Shanghai 1937

Stalingrad on the Yangtze

By: Peter Harmsen

Narrated by: George Backman

Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

This deeply researched book describes one of the great forgotten battles of the 20th century. At its height it involved nearly a million Chinese and Japanese soldiers, while sucking in three million civilians as unwilling spectators and, often, victims. It turned what had been a Japanese adventure in China into a general war between the two oldest and proudest civilizations of the Far East. Ultimately, it led to Pearl Harbor and to seven decades of tumultuous history in Asia. The Battle of Shanghai was a pivotal event that helped define and shape the modern world.

In its sheer scale, the struggle for China’s largest city was a sinister forewarning of what was in store for the rest of mankind only a few years hence, in theaters around the world. It demonstrated how technology had given rise to new forms of warfare, or had made old forms even more lethal. Amphibious landings, tank assaults, aerial dogfights and most importantly, urban combat, all happened in Shanghai in 1937. It was a dress rehearsal for World War II - or perhaps more correctly it was the inaugural act in the war - the first major battle in the global conflict.

Actors from a variety of nations were present in Shanghai during the three fateful autumn months when the battle raged. The rich cast included China's ascetic Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek and his Japanese adversary, General Matsui Iwane, who wanted Asia to rise from disunity, but ultimately pushed the continent toward its deadliest conflict ever. Claire Chennault, later of “Flying Tiger” fame, was among the figures emerging in the course of the campaign, as was First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. In an ironic twist, Alexander von Falkenhausen, a stern German veteran of the Great War, abandoned his role as a mere advisor to the Chinese army and led it into battle against the Japanese invaders.

©2013 Peter Harmsen (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

A good intro to the CBI theater

The CBI is one theater I still am rather hazy about after all these decades of studying WW2 and this book is a good introduction to the material, beginning with the beginning and walking us through the first battle of what would ultimately become WW2. Sure, you could pick a more traditional date like Nomohan in '39 or of course Poland in Sep. '39 or America's entry, but if you want to talk about two or more field armies clashing for control of a nation through force of arms leading to a wider conflict, I'd say Shanghai in the summer of '37 qualifies just fine. This book is really a survey of the situation in Shanghai in the early going, dialing in to primarily military events as the Japanese pour in division after division when they realize the Chinese army is better led and trained than they had supposed. You've got a wide cast of characters here, from German officers acting as trainers and advisers to the Chinese army, Chiang Kai Shek and his wife, Claire Chennault for the Americans, the obligatory missionaries, the international concessions and their military contingents, etc. etc. I feel like it could have gone deeper into some topics without bogging down, especially regarding the diplomatic world scene and some of the atrocities could have benefited from greater detail and perspective for what was to come later in the war both in China, the rest of Asia as well as Europe. Overall, though, it's good for what it is, a snapshot of a city at war and is a good gateway book for more study of the war in China.

Underrated Gem

An excellent read for those who are interested in the Second Sino Japanese War. This book is filled with first hand accounts as well as detailed accounts of what was going on in Shanghai on an almost daily basis. This book also does a superb job of capturing the atmosphere of a truly peculiar setting. I'm of course referring to the neutral west and their experience as immune spectators.

The Curtain to World War Two

Much isn't known about the Jappo Sino war of 1937. The Japanese don't talk much about it and China has been in Communist naughty boys club. The Eastern Front of WWII was known for it lack of clarity but this theatre took the prize. I am trying to work out why the Japanese military was so evil to POWs and civilian of occupied territory and I think the story really starts in Shanghai. George Backman is a little dry to listen to and the Chinese names a little hard to separate from each other but the book does show how Shanghai was very much like the Stalingrad on the Yangtze. A good book but not a great book.

Historical accurate

Comprehensive and detail Shanghai war of 1937 and very descriptive, and very good description of the historical timeline

Excellent in every way

Well researched and written, a great feat by the author to combine the two skills. The narration is top notch. Note: This is a factual account that includes occasional descriptions of wartime atrocities against combatants and civilians. It is not for the squeamish or easily traumatized.

Extremely Informative

Hard to follow at times, but makes a great introduction to the Battle of Shanghai. This event is often overlooked in the west, but should be considered foundational in terms of geopolitics affecting military strategy. The enormous human costs of the event are also worth the read. The book does feel very 'textbookish' but is will worth a listen.

Stalingrad?

Verdin? Stalingrad? Not even close!!!
Interesting and different but not that bloody or important in comparison.

I was pleasantly surprised.

I was pleasantly surprised by the degree of knowledge of a well balanced account.
Thought his sympathy goes with China, the author does not hide the cruelty , incompetence and disregard for human life of the Chinese side.