Book Description
In the spring of 1974, Second Lieutenant Hiroo Onoda of the Japanese army made world headlines when he emerged from the Philippine jungle after a thirty-year ordeal. Hunted in turn by American troops, the Philippine police, hostile islanders, and successive Japanese search parties, Onoda had skillfully outmaneuvered all his pursuers, convinced that World War II was still being fought and that one day his fellow soldiers would return victorious. This account of those years is an epic tale of the will to survive that offers a rare glimpse of man's invincible spirit, resourcefulness, and ingenuity. A hero to his people, Onoda wrote down his experiences soon after his return to civilization. This book was translated into English the following year and has enjoyed an approving audience ever since.
Customer Reviews:
A MAN REFUSING TO BELIEVE THE OBVIOUS BECAUSE HE LOVES TO KILL TOO MUCH.......2007-10-02
I can't believe that this monster still generates interest and fascination to this day. What Onoda doesn't include in his writings but which has been revealed in personal stories and interviews is that as early as 1950 he was fully aware that the war was over but loved killing too much. He has revealed that since the war was over civilians would be less wary and would become easy targets. And indeed, they were. He would sneak into a village at night and cut the throats of sleeping children.
He also would take pot shots of mothers hanging their clothes on clothes lines or feeding their chickens.
He calls himself the ultimate soldier and yet he killed the defenseless over and over. And when he finally tired of having to kill his own food (more often than not he would steal it from the mouths of needy children) he went home to a hero's applause. Why Japan would accept him and laud his "heroic" efforts instead of turning him over to Phillipine authorities as a not only a war criminal but more accurately a serial killer is simply unexplainable.
This clearly demonstrates Japan's unwillingness to accept their responsibility for atrocities during the war, WHICH THEY STARTED with the Rape of Nanking in 1931 in which unborn children were ripped from the wombs of their mothers by the "bold and brave" soldiers of Japan. It is no wonder then that an inhuman cowardly monster like Hiroo Onoda would be the poster child of heroism for the Japanese.
We must wonder why we think such an individual merits such attention.
Somewhat skeptical.......2007-05-31
It was not mentioned in the book, that Mr. Onada was forgiven for 29 Filipino deaths caused by him. It is difficult for me to beleve he could have been so naive and ignorant.
and 1/2 stars... Dedicated soldier.......2006-07-12
Growing up I had heard the incredible stories of Japanese soldiers popping up from the jungles years & decades after the war was over. It always blew me away that someone could continue on fighting for so long after the war had ended. I could see someone doing it for 1 or 2 years because they were usually on isolated islands. No one (as far as we Know) was fighting the war for longer than Hiroo Onada.
The only thing was though Onada didn't really need to fight for longer than the one or two years after 1945 when the war ended - that is if his mind wasn't blocking out all the information that was showing him the war was over. No matter what happened he was too suspicious that it was a trap by the American's or Filipinos. I found the story amazing but after a while one has to wonder if he will ever believe anything.
Countless times the island was blanketed with notes dropped from planes that said the war was over & Japan had surrendered. One of the soldiers he lived with walked away from Onada & his friends in 1949 (after 5 years living with Onada). He walked to freedom & then came back & tried to convince the last 3 soldiers (Onada, Shimada & Kozuka) to give up - that the war was over, they were wasting their time. They dropped notes with the 3 soldiers names on it, pictures of Onada's family members...& walked around the island with bullhorns yelling that the war was over. Onada, Shimada & Kozuka heard this from their friend & saw the notes but were convinced that their friend was captured by the enemy & it was all a trap.
Over the years his brother came & yelled on speakers to get Onada to surrender, Onada got within 150 yards of his brother & recognized him & his voice but still thought it was a trap.
Another time his sister did the same thing - he still thought something was fishy & refused to fall for the trap. People always left old newspapers around - from around the world , but mostly from the Philipines & Japan. Sometimes the stacks of newspapers were several feet high. They would read them all, right down to the "want ads". They still twisted things in their minds that the Americans had edited out all these papers & taken out the parts about the war - Onada thought the Americans went to all this trouble just to trick these couple of people on some isolated island.
For about 15 years they had access to a transistor radio & they would listen to stations all over the world - mostly Japanese but others such as the BBC. Still they couldn't wrap their heads around it that things were as they were being told from ex-soldier friends & family members. Finally after 30 years somehow Onada saw the light.
