5 comments about One Soldier's Story: A Memoir.

1. This is a nice story about one politician's experience in the war. This story shows his real personality behind all the publicity about his presidential runs. I gained new admiration for Dole. He not only has a sense of humor after his life crippling experience in WWII. Dole is shot and the bullet is lodged near his spine. He has difficulty using his hands and feet. Only his willpower prevented him from living a non productive experience the rest of his life. Dole gets some hand and feet motion, goes on to university and law school and represents his native Kansas in Washington. This is indeed a success story.
   
   The book is easily readable. One gets a new admiration for this politician when you read this book. A good read.



2. I knew that Bob Dole was injured in World War II but never knew where or how. I found his Memoir, "One Soldier's Story" interesting to read. Sharing his personal story of his rehabilitation gives one an appreciation for those who are recovering today from injuries that they have received in Iraq or Afghanistan. I'm glad that he didn't give up and took that "longest walk" and later became a U.S. Senator.
   
   My father was stationed not far from where Bob Dole was shot and did not know that Mr. Dole was one of the wounded passing by to the hospital. After my father read this book, his comment was "The 10th Mountain was a Great Division."
   
   Kathleen Thomas
   Author of "Don't Call Me Rosie, the Women who Welded the LSTs and the Men who Sailed on Them". Don't Call Me Rosie: The Women Who Welded the Lsts and the Men Who Sailed on Them



3. What an amazing person with a great story to tell. I was able to track him down and talk with him personnally and he truely is a hero.



4. I had long known that Bob Dole had been severely wounded during World War II and that he had learned to cope and advance his career despite his injuries. I had never realized that he had been wounded in his first action in Italy; nor did I appreciate the scope of his medical treatments and rehabilitation efforts. This book and Bob Dole's injuries have great relevance for the families of those injured in current wars. Bob's efforts and subsequent achievements should inspire hope in those individuals and families currently affected.



5. great history read; truly inspirational. Should be read by all in the health professions as well as WWII veterans and their family members. Anyone suffering from chronic pain----and their families-----should read this book. I did it in one sitting.

2 comments about Masquerade: The Life and Times of Deborah Sampson, Continental Soldier.

1. Excellent book for anyone who is interested in a woman of Revolutionary War times who is mentioned in student history books and for whom there has been very little research previously published. I found Youngs discussion of how he arrived at his conclusions very interesting and I am not a history major. For someone who is not interested in that type of detail it would be easy to skim those sections and just find out about her life. It would also give people who have previously read other books or articles about Deborah Samson an opportunity to evaluate the accuracy of that material. I also would not be surprised if some of those who think they are not interested in historical research methods might find after reading the book they are more interested than they thought.



2. "The heroism of the females of the Revolution has gone from memory", said John Quincy Adams, sixth president of the United States, in a eulogy to Deborah Sampson Gannett, the nearly forgotten female soldier who is the subject of this excellent biography.
   
   (Indeed! How many Americans know that quite a number of women disguised themselves as men to fight in the War of Independence, as well as the American Civil War?)
   
   In this thoroughly researched, highly readable account, Professor Alfred F. Young ferrets through myth, slander, and forgotten facts to recreate Deborah Sampson Gannett; a young woman who, disguised as a man, served in the Light Infantry Company of the Fourth Massachusetts Regiment, and as a waiter to General John Patterson. (She later married, bore three children, adopted a fourth, and was her family's primary breadwinner!)
   
   While I expect an Emeritus Professor of History at Northern Illinois University (and a Senior Research Fellow at the Newberry Library in Chicago) to be thorough and attentive to detail, what kept me reading this book from cover to cover was the way he brought Deborah to life, imagining her out of an enormous pile of fact and hearsay. He has also portrayed enriching details of post-colonial New England that round out the biography.
   
   Initially, I ordered this book as background research for my novels. It surpassed my expectations on many levels, and I refer to it often. If you enjoy American History and/or Women's Studies, Young's "Masquerade" is an obvious choice.
   
   But what relevance does it have for the average reader in today's world? The author sums it up when describing the import and effect of the Deborah Sampson statue outside the public library in Sharon, Massachusetts.
   
   "Do you have to disguise yourself as someone other than who you are, to do what you want to do in life? Do you have to pretend in order to cross a forbidden boundary?"
   
   Happily, most 21st century Americans can answer no. But Deborah Sampson Gannett, who fought in the war for our independence could not say the same. And neither can millions of women living in other parts of the world.
   
   We've come a long way, baby. But somehow, I can't relax.
   
   
   Star-Crossed

No comments about Airplanes, Women, and Song: Memoirs of a Fighter Ace, Test Pilot, and Adventurer.

1 comments about The Expatriation of Franklin Pierce: The Story of a President and the Civil War.

