Midway: The Battle That Made the Modern World

by Richard Freeman

It was the battle that made the modern world.. Midway was a naval battle like no other. It was fought thousands of miles from land, by dozens of planes over distances of hundreds of miles. It saw four massive Japanese aircraft carriers pitted against three similarly huge American carriers in a contest for domination of the Pacific. The battle is the story of the young Japanese empire seeking to challenge the established industrial power of America. Japan had smashed America at Pearl Harbour, and shaken her at Coral Sea. Now she was ready to risk all in one mighty attempt to drive the United States Navy from the Pacific Ocean. Japan’s admirals put to sea confident that they could take the Americans by surprise, take the Midway atoll and destroy the American carriers. American espionage ensured that Admiral Nimitz had full knowledge of the planned attack, so turning a Japanese trap into an American ambush. The battle that followed raged over three days, full of set backs and disaster for each side. But Admirals Yamamoto and Nagumo had over-reached themselves and suffered the greatest naval defeat in history. America entered Midway on the defensive, still a hesitant participant in the war. She left the battle as the world’s first super power. Midway is a concise history of the battle that made the modern world. This compelling short book from a best-selling author at the top of his field, brings the perfect mixture of storytelling and facts to provide a fascinating read. Great for readers of Joshua Levine and Laura Hillenbrand.

Genres: History, Naval History, Military Fiction

60 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a rapid read. I noted at the introduction that the average read time was just over an hour, and it was so. There is no real parallel to this battle in terms of how suddenly it shifted from ultimate futility to sudden dramatic victory. This book follows a number of reliable sources for its material and explains the meat of what happened reasonably speedily.

[Tony Bezilla · Rating 2 out of 5]

A worthy topic but not well told

Reading this book is rather like listening to an old historian or academic who suffers from minor dementia. You get the overall gist of the story but it bounces all over the place with no sensible flow or direction. Give the author for taking on Midway but give this one a pass.

[Tom Feux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historic briefing

You wouldn’t think the essentials of a battle report could be such an exciting read. Many personal and emotional stories will be gleaned from this episode in our military history but it is useful to grasp the crux of the story with a minimum of detail. It will make your further readings more enjoyable.

[Jim Calhoun · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY WELL WRITTEN BOOK !!

A book any one who reads HISTORY must have. Well written and is readable without sounding like a report to Washington H. Q., or a textbook. Very,very good sir! More please. Editing much better than most. You do deserve these Five Stars.

[James C. Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember listening on the radio, daily to keep up with the war in the Pacific. I was about 12, and could identify every military plane that flew over our house. This was, probably the turning point of the war in the Pacific. Loved every minute that it took me to read it.

[Rodney Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Turning point

Quick and concise account of the battle. I enjoy reading military history and like to see each authors retelling of the battle according to where and whom they received their information from.

[Ted Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, concise account.

[Keith Chrzan · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's a very brief book, but so brief the reader will miss important details that the author goes over too succinctly. Wikipedia article is (a) better and (b) free.

[Richard D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shoer and Informative

This is rather short read but provides some new information and detail I have not read before. I enjoyed this book,

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick summary of Midway

If you’re looking for a quick summary of Midway this will suffice. Strange did not include maps which always help readers

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short read - Japanese overconfidence in world war II battle with America that helped change the outcome of the war.

[Vikas Datta · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, fast-paced introduction