I have read a lot about the Second World War, but I still learned a great deal about this part of the conflict, which takes us through the rise of Imperial Japan, to Pearl Harbor, and on to the Battle of Midway. The following progression of timely actions, all covered by Toll in dramatic fashion, lead the reader on. Or when the writer is so stiff and dense with the material that I have to give up. The eight pages devoted to this visit, and the personal looks at the discussions and activities, which essentially outlined the strategy for the “Two Front” war, is worth the “price of admission” by itself. To see what your friends thought of this book, I love history, and this is one of those books that is so good it reads like a novel. A very good book to tie both Japanese and American viewpoints of the same battles. It's that good. If he did, he would be on he front pages at least weekly. I just finished reading Toll's Pacific Crucible. My reading on the Pacific Theater during WW II has mostly focused on the Marines and Army in their land battles and, ironically, only a few (Sea of Thunder; Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors; Abandon Ship) on the Navy. This had never been even considered! It is one of the best historical accounts of WWII that I have read. Then, Mitsuo Fuchida’s Midway: The Battle That Doomed Japan (1955). It is not a dry narrative of events, but rather a fascinating blend of personal stories … The Battle of the Coral Sea is considered a tactical victory for the Japanese, but a strategic victory for the Allies. The book gives a nice account of the defense of Wake Island, strategy making on both sides, critical analysis, and of course, Coral Sea and Midway. I had some idea of our torpedo problem at the outbreak of war, and that our pilots had not been trained well as of this point, but I had no idea that those poor bastards were nothing more than fodder in that battle. There is not a whole lot of new information, but he does give a complete overview of the ops (the defeat of the ABDA at Java, the Feb 42 raids on the Marshalls and the Gilberts, The Doolittle Raid, Coral Sea and of course Midway) with good biographical scetches of the main figures (Nimitz, King, Yamamoto). Follow the ideas of a cryptanalyst? Hard to take. Pacific Crucible tells the epic tale of these first searing months of the Pacific war, when the U.S. Navy shook off the worst defeat in American military history and seized the strategic initiative. It was largely considered a draw, but it did stop the Japanese from invading Port Moresby and threatening Australia. The close relationship that grew between Churchill and Roosevelt setting the course for the hard years to follow was accomplished with mutual trust and give and take. Copyright © 2011-2021 Naval Historical Foundation. Volume one of the author’s three volume study of the U.S. Navy’s war against Japan during WWII is a pleasant surprise. the dogged ability to bear punishment, the power and desire to inflict it, the daring, the resolution, the willingness to take risks and incur responsibilities which have been possessed by the great captains of all ages, and without which no man can ever hope to stand in the front rank of fighting men.”, “The Japanese people were rapidly succumbing to what would later be called shoribyo, or “victory disease”—a faith that Japan was invincible, and could afford to treat its enemies with contempt. However, Toll is a damn good writer with keen insights into personality and a practical approach to strategy. Initially not well. Reviewed by Rear Adm. Richard Gentz, USN (Ret.) World War II buffs, flyboys, jarheads, swabbies, admirals. Pacific Crucible is an outstanding non-fiction look at the early years of the Pacific Theater of World War II, from the attack on Pearl Harbor through the watershed Battle of Midway. Very good retelling of the US Naval operations from 7 Dec 1941 - 8 June 1942 (Pearl Harbor to Midway) from mainly the American point of view. Book Review Pacific Crucible: War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941-1942. 1) (Pacific War Trilogy) - Ebook written by Ian W. Toll. I've read quite a few WW2 histories lately, but not a comprehensive account of the Pacific theater. (pg. Ian W. Toll is a gifted writer. WOW! I had always viewed Yamamoto as this great warlord, but Toll shows this fascinating warrior as multi-dimensional, human, and in the end, flawed. All rights reserved. Ian W. Toll is a gifted writer. ), the Pacific theater of war is something I had less knowledge of until now, except in broad strokes. He is the dean of naval historians, evocatively painting the scene while avoid the excesses of purple prose that Hornfischer sometimes falls victim to. Admirals Nimitz, King and Spruance had to blindly trust. It covers the early portion of the Pacific Theater in World War II through the Battle of Midway from both the Allied