John W. Dower

John W. Dower is an American author and historian specializing in modern Japanese history. He is a professor emeritus of history at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Dower is best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning book 'Embracing Defeat: Japan in the Wake of World War II', which examines Japan's experience under post-war U.S. occupation. His work is characterized by its extensive research and nuanced understanding of Japanese culture and society.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. War Without Mercy

    This book provides a detailed analysis of the racial aspects that influenced the Pacific War during World War II. It explores the racial stereotypes, propaganda, and policies that were used by both the United States and Japan, and how these factors contributed to the extreme violence and hatred that characterized the conflict. The book also examines the impact of these racial attitudes on the post-war relations between the two countries.

  2. 2. Embracing Defeat: Japan in the Wake of World War II

    This book provides a detailed exploration of Japan following World War II, focusing on the country's defeat and subsequent occupation by Allied forces. It delves into the profound changes in Japanese society, politics, and culture during this period. The narrative captures the struggles of ordinary Japanese people, their feelings of guilt and shame, as well as their efforts to rebuild their lives and nation. It also examines the role of the United States in shaping post-war Japan, highlighting the complexities and contradictions of this transformative era.