The Rape of Nanking (book)

The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II is a 1997 non-fiction book written by Iris Chang. It details the events of the Nanking Massacre (also known as the Nanjing Massacre) that occurred in Nanjing, China, from December 1937 to January 1938, during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

The book provides a graphic account of the atrocities committed by the Imperial Japanese Army against Chinese civilians and disarmed soldiers during the occupation of Nanjing. It covers widespread instances of rape, murder, torture, and looting. Chang utilized a variety of sources, including interviews with survivors, Japanese soldiers, and historical documents, to construct a narrative of the events.

The Rape of Nanking brought the Nanking Massacre to a wider Western audience and sparked significant debate and controversy, particularly in Japan, where some disputed the scale and nature of the events described in the book. It became a bestseller and is considered a key work in raising awareness about this largely overlooked historical event. Chang's research and conclusions have been both praised and criticized by historians, with discussions focusing on the accuracy of specific details and interpretations of historical sources.

The book contributed to a broader discussion about war crimes, historical memory, and the relationship between China and Japan. It also played a role in the ongoing efforts to seek acknowledgment and reconciliation regarding the events of World War II in Asia. The book is frequently used in academic settings to study the Nanjing Massacre and its lasting impact.