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Marine Brigadier General Jerome T. Hagen’s volumes on the war in the Pacific areas are not a reprise of previous histories, but the results of in-depth and original research.
Unique in that each chapter stands alone, key but little-known players and units of the war are presented in great detail by BGen Hagen, who has been described by noted Marine historian Colonel Brooke Nihart, USMC (Ret) as “literate, thinking, creative and intellectually productive.”
The photographs, illustrations and maps selected complement his chapters and some have never been published in WWII historical works. His entertaining but straightforward presentation of facts will capture your interest as well as inform.
Whether all three volumes of BGen Hagen’s work are added to your library, or just his latest volume, you will surely find his efforts of value, as more and more revisionists apologia move onto the shelves of libraries and book stores.
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REVIEWER:
William H. McDonald, President
Military Writers
Society of
America |
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Best Book Series on the War in the Pacific
The absolute best history books I have ever read about any war. Author (and retired USMC Brigadier General) Jerome T. Hagen has put together a great series of books called “War in the Pacific.” His second volume of that series –“People and Places” is a real page turner and for a book on history, this is a rarity. He writes about the men behind the action and digs up some most interesting of facts in the process. I thoroughly enjoyed reading each chapter. His descriptions and narratives of events and people are done with the skill of a novelist and not just that of a military leader. This book series has been on the best selling list in Hawaii for several years and there is good reason for that which you will discover when you begin to read them.
Volume II deals with people whose names may famous to most and some who were certainly new to me. I enjoyed the background on one of my favorite aviation heroes, Major Gregory “Pappy” Boyington of the “Black Sheep" fame. The author not only provides the reader with many facts (much of which was new or unknown information to me) but General Hagen also gives a good emotional profile of the man. His second volume book of this three book series goes well beyond the basic facts and gives some very insightful observations which make the history of WWII come alive.
If you had a class of students and they could only read one set of history books about the War with Japan then this series of books would be the one that I would choose and recommend. There are great photos, maps, stories and background information to give any student or reader a good historic view of that conflict. This book series needs to be read to be appreciated. It is a must read book series and the MWSA not only gives this book (Volume II) its HIGHEST BOOK RATING – FIVE STARS – but we also go on record as fully endorsing all of the books in the series. |
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Book
Commentary
Portions of Volume II appeared in the Sunday Supplement of the Walla Walla, Washington Union-Bulletin from November 2001 through November 2002. These chapters incorporate comments from the readers as well as comments from readers of Volume I. These comments prompted the publishing of this book and speak for the content far better than any single historian or reviewer.
" I loved your book. I finished it in two days. You are a remarkable historian and writer. I would say you are on a par with Stephen Ambrose."
Al Faeger, Atlanta
"I have read all of Admiral Samuel Eliot Morison's books on naval operations in World War II. Your research is every bit as detailed and you write better than Morison. Keep it up."
Tom Price, USN, Ret., San Diego
"I found your series tremendously moving, a searing account, a work that should be published. Thank you for your time and consideration."
Barron Song
"I want to thank you for being very fair and precise in your writings. I read each article with tears in my eyes. A great writer."
Yasuko Kawada
"Your book is the most accurate story of events in the pacific war that I have read. I was there. I was a POW for 42 months during World War II. My ship, USS Houston, was sunk in the Sundra Straits, and I was forced to build the Death railway in Burma and Siam (Thailand). Your book describes events as they were. Thank You."
Wilber Smith, Walla Walla
"I sure hope there will be a Volume III."
Richard Knott, Emmett, KS |
