5 comments about Confederate Tide Rising: Robert E. Lee and the Making of Southern Strategy, 1861-1862.

1. An overview of the war to the summer of 62. The ideas presented are well grounded and provoke real thought. Not a book that will sit well with many readers but a worthwhile addition to any Civil War Library. Read this and than read "Taken at the Flood".



2. I've had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Harsh for several years after taking a class on the Civil War with him at George Mason University.

   This book came out of the seperation into three books of a manuscript he wrote on Gen. Lee and the campaign just prior to the Maryland campaign and then the Maryland campaign itself. This book is immensely readable and quite detailed. Dr. Harsh is quite blunt when there is a lack of clear evidence on a subject and the reasons for his judgment are well reasoned and sound. My opinion of Confederate strategy and the role of Jefferson Davis in the formation of that strategy changed a great deal after reading Confederate Tide Rising. While he is not the subject of this book, my view of Gen. Jackson also changed as the result of reading this book. Due to his performance in many of the battles and lead up to the battles discussed in this book, it's obvious to me that Jackson has been overrated by historians and could have been much more criticized by Gen. Lee than he was. That he did not do so postwar and only midly criticized Jackson in the action discussed in this book says a lot about Gen. Lee the man.

   There are only a few drawbacks to this book. The first is that Dr. Harsh sometimes I think assumes knowledge of minor engagements and also political developments which were important but not directly germaine to his discussion that the reader may not possess. He would have been better served to not just mention these engagements and political developments and leave the reader wondering but to further discuss these developments and their importance, such as the Trent affair which he mentions twice before discussing what it was.
   My second gripe with this book has been noted by a previous reviewer. There is a woeful lack of maps, which I think is simply unforgivable in any military history book. As Dr. Harsh clearly demonstrates, terrain and locations are particularly important in civil war battles and helped determine the tactics and strategy employed by Gen. Lee, Gen. McClellan and Gen. Pope. I have a working knowledge of some of the places discussed in the book because I live near many of them, however many readers in other parts of the country who do not have an extensive knowledge of the Civil War yet, may not. The lack of maps would really hamper their understanding of Dr. Harsh's points.

   However, one thing that helps this book despite all that is Dr. Harsh's discussion of several terms and their uses in books on the the Civil War as well as how the Civil War generals themselves would have understood those terms such as strategy and tactics. This sort of a discussion is absent in most works on the war and I believe really hampers the understanding of many who look to gain knowledge on the war.

   Overall, this book is essential for any Civil War bookshelf and should be accompanied by Dr. Harsh's other two books, Taken at the Flood and Sounding the Shallows.




3. Joseph Harsh, the author, analyzes Confederate war strategy from Fort Sumter through the Battle of Second Manassas stating that it was not true that the all the South wanted was "to be left alone." Declaring independence did not guarantee independence, and the author states the South thus "pursued three closely related but distinct war aims: independence, territorial integrity and the union of all the slave states."

   The text notes that statistically the South could not win. To overcome the odds, the Confederacy needed to conserve its resources while inflicting unacceptable casualties on the North. The text explains the doctrines of the Swiss military theorist Jomini, the probable basis for Jefferson Davis's doctrine of the "offensive-defense." Davis's doctrine provided a firm strategic framework within which Confederate generals in the field could work. By October 1861, pursuing the offensive-defense considerable progress toward achieving Confederate war aims was made; followed next by reversals of Southern fortunes resulting in part from the failure to continue the policies/strategies that yielded early successes.

   On June 1, 1862 Robert E. Lee took command of the Army of Northern Virginia, when Joseph Johnson was wounded. The offensive-defensive policy was already in practice and was not initiated by Lee as some contend. By "late May 1862, the South had nearly lost the war. Lee knew that Jefferson Davis expected him to go on the offensive to save Richmond and to reclaim Virginia. Harsh also notes "Lee chose the offensive because he wanted to win the war, and he thought it offered the only chance. He believed the defensive was the sure path to defeat." His first response was the Seven Days Battle, whose strategy/execution contained errors, but nevertheless relieved the pressure on Richmond.

