From Publishers Weekly
As the author shows in this affectionate but balanced account, naval history before 1941 was largely a matter of growth and development, with only sporadic fighting (less than 60 hours of actual naval warfare, he estimates). Although he has much to say of interest about the formative years, it is generally by way of introduction to his vigorous account of the navy in World War II, when the navy was severely tested and stretched to the limit of its resources. The focus throughout is more on technical innovation and reform than battle tactics, and Beach introduces all of the key figures. Among them: Admiral William Sims, who brought about a quantum leap in the navy's offensive power in the late 19th century; Lt. Commander Dudley Morton, instrumental in the development of torpedoes that worked (in 1942 the failure rate was over 90% ); and Commander Joseph Rochefort who, in his indirect contribution to the victory at Midway, "made more difference, at a more important time, than any naval officer in history." Beach wrote Run Silent, Run Deep. Photos not seen by PW. Author tour.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
"This is not a proper history of the U.S. Navy," states Beach, retired naval officer, novelist, historian, and one-time aide to General Eisenhower. Very true. It is rather the musings of a naval officer who has devoted a lifetime to studying and writing about naval affairs. The work is episodic. The author chooses periods that interest him (War of 1812, Civil War, the periods between the World Wars) and ignores those eras and wars that do not. Beach believes in the great man theory of history and concentrates on officers, technicians, and inventions that changed the course of naval history. But there is nothing here that has not appeared in numerous earlier histories of the Navy. Not an essential purchase. Stanley Itkin, Hillside P.L., New Hyde Park, N.Y.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
