Leonard Mosley's Hirohito: Emperor of Japan (LJ 6/15/66). The life and times of Hirohito remain controversial, however, and there is ample need for an ongoing reassessment by responsible writers. Behr, a Newsweek correspondent, presents a well-researched (though in English-language sources only) study that provides a fascinating and probing look at the life of the 20th century's longest-reigning monarch. Behr argues that a generation of Hirohito apologists have propagated the notion that Hirohito was a "peace-loving puppet" who didn't know what his generals and ministers were up to in the 1930s and 1940s; Behr's intention is to "restore the balance." The result, however, is not "balance" but a lawyer's brief for the prosecution.
- John Boyle, California State Univ., Chico
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 437 pages
• Publisher: Villard; First American Edition edition (September 30, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0394580729
• ISBN-13: 978-0394580722
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #607,098 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not exactly clear, December 3, 2003

By 

lordhoot "lordhoot" (Anchorage, Alaska USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hirohito: Behind the Myth (Paperback)

I am not exactly sure what Edward Behr is trying to say in this biography of Emperor Hirohito. From my perception, he seem to be saying that Hirohito is gulity of war crimes but not responsible for them. I think I get the feeling that Behr himself may not be sure. One of the earlier reviews which compared Hirohito with "Mr. Carlson from WKRP" seem to be a very good analogy. I don't think Hirohito was that clueless but his influence wasn't all that great. I would recommended that new Pulitzer prize winning biography that came out several years ago. It has a more balance view on the man.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Some rather broad assumptions...., October 9, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Hirohito: Behind the Myth (Hardcover)

I stumbled upon a hardcover of this book in a used bookstore and therefore did not know what to expect.

Behr writes well, no question. The book is an enjoyable read, but unfortunately the author does not let proof or substantiation get in the way of a good theory.

Behr's book is full of throw-away phrases (always without footnotes or any other form of academic proof) such as "Hirohito almost certainly studied this document" or "Hirohito was well aware..."

Unfortunately Behr's thesis is undermined by Japan's historical reality. Emperors have been the plaything of the Japanese warrior class since before the first Shogunate and remained so until Meiji. How Behr can assume that this situation changed within a few decades is beyond me. Behr falls into the trap of many 20th century journalists and political scientists--the assumption that the world began in 1905.

But for six bucks from a used book store...well, it was a fun read.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A look inside Japanesse tradition, December 27, 1999

By 

cooch (NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hirohito: Behind the Myth (Hardcover)

A great look into the mentality of the leaders of Japan before, during, and after WWII. This unbiased well written book shows the depth of Japanesse tradition and how it influenced the actions of an entire country. Behr gives enough information on supporting characters, but not enough to confuse the reader. An overall great book.