Two-Ocean War: A Short History of the United States Navy in the Second World War [Abridged] [Paperback]

Samuel Eliot Morison (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1591145244 | ISBN-13: 978-1591145240 | Publication Date: April 6, 2007

Originally published in 1963, this classic, single-volume history draws on Morison s definitive 15-volume History of United States Naval Operations in World War II. More than a condensation, The Two-Ocean War highlights the major components of the larger work: the preparation for war, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the long war of attrition between submarines and convoys in the Atlantic, the battles of the Coral Sea and Midway, the long grind of Guadalcanal, the leapfrogging campaigns among the Pacific islands, the invasion of continental Europe, the blazes of glory at Leyte and Okinawa, and the final grudging surrender of the Japanese.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

RADM Samuel Eliot Morison wrote many popular and award-winning books on maritime history. He was the recipient of two Pulitzer Prizes, two Bancroft Prizes, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Product Details

• Paperback: 611 pages
• Publisher: Naval Institute Press (April 6, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591145244
• ISBN-13: 978-1591145240
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.9 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #369,650 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Both sides of the Navy during WWII, June 10, 2007

By 

An Historian (Houston) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Two-Ocean War: A Short History of the United States Navy in the Second World War (Paperback)

I read this book in preparation for a sea power class I was going to take in graduate school. The author has a well planned format for his work which keeps continuity by alternating Atlantic and Pacific theaters in accordance with the timeline of events. Morison covers the major battles in depth and mentions the minor skirmishes which are relevant to the big picture. By reading Two Ocean War, readers are able to better understand the course of events for naval forces during the war which are often overlook in favor of the `more popular' land battles.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Two Ocean War, October 15, 2008

By 

James Ware "crabby geezer" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Two-Ocean War: A Short History of the United States Navy in the Second World War (Paperback)

Samuel Eliot Morrison is one of the best writers of history and this book is a prime example of his craft. Morrison has a very practical common sense style that equals clear, concise prose that cuts to the heart of the matter without a lot of diversion.

This book is his "short" history of the war. He has also written the official multi-volume history of WWII called: "The History of US Naval Operations in WWII". It is widely regarded as the definitive history on the subject.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Two Ocean War, January 15, 2008

By 

Richard V. Chambers "Cononial Beach V" (Colonial Beach, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Two-Ocean War: A Short History of the United States Navy in the Second World War (Paperback)

I have read many book about the US Navy in WWII. Mr. Morison's book ties all of the events together in a very readable and streight foward manner.