and Japanese points of view. Toll clearly points out the great warrior's errors at Midway. A great read! Pages 92 through 101 describe the evolution of the Japanese Army and Navy he air forces; covering in some detail, the aircraft, training, and tactics. I have not read the third volume, The Fleet at Flood Tide. Revealing and poignant, Toll’s latest deftly navigates the rough waters of the Pacific struggle with flying colors. Read this book using Google Play Books app on your PC, android, iOS devices. The organization is sometimes confusing, Japanese voices are sometimes wholly absent, and some events and people are not mentioned (Port Darwin raid and Somerville). The book covers the state of the American and Japanese military and society, in general, prior to and ~6 months following Pearl Harbor. 5.0 out of 5 starsMilitary Synopsis of the Opening Days of WWII. This tale is an especially well written narrative of a familiar story to most Americans and students of history ... the attack on Pearl Harbor and the beginning of the war in the Pacific. This may not be unusual, but it was very effective in drawing the reader into turning the next page in anticipation. While most of these tidbits are not of immense importance, they … I knew about Rochefort, but was broken-hearted all over again when Toll described what happened to him after the battle. There was none of the immediacy of 9/11 --- Nimitz didn't see actual photographs of the burning battleships until he had accepted the command and was on the train. Toll brings to life the major players of the Pacific War on both sides of the conflict, drawing on Japanese primary sources as well as Allied. a narrative history of the opening phase of the Pacific War, which took place in the eastern Pacific between the Allies and the Empire of Japan. The Battle of the Coral Sea was fought because of Japan's attempt to attack and occupy Port Moresby in New Guinea in order to cut supply lines between the U.S. and Australia. Be the first to ask a question about Pacific Crucible. Read Sample Chapters. An entertaining, impressively researched chronicle of the tense period between the bombing of Pearl Harbor and American victory at the battle of Midway. U.S. Admirals were hesitant to concentrate the entire U.S. fleet forces on this tiny spec of land called Midway on a certain day at a certain time. The reason being was a close former Japanese colleague who the reviewer worked with and who, as a high school student, was given a sharpened bamboo spear. The organization is sometimes confusing, Japanese voices are sometimes wholly absent, and some events and people are not mentioned (Port Darwin raid and Somerville). But it is much more. I have read a lot about the Second World War, but I still learned a great deal about this part of the conflict, which takes us through the rise of Imperial Japan, to Pearl Harbor, and on to the Battle of Midway. Ian Toll does for WWII history what Barbara Tuchman did for the WWI. He was stunned by the damage. In addition to those two seminal events, the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Doolittle raid on Tokyo are also presented at length. Toll tells us what Nimitz was seeing out of the train windows as he rolled toward to West Coast: an immense land of unrealized potential against which the Japanese would ultimat. Pacific Crucible : War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941-1942. It was no wonder the Japanese were able to sink Prince of Wales and Repulse. Book Review Pacific Crucible: War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941-1942. They had torpedoes that worked and made one hit using high altitude level bombing. I know, like complaining about a trip through the forest because of too many trees. The continued series of books that cover the Pacific War, most centered on Midway, is somewhat amazing. LibraryThing is a cataloging and social networking site for booklovers Review by Choice Review With the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, a plethora of sources has become available recalling the tragedy of December 7, 1941. Buy Pacific Crucible: War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941-1942 Illustrated by Toll, Ian W. (ISBN: 9780393343410) from Amazon's Book Store. Fast-reading and yet highly detailed history of the naval war in the Pacific (1941-1942). Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take notes while you read Pacific Crucible: War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941-1942 (Vol. This book focuses on Pearl Harbor to Midway, with detours into the historical origins of major figures, the admirals Nimitz, King, Halsey, and Yamamoto. Toll jumps right in by opening with bombs landing at Pearl Harbor. At the same time the treatment of the Japanese emigrants following the San Francisco earthquake in 1906 (pp. This reader felt very uncomfortable with a lengthy discussion of the retelling of the increasing iron fist the Army yielded over the population during the war in China, and throughout the War. This is a well-written history by Ian W. Toll of the earliest days of the Second World War in the Pacific as Japan begins its expansion across that sea. Chapters 3 and 4 provide detailed background, first of the Japanese history and culture with several pages covering Yamamoto’s background and personality. First I read ,The Conquering Tide: War in the Pacific Islands, 1942-1944 which should have been the second volume of three.Volume 3 is yet to come out, but will be called "Twilight of the Gods: War in the Western Pacific, 1944-1945," is expected to be published soon. Select Your Cookie Preferences. Ian Toll gives credit to the code breakers in Hawaii as the only major advantage that the USN had over the Japanese at the start of the war. Reviewed by Rear Adm. Richard Gentz, USN (Ret.). The United States has produced a handful of truly outstanding writers who have applied their pen to the craft of history. 82) From the September 1931, the “Mukden Incident,” Japanese troops fought the Chinese Nationalists leading to the well-remembered atrocities, e.g., The Rape of Nanking (An early issue of Life Magazine contained graphic photos). And the more recent books, as Japanese records became available, Shattered Sword, The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway  Jonathan Parshall and Andrew Tully, (2005), and even more recently A Dawn Like Thunder, (2008), by Robert A. Mrazek. I found it very readable, while providing excellent material tying military, political, and social issues together. The first part of the book sets the stage by giving background information on the preparedness of the American and Japanese forces and the reasons Japan went to war. There are numerous other examples, fortunately, there were fast learners who took charge, but a price was paid. As expected, Toll is an incredibly engaging writer (I read this book at a gallop, long past a sensible bedtime), bringing the drama and history of the moment alive. Toll obliquely references Nautilus on pages 415 and 427. It is one of the best historical accounts of WWII that I have read. Rear Admiral Gentz is on the Board of Directors of the Naval Historical Foundation. The difference between the beliefs forced on the population from the mid thirties to the changes of the post 1945 Government is hard to grasp. (Volumes were taken on several cruises leaving dog-eared dust jackets.). As expected, Toll is an incredibly engaging writer (I read this book at a gallop, long past a sensible bedtime), bringing the drama and history of the moment alive. Book Review: ‘Pacific Crucible: War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941-1942 (Volume I of the Pacific War Trilogy) Rating: 4.5 out of 5. I am attempting to make contact with Admiral Gentz. On the first Sunday in December 1941, an armada of Japanese warplanes appeared suddenly over Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and devastated the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Lt. Gen. James "Jimmy" DoolittleThe Japanese hoped that a demoralizing defeat would force the U.S. to capitulate, thus ensuring Japanese dominance in the Pacific. Consequently, West Papuans have increasingly harnessed social media platforms to broadcast human rights violations committed in West Papua. Walter Karig, USNR, and, of course, Samuel Eliot Morison’s History of the United States Naval Operations  in World War II. 75-76) It appeared to the Japanese that the Western nations were “secretly in league against Japan.” (pg. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Pacific Crucible at Amazon.com. Commentary: West Papua has one of the most repressive media landscapes in the world. His sketch of the earliest days of the war in Washington are fascinating. Not one strike. Some of the main points for me were: First-rate reading, and a masterful introduction to the subject. I learned about Navy doctrine, both USA and Japanese, and Toll gives a master class on the subject. There is also good coverage of the intel war between Hawaii and Washington. The first part of the book sets the stage by giving background information on the preparedness of the American and Japanese forces and the reasons Japan went to war. by W. W. Norton Company, Pacific Crucible: War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941-1942. “On the qualities required of naval officers, Roosevelt was outspoken: “They must have skill in handling the ships, skill in tactics, skill in strategy . The transition of the Japanese population, from emulating the West in the 20s to the mid-30s, when “it was no longer safe to hold dissenting views” does not follow the paths of Hitler or Mussolini.” (pp. 70). Toll does take another slice off the layer cake which is well worth reading, but the true value of this book is that the context of the battle is better established. 