The Nisei Soldier : Historical Essays on World War II and the Korean War, 2nd ed. [Paperback]

Edwin M. Nakasone (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0966011155 | ISBN-13: 978-0966011159 | Publication Date: April 30, 1999 | Edition: 2 Revised

This second edition of The Nisei Soldier has added six more essays to the original five in the first edition. These new essays continue the theme of providing a synoptic view of World War II, especially from the Japanese-American perspective. A full understanding of this most significant event requires that we attempt to examine it from as many perspectives as possible. One of these perspectives, an often neglected one, is that of the Japanese American citizens who,though they participated in the war to defend their country as outstanding soldiers, were also persecuted by their government and distrusted by other Americans. In essence, then, this book is the story of the remarkable Japanese American citizens, and of their little known participation in and experience of the events of World War II. There can be little doubt that the participation of Japanese American citizens in World War II was one of the decisive factors in bringing the war to an end.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Fascinating reading . . . appealing . . . I think because it is so personalized. Fanaticism (by both sides) that was particularly the case in the Pacific war also comes through and it is always useful (though rare) to see conflict through the eyes of one's foes. -- Robert Geise, Professor of History

Having a keen interest in WWII I found it interesting to be able to read of different perspectives and accounts of individuals involved instead of just the overall [events]. I was compelled to read each story twice! -- Luke Bockman, history student

From the Publisher

Edwin M. Nakasone brings special credentials to his task of writing The Nisei Soldier. First, as a young man, the author lived through many of the events he recounts in the book, including the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the U.S. occupation of Japan. Second, Nakasone is of Japanese ancestry himself. Third, Nakasone is a professor of history and has taught Asian-American and world War II history for over 25 years. Professor Nakasone, in The Nisei Soldier, brings to life a part of history that has been neglected-the account of Japanese-American soldiers, the Nisei, as they fought bravely for their newly adopted country despite the discrimination accorded them by the people and government of the U.S.A. Nakasones narrative is rich in descriptive detail, based not only upon his own experiences but extensive interviews he had with the soldiers of whom he writes as well.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 205 pages
• Publisher: J-Press Pub; 2 Revised edition (April 30, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966011155
• ISBN-13: 978-0966011159
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,025,476 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reading this book brought back all my war memories., July 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Nisei Soldier : Historical Essays on World War II and the Korean War, 2nd ed. (Paperback)

The Nisei Soldier is a fascinating, fast moving account of major historical events. It is chronicled in such a way that one sees the faces of the protagonists and feels the psychological impact on them--ideal reading particularly for those interested in the contributions of the Nisei to our country's wars. I was a replacement with the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regiment. The Vosges Mountain campaign in France was my initiation into combat as an infantry-man. It was awful, with steel and tree splinters raining down on us--it was hell.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars C .Carlson, History Student, June 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Nisei Soldier : Historical Essays on World War II and the Korean War, 2nd ed. (Paperback)

The book Nisei Soldier is a very good and interesting book. The subject matter is interesting, and put together correctly so that the book flows. It is really easy to understand and follow. It is very readable because it is so easy to understand, and because any unfamiliar word or japanese phrase is described in good detail.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for homeschoolers!, June 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Nisei Soldier : Historical Essays on World War II and the Korean War, 2nd ed. (Paperback)

I am a homeschooler using this book to enrich my children's understanding of history. This book presents valuable Japanese prespectives that are not discussed in mainstream education. All of the foreign terms are clearly explained, and the book is very easy to understand. I highly reccomend this book for anyone who is interested in gaining a unique insight into World War II and the Korean War!