Storm Over Leyte

May 9, 2016
In this well-researched and detailed account, Prados (Islands of Destiny), an experienced historian and professional intelligence analyst, examines the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest naval battle of WWII, which resulted in the destruction of the Japanese fleet as an effective combat force. Prados writes through the prism of an intelligence professional and focuses two thirds of the work on the battle’s strategic setting as the opposing sides analyzed intelligence and attempted to interpret each other’s intentions. The opening sections can be difficult reading, but in the fast-paced final third, Prados paints a clear and exciting picture of the major naval engagements themselves. The strongest part of the book is Prados’s description of the U.S. intelligence apparatus that meticulously tracked the Japanese military’s communications, leveraging a small army of brilliant linguists, radio operators, cryptologists, and analysts. The work is exceedingly balanced and provides detailed portraits of the personalities of the Japanese commanders, their understanding of events, and their decision-making processes. This is not a book for the casual reader of WWII or naval history; its nuanced approach and new facts and analysis will be of greatest interest to serious naval historians. Agent: Michael Congdon, Don Congdon Associates.