War without Mercy Race and Power in the Pacific War

by Dower, John

• ISBN13: 9780394751726
• ISBN10: 0394751728
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780307816146
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780075416524
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1987-02-12
• Publisher: Pantheon

About This Book

War Without Mercy: Race and Power in the Pacific War

ISBN: 9780394751726

War Without Mercy is a groundbreaking historical text that delves into the role of racism during World War II, particularly in the Pacific Theater. Written by renowned historian John Dower, this book offers a profound and detailed exploration of the war's complexities.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and educators in history and social studies courses at the college and university levels. It is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the historical context of World War II, including professionals looking to expand their knowledge of the war's cultural and social dynamics.

History and Editions

Published on February 12, 1987, by Pantheon Books, War Without Mercy has been a cornerstone in historical studies for over three decades. The book draws on a wide range of sources including American, English, and Japanese songs, cartoons, propaganda films, secret reports, and official documents. This comprehensive approach provides a unique perspective on the war's impact on race relations and power dynamics.

Author and Other Works

John Dower is a distinguished historian known for his meticulous research and insightful analysis. War Without Mercy is one of his most celebrated works, earning him the National Book Critics Circle Award. Dower's other notable books include "Embracing Defeat: Japan in the Wake of World War II" and "Cultures of War: Pearl Harbor / Hiroshima / 9-11 / Iraq."

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780394751726
• eTextbook: ISBN-13: 9780307816146
• Other Editions: Available through various retailers

Publication Details

• Publisher: Pantheon Books
• Publication Date: February 12, 1987
• Number of Pages: 416
• Language: English

Other Editions and Formats

• The book is also available in e-book format with additional study tools and features.

Illustrations and Content

War Without Mercy includes 20 pages of illustrations, providing visual context to the historical narrative. The book's comprehensive coverage of propaganda materials, songs, and cartoons offers a rich and detailed exploration of the war's cultural landscape.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Coverage: The book provides a thorough examination of racism and power dynamics during World War II.
• Historical Context: It draws on a wide range of primary sources to offer a nuanced understanding of the war's impact on race relations.
• Illustrative Materials: The inclusion of songs, cartoons, and propaganda films adds a unique visual dimension to the historical narrative.

Additional Resources

For those interested in further exploring the historical context of World War II, War Without Mercy is an essential resource. Its detailed analysis and comprehensive coverage make it a valuable addition to any history or social studies curriculum.

Author Biography

JOHN W. DOWER, born in 1938, is the Henry Luce Professor of International Cooperation and Global Stability at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is the author of Empire and Aftermath: Yoshida Shigeru and the Japanese Experience, 1878–1954 and The Elements of Japanese Design, and is the editor of The Origins of the Japanese State: Selected Writings of E. H. Norman and coeditor of The Hiroshima Murals: The Art of Iri Maruki and Toshi Maruki.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. ix
Enemies
Patterns of a Race War	p. 3
"Know Your Enemy"	p. 15
War Hates and War Crimes	p. 33
The War in Western Eyes
Apes and Others	p. 77
Lesser Men and Supermen	p. 94
Primitives, Children, Madmen	p. 118
Yellow, Red, and Black Men	p. 147
Illustrations	p. 181
The War in Japanese Eyes
The Pure Self	p. 203
The Demonic Other	p. 234
"Global Policy with the Yamato Race as Nucleus"	p. 262
Epilogue
From War to Peace	p. 293
Notes	p. 319
Bibliography	p. 367
Picture Credits	p. 385
Index	p. 387
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.