Mutual imperialistic ambitions, in regard to Manchuria and Korea, set Russia and Japan upon a collision course in February 1904. Japan launched a surprise naval attack against the anchored Russian Pacific Fleet at its base in Port Arthur, followed by a landing on the Liaodong Peninsula in May. The fighting that followed witnessed the employment of new equipment and tactics, breaking away from previous methods of warfare and foreshadowing the battlefields of 1914-15. Respected military historian Robert Forczyk describes the lengthy Japanese siege of the Russian-held town and harbour. The initial attempts to capture the port by assault are documented in detail, together with the progress of the Japanese through the heavily fortified lines protecting Port Arthur. Specially commissioned artworks vividly bring to life the Battle of Nanshan Hill, the Japanese assault on the Wantai Heights, and the bombardments of the Russian forts. Maps and diagrams explore the strategic situation and tactical progress of the fighting in step-by-step detail, and over 60 period photographs reveal the appearance and weaponry of the opposing forces and the terrain around Port Arthur.