Neptune's Inferno

The U.S. Navy at Guadalcanal

By: James D. Hornfischer

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

Length: 18 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

With The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors and Ship of Ghosts, James D. Hornfischer created essential and enduring narratives about America’s World War II Navy, works of unique immediacy distinguished by rich portraits of ordinary men in extremis and exclusive new information. Now he does the same for the deadliest, most pivotal naval campaign of the Pacific war: Guadalcanal.

Neptune’s Inferno is at once the most epic and the most intimate account ever written of the contest for control of the seaways of the Solomon Islands, America’s first concerted offensive against the Imperial Japanese juggernaut and the true turning point of the Pacific conflict. This grim, protracted campaign has long been heralded as a Marine victory. Now, with his powerful portrait of the Navy’s sacrifice - three sailors died at sea for every man lost ashore - Hornfischer tells for the first time the full story of the men who fought in destroyers, cruisers, and battleships in the narrow, deadly waters of “Ironbottom Sound”. Here, in brilliant cinematic detail, are the seven major naval actions that began in August of 1942, a time when the war seemed unwinnable and America fought on a shoestring, with the outcome always in doubt. But at Guadalcanal the US proved it had the implacable will to match the Imperial war machine blow for violent blow.

Working from new interviews with survivors, unpublished eyewitness accounts, and newly available documents, Hornfischer paints a vivid picture of the officers and enlisted men who took on the Japanese in America’s hour of need: Vice Admiral William “Bull” Halsey, who took command of the faltering South Pacific Area from his aloof, overwhelmed predecessor and became a national hero; the brilliant Rear Admiral Norman Scott, who died even as he showed his command how to fight and win; Rear Admiral Daniel Callaghan, the folksy and genteel “Uncle Dan”, lost in the strobe-lit chaos of his burning flagship; Rear Admiral Willis Lee, who took vengeance two nights later in a legendary showdown with the Japanese battleship Kirishima; the five Sullivan brothers, all killed in the shocking destruction of the Juneau; and many others, all vividly brought to life.

The first major work on this essential subject in almost two decades, Neptune’s Inferno does what all great battle narratives do: It cuts through the smoke and fog to tell the gripping human stories behind the momentous events and critical decisions that altered the course of history and shaped so many lives. This is a thrilling achievement from a master historian at the very top of his game.

©2011 James D. Hornfischer (P)2011 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Outstanding. The author offers balanced assessments of the leaders on both sides, but the real heroes are the American bluejackets, who too often paid with suffering and death for those leaders' slowness to learn. And as in his first two books, the author's narrative gifts and excellent choice of detail give an almost Homeric quality to the men who met on the sea in steel titans." (Booklist, starred review)

"This work's major strengths are its careful organization, readable prose, and...well-reasoned conclusions. Depictions of battles and ships are enlivened with...apt comments from participants and relevant character sketches of the key figures." (Proceedings Magazine)

"Neptune's Inferno is an exceptional piece of military history. Hornfischer has broadened and deepened our understanding of the U.S. Navy's role in the Solomons campaign in this eminently readable account of the bloody naval battles of attrition in the fall of 1942 that doomed the Imperial Japanese Navy to defeat and irrevocably shifted the strategic initiative in the Pacific War." (Dr. Peter R. Mansoor, colonel, US Army (ret.), Gen. Raymond E. Mason Jr. Chair in Military History, The Ohio State University)

Compelling Discussion of the "Real" Turning Point

Hornfischer is one of the best naval writers of our time. In Neptune's Inferno he discusses the naval battle for Guadalcanal as the real turning point of the Pacific war-- rather than Midway. He thoroughly discusses U.S. Marine Corps mythology disparaging the Navy's abandonment of Marine forces on Guadalcanal-- mythology which is partially true due to Naval strategy, pre-determined and agreed to before the landing was ever made. He also thoroughly examines the subsequent decision by the Navy to commit everything to the overall success of the operation leading to a 3:1 casualty ratio, Navy to Marine Corps, which ultimately led to the defeat of the Japanese.

Horror at Sea

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is a terrific book. It details the horrors of the sea battles in and around Guadalcanal as the U.S Navy sought to recover the initiative in the Pacific. Hornfischer does not gloss over the tragedy of the bloody fighting or the many tactical blunders of the inexperienced American admirals as they learned their trade at the cost of thousands of American lives. Highly recommended.

Have you listened to any of Robertson Dean???s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I bought this book after listening to "Masters of the Air," the story of the American air war over Europe. Dean is an outstanding narrator, polished, fluent, and totally familiar with his story. One of the best on Audible.

Great narration

long chapters. best suited if you have a commute over 20mins, as it takes that long to get through one. wish there was a supplementary guide for battle maps. narration was good, but i often had to refer to a map to get oriented

I recommend Neptune's Inferno.

This is a powerful story. So complex though I'm going to have to read it a second time. Highly recommended.

The Incomparable James D. Hornfischer

James D. Hornfischer is without doubt one of the most accomplished naval historians of our time. His passion just seeps through each page that he writes, as does his patriotism. The Guadalcanal campaign was arduous and brutal. And though not incredibly long, it was one of intense testing and learning. He goes through each happening, point by point, sparing no detail. One must pay VERY close attention as to not get lost in the unfolding of events. The selfless men involved in this tale is as inspiring today as it was then. May we never forget the cost of freedom. This book chronicles the trials and tribulations of war, the ups and downs, and heartbreaking loss. Robertson Dean's narration is flawless. He's truly one of the best narrators alive today. What a treat

Navy’s desperate fight around Guadalcanal

Great history of the naval battles for control of the seas around Guadalcanal in 1942. Great history from Hornfischer (rest in peace) and told at a good pace with a pleasant voice by Dean. Any interest in W.W. II, you will not be disappointed.

Great account of the United States Navy in WWII.

Great history lesson of the opening navel battles of WWII. Narrator was very good. Enjoyed the book.

loved it want more

well written and narrated love these historical accounts!! keep them coming matey me boys undvgerschalfen

Awesome info.

I had heard of the battle of Guadalcanal. But, being a Marine, it was mainly about the land battle. This was very informative. I like the extra info from home & how the Navy covered up info. I also appreciate Adm. Nimitz more. I have always liked him & this solidified it.

The narrator was very pleasant to hear. I have tried to listen to "Tin Can Sailors" but the narator is unbearable.

God Bless the USA & all our men & women who fought.

Excellent Recount of a Vital Naval Battle

Historically accurate and done respectfully! I really appreciate the care place in this audio book.