Pacific Crucible: War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941-1942

By: Ian W. Toll

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 22 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Nominee, History, 2013

The planning, the strategy, the sacrifices and heroics - on both sides - illuminating the greatest naval war in history. 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. Six months later, in a sea fight north of the tiny atoll of Midway, four Japanese aircraft carriers were sent into the abyss.

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. Ian W. Toll's dramatic narrative encompasses both the high command and the "sailor's-eye" view from the lower deck. Relying predominantly on eyewitness accounts and primary sources, Pacific Crucible also spotlights recent scholarship that has revised our understanding of the conflict, including the Japanese decision to provoke a war that few in the country's highest circles thought they could win. The result is a pause-resistant history that does justice to the breadth and depth of a tremendous subject.

©2011 Ian W. Toll (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

“An entertaining, impressively researched chronicle of the tense period between the bombing of Pearl Harbor and American victory at the battle of Midway....Toll gives everyone involved in the conflict a chance to speak, bringing readers into the command centers and cockpits to reveal the humanity of combatants on both sides of the Pacific.” ( Kirkus)

“Revealing and poignant, Toll’s latest deftly navigates the rough waters of the Pacific struggle with flying colors.” ( Publishers Weekly)

“Narrator Grover Gardner gives an applaudable narration of this detailed history of the Pacific Theater in WWII…Gardner presents the many historical details in this work with an easygoing pace and precise enunciation that quickly draw in the listener and never let go. Rather than affecting an accent for quotations, he adjusts his inflection slightly, which works well. Novices and history buffs will find this performance a treat and want to hear the continuation of the story.” ( AudioFile)

Depth over all!

I really enjoyed the listen. the depth and breadth of the book was outstanding. Research for this book was thorough and incredibly rich and revealing!

History interest, read this!

The reader does very well in presenting very interesting history. The author provides great insight into both sides operations. Far more then most histories. Take the time to read this, you won't be sorry.

Military History at its Finest

Highly recommended. Toll is an excellent writer, conveying the historical details clearly while telling a thrilling story. When Doolittle's Raiders cleared the Hornet's deck and rose up out of the sea foam, I felt like cheering. Moments like that made this book a joy to read. The reader on Audible was very good, too.

WWII In Pacific first round

Outstanding description and storytelling of the crucial first year of the war in the Pacific. Ian Toll weaves in viewpoints not covered in other books, particularly the Japanese perspectives. Well read by Mr Gardner, will certainly get the rest of this series.

Great Series

One of the most thorough books on the subject. I've read many biographies and battle reports, and all of the information is thoughtfully woven together to tell a comprehensive history of events.

The best WWII Pacific War Book out there

This is the first book of a comprehensive history book of the war in the Pacific, primarily between Japan and the US. This book is excellent! It’s a rare balance of military leaders, mid-level leaders, and guys fighting on the front lines. Toll does an excellent job of showing the honorable and ugly deeds on both sides. I’ve read (or listened to) dozens of WWII books and this is my favorite series on the Pacific war by far!

The war begins

Yamamoto made two mistakes in the beginning of this war. The first was attacking Pearl Harbor, he, nor his subordinates realized the resolve it conjured up in the American spirit. And Second, his plan to take Midway and draw the American carriers out for a final showdown. By the grace of God, we had broke their code enough to see what was coming, and it gave Nimitz the upper hand to wipe out for carriers and deliver a decisive blow to the plan. After midway the American spirit dealt Japan, nothing but defeat at their doorstep. 

Very moving

I have read quite a few books about the Pacific War. This book not only told the Historic events, it shared the details of the lives before and after the events.

Excellent

Great reader and fascinating book. One of the top recommended works in military circles in regard to the pacific in WWII. While its focus is naval it is still relevant to members of the ground forces.

One down, two books to go. Can't wait.

Loved Ian Toll's Six Frigates so decided to give his War in the Pacific a chance. After 22 hours of Pacific Crucible I'm ready for 63 more hours in his next 2 books in the series.