The survival part of the book is pretty interesting & there is no doubt his 30 years of living out in the elements & off the land is one of the greatest survival stories in our lifetime.
He was a smart guy & had a brilliant mind for details but his mind prevented him from seeing that the war was over 29 years before he finally walked out of the jungle.
Good read, amazing story of survival and determination........2005-04-13
I had heard stories of Japanese soldiers who had held out after the war on various islands in the pacific, so this book was exactly what I had been looking for. The idea that anyone could survive in the jungle off the land for 30 years is simply amazing. To Onoda it must of been like stepping into a time machine when he emerged from the jungle in 74. He missed the discovery of so many inventions that we take for granted, television, jet planes, computers and many more, I bet it was all very overwhelming to him. This book goes into the mind of one Japanese soldier and gives a very convincing explanation of how and why they had fought so hard and with so much tenacity and determination. There are a few typos in the book and it is not written in the best English but these are the accounts in Ononda's own words translated into English. Check this book out it is hard to put down once you start reading it.
A look at a truly dedicated man.......2005-01-31
Lt. Hiroo Onoda spent 29 years on a Phillipine island fighting World War 2. When he was 22 he arrived on Lubang, fresh out of officer training, and reported in to an Imperial Japanese Army base to assume his duties as a junior intelligence officer. Shortly thereafter the steamroller of the US Navy, Army, and Marine Corps came rolling through and and Lt. Onoda retreated to the surrounding jungles of Lubang along with 3 other soldiars when his army base was decimated and captured. Lt. Onoda had recieved orders to continue the fight, even if it meant assuming the role of a guerilla fighter until he was formally relieved by a ranking officer.
I won't ruin the story for you but I'd like to interject what I took from this book. One observation is that the ancient traditions and teachings of the Samurai (Bushido) were very much a motivational factor in the japanese military forces during the second world war. My second observation is that the devotion to duty and loyalty to an ideal can be carried further than many in the world of today could even think was possibile.
This is a must read book. I'd suggest that you familiarise yourself with the codes of Bushido first of all (Hagakure is a good place to start), so that you can better understand the mind set of Lt. Onoda. His descisions are largely based upon his upbringing and teachings and, (in my opinion) sadly, are somewhat foreign to the modern person. Wihout a small amount of familiarity with Bushido, or a knowledge of the ways of the Samurai, you might just view this story as a tale of s silly and ignorant man. I assure you that Hiroo Onoda was/is neither.
Buy it, read it, make an effort to understand, you'll be entertained and you might just take away a valuable lesson. This story is one you will always remember.
Average customer rating:
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No Surrender My Thirty Year War
Manufacturer: Dell Publishing Co., Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000HTV8XW |
Customer Reviews:
I expected more!.......2007-01-04
I enjoyed parts of the book, but I felt it could of been more informative about the country, and told more exciting bits of the folklore of Ireland. It talked more about the History than anything else, and I feel skipped many points of interest and excitement that we could of been reading instead. If the History is what you expected, it would of been informative, but the other aspects were dissapointing.
Easy Overview.......2005-08-12
This book is good for giving you a basic understanding of the chronology of events of Ireland's history. It's a nice easy read that gives you a basic understanding before you try to read some harder and more specific books on Irish history or politics.
Book Description
On thousand years ago, during the Viking Age, an extraordinary young man was born in Ireland. His people, plagued by warfare, were weary not only from the Vikings' brutal raids along the coast, but also from the continuous warring among local chieftains. The Irish had become a drowntrodden race.But a real-life hero changed the destiny of Ireland. This is the story of Brian Boru, who as a young man took it upon himself to revolutionize tenth-century Ireland, striving to create a peaceful land where his fellow Irish men and women cold be safe from harm. And succeed he did. Brian, crowned High King, restored peace and fostered prosperity in the country that was his home--and his heart. Brian Boru: Emperor of the Irish is a beautiful and compelling true story of Irish history.
