The Fleet at Flood Tide

America at Total War in the Pacific, 1944-1945

De: James D. Hornfischer

Narrado por: Pete Larkin

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER •

The extraordinary story of the World War II air, land, and sea campaign that brought the U.S. Navy to the apex of its strength and marked the rise of the United States as a global superpower

Winner, Commodore John Barry Book Award, Navy League of the United States • Winner, John Lehman Distinguished Naval Historian Award, Naval Order of the United States

With its thunderous assault on the Mariana Islands in June 1944, the United States crossed the threshold of total war. In this tour de force of dramatic storytelling, distilled from extensive research in newly discovered primary sources, James D. Hornfischer brings to life the campaign that was the fulcrum of the drive to compel Tokyo to surrender—and that forever changed the art of modern war.

With a close focus on high commanders, front-line combatants, and ordinary people, American and Japanese alike, Hornfischer tells the story of the climactic end of the Pacific War as has never been done before. Here are the epic seaborne invasions of Saipan, Tinian, and Guam, the stunning aerial battles of the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot, the first large-scale use of Navy underwater demolition teams, the largest banzai attack of the war, and the daring combat operations large and small that made possible the strategic bombing offensive culminating in the atomic strikes on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. From the seas of the Central Pacific to the shores of Japan itself, The Fleet at Flood Tide is a stirring, authoritative, and cinematic portrayal of World War II’s world-changing finale.

Illustrated with original maps and more than 120 dramatic photographs

“Quite simply, popular and scholarly military history at its best.”—Victor Davis Hanson, author of Carnage and Culture

“The dean of World War II naval history . . . In his capable hands, the story races along like an intense thriller. . . . Narrative nonfiction at its finest—a book simply not to be missed.”—James M. Scott, Charleston Post and Courier

“An impressively lucid account . . . admirable, fascinating.”—The Wall Street Journal

“An extraordinary memorial to the courageous—and a cautionary note to a world that remains unstable and turbulent today.”—Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander, NATO, author of Sea Power

“A masterful, fresh account . . . ably expands on the prior offerings of such classic naval historians as Samuel Eliot Morison.”—The Dallas Morning News

©2016 James D. Hornfischer (P)2016 Random House Audio

RIP James D. Hornfischer

James D. Hornfischer was one of the very best naval historians. Sadly he passed away in June of this year. But his work will stand the test of time. There isn't a book of his that isn't a stand alone classic. This is a magnum opus in its conclusion of the WW2 Pacific campaign. His writing, from the intimate to the broad in scope weaves together seamlessly. This is a must for any military history buff. Thank you James for your work and you will not be forgotten. And Pete Larkin's narration is also ideal.

Outstanding book to conclude WWII.

This book provided insight to the complexities, decisions and mistakes made in the final years of the war. It helped me appreciate the sacrafices of our mothers and fathers to support the effort. It made me proud of our nation that overcame so much to achieve victory.

Fantastic

Another masterpiece by Hornfischer. He treats every American and Japanese figure with the dignity they deserved.

Great book. Larkin is great

Book is a great mix of big picture with personal stories. Overall theme explores the Japanese extreme approach to war and how that affected American decisions, especially towards the end of he war. Pete Larkin is a real pleasure to listen to.

Great Listen

I'm a huge fan of naval history especially in the Pacific. While this book is more encompassing than just the Navy's war it shows the glide path that the entire military machine was on from the Mariana's Campaign to the capitulation of Japan. This is one I enjoyed listening to but I will certainly be reading a hard copy in the near future.

Good book.

Good book of the final years of the war in the Pacific. Recommended for anyone with an interest in the war in the Pacific. Good profiles of participants of all ranks.

Outstanding!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Fleet at Flood Tide to be better than the print version?

This is an awesome book, it covers in fine detail the Navy and Marine Corps participation in the US advance towards Japan, and the reason for taking islands despite their cost... and describes the horrific price paid

Who was your favorite character and why?

Raymond Spruance; I found particularly interesting the credit Hornfischer gives to Spruance, and describing the character of a man whom I've always thought to be one of the greatest senior commanders of the war.

Filled in many gaps for me.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it’s thorough and thoroughly well written. It filled many gaps in my knowledge about the end game in the Pacific in WWII. Pete Larkin’s narration was first-rate to boot.

Another home run

Fourth book in this series that I’ve listened to and loved them all. Although they’re all narrated by different people, they’re all equally good. Highly recommend if you like hearing about the broad strokes as well as personal accounts.

Good at filling in all those other details

What did you love best about The Fleet at Flood Tide?

Getting a lot of the details from both USN and IJN about the final year of the war. I was disappointed that so little time was spent on the Battle of Samar, 25 Oct. The author has written a whole book about this and it is excellent.

Any additional comments?

Very good for those interested in WWII naval history that already know the overall picture.