Readable book on Pacific War

Started by Phantom, August 17, 2017, 01:09:42 PM

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Phantom

August 17, 2017, 01:09:42 PM
After being in my historical blind spot for 30 years I'm beginning to develop an interest in the WW2 Pacific Theater. Can anyone recommend a good single volume history book on this war?
What I'm after is something readable - by that I mean more in Shelby Foote's/Anthony Beevors style than say Glantz (I don't need to know Japans corn production figures for 1943). I'm happy for it to focus on American naval & island hopping operations  - mainland aspects of the conflict (Burma/India/China) not crucial, though if they're included that's OK.
Any suggestions, either for books you've read or one's that are widely viewed as leaders in the field would be appreciated - as mentioned, I'm a novice in this theater so when browsing the authors & titles they don't mean much to me.
Thanks & Regards
Keith

Silent Disapproval Robot

#1
August 17, 2017, 01:30:48 PM
If you are OK with something that's mainly focussed on the Allied side and aren't bothered by somewhat triumphalist tone, The Conquering Tide is alright.   I really like The Rising Sun by John Toland but I think that might be getting a little too into the political/economic weeds.

bbmike

#2
August 17, 2017, 01:42:41 PM
^ Toland's The Rising Sun is a great book.  O0
"My life is spent in one long effort to escape from the commonplace of existence."
-Sherlock Holmes

"You know, just once I'd like to meet an alien menace that wasn't immune to bullets."
-Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart

"There's a horror movie called Alien? That's really offensive. No wonder everyone keeps invading you!"
-The Doctor

"Before Man goes to the stars he should learn how to live on Earth."
-Clifford D. Simak

mirth

#3
August 17, 2017, 01:54:24 PM
"45 minutes of pooping Tribbles being juggled by a drunken Horta would be better than Season 1 of TNG." - SirAndrewD

"you don't look at the mantelpiece when you're poking the fire" - Bawb

"Can't 'un' until you 'pre', son." - Gus

Con

#4
August 17, 2017, 02:09:15 PM
Big fan of Ian tolls conquering ride and pacific crucible. Very good feel of being in the room with the commanders and understanding their flaws and personality.

mirth

#5
August 17, 2017, 02:13:18 PM
Quote from: Con on August 17, 2017, 02:09:15 PM
Big fan of Ian tolls conquering ride and pacific crucible. Very good feel of being in the room with the commanders and understanding their flaws and personality.



+1 Toll is excellent.
"45 minutes of pooping Tribbles being juggled by a drunken Horta would be better than Season 1 of TNG." - SirAndrewD

"you don't look at the mantelpiece when you're poking the fire" - Bawb

"Can't 'un' until you 'pre', son." - Gus

bbmike

#6
August 17, 2017, 03:35:44 PM
"My life is spent in one long effort to escape from the commonplace of existence."
-Sherlock Holmes

"You know, just once I'd like to meet an alien menace that wasn't immune to bullets."
-Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart

"There's a horror movie called Alien? That's really offensive. No wonder everyone keeps invading you!"
-The Doctor

"Before Man goes to the stars he should learn how to live on Earth."
-Clifford D. Simak

Phantom

#7
August 18, 2017, 01:26:39 PM
Thanks for the suggestions guys, Toll looks good but don't know if I'm ready for another trilogy (read Foote's on the ACW - enormous read, hugely entertaining though very time consuming) - will also look at the others for something a little briefer.
Regards
Keith
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