Michael Blow

This was a very enjoyable account about the USS Maine and the Spanish-American war in general. As the title entails a fair amount of the book details the fate of the USS Maine and discussion of the review of the causes of its destruction. It was interesting to see how much influence yellow journalism played in the war and the book is rife with examples. It gives a nice overview of the attack on the Philipines and briefly touches on its later occupation. The final naval defeat of the Spanish is given great detail from both sides, although the constant switching of viewpoints of different commanders made me grumble occasionally. The only gripe I could possibly have is that he doesn't give a larger amount of space to the land fighting in Cuba and Puerto Rico. You will get a fair account of the Cuban fight but the Puerto Rico account is the most basic of overviews, so if you are looking for a detailed account look elsewhere. The end closes with personality profiles and ship profiles which are nice but not necessary with the coverage he gives in the main text. Bottom line though it's good stuff.… (meer)