The book, "Prelude To War" conveys the story of the little-known China War which was a vast and bitter struggle that provided Japan with a crucial training ground for their involvement in World War II.  This book traces the course of the war and highlights the lessons the United States Military could have learned about its future enemy had it taken advantage of the frequent intelligence-gathering opportunities the war provided.  "Prelude To Pearl Harbor" describes all aspects of the China War from Japan's early territorial aggression on the Asian mainland through the war from 1937 on to the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.  This comprehensive review centers on the strengths and weaknesses of both armies, the conduct of air and land battles and the tactics employed by the combatants.  Focusing further on specific battles along with the Japanese Army's operations orientation, the author shows that through intelligence accessible to American observers in both armies and through public sources, the United States could have approached the subsequent post Pearl Harbor World War II with Japan in a more effective manner.  In the end, "Prelude To War" is both a comprehensive treatment of a historically important part of World War II, as well as, a lesson in the importance of accurate and timely military intelligence.  The major sections of this book are as follows: 1) List of Maps; 2) Preface; 3) A Whetted Appetite - Japanese Territorial Acquisitions Before 1937; 4) The New Samurai - Japan's Military; 5) The Enemy - China and Its Armed Forces; 6) The Land War in China; 7) Aerial Thermopylae - The Air War in China; 8) Struggle for a Lifeline - Southeast Asia, the Burma Road and the AVG; 9) None So Blind - Lessons of the China War; 10) Bibliography and 11) Index.  In addition to an informative narrative, "Prelude To Pearl Harbor" includes approximately 254 vintage black and white photographs many of which have never before been published.  This book is 213 pages and is in very good condition.  The author is Col. Roy M. Stanley II, U.S.A.F.  Edition published in 1982.