000			01511nam a2200205 4500
010			_a76054257
020			_a9780670437658
024			_a2597338
050			_aD767.9
082			_a940.54099
100	1		_aWalter Lord
245	1		_aLonely Vigil
260			_bViking Adult
300			_a322 pages
520			_aCalled a stirring tale of forgotten heroes splendidly told by a master narrator, this saga of the valiant coastwatchers of the Pacific War exemplifies that rare combination of careful research and exciting narrative style that became a hallmark of Walter Lord's best-selling books. Though their importance has long been acknowledged, the coastwatchers had received relatively little attention until the publication of this book in 1977. The remarkable band of individualists, operating deep behind Japanese lines in the dark days of 1942-43, lived by their wits alone yet gave the Allies their best intelligence and rescued many a man from downed planes and sinking ships--including John f. Kennedy and his PT-109 crew.To piece their story together, Lord traveled 40,000 miles to interview participants, check archives, and examine private letters and diaries. He even made a three-day hike through the Guadalcanal jungle to inspect the coastwatcher hideout on Gold Ridge so he could successfully put readers in their shoes. The book's varied cast of intriguing characters has attracted readers ever since.
650			_aWar
650			_aMilitary
650			_aHistory - U.S.
999			_c9584 _d9584