Infamy: pearl harbor and its aftermath (Paperback)

~ (Author) "On Saturday morning, December 6, 1941, one of the translators at Op-20-G, the Security Intelligence Section of U.S. Naval Communications, in Washington, D.C., began skimming..." (more)
Key Phrases: war warning message, kaze ame, consular code, Pearl Harbor, United States, White House (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Reads almost like a top-notch suspense novel. -- Fresno Bee

Review

The controversial, best-selling investigation of the events surrounding Pearl Harbor acclaimed as "a shocking account of judgments distorted by politics and career hunger and racism . . . fascinating reading."--Los Angeles Times --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Berkley (March 15, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 042509040X
• ISBN-13: 978-0425090404
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #167,924 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I was stunned at testimonies of those involved in the matter, September 15, 1999

By	[e-mail] (San Diego, Ca.) - See all my reviews

As the grandson of a good man who died at Pearl Harbor on the U.S.S Utah, in his sleep, I have a special interest in this topic.

Firstly, did we know about the attack before it occurred? Secondly, how did our government deal with the uproar of the time that enraged our nation and drove us into the Pacific War with a blood-lust for vengeance. The shout of "Remember Pearl Harbor" was our Battle Cry and for good reason.

Thirdly, I have found this book to be very specific and detailed, with information I had not previously been able to acquire, I.E: Interviews with the Naval Intelligence Officer who actually translated the Japanese "Winds" code prior to the attack, and who was prohibited from testifying at the Official Congressional, Army and Navy Hearings that comprise the "official" record as we have been handed it.

This is a book that helps us all make our own minds up about who was responsible for the fact that we were caught sleeping, literally, when war was imminent and on the way to our Pacific outposts in early December of 1941. I give it 5 Eagle, Globe and Anchors for the Pearl Harbor History Buff in search of the "real" story that led us to War in the Pacific.

Ronald Hinton USMC/Retired

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Master Historian Turns to Pearl Harbor, June 2, 2008

By	Todd and In Charge (Miami, FL) - See all my reviews

I agree with those who have already noted John Toland's superior research and writing skills, which are very much in evidence in this gripping, masterful account.

But as a lawyer I wanted to highlight how enjoyable and fascinating are the behind-the-scenes accounts of the various Pearl Harbor tribunals, which pinned guilt perhaps wrongly on some of the accused. I was particularly interested in famed Boston attorney Charles Rugg's defense of Admiral Kimmel, and the legal tactics employed to best make use of the otherwise secret cables and testimony that Rugg assembled on Kimmel's behalf.

A great account, and an inside look from a master historian of WWII, this one is a no-brainer for anyone interested in WWII history.

18 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It still stings!, April 10, 2001

By A Customer

When Mr. Toland's book Infamy was first published it caused a stir, and it still leaves a sting! Sometimes truth hurts. Mr. Toland's earlier book, The Rising Sun ( a Pulitzer prize winner ), presents a different picture from that in Infamy and perhaps more in line with textbook thinking. But deeper research into the subject forced him to the conclusions he drew in Infamy. If it is shocking that's good, because that is how one can learn from history.