THE CAMPAIGN FOR GUADALCANAL

by Jack Coggins ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 12, 1972

A straightforward, entirely conventional history of the six-month struggle for Guadalcanal, ""a stifling, sodden, disease-ridden, insect-infested nightmare of an island"" in the Solomons' chain which became the scene of the first major Japanese military setback and in all likelihood the psychological turning point of the war in the Pacific. Coggins, a former war correspondent and author of both adult and juvenile books on martial subjects (The Fighting Man, 1966; Ships and Seamen of the American Revolution, 1969), proceeds chronologically from battle to battle, providing exhaustive details about casualties, comrmnd snafus, shells expended, etc. and exiguous tactical and strategic analysis -- for instance he faults the Japanese for underestimating the Americans out of ""blind arrogance, supreme confidence and utter contempt for the enemy."" The campaign was crucial; this is not.

Pub Date: May 12, 1972

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1972

Categories: NONFICTION