History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Devil Dogs: Fighting Marines of World War I

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An essential and wonderful book
Great Book
Top Notch Reading
Excellant
Outstanding - a landmark work

Devil Dogs: Fighting Marines of World War I
George B. Clark
Manufacturer: Presidio Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0891416536
Release Date: 1998-12-01

Book Description

The United States Marine Corps has long enjoyed the reputation of being America's premiere fighting force. Whenever crisis looms one hears the familiar chorus, Send in the Marines. How was this reputation first earned? Many would argue that the Marine Corps stepped up and took its place alongside America's other armed forces in 1918 at Chateau Thierry and Belleau Wood. So fierce was the 4th Marine Brigade in combat that the overwhelmed German defenders dubbed them Teufulhunden, literally Devil Dogs.

Customer Reviews:

An essential and wonderful book.......2002-11-04

Here is a wonderfully detailed and moving book. It satisfies the serious scholar in its overwhelming details, and yet carries the `human thread' to show the true wonder of what these marines did. My grandfather was with the 6th Marines at Belleau Wood and I guarantee he would have loved and respected this book.

Great Book.......2000-08-31

This book is excellent. All the other reviews are dead on accurate.

Just to add something different to the discussion...

I would have given it five stars but for one thing. Occasionally the detail overwhelmed the writing and story telling aspect lagged. Just every so often it started to read like an after-action report. Don't let this put you off, just don't plan on being able to read parts of it right before bed time.

Top Notch Reading.......2000-03-09

With so few great titles on the American experience in the Great War this book is a must read. It reads very well and spares no small detail. It gives you a "leather-necks" view of the the war in France.

Excellant.......1999-07-01

I support the Leatherneck review and am tempted to rate it 5 stars. It is refreshing to read not only the USMC WW1 history but the authors considered opinions on the battles and personalities involved.

Outstanding - a landmark work.......1999-06-24

From Leatherneck Magazine - March, 1999

The rich thread of tradition has woven itself throughout the tapestry of Marine Corps history. From these threads, Marines of today uphold the standards of service and sacrifice of the past as the proud inheritors of this heritage. Of all the eras of Marine Corps history, arguably the most romantic and colorful would be the involvement of the Marines in the First World War. The Marine Corps of today is still flavored by the traditions and experiences of those years. Words such as Devil Dog and Foxhole still permeate the language of our Marines and students from The Basic School have adopted Belleau Wood and travel over regularly to assist in the maintenance of this hallowed ground, the only wholly-owned American battlefield on foreign soil. By the same token, this has remained one of the least explored eras throughout the history of the Marines.

Certainly, the classics of Asprey's "At Belleau Wood" and Stallings' "Doughboys" stand forth as valuable contributions to the understanding of that history. However, no one has published a comprehensive examination of the actions and service of the 4th "Marine" Brigade until now.

It is with a clear love and empathy for this subject that former Marine, George Clark undertook the monumentous task of shifting through and composing the far-flung resources of documentation into a concise and readable history of the Fourth "Marine" Brigade and it's service from formation until disbandment.

Clark's work, drawn from 25 years of research into the subject, captures the color and character, as well as the facts and figures, of the Marine Brigade as no previous work. Based on contemporaneous unit histories, Marine diaries, personal letters, as well as official documents and correspondence, this book blows open the door and illuminates the incredible story of ordinary men, who, under extraordinary circumstances, left a legacy of valor courage and sacrifice unsurpassed to this day.

Highly detailed and filled with fascinating insights, "Devil Dogs" takes no prisoners. It tells the unvarnished tale of the largely volunteer force, leavened by a strong cadre of seasoned Officers and NCOs, who formed the nucleus of the 2nd Division (Regulars) of the infant American Expeditionary Force. The author offers interesting and thought-provoking opinions of the success and failure of the various Officers who led the Marines in combat in France and makes no apology for ruffling a few feathers along the way.

A rollicking, fun book to read, Clark takes the reader along from the stateside clashes with Pershing and the Army bureaucracy to training in France and through the battles of Belleau Wood, Soissons, St. Mihiel, Blanc Mont and Meuse-Argonne. Chapters also cover the history of Marines in the Occupation of Germany and explore the little known history of the Marines in the Composite Regiment of the AEF - Pershing's Showpiece.

Though not for those wishing a "quick" synopsis of Marine involvement in the Great War, "Devil Dogs" is a must for any student of Marine History or for those wishing to get the full picture of this most colorful era. Clark's work justifiably joins Asprey and Stallings as a modern classic of the American experience in the Great War. With valuable lessons for today's military, it stands as a true picture of the success by leadership, unmatched valor and pure guts, against a seasoned and battle-tested foe.

Book Description

'A fascinating book, well written and forcefully argued...Luttwak's formulations are as refreshing as they are convincing... He has done for Roman historians what they have not done for themselves.' --Z. Yavetz, New Republic

Customer Reviews:

Pellucid analysis, and perhaps relevant to our own time?.......2007-04-17

Luttwak's book is not only a marvelous addition to any library concerning strategy or Rome, but it may also be, in Barbara Tuchman's phrase, "A Distant Mirror". Speaking of the last phase of the Roman Empire (i.e. the late third and fourth century CE), Luttwak says "The machinery of empire now became increasingly self-serving, with its tax-collectors, administrators, and soldiers of much greater use to one another than to society at large...."

Great explanation how a world empire defended its citizens.......2005-05-28

I do not agree that this book is only for specialists. I am of the opinion that it is a book for history lovers. And, moreover, it is for any person who wishes to understand how a highly developed society managed to defend its way of living. It most valuable because it depicts the success of the Roman system in the first two centuries of our era. The Third Century depicts the problem of a World power which has began its decline.
Reading the book you understand the Roman system, and you learn how a society must be prepared for selfdefense, and even for attack, if it wants to survive.
If you translate this book into the idiom of the early XXIst Century, you realize how our declining Western Civilization must behave in order to protect itself, and its inhabitants, from its external -and even internal- threats.

