"Last Samurai" and Bradley's book "Flyboys"

I was recently dragged out to see the "Last Samurai". Can't
really recommend it except as escapist, fantasy violence...and Tom for the stargazers. But I can recommend a related book, James Bradley's "Flyboys, a true story of courage".

Related? The book starts with a sweeping historical look at
Samurai culture and fuedal Japan which it then brings into the 20th Century
and WWII. A very detailed and seemingly well researched account of what happened at an island next to Iwo Jima. The account is driven by the stories of US dive bomber pilots and the Japanese soldiers they did battle with. Bush senior is one of the flyboys that is shot down, but notably one that got away. Great battlefield account with a lot of stuff you've never read before about the Pacific conflict along with a surprising end.

Great book. Made viewing the "Last Samurai" worth it.... almost.