{"product_id":"shokaku-class-aircraft-carriers","title":"Shokaku-Class Aircraft Carriers","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eThe first book on the powerful Japanese Shokaku-class carriers.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  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.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  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.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  During the Pacific War the two ships of the class participated in all carrier battles with the exception of Midway, \u003cem\u003eShokaku\u003c\/em\u003e being lost in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and \u003cem\u003eZuikaku\u003c\/em\u003e off Cape Engaño (Battle of Leyte Gulf) in 1944.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  This is the history of their design and construction, and it relies heavily on Japanese source material and includes numerous photos and drawings.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57481586606453,"sku":"9780764366512","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780764366512.jpg?v=1786089862","url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/products\/shokaku-class-aircraft-carriers","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}