This text reassesses U.S. and Japanese strategy and offers interpretations of the Pacific War.

Map on lining papers.

States of mind: American -- States of mind: Japanese -- Orange -- Some last minute changes -- The issue is in doubt -- The short, unhappy life of ABDACOM -- "The vital flank" -- From Midway to Massacre Valley -- Routes to Rabaul -- Jungle victories -- CARTWHEEL -- The dodging tide -- "They are waiting for me there" -- To the Marianas -- "A hell of a beating" -- The road to Myitkyina -- Ichigo -- Strangers in strange lands -- Where is task force 34? -- Behind the lines -- The war of attrition -- From Leyte to Luzon -- "I am become death, shatterer of worlds".