Shattered Sword

Many consider the Battle of Midway to have turned the tide of the Pacific War. It is without question one of the most famous battles in history. Now, for the first time since Gordon W. Prange’s bestselling Miracle at Midway, Jonathan Parshall and Anthony Tully offer a new interpretation of this great naval engagement.

Unlike previous accounts, Shattered Sword makes extensive use of Japanese primary sources. It also corrects the many errors of Mitsuo Fuchida’s Midway: The Battle That Doomed Japan, an uncritical reliance upon which has tainted every previous Western account. It thus forces a major, potentially controversial reevaluation of the great battle.

All great battles develop their own unique mythos. That is to say, they become wrapped in a set of popular beliefs – “the common wisdom” – that interprets the battle and its meanings. In many cases, this mythology centers on a pivotal event – some noteworthy occurrence that captures the imagination.

Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway is a meticulously researched and groundbreaking account of one of the most significant naval battles in history. Authored by Jonathan Parshall and Anthony Tully, the book challenges conventional wisdom and offers a fresh perspective on the Battle of Midway.

Parshall and Tully’s attention to detail is commendable. They delve deep into the archives and unearth previously overlooked Japanese sources, providing a comprehensive view of the battle from both sides. The authors present a nuanced analysis of the strategic and tactical decisions made by the Japanese and American forces, shedding new light on the factors that led to the outcome of the battle.

Furthermore, the book is an engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Parshall and Tully skillfully balance historical analysis with personal anecdotes, bringing the key players to life and allowing readers to understand their motivations and experiences.

However, Shattered Sword may be overwhelming for readers with limited prior knowledge of naval warfare or World War II. The extensive detail and technical terminology could prove daunting for newcomers to the subject matter. Additionally, the authors’ deep dive into Japanese sources occasionally results in a narrative that leans heavily towards the Japanese perspective, potentially neglecting the broader context of the battle.

Overall, Shattered Sword is an indispensable addition to the literature on the Battle of Midway. Its meticulous research and fresh insights make it a must-read for enthusiasts and scholars interested in understanding the complexities of this pivotal moment in history.