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.

Free as in Freedom: Richard Stallman's Crusade for Free Software

Average customer rating:

Hollow and Unfocused.
Free/Open/Proprietary Software vs Hardware
One of the worst biographies ever
He is classy
You'll learn a lot about RMS, but at the same time be tired by the simple level.

Free as in Freedom: Richard Stallman's Crusade for Free Software
Sam Williams
Manufacturer: O'Reilly Media, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0596002874

Book Description

Free as in Freedom interweaves biographical snapshots of GNU project founder Richard Stallman with the political, social and economic history of the free software movement. It examines Stallman's unique personality and how that personality has been at turns a driving force and a drawback in terms of the movement's overall success. Free as in Freedom examines one man's 20-year attempt to codify and communicate the ethics of 1970s era "hacking" culture in such a way that later generations might easily share and build upon the knowledge of their computing forebears. The book documents Stallman's personal evolution from teenage misfit to prescient adult hacker to political leader and examines how that evolution has shaped the free software movement. Like Alan Greenspan in the financial sector, Richard Stallman has assumed the role of tribal elder within the hacking community, a community that bills itself as anarchic and averse to central leadership or authority. How did this paradox come about? Free as in Freedom provides an answer. It also looks at how the latest twists and turns in the software marketplace have diminished Stallman's leadership role in some areas while augmenting it in others. Finally, Free as in Freedom examines both Stallman and the free software movement from historical viewpoint. Will future generations see Stallman as a genius or crackpot? The answer to that question depends partly on which side of the free software debate the reader currently stands and partly upon the reader's own outlook for the future. 100 years from now, when terms such as "computer," "operating system" and perhaps even "software" itself seem hopelessly quaint, will Richard Stallman's particular vision of freedom still resonate, or will it have taken its place alongside other utopian concepts on the 'ash-heap of history?'

Customer Reviews:

Hollow and Unfocused........2007-10-15

Tomorrow I'm going to drive into town and finalize my drop. I'm dropping out of college, getting a job at a warehouse, and teaching myself how to program. I've been buying, borrowing, stealing, and checking out all the books I can on software design. I'm getting books from the most utilitarian (How to Write Visual C++ for Windows) to the most abstract (Human Interface by Jef Raskin). I checked this book out from the university library before I had decided one hundred percent to drop.

I knew that Richard Stallman (RMS) had wrote the compiler I use on Linux and I knew that this compiler was part of a larger effort to create an Operating System of the Future. This interested me, because I had been playing around with assembly language to write a simple game for the Atari 2600 (a video game console released in 1977; it does not have an operating system so every game interacts directly with the hardware) and a simple operating system for my x86 (standard architecture for a personal computer) laptop.

I also knew that RMS viewed proprietary software an morally wrong. This interested me a lot, because I was still on the fence about whether I was going to release my software (that I would hypothetically make) under a proprietary or open source development model.

After reading the entire book once and a few chapters twice, I don't think I learned anything more about either of these two original points of interest. This wouldn't be that big of a deal, if the book focused on something else. I would read a few chapters, realized I'm not the target audience, and put the book down. The book didn't really have another focus though.

The book's whole deal seems to be trying to let you get to know RMS. Take you into his world, and see things as he does. The book covers aspects of his childhood and his college life. My problem, is that author never goes into detail. He opens RMS's head and takes a peak inside. But just a peak. He stops short of climbing in and looking through RMS's eyes. So when the author opens his mind to us, to climb in, and look through the author's eyes; all we get is the same peak he saw. You're not going to be able to read this book and get even the shortest look through RMS's eyes.

I'm going to explain one example, that really bugged me. The author talks about the AI Lab at MIT when RMS went there. The author compares it to an opium den. The author quotes people comparing it an opium den. The author makes a metaphor about RMS using it like and opium den. Then the author stops. The author just changes course. At that point I wanted to scream STOP into his ear. I wanted to grab the brake lever, wrench it back, and let sparks shower the corn fields. I wanted to demand the author ask RMS a thousand questions about this. Did RMS regularly sleep in the AI Lab? what was it like to wake with students coming in to learn? did anyone personally criticize RMS for acting like an opium/technology addict? how did he react? how did the experience effect him? did other people sleep in the AI Lab? how'd they get along with RMS? what were the computers in the AI Lab like? what kind of software were the writing in the AI lab? how did the software work? what was MIT's position on the copyright for the software? The author just glosses over all of these little details. He does not focus on the technical, legal, political, or social side of things; and it leaves the book feeling soulless.

There really isn't another biography on RMS, though. If I read my review, and knew how much I wouldn't like this book, I still would have check it out. If you're thinking about buying the book then go to the following url: http://www.faifzilla.org/ch05.html

That url is chapter five. Chapter five is far and away the best part of the book. It covers a day where the author drives to the house where RMS is living, goes to lunch with him, and does an interview on him. This chapter gives you some concrete liquid information on RMS's touchingly human aging. The smaller, lighter keyboard he fastens over his standard for the laptop. The weight he's put on, since he had to stop dancing (folk) and how much he misses dancing. You get some insight (dim though it may be) into RMS actual life style for the first time as well. The author also shows a lot about himself, perhaps unintentionally, in this chapter.

If you read chapter five and you don't like it, you will hate this book. If you read chapter five and it's all right, you will not like this book. If you read chapter five and you really dig it, then you are the lucky, insane gentleman who gets the honor of digging this book.

Free/Open/Proprietary Software vs Hardware.......2007-08-21

Let me just say that RMS and myself differ widely on many issues. I initially got this book from my local libary so I could gain insight into RMS's mind and determine why "free software" is so important.

I came away with a better understanding based on his childhood thru college years. It seems to me that his father played a very pivotal role in his early development by taking every opportunity to belittle him and make him feel as though he were insignificant. His mother was so very proud of him that her accounts of his talent are almost mythical. IMHO I think much of what he became was governed by him wanting to distance himself from his father and at the same time live up to his mother's respect. The divorce only enforced his view that his father was very much like a proprietary technology and his mother was very much like "the world is your oyster" now go make a name for yourself and MAKE people happy.

The arguement that software should be "free" or "open source" minimizes the amount of time that actually goes into creating a large piece of software. Throughout the book I was looking for that one "killer" app that RMS created from nothing and I was not able to find it. I'm not talking about seeing something and knowing that you can do it better. I'm talking about actually seeing a problem and creating a software solution where none existed before. I didn't see that. Furthermore, I kept wondering where RMS was getting the funds to continue on his journey only to discover that he was staying at different places for free, people were probably buying him breakfast, lunch, and dinner, etc. He was supporting himself by lecturing and winning awards of some kind or another. Certainly $240K is enough to live on for a few years.

