Hiroshima by John Hersey (1989, Paperback, Reprint)

This the first of John Hersey’s work that I have read. Hersey’s image was on a 2008 issued postage stamp displayed in my local post office. This piqued my curiosity about the person shown in WWII-era military garb. While researching the “why” and then the “who” behind this stamp, I read that his book "Hiroshima" was considered by many to be one of the best writings of the 20th Century.

When researching the book, I found there was the original and subsequent printings of the original as well as one with material that Hersey added bringing the reader up to date on what had happened during the 40+/- years after the dropping of the atomic bomb.

Several eBay sellers had various printings and conditions of "Hiroshima" available at a broad range of reasonable prices. Since I do not collect first editions or signed pieces, it seemed obvious to search out the last update – 1989 printing – for my reading which is what I did.

Reading the first few pages made me long for a comfortable pair of shoes, an overstuffed favorite chair and a warm mug of hot chocolate to complement this slender volume.

The book quickly went from the tranquility of day to day life in 1945 Hiroshima into the shattering moments following the dropping of the first Weapon of Mass Destruction against people brought home the gripping reality of the horror of its deployment.

Please understand, I do grasp the potential numbers of casualties for both sides if the war had progressed into a invasion of Japan’s mainland. And I do understand the desire to bring the war to a quick conclusion to stop the effusion of blood for all concerned. But, couldn’t there have been another way ... ANY other way?

I served in the US Navy in the late 60s – yes, a VERY unpopular war that the American public seemed to take out against the young men and women – like me – who were in uniform at that time. I have no allusions about war or public sentiment.

In a telling scene in the movie "Crimson Tide" (1995), Denzel Washington was Lt Commander Jim Hunter, the XO on a nuclear submarine during the heating-up of the cold war. When backed into a corner to reveal who was the enemy in war, Washington reluctantly replied that in nuclear war "the true enemy is war itself."

Hersey’s slender volume speaks volumes about "the enemy" which was and still is the enemy of all people – war itself. Which is the greatest of tragedies: the people hurt or that no one seems to cares about the hurting of others?

Hersey’s "Hiroshima" should be required reading in our schools.

The book was in excellent condition, the price was satisfactory, as was the shipping. It arrived promptly and was an overall good transaction.

Hiroshima is a very good account of the events surrounding the dropping of the A-bomb on Hiroshima in 1945. In the updated version, Hersey goes back 40 years later to recap what has happened to his six case-study participants. He also reviews some of the world events, such as the USSR's development of the A-bomb, etc. I bought this book for a recent US History class, 1945-present, but am glad I read it. It is a worth-while read, especially for anyone who thinks they know quite a bit about what happened at the end of WWII.

I have bought this book two months ago..am not sure. At that time my professor urge me to buy because that book could help me to improve my english skill alot.
So, i came here in e-bay to find the cheapest price and compare it with other web site.
Finally, I got it from somebody here. I'd to say that he is really good seller. He sent it on time and the book condition is really good like he've posted on the web site.
Right now I've already got it and I feel so happy!!!