Customer Reviews

The Big E

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I got my first copy of this when I was just a lad and I must have read it five or six times. It fell apart and disappeared during the college years. Maybe 10 years ago I found it in paperback (just sitting in a bookstore!) and read it a couple of more times since then.

It is one of those rare works of history that manages to be factual, straightforward, and still read like a novel. The writing is crisp, the imagery moving, and the detail satisfying. I admit to being biased -- don't we all have fond memories of books read when we were young? -- but I cannot think of any flaws.

Here's a historical nugget I first recognized reading "The Big E." Only two US fleet carriers survived WWII. The first was the Saratoga, which survived by being heavily damaged seemingly everytime she left port, and spent the war safely in drydock being repaired. The second was the Enterprise, which was engaged in nearly every major battle in the Pacific, and was arguably the "luckiest" large ship in the Navy.

Given the resurgence of interest in WWII (see Stephen Ambrose and Tom Hanks) I cannot imagine why someone does not reprint this book. If you can find a copy, buy it. If you live in western Washington I might loan you my copy, but you have to promise to take good care of it and return it promptly.

I purchased this paperback in the early 80's, set it aside and did not read it until 1994. It is an incredible history. I cried when "The Big 'E'" was scarred, when her crew fought and died to keep her in the war. Cmdr. Stafford's genius is evident in the movie " Tora, Tora, Tora!" - he was the technical advisor. I am currently re-reading this classic; and would love to have a pristine copy in my library. It is a crime against history that the Enterprise and Saratga were not preserved as museums. I truly believe "Thre Big 'E'" was the diference between defeat and victory in 1942.

The first time I read the book I was 10 years old. I was known in my school for my knowledge of WWII history. This book made me understand the losses that were actually involved in war. By the time I was done reading the book for the first time, I was in tears thinking about all that history beeing scrapped. The Constitution sunk one ship, The Enterprise kept a nation afloat. If I ever get ahold of this book again, I will put it in it's place in my collection: on my nightstand!

I read the book twice before it disappeared on me. There are books out there that tell the story of ships. This book is a reference to the strength and the perseverence of a ship, her crew and should be required reading to anyone that serves in the military, matter of fact anyone who wants to know why we won that war.(If wars are really won). The first Space Shuttle, the first nuclear carrier wear that name. For those Sci-Fi. buffs, I need not say more. I served on a carrier and have a good idea what strength, spirit, and unity are. For those who fight for it. Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know. We are a great nation, but not necessarily the greatest.A Sailor. Me

I have not read this book in over 15 years. My old paperback copy is now gone. When I had it, I read it twice. I felt immersed in the action, life and death of the "ship with a soul". It would be wonderful to get a copy once again.

I have enjoyed reading this book . I first read it in 1966. When I was in jr high school. I recommend anybody who likes to read about WWII should read this.

Harold Ayres

I read the book twice several years ago and really enjoyed it BOTH times. It is not only a well written account of WWII naval aviation and seamanship, it is a very intense story of that desperate and valiant time in our country's history.

I have read this so many times that it is falling appart. It chronicals a valiant warship and the deeds of the men who were part of her. It is a good reference to refer to what was happening during a certain campaign of that war. This ship was in most of it. Great Book. Carl Trapp