James Bradley, author of Flags of our Fathers and Flyboys has a new book titled The Imperial Cruise: A Secret History of Empire and War. In 1905 President Theodore Roosevelt sent his Secretary of War William Taft, seven senators, 21 congressmen and his 21-year-old daughter Alice on a diplomatic mission to Asia. President Roosevelt was the first sitting President to win the Nobel Peace Prize but Bradley’s book offers evidence that this ‘imperial cruise’ actually created the tensions and environment which lead to Japan’s expansionism in the early 20th century and the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Though at times uncomfortable to read, as usual Bradley’s writing is compelling and the history is fascinating. Alice Roosevelt, in particular, was as memorable as any fictional character. ~Patti