Two Ocean War [Paperback]

There are a number of excellent points to be made about the book: (1) it is easy to read; (2) Morison talks "Navy talk" without apology (so get out your dictionary at times); (3) maps are generally there when you need them, although more camnpaign maps would be appreciated; (4) Morison speaks with authority on the subject since he was really there; and (5) a nice touch: an evaluation, in the last chapter, of the U.S. Navy commanders who had a say so in how the war went.

This is a very fine book for the general reader and those specialists wishing to get back to the "broad picture" or string of events. For the student of the war, the book lacks depth in specific events, and this is certainly excusable since volumes have been written on specific events, such as Okinawa, Tarara, Overlord, the sinking of the Yamato, and so on.

But give him credit for getting the analysis correct. He goes a little easy on Halsey at Leyte in my opinion (he likes him), but otherwise he doesn't spare stupidity at all, on our side or theirs. His dissection of Pearl Harbor should be required reading in history courses. I think most kids grow up thinking we lost that battle; I did, until reading books like this (now I would probably argue the Japanese pilots killed constituted the worst tactical damage done). The afterwords on the major battles are the best part of this book by far.

Also, I didn't find the book to be that objectionable when it comes to race. He uses offensive language when referring to the Japanese, but he keeps it in context. He also keeps the tone from being jingoistic; patriotic, yes, especially for the admiration of courage under American arms, but never ignoring the idiotic things some of our leaders did for the sake of not smearing the flag.

Very worthwhile, and sufficiently revealing of the author's talent that I will now invest in the multi-volume work. In that sense alone, just to give you a glimpse of what to expect, it's well worth having.