Target: Pearl Harbor takes a fresh look at the air raid that plunged America into World War II by scrutinizing the decisions and attitudes that prompted the attack and left the United States unprepared to mount a successful defense. The core of the book concerns the events of December 7, 1941, as seen through the eyes of participants, both American and Japanese, military and civilian. The author's use of contemporary documents and interviews with survivors has enabled him to present a vivid and evocative picture of that day. -- From the book jacket.

Setting the stage for disaster -- The attack on Battleship Row -- The air battles -- More havoc at Pearl -- The aftermath -- America reacts -- Appendices. A note on sources and revisionism -- Japanese ships in the Pearl Harbor attack -- U.S. Navy vessels in or near Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 -- Losses in the Pearl Harbor attack -- Navy war warning on November 27, 1941 -- Army war warnings on November 27 and December 7, 1941 and Shott’s reply -- President Roosevelt’s address to Congress on December 8, 1941.