Eye-opening analysis.......2005-05-19

This book is a very interesting analysis for everybody who wants to know more about the strategy of the Roman Empire. While also very accessible to non-experts, even experts or people who have read a lot about Rome will learn a lot and see things a new way.

Mr. Luttwak splits the time of the roman empire into time periods of same strategy. This strategy changed a few times through the centuries.

One of the most interesting points is that the Roman Empire did have trouble expanding its Empire beyond the size of Augustus Principate because the roman army could not apply its full military force in the border areas because of the evironment there. The roman army's core was the heavy infanterie and with this the legions were strong and hard to stop or defeat but they were also slow. Therefore in areas where enemies had something to defend (cities, fields, etc), the power of the roman army (also using their siege capabilities) was very high and therefore it could apply this potential military might either in direct military success or into political power which then helped the romans to create client states around their empire which served as buffer states against any potential enemy attack.

But the forested middle Europe, the desert areas of Arabia and North Africa and the plains of Iran and Ukraine were wide and the people who lived there did not depend on a city structure which they needed to defend. Therefore they could avoid a direct confrontation with the Romans (which was their main strength) and apply their way of fighting to the Romans. The Roman army could still penetrate these areas, but only under above average costs and had trouble keeping this area under their control. Examples of this are the losses of Crassus against the Parthians and the losses of 3 legions against the Cherusci in the Teutoburg Forest.

Very good book!

Ancient history for current events.......2004-09-22

Although much of this book may be at a level of specificity of interest only to Roman history buffs, Luttwak's assessments of the Roman Empire's strategic strengths and weaknesses has much relevance to the modern United States, which occupies an historical position not unlike Rome's at the beginning of the Empire. For example, issues such as the efficient use of a relatively small professional army, or the maintenance of client states, are directly relevant to the modern world. Each section begins with a sufficiently adequate historical summary that readers not yet familiar with Roman history will not be lost.

An excellent overview of Roman imperial strategy.......2003-03-09

This is a unique work in that it tries to explain an overall strategic picture of Roman Imperial defense through the principate and into the turbulent third century when the empire as a political entity was in real jepordy of being swept away by internal and external threats. In somewhat technical terms, he goes on to explain how Roman Imperial security evolved over time starting with the early principate. Then going into the Flavian, Antonine and Severan eras. Luttwak does a great job in outlining the threat, security measures and strategies of each different era. Extensive notes allow for additional study. Even though written almost 30 years ago, it is still very relevant. It is striking how simmilar the strategic problems faced by ancient Rome are today faced by the U.S. My only critisism is that he does not go into any detail of internal security measures or how these relate to strategic defense. Otherwise an excellent work.

Army of the Potomac: McClellan's First Campaign, March - May 1862

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More Reservations About Beatie
A captivating, solid, and seminal contribution
Another dramatically long foul ball
Essential reading for deep readers
The reasons why

Army of the Potomac: McClellan's First Campaign, March - May 1862
Russel Beatie
Manufacturer: Savas Beatie
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1932714251

Book Description

McClellan's First Campaign, the 3rd volume of Russel Beatie's masterful series, covers the pivotal early months of General George McClellan's Peninsula Campaign through the siege of Yorktown, the pursuit toward Richmond, and the fighting at Williamsburg. As he did in his first two volumes, Beatie tells the story largely through the eyes and from the perspective of high ranking officers, staff officers, and politicians. This study is based upon extensive firsthand research (including many previously unused and unpublished sources) that rewrites the history of Little Mac's inaugural effort to push his way up the peninsula and capture Richmond in one bold campaign. In meticulous fashion, Beatie examines many heretofore unknown, ignored, or misunderstood facts and events and uses them to evaluate the campaign in the most balanced historical context to date. Every aspect of these critically important weeks is examined, from how McClellan's Urbanna plan unraveled and led to the birth of the expedition that debarked at Fort Monroe in March 1862, to the aftermath of Williamsburg. There were many reasons why the march to Richmond did not move as expeditiously as many hoped it would, though until now, few of these reasons have been satisfactorily (or even fairly) explored. President Abraham Lincoln's interference, both politically and militarily, argues the author, lengthened considerably McClellan's odds of success. Just one example was the president's tampering with the corps command structure. Lincoln's experiment undermined his army commander by elevating the wrong men to positions of importance, a sad fact amply demonstrated by the inept leadership displayed before Yorktown and during the important fighting at Williamsburg.Beatie is the first author to deeply investigate and expose the role of the Navy in the Yorktown episode. His sweeping and convincing conclusion is that if the Navy had done what it promised it would do-what it could have done, but refused to do-Yorktown would have fallen weeks sooner than it did. McClellan's First Campaign is a story about the men in command-their knowledge, intentions, successes, and failures. To capture the full flavor of their experiences, Beatie employs the "fog of war" technique, which puts the reader in the position of the men who led the Union army. The Confederate adversaries are always present but often only in shadowy forms that achieve firm reality only when we meet them face-to-face on the battlefield. Well written, judiciously reasoned, and extensively footnoted, McClellan's First Campaign will be heralded as the seminal work on this topic. Civil War readers may not always agree with Beatie's conclusions, but they will concur that his account offers an original examination of the Army of the Potomac's role on the Virginia peninsula. REVIEWS "...If you want to understand the war in the east, this series is essential. ...we really have our hands on the most detailed, most challenging, and perhaps the most controversial scholarshipfor this period to date."Civil War Books and Authors; April 15,2007 ;A Wagenhoffer

Customer Reviews:

More Reservations About Beatie.......2007-08-09

In his third volume, Beatie arrives at the beginning of the Peninsula Campaign, the apogee of McClellan's career as commander of the Army of the Potomac. While his focus continues to be on the major commanders at divisional and higher level, the volume slides more towards a more general history of the campaign, presenting moderately detailed tactical treatments of engagements at Winchester, Lee's Mill and Williamsburg. Hopefully Beatie will restrain himself when we reach the Seven Days; a work on army, corps and divisional leadership should rarely worry about company-level issues.