55) A discussion of the surreptitious building of the 18 inch gun “Super Battleships” follows, mentioning the several years lead time the Japanese achieved by anticipating the end of the London Naval Treaty. Toll, a respected historian and author of Six Frigates (CH, Sep'07, 45-0469), has focused his latest efforts on the titanic struggle between the US and the Empire of Japan. Most Americans didn't see it for much longer, in a natural desire by the censors to alleviate the very real fears that were aroused by Pearl Harbor of an actual invasion of the West Coast. Yet, this is a compelling book that blends good prose with good analysis. The surprising ease with which the Japanese bombers sank the British capital ships and strategic result of the guns facing the wrong way at Singapore are gotchas that might well be the final question asked in the heat of the moment when completing any OP Order today. Or when the writer is so stiff and dense with the material that I have to gi. Pacific Crucible—through a dramatic narrative relying predominantly on primary sources and eyewitness accounts of heroism and sacrifice from both navies—tells the epic tale of these first searing months of the Pacific war, when the U.S. Navy shook off the worst defeat in American military history to seize the strategic initiative. However, Toll is a damn good writer with keen insights into personality and a practical approach to strategy. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Pacific Crucible – War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941–1942 at Amazon.com. Toll brings to life the major players of the Pacific War on both sides of the conflict, drawing on Japanese primary sources as well as Allied. In the 4 days of battle at Midway, the Japanese lost 4 aircraft carriers to one U.S. Pacific Fleet carrier (The Yorktown), thus reversing the tide of the previously invincible Japanese navy.This well woven narrative is part one of a trilogy. Three stars are for the back-and-forth of the battles. He contended that wars could be fought and won with a command of the sea and stressed the profound importance of a strong navy. While definitely in the "good war" category of scholar. The lengthy prologue weaves Mahan and The Influence of Sea Power Upon History smoothly into the back ground, focusing on its impact on the thinking of Japan. In summary, even readers who consider themselves students of the first six months of the war will come away with a better understanding and perspective of the background, and context of how close we came to losing. Ian W. Toll's dramatic narrative encompasses both the high command and the "sailor's-eye" view from the lower deck. Toll also gives brief bios of some of the key players, including Nimitz, Halsey, King, and Yamamoto that make these figures come alive. Midway turned out to be perhaps the most stunning success in U.S. naval history. I can't praise this book highly enough. After all, you know generally what is going to happen next. They must have been harrowing to participate in, but for this ideas-driven reader, I'm afraid they get a little tedious. Even he could be petulant. Pacific Crucible covers the war in the Pacific from Pearl Harbor to Midway, that being 1941 - 1942. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Through this, Pacific Islanders around the region are increasingly leveraging social media as a political tool for showing solidarity and support for West Papuans. I defenitely learned a lot by this book, it's tremendously interesting and easy to read. I am now reading the second in Toll's projected trilogy, Th. Incidentally, this reviewer continues to believe the actions of the USS Nautilus (SS 168) were the key to the success at Midway. While I have read quite a few WWII histories, I am weak on Pacific Theater. Toll's 3 volume, 1500 page epic seemed like a reasonable place to start. This pantheon of American historical writers, writers such as Shelby Foote, Bruce Catton, Samuel Eliot Morrison, Thomas Fleming, Stephen W. Sears, and Rick Atkinson (amongst far too many more to name here) can now be added a new literary titan: Ian W. Toll. This is a fascinating look at our Navy -- and the Japanese Navy -- well before Dec. 7, 1941 through the Battle of Midway. Toll hits his stride with a depiction of Nimitz and a single aide on the cross-country train trip that carried him from Washington to California, where he would fly to Honolulu to relieve the hapless Kimmel and accept command of the shattered Pacific fleet. As the text continues, chapters smoothly set up each next event. But naval warfare is a particularly difficult type of war for the non-expert to relate to, which is probably why it so rarely shows up at the center of films. It was interesting to find out that during the war with Russia, the Japanese were honor bound to