The most accessible collection of primary sources available. The reader features 250 primary source documents; both textual and visual; drawn from a vast range of government documents; newspapers; speeches; letters; novels; and images. Twenty-five updated selections offer strengthened coverage of African American history and reflect the latest structure of America: A Narrative History; Ninth Edition.
#43284 in Books W. W. Norton n Company 2012-11-26Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.20 x 1.80 x 6.10l; 2.01 #File Name: 0393343413656 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This is an extremely fine example of the compelling way that history can really be a very good story well told. Mr Toll is to be congratulated both on his research and his writing style.By CustomerSo much World War II History is written in the manner of the inevitable victory of the Allies over the Axis forces. Perhaps this is so; but this viewpoint can overlook the desperate nature of the struggle in the early moments of the Pacific War.Mr Toll correctly points out the terrible arrogance of commanders such as MacArthur in underestimating the level of preparation by the Japanese and their commitment to the concept of assault by their combined forces; augmented particularly by their innovation and understanding of the efficacy of their air power.History would have correctly judged on any event that the United States should have won the Pacific War. This book points out that it could just as easily have been lost but for superb courage and leadership on the part of the U.S. Navy as well as a healthy dose of extreme good fortune.The book is written very well and the stories contained therein are compelling. The story of the sinking of the Lexington at the Battle of the Coral Sea is heartbreaking; but a proud moment in our nation's history nonetheless; and but one example of the excellence of this book.The superb efforts of our code breakers at Pearl Harbor would be another.I truly hated to see this book end; and I look forward to the next volume of The Pacific War Trilogy.8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. SuperbBy Jack SparacinoPacific Crucible is superbly researched and magnificently written with balanced; alternating attention to both the Japanese and American machinations leading up to and following December 7 at Pearl Harbor. The detailed narrative focused on the immediate aftermath of the horrendous attack on Pearl is simply gripping. Especially; for me; Mr. Toll's description of FDR's slow walk to the podium to address a temporarily hushed Congress on December 8; his leg braces clicking for all to hear. I had to put the book down for a moment and dial up this famous "infamy" speech on YouTube which brought tears to my eyes. The character portrayals are fascinating; the attention to nuance and bombast alike masterful. And the author's treatment of the critical battle of Midway is just superb. Mr. Toll is that rare combination of great historian and storyteller. As a special bonus; he manages to weave in almost countless passages from participants' letters and other writings and conversations. Do NOT miss this book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Toll does a good job of explaining the charactersinvolved and the decisions and ...By Jits a well executed engrossing read. Toll does a good job of explaining the charactersinvolved and the decisions and tactics made. To some extent it suffers due to the way he glossed over how the decision was made to begin the island hopping/leapfrogging campaign - essentially other than the way he examined the submarines; Toll doesnt spend extensive time discussing the key changes in strategy and doctrine that helped the US Navy. That said - this trilogy is on par with Atkinson's Army at Dawn/Day of Battle/Guns at Last Light.