On the technical side, this volume is the first in the series from Savas-Beatie, the earlier volumes having been published by Da Capo Press. Physical production values are fine and there is a generous supply of well-done maps, too often in short supply in histories. However, the book lacks proper editing. There are multiple errors that should have been caught by a copy-editor, such as incorrect years (1863 instead of 1862) in the index of maps and multiple instances of secession being spelled as succession, sometimes in the same paragraph as the correct spelling. Beatie's own command of English still lacks and would benefit from a good editor, although well-edited books are becoming less and less common in modern publishing.

The volume opens with the reoccupation of Harper's Ferry and the lower Shenandoah Valley and the attendant difficulties therein. Particular attention is given to Banks' caution and the machinations of James Shields, who Beatie distinctly disapproves of. The narrative then turns to the flurry of activity surrounding the Confederate evacuation of the Manassas-Centreville area before continuing on to the approval of and preparations for the Peninsula Campaign. Much of this focuses on the evolving relationship and friction between McClellan, Stanton and Lincoln, particularly with regard to the protection of Washington in the absence of the Army of the Potomac, the creation of corps and appointment of their commanders and Lincoln's need for and seeking of military advice from McClellan, from the other generals in the Army of the Potomac and from those outside of the AoP. Beatie strives to present a balanced picture of these events, sharing credit and blame amongst McClellan, Lincoln, Stanton and others as appropriate, although it is apparent that his sympathies are with McClellan. For instance, during his discussion of Williamsburg and the attendant command difficulties, emphasis is placed upon Lincoln's selection of Sumner as a corps commander, while a more complete discussion, with acknowledgement of McClellan's role in Sumner's command of that battle and likely selection as a corps commander following in the next (and final) chapter.

I continue to have doubts about Beatie's scholarship and the accuracy of his depiction of what he finds in his sources. Others have pointed out errors in previous volumes. In this volume, a particular example is his narrative concerning Irwin McDowell's promotion to Major General accompanying his appointment as a corps commander. Beatie draws from a single manuscript source for the bulk of his two page treatment of this. Throughout these pages, Beatie refers to the promotion as to Major General in the Regular Army, whereas the promotion was to Major General of Volunteers. While this might seem to be a minor point, the distinction was very important to those involved and had long-ranging implications. Had Beatie cross-checked his manuscript source or his recollection with Heitman's Historical Register, which he refers to frequently for many other less important figures, the Senate Executive Journal or a number of other primary and secondary sources, many of which are listed in his bibliography, this mistake would not have made it into print. This is indicative of sloppy research and writing. If he makes this error, how many others has he made and how does the reader know what they are? There are also works missing from Beatie's bibliography that I would expect to see there, such as Rowena Reed's _Combined Operations in the Civil War_.

Overall, I continue to be ambivalent about Beatie's contribution to Civil War scholarship. He has his boosters and others who are sympathetic. I would particularly like to see a detailed commentary by Ethan Rafuse on the strengths and weaknesses that he perceives in the work. As it stands, I'll continue to read Beatie, especially as I am interested in the evolution of Civil War command arrangements. But the more general readership would be better served by reading Stephen Taaffe's Commanding the Army of the Potomac (Modern War Studies), Rafuse's Mcclellan's War: The Failure Of Moderation In The Struggle For The Union or more general studies of the Army of the Potomac.

A captivating, solid, and seminal contribution.......2007-07-09

Written by former army lieutenant Russel H. "Cap" Beatie, Army of the Potomac: McClellan's First Campaign March-May 1862, Volume III is the latest in a series of in-depth, extensively researched and thoroughly footnoted civil war military histories, as told primarily through the eyes of high ranking officers, staff officers, and politicians. Drawing upon Beatie's laborious firsthand research, Army of the Potomac, Volume III scrutinizes "Little Mac" McClelland's efforts to force his way up the Virginia peninsula and capture Richmond in a daring campaign. Army of the Potomac examines the factors working against McClelland's venture, and reveals how President Abraham Lincoln interfered both politically and militarily, worsening McClelland's odds of success. Illustrated with a handful of black-and-white photographs and maps, Army of the Potomac, Volume III is a captivating, solid, and seminal contribution to civil war military history shelves.

Another dramatically long foul ball.......2007-06-16

After two volumnes, and nearly 1200 pages, "Cap" Beatie finally gets the Army of the Potomac onto a battlefield. (Much the same complaint those nasty politicians had about military men of the story.)

The first three chapters here aroused my enthusiasm. They are crisp, and the interplay of actions between the maze of commands are deftly incorporated. But the middle of the book falls back into the same sort of muddle of the previous works. It mires in biographical asides, and thought streams that somehow don't seem to be in the right place.

Beatie repeatedly insists that his study is primarily military and specifically about the Army of the Potomac. But he fumes at the Lincoln administration constantly; while the egregious shortcomings of George Brinton McClellan are whispered and passed over.

On point, McClellan twice in this short period miscues on where he should place his personal leadership over decisive action: he remains overlong in Washington pushing deployment when swift action is needed in Hampton to get the Army moving; and again after Johnston retreats he dawdles in Yorktown loading boats while his over cautious Corps commanders fumble over the Williamsburg battle.

I haven't changed my mind about the series. Good books; but not primers for the amateur.

Essential reading for deep readers.......2007-05-29

One must read Beatie's Army of the Potomac series to understand the war in the Eastern Theatre. Built on a trove of unknown and neglected sources, his decades of research have produced an electrifying retelling of the Civil War marked by fairness to facts. Beatie makes his audiences feel intimate with events - not superior to them - and the gems of his original research are scattered like treats for the experienced reader. Thrilling, delightful,profound, each new volume in this series is a major event in Civil War publishing. After 40 years of reading Civil War nonfiction, I rate this the one title or series that is indispensible.

The reasons why.......2007-03-20

Details, they say the devil is in the details and they might be right. I am convinced that history is in the details. Details are the reason events happened as they do instead of how they are planned or expected to happen. Few histories contain the details needed to understand why an event took the path it did. Edwin Bearss' three volume Vicksburg Campaign and Gordon Rea's four volumes on Overland Campaign contain these details. Joining them is Russel Beaties' ongoing history of the Army of the Potomac. This is the third volume and McClellan is taking his army to war, staring with the occupation of Harpers Ferry and ending with the battle of Williamsburg.

