The Imperial Japanese Navy was a pioneer in naval aviation, having commissioned the world's first built-from-the-keel-up carrier, the 'Hosho'. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, it experimented with its carriers, perfecting their design and construction. As result, by the time Japan entered World War 2 and attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor in 1941, it possessed a fantastically effective naval aviation force. Carriers would roam the Pacific with near impunity, destroying their opponents at will. This book covers the design, development and operation of IJN aircraft carriers built prior to and during World War 2. Pearl Harbor, Midway and the first carrier vs carrier battle, the battle of the Coral Sea, are all discussed.

Author Biography

Mark Stille is a retired commander in the US Navy, currently working in Naval Intelligence. He has had numerous war games published in the past, including some conceming Japanese Aircraft Carriers. Interested in the navy, in particular the Imperial Japanese Navy, for most of his life, he devotes much of his time to researching the IJN and the vessels they used. Tony Bryan is a freelance illustrator of many years' experience. He initially qualified in Engineering and worked for a number of years in Military Research and Development, and has a keen interest in military hardware - armor, small arms, aircraft and ships. Tony has produced many illustrations for partworks, magazines and books, including a number of titles for Osprey's New Vanguard series.