Towards the end it became clear that in the end nothing is truly "free" or "open." Take for example many of the people who work on "free" or "open" software, first many if not most rely on code that has been "opened" and they are using it as a springboard and many of the "researchers" who develope software do so within institutions where they are paid a salary or grant, or something...where does that money come from? It comes from people who pay taxes...who work for companies with proprietary technology including software, hardware, materials, processes, etc...they have trade secrets and patens. In addition much is made about the viability of creating profit through "free" or "open" business models. Sure you can get some money by consulting/supporting your "free" or "open" software, but that is miniscule to the amount you can get by selling software...the two just don't compare.

For the commercial proprietary companies mentioned like IBM, Sun Microsystems, Netscape, etc. Well at the heart of these companies is hardware and patented proprietary technology. If you can't beat the competition on one level then the next best thing is to increase the markets perceived utility of your products by giving them away and "opening" them up so that by some chance you can leverage the increased awareness and creativity by latching on your hardware products...just along for the ride.

The only truly "free" or "open" sources I would credit with being as such are those where the person has created from scratch their own ideas and used those ideas to write code that is open to anything including non-peer publishing. Also this person would be in no way receiving any $$$ from any source that has ties to proprietary technologies including stock grants, trust funds, donations for speaking engagements where the donors are associated with such proprietary technologies.

Will "free" or "open" software prevail...to a small degree perhaps? Will they become the defacto standard within software...I don't think so? Why not...well given that Navigator was 30 million lines of code it would take a small army of people a very long time to replicate that if they didn't use some other code as a base, and given how many egos there are within the developer communities I just don't see that kind of collaboration occuring in a short period of time. Firefox has become a hit after this book was published, but it is basically Navigator with some other stuff. OpenOffice.org is the same way though this is just an attempt on Sun's part to entice users to their side or at the least reduce the reserves of their competitors.

In the end this book does a good job of solidifying for myself, at least, an understanding of why RMS is the way he is and why profit ultimately provides the largest innovations within the mainstream while also providing the inevitable end to companies who attempt to drive a wedge between an idea and reality.

Wait until the free energy, free material reorginization, and free will movements start. Imagine telling a company that those digital documents which contain all their IP need to be made public if they concern a new way of generating power, imagine material reorganization such that devices can be created from some basic materials...free those designs...they're digital after all, imagine people exercising their "will" to no longer live under communist rule...China is in for a big change!!!

One of the worst biographies ever.......2007-07-05

I am finding it difficult to finish this book (@ chap. 8).
Apparently, Stallman is perfect and doesn't do anything wrong, and if it appears so it's because it's done for a reason. This is by far the least critical biography/history ever.

He is classy.......2006-11-04

It's great to read the story of the master who began this Free Software revolution!

You'll learn a lot about RMS, but at the same time be tired by the simple level........2006-01-28

FREE AS IN FREEDOM is Sam Williams' biography of legendary software developer and political thinker Richard Stallman. Founder of the GNU project, Stallman is little-known outside of a relatively small world of computing cognoscenti, but without him Linux and many other modern computing innovations would hardly be possible. In an interesting twist, the publisher O'Reilly has released this book under the GNU Free Documentation License, meaning that the book may be freely copied and sold.

The book goes from Stallman's youth in New York of the 1950s and 1960s all the way to the "free software" vs "open source" debate continuing into 2001. Strangely, the late 1980s are treated skimpily; the reader basically goes from the 1983 announcement of the GNU project to the introduction of Linux in 1993 in a couple of pages. A strength of the book is the range of Stallman's acquaintances that Williams was able to interview: many of his fellow students at Harvard and co-workers in MIT's AI lab contributed to the book, and even Stallman's mother gives a great deal of comment. Stallman is a notoriously difficult person to get along with. Williams frankly discusses the possibility that his lack of social skills is due to autism, but notes that against this Stallman shows marvellous ingenuity in computing. Williams does try to walk a tightrope here between dispassionate reporting about a controversial figure and giving him too much praise. Whether you admire Stallman as a modern-day saint or despise him as a pinko Communist, you'll be comfortable with the tone of this work.

The book was clearly written for a hardly-technical audience. Concepts like the Emacs editor are gently described in depth that will tire us readers who have been using it for years. The book also could have benefitted from more proofreading. There are some typos, and redundant introduction of commentators who were introduced already one or two pages before. So, this is an imperfect biography. I enjoyed it and learned a lot about a fascinating figure, but it would be nice had the book included a little more detail about GNU's formative years and hadn't assumed a non-technical audience.

Free the Children: A Young Man's Personal Crusade Against Child Labor

Average customer rating:

Quality of writing is mediocre, topic is excellent
An Incredible Journey
Enlightening
I love the Me to We Philosophy
The Best book

Free the Children: A Young Man's Personal Crusade Against Child Labor
Craig Kielburger , and Kevin Major
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060175974

Amazon.com

Twelve-year-old Craig Kielburger, upset by a newspaper article about the forced slavery and subsequent murder of a child in Pakistan, began in 1995 to research worldwide injustice against children. Armed with the disturbing facts, he convinced friends at his Canadian grade school to form a group to advocate for children's rights. With world-changing zeal, Free the Children gathered information, wrote world leaders, and led conferences on the issue with other youth. Kielburger himself was given the opportunity to accompany a human rights worker through cities in South Asia.

The young man witnessed shocking abuse from which most middle-class Western children have been carefully shielded: he met an 8-year-old girl whose job was to recycle bloody syringes without gloves or other protection, children in a factory working with extremely hazardous materials to provide fireworks for a Hindu religious celebration, and children sold for sex on urban streets. On returning to his home in Canada, Kielburger bore witness to what he had seen and asked a simple, devastating question: "If child labour is not acceptable for white, middle-class North American kids, then why is it acceptable for a girl in Thailand or a boy in Brazil?"

Free the Children is now a powerful organization in support of the world's youth, and this book is sure to be a call to further action--certainly for all young people, and perhaps for many adults who have previously felt hopeless about the possibility of ending abusive child labor and poverty. "We simply do not believe that world leaders can create a nuclear bomb and send a man to the moon but cannot feed and protect the world's children," says the author. "We simply do not believe it." --Maria Dolan

Book Description

In April 1995, twelve-year-old Craig Keilburger opened the daily paper and began to search for the comics page, as usual. But that day, his morning ritual was interrupted when an article about a boy his own age caught his eye.

