Thomas F. (hardtack) -
This is a very interesting book which shows how the Pacific typhoons which struck the Mongol fleets of Khubilai Khan were directly linked to the Kamikaze attacks on the U.S. fleet at Okinawa. What made it even more interesting is that for centuries Japanese authorities forbade their people to discuss the defeat of the Mongol fleets. It was only when the culture in Japan changed to reflect a more military view that the legend of the "Divine Wind" was played up again.
The author does spend some time looking at the proposed invasion of Japan from the Mongol side and why it was necessary to Khubilai to undertake the invasions, and why he failed. The author also provides evidence that many of the ships in the invasion fleets might not have been the best. The book also covers the failed Mongol invasions of Viet Nam and Java.
The author also covers the archaeological investigations which uncovered some of what I mention above, and which are still continuing.
The author does spend some time looking at the proposed invasion of Japan from the Mongol side and why it was necessary to Khubilai to undertake the invasions, and why he failed. The author also provides evidence that many of the ships in the invasion fleets might not have been the best. The book also covers the failed Mongol invasions of Viet Nam and Java.
The author also covers the archaeological investigations which uncovered some of what I mention above, and which are still continuing.
A short and easily read history of the attack by Khubilai is Khan on Japan. Two invasion fleets were beaten off with the help of strong winds (Typhoon) giving rise to the legend that Typhoons protect Japan. The history covers not just the invasion, but also the factors that led to rise of Khubilai Khan, the situation in Japan and the archaeology of today. Very interesting read
