The first comprehensive evaluation of the building of the notorious River Kwai railway that was built in the jungles of Burma and Thailand during the Second World War. While the construction of the railway has always been considered principally as a response to a logistic imperative, it is also evaluated here as the focus for a cultural and racial clash between oriental and western attitudes as well a between those of the Japanese and the other Asian nations involved. Kinvig uses recently available Japanese material, together with the prisoners’ own accounts and illustrations, to record the progress of this remarkable enterprise. He examines it not only from the viewpoint of the Japanese soldiers and Allied prisoners, but also from the perspective of the Burmese and Indian labourers whose plight has been largely overlooked until now. -- From the back cover.

List of maps : Japan’s conquests 1942 ; Malayan Railways 1942 ; The branch line to Burma ; The Burma-Siam Railroad.

The explosion of Japanese power -- The Western bastion -- The labour forces -- Planning the impossible -- The battle begins -- Lives on the line -- Isolation -- Speedo – the plan -- Reinforcements -- Speedo – worko -- Ending the torment -- Relief deferred -- The impermanent way -- Defeat and deliverance -- Brought to account.