Hunt the Bismarck

The Pursuit of Germany’s Most Famous Battleship

By: Angus Konstam

Narrated by: Nigel Patterson

Hunt the Bismarck tells the story of Operation Rheinübung, the Atlantic sortie of the Nazi Germany's largest battleship in May 1941.

Bismarck entered service in the summer of 1940. She was well-armed, with eight 15-inch guns as well as a powerful array of lighter weapons, while her armored protection earned her the reputation of being unsinkable. This claim was finally put to the test in May 1941, when she sortied into the Atlantic and fought the legendary battle of the Denmark Strait, destroying HMS Hood, the pride of the Royal Navy. Bismarck was now loose in the North Atlantic. However, damage sustained in the battle limited her ability to roam at will, while the Royal Navy deployed the Home Fleet to revenge the Hood. The stage was set for the greatest chase story in the history of naval warfare.

Drawing on a wealth of first-hand accounts, and intertwining extensive research into a fast-paced narrative, this is the most accurate account of Bismarck's epic voyage ever produced.

©2019 Angus Konstam (P)2019 Tantor

Battleship heaven

If you are a Bismarck freak which I am then read (listen to) this book. If you are not but are curious then read this book. It is that good and the best on the subject I have read. The story is engrossing from beginning to end. The explanation of the details is just right but the narrative steams ahead at flank speed. The suspense is retained in spite of knowledge of the inevitable and tragic outcome. The narration is impeccable, pleasing and correct. I was hesitant to consider listening rather than reading because I was afraid I would lose the details in the narration, but I was rewarded in this regard, and I am glad I had a listen instead. It is a fascinating story well told and it doesn't get better than this.

enjoyable

I liked the narrator and the book! Big fan of Bismarck!
I would like a pdf file with historic pictures.

great book

very interesting to listen to and is very entertaining I love this book along

The Bismarck’s sinking clearly explained.

Narration is clear and acceptable.

The author describes un interesting, meaningful detail the ship’s spectacularly unique, awesome design, performance, and potential as a devastating weapon threatening Allied shipping and capital surface fleet.

The British had to sink her, and the did, but not without losing their beloved HOOD, This monumental sea battle is described in fascinating detail.

Recommended.

great historical story

it was a great blow by blow telling of the hunt for the Bismark.

Thrilling and Fascinating

"Hunt the Bismarck" was exactly the book I was looking for. The short history of the ship's sea operations was supplemented with really intriguing information on the run-up to WWII, how Germany was able to build the massive battleship despite Treaty of Versailles restrictions, technical details on the ship itself and naval weaponry, the officers commanding the Bismarck, King George V, Hood, Prince of Wales, and others involved in the battles, and naval tactics. Despite the fact that I knew the general outlines of the story (and how it ended), I was nevertheless on the edge of my seat while listening to this book. Mr. Patterson's narration was superb. I highly recommend "Hunt the Bismarck," and I'm going to listen to other books by Mr. Konstam.

It’s a little dry but it’s still worth it

It has a lot of fax. It probably has too many facts but that being said it’s not a bad book at all.

A fresh look at a well known story!

The author is a great storyteller! The challenge with writing a historical book of this kind is that the story is well known. I have read at least two books on the subject, but I am one who is always fascinated by the details. When good authors tackle a well-known topic, they usually have a lot to add. I was hoping that this story would be told in a way that I would learn some more details I hadn’t known before. I wasn’t disappointed! I also appreciated the way he wrote the epilogue. It coincided nicely with a documentary involving the expeditions led by David L. Mearns.
I am a student of history, especially the era involving World War II. I feel Konstam brought a real freshness to this well told tale. I also like Nigel Patterson’s performance of the audio book. He did a great job as well.
I do not recall reading any books by Angus Konstam before. After looking him up on the Internet, I discovered that he has written many books. In my opinion, this book was a great introduction to the author. Next, I will have to read his book: Jutland 1916.

Very informative

I have read a lot of books regarding the Bismarck. This in my opinion is the best. Well worth the time and credit and is a must read/listen for anyone interested in World War II naval history.

Very well done!

Great version of a classic story. Thought that I knew the story of the Bismarck until I listened to this book. Well told by the narrator and a very detailed review of the tactics and the personal stories. Not a time consuming book and well worth adding to your library.