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(More customer reviews)This is the first volume of a planned two volume set on the interplay between the Royal Navy and Imperial Japanese Navy from 1936 - 1945. Sadly, Arthur Marder died of cancer as this volume went to print and the second volume was finished by former students. This volume covers the period from the collapse of naval arms limitations in 1936 to the sinking of HMS Prince of Wales and Repulse at the end of 1941.
It is divided into three parts. The first covers the long history between the two navies and a detailed look at the stated period. On the British side, it concentrates on the British strategic dilema of fighting a possible three ocean war with a battered and somewhat antiquated two ocean navy. On the Japanese side it follows the road to Pearl Harbor. The second part looks at the Japanese navy in contrast to the Royal Navy, focusing on ships, men, tactics, doctrine, etc. The third part is a detailed study of the short life of "Force Z" (Prince of Wales and Repulse).
The book is the expected combination of meticulous and comprehensive research, outstanding organization of material and the great readibility that Marder has shown in his other works, particularly his master piece, FROM THE DREADNOUGHT TO SCAPA FLOW, of which this compares favorably. At the end, the reader knows why things were done the way they were, especially the controversial decision to send Force Z to Singapore, and why things turned out as they did. It is the story of the British and Japanese navies and touches lightly on American and Dutch involvement.
Well worth the reading on a subject that is often overlooked.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Old Friends, New Enemies: The Royal Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy, vol. 1: Strategic illusions, 1936-1941
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