This is the beginning of the Peninsula Campaign, the first real test of McClellan, Lincoln, his administration and the army. These 92 days set the stage for The 7 Days but are never more than a prequel to those battles. Sears in "To the Gates of Richmond" covers this time in about 90 pages. Burton in "Extraordinary Circumstances" covers this time in one general chapter on the war to date. This book averages 9.4 pages per day. From the siege of Yorktown to the battle of Williamsburg is almost 200 pages of good writing that gives a systematic account of the action. This level of detail becomes critical to our understanding of what the army is experiencing and their understanding of events as they occur.

As much as this is a test for McClellan, this is a test for Lincoln and Stanton too. Like it or not, happy or not, Washington has to make decisions, implement them and live with the results of their decisions. Lincoln was shaken by McClellan's illness in volume two and now losses confidence in him. However, Lincoln cannot ignore decisions and recommendations from his army. Stanton unhappy with McClellan, courting the radicals and trying to please everyone creates a different series of problems. Both try to apply political solutions to military problems. Could Jackson have attacked Washington after First Winchester? The historic answer is NO. However, this battle results in the largest corps in the army being retained for Washington's defense. Do the Congressional Radicals want Freemont to have a command? How many problems can the detachment of one division cause? Is the Navy unwilling to risk ships in the rivers? Is the Navy, still worried about the CSS Virginia? The Secretary of War refuses to order the Secretary of the Navy to corporate with McClellan's army. Not enough ships to make the lift we promised, oh well it will just take longer. Each of the above is examined in detail; each change of plans causes a reduction in options as each report from the front forces a decision. Once a course of action is started, changing direction becomes more difficult as gradually we see the historical plan develop.

Management is a problem or opportunity depending on the managers and their teamwork. The Corps Commanders during this time, McDowell, Sumner, Heintzelman and Keys are not on the list of great Union Generals. McDowell & Heintzelman will never have a field command after Second Bull Run. Keys will resign under a cloud in 1863. Sumner, born in 1797, will command the attack on Longstreet's position at Fredericksburg and die of old age within the year. Washington assembles McClellan's management team without consulting him, the seniority list being the major qualification. This causes problems on the field and at headquarters for all concerned.

While leaning on McClellan supporters, Beatie makes an excellent case and supports his position. McClellan is not the helpless victim nor is he a fool. McClellan has lost the confidence of his boss, is trapped in a bad situation and doing his best. Keys and Sumner both fail at critical points. The bright side is we see the emergence of Hancock, Kearny, Howard, Hooker and others that will lead this army to victory.

This is a well written, very detailed but readable account of first 92 days of campaigning in what will be a long war. Russel Beatie has written another readable and appealing history that fits nicely next to the first two.

U. S. Infantry Weapons of the First World War

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U. S. Infantry Weapons of the First World War
Backbone to WWI Weapons Collector
A must have!
A brilliant, invaluable contribution to World War I studies

U. S. Infantry Weapons of the First World War
Bruce N. Canfield
Manufacturer: Andrew Mowbray Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0917218906

Book Description

The book to end all books about the war to end all wars! The definitive guide to U.S. infantry weapons of World War I. Best-selling author and arms expert Bruce N. Canfield gives you the inside scoop on everything that was carried into combat by the Army and Marines, including rifles, pistols, shotguns, automatic rifles, machine guns, bayonets, knives, grenades, mortars, flame throwers and accessories. It's all in here! Filled with the kind of practical, "hands-on" advice and information that you will turn to again and again, with unique "collector's notes" that tell you what you need to know about markings, rarity, rebuilds and fakes. Nowhere else will you find this amount of useful information under one cover - and it's complete with exciting combat reports describing how this equipment performed at the front! The First World War is rapidly becoming the hottest topic in military history. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn all about the weapons of the Doughboys, fully illustrated with more than 500 large, clear photographs plus numerous tables and historical illustrations. 8.5 by 11 inches, hardcover.

Customer Reviews:

U. S. Infantry Weapons of the First World War.......2007-09-28

Excellent book, lots of good information for the collector or history buff. Many great pictures and a lot of good details for all the weapons listed in the book.

Backbone to WWI Weapons Collector.......2006-06-27

Like his previous book on WWII weapons Mr. Canfield has dug deep into the archives to produce another educational volume. The photos are excellent and cover the weapons with great detail and the archival photos supporting the uses and accessories are always astounding. The section on the French Chauchat Light Machinegun, considered in some circles to be the worst weapon used by the AEF forces, actually points out that a number of the problems were created by the US during the conversion of the weapon from French 7MM to US 30-06 caliber. It also covers numerous accessories and supporting equipment. This is a wonderful resource, a great addition to a military library and is highly recommended for all interested in the hobby.

A must have!.......2004-07-02

This is a MUST HAVE for anyone who is interested in the weapons used by the American Doughboy during the Great War. A complete and comprehensive guide that covers everything from bladed weapons to trench mortars. I can't recommend it enough.

A brilliant, invaluable contribution to World War I studies.......2000-09-05

Bruce Canfield is an internationally respected authority on military weaponry. U.S. Infantry Weapons of the First World War is his latest and very welcome contribution to military history. A comprehensive historical guide to all weapons carried into combat by the U.S. Army and Marines during World War I, this exhaustive, detailed, profusely illustrated compendium covers rifles, pistols, shotguns, automatic rifles, machine guns, bayonets, knives, grenades, mortars, flame throwers, and accessories. Canfield's engaging and informative text is enhanced for the military buff with particular attention to the actual roles these weapons played in battlefield combat encounters. No personal, professional, academic, or community library military collection can be considered complete without the inclusion of Bruce Canfield's U.S. Infantry Weapons of the First World War.