   The author gives an excellent account of the strategic/tactical problems during the Seven Days Campaign and the events leading to the Battle of Second Manassas. Richmond was a major railroad center, banking center, manufacturing center, milling center and its lost would have been serious. It was important that the city is not captured and that Virginia is reclaimed. After the Seven Days Campaign Lee lost the initiative and was in a strategic stalemate that didn't end until Union General McClellan's Army of the Potomac was ordered back to Washington thereby ending the threat to Richmond.

   The text gives an excellent account of the development of Lee's field strategies before and throughout the Battle of Second Manassas. The author notes as the battle neared its climax "Lee desperately wanted to finish the task at hand by destroying the army of.... Pope." However a frontal assault was the only option; and Lee couldn't afford the losses a frontal assault would incur. Nonetheless the author notes following the Second Manassas "Through chance, risk and much bloodshed, he and the Army of Northern Virginia were cobbling together the series of rapid victories that might lead to Northern demoralization and Confederate independence." The text ends with the Battle of Second Manassas and closes with six appendixes that discuss strategy questions.

   While this an excellent work, my major criticism is an almost total lack of suitable maps. I read the chapters on the Battle of Second Manassas with a copy of Hennessy's book on Second Manassas at hand for its maps. While much can be gained from this book without prior study of the first eighteen months of the Civil War, prior reading of history about the period covered by this book will greatly aid the reader in comprehending Harsh's text.




4. This is the second book Joseph Harsh wrote on the Antietam Campaign and Southern strategy in 1861 -1862. Again, the reader's knowledge of the Civil War is challenged by series logical well-supported ideas. This book sets the stage for "Taken at the Flood" by establishing the strategy and events that resulted in the Antietam Campaign. This book can be read as a stand-alone history or with "Taken at the Flood". If read together, this is best read first even considering the review of Southern strategy at the start of the second book.
   
   Beginning with an overview of CSA war aims, we are walked through the first months of the war learning how events shape strategy. When Lee assumes command of the Army of Northern Virginia, the author details how the victories in the summer of 1862 change strategy and lead to the invasion of Maryland in September. This is the heart of the book, showing Lee simultaneously both directing and being trapped by events. Once again, we are placed in real-time seeing events not as history but as happening now. This allows us to understand what they knew and why the acted as they did. Often, they had the wrong, incomplete or misleading information but something had to be done.



5. Absent any hardcore evidence evinced by a Confederate JCS or NSC numbered document Harsh proposes that Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee both understood that the Confederacy had three major war aims; independence, territorial integrity and the union of all slave states. He gives the "Lost Cause" advocates a respectful if necessarily brief hearing before noting that it was the Confederacy who first invaded Maryland, Kentucky and the New Mexico/Arizona territories before a single federal soldier crossed the Potomac and then goes to some length, particularly for 208 pages, to rationalize the South's essentially offensive, in as much as it could be, strategy.
   Longstreet devotees will recognize Baron Henri Jomini's appearance again and the recapitulation of his "defensive-offensive" strategy, although Harsh prefers to label the South's version as "offensive-defensive", for as apparently Jomini was fond of saying, "he who stands on the defense is everywhere anticipated". The linchpin of Harsh's argument is Lee's decision, following Second Manassas, to invade the North. He asserts, with some evidence, that Lee particularly understood that the terrible mathematics of Union superiority in "numbers, resources, and all the means and appliances for carrying on the war" made the hope of a strictly Southern military victory unlikely indeed. But Lee also apparently understood (surprisingly for me) the political difficulties facing the Southern cause; the North would "be shrewd enough to make the war appear to be merely a struggle on our part for the maintenance of slavery; and we shall thus be without sympathy, and most certainly without material aid from other powers." Most significantly from Harsh's standpoint, not only did Lee have an excellent grasp of the political situation, but his strategy was always keyed with this very much in mind.
   Harsh's argument, if true, lends greater depth to one of this country's most revered, and ultimately tragic heroes who, on the eve of Appomattox was heard to say, "A few more Sailor's Creeks and it will be all over - ended - just as I have expected it would end from the first."

