Graveyards of the Pacific: From Pearl Harbor to Bikini Island

A great book for anyone with an affection for wreck diving, and an understanding of the great naval battles of WWII.

This book written by Dr. Robert Ballard the world renowned scientist, oceanographer and historian is a great read. The stories coupled with actual survivor interviews make it a must have for historical researchers. As a genealogical researcher I learned part of the true story of my Uncle T.D. Germany's experience on the U.S.S. Lexington during the battle of the Coral Sea. How he was wounded, given up for dead and rescued by his fellow commrades just moments before the Lady Lex was sunk to the abyss.

Very interesting account of World War II Pacific wreck sites. However, I was hoping for a detailed photographic examination of the wrecks.

Graveyards of the Pacific falls just short of being one of Dr. Robert Ballard's classic books. I have not read the book completely yet. But I have skimmed through it and some of the text is rather detailed. Ballard talks about the battle, the participants, and the outcome and, if anyone's been to them, what the "Graveyards" are like at the bottom of the Pacific. Ballard even describes as to what he thinks some of the graveyards yet to be found should look like. He also tells as to why he hasn't explored these "Graveyards" yet. As usual, there are photographs of both past (The battle as it was when it happened) and present. As always, the photographs of the ships on the bottom of the sea are the book's best. So where does this book fail? There is some artwork, but not much is of the shipwrecks. Also, the book has fewer wreck photos then Ballard's previous works. I especially wanted to see more photos of Guadalcanal, Truk Lagoon, and of Bikini Island. I also would have liked to have seen more photos of the ships as they appeared before they were sunk. So people who liked how Dr. Ballard's previous works were populated with photographs might be disappointed by this recent work. But Graveyards of the Pacific is packed full of information and would make a great present for the Naval Historian in your home. Let's hope that Dr. Ballard next produces a book on his recent expedition to Pearl Harbor.