The General and the Jaguar: Pershing's Hunt for Pancho Villa: A True Story of Revolution & Revenge

Average customer rating:

Pancho Villa and Black Jack Pershing
Excellent account of the events in Mexico before WWI
The Columbus Raid and its aftermath.
a little too much fluff
Good book about Villas' Columbus Raid

The General and the Jaguar: Pershing's Hunt for Pancho Villa: A True Story of Revolution & Revenge
Eileen Welsome
Manufacturer: Little, Brown and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Mexico | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

General | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

Strategy | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0316715999

Book Description

On March 9, 1916, a band of Mexican marauders led by Pancho Villa crossed the border and raided the tiny town of Columbus, New Mexico. A military expedition was hastily organized to go into Mexico and capture Villa, suspects were rounded up, trials were held, and a virulent backlash against persons of Mexican origin erupted on the local and national scenes. General John Black Jack Pershing, once a genuine fan of Villas, accompanied by a young George Patton, was told to assemble a group of soldiers, head into Mexico, and get Villadead or alive. The last hurrah for the U.S. Cavalry, the expedition would be the first time armored tanks, airplanes, and trucks were employed against an enemy. But as they descended into the nightmare of Mexico, the American troops were followed by spies and picked off by snipers, fought violent battles, and suffered in the scorching deserts and snowy mountains. Some would never return home alive. A brutal tale of revenge and violence, Eileen Welsomes richly detailed account is equal parts Sam Peckinpah, Cormac McCarthy, and Stephen Ambrose.

Customer Reviews:

Pancho Villa and Black Jack Pershing.......2007-07-14

As one who fell in love with Mexico in 1964, I continue to read most of what comes out in print with relation to that country. This book has information about Pershing that I knew nothing about, and reveals much of a personal nature about him and about Francisco Villa.

The struggles of the U. S. soldiers as they search for the elusive Villa
make an interesting story-- one that got lost because the incursion into Mexico was followed so quickly by World War I. I wonder, for example, how many of the soldiers who were in Mexico went on to the European war.

I had the great good fortune to hear a lecture by one of Villa's secretaries.

I am still in love with Mexico after all these years!

Norma Williamson

Excellent account of the events in Mexico before WWI.......2007-06-12

The author has done her homework with this fine piece of history. I have read much on this subject and was hoping to find out more details about the Punitive Expedition mounted by America to track down Pancho Villa and his bandit army. She paints Villa and the other leaders of the 'Revolution' as most of them were: brutal killers seeking wealth and power and a few betterment of the people of Mexico. Lots of details about the Villiast raid on Columbus, NM, the numerous skirmishes between US troops and various factions of Mexican forces of all sorts.
Plenty of drama and some good information about Villa's background, experiences during the revolution as well as those of Obregon, Madero, Zapata and many others.
Worth reading as her style is easy to follow and sometimes humerous and insightful.
I give it thumbs up. Enjoy as it might lead the reader to seek more information about this fascinating period of US/Mexican history.

The Columbus Raid and its aftermath........2007-06-04

A former guerrilla ally of the United States turns his vengence on the U.S. A President who wanted to tend to the domestic ills of the United States is drawn into a foreign conflict. An intervention is attempted which results in native aggravation at the United States. History repeats itself. The time is 1916 and the terrorist act is at Columbus, New Mexico-a sleepy border town. Pancho Villa kills a lot of innocent men. Americans are now his enemy. The Americans intervene in Mexico and try to track him down. They nearly suceed. Time give Villa the punishment he deserves.

This is an interesting book about earlier terrorism. Not much is written about the Columbus raid. Welsome does a good job of describing the killings of Pancho Villa and his Division of the North in the 1916-17 period. This should be read in light of the current war on terror.

a little too much fluff.......2007-06-03

I enjoyed the book, but I thought it could have been shortened considerably if Welsome would have left out the numerous paragraphs about what someone was thinking or might have thought as they rode a horse through the mountains. It had a little too much fluff for me and for a book that has a title that indicates it is about 2 military leaders I was left with the feeling it was a so-so attempt to create a romanticized old west tale. I would have liked to seen more actual military history instead of the speculation fluff that fills so many pages. The book is nice but if you want a military history book, this isn't it.

Good book about Villas' Columbus Raid.......2007-03-19

The book is excellent from a historical perspective. Ms. Welsome thoroughly researched the topic and presented her findings in a very readable manner. The only negative is that it wasn't told as exciting as some other period non-fiction I've read. But this is really nitpicking though, as I thought it was a fine book all things considered.

The First Men In: U.S. Paratroopers and the Fight to Save D-Day

Average customer rating:

A welcome addition to WWll history
NO BETTER PLACE TO DIE
Amazing book!
A Great book of history that reads like a novel
The First Men In: US Paratroopers and the Fight to Save D-Day

The First Men In: U.S. Paratroopers and the Fight to Save D-Day
Ed Ruggero
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0060731281
Release Date: 2006-06-13

Book Description

In the hours before the D-Day landing, their brilliant success behind enemy lines changed the course of history.

In the tradition of Steven Ambrose's D-Day and Band of Brothers, The First Men In tells the remarkable story of the American paratroopers who took on one of the most important and dangerous missions of World War II. On the eve of D-Day, the 82nd Airborne Division parachuted into key positions along the Normandy coast, spearheading the assault on Fortress Europe. Using extensive firsthand interviews with the men of the 82nd, Ed Ruggero vividly brings them to life. This "first-rate story-teller" (Denver Post) weaves their improbable achievement into an unforgettable narrative.

Only one unit of the 82nd -- the 3,000 men of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment -- had previously been tested in battle. These heroes of the brutal 1943 invasion of Sicily -- whose story was brilliantly told in Ruggero's Combat Jump -- were given one of the toughest assignments, that of securing the critical crossroads town of Ste. Mère Eglise, the gateway to Utah Beach, through which half of the U.S. invasion force had to pass. Within hours of landing in Normandy, the 505th had accomplished its mission and seized Ste. Mère Eglise, the first town in Europe to be liberated. But as the sun rose on June 6, 1944, and as the assault waves struggled ashore on fire-swept beaches, the airborne commanders realized that most of the nearly 14,000 paratroopers dropped on the extreme right flank of the Allied invasion area had missed their targets.

