Book Description
“[I]n a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our power to add or detract.”
—President Abraham Lincoln
James M. McPherson, the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of
Battle Cry of Freedom, and arguably the finest Civil War historian in the world, walks us through the site of the bloodiest and perhaps most consequential battle ever fought by Americans.
The events that occurred at Gettysburg are etched into our collective memory, as they served to change the course of the Civil War and with it the course of history. More than any other place in the United States, Gettysburg is indeed hallowed ground. It’s no surprise that it is one of the nation’s most visited sites (nearly two million annual visitors), attracting tourists, military buffs, and students of American history.
McPherson, who has led countless tours of Gettysburg over the years, makes stops at Seminary Ridge, the Peach Orchard, Cemetery Hill, and Little Round Top, among other key locations. He reflects on the meaning of the battle, describes the events of those terrible three days in July 1863, and places the struggle in the greater context of American and world history. Along the way, he intersperses stories of his own encounters with the place over several decades, as well as debunking several popular myths about the battle itself.
What brought those 165,000 soldiers—75,000 Confederate, 90,000 Union—to Gettysburg? Why did they lock themselves in such a death grip across these once bucolic fields until 11,000 of them were killed or mortally wounded, another 29,000 were wounded and survived, and about 10,000 were “missing”—mostly captured? What was accomplished by all of this carnage? Join James M. McPherson on a walk across this hallowed ground as he be encompasses the depth of meaning and historical impact of a place that helped define the nation’s character.
Customer Reviews:
A very good tour guide...not a detailed history book.......2007-08-01
It is important not to mistake this book as a detailed history of the battle. It is not intended as such. If you want a detailed history see the series of books by Harry W. Pfanz. Rather, this is a guide for visitors to the battlefield that is clearly written and directs readers to the major points of interest while injecting a series of interesting anecdotes and thought provoking observations. To this end, it is very well done.
A Short Guide with Substance.......2007-07-24
I read James McPherson's "Hallowed Ground: A Walk at Gettysburg" on my recent trip to Gettysburg. Although my visit was only for a day, the book provided a nice overview of the events of the battle. Although not designed to be a an in depth narrative of the entire three days of battle, it provided details for several events and battlefield sites that left me with a good sense of the important features of the battle. This is certainly a useful book for a first time visitor with a limited amount of visiting time.
Informative, moving, and worthwhile.......2007-05-13
HALLOWED GROUND operates on several levels. First, it is a concise history of the Battle of Gettysburg, describing the strategic and tactical decisions of soldiers during this bloody three-day fight, which claimed 50,000 soldiers dead, wounded, or missing. Second, this is a guidebook, which a reader can use to walk the battlefield, using its hundreds of monuments to identify where units fought and the outcomes of their encounters. Finally, the book offers its explanations for such lasting controversies and legends as Pickett's Charge, the forward movement of the Third Corps to the Emmitsburg Road, and the desperate charge of the 20th Maine.
HALLOWED GROUND also has clear maps and many humanizing anecdotes about ordinary soldiers. It ends with Lincoln's Address at the Dedication of the Soldiers Cemetery, which, while eloquent, seemed like a mere footnote to this terrible event. Highly recommended.
More than just a walk . . . .......2007-03-18
Every time I read McPherson I think the same two things: he is a national treasure as his research and knowledge of all aspects of the Civil War, military and non-military alike (political, social, economic et. al.) is unsurpassed by any historian, past or present. I also realize what amazing writing skills he possesses as his ability to communicate facts, ideas, theories is apparent in all of his works. If Professor McPherson takes the time to write something, I will always take the time to read it.
Hallowed Ground is no exception to the above. It follows a different format, still enjoyable and informative, in "walks" from the Crown Journeys Series. I was initially reticent about this short read as, while I have read much of the period, my interests do not lie in the military campaigns of the time but in the political and constitutional questions and theory of this period. McPherson quickly dispelled any of my hesitancy as he walked the reader through Gettysburg. His stories of this epic battle are insightful and highly informative. He dispels myths with dispatch and shortchanges no heroics that some of the more modern and commercially successful writings, novels and documentaries seem to have missed. He places the battle in terrific context. He does not get into speculative writing but does ask the questions rhetorically. The reader is left wondering what McPherson's own beliefs are on the many "what if" of that 4 day period in July 1863. But this book is not about answering the questions, it is about a pivotal event in American history and he handles it with excellence.
