Iwo Jima: The Dramatic Account of the Epic Battle That Turned the Tide of World War II

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The printing of this book looks cheap and slightly blurry. The type is not sharp or clear. It looks for all the world like somebody ran off a poor copy of the real thing. The photos in the book are very grainy and not clear at all. Again, this is what you would find in a cheap knock off of the original book. As far as the content is concerned, there is a lot of jumping around from person to person and place to place. I feel this was deliberate to realistically portray the incredible chaos of the battle as it unfolded but it takes away from the cohesiveness of the telling of the fight for Iwo. I was stationed there in the '70s as part of a Coast Guard unit and had many opportunities to explore all over the island, especially the Japanese cave systems that were still intact from the fighting. I can more easily follow the descriptions in the book of where the fighting took place than can someone trying to make sense of where all this is is going on as the story hopscotches all over the island. Having said all that, I do appreciate all of the details that are in this book regarding the heroic actions of untold individuals who were involved in fighting this very horrific battle. The spirits of all the dead of both sides were very palpable some 30 years later. If you are interested in the history of the struggle for Iwo Jima, this book will add to your knowledge of what took place there. Too bad the quality of the printing is so poor.

Most of what I've read concerning the war in the Pacific has come from compelling first-hand accounts. This is the first book I've read which was written by an historian and it's a different -- though equally compelling -- journey through the stench and violent miasma of war. Were I engaged in lining up toy soldiers to recreate the progress of full-on firefights, this would be the roadmap and plan for my mock-up of Iwo Jima. Every division and regiment is tracked and their activities recorded. The body count climbs as comprehension of the slaughter also advances. This book is not for the faint of heart or for one wanting a "real page turner," but the aficionado of WWII will deeply respect that which it so faithfully chronicles.

The courage exhibited by the Marines on Iwo Jima is incredible. This is one heck of a terrific book. As a former Marine I cannot imagine how terrifying it must of been for a 18 year old or in some cases younger that came ashore under fire. Truly amazing what the Greatest Generation did not only for the USA but for the world.

Yes to what Harold H wrote; I couldn't have said it better. All inclusive well researched and interesting book. As a daughter of a 5th Division Marine who didn't talk much about his experience on Iwo Jima, I am appreciative of this account given in a way that helps me better connect with my father who died 30 years ago. Beautifully written, a page turner and a tear jerker with a smattering of Marine humor to go with Marine valor, courage, and tenacity.

Great book! I’ve passed it on to quite a few people to read!

Liked the book. My husband was in the Navy at Iwo Jima. He died in 1997 and I wanted to know more about the battle. He never said much about it. The book was very enlightening.

I'm just starting to read it. It is very interesting and full of more detail than I expected. Really enjoying it.

very detailed. Lots of personal accounts from marines who were there.

Excellent overview of a terrific victory. Newcomb covers a lot of territory, both U.S. and Japan in the years and days leading up to the invasion. Very well written.