5 comments about German Fighter Ace: Erich Hartmann : The Life Story of the World's Highest Scoring Ace.

1. Erich Alfred Hartmann (1922-1993) is the top-scoring fighter pilot in the annals of aerial combat. He flew for Germany during the Second World War and scored the vast majority of his astounding 352 aerial victories against the Soviets on the Eastern Front. Nicknamed "Bubi" (German for 'boy') because of his youthful countenance, Hartmann was a member of Jagdgeschwader (Fighter Wing) 52 from Novemeber 1942 until the end of the war in May of 1945. On one spectacular mission, Erich shot down four American P-51 Mustangs over the oil fields at Ploesti, Rumania. After the war, Hartmann, who won the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Crossed Swords, and Diamonds, was unceremoniously handed over to the USSR by his American captors. From May 1945 until October of 1955, Erich Hartmann was confined in Soviet prisons and branded a "war criminal" by the vengeful Stalin and his henchmen. While in the gulags, Erich's father and his infant son, whom he had never held, died in Germany. Released in 1955 after the death of Stalin, Hartmann returned to active duty in the new Luftwaffe and was key in training the next generation of German flyers in the ways of aerial combat. Erich retired from active service in 1970 and enjoyed a peaceful life until his passing in September of 1993.

   This gorgeous photo album, composed by his loving wife Ursula and introduced by Manfred Jager, chronicles Hartmann's life from his childhood in pre-war Germany, his military training and combat, his inspiring and enduring romance with Ursula Paetsch, and ends with his rebirth in Richthofen Geschwader 71.

   I simply cannot recommend this book enough. It is an excellent companion to Toliver & Constable's "The Blonde Knight of Germany", an in-depth biography of Hartmann's life. One does not have to necessarily be an aviation buff to enjoy these titles as Hartmann's story is much, much more than just his accomplishments in the air. His was a life of courage, love, dedication, honor, and perseverance that can serve as an inspiration for all.




2. For those familiar with Erich Hartmann and would rather see him than read about his life, this is your book. Text is limited.



3. I readed it the same way I can look at a family album. The illustrations Ursula choosed to represent her husband, are surprisingly intimate.Throught out the book, I felt very close to Erich Hartmann. I can only admire that man who fought all is life for Germany against the Soviet Union. It's also amasing to think that just before he died, he saw the downfall of the soviet regime and the reunification of Germany. So until the end, he is a true winner! There is only one edition of that book and it's getting hard to find. I strongly advise anibody who's passionate about history and the german military aviation to purchase this precious and unique book.



4. If you are wanting to read about the life of Erich Hartmann, then this book isn't for your. If you want to SEE an intimate, historic look into his life presented by the one person who knew him best, then this book definitely is for you. "The Blonde Knife of Germany" remains the best history of the World's Top Ace, so this is where to learn more of Hartmann's life. However, I think Ursula's book is a must have and fantastic companion book with "The Blonde Knight". The two belong together on your bookshelf, and you won't be disappointed. Hey, another fine product of Schiffer Publishing!



5. Erich Hartmann was so much more than the world's highest scoring fighter pilot. He was a man of great strength and character who was not in the least afraid to stand up for what he believed was right. This excellent book is filled with pictures and commentary from fellow pilots and a loving wife about an amazing individual. A must-read for any WW II aviation enthusiast. I couldn't put it down, so read it cover to cover in a day. This was easy due to the many high quality photographs with captions.

No comments about Famous Union Generals and Leaders of the North: A Myreportlinks.Com Book (The American Civil War).

5 comments about Daughter of China: A True Story of Love and Betrayal.

1. I started reading this book because my sister recommended it. By the time I finished it, I was deeply touched, and at some instances even felt like I was there. The story of survival, deception, betrayal, and of course love tangled many strong emotions through me as I read about the world of Communism, the strive to survive. Excellent book, compelling read to those who's been to China.



