The Bode Testament (Paperback)

~ Sandy Shanks (Author)
Key Phrases: naval battle defeat, only heavy cruiser, two seaplane tenders, Captain Bode, The Bode Testament, Sandy Shanks (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

For all those interested in the titanic struggle between the United States Navy and the powerful navy of Imperial Japan, this book is a must. The worst battle defeat in its history, the navy in the official investigation, the Hepburn Report, chose to censure only a mere captain, Captain Howard D. Bode, Commander, USS Chicago, despite the many errors of those adorned with flag epaulets.

About the Author

Sandy Shanks lives with his lovely wife, Florence, in the San Gabriel Valley which lies to the east of Los Angeles. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in education, and served as an officer in America's finest, the United States Marine Corps. This work is a result of four and a half years of effort, and the collaboration of three author/historians; Bruce Loxton, Chris-Coulthard Clark, and John Lundstrom. It is also the result of a dream born forty years ago.

Product Details

• Paperback: 548 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (May 10, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595180132
• ISBN-13: 978-0595180134
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #606,583 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Captain Bode, USS Chicago and the Battle Of Savo Island., July 20, 2001

By	Mackenzie J Gregory (Melbourne, Victoria Australia) - See all my reviews

I was the Officer of the Watch on the bridge of HMAS Canberra, at the commencement of the Battle of Savo Island on August 9th. 1942. This absorbing book by Sandy Shanks is Historical Fiction featuring Captain Bode of USS Chicago, you will particularly enjoy the trial section. As a published author of Naval History and a Retired Naval Officer after 20 years service, I found this book most authentic, and totally holding my interest. "The Bode Testament" is a recommended read. Do yourself a favor, buy it, read it, and enjoy. Now, that is an order!!

Mackenzie J Gregory. Lieutenant Commander RAN. (Ret'd)

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book kept me involved for several days straight., October 16, 2003

By	DON LISLE "9m6ipt" (ALTADENA, CA USA) - See all my reviews

The amount of resarch that went into this book was absolutely amazing. I was not old enough to be in WWII but I do remember reading about it and hearing about it on the radio and in "Movietone News". This book taught me so much more than I expected. Sandy Shanks is a great author, weaving his facts and "guesses" together to keep one engrossed, almost not wanting to put it down until the end. I can't wait until Sandy Shanks' third book, whatever that may be, is published.

Speaking of the publishing, I think that the publisher of this book did not serve Mr. Shanks too well. Way too many misspellings, bad sentence structure, etc. With such extensive research and apparent writing capabilities, Mr. Shanks would not have made those errors, I'm sure. Nevertheless, I strongly recommend this book to everyone, not just war buffs!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a great book to sit down with, August 15, 2001

By	Butch Colby (Columbia, Maryland) - See all my reviews

The first couple of chapters were OK. Mr. Shanks' description of the battle was great, however his description of the subsequent trial was outstanding. I did not have a clue as to the outcome of the trial until the very last couple of pages. Mr. Shanks' final disclosure was extremely surprising, therefore, I am interested in researching more about this event in our history. I served 3 years on the USS Long Beach CGN-9, which was a Nuclear Cruiser. I can relate to many of the terms Mr. Shanks uses in the book as being very accurate. The research by Mr. Shanks for this book had to have been extensive. His insight was great. Although my last name is Colby, I am not related to the Colby in the book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a good story based on a World War II naval battle that happened over 50 years ago.

It is a story that needed to be told.