As others have commented, not only does it leave one wanting to (re)visit the Gettysbury site but also makes one envy his Priceton students who get the finest guide one can imagine for this trip. Another outstanding work, and a wonderfully easy read, by America's Civil War Historian.
Inspiring and Informative.......2006-11-10
Whether you are a "history geek" like I am, and read every historical marker or you want something to loosely refer to while visiting Gettysburg, "Hallowed ground" is very much like having your very own history professor serve as a travel companion. Beautifully written, James Mcpherson's prose is the perfect travel accompaniment. He shares with you what you need to know to imagine the people and events, but doesn't interrupt your experience with needless "chatter". On more than one occaision, his commentary coupled with what I was seeing, moved me to tears. I toured the battlefield by bike, which worked particularly well with his recommended tour.
Book Description
A powerful novel of the North Atlantic in World War II.
Customer Reviews:
A Magnificent Book.......2007-10-11
I have just finished reading this book for the second or third time since I first read it when it was published in 1951 - 56 years ago - and it is just as good now as it was then. A magnificent and accurate story of men and their ships in the Battle of the North Atlantic from 1939 to 1945 told with understanding and experienced accuacy and intelligence. Beaautifully written. Having served in a ship similiar to the frigate Saltash for two years in anti-submarine warfare and convoy duty in much calmer and less dangerous waters I can, however, attest to the accuracy of what Montserrat has recounted about fitting out,,shakedown and cruising.
war at sea.......2007-08-30
received the dvd quickly and as promised. I first saw this when I was in the Navy. it was a great movie then and has only gotten better with age. One of the great pictures of the war at sea in World War 11.
It is highly recommended without reservation.
The Cruel Sea.......2007-08-08
This has been one of my favorite British Movies for years. It was adapted faithfully from a book by a Naval Lt. Commander who commanded a Corvette and a Sloop, both of which were convoy escorts in the Battle of the Atlantic. I enjoyed the actors, Jack Hawkins in particular. The Rank Organization that produced this superlative narrative of the heroic of ordinary Brits did a marvelous job of authentically reproducing Naval combat situations between the escort vessels for a convoy with the German Submarines that were constantly stalking them.
One of the best WWII novels.......2007-07-18
"The Cruel Sea", published in 1951, is one of the great WWII novels. Its author Nicholas Monsarrat served in the North Atlantic during WWII so it is very much a first-hand account of his experiences.
Most of the action is at sea aboard the convoy escort vessels "HMS Compass Rose" and "HMS Saltash" during the Battle of the Atlantic.
Its focus is the human element of the war - on ordinary people during extraordinary times.
It was made into an excellent film in England in 1953.
The Cruel Sea.......2007-06-26
With a literate, nuanced script by the gifted Eric Ambler, this taut, tight little war film is distinguished by the stunning work of Hawkins as world-(and war-) weary Ericson, patiently but firmly coalescing an inexperienced, fractionated group of young men into a proficient crew. Hawkins is buoyed by solid support from Baker (thoroughly detestable here), and fine work by actors Sinden and Stratton. Also look for Denholm Elliott, Alec McCowen and a lovely Virginia McKenna in smaller roles.
Book Description
Often cited as one of the most decisive campaigns in military history, the Seven Days Battles were the first campaign in which Robert E. Lee led the Army of Northern Virginia—as well as the first in which Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson worked together. In this guidebook, the acknowledged expert on the Seven Days Battles conducts readers, tourists, and armchair travelers through the history and terrain of this pivotal series of Civil War battles.
Maps and descriptive overviews of the battles guide readers to key locales and evoke a sense of what participants on either side saw in 1862. From the beginning of George B. McClellan’s Peninsula Campaign, which culminated in the Seven Days, to the bloody battles that saved the Confederate capital from capture, this guide unfolds the strategies, routes, and key engagements of this critical campaign, offering today’s visitors and Civil War enthusiasts the clearest picture yet of what happened during the Seven Days.
Book Description
Teddy Suhren, the commander of U-564, was one of the most successful U-boat skippers of World War II. He is said to have fired more successful torpedo shots than any other submariner during the war and was the first junior officer to be awarded the Knight's Cross for his achievements. By war's end he had earned a Knight's Cross with Oak Sword and is credited with sinking eighteen ships plus a British corvette and damaging four other ships. One of the lucky few to survive the war, Suhren wrote his memoirs in German with the help of a journalist friend under the title Nasses Eichenlaub. This English translation of the popular work is the first to be available.
