For many years I have relentlessly studied the history of the pre-war years in China and Japan. Like author Tohmatsu, I agree that the Pacific War (in which I participated) began long before Pearl Harbor. My interest has always been in the years between 1914 and 1937, partcularly the Mukden Incident in 1931,and A Gathering Darkness provided me with information I had not previously come across. The book is well written and, though some sections were not as interesting for me as others, it was overall, an excellent book. To completely understand the Pacific War this book is necessary.