“A literary tour de force that is destined to become one of the . . . definitive works about the battle for Guadalcanal . . . [James D.] Hornfischer deftly captures the essence of the most pivotal naval campaign of the Pacific war.”—San Antonio Express-News The Battle of Guadalcanal has long been heralded as a Marine victory. Now, with his powerful portrait of the Navy’s sacrifice, James D. … sacrifice, James D. Hornfischer tells for the first time the full story of the men who fought in destroyers, cruisers, and battleships in the narrow, deadly waters of “Ironbottom Sound.” Here, in stunning cinematic detail, are the seven major naval actions that began in August 1942, a time when the war seemed unwinnable and America fought on a shoestring, with the outcome always in doubt. Working from new interviews with survivors, unpublished eyewitness accounts, and newly available documents, Hornfischer paints a vivid picture of the officers and enlisted men who opposed the Japanese in America’s hour of need. The first major work on this subject in almost two decades, Neptune’s Inferno does what all great battle narratives do: It tells the gripping human stories behind the momentous events and critical decisions that altered the course of history and shaped so many lives.
Praise for Neptune’s Inferno
“Vivid and engaging . . . extremely readable, comprehensive and thoroughly researched.”—Ronald Spector, The Wall Street Journal
“Superlative storytelling . . . the masterwork on the long-neglected topic of World War II’s surface ship combat.”—Richard B. Frank, World War II
“The author’s two previous World War II books . . . thrust him into the major leagues of American military history writers. Neptune’s Inferno is solid proof he deserves to be there.”—The Dallas Morning News
“Outstanding . . . The author’s narrative gifts and excellent choice of detail give an almost Homeric quality to the men who met on the sea in steel titans.”—Booklist (starred review)
“Brilliant . . . a compelling narrative of naval combat . . . simply superb.”—The Washington Times
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It tells the story of the USN and the IJN sea battles for Guadalcanal. An excellent blow by blow telling of the conflict at sea.
History told in a way that was interesting and compelling.
Anything Hornfischer writes is very good.
Very sobering reminder that freedom is not free. The many naval battles during the Guadalcanal campaign shaped the future of the U.S. Navy for decades to come.
One of the best read histories I have ever read. The action is stupendous and far better than many thrillers. An incredible history lesson that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
I enjoyed this book for not only the story but also the history.
Some campaigns in the Pacific theater in WWII are very well known. The costly naval battles off Guadalcanal are less known. This book makes a great contribution to fill that void. Very thoroughly researched and very well written.
an excellent history of the naval battles, strategy, mistakes and heroes of the battles surrounding Guadalcanal from August 1942 to February 1943
A well-written naval history of the Guadalcanal campaign which focuses on the human side of the battle.
A great story about the sea battles around Guadalcanal
A thorough and very well-written account of the naval battles at Guadalcanal.
The Navy’s first black eye of WW II. Fortunately they were fast learners as the war progressed.
Well written and informative – – great read for anyone interested in WWll in the Pacific.
One of the very best WWII historical novels that I have read. This book should, as I did , be read right after you read Guadalcanal Diary
A pivotal battle that turned the tide in the pacific. Well documented and told.
Just as I had hoped for .The book was very entertaining ,loaded with quite a few facts that I did not know about the sea battles.Most books I read were the land battles.This was very enlightening.Loved it .
A very enlightening book. Well written.