Yamamoto Isoroku (Command) by Mark Stille (20-Jun-2012) Paperback

Command #26

by Mark E. Stille

Admiral Yamamoto Isoroku was the defining Japanese naval commander of World War II. Although by no means part of the militarist clique that dominated Japanese politics in the 1930s, when war came Yamamoto was completely committed to his country's cause and planned and executed the daring pre-emptive strike on Pearl Harbor that so damaged the US Pacific Fleet and ushered in the Pacific War.Yamamoto's career in the Imperial Japanese Navy started in the early years of the 20th century and he saw service in the Russo-Japanese War, being wounded in the battle of Tsushima in 1904, before going on to study at Harvard University and serve as a naval attaché in the inter-war years, an experience that was supposed to give him a unique insight into the American psyche. Despite his opposition to the Japanese invasion of Manchuria in 1931 and war with China in 1937, as well as the tripartite pact with Germany and Italy, he retained his position as commander-in-chief of the combined fleet in the warlike Tojo administration and was it was in this position that he led the IJN to war in 1941.Despite the success of the Pearl Harbor operation, Yamamoto's subsequent handling of the Japanese combined fleet can be called into question. Seeking a 'decisive battle' against the US Pacific Fleet, Yamamoto took up an aggressive position in the Pacific and fought the US Navy at the battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942 and the battle of Midway. Midway can be said to be Yamamoto's 'hour of destiny' as he planned and executed the battle. Though unaware that the Japanese Naval code had been broken, he fatally divided his forces, leaving them vulnerable to piecemeal destruction. The final campaign commanded by Yamamoto was that around Guadalcanal, where Yamamoto's myth of excellence will be totally laid bare. Despite a considerable numerical advantage over the Americans, Yamamoto never brought this advantage to bear. The result was a devastating defeat for the IJN and, eventually, the death of Yamamoto himself.This title will use these key campaigns to analyze Yamamoto's command style and strategies, and assess how these impacted upon the course of the war in the Pacific and Japan's chances for success.

Genres: Biography, History, Japan, Military History

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First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Harold · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read. This book is quite unforgiving in illustrating the life and leadership of Yamamoto. I would endeavor that this has a particular vitriol to cure the somewhat optimistic and possibly overly positive material about Yamamoto the man. The analysis of his actions as a wartime commander though begs more questions than answers. Best read in tandem or after reading The Reluctant Admiral by Hiroyuki Agawa and Wilmots section on Yamamoto found in the Great Admirals by the Naval Institute Press.

[John Blacksad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benim için üç yıldız ama dört yıldız.

Kitap, dönem ve şahıs ilginç. Fakat muharebe bölümleri, askerler, askeri tarih, milli savunma gibi alanlara özel ilgisi olmayan benim gibi okurlar için detaylı ve yorucu. Büyük boy, renkli, haritalar ve harekat planları ile zenginleştirilmiş.

Yukarıdaki kısımlarla ilgili olmasanız dahi dönemin ruhu ve japonya ile ilgili bazı bilgiler yakalamak mümkün. Çevirmenin kullandığı dili keyifli bulduğumu, beğendiğimi belirtmek isterim.

[The Sombre Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been a long time since I last read military books and they're definitely not my favourite. This book was bearable despite the bombardment of technical details pertaining to the attack of Pearl Harbour and Pacific War. I was more interested in the man himself and this direction is what the book lacked the most. Overall a satisfying read.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Struck the right balance between recognizing his brilliance and his limitations. Didn't talk much of his personal life, but otherwise an excellent military biography. It highlighted his miscalculations and his failure to take initiative in mid to late 1942 when US carrier power was at its lowest ebb.

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very balanced take on a well known historical figure, I just wish there was more on the person, his personality, and psychology.

[Koit · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting look into Yamamoto Isoroku, fully comparable to similar Osprey titles in my opinion. I found it most interesting that Mr Stille decided to contest the "prevailing" view of the admiral, but he did in the end convert me by abundant proof and evidence...

[Sean Chick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This military biography is best read alongside Agawa's more personal account of the man. Together you get a good look at Yamamoto as man and commander. It is a fascinating portrait that defies easy stereotypes. I think Stille is perhaps too hard on him, but he is more fair than Parshall and Tully.

[Dane Henshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the maps and graphics, however the character portrayal of Yamamoto strongly contrasts with what I have read about him in a number of other books, and portrays him in more negative a light than I am used to.

[Abdollah Gaper · Rating 5 out of 5]

yamamoto is the most well known of Japan's military leaders and his name will be unforgettable forever his loyalty and consistency and his sacrifice for his people