Suhren remains a legend within the U-boat world mostly for his good humor and irreverent and rebellious nature, which frequently got him into trouble with higher authorities. Despite his refusal to conform, however, he had access to the highest circles of power in Nazi Germany. Suhren's reminiscences of those times make for some fascinating reading and include descriptions of social events few were privileged to attend.
Customer Reviews:
Very Good and Very Honest.......2007-10-12
Good book easy to follow about one the most successful Uboat Captains who also managed to survive the war - starts with early years, naval training, patrols, transfer from active duty to training and the Command of the Uboat Fleet while based in Norway.
Ace of Aces.......2007-07-09
Excellent account of an interesting WW2 U-Boat Commander,not your typical German stereotype, Teddy Suhren's autobiography is a must read for anyone interested in the Battle of the Atlantic and the U-Boat Campaign of the East Coast of Florida. Suhren is a fun loving, professional who works hard and plays hard.
Highly recommend the book.
An important addition to the history of the U-Boat war........2006-03-11
Whenever I review a book about U-Boats, I automatically think of (and usually mention) Gunther Prien and Otto Kretschmer. After having read this book, however, I think my first choice of name should have been Teddy Suhren.
Suhren was a legend within the U-Boat service during WW2 and this is his story. The detail comes from his own papers and photographs revealing a U-Boat commander who was incredibly successful. His own personal patrol range included the eastern coast of the United States as well as the Indian Ocean. What endears any reader to Suhren as a person, however, is not only his success, and outstanding leadership skills, but also his sense of humour and the fact that he was a rebel and often in trouble with his superiors.
In a book which is clearly thoroughly researched, this author has put together an important work which will fill many gaps for those with an interest in the exciting and dangerous art of U-Boat warfare during WW2. I particularly liked the way in which the carefully selected photographs are used - appearing on each relevant page and not found in a small glossy collection in the middle of the book. In this way, each picture is relevant to the adjacent text and does much to support one's reading of the work as opposed to creating an interruption as the reader searches to find something located elsewhere.
Altogether, this is an excellent work - exactly what I have come to expect from these particular publishers.
NM
Book Description
This new edition of the definitive guide to Civil War battlefields is really a completely new book. While the first edition covered 60 major battlefields, from Fort Sumter to Appomattox, the second covers all of the 384 designated as the "principal battlefields" in the Civil War Sites Advisory Commission Report. As in the first edition, the essays are authoritative and concise, written by such leading historians as James M. McPherson, Stephen W. Sears, Edwin C. Bearss, James I. Robinson, Jr., and Gary W. Gallager. The second edition also features 83 new four-color maps covering the most important battles. The Civil War Battlefield Guide is an essential reference for anyone interested in the Civil War.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Guide for Understanding Troop Dispositions in Civil War Battles .......2007-05-02
The Conservation Fund's title "The Civil War Battlefield Guide" in my opinion is an invaluable tool for understanding the flow and troop dispositions of several Civil War battles.
In all, there are maps and troop movements for around 60 Civil War engagements and range from smaller battles such as Cloyd's Mountain to major engagements like Gettysburg. Another important feature of the book is the inclusion of modern-day roads included in the maps so the reader and battlefield visitor can better understand where the battle was fought in relation to where he/she may be standing at the time (assuming, of course, that the reader is on the battlefield at the time).
My only real complaint is that some bloody battles (Franklin, Nashville, etc.) were left out. However, the book does an overall good job of including most of the major engagements.
An excellent read and valuable battlefield tour aid. Read and enjoy! Recommended.
Must have Historical Guide to the Civil War Battles .......2006-05-21
This is one of the best books to have to study the civil war locations, and tour the battles. It has superb topographical maps of the battle area's.
It also has more information on the battles and different topic's on the civil war.
I have never been to any of the battles back east, since I have lived in the Midwest and Arizona, so I wish the book had more pictures of the area's then and now. I have talked to a few people and it is sad that we are losing some of these battlefields to land development
Indispensable.......2005-11-02
I do not live near many of the major battlefield sites, and I have never had this guide in my possession when visiting any battlefields so I cannot comment on its "real-time" usefulness, but I can say that having this guide has been quite valuable in personal study. The maps cleverly overlay the North/South troop placements and movements on modern topographic renderings that include today's highways and other developments. So, before or after a live visit to a particular battlefield, these maps will help you to place the precise historic details in the context of, say, the visitor's center or other modern landmarks (like roads) that can be recognized. I have also found the narrative descriptions to be both brief and comprehensive enough to supplement my readings for particular battles. For instance, I am reading Cozzen's difficult study now about Chickamauga. Having this guide at hand, I can refresh myself on the overview of the battle, and thus better absorb and enjoy the expert details of the book that I'm reading. The chronological order of the battles also provides a great overview of the entire war at a glance (in case, for example, you're not sure how the two Bull Run battles fit together, or how Chickamauga relates to Chattanooga, or how either of these relates to Gettysburg or Vickburg). Lastly, this is just a great book for browsing if you are interested in the Civil War.