2. I found this little gem of a book while on vacation in England. I have a fasination for Chinese fiction and non friction. This book engrossed me from the moment I started reading it. The love story between the characters is amazing. The best part is that it is a true story. The love that is shared between the two characters is something only found in fiction or if one is lucky enough once in a life time. I highly recommend this book. This book also gives a realistic view China, the good, the bad and the ugly. I adored this book. It is a must read!



3. This book was well written in the sense of giving the reader an in-depth look at how the PLA works (or worked since this was written years after Mao Zedong). The order of the book was a bit confusing. It starts with the author in prison and then goes into a history of her village. Then, she describes her interrogation and then back to her past and how she became a PLA soldier. Yet, despite this minor annoyance, I couldn't put the book down.
   
   However, it is not a love story. I never got the sense that Meihong Xu was ever in love with Larry Engelmann. The reader has to keep in mind that their marriage was ending at the time the book was written, so that could be a reason why the "love" was downplayed.
   
   Overall, I would recommend reading the book to get a first person perspective on what life is like as a PLA soldier, but not because this is a love story.



4. China, 1963: in the small village of Lishi, Meihong Xu is born. It is a difficult birth, and even in her adult life she carries the impressions of her grandmother's fingers on her forehead. Confined to a small, unheated room years later, Meihong remembers Lishi.
   
   In this, her beautiful memior, Meihong tells the story of her life, and through her life she tells the story of China. Through the flowing narrative stories are scattered. They are the stories of how her grandmother lost a daughter; of how her mother's sister came to be known as the Red Aunt; of how Meihong first fell in love. It is a book that encompases every aspect of life anywhere on the planet. Sweet, sad, sometimes comical; always knowing that things could have been different, yet never full of regret--- This is the story of the Daughter of China, and it is beautiful.



5. Meihong Zu grew up during the horrors of the Cultural Revolution which saw tens of millions of people in China ruthlessly murdered by the Communists.
   
   She recalls one of her schoolteachers being sent to a labour camp for crossing out an incorrect letter ,written by a schoolgirl, of Mao Tse Tung's name and correcting it.
   She also recalls the loud hateful chanting against individuals accused of being "class enemies" and "rightists" at rallies to humiliate these unfortunates and prepare for them for imprisonment or execution.
   The author describes the horrors of public executions and where condemmned innocents were shot to death to the vicious chanting of red mobs.
   Very often after the executions, the murdered victims were rushed to a nearby room or tent to have their organs removed for transplant.
   Organ harvesting of dissidents and minorities (such as the Tibetans and Fang Gong Buddhists) is massive industry in Communist China today.
   Education in Red China was and remains today nothing other than brainwashing, indoctrination and memorization. In referring to the public executions Meihong recounts that "All of us- adults and children- had been so steeped in hysteria and group thinking for so long that what we witnessed seemed necessary and natural. We believed that we could save ourselves only by sacrificing the lives of our alleged enemies. We never imagined for a moment that we were being manipulated by our own leaders".
   
   She also recounts the massive killing of pets by dog-killing squads that moved from house to house and village to village as owning a pet was seen by the Communist authorities as a carryover from the old order, a bourgeois practice.
   
   Meihnong was inducted into the "People's Liberation Army" at a very young, becoming a member of an elite intelligence corps. She was sent to spy on a visiting American professor, Larry Engelman, but soon found her old loyalities divided as she got to know him.
   She refused to continue activities against him and was so imprisoned and tortured. This is her story.
   
   She also recounts the the 1989 Tianmen Square massacre in which the PLA killed thousands of students, old people, women and children and randomly fired into apartments where they saw lights and movements.
   Communist China remains today one of the most evil, bloodthirsty and ruthless tyrannies, since Nazi Germany.

5 comments about Right or Wrong, God Judge Me: THE WRITINGS OF JOHN WILKES BOOTH.

