The War for the Seas

A Maritime History of World War II

By: Evan Mawdsley

Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart

Length: 28 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

A bold and authoritative maritime history of World War II which takes a fully international perspective and challenges our existing understanding

Command of the oceans was crucial to winning World War II. By the start of 1942 Nazi Germany had conquered mainland Europe, and Imperial Japan had overrun Southeast Asia and much of the Pacific. How could Britain and distant America prevail in what had become a "war of continents"?

In this definitive account, Evan Mawdsley traces events at sea from the first U-boat operations in 1939 to the surrender of Japan. He argues that the Allied counterattack involved not just decisive sea battles, but a long struggle to control shipping arteries and move armies across the sea.

Covering all the major actions in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as those in the narrow seas, this book interweaves for the first time the endeavors of the maritime forces of the British Empire, the United States, Germany, and Japan, as well as those of France, Italy, and Russia.

©2019 Evan Mawdsley (P)2020 Tantor

Great way to finish a 3 part history of WWII Pacif

It was compelling from beginning to end
especially the complete analysis of the closing of the war.

wow easy to fall asleep to

this is so much detail information might be great for college course at Annapolis.

Significant Detail Presented Effectively

Enjoyed the big picture presentation of this book. The level of detail provided is highly effective in terms of understanding how and why the battle of the seas were won by the Allies. Learned about numerous battles in the European war for defeating the Germany and Italy as well as the Japanese. The narrator does an excellent job of making the book an enjoyable experience. I have given the book a four-star rating in the overall and story categories because I was frustrated by the frequent reference to tables of information that could/should be provided as a pdf supplement to the Audiobook. Great read and great information. Thank you! BlueWaterGator

Excellent

This is a wonderful reading of an excellent book! I’ve been studying this material for all my life and there’s additional facts added in this book.

A lot of information

If you want a broad look at WW2 naval warfare this your book. I found it a bit dry as it was mostly dates and quick glimpses of the battles as a whole.

A Real Slog

i have no problem with dry histories, but this takes it too far. 70% of the book follows the same formula: Ships X, Y and Z engaged ships A and B off the Cape of Bob, with Z and B damaged and A sunk. 347 were killed. Next, ships J and K engaged etc. etc. The other 30% is discussing tonnage under the Washington Naval Treaty.

There is no real insight and relatively little analysis. He takes a few shots at specific other historians, and that is as exciting as it gets. I don't need heroic narrative, but it reads like the naval equivalent of a book report.

Good story

Performance is difficult to understand...tone does not vary. Story is well developed and very thorough.

The Definitive history of the war on the seas WWII

Hesitated for months purchasing this book. Really, just how many books on the subject of WWII can one read! Fiinally after seeing the preeminent historian author's one word review of the book, "impeccable," Max Hastings, I bought it. I never ceased to be amazed at the research these great authors must delve into in order to in this case, produce a masterpiece on the magnitude of this book! I will be going back to this masterpiece reading and referencing it for years! It's not a 10, it's a 20! Into WWII don't miss it. Allen B.

Enjoyable

Nice overview of the naval history. Goes through the different theaters of the war with detail.

Worth a listen for all history buffs

I at first thought it might get bogged down with too much detail. However It is worth that aspect when one discovers so much new information about so many overlooked events. I became appreciative of those facts as the book progressed. Splendidly read.