Historian Scott's (Target Tokyo) gripping narrative delves deeply into firsthand accounts, war crimes trial transcripts, military reports, and oral histories to document in rich detail the Battle of Manila (1944–45). The heart-wrenching narrative describes the suffering of the civilian population as Japanese Army and Marine units, aware they were fighting a losing battle, murdered and raped scores of people, including German nationals and missionary priests and nuns. Scott reveals how the American military contributed to this humanitarian disaster, with U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur insisting on capturing a city he held dear in his heart, despite being urged to concentrate on the northern Philippines. The story continues with the first war crimes trial and conviction in the Pacific of Japanese Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita (1885–1946), known as the "Tiger of Malay," who was tasked with the defense of the Philippines. VERDICT Anyone interested in World War II history as well as admirers of Iris Chang's The Rape of Nanking will find this work difficult to put down and solidly engaging.—Chad E. Statler, Westlake Porter P.L., Westlake, OH