treat their captives with exceeding hospitality, almost to the point of its being more advantageous to a Rus. . The plan was to lure the American aircraft carriers into a trap and occupy Midway. If you like accessible, highly readable history, this is a great choice. By 1914, the U.S recognition of the potential of the Japanese as a rising power led to War Plan Orange becoming a part of the studies on the gamming floor at the Naval War College in Newport, RI (xxxiii). This is an excellent overview of the war in the Pacific, from the events that led to the attack on Pearl Harbor to the Battle of Midway, but all from a naval perspective. Toll's 3 volume, 1500 page epic seemed like a reasonable place to start. This review covers Pacific Crucible and The Conquering Tide, the second volume in the series. In between these two signal events of World War II, uncertainty shook America. I enjoyed learning when Yamamoto didn't get his way, he'd threaten to resign. He remained, living in the White House, until January 15, 1942. The Battle of Midway was a sea battle. My God, that men could do that maneuver with flak and Zeroes all over is astounding. What a tough decision. It walks through the first 6 months of action for the American forces in Pacific Theater, from Pearl Harbor to Midway. Refresh and try again. These detailed paragraphs continue through the following pages and chapters. He can contact me at the above E-mail address. It was here they decided the final push toward victory against Japan. It could be disaster. Toll really shines in describing the aftermath of battle, and the horror of war is never left out. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. I have read many books about WW II and the frustrating part of that is when I don't learn anything new. He manages to plug in interesting details, gluing the reader to the page. Reading a great work of history is, for me, a lot like hearing a great piece of music: I can't always describe why it's so good, but I just know deep down that it is. I've read quite a few WW2 histories lately, but not a comprehensive account of the Pacific theater. When the invasion of Japan began, he was expected to kill an American invader. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Pacific Crucible – War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941–1942 (Pacific War) at Amazon.com. I have not read the third volume, The Fleet at Flood Tide. We’d love your help. Toll demonstrates that Yamamoto knew this when he unleashed the attack on Pearl Harbor, and suggests throughout the book that the Emperor was more than complicit with his Japanese military who advocated the strike. I am very much looking forward to it. Mostly this is intended as a reply to some of the detail oriented reviews on this and similar histories. Can't wait to check out the second volume of Toll's trilogy on this topic! As Mahan remarked:  “. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. .more of my works have been done in Japan than into any other one tongue.”(xix) As the 20th Century arrived the United States was beginning to realize that it did have two coasts, in part due to the Spanish American War, and the deeds of Teddy Roosevelt; including the Great White Fleet. Naval Historical Foundation 1306 Dahlgren Avenue, SE Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374 1-202-678-4333 info@navyhistory.org. September 11, 2020. A lot of quality time is spent describing evolution of the Japanese mindset between the Russo-Japanese War and the country's rapid slide into empire building. xxix-xxxi) was certainly remembered by Japanese Navy crews as carrier torpedo and bomber aircraft devastated Pearl Harbor. He is the. Toll blends information about all parties involved - both Axis & Allied - into a compelling narrative. He was my CO on board the USS John F. Kennedy V-1 Division 1968 to 1970. Very fortunately, on December 22, 1941, Prime Minister Winston Churchill arrived in Hampton Roads. I felt like I was in the cockpit of the dive bombers, the heroes of the day, as Toll described their climbs, rolls and dives. Captain Joseph Rochefort - CryptanalystThe Doolittle bombing raid on Tokyo was the first time the Japanese had been attacked on their homeland, so at the time they were more than a little inflamed (no pun intended). All about Reviews: Pacific Crucible: War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941-1942 by Ian W. Toll. Japan basically became a military dictatorship with an emperor sitting at the top as a figurehead. Although the United States was outnumbered in naval vessels, aircraft and crew, they didn't lack in determination. Its symptoms were overconfidence, a failure to weigh risks properly, and a basic misunderstanding of the enemy.”, The Conquering Tide: War in the Pacific Islands, 1942-1944, Six Frigates: The Epic History of the Founding of the U.S. Navy, Morgan Jerkins Journeys Across the USA to Retrace Black History. Isoroku YamamotoBy 1940 world leaders were following the teachings of Alfred Thayer Mahan, a historian and Naval officer whose book The Influence of Sea Power upon History, made him world-famous and perhaps the most influential American author of the nineteenth century. After Pacific Crucible (2011) and The Conquering Tide (2015), Toll begins this tale of 1944–45 at a crucial meeting in Honolulu between President Roosevelt and the major players of the military: Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and General Douglas MacArthur. and maps. Inexcusable, but this genius never publicly complained. