Freivogel, Zvonimir Pearl Harbor. 7. Dezember 1941

On December 7th, 1941, the Empire of Japan stunned the world by launching an attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, what would prove to be one of the most important events of the 20th century, pulling the United States into World War II. Many books have been written outlining this extraordinary event, but few can match Zvonimir Freivogels masterful work: by tracking the development of the U.S. and Japanese Navies from far before 1941, Freivogel provides the necessary context of the event, its political and military circumstances, scrupulously reconstructing the Japanese attack from its conception to its execution, but without omitting the human drama at its core. Illustrated with 253 spectacular photographs, his thrilling account of the date which would live in infamy examines the technical details of ships and aircraft involved on both sides, outlines the reasons for the American failure to defend Pearl Harbor, and analyzes the attacks aftermath and consequences, dispelling a few popular myths along the way. The authors immense knowledge on the topic and his peerless attention to detail come together to create a comprehensive, accurate, and thoroughly researched book on one of the most dramatic moments of World War II.

His exciting work is illustrated with 253 spectacular photographs that document this "day of dishonour" in its course and its full scope. In addition to the pure history, the author also provides technical details of ships and aircraft on both sides, outlines the reasons for the American failure to defend Pearl Harbor and analyses the consequences of the attack. The author's immense knowledge of the subject and his attention to detail make for a comprehensive, accurate and thoroughly researched book about one of the most dramatic moments of World War II. The attack by Japanese carrier aircraft on the American naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on 7 December 1941 was not the first of its kind, but it was a major operation far from friendly bases and heralded a new era in naval warfare as aircraft carriers replaced armoured battleships in the role of capital ships. Although it was a major tactical victory for the Japanese, it was strategically counterproductive to their objectives and dragged the US into a war that ended in total Japanese defeat. The Americans were able to recover quickly from the shock and adapt to the state of war. As Admiral Yamamoto said, "We have awakened a sleeping giant." The American public was outraged, especially because the declaration of war came after the attack, so it was seen as dishonourable and base. The Japanese had also failed to find and destroy the American aircraft carriers and eliminate Pearl Harbor as a naval base. The Americans were therefore soon able to begin their counter-offensive. Only the aircraft carriers served as the core of their task forces because the surviving battleships were too slow to sail together with the carriers. The situation changed somewhat during the war as the fast battleships finished and their anti-aircraft batteries could effectively protect the carriers. After repair and modernisation, the battleships damaged at Pearl Harbor were able to successfully support the landings on occupied Pacific islands and bombard Japanese positions with their heavy guns. Their anti-aircraft batteries were also significantly strengthened so that they could protect themselves and other ships from Japanese air attacks and even survive some kamikaze attacks.