140 Days to Hiroshima: The Story of Japan's Last Chance to Avert Armageddon

During the closing months of World War II, the leaders of the United States called for the 'unconditional surrender' of the Japanese Empire while developing history's deadliest weapon. Their enemy responded with a last-ditch plan which called for the suicidal resistance of every able-bodied man and woman. Within the Japanese Supreme Council at the Direction of War, Foreign Minister Shigenori Tōgō risked assassination in his crusade to convince his dysfunctional government, dominated by militarist fanatics, to save his country from annihilation. Barrett takes you into the secret strategy sessions and fierce debates that lead to August 6, 1945, and the chaotic days that followed. -- adapted from jacket