It was the story of a Pakistani child who, at the age of four, was sold into slavery by his parents. For the next six years, he was shackled to a carpet loom, tying thousands upon thousands of tiny knots, twelve hours a day, six days a week. For this he was paid three cents a day. Amazingly, his will was never broken; he escaped and began efforts to reveal the horrors of child labor. But when this courageous twelve-year-old began to gain international attention, and Pakistani carpet manufacturers began to lose orders, he was shot and killed.

That morning, Craig's life was changed forever. To find out more about child labor, he contacted human rights organizations around the world, and with a small band of his friends from school he formed Free the Children--his won human rights organization. In the weeks that followed, Free the Children took off, fueled entirely by the efforts and enthusiasm of children Craig's own age.

Soon Craig decided that he had to see firsthand the working conditions of South Asian children. At the time he was not even allowed to take the subway alone, but he convinced his reluctant parents to let him fly halfway around the world. For seven weeks, in the company of a young human rights worker named Alam Rahman, Craig journeyed through the world of slums, sweatshops, and back alleys where so many of the children of South Asia live in servitude, often performing the most menial and dangerous of jobs.

In his travels through Bangladesh, Thailand, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, Craig witnessed the shocking variety and extent of child labor, and was transformed from a typical, middle-class kid into an activist. In New Delhi and Islamabad he created a sensation--and learned something of the power of the media--when he famously crossed paths with Canada's Prime Minister Jean Chrtien, who was touring Asia with the "Team Canada" trade mission. By the time Craig returned home, he and the young people of Free the Children had gained an international profile.

Free the Children is a passionate and astounding story. It chronicles the continuing journey of one remarkable young activist--and it is a moving testament to the power that children and young adults have to change the world.

The extraordinary journey of "The Most Powerful Kid in the World"

Craig Keilburger--and the human rights organization he founded at age twelve--have made headlines around the globe and have brought unprecedented attention to the worldwide abuse of children's rights.

Free the Children is the dramatic and moving story of Craig's transformation from a regular middle-class kid from the suburbs to an activist fighting on behalf of child laborers on the world stage of international human rights.

Customer Reviews:

Quality of writing is mediocre, topic is excellent.......2007-05-02

There are parts of the book that are clearly written in the immature style of a teenager (colloquial speech) and parts that have been edited so much that they seem to come from an entirely different person. The overall book is choppy in terms of style, although the organization is excellent.

I would have preferred that the author articulate more clearly his emotions that accompanied his experiences. I would have hoped that his editor/professional writing mentor would have worked on making the story more compelling. I was a bit sad to get to the end of the book and not feel inspired. I felt like it was an "interesting story," but inspirational--not quite.

The captions below the photos should either not exist or tell additional information that is not contained in the text. I was annoyed to read a summary statement below the photo that I had just read on the previous pages.

It would be a good leisure read for high school students (or anyone for that matter), although as an example of good quality writing, I wouldn't suggest it.

An Incredible Journey.......2007-01-09

The Kielburger story is one of an incredible journey that he took as a twelve year old to explore the problem of child labor. The "journey" has continued since then into his discovery of the problem all over the world, in addition to his solution through his organization. They build schools, spread awareness through lectures (and their website www.freethechildren.com), inspire young leaders through their programs, and so much more. This is a story that needs to be told over and over again to whomever in hopes that the world can work together to "Free the Children" all over the globe. Get this book and pass it on to any one and make sure they pass it on....

Enlightening.......2006-12-06

A wonderful book that will give you a firsthand account of the situation surrounding child labor in South East Asia.

I love the Me to We Philosophy.......2006-11-02

Craig and Marc's stories are so amazing. I used to think that I can't make a difference in the world because I am only 14 years old. This book taught me that even the smallest of actions can create a ripple that affects more people than I can ever imagine. The ideas in this book are really quite simple, but when articulated so clearly by Marc and Craig, it just makes so much sense.

The Best book.......2005-07-22

Craig Keilburger is an amazing man and is one of the Worlds greatest heroes. I have learned more from this book then any in the whole world. Even Social Studies!

Kids at Work: Lewis Hine and the Crusade Against Child Labor

Average customer rating:

Great book with good quality printing.
Cholden's review for Dr. Overstreet's lit block 2007
kids at work
Hate school? Your life could be so much worse...
The meaning of tough

Kids at Work: Lewis Hine and the Crusade Against Child Labor
Russell Freedman
Manufacturer: Clarion Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0395797268

Book Description

Photobiography of early twentieth-century photographer and schoolteacher Lewis Hine, using his own work as illustrations. Hines's photographs of children at work were so devastating that they convinced the American people that Congress must pass child labor laws.

Customer Reviews:

Great book with good quality printing........2007-05-30

This soft-cover book is written like a children's textbook, but Hine's photos look great all throughout. There are quite a few full-page prints, roughly 8x6 sized. I'm very satisfied with the purchase; only Aperture would print a book with better quality reproductions, and that's out of my price range right now.

Cholden's review for Dr. Overstreet's lit block 2007.......2007-04-25

Lewis Hine was a photographer who took pictures of young children at work. There were many different jobs that children held during the late 1800's into the early 1900's. Hine's photographs were extremely powerful. Each photograph provided information about the types of jobs children held and gave some family history. The majority of the children had little to no education because their parents relied on them to work and earn an income. Many of the factories preferred the work of younger children compared to adults because the children were quicker and were too young to complain. Hine has displayed photos in this book of children as young as four years old shucking oysters. The most dangerous job that was portrayed in the book was coal mining, unfortunately it was also the best paying job; a child had to be at least fourteen to perform the tasks. Parents often lied about their child's age to get them into the mines. The book would have been just as powerful without any of the information. The pictures were enough to convey the children's stories. Russell Freedman has done a wonderful job putting this book together. Seeing the children physically working was moving and emotional, which helped the author get his point across.

kids at work.......2005-05-04

This is a nonfiction photographic essay book that will touch any reader's heart. Mr. Freedman seems to know the facts and life of Mr. Hine very well. There is an extensive bibliography at the end of the book as wee. The information at the end seemed hard to believe but true. The book is only 11 years old so the facts aren't that dated. There are many saddening facts in this book. It reveals the truths about child labor in the text and photos.
The book was written to shine light on child labor history and to showcase some of Mr. Hine's photographs. The book is very interesting to read. There are quotes from some kids who worked in the factories and also some quotes from Mr. Hine who took great pride in accurately recording the facts about his subjects. This book could spark an interest in further study of this topic.
The information in this book is broken down and presented in an understandable order. The text is a harsh reality but it is presented well. The style gets the reader emotionally involved. The language is relatively simple and easy to read.
The information is laid out well and the references are listed in the back. There is a table of contents and bibliography and acknowledgement page.
The photos are a wonderful enhancement. The book would be nothing with out them. They are strategically placed and make the book what it is. There are captions that describe the pictures and they are discussed in the text.
This book could be used in the classroom to show what life was like and to talk about immigration and economic conditions.

