Imperial Japanese Navy Heavy Cruisers 1941-1945 (New Vanguard) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Imperial Japanese Navy Heavy Cruisers 1941-1945 (New Vanguard)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Imperial Japanese Navy Heavy Cruisers 1941-1945 (New Vanguard). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Imperial Japanese Navy Heavy Cruisers 1941-1945 (New Vanguard) ReviewThere are larger naval books with more information than this book but I still gave this book five stars for Mr Stille, a long term naval officer and prolific author, has squeezed as much useful information into this 44 (net) page book as humanly possible. Staying completely focused on IJN Cruisers, there is not "one ounce of fat" or straying from subject matter; its a carefully crafted summary.
The author's previous book, "USN Cruiser vs IJN Cruiser", has some similar information but there is more info on Japanese ships and different photos in this book and despite the duplication its worth having both books.
In the brief introduction the development of Japanese naval strategy is explained and how much thought was given specifically to defeating the US if war broke out. Night battle tactics using powerful, long running torpedoes with heavy cruisers leading the charge were developed and taught for years. When war finally did break out, the Japanese had the advantage in tactics and training. A good example being the Japanese attack off Savo Island on August 9th, 1942 where US and Allied ships were soundly defeated.
There are five cruiser classes and eighteen cruisers described in this book. After discussing each class, a summary table is included that describes specifications, construction data, radars, gun and torpedo armaments. Also in the narrative, modifications are described as new boats are commissioned as well as modernizations to the older ships. I found this later aspect especially interesting but wished greater depth could've been given.
While there is brief mention of a few engagements, it was cursory and you will wish for more but with the page confinement it wasn't meant to be.
There are many fine photos and color illustrations to view and with the informed captions, you will also learn from the photos.
There is a poignant Analysis and Conclusion section describing the strengths and weaknesses of the Japanese cruisers. The IJN concentrated on firepower but was delinquent on ship stability and armor protection. While the Japanese had the advantage at the beginning of the war, it quickly fell behind against the rapid development of better ships and weapons by the US as the war evolved. There is a list of 16 ships showing how they met their demise but there are no dates or locations. Clearly this book could have been better; this and other examples could have had greater depth but it would need more pages.
There are no Notes but a nice reading list and index are included.
The targeted audience is probably new students and casual readers but collectors and old sea dogs could probably profit some from this book as well.Imperial Japanese Navy Heavy Cruisers 1941-1945 (New Vanguard) Overview

Want to learn more information about Imperial Japanese Navy Heavy Cruisers 1941-1945 (New Vanguard)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now