Great Civil Touring aide book.......2005-08-20
I bought this book because i was working for a battlefield in the Park Service this summer and I had some free time to see other Battle fields in the surrounding areas: Richmond, Cold Harbor, Fredericksburg, Antietam, Harper's Ferry, Malverin Hill. And this book is just what I needed, because sometimes the best thing is just a concise history to understand with great detailing maps for comprehension and this has it. I value mine on a Civil War Battlefield trips
A must-have resource.......2003-02-16
I took a group of college students on a "civil wargasm" last spring---to Gettysburg, Antietam, and dozens of sites in Virginia. We took a parcel of books and maps. This is the one we referred to more than any other. By laying out the battle over a modern map, this guide makes it easier to understand what happened where, and definitely enhances a visit to any site, large or small. It is especially useful for stops at battle sites that are only commemorated by historical markers, and for sites that have nearly disappeared under freeways and housing developments. If you plan to visit Civil War sites anywhere, this is the first book you should buy.
Book Description
An exceptional figure in the history of the German Navy, Wolfgang Luth was one of only seven men in the Wehrmacht to win Germany's highest combat decoration, the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds. At one time or another he operated in almost every theater of the undersea war, from Norway to the Indian Ocean, and became the second most successful German U-boat ace in World War II, sinking more than 220,000 tons of merchant shipping. A master in the art of military leadership, Luth was the youngest man to be appointed to the rank of captain and the youngest to become commandant of the German Naval Academy. Nevertheless, his accomplishments were overshadowed by those of other great aces, such as Prien, Kretschmer, and Topp.
The publication of this book in hardcover in 1990 marked the first comprehensive study of Luth's life. Jordan Vause corrects the long neglect by providing an entertaining and authoritative biography that places the ace in the context of the war at sea. This new paperback edition includes corrections and additional information collected by the author over the past decade.
Customer Reviews:
fast mooving and smooth........2007-02-23
another u-boat captain book,Luth's u-boat survival of the war depended a great deal on his skill,but there are instances here where you realize there was some luck involved as well. An even better source of luck was that he was assigned a section of the south Atlantic,and African waters where his prey was not often as heavily protected as was were convoys in the North Atlantic.Luth's patrols were mainly "lone wolf" type guerilla attacks on isolated cargo ships,not the suicidal wolfpack attacks that were sure to bring on lots of task force boats.You can't help but draw from the book that the thirty year Luth was a by-product of the post WW1 Versailles Treaty outrage against Germany.His resentment as well as his crew run deep,methodically shinking ships like shooting mechanical ducks at a carnival.Not deliberately cruel but with a firm belief that it's either "us or them".When reading this book it would help to have a little knowledge of the "War Reparations"clause in the Versailles treaty,it would make for boring reading but,it will make the Luth story more enriching.
This is a worthwhile read.......2007-01-30
This book is a great read. The writing style is concise, and it makes it easy to get involved with a facinating (and true) story. Wolfgang Luth went on long range patrols to Southern Africa, notched up many sinkings, and was popular with his men. What comes across with this book is the personality of Wolfgang Luth himself. He didn't have a large ego, and is not as well known as other U-boat aces, but through this book seems far more interesting than the others U Boat Captains, and was more successful. He could be laid back with his men, other times encouraging them to get married, or poke fun at himself, was utterly fearless, and other times shot hundreds of shells into ships without reason. The book makes one consider the morality of his actions, and yet also gives a front row seat to an interesting U Boat career, and tragic end. This is a good book.