Hate school? Your life could be so much worse..........2004-04-11

Freedman has collected dozens of black and white photographs taken by Lewis Hine during the first decades of the twentieth century. Hine worked as an investigational photographer for the National Child Labor Committee (NCLC). The NCLC wanted the United States government to pass laws concerning child labor, and thought that photos of the work children did would be more effective persuaders than mere speeches and statistics. Hine traveled the nation with his camera taking photographs, sometimes despite risk to his person.

The text of the book serves partly as a brief biography of Lewis Hine, and partly as explanatory backdrop for the scenes in the photographs. Freeman gives enough background information to put the images in their context, but not so much data as to overwhelm the reader. The machines, tools and environments are so strange to the modern eye that without clarification, many pictures would be meaningless.

The most shocking photographs in the collection are of the young boys involved in the coalmines. The filth on their faces, hands and clothing is astonishing. By comparison, the dangers and deplorable conditions of working in a cotton mill are not as readily apparent as those of working in a coal mine. However, reading Freeman's text exposes the dangers of moving machinery and smothering lint and humidity not so clear in the photos.

The book concludes by sharing the changes in child labor laws that Hine's photographs helped bring about, as well as information on the child labor situation of today.

This book is full of eye opening and shocking information for the unaware. School may be hard, but without child labor laws things could be so much worse.

The meaning of tough.......2002-03-04

...

This book weaves Hine's story together with his photographs of kids working in Maine's sardine canneries, Texas cotton fields, New York laundries, Tennessee and Georgia cotton mills and in textile mills all over the U.S. south. He took some of the most haunting photos of dark tunnels and grimy breaker rooms in Pennsylvania coalmines. He went inside glass factories, to farms, and onto city streets at 1 a.m. to photograph children distributing newspapers and 1 p.m. to watch them shining boots.

...

Book Description

FIGHTING IN THE GREAT CRUSADE combines the terse clarity of George E. Schwend's World War II combat journals with Gregory Daddis's expert commentary on the greater context of that conflict. The result is the rare military work that counterpoints historical and strategic analysis against a foxhole-level view of the war in Europe as U. S. soldiers experienced it.

Schwend's story, which typifies that of young American "citizen soldiers" on whom the Allied cause depended, follows a draftee through the rigors of basic training and Officer Candidate School and into the grim theater of the European campaigns in 1944 and 1945. The young lieutenant's diligent entries initially record quotidian particulars of meals, training, and letters home. The accretion of detail forms a grittily realistic day-to-day account of military life, while Daddis's expansive historical backdrop invests with poignance even such routines as Schwend's faithful attendance at movie screenings as the soldier--and readers--anticipate the fateful Normandy invasion.

Schwend observes that despite the rigors of his training nothing could have prepared him or his comrades for the savagery of the actions in which they fought: the Normandy Campaign, the harrowing Heurtgen Forest, the Roer and Rhine River crossings, and the final battles in the Ruhr Pocket. The cauldron of war distills for Daddis the motivations behind why soldiers fight--not, he argues, because they follow exhortations of leaders like Eisenhower, but to protect their peers and to survive, as Schwend did, to write simply, finally: "Home at last."

The first history of the 8th Infantry Division written since 1945, this is the only complete chronicle of the life of an artillery officer serving with the U. S. Army during World War II. Impeccably researched and edited, FIGHTING IN THE GREAT CRUSADE makes an invaluable contribution to the complete war record.

Customer Reviews:

Untapped Diary of an 8th Division Officer........2002-05-18

Anyone interested in American history in general, or American military history in particular, will appreciate the discovery of an untapped diary of an American soldier. Gregory Daddis has unlocked one such diary of a young artillery officer in World War II. What is more, Daddis offers a history of one of the least mentioned, "work horse," divisions, as Russell F. Weigley discribes it in the Foreword, in the European Theater: the U.S. 8th Infantry Division. Daddis reproduces the daily journal entries of George Schwend verbatum. Schwend hides his emotions and sticks to logging his daily routine. Other than his obvious love for his fiance Jean at home, we never know his fears, hopes, aspirations or opinions. Yet the entries shed interesting insight to the training of the U.S. Army (Gen. Eisenhower called the 8th Division the best trained unit to enter the ETO). From the cultural aspect, Schwend lists every movie he saw in three years in the Army. In addition, Schwend's log shows the postal system during the war years, was quite efficient. According to Schwend's daily weather discriptions, except for scattered days, perhaps the weather in Europe (and the 8th Division was in the thick of it) was not abnormally cold as some historians have claimed. Throughout the book, Daddis placed Schwend and the 266 days the 8th Division saw combat from Normandy, Brittany, the bitter Hurtgen Forest, the crossings of the Roer and Rhine Rivers and the horror encountered at the Wobbelin concentration camp in overall perspective. As a veteran of the Persian Gulf War, Major Daddis offers some analysis of his own on combined operations, the role of artillery, and the command structure of the U.S. Army in World War II. Daddis draws from a wealth of sources including some unpublished manuscripts housed at the West Point library, used here for the first time. My only criticism is the book is too short. A valuable addition to the lexicon of the "citizen-soldier!"

An extremely bias review.......2002-05-11

Before I begin, I must acknowledge that this book was written by my nephew and it is based on his grandfather's (my father and name sake) WWII journals.

Greg Daddis, the author, is a graduate of West Point, a veteran of Desert Storm and currently serving as a Major in the US Army. This is not 'Saving Private Ryan', but a very factual, meticulously researched and well documented perspective on WWII, as it correlates to the actual journal entries made by my dad as he began basic training, then on to Officer Candidate's School (90 day wonders), overseas for the build up in England, on to the war in Europe and his eventual return to the states. Greg makes a point of the fact that we fought WWII with a civilian army and my dad epitomizes that fact.

