The Imperial Japanese Navy in the Pacific War

By: Mark E. Stille

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

The Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) was the third most powerful navy in the world at the start of World War II and came to dominate the Pacific in the early months of the war. This was a remarkable turnaround for a navy that only began to modernize in 1868, although defeats inflicted on the Russians and Chinese in successive wars at the turn of the century gave a sense of the threat the IJN was to pose.

Bringing together for the first time material previously published in Osprey series books, and with the recorded material of the addition of new writing making use of the most recent research, this audiobook details the Japanese ships which fought in the Pacific and examines the principles on which they were designed, how they were armed, when and where they were deployed, and how effective they were in battle.

A valuable reference source for Pacific War enthusiasts and historians, The Imperial Japanese Navy in the Pacific War provides a history of the IJN's deployment and engagements, analysis of the evolution of strategy and tactics, and finally addresses the question of whether it truly was a modern navy, fully prepared for the rigors of combat in the Pacific.

©2013 Mark Stille (P)2018 Tantor

Clear narration

Although with most books like this there is lots of info, the narration and parts that had situation type elements was nice. Good background listen

Great Technical Reference

I had read the print copy when it first came out and was surprised to see an Audible version arrive, since these sort of books tend to not get audio renditions. Mark E. Stille is one of the premier authors of naval books, books that tend to deal more with the technical aspects of the world's navies - specifications, classes and brief histories. The print books from Mr. Stille tend to be in the 80-100 page range, with many photographs, and deal with a specific class or nationality of naval vessel. But "The Imperial Japanese Navy in the Pacific War" is one of his longest works and deals with all the major units of the IJN - carriers, battleships, cruisers, destroyers and submarines. You can find references on those individually, but this book contains all of them in one place.

It's not a standard history of any aspect of the Pacific War, though it is covered in relation to the histories of the ships. But if you enjoy learning about the development and specifications of naval vessels, this book and others like it from Mr. Stille, are very enjoyable.

Interesting

Well worth the time. Recommended for anyone interested in the IJN in WW2. Narrator was clear and understandable.

Read the Book Don't Listen

I purchased this book for listening and found it impossible to understand. Then I purchased the book and enjoyed it very much. I highly recommend that if you are interested in the subject matter that you purchase the book.

A Little Dry, but Informative

This book reads more like a spread sheet. Lot's of general info on individual ships, classes, etc. ; but not much in the way of individual Pacfic actions. Still worth listening to.