Friends of mine who served with Kapitan Luth on U 181........2001-12-30
I have read this book and it is an excellently done story on Kapitan zur See, Wolfgang Luth. This man Took charge of the Uboat U 181 and had an excellent crew serving with him. This book is almost as good as "Shooting The War" by Otto Giese. It held my attention which was fully rivited to the pages as I read them, as Otto Giese's book did to me. This book is THAT well done, and I will buy several extra copies of it to send to all 8 of the surviving U 181 vets. Its a shame that Otto Giese, U 181's 2nd Watch officer under Luth, recently passed away as well as three other U 181 comrades. The living members of U 181 will absolutely love this book and will think of it as a work of art. As I do have the priviledge of knowing all the surviving vets, I know they will enjoy adding a copy of this book to their libraries as they have done so with Otto Giese's book. Soon to be another book on U 181 by vet/friend, Bernhard Trenn.
Book Description
The New York Public Library, in looking back on the greatest books of the past century, called Churchill's history "monumental" and said that the author "drew upon thousands of his own memoranda and documents in British archives, but in the end, this epic is structured on his personal experiences and expresses his courage and astonishing self-confidence."
Download Description
The third volume of Churchill's Nobel-Prize winning six-part chronicle of World War II. Hitler's ruthless shepherding of German military strength and threats lead to the formation of the Allies in the face of war. Churchill incorporates contemporary documentation and his own reminiscence.
Customer Reviews:
Awesome book.......2007-04-07
This book was an amazing read. I recommend that anyone that likes reading should read it. I'm normally a very slow reader, but this book was so good that it only took me an hour to read.
To have the United States at our side was to me the greatest joy!.......2007-02-06
Churchill's Vol. 3, `The Grand Alliance' covers the time frame from Jan 1941 to Jan 1942 and what a time frame it was. The term `Grand Alliance' comes from Britain, America and Russia joining together to fight the triple-Axis Germany, Italy and Japan. During this time much was transpiring especially in the Mediterranean. Japan was watching and planning. Pearl Harbor fell on America with a vengeance and war had now awaked the sleeping giant. Germany was driving into Russia under operation `Barbarossa' and Rommel's tanks were moving in the North African desert. The Greece and Crete campaigns were breaking full upon Great Britain and the mighty Bismarck, with its' enormous structural strength, was out on the Atlantic. U-Boats were taking their toll on shipping and the oil fields of Iraq and Russia were being threatened.
It is interesting to read Churchill's correspondence now with victory and hindsight. He stood in the enviable position to see and write about the events that took place, and what could have happened if certain plans had or hadn't been implemented. His relationships and history, with Stalin and especially FDR, really make these volumes worth the read. He doesn't hold back the disasters that fell to all three of the Allies. Stalin's blindsided problems in trying to slow down Hitler until Allied supplies could get through. America and British combined Navy losses made for serious problems on the ocean. He writes about the curious events surrounding Rudolf Hess' flight to Scotland and gives his opinions about that incident. The disaster and triumph over the Bismarck certainly solved and created problems for the British Navy. While much relief came, with America's new found wartime role, much anxiety still lay ahead.
As he writes down this history, Churchill doesn't hide his enthusiasm about America now joining in the fight against the evil axis. This was one of the greatest joys of his wartime career. He now felt more than ever that victory `no matter how long' was sure. It is interesting to note how much influence the Atlantic Charter carries over into this day especially in policing the world. Well worth reading and adding to the history shelf.
Enter the Big Guns.......2006-11-25
This volume covers the year 1941 - one in which Churchill was awaiting the next major moves while the war in the desert rumbled on. The British war effort was strained by the need for vigilence against invasion and the need (more on moral grounds than in the expectation of success) to support Greece.
This of course was the year in which the USSR, Japan and the USA entered the war. Churchill was scornful of the Soviet attitude both before and after June 1941, and it's interesting to read his reflections on the early days of what turned out to be a very uneasy alliance.
The US entry to the war had been long awaited (reading the earlier volumes of this work makes you realise how early Churchill identified US involvement as the key to victory). It's interesting here to read Churchill's views on the limitations of British power, especially to defend its Empire in the Far East. Indeed, one can be critical of some the British attitudes - signing up to the principles of the Atlantic Charter when fighting for an Empire, for example. All these trends tend to give an insight into the rapid postwar collapse of the Empire.
More tumultuous events were of course to follow in 1942. But by the end of 1941, the big players had arrived. Britain was to cease to be one of those sooner than she expected.
For those after a comprehensive history of the war, it's fair to warn that in some respects Churchill's account is limited (for example in descriptions of the war in Russia and on the Home Front). This though reflects the role Churchill was playing at the time.
