• Ship of Ghosts

  • The Story of the USS Houston, FDR's Legendary Lost Cruiser, and the Epic Saga of of Her Survivors
  • By: James D. Hornfischer
  • Narrated by: Mark Cashman
  • Length: 17 hrs and 30 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (364 ratings)

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Ship of Ghosts  By  cover art

Ship of Ghosts

By: James D. Hornfischer
Narrated by: Mark Cashman
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Publisher's summary

James D. Hornfischer, acclaimed author of The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors, delivers an unflinching account of heroism and honor at the limit of human endurance, and of the unsung warriors who waged one of the most remarkable battles of World War II.

Renowned as FDR's favorite warship, the cruiser USS Houston was a prize target trapped in the far Pacific after Pearl Harbor. Without hope of reinforcement, her crew faced a superior Japanese force ruthlessly committed to total conquest.

Hornfischer brings to life the awesome terror of nighttime naval battles that turned decks into strobe-lit slaughterhouses, until the Houston was finally sunk and its survivors taken prisoner.

For more than three years, the war continued for the crew in the brutal privation of jungle POW camps. But the men of the Houston fought back against their dehumanization with dignity, ingenuity, sabotage, willpower, and the undying faith that their country would prevail.

Using journals and letters, rare historical documents, and the eyewitness accounts of the Houston's survivors, James Hornfischer has crafted an account of human valor so riveting and awe-inspiring, it's easy to forget that every single word of it is true.

©2006 James D. Hornfischer (P)2006 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"A gripping, well-told memorial to Greatest Generation martyrdom." (Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about Ship of Ghosts

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazingly draws you in

Written wonderfully and contact you immediately to the sailors and marines. although the ready (or text) gets the date of the pearl Harbor attack wrong in chapter 27

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great Story

Great story , marred a little by excessive use of cliches and slang.
May be better to buy the book so you can follow along with the maps, unless you have a very familiar knowledge of Thai/Indonesian geography and place names.

Reading was so-so. Reader “massacred” the pronunciation of many words (the English ones).

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Awsome

This is one of the best war books that I have ever read. It is exciting, thrilling, realistic and even gives you the chills as you hear and imagine all of the things that these men have to go through.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story

I hate to admit it, but I was totally unfamiliar with the USS HOUSTON and the fate of her crew. This is an amazing story that keeps narrative coherence notwithstanding the dispersion of the crew and the passage of time. I highly recommend this book for persons interested in the WWII navy, POWs or Japan's attempt to wage war in India by building a southeast Asian railway.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

MUST READ!

Should be a required reading for every U.S. History class that makes it to WWII!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

USS Houston Don't let her story fade from your lip

Another story of heros. Please do not allow this story fade away. The story is about endurance of POW's, and their survival.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous History and Courage

James Hornfiacher has written an awesome book you can't stop listening to each time and Mark Cashman is so eloquent that his voice adds to the story with passion that makes this epic story live as you listen!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Very good

helped understand some of what my father went through in the south pacific theater ww2.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A great read

What made the experience of listening to Ship of Ghosts the most enjoyable?

Gave a good broad description of the events surrounding the crew.
Especially due to the personal impression which the book gives.

What did you like best about this story?

Many personal views of survivors
It brought the book more to life

Which character – as performed by Robertson Dean – was your favorite?

It is not possible to choose, they are all incredible people.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It's hard not to feel sorrow and compassion for their stories.
And when you are told a humorous experience, it's hard not to laugh.
Especially when is a life-affirming sense of humor.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Mr. Hornfischer delivers again. Rich in detail and insights into individual lives. Humbling and epic.

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