The first book on the powerful Japanese Shokaku-class carriers. The aircraft carriers of the Shokaku class are generally regarded as being the most-successful carriers designed by the Imperial Japanese Navy. They became operational just prior to the Pearl Harbor attack in December 1941, and their combat records are impressive. Compared with the preceding aircraft carrier designs, they represented a great design leap, combining excellent striking power with good protection. Even by the US Navy these ships were rated highly. During the Pacific War the two ships of the class participated in all carrier battles with the exception of Midway, Shokaku being lost in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and Zuikaku off Cape Engaño (Battle of Leyte Gulf) in 1944. This is the history of their design and construction, and it relies heavily on Japanese source material and includes numerous photos and drawings. AUTHORS: Hans Lengerer and Lars Ahlberg have coauthored books about the aircraft carrier Taiho, the armor-clad Fuso- to Kongo-class battle cruisers, and the Yamato-class battleships, the last of which was recently published. They privately publish Contributions to the History of Imperial Japanese Warships. SELLING POINTS: . Learn why and how the Imperial Japanese Navy constructed their most successful aircraft carrier class and how they were used . These ships took part in many of the key battles in the Pacific War . Includes many unpublished or rare photos 135 b/w photographs and line drawings