1. As a student of the presidency and of 19th century America I was glad to find this book about Franklin Pierce, one of the most obscure of American chief executives. While there's not much coverage of Pierce's four years in office there is a good deal of attention paid to the tumultous times in which he lived, especially the years after his presidency ended in 1857 and during which the Civil War, and then Reconstruction occurred.
   
   What I found most informative about the book were Pierce's relationship to Jefferson Davis, the Confederate President and former U.S. Secretary of War and Senator and Pierce's role as a Peace Democrat during the Civil War and the official and unofficial, but all very public, animosity that role generated. One of the surprises was realizing the extent of Davis' experience and influence; in much of the Civil War history I've read Davis is presented as a kind of compromise flunky, playing second fiddle to the great Southern Civil War Generals. But it appears he was a much more consequential figure than that.
   
   So as a descriptive portrayal of an under-recognized American President and of the civil liberty abuses and social turmoil surrounding an important period in the nation's history, I think the book works well.
   
   In my mind the book's shortcoming is its failure to provide a greater understanding of why Pierce sympathized with the South, particularly in regards to the South's decision to secede, and its decision to fire on Fort Sumpter. The book treats both of these critical developments rather superficially. The election of Lincoln, for example, did not directly threaten slavery in the South, a point Lincoln and the Republican Party took great pains to emphasize in the years leading up to the 1860 election and immediately afterward. So the question of why did the South secede, and why in particular did Pierce believe they were justified in doing so goes unexplained. Further, even if a right to secede is recognized, how did Pierce think the federal government should deal with its installations throughout the South, particularly its military ones? And finally, if Pierce believed the South had the right to secede, and the right to attack federal government military installations in the South, under what terms did Pierce think the North should have negotiated with the South or worked to bring the South back into the Union?
   
   This is to say that the book's shortcoming is a lack of analysis, which is essential to better appreciating and understanding--even if not agreeing with or condoning--the thoughts and actions of those who have contributed to the development of our nation.
   
   But I appreciate the attention of this author to a heretofore neglected person in American history and of the conflict that existed for many people as the nation warred against itself.

5 comments about In The Company Of Heroes.

1. Durant's story takes us from Black Hawk Down and gives us a persalized look into his ordeal in Somalia. But he also gives an itimate look into the lives and beliefs of his captors. This is must read book for anyone interested in the survival of the human spirit.



2. Excellent,excellent book. I'd recommend reading Black Hawk Down first for an overview of the battle, but even if you don't, either way, this is a great book. Mr Durant just tries to tell it like it is, how it happened, and tell the stories of his fallen comrades, who are the "heroes" from the title.
   
   I was in the 101st, in fact I was at Campbell when Durant was flying non SOG missions, and I went to Panama, so his career flashbacks were cool to read as I could relate. But even for someone who may not have been there, the flashbacks provide a backdrop for who he is, who the Night Stalkers were, and the mentality of these SOG operators.
   
   Fantastic read, highly recommend.



3. A riveting true story, well written. If you didn't already respect the skill and bravery of the US armed forces, you will after reading this book.



4. The book, In the Company of Heroes by Michael J. Durant, describes the life of a prisoner of war in Somalia. The fact that the officer actually was the prisoner, makes the book an autobiography. Durant wrote this book in hopes of bringing his life and death situations as a prisoner of war, to the real world. He wanted to explain how difficult life truly was and the experiences he went through on a day-to-day basis. He wanted everyone to see eye-to-eye on ideas such as war. By writing this book, those hopes can be expressed. This shows that there are many hardships but you have to persevere no matter how painful it may be.
   Michael J. Durant was born on July 23, 1961 in Berlin, New Hampshire. He then went on to enter the U.S army in August 1979. Michael was Chief Warrant Officer 3 in the United States Army 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. In the war, he was captured and held prisoner on October 3, 1993. He was very high up on the list of positions in the army. The importance of his job also came with many responsibilities. For example, he had to learn and teach how to fly helicopters. Up until the war in Somalia, he led a pretty normal life. He has a wife named Lisa, and a son named Joey. Devastated to leave his family, he got prepared to fight for his country, which is something he was meant to do. His adventurous character has led him to do great things.
   Michael J. Durant did a fantastic job writing this book. He tells the story with great detail. This true story implants extreme images in your head. Coming from a first hand source, the story is even more meaningful. It makes you feel like you were actually there.
   Many positives were found throughout the story. One example would be how it shows Durant's life before and after he encounters his captivity. It was interesting to learn about the daily struggles he had to go through in order to survive and how different his survival instincts were before the war. The book is very suspenseful and keeps its interest throughout every chapter. The only negative would be that the book is long and at certain points, difficult to read for younger people.
   I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves suspense, intensity, and life or death situations.



