This is an auction for HIROHITO: BEHIND THE MYTH by Edward Behr.

"Along with Hitler and Mussolini, he was one of the "three most hated men" of WW II, but Emperor Hirohito of Japan became an internationally respected figure during his 63-year reign, which ended with his death in early 1989. Behr convincingly argues that Hirohito, far from being a tool of the Japanese military, sanctioned military expansionism in the 1930s; did little to reverse a tendency toward battlefield confrontation with the US; was fully informed of preparations for the attack on Pearl Harbor; and presided over the War to the end. Describing how the Emperor later extricated himself from responsibility for the deaths of millions, Behr concludes that Hirohito was "without doubt the ultimate survivor of all time". And, suggests the author, he set an example of slippery diplomacy that continues to reverberate: Japanese teachers, according to Behr, continue to relate to students a version of military events that characterizes their country as blameless victims of WW II." - Publishers Weekly (US)

"The late emperor Hirohito has been the subject of several biographies. The life and times of Hirohito remain controversial, however, and there is ample need for an ongoing reassessment by responsible writers. Behr, a Newsweek correspondent, presents a well-researched study that provides a fascinating and probing look at the life of the 20th century's longest-reigning monarch. Behr argues that a generation of Hirohito apologists have propagated the notion that Hirohito was a "peace-loving puppet" who didn't know what his generals and ministers were up to in the 1930s and 1940s." - Library Journal (US)

Very favourable reviews on Amazon.com.

Hardback 1988.

486 pages + 16 pages of photographs and other illustrations.

Very good condition.

The cost of shipping is $8.95.

There is of course no charge for shipping if you collect this book from my shop in Palmerston North following the auction.

Payment within seven days, please.