By J. Wandres, Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, MD (2010). Reviewed by Kempton Baldridge It is a special treat to learn about a 20th century naval hero who has, until now been little more than a footnote in history. The name Paul Shulman might not ring any bells for many naval historians, but thanks to the
By David J Ulbrich, Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, MD (2011) Reviewed by Colonel Curt Marsh, USMC (Ret.) The story of General Thomas Holcomb who was Commandant of the Marine Corps from 1936 to 1943 illuminates a crucial period of Marine Corps history and the very significant contributions of one key participant. Most Marines know all
By Thomas P. Ostrom, McFarland & Company, Jefferson, NC, (2009) Reviewed by Charles H. Bogart This is a well-written and nicely researched account of the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. The author, using seventeen topical chapters, provides short, concise accounts of various missions carried out by the Coast Guard during the war. Each
By Henry J. Hendrix, Naval Institute Press (Annapolis, MD), 2009. Reviewed by Thomas P. Ostrom Captain Henry J. Hendrix, USN brings an impressive background of naval professionalism and scholarly credentials to the task of writing this history of President Theodore Roosevelt (TR) and the 14-month global cruise of the Great White Fleet of U.S. battleships
Edited by John B. Hattendorf and Bruce A. Elleman. Naval War College Press/Government Printing Office (2010). Reviewed By Corbin Williamson Nineteen Gun Salute is a collection of short biographies of American admirals who demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities during their naval service. The admirals were skilled operational and strategic commanders as well as diplomats. The work
By Robert J. Moore and John A. Rodgaard, Holywell House Publishing, 2010 (first published in Great Britain by Robert J. Moore, 1990) Reviewed by Rear Admiral Joseph F. Callo, USNR (Ret) Every ship has a unique life, and in the case of HMS Venomous, that life was long and useful, and it covered a wide
By Niklas Zetterling & Michael Tamelander, Casemate Publishers, USA 2009. Reviewed by Capt. John A. Rodgaard, USN (Ret.) Zetterling and Tamelander tell the story of the Tirpitz, Germany’s last super battleship, and the desperate, if not obsessive, efforts by the British to destroy her with a comprehensively different perspective from their previous work about the
By Mark Stille, Osprey Publishing, 2011 Reviewed by Samuel Loring Morison This book, number 176 in Osprey’s “New Vanguard” series discusses the construction, design and role of the six classes of Heavy Cruisers built for the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II and the equipment that they employed. The book also includes mid-war modifications.
US Submarines 1900-35 by Jim Christley, Osprey Publishing, 2011. Defeating the U-Boat: Inventing Antisubmarine Warfare by Jan S. Breemer, Dept. of the Navy, 2010. Reviewed by James-Joseph Ahern Introduced into naval service at the start of the Twentieth-Century, the submarine presented the first threat to the century old concept
By Bernard D. Cole, Naval Institute Press, 2010. Reviewed by Dr. David F. Winkler On the banner on the U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings reads “The Independent Forum of the Sea Services.” This certainly can be said of the Naval Institute Press which offers titles that can educate and influence policy makers. One example is my
By Ed Offley, Basic Books, New York, NY, (2011) Reviewed by Thomas P. Ostrom Ed Offley brings writing and research skills to his book on the World War II Battle of the Atlantic. The conflict featured German submarines (U-boats) versus the combat ships of the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Britain’s Royal Navy, and the Royal
By Gregory Fremont-Barnes, Osprey Publishing, UK (2011). Reviewed by Captain John A. Rodgaard USN (Ret.) Osprey Publishing’s Campaign Series of books are noted for their concise quality in conveying military history. One of their latest offerings, written by Dr. Gregory Fremont-Barnes, is no exception. Nile 1798: Nelson’s First Great Victory is well laid-out; succinctly written
By Jerry Miller, Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, MD, ( 2010) Reviewed by Charles Bogart This well-written and crafted book is an insider’s look at how the United States’ strategic nuclear weapon stockpile grew from three weapons in 1945 to over 10,000 in 1980 and then began to shrink to its present level of some 2,000.
By Angus Konstam, Osprey Publishing, Oxford, England, (2011). Reviewed by Charles Bogart For the past decade, Osprey Publishing has been producing high quality, well illustrated books on various military affairs. This book is part of their Raid Series and tells the story of Sir Francis Drake’s raid on Spanish possessions in the Caribbean Sea. With
By Hal M. Friedman, Naval War College Press, Newport, RI (2010). Reviewed by Thomas P. Ostrom Hal M. Friedman brings a scholarly background to his naval history writing: associate chair and professor of modern history at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, Michigan, and an MA and Ph.D. in political science and international relations. Dr.
