"And I was There"
by Edwin T. Layton
"Pearl Harbor and Midway--breaking the Secrets"
Popularity
4.9 / 5
* A book's popularity is determined by how it compares to all other books on this website.
Details
War:
World War II
Perspective:
Spying
Military Unit:
US Navy
True Story:
Yes
Biography:
Yes
Region:
Pacific
Page Count:
746
Published Date:
1985
ISBN13:
9780688048839
Description
Brief Summary
"And I was There" by Edwin T. Layton is a gripping first-hand account of the events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Written by a high-ranking American navy officer, the book provides an inside look at the crucial intelligence failures and political dynamics that allowed one of the most devastating attacks in American military history. The narrative stems from Layton's position during the attack and is enriched by his deep personal insights, emphasizing the importance of understanding the intelligence that was available at the time and how it was handled.
Main Themes and Topics
The book delves into themes such as intelligence and miscommunication, bureaucratic negligence, and the complexities of wartime politics. Layton directs attention to the critical intelligence he had access to and the failures in communicating and interpreting this information effectively. Another central theme is accountability, as Layton points fingers at individuals whose actions or inactions contributed to the surprise and severity of the Pearl Harbor attack.
Writing Style and Tone
Edwin T. Layton's writing style in "And I was There" is factual and detail-oriented, reflecting his background as a naval officer. His tone is authoritative and candid, aiming to provide clarity and uncover truths that were shrouded in secrecy for decades. The prose is structured to align closely with the chronological unfolding of events, creating a coherent narrative that is both informative and engaging for readers interested in military history and intelligence.
Criticism
While "And I was There" offers an indispensable account from someone directly involved in military operations during World War II, some critics may find the book dense due to its heavy reliance on military jargon and detailed intelligence reports. This level of detail, while invaluable to scholars and enthusiasts of military history, might pose a challenge to casual readers unfamiliar with the intricacies of naval operations and intelligence procedures.
