The Admirals

Nimitz, Halsey, Leahy, and King - The Five-Star Admirals Who Won the War at Sea

By: Walter Borneman

Narrated by: Brian Troxell

The Admirals tells the story of how history's only five-star admirals triumphed in World War II and made the United States the world's dominant sea power.

Only four men in American history have been promoted to the five-star rank of Admiral of the Fleet: William Leahy, Ernest King, Chester Nimitz, and William Halsey. These four men were the best and the brightest the navy produced, and together they led the U.S. Navy to victory in World War II, establishing the United States as the world's greatest fleet.

In The Admirals, award-winning historian Walter R. Borneman tells their story in full detail for the first time. Drawing upon journals, ship logs, and other primary sources, he brings an incredible historical moment to life, showing us how the four admirals revolutionized naval warfare forever with submarines and aircraft carriers, and how these men - who were both friends and rivals - worked together to ensure that the Axis fleets lay destroyed on the ocean floor at the end of World War II.

©2012 Walter R. Borneman (P)2012 Hachette

war wasn't simpler 75 years ago

Heavily detailed recap of the path to history of four extraordinary individuals. On the journey, I learned a lot about how battles are planned, fought, won and lost. Moreover, with hindsight, a clearer understanding of what it takes to win a war the old way.

One of my favorites!

It kept my interest in the story of these four great men the whole book. The details in which the author went to, to explain events before during and after the war was perfect to me. I plan to listen to this book again. Matter of fact right away!

Fine Audiobook, but......

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Brian Troxell?

Amazing to have a narrator who mispronounces so very many names of people, places, etc. of WW II & seemingly has no clue of the pronunciation of not everday....but not uncommon words such as, 'prescient'. Do not at all blame on Brian Troxell, as this conspicuous failing is a feature of virtually all 'Audible' history books.

Great place to start

This was the first book I read on my quest through the Pacific war. I found this to be a great place to start. This not only speaks about the four admirals, but also those who work for them, and other key individuals. This book led me to Pacific crucible: war at sea in the pacific 1941 to 1942. From there my journey continued.

Great For Navy History Buffs

An exceptional book for fans and aficionados of U.S. Navy history. Troxell's tortured pronunciation of Japanese proper/place names and unfamiliarity with naval terminology notwithstanding, he superbly tells this timeless story with energy and determination. It was well worth my time.

an excellent book on these admirals

The author does a great job of profiling the career of these four great men. Rarely a dull moment in the book.

Truly Inspiring

Borneman has given a gift to naval historians with "The Admirals." Each man is presented in detail, background, character, flaws and strengths, leadership experiences, awards, etc. He weaves the individual stories together through the first half of the 20th century masterfully, pausing purposely on each man as he plays his role in the lead-up to WWII. Once Japan attacks, the reader knows well these four players and Borneman then proceeds to depict their personal contributions to the war effort in a play-by-play accounting. It's hard to play favorites but Leahy has to stick out because of his incredible (personal) contribution to FDR's leadership. Halsey was in the slugfest, King the master of the long view and Nimitz the tactical genius. What a pleasurable "listen" which is also to say it was well presented.

Awesome Book!

Truly a great read! Loved the reader as well. This book is both a great historical book while also being exciting and at times action packed.

Historical Greatness

Great narration, as an Academy graduate, I found the stories of the lifes of these Admirals as midshipmen interesting and learned some historical knowledge about the yard. narrator was great, stories of the lives of these men was entertaining. highly recommended!

this is a good read

well done. i have enjoyed this very much and will listen to this book again.