1. In my opinion "Right or Wrong,God Judge Me" is a blessing;mostly for the masses growing up believing only one side to a twisting and tragic tale.John Wilkes Booth is humanized,he is presented as a multi dimensional conflicted individual,far from the "mad man" we were all taught to despise for his repulsive crime against the US government and Lincoln. The evil I once thought he posessed is not the main struggle of his personality;his struggle seems to more or less be over his love and jealousy of brother Edwin and his fears of being loved and admired.His heart is tormented by the carnage of the Civil War,which in turn causes him to side with just about anyone who hates Lincoln. As I found by reading the book,he was not as mad as I once believed,but seemed more a sad and lonely man admired mostly for his looks yet he seemed to be upset about the sexual objectivity given to his person,hence he burned fan mail sent to him by rather amourous ladies,I feel from reading this book that he needed more than theatre and adoration from screaming females;he wanted to be taken seriously and make a difference in the world.Unfortunately he chose a rather brutal means of attaining this goal. I do think that his appearance can somewhat color judgement.Do we feel more sorry for him because he was extremely handsome? I wonder if he would have been homely if he would have gotten as much sympathy? Maybe not,but still I understand his mentality better and why he turned out the way he did.



2. This is an interesting book regarding the state of mind of the wealthy and famous actor of the time. The book carefully places his letters chronologically and also backs them by giving historic references and explanations of the events that surrounded the man. How his "flowery-like" letters could ever hint at a man struggling with the problems of the country isn't told in them. It's ironic from such writing that this man who had fame, fortune and social approval also had a deep and ever growing anger against northern politics. His inner anger seemed depressed awaiting a chance to explode. This book easily portrays Booth as a caring man yet also one who sympathized with the Southern cause. It briskly explains his premeditated thoughts of assassinating Lincoln and has little information regarding putting his thoughts into motion. Yes, this book is about his letters and offers a quick coverage of the events surrounding Booth before and after the killing of Lincoln. For those looking for a complete biography this book isn't the one. For those looking for added insight who may have already read about Booth before, this is a great bonus of information.



3. The title is a promising one, if you're interested in JWB and the Lincoln assassination; and the compilation is thorough, if what you want is to have the complete known products surviving from JWB. The problem is that 90% of what does survive (thus 90% of this book) is really insignificant stuff that sheds very little light on the man's ideas, opinions, or thoughts. It's mostly brief, impersonal, non-revealing notes written to confirm theatrical engagements, &c., &c. Much of it is repetitive variations on a few business-oriented themes. Too bad this is al that survives from him!



4. "Right or Wrong, God Judge Me" is a fascinating collection of all the known existing hand-written documents left by John Wilkes Booth. Most of his written materials were destroyed by family, friends and acquaintances in the aftermath of Lincoln's assassination for fear that the holders of the documents may be accused of being an accessory to the crime. What is printed here (many for the first time) are those documents left by JWB that managed to be preserved. These materials include letters written to a friend William O'Laughlin (brother of Michael O'Laughlin who was a co-conspirator) when JWB was a teen-ager, poems written in autograph books of fellow actors, information on his theatre work and financial investments written to his business partners, love letters to Isabel Sumner, and a lengthy pro-Union speech intentionally preserved by brother Edwin written only a few days after South Carolina seceded from the Union. In the latter as well as the famous "To Whom It May Concern" letter also published here, JWB explains his sympathy with the southern cause, the influence of watching abolitionist John Brown hanged, his feelings towards his country, his personal views on slavery, etc. Two pocket diary entries written while he was a fugitive (surprised at the negative reaction his deed received from the public) as well as a sarcastic letter written to a doctor who would not help him as he was fleeing authorities on an injured leg are the last entries in this book.
   