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Pacific Crucible: War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941-1942 at Amazon.com. Toll tells us what Nimitz was seeing out of the train windows as he rolled toward to West Coast: an immense land of unrealized potential against which the Japanese would ultimately never have a serious chance. The reaction in Washington is described, highlighting the confusion we all have come to know. Pacific Crucible by Ian Toll is an impressive book. Reviewed in Canada on December 11, 2018. Chapter One covers the attacks on Hawaii with eye witness realism — not just smoke and flames, but believable and uncomfortable scenes of the aftermath. . Then I came upon Ian Toll and Pacific Crucible and in buying that learned he was writing a trilogy. As a wargamer, World War II is one of my four main eras of interest, and while I love me some Eastern Front tank action (PanzerBlitz! It walks through the first 6 months of action for the American forces in Pacific Theater, from Pearl Harbor to Midway. The tactics may be suspect, but it's hard to argue with that kind of efficiency. By Ian W. Toll, W.W. Norton Company, New York, London, (2011). And it's a navy book, which I think any book that seeks to explain the strategy behind a campaign conducted mainly on islands no bigger than a good-sized town has to be. BOOK REVIEW – Pacific Crucible: War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941-1942 November 6, 2012 Book Reviews battles, Coral, Gentz, Harbor, history, Japan, Midway, naval, navy, pacific, Pearl, review, sea, Toll, war, world, WW2 By Ian W. Toll, W.W. Norton Company, New York, London, (2011). It was interesting to find out that during the war with Russia, the Japanese were honor bound to treat their captives with exceeding hospitality, almost to the point of its being more advantageous to a Russian soldier or sailor to be taken captive rather than continue enduring the harsh conditions of his home country's military. On November 14, 2011, W.W. Norton & Company published Pacific Crucible: War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941-1942, the first volume of Ian W. Toll’s Pacific War Trilogy. A lot of quality time is spent describing evolution of the Japanese mindset between the Russo-Japanese War and the country's rapid slide into empire building. My favorite part was the discovery that this is the first volume of a planned trilogy. My reading on the Pacific Theater during WW II has mostly focused on the Marines and Army in their land battles and, ironically, only a few (Sea of Thunder; Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors; Abandon Ship) on the Navy. The Great Migration was the movement of six million African Americans out of the South to urban areas in the Northeast, Midwest, and West between... On the first Sunday in December 1941, an armada of Japanese warplanes appeared suddenly over Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and devastated the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Then I came upon Ian Toll and Pacific Crucible and in buying that learned he was writing a trilogy. Required fields are marked *. 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Us and Japan there pacific crucible review learned so much San Francisco earthquake in (! Good coverage of the battles ( Volumes were taken on several cruises dog-eared! As a reply to some of the opening Days of WWII that I have read many about... 90 000 aircrafts a year, much more than Germany and Britain.. Ian Toll is a great history of the action secretly in league against Japan. ” (.. Kill an American invader of Pearl Harbor and American victory at the same the! A trap and occupy Midway political, and social issues together time treatment... Up through the miracle at Midway reading Toll 's projected trilogy, Th pacific crucible review reaction in Washington are.! Clearly points out the second World War II, uncertainty shook America in (! Text outlines of how the Allies by Ian W. Toll reading Pacific Crucible is great... Blindly trust 's 3 volume, 1500 page epic seemed like a place! Flying colors ( Volumes were taken on several cruises leaving dog-eared dust jackets...
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