Customer Reviews:
"Perhaps the only thing safe to love is the land itself.".......2005-01-30
Although this book was written for a younger audience,it is an excellent way to write history for a wide spectrum of readers.One reviewer suggests it might be a good version of the story of this important leader in Ireland and an incitement to read an extended version ; maybe so.So much history is written in a dry and difficult manner that many people get bored and turned off.History occured with passion and excitement and there is no reason that it should not be written the same way.Maybe history writers should take a lesson from Llywelyn.Llywelyn breathes life in this exciting story.I have two other books by this author,"1921" and "1949" that I am anxious to get into,and I'm a person who couldn't stand history as taught in school.This approach to writing history reminds me of Margaret Mitchell's "Gone With the Wind",John Steinbeck's "Grapes of Wrath" and Cecil Woodham-Smith's "The Great Hunger".Did any history books ever cover The Civil War,The Great Depression or The Irish Famine with as much passion? Obviously,I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
children's book.......2004-01-04
this is the children's version of "Lion of Ireland" which it is a good preview of, it is still a good book but leaves out a lot of details. If you liked this book but you want a more complete story read "Lion of Ireland"
well hung..........2003-10-14
this book was great at leaving out a lot of details. there was almost no description to what was happening. the book left a lot hanging or it was intended to let your imagination run wild with the book. i like imagining the characters and things but when almost the whole book is left up to my visual imagery in my head i really dont like that. the book was decent over all for like beginning readers but anyone with an iq over one would have enjoyed the world a little more well painted in thier head!
outstanding Piece of work.......2003-03-19
This book is one of the best I have ever read. It will keep you hooked all the way through. The best part was taking truth and turning it into something very exciting. This is coming from someone who doesn't like to read. Brain Boru Fought his way from nothing to high king gathering loyal followers form all parts of Ireland. Quit wasting time reading this and find a copy of the book.
A wonderful book that brings you back 1000 years in history........2000-12-14
Another wonderful book by Morgan Llywellyn.
This is a historically accurate novel that keeps you glued until the very end. I found myself transported to a time of medieval towns and kings. Brian Boru had me rooting for the Irish from start to finish!
Average customer rating:
- if you are a travel fan, you'll really enjoy this
- Be Advised
- A Delightful Read
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The Most Traveled Man on Earth
Llewellyn Morgan Toulmin
Manufacturer: The Village Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Classic Cars
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Essays & Travelogues
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Similar Items:
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The Best American Travel Writing 2006 (The Best American Series)
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Begin to Hope
ASIN: 0977617505 |
Product Description
"The Most Traveled Man on Earth" is a non-fiction book that describes the two men vying for this title, and other contenders who are trying to visit literally every country, sovereign territory and other separate territory on Earth. It answers the question of "What IS a country?" and provides three different lists of the "countries" on Earth, as defined by three sources--The Travelers Century Club, International Travel News, and www.mosttraveledpeople.com. The book then describes the adventures of the author in trying to catch The Most Traveled Men -- author Lew Toulmin has traveled to 135 countries and 25 other sovereign or semi-sovereign territories. His adventures include: *Searching for and finding the real "Bali Hai" of South Pacific fame * Visiting Pitcairn Island and meeting the descendants of HMS Bounty mutineers * Being recruited by the KGB * Exploring the world's newest country, East Timor ("Timor Leste") and interviewing the first First Lady, a former ballerina and spy * Losing weight in Bangkok by having his belly slapped -- 20000 times! * Running with the bulls at Pamplona -- the inner game * Sailing aboard Amistad and other tall ships across three oceans * Participating in the Great Race (4000 miles across America) in a genuine 1968 "Bullitt" Mustang * The search for Brian Boru, High King of All Ireland in the year 1000, and locating his traces in Ireland today * World's worst disasters and ten major disaster myths * Burmese leg-rowing -- don't try this at home * Crimes against genealogy * What really happened on the Bridge over the River Kwai * The real characters behind "Out of Africa" * And other exotic but true tales from every continent
Customer Reviews:
if you are a travel fan, you'll really enjoy this.......2007-04-02
I met the author when he came to speak at our travel club. I was impressed with his stories so I bought his book, and if you are a travel fan, you'll really enjoy this. He makes it clear that he doesn't consider himself "the most traveled man on earth" instead he describes the competition for that title, and how ultimately it's a hard definition to really pin down. He relays fascinating stories from his early years (you have to enjoy the one about Haiti and Papa Doc), and then he discusses various modes of travel like tall ships, perpetual cruiser's, and other experiences around the world. The section on genealogy drags a little bit, but if the reader happens to have an affinity for genealogy, this will be another star section of the book. He then discusses road rally's which had more detail than a mere mortal might need, but again, if the reader has any affinity for cars or racing, it's a star section. The book goes on to cover adventures around the world, including "Running with the Bulls" which probably every traveler has given some thought, if only "are those people insane?" It turns out some probably are insane, others are just posers, running the race well ahead of any bulls. Others are macho or completely psycho, or both. There's even a section on disaster preparedness (the author was in that business) and the government ought to tattoo the entire chapter right across "Heck of a Job" Brownie's face. The stories are light reading, very engaging, and pleasant. There are a couple of times where editing would have helped, because these stories were largely written for a magazine and then grouped together, so of course in that context, it's necessary to remind the reader what happened in the last installment, but in the context of a book, it's just irritating. If you have a friend or loved one that's a travel fan, this would make a spectacular gift.
