{"title":"Sarah Kovner","description":"\u003cp\u003eSarah Kovner is a distinguished historian known for her insightful explorations into World War II and its far-reaching impacts. Her works are integral to the \u003cem\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Military\u003c\/em\u003e category, focusing on captivating narratives that illuminate lesser-known aspects of the war and its aftermath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKovner's acclaimed book, \u003cem\u003ePrisoners of the Empire\u003c\/em\u003e, delves into the complex history of Allied prisoners in Japan during World War II. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, she sheds light on the experiences of those held as prisoners, offering a nuanced perspective that challenges conventional views. Her work not only enriches our understanding of military history but also humanises the often untold stories of individuals amidst the backdrop of global conflict.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith a keen eye for detail and a dedication to uncovering the past, Sarah Kovner provides readers with a profound understanding of historical events. Her contributions to the field of history offer valuable insights that resonate with both academic audiences and general readers alike. Discover Sarah Kovner's collection for a journey through history that is both enlightening and thought-provoking.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"prisoners-of-the-empire-by-sarah-kovner-9780674737617","title":"Prisoners of the Empire","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA pathbreaking account of World War II POW camps, challenging the longstanding belief that the Japanese Empire systematically mistreated Allied prisoners.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn only five months, from the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 to the fall of Corregidor in May 1942, the Japanese Empire took prisoner more than 140,000 Allied servicemen and 130,000 civilians from a dozen different countries. From Manchuria to Java, Burma to New Guinea, the Japanese army hastily set up over seven hundred camps to imprison these unfortunates. In the chaos, 40 percent of American POWs did not survive. More Australians died in captivity than were killed in combat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSarah Kovner offers the first portrait of detention in the Pacific theatre that explains why so many suffered. She follows Allied servicemen in Singapore and the Philippines, transported to Japan on \"hellships\" and singled out for hard labour. She also describes the experience of guards and camp commanders, who were completely unprepared for the task. Much of the worst treatment resulted from a lack of planning, poor training, and bureaucratic incoherence rather than an established policy of debasing and tormenting prisoners. The struggle of POWs tended to be greatest where Tokyo exercised the least control, and many were killed by Allied bombs and torpedoes rather than deliberate mistreatment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBy going beyond the horrific accounts of captivity to actually explain why inmates were neglected and abused, \u003cem\u003ePrisoners of the Empire\u003c\/em\u003e contributes to ongoing debates over POW treatment across myriad war zones, even to the present day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47000710021356,"sku":"9780674737617","price":73.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/5878053482428.jpg?v=1763299616"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/sarah-kovner.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}