Customer Reviews

West Point Atlas for the Second World War: Asia and the Pacific (West Point Military History)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

These maps are designed to go with the companion volume concerning WWII in the Pacific and must be considered with that in mind. The maps fit very well with the actions described in the WWII in the Pacific book. As the maps try and cover the entire Pacific war they cannot give a blow by blow account of each battle; however, they provide a very good overview of the situation as it developed in the Pacific and the key terrain features are shown along with the importance of certain locations.

I liked the maps and I like the binding as it allows the maps to be laid out flat for easy viewing.

A short summary: This Atlas is a good compilation of maps covering the entire WW II conflict involving the US for Asia & the Pacific. It appears to be chiefly aimed at undergraduate students, and those who are relatively new to the history of WW II in the eastern hemisphere.

There are approx. 50 maps, each on large 11 by 14 inch pages, and in color. The spiral binding makes the book very easy to use. The maps are time-phased to depict the chronological progress of the conflict. One should be somewhat familiar with both standard military symbology, and the use of action symbols to convey the progress of a particular battle.

I purchased the book in order to suppliment the US Army Official History volumes on the Pacific War - primarily because the companion atlas to those volumes is not in print, and has been unavailable on the re-sale market for some time. This atlas doesn't meet my needs in that area. However, that being said, it does do a fair job of keeping the overall strategic and tactical aspects of the Pacific campaigns in order.

I was particularly pleased to see that this Atlas included wide coverage of Allied and Japanese military plans, objectives, and operations in both space and time from the 1930's onwards. This affords a wide view of the overall historical context. In addition, some atypical aspects of the Pacific war are included. Examples: the Soviet August 1945 offensive in Manchuria is sketched in, as is the Japanese Feb. 1945 "Ichi-GO" offensive in China. Finally, the post-Aug.1945 planned operations by the US ("Downfall") are outlined.

The particular volume I purchased had a slight registration error between the print overlays - about 1/32 inch. This is somewhat annoying, but tolerable once understood.

Great book for anyone looking to expand on their reference collection. The maps are true military maps. Great for anyone that need precise information on any battles they may be doing research on.

This companion book is great with maps of battles etc. Anyone interesterd in WWII pacific theatre and especially vets will apprectiate this.

Schnelle und gute Lieferung. Jeder Zeit wieder. Es gibt nicht besseres als diese "West Point Serie"!