Blue Skies and Blood: The Battle of the Coral Sea
by Edwin P. Hoyt
On This Page
Description
The first definitive account of one of the most critical naval battles of World War II in the pacific. Spring 1942: Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, America was reeling under the successive Japanese victories at Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines and more. Desperate to stop what was seen as an inexorable Japanese advance toward Australia, the weak U.S. Navy intercepted the large Japanese fleet in the Coral Sea. The Battle of the Coral Sea ushered a new era in sea warfare. show more For the first time ever opposing fleets used carrier-launched aircraft to fight each other. It was a fight that would determine the future of the war. Few writers can sustain the kind of exciting narrative that distinguishes this account of brave men fighting each other to the death. Edwin P.Hoyt is one such writer. In BLUE SKIES AND BLOOD you hear the frightening roar of the dive-bombers' engines, feel the concussions of explosions that ripped apart the mighty aircraft carriers from stem to stern, and smell the acrid odor of cordite and terror as tonnes of sea water rush into ruptured smoke-filled hulls. About the Author Edwin P.Hoyt is an eminent authority on naval history. He is a former Army Air Corps flying in World War II, a war correspondent and television producer. show lessTags
Recommendations
Member Recommendations
Member Reviews
This is a detailed study of this crucial battle that was the first to be fought entirely by planes launched from aircraft carriers and thus changed the way sailors planned to fight sea battles of the future. While the Japanese won tactically since they sank more American ships than they lost and destroyed more US aircraft as well, the Americans won a strategic victory as the Japanese never again threaten Australia and started their long road back to Japan from where they had commenced their conquests in the 1930's.
Hoyt used almost exclusively primary sources from both the Japanese and American sides rather than other historical works for his research. His journalistic style makes this an easy read.
Hoyt used almost exclusively primary sources from both the Japanese and American sides rather than other historical works for his research. His journalistic style makes this an easy read.
This is a detailed study of this crucial battle that was the first to be fought entirely by planes launched from aircraft carriers and thus changed the way sailors planned to fight sea battles of the future. While the Japanese won tactically since they sank more American ships than they lost and destroyed more US aircraft as well, the Americans won a strategic victory as the Japanese never again threaten Australia and started their long road back to Japan from where they had commenced their conquests in the 1930's.
Hoyt used almost excessively primary sources from both the Japanese and American sides rather than other historical works for his research. His journalistic style makes this an easy read.
Hoyt used almost excessively primary sources from both the Japanese and American sides rather than other historical works for his research. His journalistic style makes this an easy read.
Ratings
Members
- Recently Added By
Author Information
170 Works 3,694 Members
Edwin P. Hoyt (1923-2005) was an independent historian who published nearly two hundred books, mostly in the area of military history, including The Last Kamikaze and Hirohito. After serving in World War II with the Office of War Information, he was a journalist for more than a decade before becoming a full-time writer.
Common Knowledge
- Original publication date
- 1975
- People/Characters
- Frank Jack Fletcher
- Important places
- Pacific Ocean; Coral Sea
- Important events
- World War II (1939 | 1945); World War II, Pacific Theater (1941-12-07 | 1945-09-02); Battle of the Coral Sea (1942-05-04 | 1942-05-08)
- Related movies
- Battle of the Coral Sea (1959 | IMDb)
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 139
- Popularity
- 235,940
- Reviews
- 2
- Rating
- (3.50)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper
- ISBNs
- 7
- ASINs
- 2