G Rodgers
Standing alone until allies arrive.......2006-10-31
Volume 3 of The Second World War sees Churchill continuing to lead Britain in a lonely battle against the German onslaught. With the conquest of Europe largely complete, Britain's efforts focus mainly on the Mediterranean fronts in a desperate attempt to slow or turn back Hitler's surge. The second half of the volume concerns events that occur as first Soviet Russia and then the United States are dramatically and decisively pulled into the war. Their entry is slow to provide immediate benefit, but the tide begins to change.
As in the first two volumes, this is Winston Churchill's story. From his point-of-view telling and his notes and memos reproduced verbatim, we see the actions and operations of the British wartime government firsthand. Even as the focus of Allied operations begins to expand to include the Russian and American efforts, it is still primarily Britain's story. Lest the reader believe this represents a flaw in the writing, it does not. Simply put, as in earlier volumes, Churchill's work here is never intended to be a general and detached overview of the war. These things are found elsewhere in literature. What the readers of this volume find in a continued bird's eye, fly-on-the-wall perspective of Britain's angry and defiant stand against the Nazi assault.
A Real Global War on Terror.......2006-08-06
Covering calendar year 1941, this third volume of Churchill's six volume Worl War Two history begins with Greece, Yugoslavia and Bulgaria falling to Germany, covers the Gernam invasion of the Soviet Union, and ends with the U.S. Mobilizing to join the battle after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.
In between, England largely fought what was truly a world war without meaningful allies. England had to protect itself from invasion, as Germany relentlessly strengthened its armamaent of the French coastline; fought an ongoing desert battle in North Africa to hold/protect Egypt; joined in the defense of the Balkans; protected the Middle East's Eastern flank by invading Iraq and holding Iran as a partner; and had to wrry about Japanese attacks on Burma and other far east countries--not the least of which were Australia and New Zealand. At the same time, England was fighting the Battle of the Atlantic--securing its supply line from constant attacks by German submarines.
At the center of this entire conflict was Churchill, who held BOTH the posts of Prime Minister (Britain chief executive) AND Defense Minister (roughly equivalent to the american Secretary of Defense). This required that he make strategic decisions about the allocation of extremely scarce military resources, but at the same time was responsible for reorienting the entire British economy to not only support the war effort, but to ensure basic necessities were available for civilians living in the British Isles--which after all is a very small area, largely dependent on imports for food.
Reading Churchill's account, one can not help comparing the scope of his responsibilities with the current Global War on Terror, and the actions of our current President in pursuing that "war". During his trip accross the Atlantic to meet with Roosevelt immediately after Pearl Harbor, Churchill not only continued to coordinate far flung military and economic decisions, he produced a series of monograms, laying out the allied war strategy--which in fact became the blue print for ultimate victory. Contrast that with Bush's use of the two day retreat, with all Cabinet, to review the basic strategy in Iraq, which turned out to be nothing more than a cover for a photo-op with the new Iraqi President! How would WWII have ended had Bush been the PRime Minister of England in 1940?
Churchill writes spectacularly, yet I had to give this volume only 4 stars. Why? Because (like Vol. II, but unlike Vol. I), Churchill relies far too much on contemporaneous documents. While these are almost all written by him, they do not give his prose a chance to shine like it does in the first volume.
Customer Reviews:
Great addition and amplification of ACW battlefield guides........2006-08-30
If you are familiar with either or both of the two editions of the excellent "Civil War Battlefield Guide", then you should add "The Official Virginia Civil War Guide" to your collection. This book has the advantage than in focusing on about 1/3rd as much of the war, it can do so in far greater depth.
Many small conflicts that don't receive more than a mention in the other guides are prominently and competently presented here. This makes the work a handy reference tool and an interesting read in its own right.
The layout is an improvement over the previously mentioned guides in several ways. Not only is there increased depth, but tactical maps are included for every event covered--rather than just the major ones. In addition, simple campaign maps are also included (something missing in many battle monographs even.) One weakness is that the tactical maps are not overlaid onto topographical maps, so in cases where the guides both have maps the general work is preferable in most instances.
The information on visitor centers, directions, and interesting background is very helpful as well. Also of note, the introduction states that all royalties from the book will go towards preservation efforts in Virginia.
One can only hope that similar works will be produced for other regions. This guide sets a fine standard for others to follow.
