History of United States Naval Operations in World War II Volume IV: Coral Sea, Midway \u0026 Submarine Actions May 1942August 1942 by Samuel Eliot Morison

History of United States Naval Operations in World War II Volume IV: Coral Sea, Midway \u0026 Submarine Actions May 1942August 1942 Reviews

• 
  Dpwarzyn

  One the one hand I'd say military history written in this level of detail is for enthusiasts only, on the other hand I'd say this book was very readable, exciting, and quite rewarding. Of Morison's 15 volumes, this is the only one I've read. The problem for me is he wrote all of this before our code-breaking efforts were declassified, so what may have looked like individual brilliance turns out to be military intelligence. But still, it makes it more personal this way. I'm interested in submarines in general, so anything with subs really grabs me. Beware my bias.
• 
  Jahn

  Of the whole series this book is the one that has aged the poorest by far.
  Obviously there can be no discussion of the codebreaking and intelligence successes that informed American plans at both Coral Sea and Midway.
  Far more specific research has been done on Japanese plans and the specific actions of the Japanese carrier forces which have reversed some of Morison's original conclusions.
  That said the book is still well worth a read. The submarine offensive is covered in very good detail. The actions at Coral Sea and Midway are both put in to the broader context of the Pacific theater. It is also simply extremely enjoyable to read.
  A good book overall but people interested in a more precise tactical view should also read a more modern book like Shattered Sword.
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  Jby

  The style of morison´s books is corny and not politically correct (any more), but the books are excellent exciting reads none the less. Especially Coral Sea and Guadalcanal.