[Jim Oxley]

I'm a huge fan of any book that deals with the early years of war in the Pacific. And no doubt I'll check this book out when it comes to my local bookshop.

But, and it is a big BUT, it'll have to be quite outstanding (or offer new perspectives) to warrant buying.

It faces very stiff competition in "The First Team" by John Lundstrom, easily the best and most comprehensive book on the subject of early Carrier warfare. And Ian Toll's "Pacific Crucible", with a slightly broader aspect, follows a close second.

And given 'The War Begins' (awful title imho) only comes in at 256 pages (less than half the others above), it's unlikely it'll come close to the detail and analysis of the two books mentioned above.