WHEAT AND SOLDIERS

by Corporal Ashihei Hino ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 25, 1939

Contains a complete translation of Earth and Soldiers plus a condensed version of Wheat and Soldiers. The one is the author's diary of his departure from Japan life on the boat, drills and final landing and baptism of fire before the entry into Klashan. The second part (published in Japan first) gives the story of a Japanese unit out off by the Chinese and close to complete extinction at the time they are saved. It is a moving picture of despair and hatred of war. The book sold nearly half a million copies in a few months, which is interesting in view of its honesty and its lack of propaganda. The human quality of the text, the personal appraisal of men in his command, the Chinese he encountered, the fraternity of war, its futility -- all this gives it distinction, and reveals the emotional and intellectual reactions of the author. Thoroughly readable -- and important as the first hand picture of the struggle in the Far East.

Pub Date: May 25, 1939

ISBN: 1406775843

Page Count: -

Publisher: Farrar & Rinehart

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1939

Categories: NONFICTION