Clash of Titans: World War II at Sea

by Walter J. Boyne

From Germany's initial clashes with Great Britain in the Pacific to Japan's surrender on the battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay, World War II was waged largely at sea. In the tradition of his history of airpower during World War II, "Clash of Wings" Walter J. Boyne in Clash of Titans recounts all of the famous sea battles of the war, weaving them together into a gripping narrative that illuminates the strengths and weaknesses of each navy. Thoroughly researched and vividly written, Clash of Titans is a comprehensive and insightful history of the strategies, technological advances, and heroism of naval warfare in World War II.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Naval History, World War II, Military History

381 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Rolf Kirby]

A single volume overview of the entire war at sea in WW II necessarily paints in broad strokes. For me, there were nonetheless some details filled in; Boyne's description of the haphazard Allied reinforcement of Norway at the very moment Nazi Germany pulled off a daring invasion of the country added to my knowledge of those events.
Overall I came away with a little bit deeper sense of how the whole war at sea unfolded. Boyne fairly discusses Allied intelligence triumphs and overwhelming economic superiority. Sketches of the personalities of admirals leaves one looking forward to deeper biographical dives. His summary critique of the IJN submarine service seems quite warranted. His ignoring of the Royal Navy submarine arm does not.
I appreciated Boyne's comments on Japan, and how the war really started in China in the late 1930's.
Recommended to students of the war at sea looking for a broad easily read overview.

[Baustman]

This is an excellent history of WW II naval warfare. Due to its brevity AND wide scope, a few topics don't get quite the detail I would like. But, that just means I need to read more books!!

[Rick Wong]

I like this book. It's a quick read, it's not too detailed, but yet you know what is happening. It tells the major sea battles with some discussion. Couple things I didn't like was the jumping between the two theatres of war. I see where the author was trying to be somewhat chronologically correct, but you sometimes feel lost.

Also I didn't like his quasi-political inferences when discussing Tojo.

p303 "instead he was a brilliant example of why all governments should insure that there is a civilian control over the military."

I don't remember Hitler, Mussolini, or Stalin being in their armed forces at the time of their dictatorships. This almost made me return the book to the library.

[Matt Ossip]

Quite possibly one of the worst supposedly historical books I have ever read. From the author's blatant opinionated views of some of the actions to his sad inaccuracies of orders of battle and events, I am afraid I just cannot recommend this book to anyone unless they are interested in a paperweight

[Bill V]

This is a very good book. I've read quite a few books on the naval aspect of the war in both theaters and I picked up quite a few facts I was not aware of. There are a few minor errors but they do not diminish the quality of the research and writing.

[Curtiss]

A comprehensive story of the ships and battles involved in Wor War II's vital naval campaigns.

[James]

Great history of naval warfare in WWII

[Andrea]

excellent overview of WWII naval battles & analysis of officer's decisions & sub role. Radar/breaking of codes/naval aviation turn the tide. Battleships-over