"best book about Solomons" Topic

Which book could you recommend as best, detailed narrative of night naval battles in Salomons, from Savo to Cape St George ?

Is it still Kilpatrick's ?

Neptune's Inferno by James Hornfischer is one of the best books I've ever read, and I'm not even big into Naval stuff. Incredibly detailed, great writing style (for me at least), it's super intense.

V/R,
Jack

Second the recommendation for Neptune's inferno.

Third for Neptune's Inferno.

Fourth for Neptune's Inferno but it doesn't cover the post Guadalcanal fighting.

Another recommendation here for Neptune's Inferno…

Does it have detailed maps, more then one for each battle ?
Does it cover the Japanese side view as well ?

Neptune's Inferno +6.

The closest to what you are asking for is Morison, specifically "The Struggle For Guadalcanal" and "Breaking The Bismarks Barrier", available in various additions, new and used, hardbound and paperback. The original printings were higher quality. This series has maps for each battle. A secondary consideration is that the writing style is quite readable. 1950-era.

link
link

For a more detailed technical analysis of US-Japanese Solomons night fighting, from both sides, I recommend Crenshaw's "The Battle of Tassafaronga". The analysis in this book is relevant to the entire period you mention, even though it covers just one battle. The author, a retired naval officer, was actually there. His writing style is a bit dry, but the info is priceless if you are looking to understand this period. 1990-era. The guys who want an exciting movie-style book tend to be bored by this one.

link

MH

A topic of great interest to me, as my father served aboard the USS Lardner (DD487) during the war.

Anything by Russell Crenshaw is definitely worth acquiring: his "South Pacific Destroyer" is indispensable. IIRC, Crenshaw also contributed some essays on other actions which were published in "The Tin Can Sailor", but I haven't unpacked those yet.

Another reference I highly recommend is C. W. Kilpatrick's "The Naval Night Battles in the Solomons", IMHO a very under-appreciated work.

Other good references: "The Naval Battle for Guadalcanal – Night Action, 13 November 1942" by James W. GRace; "The Battle of Cape Esperance – Encounter at Guadalcanal" by Capt Charles Cook, USN (ret); "Destroyer Squadron 23 – Combat Exploits of Arleigh Burke's Gallant Force" by Ken Jones (better than the title suggests).

Finally, you will find some very useful contemporary reports and studies on the various engagements as well as the campaign in general by searching the CARL and DTIC digital libraries.

B

Many thanks guys !