Much more than a travel guide.......2004-07-16
This is one of the most useful guides I've ever read. Virginia was host to nearly 1/3rd of all Civil War engagements, and this guide covers them all like a mini-history of the war. Unlike travel books that are organized geographically, this guide organizes them chronologically. Each campaign is prefaced by a detailed overview, followed by concise (from 1 to 4 pages, depending on the battle's importance) but engrossing descriptions of the individual engagements. These descriptions make this a great book to browse through when you're not in the car. Most sites' summaries touch on their condition--whether they're threatened by development (as too many are) and whether they're in private hands or protected by the park service.
But the maps are where this book really stands out. Each battle features a very clear map designating army positions and historical roads, as well as historical markers (the author also wrote the /A Guidebook to Virginia's Historical Markers/), parking, and visitors' centers. Best of all, though, many battles are illustrated with paintings or photographs of the sites, and the point-of-view of these pictures is marked on each map!
Amazon.com
Historian Michael Gannon argues that the systematic assault by German submarines on merchant tankers and freighters along the U.S. eastern seaboard in 1942 "constituted a greater strategic setback for the Allied war effort than did the defeat at Pearl Harbor." The case for the claim is intriguing and includes a damaging assessment of the U.S. naval command, which ignored information that might have allowed it to avert the disaster, but Gannon never lets his argument distract from the compelling wartime story. Through original interviews and archival research, he describes the exploits of U-123 and its 28-year-old Lieutenant Commander Reinhard Hardegen, who terrorized American home waters on two separate missions. Operation Drumbeat presents a remarkable picture of life on the U-boats. (Fans of the movie Das Boot especially won't want to miss it.) Gannon's book eventually may become a classic work of naval history; for now it's a great book on a particular aspect of the Second World War. --John J. Miller
Book Description
The dramatic national bestseller and remarkably exciting account of Germany's little-known U-boat campaign against merchant shipping along the North American Atlantic coast during the first six months of 1942.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Book for U Boat Enthusiasts.......2006-12-02
Professor Michael Gannon's book, Operation Drumbeat, offers an insightful look into the unique history of German U Boats of World War II. It features an important battle of the Atlantic Campaign, which occurred after America's entry into World War II.
The main premise of the author was that despite the terrible looses the US Navy suffered after the battle of Pearl Harbor, this particular battle, Operation Drumbeat, incurred even heavier losses in the form of Allied cargo shipping. He also asserts that the Germans were closer to achieving a strategic victory against the Allies by choking off Britain's war supplies.
Although Gannon was technically correct in presenting his main theme, there was one element that was missing which would have made Operation Drumbeat a real tragic loss: the lack of a psychological element. That is, unlike Pearl Harbor where Americans were bombed by Japanese planes in Broad daylight, Operation Drumbeat was a long, drawn - out battle where little in the way of catastrophic news made it to American headlines. In addition, the fact that the Allies ultimately won the Battle of the Atlantic (using a strategy not much different from the one used in World War I) made this battle even less shocking.
What makes this book worth reading however is the unique look into the lives of a typical U Boat crew. Anyone interested in this aspect of World War II would no doubt enjoy reading about how German crews content with life aboard a U Boat. In addition, anyone wanting to collect U Boat literature would find this compliments very well with the film, Das Boot, on any bookshelf.
Therefore, I highly this book as an excellent resource for scholars, history buffs, or anyone interested in World War II. Although I may disagree with the author's findings, he nevertheless presented his arguments in a very professional manner. Again, Gannon's presentation of life aboard a U Boat makes this book worth reading.
One of the best military histories...ever.......2006-06-09
Best military history I've ever read and believe me I've read a lot of 'em....explodes lots of myths (some intentional by the US Navy) and much stuff that wasn't declassified until the late 80's. I think they (the US Navy) were embarassed and this book explains why. Very little opinion as it is all thoroughly documented and foot-noted. It reads like a novel, mostly from the German and British viewpoints. I couldn't put it down.
There is definitely severe criticism of the U.S. Navy's actions during 1942 and before, but author Gannon gives sound reasons for coming to his conclusions. One may argue about the details, but 3,997 ships sunk in the Atlantic is enough testimony that something went haywire. Gannon refuses to gloss over the mistakes made by all sides in that conflict and just lays out all the facts.
As for Admiral King, Gannon references an excerpt from General Eisenhower's 1942 wartime journal that said the quickest way to end the War in the Atlantic was "to shoot Admiral King." Even Gannon acknowledges that the US Navy did finally catch on to the tactical and strategic lessons of Anti-Submarine Warfare (after much goading by the British and Canadians), but I believe even seasoned students of military history will be absolutely shocked at the timidity and incompetence of the naval high command at the outbreak of war with Germany.
