Osprey

Pearl Harbor

Japan's Greatest Disaster

Author:	Mark Stille
Published:	2025
Format:	Hardback, 448 pages
Size:	234 × 156 × 39 mm

£25⁰⁰

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The Myths Behind Pearl Harbor

Naval historian Mark Stille exposes the myths of the Pearl Harbor attack, arguing it was a tactical and strategic disaster for Japan.

Pearl Harbor: Japan’s Greatest Disaster is a detailed re-examination of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor – the Day of Infamy that saw the United States enter World War II.

In this first comprehensive treatment of Pearl Harbor since the early 1990s, respected Pacific War naval historian Mark E. Stille traces the road to war and the Japanese attack itself. He examines the role of the man behind the operation, Admiral Yamamoto, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the plan. The American preparations for an attack are also carefully reviewed. At the heart of the book is a thorough narrative of the assault and its aftermath, with the results placed in their full historical context.

In common with many of the major campaigns of the Pacific War, myths continue to surround Pearl Harbor. Among others, Stille dismantles the myth of Yamamoto as a military genius and the belief that the attack was brilliantly executed. He argues instead that it was a tactical disappointment, an operational failure, and a strategic disaster.

Introduction: The Myths of Pearl Harbor
Chapter 1: The Road to Pearl Harbor
Chapter 2: Japanese Options and the Great Debate
Chapter 3: The Japanese Plan
Chapter 4: Imperial Japanese Navy Forces Employed in the Attack
Chapter 5: The US Pacific Fleet and Pearl Harbor Defences
Chapter 6: The Japanese Striking Force Approaches Pearl Harbor
Chapter 7: The First Attack Wave
Chapter 8: The Second Attack Wave
Chapter 9: After the Attack
Chapter 10: The Forgotten Offensive – Japanese Submarines off Hawaii
Chapter 11: The Reckoning
Chapter 12: Why Pearl Harbor Matters
Chapter 13: Responsibility Misplaced?
Appendices

About the Author

Mark Stille is the author of numerous Osprey titles focusing on naval history in the Pacific. He recently concluded a nearly 40-year career in the intelligence community, including service on the faculty of the Naval War College, on the Joint Staff, and aboard US Navy ships. He received his BA in History from the University of Maryland and an MA from the Naval War College.