Customer Reviews

Sinking of the Bismarck

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I purchased this used hardcover book used from amazon in November 2010. The copyright date is 1962. The author, Mr. Shirer, writes in a very nice style. Very easy to read, without annoying things like excessive acronyms or military jargon. This book seems to accurately provide a sequence of events that lead to the sinking of the Bismark. It is a short book that covers the important facts only. It also contains over a dozen excellent photos related to this incident. Some nice maps of the Atlantic ocean and areas of action are also included. I am pleased to add this book to my library.

IN A NUTSHELL: A FAST READ FOR YOUNG READERS

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT - "Sinking of the Bismarck" by William Shirer

This book is a fast, easy read that probably any ten year old will be able to read, comprehend and enjoy. It is quite concise, and accurate, and clearly paints an easy to follow picture of the action and chronolgy of this famous historic sea battle.

WHAT I DID NOT LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK:

Having an avid interest in this subject matter, I found this book too simple,and lacking in the naval specific information, and jargon that I expected. Also, though there is some, I feel that too little information is given about the mechanics of the battle in terms of, what weapons were fired, at what ranges, to what effect, and at what time. You see, this is for some, the reason to read the book, as one might hope to find more details than one might expect in the film, "Sink The Bismarck". However, that is just my viewpoint, which represents readers that are already familiar with the story and want more.

BOTTOM LINE: THE FILM & THIS BOOK ARE VERY SIMILAR - AS THEY SHOULD BE!

Having seen the film, "SINK THE BISMARCK", many times over the years, I feel that I have already read this book - before now. Since I have always felt that the film is excellent, I must therefore believe that if I did not have the film as a reference I would find the book to be an excellent, and informative read. Having said all that, I would conclude that this is an excellent historic account intended for a young literate audience.

Journalist-author William L. Shirer wrote this engaging account for young readers, yet it's a pretty good (if brief) read for adults. The narrative describes the launching of Germany's greatest battleship in early 1941, and the panicked British response to sink the Bismarck before she wreaked havoc on Allied convoys. The story begins as British intelligence learns that the Bismarck has left port and will soon head for the Atlantic Ocean to attack vital convoys from America and Canada. Then there's the effort to intercept it with British battleships Hood and Prince of Wales, Bismarck's escape into the open sea, and eventually, the final engagement. Battleships were on the road to obsolescence in 1941 - unless they had sufficient air cover - but that was not yet fully understood by the admiralty, nor is it a theme of this thrilling high seas tale of hunt and prey.

William L. Shirer (1904-93) wrote several superb volumes on Nazi Germany aimed at adults: Berlin Diary, Rise and Fall of Third Reich, Nightmare Years. This is a stellar effort he penned for younger readers.

This book is about Britain's long chase to destroy the German battleship "Bismarck". This book is very entertaning and it'll keep you on the edge of your seats.