More 'History Channel' then 'Hollywood'...Greg took no 'literary license' and included every journal entry exactly as it was written, without corrections or deletions...he then provided a detailed and documented historical perspective as it related to the entries that were being made in the journals and spaced throughout the book.

As to my 5 star rating...it's a book written by my nephew who I'm very proud of, about my father who I loved dearly...what other rating could I possibly have given it? ;-)

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Glimpse of a faithful Christian

Life changing

Very uplifting

A Comforting Testimony

The Journey Home: Finishing with Joy
Bill Bright , and James C. Dobson
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Joy Of Supernatural Thinking: Believing God For The Impossible (Bright, Bill. Joy of Knowing God, Bk. 8.)

ASIN: 0785261699

Book Description

"I have been asked if I have any last words before God calls me to a new assignment, and I do" Bill Bright said months before his death. At the time, facing an incurable disease, pulmonary fibrosis, his initial response was, "Thank you, Lord." His doctor believed he was in denial, but Bright's determination to declare the faithfulness and sovereignty of God for the rest of his days remained firm. His preparation for leaving this earth is chronicled in this surprisingly optimistic, encouraging book. Despite great suffering, Dr. Bright displayed unflinching courage and wrestled along with readers over troubling questions and intensifying his gaze on eternity. And as he experienced the nearness of death, Bright was able to write with unswerving confidence, "Four realities are more clear than ever: God is real, His promises are true, life is an exciting though brief adventure, and heaven is our home."

Customer Reviews:

Glimpse of a faithful Christian.......2007-01-13

This is one of those books where the minute you pick it up and read the first page, you had to finish it. Bill Bright is truly one of God's faithful servants; choosing to live a life that is selfless and full of integrity as a "slave" of God. The book gives you a glimpse into the last few years of his life as he battled pulmonary fibrosis. He finished his work on earth with the utmost joy and no one can capture what he went through better than the man himself. The book also sheds light into his wife, his children, and his ministry.

It's amazing that not more people know about Bill Bright. He started the Campus Crusade for Christ ministry and has made several films including the JESUS film which has been seem by over 5.5 billion people. He also came up with the 4 spiritual laws gospel among other outreach materials. Through Bill's ministry, millions of people have come to accept Christ. I didn't know about Bill Bright either until this year as I was going through my own struggles in life. Reading his book and seeing how he finished his life with joy and the blessing he left to those around him brought so much hope and encouragement to my life. It also showed me a better picture of who God really is and how He blesses the life of those who love Him. You must give this book a read.

Life changing .......2005-11-20

I read this book and recieved so much peace from this mans journey to Heaven, but what I have also done is adopt his daily principles for living and I have shared the book with my son who is Autistic and incarcerated. It has changed both our lives!

Very uplifting.......2005-08-23

I am just half way through this book and already find it a very uplifting book. It gives you more of a looking forward to Heaven than a fear of death. It is so good to see someone not just live his faith, but also bring God glory through, must be one of the hardest times in one's life, his knowing death is near.

A Comforting Testimony.......2005-04-01

In 2003 I saw my uncle die suddenly of a heart attack, and for a long time afterward I was anxious about dying. Even though I am a Christian and have accepted Christ, thinking about dying seemed sort of like waiting in a dentist's lobby before having a painful tooth drilling, and I was frequently haunted by anxiety and worry about what dying will be like.

Reading this book was very helpful to me. The author, a well-known Christian evangelist, receives a terminal diagnosis and this book is his story as he faces his own death. He is genuine and open, taking you along through the thoughts and things he faces, and how he comes to grips with the knowledge. The book goes from his first diagnosis, through his progressive failing health, and his final chapter, written in his last days, where he says goodbye to the reader. An epilogue written by his wife describes his final hours as he passed away, which helps the reader to see the end of the journey being completed as he goes to be with Jesus.

We will all face death, and will all have to go through this experience. Even if we are Christians, the prospect of death disturbs us. This book is a great help and a comfort to anyone who has lost someone, or who is facing their own death.

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The Crusade which Preceded the 'War on Terror'
beautiful book, but anti-Christian
Great Book For Kids
Why the name "Good King Richard" is an oxymoron
Great Book

Saladin: Noble Prince of Islam

Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Medieval | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0688171354
Release Date: 2002-08-06

Book Description

Forty years before the boy was born, a horde of bloodthirsty barbarians thundered out of the west and conquered his native land. They had succeeded because his people, ever at war with one another, had not fought together to defend their cities. In time the boy was destined to become the very leader that was needed, a man with the courage and vision to unite his people and face the most fearsome and brilliant warrior of the age.

The time was the twelfth century; the barbarian horde was the armies of the First Crusade; the great warrior was Richard the Lionhearted; and the leader was Saladin. This is more than the other side of a familiar Western story, the Crusades. It is the tale of an extraordinary man, remarkable for his generous and chivalrous ways, a warrior who longed for peace. Courageous in battle and merciful in victory, he would be revered even by his enemies as the "marvel of his time."

In her vibrant narrative and magnificently detailed illustrations inspired by the Islamic art of the time, Diane Stanley presents a hero whose compassion, piety, tolerance, and wisdom made him a model for his time -- and for ours.

Customer Reviews:

The Crusade which Preceded the 'War on Terror'.......2006-10-09

Many people have seen the excellent PBS documentary, "Holy Warriors", about Saladin and Richard the Lionheart in the Third Crusade. For me it opened up a whole new field of inquiry, for although I am myself an historian, my field is not the Middle Ages. I sought out and read many books on Saladin, and found him a fascinating and admirable character, and an excellent antidote to the hatred of Islam which is presently being fomented by our government. It seemed to me that it was important to get the word out-- especially to the next generation-- about this Muslim whose character was so contrary to prevalent stereotypes. Diane Stanley's book fulfills this need. It presents the true history of Saladin and the Third Crusade in a manner which is readily understandable to children and accompanied by beautiful illustrations. It seems unlikely that any child who has read this book will grow up feeling the hatred that our government wants us to feel for all Muslims, and in that lies its greatest virtue.

beautiful book, but anti-Christian.......2005-11-04

This book caught my eye at the library because it has beautiful illustrations, and the title obviously gives away its very positive view of Saladin and the Muslim faith. Given the publication date, it is not surprising that the book presents Muslims and their faith in a positive light; however, the book goes to the extreme in presenting Muslims as good and Christians as evil. Children in this age group are likely to be confused by this portrayal of their faith if they are Christians, while those of a Muslim background could very well see the current atrocities committed by Islamic jihadists as justified. Moreover, children at this age don't have the analytical skills to realize that there is more to the history of the Crusades than is presented here. In my opinion, this book may well be an excellent biography of Saladin, but given the age of the intended audience, the slant of the book gives an inappropriate message.