The scattered troopers fought in small groups, cut off from one another by the dense Norman hedgerows and cleverly dug-in German defenders. Putting themselves between the vulnerable landing beaches and repeated enemy assaults, the lightly armed paratroopers fought for no-name crossroads and isolated fields on the first few miles of the long road to Berlin. Their training, courage, and leadership paid off; with their blood, they purchased the critical hours the Allies needed to get ashore. Often outnumbered and frequently outgunned, the men of the 82nd accomplished every mission, held every piece of ground they gained, and thus helped secure the success of the greatest amphibious invasion in history.

Customer Reviews:

A welcome addition to WWll history.......2007-07-25

This is an excellent and easy reading book; however, I would recommend that the reader be apprised of D-Day history before reading it. It gives a wonderful insight to one more important advance into Normandy!

NO BETTER PLACE TO DIE.......2007-04-28

"I don't know a better place than this to die." When Lt. John "Red dog" Dolan scratched out this single line to a hard pressed squad leader at the La Fiere bridge, he simultaneously scribed his name into the short roll call of those Americans who have placed the love of their country and the freedom of its people ahead of their very own next breath.

I have read the account of Lt. Dolan at the little bridge over the Merderet in three other books of paratrooper history and none of them carry the weight and measure of Ed Ruggero's version in The First Men In. It is nearly impossible to read through chapter 12 and not find yourself gazing off into the ether, overcome by the willingness of these young men of the Greatest Generation to sacrifice themselves for less-great generations yet unborn.

While The First Men In is not a small unit combat history such as Band of Brothers, it follows several men - G.I. and officers - from their enlistment through their training, their midnight jump into the Cotentin and through the first days of the Battle of Normandy, delivering the intimate kinship with the characters that the reader so desires as well as the great sweep and desperate fear of near hopeless combat.

The First Men In is a book you will read more than once. In the way you might take a second look at a sunset, the heroism of the men in the pages compels you to turn and look over your shoulder again and again until the very last light fades, leaving you asking yourself at the last glint of purple if such a marvelous thing was really possible in the first place.

If you want to know why General Bradley would not land troops on Utah beach without these men, if you want to know why these men are correctly titled America's Guard of Honor, if you want to know why the local French have re-named the bridge at Chef du Pont the Pont du Capitaine Roy Creek, if you want to once again be warmed and comforted by the greatness of your country, read The First Men In.

Amazing book!.......2007-03-13

I read this hoping to learn about the history of the paratroopers on D-Day and got more than I expected. It gives the history of D-Day, but it tells it in such an exciting, storytelling fashion that it gives you a first person feeling for how terrible those days were. The sacrifices our troops made in WWII were incredible. Let's never forget them.

A Great book of history that reads like a novel.......2006-09-10

Ed Ruggero has written an absolutely fantastic history of some of the most significant airborne operations surrounding the Normandy invasion. To nit-pick the selection of the book title or a minute detail of 82nd Medal of Honor history from World War I doesn't do justice to the otherwise meticulous research and master story-telling of this inspiring author. This well-written prose is fast-paced and as readable as any historical fiction. Ruggero is superb in his description of small unit airborne operations in World War II. In my opinion, much better than the previous standard set by MacDonald's World War II memoir COMPANY COMMANDER. And just as good as Vietnam small unit memoirs - McDonough's PLATOON LEADER and Moore and Galloway's WE WERE SOLDIERS.

The First Men In: US Paratroopers and the Fight to Save D-Day.......2006-08-29

I have a friend who was in the 82nd Airborne's A Company and was a Pathfinder. He was 19 years old. I bought it for him and read it first. I have seen all the movies and heard all stories about Normandy but to read this book made me realize just how really terrible the battle for the bridge was. I had no idea just what they faced. I had visited the site and still had no real understanding of the battle until I read this book. I have even more respect for Max than I did before. What a tale. Bob Morriss

The Battle of Mogadishu: First Hand Accounts From the Men of Task Force Ranger

Average customer rating:

The Book and the movie are different
A worthy addition to Black Hawk Down.
not very good, and short...
The Battle
Why?

The Battle of Mogadishu: First Hand Accounts From the Men of Task Force Ranger

Manufacturer: Presidio Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Africa | History | Subjects | Books

Somalia | Africa | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0345459652
Release Date: 2004-08-03

Book Description

“No matter how skilled the writer of nonfiction, you are always getting the story secondhand. Here’s a chance to go right to the source. . . . These men were there.”
–MARK BOWDEN (from the Foreword)

It started as a mission to capture a Somali warlord. It turned into a disastrous urban firefight and death-defying rescue operation that shocked the world and rattled a great nation. Now the 1993 battle for Mogadishu, Somalia–the incident that was the basis of the book and film Black Hawk Down–is remembered by the men who fought and survived it. Six of the best in our military recall their brutal experiences and brave contributions in these never-before-published, firstperson accounts.

“Operation Gothic Serpent,” by Matt Eversmann: As a “chalk” leader, Eversmann was part of the first group of Rangers to “fast rope” from the Black Hawk helicopters. It was his chalk that suffered the first casualty of the battle.

“Sua Sponte: Of Their Own Accord,” by Raleigh Cash: Responsible for controlling and directing fire support for the platoon, Cash entered the raging battle in the ground convoy sent to rescue his besieged brothers in arms.

“Through My Eyes,” by Mike Kurth: One of only two African Americans in the battle, Kurth confronted his buddies’ deaths, realizing that “the only people whom I had let get anywhere near me since I was a child were gone.”

“What Was Left Behind,” by John Belman: He roped into the biggest firefight of the battle and considers some of the mistakes that were made, such as using Black Hawk helicopters to provide sniper cover.

“Be Careful What You Wish For,” by Tim Wilkinson: He was one of the Air Force pararescuemen or PJs–the highly trained specialists for whom “That Others May Live” is no catchphrase but a credo–and sums up his incomprehensible courage as “just holding up my end of the deal on a bad day.”

