Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor

December 7, 2016 marks 75 years since Japan's 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor and six other military bases. The annual commemoration of Pearl Harbor fosters reflection, remembrance and ever-growing understanding. This particular anniversary is a unique opportunity to honor the dedication and sacrifices of those who fought and endured. Today, the legacy speaks to peace, cooperation and a commitment to freedom. The history of Pearl Harbor is layered and complex: new accounts and research continue to surface today.

In honor of this milestone anniversary, we’ve curated a wide array of books to enlighten and pay tribute. Each of these titles brings a unique perspective to the narrative, so whether you’re a longtime scholar or just beginning to delve into this pivotal point in our history, you’ll find a powerful read on our bookshelf.

Ninety-four-year-old veteran Donald Stratton delivers an extraordinary firsthand account in ALL THE GALLANT MEN. In PEARL HARBOR: From Infamy to Greatness, Craig Nelson’s exhaustive research depicts a clear, immersive history, including not only the motivations leading up to the attack, but the anti-Asian sentiment that followed. An esteemed biographer and historian, Nelson refers often to interviews with survivors, creating an invaluable resource that doesn’t lack for heart.

Some of the works take on truly rare and poignant approaches to the sociocultural moment. Brian Curtis explains how the war disrupted the Rose Bowl and a generation of young men in FIELDS OF BATTLE. The editors of LIFE magazine have compiled a lavishly illustrated, arresting photobook PEARL HARBOR: 75 YEARS LATER: A Day of Infamy and Its Legacy. Steve Twomey investigates the global precursors in COUNTDOWN TO PEARL HARBOR, and the grandsons of an infamous admiral contribute their perspectives in the aftermath in A MATTER OF HONOR.

Through the various angles and voices captured in these 10 titles, we hope to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor with truth, respect and restorative honor.

Curated by Tom Donadio and Maya Gittelman