Great Book For Kids.......2005-08-09

It's a great book, pretty good for kids. The book did overlook the fact that Saladin was also a physician and chemist (or alchemist as they used to be called back then).

Why the name "Good King Richard" is an oxymoron.......2004-09-20

When you look at the British involvement in that farcical escapade known as the Crusades, it seems remarkable that ANYONE living today could side with England. I mean, let's look at it soberly. They come into a country in the Middle East, take over huge swaths of it, claim it as their own, are shocked when the residents of the area don't like being oppressed, then set about hacking their way back in only to fail in the end. Just a scant overview of their actions is enough to make them look vaguely ridiculous. Once you start learning a little more about their actions (or rather, the actions of their leaders) you see just how violent and, not to put too fine a point on it, evil they were. Therefore, it's a bit surprising that a popular kid's book about Saladin hasn't been written before now. At this moment in time, circumstances have given kids a chance to learn more about the followers of Islam and their history. It seems fitting, then, that we should look at one of their greatest heroes and grant him the respect he's due. "Saladin: Noble Prince of Islam" does just that.

Saladin was born along the Tigris River well after Jerusalem fell into the hands of the marauding Crusaders from England. As a child, he attended to his studies well and learned the tenants of Islam by heart. All this gave him the understanding he required to be a good and righteous man amongst his people. As a teen Saladin became the chief aide of the Turkish sultan Nur al-Din, a fair leader who earned the respect of his subjects. From him Saladin found his role model and guide. After Nur al-Din's death, he staked his claim on the man's empire and brought together his warring brothers. This allowed him the army he needed to set out to defeat the Franks and to reclaim Jerusalem once more. To do this he faced Reginald of Chatillon, "perhaps the greatest villain in the history of the Crusade" (which is saying quite a lot), Richard the Lionhearted, and other adversaries. The book recounts a myriad of battles undertaken by both the Crusaders and the Muslims. Both sides had their wins and losses. In the end, however, Saladin was victorious and in 1291 (years after his death), "the Franks were driven out of the Holy Land altogether". So well done there.

Though it doesn't look it, this book is an excellent reference for any kid interested in battles and battle strategy. It summarizes the greatest confrontations of both sides and makes them understandable and interesting. There is also no question at any time as to who the heroes are. The Franks (to the Muslims all Crusaders were regarded as "Franks") break treaties, lie, kill for pleasure, and remain the greediest of no-goodniks. Saladin would often spare his captured enemies or give them a chance to pay a price to avoid being sold as slaves. King Richard, on the other hand, was prone to slaughtering three thousand Muslim men when he captured them. A cruel barbarian, he met a violent death, as was his due. Saladin died in his bed, having ended his life to his own liking. Touche.

I suspect that there are people out there who can't imagine a man like Saladin being far more generous and compassionate than a man like Richard. To back up her information, therefore, author Diane Stanley has included an excellent Bibliography for further reading. Terms that might not be readily recognizable to readers are included in a Glossary in the back. Accompanying the text itself are beautiful glossy illustrations that perfectly compliment the book's plot and storyline. All this and the book is respectful to the people of the Islam faith.

Biographies of historical figures well known in their native lands but little known in American schools are difficult to create. With that in mind, Stanley has done a remarkable job. She even ties in the events of the book to the modern day, commenting that, "Two hundred years of Frankish invasion, senseless slaughter, and religious fanaticism left a tragic legacy. A shadow of hatred and mistrust had fallen over this great land, holy to three faiths. A thousand years later, it is still there". And not likely to leave soon. Let us hope then that beautifully written biographies like "Saladin" dispel the myths that remain about the man, his life, and his religion. This book should be in every school library in America.

Great Book.......2003-01-03

Great book, pretty good for kids. The book did overlook the fact that Saladin was also a physician and chemist (or alchemist as they used to be called back then). But over all a very good book.

The Troubadour's Song: The Capture and Ransom of Richard the Lionheart

Average customer rating:

Chivalry, Court Love, Music and an Imprisoned King
Subtitle is the key to the book
Rich in detail and a true pleasure to read
A light read

The Troubadour's Song: The Capture and Ransom of Richard the Lionheart
David Boyle
Manufacturer: Walker & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0802714595
Release Date: 2005-09-15

Book Description

On his long journey home from the Third Crusade, Richard the Lionheart--one of history’s most powerful and romantic figures--was ship-wrecked near Venice in the Adriatic Sea. Forced to make his way home by land through enemy countries, he traveled in disguise, but was eventually captured by Duke Leopold V of Austria, who in turn conveyed him to Henry VI, the Holy Roman Emperor. Henry demanded a majestic ransom, and Richard's mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, raised the historic sum--one quarter of the entire wealth of England--and Richard was returned. But a peculiar legend followed him--that a troubadour named Blondel, a friend of Richard's, had journeyed across Europe singing a song he knew Richard would recognize in order to discover his secret place of imprisonment.

David Boyle recreates the drama of the Third Crusade and the dynamic power politics and personalities of the late 12th century in Europe, as well as the growing fascination with romance and chivalry embodied in the troubadour culture. An evocation of a pivotal era, The Troubadour’s Song is narrative history at its finest.

Customer Reviews:

Chivalry, Court Love, Music and an Imprisoned King.......2007-06-02

It reads like a fairy tale:

Once upon a time there was a king, famous for his courage and strength, who was imprisoned in a distant castle by his enemies. No one in his homeland knew where he was, that is, until a minstrel wandered beneath the tower where he was kept. Below the tower, the troubadour sang, and to his amazement, he heard the answering refrain from above. It was, of course, the lost king, and the troubadour hurried to let his people know where he was being kept so that he could be ransomed and returned to his homeland.

But there is a good chance that it may have actually happened. Author David Boyle explores both medieval legend and fact in his book, The Troubadour?s Song: The Capture and Ransom of Richard the Lionheart. I must say, it?s one of the best works of popular fiction that I have come across this year. I do admit to a certain preference to this time in history, full of glamour and exoticism, and a particular favorite of many historical novelists and researchers alike.