“On Friendship and Firefights,” by Dan Schilling: As a combat controller, he was one of the original planners for the deployment of SOF forces to Mogadishu in the spring of 1993. During the battle, he survived the initial assault and carnage of the vehicle convoys only to return to the city to rescue his two closest friends, becoming, literally, “Last Out.”

With America’s withdrawal from Somalia an oft-cited incitement to Osama bin Laden, it is imperative to revisit this seminal military mission and learn its lessons from the men who were there and, amazingly, are still here.

Customer Reviews:

The Book and the movie are different.......2007-07-27

I really enjoyed this book! I read it in one week because it was so interesting when I started reading it I couldn't put it down. One thing that really grabbed my attention vividly is that when the troops in Somalia went out on patrol they said that when the Somalian's saw that there were Americians in the streets they would stop fighting each other and turn thier attention toward the Americans and start firing at them!

After I read this book, I couldn't watch the movie anymore because the book and the movie are somewhat different. It's kind of hard to watch the movie and see events unfold that didn't actually happen. For instance, the movie portrays Eversman as being in the stronghold with Kurth and some of the other Rangers all night after securing the Super 61 crash site and maybe I missed it somewhere in the book but I don't remember reading that. From what I read, Eversman went back to the airport after the hostage snatch. The movie is more "Hollywood" I think although the movie is very good but I think Eversman's version is told more accurately and more detailed. I really enjoyed it!

A worthy addition to Black Hawk Down........2007-04-01

This is a nice addition to the Black Hawk Down book and movie. Basically it is the story of six soldiers who were part of the battle in 1993. Yes, this book is not Black Hawk Down, but it does provide additional insight into this battle. I thought the six authors did well in providing their own picture of the battle. All six had different perspectives on what happened and this is shown through their stories.

If you have one book to read about this battle, it would be Black Hawk Down. However, this is a nice addition for those interested in knowing further info on this infamous battle.

not very good, and short..........2006-07-06

the title pretty much says it all. read blackhawk down instead...

The Battle.......2006-07-06

This book is made of many firsthand accounts of soldiers who were there. It is good supplementry reading to Mark Bowden's Black Hawk Down.

Why?.......2006-06-07

I don't understand the purpose of this book. The six authors all had their story told in Black Hawk Down already. These stories sound like the boring extended scene versions, whereas Bowden only used the highlights of their actions to better convey the intensity of what happened.

Only one author, Dan Schilling, rose above the cliches and bland writing of the others to write a great story. Interestingly, his chapter is the last one in the book as if the editor knew to save the best for last. His story is the only one with depth and feeling.

I respect these guys as soldiers, but as authors they have a long way to go.

Average customer rating:

Poor knowledge of detail
just a great historical book about an impossible mission
Great History of the Doolittle Raid
The First Heroes is a must read
Not researched but well embellished

The First Heroes
Craig Nelson
Manufacturer: Viking Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Japan | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

General | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

World War I | Military | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0670030872
Release Date: 2002-09-26

Book Description

The Doolittle Raiders, as they became known, were a squadron of eighty scarcely trained young men led by the famous daredevil aviator Jimmy Doolittle. Their mission-the daring World War II bombing raid of Tokyo and other cities in April 1942-was successful until Japanese spies forced most of the squadron to crash-land in enemy-occupied China, where pilots were ferried underground across the country to safety. One plane landed in the Soviet port of Vladivostok, where the crew was eventually smuggled out of the country through Persia. Others were captured by the Japanese, confined to years of imprisonment and torture. The fact that 90 percent of the men involved came home alive was little short of a miracle.

Extensively researched, including interviews with twenty of the twenty-seven remaining survivors, The First Heroes vividly recreates America's first great victory of World War II. Craig Nelson follows the Doolittle Raiders from their secret training on a Florida airfield to their tense days in transit across the Pacific to the bombing itself and finally to their courageous accounts of survival against astonishing odds. This story of America's striking back at its enemies after a vicious surprise attack will resonate widely with the general public today and is sure to appeal to all readers of Tom Brokaw's The Greatest Generation.

Customer Reviews:

Poor knowledge of detail.......2007-08-30

I really, really wanted to like this book. I'd just finished Hornfischer's outstanding "Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors" and wanted some more inspirational reading. I'm about half finished listening to this book in its MP3 version, and have noted the following:
1) the author has no - and I repeat no - required knowledge of the US Navy. There are many, many small, factual errors that are really annoying - referring to the HMS Repulse as a "cruiser", describing the Japanese torpedoes as "two feet long", etc, etc. Anyone with even a basic knowledge of the US Navy in WW2 should have been given an opportunity to preview this book before publication.
2) Overuse of military jargon - bombs referred to as "cabbages", torpedoes as "eels" by such a rank amateur was just too much.
3) this really doesn't apply to the book itself, but the reader on the MP3 version had no idea regarding correct pronunciation of naval terms - (en-sine, indeed.)
I find that when there are so many factual errors in an area that I'm familiar with, I have a tough time accepting the new - often interesting on its face - data that an author brings up. It's too bad that such a terrific topic couldn't have been treated more professionally. I read "Thirty Seconds over Tokyo" as a kid and really was looking for some new information. I blame the editors completely for this second rate attempt.

just a great historical book about an impossible mission.......2007-01-22

This book is wonderful! Gives a sense of the courage needed after pearl harbor and how it was met by young americans. Harrowing!
I can't recommend it any more than A MUST READ. I have sent many to soldiers and friends!

Great History of the Doolittle Raid.......2006-07-23

Here's a compelling and well told history of the daring Doolittle Raid of 1942. Nelson does a good job recounting America's first offensive action against Japan in WWII.

More of a morale booster for America and a psychological defeat for the Japenese, the raid did little actual damage. It did however prove to the world that the Japanese were vulnerable.

This story of the daring men who went on what amounted to a suicide mission is riveting. Nelson takes us through the training for the ultra secret mission, to the actual raid itself, and the following crash landings in China.

Nelson does a very good job of placing these events in the overall context of WWII and follows the fates of all involved up to the present. A little slow at first, The First Heroes rewards persistence. Recommended for anyone interested in WWII.

