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The Admirals: Nimitz, Halsey, Leahy, and King--The Five-Star Admirals Who Won the War at Sea Audiobook
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(3.99) - 278 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
How history's only five-star admirals triumphed in World War II and made the United States the world's dominant sea power.
Only four men in American history have been promoted to the five-star rank of Admiral of the Fleet: William Leahy, Ernest King, Chester Nimitz, and William Halsey. These four men were the best and the brightest the navy produced, and together they led the U.S. navy to victory in World War II, establishing the United States as the world's greatest fleet.
In The Admirals, award-winning historian Walter R. Borneman tells their story in full detail for the first time. Drawing upon journals, ship logs, and other primary sources, he brings an incredible historical moment to life, showing us how the four admirals revolutionized naval warfare forever with submarines and aircraft carriers, and how these men -- who were both friends and rivals -- worked together to ensure that the Axis fleets lay destroyed on the ocean floor at the end of World War II.
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"Very informative history book -- the writing style was easy to read, there was no bogging down in technology/weaponry terms. The author talked particularly about the Pacific campaign (obviously, given a naval perspective), but also interwove enough politics to be pertinent."
— Jeff (4 out of 5 stars)
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“Borneman deftly manipulates multiple narrative strands and a wealth of detail. He vividly fleshes out the numerous vain, ambitious men vying for power at the top and examines their important decisions and lasting ramifications.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
“Freelance historian Borneman demonstrates comprehensive command of published and unpublished sources, fingertip understanding of the period, and a polished writing style in this unique collective biography of the four men who ‘with a combination of nimble counsel, exasperating ego, studied patience, and street-fighter tactics’ shaped the modern U.S. Navy to win WWII at sea.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Borneman succeeds in eliciting the reader’s deep interest in these men.”
— Washington Post
The Admirals Listener Reviews
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james kasapar, 3/2/2024
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" As a retired USN Officer, I found this book to be very informative. "
— Wallace, 10/9/2019 -
" A good Pacific centered history of the war. Borneman does an excellent job of following the four admirals from the Annapolis through their rise to the top ranks of the navy. It shows that US Naval History as a continuous narrative from the Spanish-American War through the WWII, which helps with context and narratives. "
— Sean, 2/20/2014 -
" What a book! I could not put it down once I started it. 4 men have been 5 star admirals in the U.S. Navy. Each one could not have been more different, but each provided the leadership that carried us to victory in WWII. "
— John, 2/20/2014 -
" Light on new details. Although the book is on the 4 5-star Admirals, it really focuses on the 3 better known ones (Nimitz, Halsey and King). This book is mostly a repackaging of other books. "
— Chris, 2/3/2014 -
" an excellent review of history of the US Navy. I learned so much from this interesting read. "
— Mawdi, 1/25/2014 -
" I found this book rough going and didn't finish it. I think that trying to track the careers of 4 important historical figures in the same book is difficult and I found the whole think a little confusing. "
— Mike, 1/18/2014 -
" Nice background to the Fleet Admirals and their interactions. Not so much about the details of battle as the issues and organizations around thrm "
— James, 1/15/2014 -
" I'm not a big fan of WWII history but I really enjoyed this book which is a condensed biography of all the 5 star admirals of WWII. "
— David, 1/11/2014 -
" 4 different men. historical. "
— Aaron, 12/25/2013 -
" A superb work of Naval History with emphasis on the leaders that secured victory for the US of A. Along with Sea of Thunder and Pacific Crucible these volumes provide a fascinating history of the war in the Pacific. "
— Don, 12/9/2013 -
" Very informative & personal look at these WW2-era sailors who were more driven and ambitious than I can imagine. Not a detailed examination of particular sea battles but instead a candid look at the men who won them. A little slow at times but a topic I enjoyed reading about. "
— David, 12/4/2013 -
" Somewhat superficial. By looking at all 4 men who were 5 star admirals, Borneman try's to cover too much ground. He ends up with a pop history that merely is a synthesis rather then a truly innovative study. "
— Stephen, 10/12/2013 -
" This book has some interesting information on Allied strategy, but overall it is a pretty light weight read and seriously misses an opportunity to analize Halsey's mistakes at Leyte Gulf. "
— Thomas, 7/13/2013 -
" Wow, great historical perspective of the four five star admirals without bogging down the reader with historical jargon. It was easy read on very complicated me. "
— Gabriel, 7/2/2013
About Walter R. Borneman
Walter R. Borneman is the author of several works of nonfiction, including 1812, The French and Indian War, Polk, and the New York Times bestselling The Admirals. He holds both a master’s degree in history and a law degree. He lives in Colorado.
About Brian Troxell
Brian Troxell is an audiobook narrator and Atlanta-based actor and voice talent who can be seen and heard on television, film, radio, podcasts, and the live stage. He is a regular cast member of the Sketchworks sketch comedy troupe and performs regularly with the Atlanta Radio Theatre Company. He can also be heard as a cast member of the Harry Strange Radio Drama.