During the Pacific War; arguably the most successful component of the Imperial Japanese Fleet was its destroyer force. These ships were generally larger than their Allied counterparts and were better armed in most cases. Armed with a large; long-range torpedo (eventually called Long Lance by the Allies); these ships proved themselves as formidable opponents. In the first part of the war; Japanese destroyers were instrumental in an unbroken string of Japanese victories. However; it was not until the Guadalcanal campaign that these ships fully demonstrated their power. In a series of night actions; these ships devastated Allied task forces with a number of daring night attacks using their deadly torpedoes. This volume will detail the history; weapons and tactics of the Japanese destroyers built before the war. This includes the famous Fubuki class (called "Special Type" by the Japanese; which were; when completed in the late 1920's; the most powerful class of destroyers in the world. This design forced all other major navies to follow suite and provided the basic design for the next many classes of Imperial Navy destroyers. This book will also cover the three classes built before the Special Type which were based on a German World War I design as well as two classes built after the advent of the Special Type. All of these ships had a rich history as they fought from the first battles of the Pacific War up until the very end when several accompanied the superbattleship Yamato on her death sortie. The final part of the book will be an analysis of the destroyer designs covered in the book which will include an examination of their strengths and weaknesses. The success (or lack of success) of these designs will be discussed and they will be compared to comparable Allied destroyer designs.
#585260 in Books imusti 2011-02-15 2011-02-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .90 x 5.50l; .80 #File Name: 1848850883328 pagesI B Tauris Company
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. One of the definitive books on Zoroastrianism.By ZERAThis is one of the definitive books devoted to Zoroastrianism along with Mary Boyce's 'Zoroastrians Their Religious Beliefs and Practices'. Despite its title; this book is much more than just a introduction. The book contains information not just on Zoroastrian practices and beliefs but also maps; a glossary; picture and illustrations; and a comprehensive history of Zoroastrianism (a chapter devoted to Zoroastrianism in Central Asia; that is rare!). There is very few resources for the study of Zoroastrianism so this is a very invaluable book that successfully attempted to fill that void.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Good intelligent readBy Patrick FoleyThe book is written to be informative; not entertaining. It tells about Zoroastrainism and touches upon its evolution through history and through it's expansion from Persia to the Orient. Read this book if you want to understand the evolution of the religion and get a better understanding of what it is. This is not a book to tell you all about the religion and practices; although you will be able to infer some of it from the references.15 of 16 people found the following review helpful. ExcellentBy R. SprattJenny Rose's book is in my view exceptional. I as a layman; first developed an interest in Zoroastrianism 20 years ago and I started out with an over simplified concept of one man at one time who had some important ideas the development of which moved in a steady linear progression. This author; however; has illustrated with great clarity how the ideas of this religion developed in a multitude of different ways in different places; times and circumstances. Without ever losing her grasp of the overall theme; Rose is always diligent in tying her synthesis to the available evidence. Her commentary on the religion in Central Asia was particularly illuminating (at least for me).Two minor quibbles. Occasionally Rose slips into un-necessary academic jargon when simple Anglo-Saxon would do the job more efficiently. One of her academic reviewers described her English as beautiful. It ain't; it's accurate; even good; but might have benefited from a non-academic edit prior to publishing.Secondly; better use might have been made of better maps though I understand they would add to costs.I repeat; minor quibbles. I would give 6 stars to this book if I could.It really is that good.
