The Battle for the Pacific

An absorbing and compelling study of the most intensive naval struggle the world has ever seen.

Beginning with Pearl Harbor, renowned historian Donald Macintyre charts the course of the Pacific war through the major battles that shaped World War Two: Java Sea, Coral Sea, Midway, Philippine Sea, and Leyte Gulf.

Of course, the Pacific theatre was shaped not only by naval actions but also by closely interlocking military campaigns. Macintyre brings these amphibious struggles, which were more ferocious and wide-ranging than the world had ever seen, to the forefront of readers’ minds and demonstrates just why the Allies were able to emerge victorious.

Macintyre, a veteran of the U-boat war in the Atlantic, explores how the Japanese were able to utilize the tactical advantage of their fleet air arm with its superiority in carrier-born fighters and torpedo planes to initially gain the upper hand of the conflict. It was only through military intelligence breakthroughs, the vast American industrial capacity, and brilliant naval and military leadership that the Allies were able to defeat the Japanese even in the face of terrifying kamikaze attacks.

‘Macintyre depicts each of the major naval actions with clarity and decisiveness.’ Military Review

‘the author brings a refreshing assessment with his approach.’ Marine Corps Gazette

‘entertaining’ Naval War College Review