5. I recently purchased this book, and I wish there were words enough to relay just how great it is. In the Company of Heros illistrates brilliantly the account of Night Stalker pilot Mike Durant, and his experience in somolian captivity. Mr. Durant may be a pilot by trade, however his story and how he tells it are amazing. This book is a great buy for anyone, but it is a MUST READ for any Army aviation pilots or aircrewmen.

5 comments about Lincoln: An Illustrated Biography.

1. This is a fantastic and beautiful book--oversized, loaded with more photos than you've ever seen in a Lincoln book, and worthy of coffee-table display. But it's not just a picture book. Each page is jam-packed with text, including an account of a dream Lincoln had about his own assassination. You'll definitely want the hardback version. Even if you've got a hefty collection of Lincoln lore, you must add this book to your shelves!



2. ...that deal with President Lincoln; includes some excellent photography and many good quotations. What an incredible fellow he was.



3. The quality of this book is what first grabs you. The paper is thick, glossy and has weight, it reproduces 19th century photographs beautifully. The text is ancillary and never intrudes upon the primary focus here, which are the photographs of Lincoln, his family and the people who shaped his extraordinary life. The text illuminates and expands upon the photographs, giving dates and other pertinent information.

   If you're looking for a full-scale biography of Lincoln, look elsewhere, this is primarily a visual treat and one of the better photographic compilations on any President.




4. Philip B. Kunhardt is to be highly commended for this outstanding photographic history of Abraham Lincoln. Not only are the photographs captivating, but the narrative of Lincolns life and the important events during his lifetime are interesting and enhance this book. Many interesting stories go along with the photographs of Lincoln from his 40's to his last days, however the most interesting part in my opinion is the month by month account of his presidency and the important events that occured. So much about the man has been written, but until this book was published not as many photos of President Lincoln were circulated or published. Just as important, are the events and stories which swirled around Lincoln. From his habits and humor to his history changing decisions are written in clarity and interesting form. His life and his loves are given with compassion, and his impossible losses of his sons and his mentally unballanced wife Mary Todd Lincoln is given unflinchingly. The last chapter of the book is about the assassination and the controversy surrounding Lincoln's remains, a very interesting and informative chapter to close with. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in U.S. History or 19th Century U.S. History.



5. Kudos to the publisher Knopf and all involved on the quality of this book. The reproduction of the 19th century photographs is first rate. The sepia toned image of the great man inside the front cover is exceptionally gorgeous - just breathtaking.

   John Updike said Knopf publishes the most physically beautiful books in America, and this book leads me to believe he's right.

   This is not a comprehesive, scholarly biography of Lincoln, nor does it pretend to be. But the text reads well, and the Lincoln photographs are beautiful, all-inclusive and presented in sound written context. The large size of the book works particularly nicely here. Well done!

5 comments about The Genius of Alexander the Great.

1. This is the last book written by Prof. Hammond on ATG and it really is a nice piece of work. Some people may claim that he tends to over-glorify Alexander but I don't believe so. His analysis is very balanced and his criticism is not based on 20th Century values and ideals, which is a problem with other authors on the same subject.

   If you're looking for a good book on Alexander the Great, do start here.




2. Few figures in the history of the world have attained the mythical status and timeless quality of Alexander The Great. The man and myth continue to fuel the imagination of every new generation. This is no surprise when one reads about the man's achievements and how they changed the world. The lore of the story relies in the classic, epic sense of adventure that courses through it, it is a tale that takes us through various cultures, characters and to the stretches of the known world. N.G.L. Hammond is clearly an admirer of Alexander and tells his story here with the flare of homage and reverence. "The Genius Of Alexander The Great" gives us a story of boldness and the quest for knowledge and truth. Alexander comes off as a highly intelligent, cultured commander who embarks on a quest to defeat a mammoth Persian empire and bring Greek culture into the civilisations of Asia and beyond and to also introduce their cultures to the Greeks and Macedonians. Hammond describes in great detail the battles Alexander wins against Persian king Darius, who is ruler of the world before the Macedonian king steps ashore. The book is also a fascinating exploration of Greek history, taking us deep into the cultural traditions and aspects of Alexander's world. One realizes you cannot judge Alexander by the standards of our time, this is one figure that demands to be judged by the standards of his own time and era. If one takes the book to heart with careful attention, you realize what sets Alexander apart from conquerors like Caesar, Napoleon and Hannibal is that his goal was simply to achieve a sort of greatness in the style of Achilles ("The Iiliad" was a constant companion during the Asiatic campaign). Hammond's book is also a wonderful gallery of characters. The most memorable aside from Alexander would have to be his free-spirited mother Olympias, who here is depicted dancing wildly in Dionysian cults, handling snakes and indulging herself in orgiastic rituals such as the "Bacchae." There is also Alexander's talented, brilliant father Philip, the philosopher Aristotle and others. It's evident that Alexander lived in special times for the history of civilisation and he was simply there to add his mark. And Hammond writes it all with a novelistic style that engrosses the reader and transports you there clearly and vividly. From Macedonia and Persia to Egypt and India, Hammond takes us on a journey to understand how there are daring, epic moments in history that live on forever. A wonderful read and memorable book.