This book is well foot-noted and indexed so if one is so inclined the primary source material can be readily examined.
Tells an important, forgotten WWII Story........2005-01-31
Michael Gannon meticulously documents an underreported element of our nation's involvement in WWII. It's amazing that more hasn't been written about the attacks by German U-boats along the US east coast, but Gannon's book seems to be one of only a relative few that documents this aspect of the war. The most striking fact that sticks in my mind from this book is how slow the U.S. was to react to the attacks, finally taking measures against the attacks only after constant prodding by British intelligence, which was, by Gannon's account, much more advanced in tracking U-Boat movements, and quite willing to share this information with the U.S. despite the stubborness of some in the U.S. command. Gannon's suggestion that the U-Boat attacks were more damaging to the war effort than the Pearl Harbor attack is provocative, and seems to underestimate the emotional impact of December 7th, but Gannon clearly shows the heavy damage the U-Boat attacks had on the war effort until the U.S. command did its part to repel such attacks. All in all, a worthy effort to document an under-reported aspect of the WWII struggle.
Gannon vs. Adm. King.......2002-01-01
This book was an enjoyable read. It seems like the type of story that a movie producer would want to put on film. Perhaps Gannon had that in mind when he wrote the book. As history, however, I believe that it is flawed.
Gannon tries to convince the reader that Adm. King was soley responsible for the losses to U-boats in the Eastern Sea Frontier during early 1942. He displays an apparent bias against the USN and in favor of the RN. The term "anglophobe" is applied so frequently that it becomes trite. Any facts which would tend to weaken his case against King are conspicuously absent from OPERATION DRUMBEAT.
I admit that I may have failed to understand precisely what Gannon was attempting to communicate in some sentences, which ran for nearly half of a page.
For a more accurate and balanced history of ComInCh, ESF and Drumbeat, read HITLER'S U-BOAT WAR: The Hunters, 1939-1942 by Clay Blair. In this 1996 book, Blair refutes directly much of what Gannon wrote about the availability of escort vessles and the culpability of Adm. King.
Great Research, Great Read.......2001-12-24
News stories about the recent emphasized role of the Coast Guard as protector of US home waters, brought to mind this excellent book.
This is the non-fiction story of the first six months of 1942's WWII along the ESF (Eastern Sea Frontier), which Adm King commanded. However, this is not a glowing account of King's command, rather a damning account of his failure to protect shipping along the Atlatic seaboard. This is described from the eyes of the commander of U-123, a real U-boat, a real captain, Reinhard Hardegen, and real events.
The reason that the CG's current role in home waters defence brings this book to mind is that when 1942 opened on the ESF, among the ships available, there were only five along the whole coast, ready for offshore patrol. These were the 165 foot CG Cutter Dione, two 125 foot CG Cutters, a Navy Eagle boat and a converted yacht. Deja-vu!
This is a salty tale, especially during U-123's passage across the far North Atlantic in January, to avoid detection. Icy spray, ice and contiuous damp are the lot of the crew both on and off watch, until they reach the calmer waters of Ambrose Channel and creep up to New York harbor, undetected, using only a tourist guide book of NYC as the chart and sailing directions.
King failed to darken the coastline and aids to navigation for several months, not wanting to interfere with tourism and shipping. This made easy hunting for the five U-boats which participated in Doenitz' Operation Drumbeat.
The information in this book came from heavy research by the author in German War Diaries, shooting reports, US documents and interviews with surviving crewment of U-123, including Hardegen.
Besides the adventure of U-123 banging away down the coast from NYC to Mayport FL NOB, you learn a lot about British vs 1942 era US intelligence (deja-vu!), the Enigma machine, and a lot about the U-123 class subs and life aboard. There are insights as to why Hitler's dominance of the German Hig Command played a good part in losing the War. Also, how King disregarded Roosevelt's orders and was later rewarded by being named CNO (Chief of Naval Operations.)
Even the large reference section is interesting reading. For example, I didn't know that the sub's fuel tanks were open at the bottom, like an inverted water glass. As the fuel is used up, it is replaced by sea water, helping maintain the sub's trim.
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Battle of the Atlantic (World at War)
G. C. Skipper
Manufacturer: Childrens Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: School & Library Binding
 Europe
| History & Historical Fiction
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| Ages 9-12
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ASIN: 0516047930 |
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