Miracle at Midway

by Gordon W. Prange

Paperback, 1983

Status

Available

Call number

940.5426

Publication

Penguin (Non-Classics) (1983), Paperback, 512 pages

Description

Six months after Pearl Harbor, the seemingly invincible Imperial Japanese Navy prepared a decisive blow against the United States. After sweeping through Asia and the South Pacific, Japan's military targeted the tiny atoll of Midway, an ideal launching pad for the invasion of Hawaii and beyond. But the United States Navy was waiting for them. Thanks to cutting-edge code-breaking technology, tactical daring, and a huge stroke of luck, the Americans under Admiral Chester W. Nimitz dealt the Japanese navy its first major defeat of the war. Three years of hard fighting remained, but it was at Midway that the tide turned. This vivid, in-depth bestseller is the first book to tell the story of the epic battle from both the American and Japanese sides, showing how America won its first and greatest victory in the Pacific-and how easily it could have been a defeat.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member cutiger80
An amazing account of the turning point of World War II in the Pacific. If anyone is looking for some valuable insight into what turned the tides to the Americans in the Pacific after the Day of Infamy they should read this book. In no other book have I ever found such a lucid and objective
Show More
discussion of the events in June 1942 at Midway then I did in this book.
Show Less
LibraryThing member paulsikora
The most valuable part is the extensive use of Japanese accounts. They provide tremendous insight.
LibraryThing member 6300lennox
This is an excellent, well written account of one of the most importnat battles of the 20th century. While many battles have been described as 'turning points' the battle of Midway truly can be described as a pivotal moment in recent history. Prange was probably one of the most knowledgeable
Show More
writers dealing with the events leading up to Pearl Harbor and the ensuing battles and events that occurred in the Pacific War between the forces of the Empire of Japan and the United States. Prange's description of the events, strategies, tactics and ultimate outcome provide the reader with a stirring and comprehensive understanding of the magnitude of the stakes involved and the ultimate (and to pardon Walter Lord's description) ' incredible' victory achieved by the U.S. Navy. Pange provides several explanations for the American's improbable victory: superior intelligence; Japan's over confidence and luck, but what one understands from reading Prange's compelling narration is that victory was truly the result of the brave and dedicated men of the United States Navy: those members of what was truly were and remain in all our memories - the Greatest Generation.
Show Less

Original publication date

1982

Physical description

512 p.; 9.4 inches

ISBN

0140068147 / 9780140068146
Page: 0.3469 seconds