Though the Japanese economy of World War II was able to produce vast quantities of armaments, explains Scalia, the country's science increasingly fell behind technological innovations introduced into the Pacific Theater by its US opponent. A historian teaching in Texas who specializes in maritime themes, he recounts how the Japanese government turned to its German ally for help with advanced weapons. The story pivots on the German submarine that surrendered to the USS Sutton off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, in May 1945. It was filled with contraband and personnel destined for Japan, he says, but of course never arrived there. No information is provided about the 2000 edition. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)