The First Heroes is a must read.......2006-03-23

The First Heroes by Craig Nelson is a must read for anyone who is interested in history, especially World War Two. It is the story of America's finest pilots getting their first vengeance after the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. The task seemed impossible: fly bombers off of an aircraft carrier in the Pacific, drop bombs over Tokyo and somehow land in China. The mission didn't go as planned. Only one plane made it to Allied soil and the other 15 crashed in Japanese occupied China, but not before dropping their payload over Japan. It was a daring move but it paid off in the end. The book is full of first hand accounts which bring a sixty year old story back to the present times. It was so good that I read it in about two weeks. It had me from the first page. Instead of focusing on just one main character, Craig Nelson tells the stories of all 100 men involved, giving this unique event many different angles. I only read non fiction books and this one read like a work of fiction, with lots of suspense and surprises at every turn. It shows human suffering and how humans can overcome physical and mental suffering if they have the will to do so. I was also amazed at how the Japanese treated their prisoners of war. They had little respect for anyone who was not their own, something that the western world has a hard time fully understanding. This is a must read for anyone interested in the aviation of the Second World War. Craig nelson weaves an intriguing story.

Not researched but well embellished.......2006-03-04

I was only able to read as far as page 146 before I was turned off by the author's lack of knowlege of the subject. For instance, on the page mentioned above he quotes Lt Joyce as saying "my rear gunner was firing." He did record the fact that the tail guns had been removed and replaced by broom sticks. Where was his editor? Other reviewers have also pointed out other glaring errors committed all before page 146 such as diesel engins, "Billys", and B's taxiing, and so on. The first half of the book left much to be desired, I will not read the rest of the book.

Average customer rating:

Pretty good
Great Read on Patton
Great Intro
excellent introduction
GREAT SHORT OVERVIEW - WELL DONE - A GOOD READ

Patton: A Biography (Great Generals)
Alan Axelrod
Manufacturer: Palgrave Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1403971390
Release Date: 2006-02-02

Book Description

This distinguished new series will feature the lives of eminent military leaders who changed history in the United States and abroad. Top military historians will write concise but comprehensive biographies including the personal lives, battles, strategies, and legacies of these great generals, aiming to provide background and insight into todays armies and wars. These books will be of interest to the military history buff, and, thanks to fast-paced narratives and references to current affairs, they will be accessible to the general reader. Palgrave is delighted to launch this new series with a terrific title from the bestselling author of Patton on Leadership. Alan Axelrod succeeds in looking beyond the contextualization and analysis of Pattons military innovations and leadership strategies to reveal his legacy and influence on warfare today. Patton was a great tactician who single-handedly created Americas first generation of desert warriors, but he was also the most controversial general in U.S. history. Pattons life and methods still evoke passionate debate and in this concise volume, Alan Axelrod provides a new perspective on this great mans legacy.

Customer Reviews:

Pretty good.......2007-08-12

I generally thought that this book was not particularly well written, I spotted a typo in the first of the book that could have been corrected with some editing. The writing was certainly not complex: more like a middle school text. However, I found the facts of Patton's life extrodinary.

Great Read on Patton.......2007-02-10

In my humble opinion, this title is one of the best biographies I've read in a long time. While the book contains only about 180 pages, the account is thorough and does not get bogged down in a dry summary of war strategy and tactics that afflicts other books.

Axelrod is able to describe in appropriate detail many aspects of Patton's life:

1. His early childhood in California, time at Virginia Military Institute, and ultimately graduating from West Point.
2. Involvement in the expedition against Pancho Villa and World War 1.
3. Rise to fame in World War 2.
4. Relationship with Eisenhower, Bradley, Montgomery, and other WW2 officers.
5. Relationship with enlisted men (including the 2 slapping incidents).
6. Tempestuous marriage to his wife Beatrice and his supposed reputation as a ladies' man.
7. The automobile wreck that led to his untimely death.

The part I enjoyed reading the most was probably the author's description of this highly effective general and most complex individual's personality. On the one hand, there is no doubt that while Patton played a significant role in WW2, many people disliked him. However, no one can argue with his point that Russia should have been dealt with much more firmly at the conclusion of WW2. Events from the 1940s - 1980s proved him to be correct.

A highly recommended read. Read and enjoy learning about one of our nation's greatest generals.

Great Intro.......2006-10-25

Axelrod has written a great intro. to Patton's life and career. Axelrod does a wonderful job portraying Patton the man- his leadership stlye, his sense of purpose, and most interestingly his willingness and desire to pass on glory and accolades to others in the armed service. Patton read heavily, wrote on militaty affairs and worked hard to create new tank doctrine.

This book is a must for those who are interested in learning more about Patton. Axeolrond had written a great intro.

excellent introduction.......2006-07-27

To echo the other reviewers: this crisp, easy-to-read biography is an excellent introduction to one of the most legendary commanders in all of military history.

After briefly covering Patton's youth, Axelrod jumps right into his military career, covering Patton's participation in the Punitive Expedition against Pancho Villa in 1916, his combat experiences with early armor in World War I, and his interwar role in developing American tank doctrine before launching into Patton's famous exploits during World War II, which constitute the bulk of the book. From North Africa to Sicily, from England to Northwest Europe, from the slapping incident to his bold northward dash during the Battle of the Bulge, it's all here.

I can't imagine this book would be very useful to someone who has already read D'Este's or Hirshson's books, but for the newcomer, Axelrod has condensed the essentials of Patton's life, battles, and generalship into a summary that's well worth the couple hours it takes to read.

GREAT SHORT OVERVIEW - WELL DONE - A GOOD READ.......2006-05-16

As other reviewers have pointed out, there are a number of excellent biographies out there covering the life of General Patton. This short work though, does a wonderful job of compacting a very large amount of informaton into a short, readable biography. The author is quite concise and the material very well organized. For those readers not wanting to delve into a 1000 plus page work, yet are interested in this great generals life, this quite fills the bill. The technical aspect of war is kept to a minimum, yet the author is able to convey the complexities of war quite well as well as the complexities of George S. Patton. I do hope the rest of the books in this series are as well done. Overall, recommend this one highly.

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