In this, Boyle starts with the legend of King Richard?s imprisonment and how he may have been discovered by a troubadour, by the name of Blondel. Beginning with the historical legend, he moves on to discussing the culture and rise of the troubadour culture, and how the Courts of Love helped to shape a rise in music, and the idea of codified rule of behavior between men and women. King Richard had been raised in this culture of music and art, learning music and being no mean poet himself, all under the approving and watchful eye of his mother, the formidable Eleanor of Aquitaine, wife of Henry II of England. But lest anyone think that Richard was a dainty man, he was also a fearsome warrior, quick tempered and prideful, and loved to make war. And when his mother was replaced, as it were, by one of her husband?s mistresses, Richard took it as an excuse to raise a rebellion against his father.

Richard lost, but he would eventually survive his father to become King of England and master of the Angevin empire that his parents had built. And now, he intended to fulfill his vow and go on Crusade to the Holy Land and retake Jerusalem from the Muslims. His ally in this was the French King, Philip Augustus, who had helped him before in his rebellions, and may have been his lover.

Boyle goes in depth into the victories and failures of Richard?s crusade, providing an excellent analysis of what happened and when, and most importantly, why, along with giving some more insight into Richard?s shadowy queen, Berengaria of Navarre. But it was on the return trip from the Holy Land where the historical record gets murky. A minor German prince, Leopold of Austria, had been mortally insulted by Richard at a siege, and when Richard was discovered in disguise traveling in Leopold?s domain, it was an opportunity too good to pass up. He immediately had Richard arrested, and demanded an outrageous ransom ? the equivalent of nearly two billion dollars today.

It?s popular history at its best, Boyle?s writing is clear and free of jargon, told in a sprightly, slightly humourous style. He takes on such varied topics as the question of whether Richard was a homosexual or bisexual, the role of chivalry between opponents on a battlefield, medieval music, the plotting between Richard?s brother John and Philip Augustus and more than a dozen other topics. One interesting tangent that Boyle takes is the role of Robin Hood and King Richard, and indeed, the entire myth of King Richard ? and wicked Prince John ? a topic that will change many readers attitudes towards these characters. What works here is that the narrative is smooth and keeps from getting too tangled up in trivia, which is usually the problem with reading about history.

To help the reader along, there is an insert of photographs, taken mostly from manuscripts and tombs, and the usual bibliography and notes. Skimming through these, I found quite a few books and sources that are going to encourage me in future research.

This book takes several nights, provides plenty of entertainment and questions, and was pretty much overlooked when it was first published. For anyone interested in the middle ages, and particularly the real Richard the Lionheart, this is a must-read book. It?s entertaining, full of colour and life and certain not to disappoint.

Recommended

Subtitle is the key to the book.......2006-05-07

This book by David Boyle proves to be a superb work of history regarding the capture and ransom of King Richard I of England. Its a well written, easy to read and superbly research book that dealt with the details around Richard's captured, methods of his ransom and his dealing with his captors. Although it read like Richard's biography, the book gives a good detail study of this incident. It was interesting to know that inorder to ensure his final release, Richard pledged England to his captor, Henry VI of Holy Roman Empire. It was probably a pledge that he never meant to keep but for a brief moment of legel history, England was a province of Germany. Background material on Richard, especially his conducts during the Crusades and his dealing with various lords and rulers during the Third Crusade proves to be well presented and accurately gives the cause and effects behind his imprisonment.

The author also take pains to informed the readers of the type of the world, Richard lived in, the influence of music and men who write them like the troubadours. While the author get into the stories of these troubadours, especially one Blondal who were rumoured to found Richard's prison by singing under his castle cell, the author make it pretty clear to the reader where facts end and where the legend begin.

The book come highly recommended to anyone who happen to be interested in mediveal English history, especially in the personality of King Richard the Lion-Heart. A detail look at his captivity proves to be highly informative and interesting.

Rich in detail and a true pleasure to read.......2006-03-24

This book is one of those that is all too rarely found - the history is well-researched and very detailed and yet the style is smooth and engaging, making it both informative and a pleasure to read at the same time. The keenness of Boyle's interest in both the period - the late 12th century with its crusades, chivalry, courtly love and troubadours - and in the core event itself - the capture and ransom of Richard the Lionheart - comes through in the way in which he brings it all to life, immersing the reader to the extent that we feel we are there as witnesses.

One thing I felt Boyle did particularly well was pointing out where he was relating known historical fact and where he was filling in gaps with informed speculation, showing the various possibilities and why he felt a particular one might be the most likely. For example, very little is actually known about Blondel, the legendary troubadour of the title, but Boyle shows what is known and also what can be deduced or speculated based on it. He also does the same for Robin Hood, another legendary figure tied to the story of Richard's absence and return to England.

Another thing Boyle does well is giving the reader a sense of the personalities of the dominant figures of the period and its events, and showing how much the strengths and weakness of their personalities affected how things turned out. Richard's charisma, persuasiveness and calm in the face of adversity come out vividly in the parts where he is a prisoner of Henry VI, the Holy Roman Emperor, and put on trial for alleged crimes connected to his conduct of the crusade. By sheer presence and oratory, Richard wins over the German princes summoned to be his judges, not only winning his acquittal but also going on to form new alliances and trade deals for England, all while still a prisoner. His playful and winning nature comes out in how he dealt with his guards. Richard's reputation as a fearsome warrior was such that when he was captured, orders were given that he be guarded by four knights with swords drawn at all times. But within a matter of weeks, Richard so charmed his guards that he was constantly getting them drunk and engaging them in wrestling contests. At the same time, Boyle shows how Richard's ego and his inability to resist grand gestures were ultimately responsible for his being noticed and captured. It's rather difficult to travel incognito disguised as a merchant while at the same time insisting on giving expensive jeweled rings to local nobles and granting kingly bequests to build or restore cathedrals.

Other personalities are also brought out in vivid detail. Eleanor of Acquitaine, Richard's mother, in her 70's at the time but still a lioness in her own right, taking charge of the raising of the ransom and of the negotiations to free her son. The vacillating Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI, never truly certain of what he should do with his valuable but equally dangerous prisoner. Leopold of Austria, whose personal bitterness against Richard over his treatment at the siege of Acre led to his imprisoning of Richard when was forced by fate to attempt to cross through his lands on his return to England. And Philip Augustus, the King of France, a close friend in Richard's youth only to become his enemy in adulthood.

