The Pacific War: 1941–1945 by John Costello
The Pacific War: 1941–1945 is John Costello’s one-volume account of the Second World War in the Pacific. It brings together campaigns across China, Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands, while also examining the conflict’s social, political and economic causes.
At a glance
- Covers multiple Pacific and Asian theatres, including China, Malaya, Burma, the East Indies, the Philippines, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and the Aleutians.
- Combines campaign narratives with discussion of the social, political and economic causes of the war.
- Features major battles including Midway, Guadalcanal, Okinawa and Iwo Jima.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- A broad regional scope makes it suited to readers seeking one book across several Pacific and Asian campaigns.
- The account addresses strategic and historical context as well as battles.
Technical specifications
10 specifications| Author | John Costello |
|---|---|
| Publisher | HarperCollins US |
| Publication date | 1 December 1982 |
| Edition | Illustrated |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 800 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0688016200 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0688016203 |
| Weight listed | 294 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15.54 x 3.25 x 23.5 cm |
What to know before buying
- Customer feedback is positive about research and readability, but accuracy feedback is mixed, with one customer reporting multiple typos in the edition.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers wanting a substantial overview of the Pacific War across several theatres.
- Readers interested in both military campaigns and the conflict’s broader historical causes.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a short introduction or a focused study of a single battle or campaign.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
70% 70% - 4 stars
22% 22% - 3 stars
5% 5% - 2 stars
2% 2% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback describes the book as thoroughly researched, informative and easy to read, and some readers consider it a strong one-volume starting point for understanding the Pacific War. That broad scope suits readers wanting an overview rather than a single-campaign study. Accuracy feedback is mixed, including a report of multiple typos in the edition, so readers particularly concerned with textual accuracy may want to weigh that reservation.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the research and readability.
- Feedback highlights the book’s informative coverage and usefulness for understanding the Pacific War.
Negative themes
- Accuracy feedback is mixed, and one customer reports multiple typos in the edition.
Mixed feedback
- Readers value its wide-ranging one-volume treatment, while accuracy concerns temper some assessments.
Frequently asked questions
What period does The Pacific War cover?
The title specifies 1941–1945, and the description presents the conflict from Pearl Harbor through the conclusion at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Does the book cover more than battlefield accounts?
Yes. The listing describes coverage of multiple theatres and analysis of social, political and economic causes alongside major battles.
What is the listed length and edition?
The listing specifies an illustrated edition with a print length of 800 pages.
Alternative options
Twilight of the Gods: War in the Western Pacific, 1944-1945: 3
$45.75
The Pacific War, 1931-1945: A Critical Perspective on Japan's Role in World War II
$30.03
Against All Odds: A True Story of Ultimate Courage and Survival in World War II
$37.58
Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway
$58.00
Reading Success in the Early Primary Years: A Teacher's Guide to Implementing Systematic Instruction
$56.99
Colourful Semantics: A Resource for Developing Children’s Spoken and Written Language Skills
$99.75
Monster Metaphors: When Rhetoric Runs Amok
$81.36
The Wise Leader: A Practical Guide for Thinking Differently About Leadership
$67.75
Our Vietnam Wars: Vol 4: as told by more veterans who served
$8.99
European Dictatorships 1918–1945
$80.75
Human Resources for the Non-HR Manager
$75.98
