Hiroshima Nagasaki

"Hiroshima, Nagasaki: The Real Story of the Atomic Bombings and Their Aftermath is a meticulously researched book with a compelling and riveting narrative . . . Ham describes the firebombing of both Germany and Japan in meticulous, brutalizing detail . . . Throughout the book he traces the personal histories of several individuals and families, as the war proceeds and then as the bomb finally strikes. Even those who survived the initial attack, however, were plagued by burns and the effects of radiation for the remainder of their lives, as were their descendants in some cases . . . In 1960 the United States estimated that 50-60 countries would possess nuclear weapons before the end of the decade; today there are less than ten nuclear-armed states. Yet Ham’s work still contains powerful lessons for the present, he feels, particularly around the inhuman effects of total war."—Hans Rollman, Pop Matters

“Ham's 629-page volume shows familiarity with much of the literature and debates within historiography, skillfully uses some archival research, and ranges widely in political, diplomatic, and military history . . . Ham is a splendid storyteller, a master of engrossing and exciting narrative . . . [He] digs deeper, and brings back to life the figures who dominated this history, in a page-turner that could reach a wide audience.”—Los Angeles Review of Books

“Moral anger drives Mr. Ham . . . Ordinary Japanese, Mr. Ham believes, were less emperor-worshiping fanatics than victims of an authoritarian elite that prolonged the war with no regard for their hardships.”—The Wall Street Journal

“Ham presents a forceful argument that the bombing was excessive and unjustified… In this sweeping and comprehensive history, Ham details the geopolitical considerations and huge egos behind evolving theories of warfare… But most powerful are the eyewitness accounts of 80 survivors, ordinary people caught up in the events of war.”—Booklist (starred review)

“[A] vivid, comprehensive, and quietly furious account . . . Paul Ham brings new tools to the job, unearthing fresh evidence of a deeply disturbing sort. He has a magpie eye for the telling detail.” —Ben Macintyre, The Times (UK)

“A provocative look at the closing days of the Japanese Empire and the long shadow cast ever after by the atomic bomb . . . A valuable contribution to the literature of World War II that asks its readers to rethink much of what they've been taught about America's just cause.”—Kirkus Reviews

“An absorbing read and thoroughly researched work, it is a must-read for those interested in the mortal aspects of total war and military strategy in general. Ham's work will be cited as an important addition to a debate that continues 70 years after the event.”—Publishers Weekly