The book is rich in anecdotes relating to the events. Among my favorite was when Longchamp, Richard's unpopular Chancellor in England, tries to flee the country disguised as a woman only to be caught at the port when a flirtatious fisherman starts feeling him up. Another was when Richard, finally released from captivity, sends a written message to his treacherous brother John, warning him "Look to yourself. The devil is loosed!" The book also goes into interesting side details, such as the difference between troubadours and minstrels (troubadours wrote songs, whereas minstrels only sang them), the limited methods of writing down music at the time (they had a way of recording the where the notes were on a scale but not the tempo of how they should be played or how long they should be held), the way in which the ransom, almost a quarter of England's wealth converted into silver, was raised and the magnitude of its effect on the economies of both England and Europe, and the fates of all of the major figures in the period after Richard's release (almost all of them were dead in less than five years).

All in all, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys either history or a good read. It more than meets the mark in both.

A light read.......2005-10-19

I give this book 4 stars because it is an enjoyable, easy read. But it doesn't get very deep into anything. I am not sure why "the troubadour's song" got prime billing on the title. It isn't much of the book. There isn't much historical evidence concerning Blondel and anything he might have done concerning locating King Richard or his release. The author's discussion is interesting but only a very small part of the book. The author pulled together the whole story of Richard, his capture, the other major participants in the story, England's raising of the ransom, and even, the economic effect on England. All well told. But nothing particularly astounding or revealing. However, the author writes very well. The story moves along nicely and you have a pleasant time reading it. If you are only vaguely familiar with King Richard's capture and ransom and that sort of story would be interesting to you, this is a good book to relax with and enjoy. A final aspect of this book I really enjoyed was at the end when he tells you what happened to all the major participants after Richard is released.

Average customer rating:

Gone but not forgotten
The View from the Top
Crystal clear mobilization and communication
Excellent book for those interested in WWII history and a great figure.
A Gem Of A Memoir

Crusade in Europe
Dwight David Eisenhower
Manufacturer: The Johns Hopkins University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

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ASIN: 080185668X

Book Description

Five-star General Dwight D. Eisenhower was arguably the single most important military figure of World War II. For many historians, his memoirs of this eventful period of U.S. history have become the single most important record of the war. Crusade in Europe tells the complete story of the war as Eisenhower planned and lived it. Through his eyes, the enormous scope and drama of the war--strategy, battles, moments of fateful decision--become fully illuminated in all their fateful glory.

Yet this is also a warm and richly human account. Ike recalls the long months of waiting, planning, and working toward victory in Europe. His personal record of the tense first hours after he had issued the order to attack--and there was no turning back--leaves no doubt of Eisenhower's travail and reveals this great man in ways that no biographer has ever surpassed.

Customer Reviews:

Gone but not forgotten.......2007-04-19

This book is required reading for those interested in World War II history, it took me 20 years to get around to it and am glad I did. Written when most of the principles were still alive (Monty, Clark, Bradley), it is less than frank and open. However, it is an interesting compendium of WWII history as told from the Cat Bird's Seat. Ike was not a great general, but he was a hell of a manager of men and logistics. This is a very good book and all folks interested in WWII need to read it.

The View from the Top.......2006-04-30

Eisenhower's "Crusade in Europe" is a must read for anyone with an interest in WWII. In this book, you can see the European war from the perspective of the man who led the war. What many considered Eisenhower's greatest asset, the diplomatic manner that helped the Americans and British function as one Allied team, is also very apparent in this book.

Eisenhower's story, written just a few years after the war ended, gives the reader a great high-level perspective on the war. He mentions his staff work with the War Department at the beginning of the war before being posted to Europe, and then the balance of the book covers the Mediterranean and European campaigns against the Germans. This isn't a comprehensive history of the war in Europe (for example, he covers Operation Market-Garden in three paragraphs), but instead more of a general overview from Eisenhower's perspective.

Many consider Eisenhower's diplomatic skills - his ability to lead a multi-national organization - as his greatest asset and the reason he was chosen to lead the Allied Armies in Europe. Eisenhower carried this over into his book: he is never critical of any of his subordinates, defends all of their actions and beliefs (even when Eisenhower disagreed or overruled them), and never even mentions specific names in the couple of instances where he says that commanders were relieved. While this is certainly a laudable trait in a leader, it doesn't make this a particularly insightful book.

Although "Crusade in Europe" lacks that hard-hitting punch, Eisenhower does tell some entertaining and fun personal stories. Because of these stories and Eisenhower's unique perspective on the war, I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in World War II.

Crystal clear mobilization and communication.......2005-12-29

Maybe someone would correct me, but it is my impression that he really wrote this - it does not have the feel of the ghost writer that often comes in to provide the voice-over for the great man.

The personality that comes through is quite similar to that which Eisenhower conveyed in public. Able. Able to create consensus. A listener. Casual. Hands in back pockets. Stern if need be. Analytical. Concerned for his troops.

But most of all the sense emerges of Eisenhower being a modern organization man.

The job for America beginning in 1940 [when Eisenhower is still a colonel] was to mobilize. Eisenhower proved adept at understanding this, and gradually - but not too gradually - bringing the forces to bear. He appreciated amphibious war, tank war, and air war. He came to appreciate all these over many years of basically boring assignments. He also was dedicated to the notion of an allied force, and ready to negotiate through fields of politic and diplomacy to make that work, while enforcing a system of single command in Europe. He worked well with George Marshal [his mentor and patron], Winston Churchill, Bernard Montgomery, George Patton, and Omar Bradley.

And all these things come through crystal clear in Crusade in Europe like a memo from one same man in a mad battlefield.

There is a style of work that culls general's writings, histories, and biographies to find wisdom of war that can be useful today for business leaders. Gee, I wonder why. Somehow, as far as I know, the great World War II leader Eisenhower has not been identified for this treatment. Which is kind of funny. Lee and Patton have been cited so, almost unto nausea. But neither of them have the traits of the modern organization man.

Eisenhower was asked to create a general line of action mere days after Pearl Harbor.

Not brazen was Ike. Looking at the charter to lead. "The question before me was unlimited in its implications and my qualifications for approaching it were probably those of the average hard-working Army officer of my age."

He'd gained over years of staff work an understanding of technology as applied to war making. "..I had been forced to examine world-wide military matters and to study concretely such subjects as the mobilization and composition of armies, the role of air forces and navies in war, tendencies toward mechanization, an the acute dependence of all elements of military life upon the industrial capacity of the nation. This last was to me of especial importance because of my intense belief that the large-scale motorization and mechanization and the development of air forces in unprecedented strength would characterize successful military forces of the future. ... I knew that any sane preparation for war involved also sound plans for the prompt mobilization of industry. The years devoted to work of this kind opened up to me an a