   What makes this book even more fascinating than reading the words of one of the most notorious men in American history, is the incredible research completed by the editors. Every document, including letters of only a couple sentences, are followed by many footnotes detailing the people, places, and events in JWB's life pertaining to the document. This information includes theatre reviews, most in praise of Booth's performances, especially his sword fighting. The dangers and hardships actors endured traveling to shows in those days is explained. The editors also include historical background and context to the documents. Even the letters on his theatre schedule and investments were interesting because of the additional information the editors provided. I felt as though I was following JWB's life through these letters and footnotes. I've come away from this book with a much better understanding of what motivated JWB to commit his crime. Anyone interested in Booth and the Lincoln assassination needs to read this book. The 171-page book includes a section of illustrations, including photos of three of the handwritten documents.



5. this book is a decent account of John Wilkes Booth, but there is nothing that has not been already examined in countless other books pertaining to this topic. The book does not give as much detail about booth as one would expect. If you really want a great book about John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln's assaination, and the several weeks that followed, i strongly recommend "American Brutus" by Michael W. Kauffman, this was one of the best books ive ever read on the subject.

2 comments about Letters of a Civil War Nurse: Cornelia Hancock, 1863-1865.

1. As an English civil war re-enactor, and a nurse by profession, Cornelia Hancock brings alive the horror, and difficulties faced by the wounded and the woman who choose to nurse them. The book is useful in its detail, and describes medical care at the battlefield, in hospitals, and the improvements made as the war developed. A book worth owning.



2. I wish the press had released the other version of this book. The introduction isn't very helpful.

3 comments about Herndon's Informants: Letters, Interviews, and Statements about Abraham Lincoln.

1. In the preface to his "Life of Lincoln", William Herndon expounded that when writing the history of Lincoln's early life "the whole truth concerning him should be known" and there should be "nothing colored or suppressed." Having set the standard Herndon failed to follow it, for there were something's even Herndon must have felt should not be put into print. Scholars wishing to explore Lincoln's early life beyond the insights offered by Herndon's biography had to turn to examining the letters and notes collected for over a twenty year period by himself and his collaborator Jesse Weik. This often proved to be a daunting task. As the editor's in their introduction noted even though available on Micro roll film specific documents are "very hard to locate" and even if located are "very hard to read." To further complicate matters the index to the Herndon collection prepared by the Library of Congress is "neither accurate nor complete." What Editors Douglas L. Wilson and Rodney O. Davis have done in their "Herndon's Informants" is to transcribe all of the known Herndon, Weik letters and notes into a readable and properly indexed Documentary Edition. What they have also done is create a masterpiece of scholarship that will be used by students of Lincoln for decades to come. "Herndon's Informants" offers the student the complete Herndon collection, unabridged and un-editorialized. To anyone who has a strong interest in learning more about Lincoln's early life this is just about all that is available and it simply must become a part of your personal library.



2. Forget authors, historians with agendas. Read what the people who actually knew Abraham Lincoln said about him.
   
   Before Lincoln's body was cold, William Herndon, Lincoln's law partner for 17 years and friend for longer, began interviewing Lincoln's friends, family members, enemies, acquaintances, neighbors, etc. His goal was to collect as much information as possible about his friend, so he could write a completely truthful biography. "Warts and all" Herndon said. Unfortunately, Herndon soon realized he could not use some of the information he collected because it was very personal and Lincoln's image would be tarnished. Fortunately, some of this information he could not use you will find in this book. While 98% of this book contains very interesting information about all aspects of Lincoln's life. It is the remaining 2%, the unsavory stuff, that is so fascinating! For instance, I was surprised to read about the number of Lincoln's friends who told stories about Lincoln's involvement with prostitutes (before his marriage). Some friends even speculate about Lincoln maybe having one or two illegitimate children. This book contains information I never learned in school about Lincoln!



3. With Herndon's Informants Douglas L. Wilson and Rodney O. Davis have made a tremendous contribution to Lincoln scholarship. Much of what we know of Lincoln's pre-presidential years, especially, was compiled through interviews and correspondence by Lincoln's last law partner William H. Herndon. Although many of these items were published decades ago in Emanuel Hertz's anthology The Hidden Lincoln, that collection's limitations have long frustrated Lincoln students. The only alternative was the expensive and awkward-to-use microfilm verison of Herndon's papers available from the Library of Congress.
   