Be Advised.......2007-01-11
The part of the book about the most traveled people is only 20 pages long. The rest of the the book is the authors own mediocre travel stories.
A Delightful Read.......2006-08-26
Llewellyn Toulmin's The Most Traveled Man on Earth is a delightful book for the seasoned traveler and the arm chair traveler alike. The book is filled with interesting information about little known places in the world and written in very readable style. Toulmin's knowldge and sense humor shine through on every page.
Average customer rating:
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Brian Boru King of Ireland
Roger Chatterton Newman
Manufacturer: Anvil Books, Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Irish
| Ethnic & National
| Biographies & Memoirs
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ASIN: 0900068655 |
Book Description
When the treacherous O'Neill king allows Vikings to raid his home in Thomond, Brian Boru of the little known Dal Cais Clan, embarks on a life long journey to capture Ireland's high crown. But in a world where murder, sex and betrayal are commonly employed to gain political power, Brian realizes that those pretending to be his allies are working against him. With the help of Patric, the son of his closest friend, Brian wages bloody wars against the Vikings and the O'Neill Clan, inching closer to his crown. Only when he kidnaps the famed Kormlada, wife to two high kings including his nemesis, Malsakin O'Neill, does Brian realize that other worldly forces may be playing a role in his ascension. Both beautiful and mystical, Kormlada has a penchant for mischief as well as getting what she wants—and what she wants is power. With Kormlada's assistance, Brian captures his throne but his wife's over reaching ambition turns her attention toward another man—Patric's foster son, Njord the Black. The result is one of the bloodiest battles in Irish history.
Customer Reviews:
powerful historical fiction.......2005-11-07
The author takes you on a mystical trip back to the eleventh century. Remauro captivates you, as she brings you into the politicial world of Ireland's King Brian Boru and his wife Kormlada.
Fascinating.......2005-09-18
I Take My Hat Off To The Author. I Found Patrics Saga Stimulating, And Exciting..Although The Novel Is Fiction. Ms Remauro Has Done Much Research On Brian Boru...The Story Had All That Any one Person Is Looking For. Romance, Battles,And Great Descriptive.. I Truly Enjoyed This Novel..I Am Surprise To Read That This Was The Authors First Time in book writing..I Cannot Wait For Her Next Novel.. She Has A Great Talent,,,Bravo......Jo South Carolina.
Patric's Saga.......2005-09-01
Remauro has a real talent for telling a story. Her descriptions are meticulous. I could almost feel the mist on my face and the grass under my feet. Her charecters are lively and the dialagoue is quick and easy to follow. Great first novel. I can hardly wait for a second.
A Well Written Novel........2005-08-29
I must say that in a million years I would have never thought that the author was not of this native tongue. The way this book was written made me feel as if I was living in that time.
Though a bit long I never felt as if the story itself was dragging. I was always intrigued and I give my applause to Ms.Remauro for being able to capture the time and characters so perfectly.
Irish History Romance & Fun.......2005-08-22
An enjoyable read. Female readers will love the powerful female characters who use all that they have to make the men do what they want. Male readers will love the battles and rise of King Brian Boro. Its like a trip back into historic Ireland.
Book Description
This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other reproduction issues beyond our control. Because this work is culturally important, we have made it available as a part of our commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting the world's literature.
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