   Now, however, Wilson and Davis have made this treasure trove of firsthand information available in an affordable and convenient format. Moreover, they have carefully tried to reproduce texts exactly, retaining oddities of spelling and punctuation, a feature entertaining to ordinary readers and valuable to scholars. The book's presentation of documents in chronological order is welcome. Scholars will probably be the main consumers using this product.
   
   This volume is a major contribution to Lincoln studies.

No comments about The Defense of Vicksburg: A Louisiana Chronicle (Texas a & M University Military History Series, 90).

No comments about Never Will We Forget: Oral Histories of World War II.

5 comments about The True Intrepid.

1. This book researches and chronicles in great detail the life of one man who, while obscure and unknown, played a pivotal role in the unfolding of World War 2. This book tells an important history and heightens my appreciation of some of our stories that has never been adaquitely told.



2. A thoroughly researched and well documented account of the quintessential North American spymaster William Stephenson. New information dispels past myths about a fascinating man who, with the help of his "unknown" agents,played an crucial role influencing the events of the Second World War.



3. If the 20th century was to be represented by 4 or 5 individuals, William Stephenson would have to be one of them. By this I mean that his life was incredible. He would be worthy of an interesting biography in any of the lives that he led: a scientist, a businessman or a spymaster.

   The book goes into much more detail of Intrepid's life, as well as those of some of his associates than the famous Man Called Intrepid book (which is worth reading as well!). This book will inspire and awe anybody! Well researched and well enough written.




4. MacDonald has successfully revealed much of the often clouded life of Intrepid, a man whose primary career goal was - of course - to remain in the shadows. The immensely likeable and non-descript Stephenson (Intrepid) was the penultimate spy: you wouldn't notice him in a crowd and if you did, you'd find yourself charmed and at ease. This side of the man has been overlooked in past books, but MacDonald reveals just how significant this particular trait is to an effective intelligence officer. In Stephenson, readers will learn how charm hid the great depths of intelligence, honor and violent resolve that made Intrepid a name to admire in the history of his profession. MacDonald also offers a highly-readable, compelling look at the events of Intrepid's life, keeping an admirable balance between objectivity and the thrills of a good story. David R. Bannon, Ph.D.; author "Race Against Evil."



5. Bill Macdonald has contributed valuably by sleuthing some of the past of the mythic character, Sir William Stephenson.
   
   Macdonald is a journalist from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, who on hearing of the death of Stephenson in 1989, decided to investigate the past of a man who hailed from Winnipeg and was entrusted by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill with serving as his intelligence czar in North America during World War II.
   
   Fortunately for history, Macdonald was able to uncover glimmers of the truth of Stephenson's humble origins; his move to Britain during the 1920s and 1930s; and his businesses. One was steel; through the steel industry, Macdonald may have come to appreciate the Nazi commitment to expanding its military. Churchill became prime minister after the British debacle at Dunkirk. He promptly dispatched Stephenson to the U.S. Based at Rockefeller Center, Stephenson established an aggressive intelligence program and helped advise the U.S. in formation of what became the O.S.S., predecessor of the CIA. Macdonald interviewed a former Univ. of Toronto professor who directed the vital communications links conveying Nazi communications intercepts among British, Canadian, and U.S. codebreakers.
   
   Behind the stories and myths surrounding Stephenson, Macdonald has shone light on some important, classified aspects of World War II. When I read the first edition of this book, I found the story somewhat hard to follow and strange, though also strangely plausible. For the paperback edition, a former CIA staff historian has offered an introduction, probably because he would have had the same reaction.
   
   I am reminded of another recent book (The Secret of Hut 26) reporting how the U.S. developed computers in Dayton, Ohio for attacking Nazi codes. The story was revealed by veterans of this endeavor wishing to report their contribution, 50 years later. Similarly, interesting stories and people, can arise from Winnipeg. Owing to the highly original investigative reporting, I give this book 5 stars.