3. In recent years, there has been a positive fashion for writing about Alexander the Great, particularly after the mid-century arguments from scholars who wanted to view him either as an evil tyrant, or a sort of proto-Christian examplar of conquering chivalry. Hammond's book is obviously part of this all-or-nothing trend in Alexander studies.
   
   I read N.G.L. Hammond's book, The Genius of Alexander the Great after reading numerous other biographies including Fox, Green, Wilcken, and others, largely due to my appreciation of Hammond's status as an Oxford scholar with thirty years of solid publication on Alexander, Macedonia, and the Greek Hellenistic world. Although his credentials are impeccable, almost from the first chapter I realized that I was reading one of those scholars who felt they had to take a stand on the issue of Alexander-the-Good, Alexander-the-Bad. And Hammond definitely comes down on the side of Alexander the decent, good well-meaning chappie, who was a military genius. To me, this kind of selective biography becomes increasingly irritating, although to the brand-new student of Alexander, his summary of the known facts about Alexander's life is meticulous and quite helpful - except for his bias.
   
   Reading this book will give you the Alexander basics, but from Chapter 1, Hammond feels authoritively able to simply discount sources he dislikes (i.e., ancient sources who brought up questions concerning Alexander's temper, violence, cruelty, drunkenness, and less-than-altruistic motiviations). So we regularly hear that such-and-such a source may be "dismissed" as a complete or partial fabrication. Apparently, Hammond particularly loathes Curtius, but Diodorus Siculus is also regularly dismissed out of hand. Instead, he quotes extensively from sources such as Ptolemy, Aristobulus, and their heir, Arrian, showing Alexander in the best possible light.
   
   In any book, whether it's Tarn or Badian, I am deeply suspicious of selective source-hunting, and I'm afraid that Hammond's regular choice in this regard grew irksome to me. I would say this is a good, steady view of Alexander's life and works with the proviso that the reader must be aware of all that is being bowdlerized from the ancient sources. I, personally, believe in a decent Alexander who also could do awful things, but scholars who ignore contradictory sources to present him do his genius no good service. In so saying, I mean no disrespect to Hammond's obvious expertise in the area and his long history of scholarship in this field. I simply wish he could have brought his expertise to bear in accepting both the good AND the bad about Alexander.



4. I have read many books about Alexander and unfortunately most of them misrepresent him as a Tyrannt or whatever the authors feel that can diminish a great personality through exaggeration.
   However, Hammond has broken away from the micropolitics and has gone one step further and asks the question of why Alexander acted in this way. You could say that the book is an answer to the misinformed scholars about Alexander the Great. In other words, I found that the book is Alexander's "Apology" for his actions.
   Being of a Greek background, I found that the translations of the sources are accurate and not misinterpreted. Hammond's knowledge of the Ancient Hellenic civilization have helped him understand what we as Greeks know about Alexander and his role in the Ancient Hellenic civiliztion.
   I recommend this book to serious history readers who don't want distorted facts and events.



5. Nick Hammond's "The Genius of Alexander the Great" is the best history of the subject available. It is tightly written and the sources are effectively documented and brilliantly analyzed. His knowledge goes far beyond the typical Athens-centered perspective, as he is uniquely knowledgeable of the entire region around Greece and Macedon. Best of all, his understanding and presentation of Alexander's military history is unexcelled.
   
   Of course, there are many contemporary accounts and all suffer due to the weakness of ancient sources. We have no history from Alexander's time, as all the ancient sources are actually secondary sources writing at least a Century later. Choosing among these ancient sources is such an unstable enterprise that most modern authors find themselves selecting this or that version of Alexander based on their own emotional whim or ideological predisposition. What generally emerges is a sort of historical miasma, and the deeper the reader goes into these other studies, the less substantial Alexander and his time appear.
   
   Not Hammond. How did he avoid the problems and write such a solid history?
   
   First, his strategy is to strip away all the peripherals from the narrative and nail the essential story. Next, rather than encumbering this book, Hammond cross-references all his previous scholarship. Hammond and other scholars he cites have in other works analyzed all the ancient sources and documents where each, in turn, got his material. Hammond in this book is able to give the briefest summaries of the reasons he selected the content he uses, confident that the student interested in sources will go to the documentary works. Those interested in just the pure narrative of what can be known of Alexander can simply read this book. Hammond may appear too quick to judgment to students who don't have Hammond's grasp of the sources (as you may see from some of the breathless reviews), but he makes the story both thrilling and solid.
   
   Hammond's knowledge of the history and geography of Macedon makes his description of Phillip -- and the state Alexander inherited -- brilliantly exciting. Deftly, he shows what an astonishing force of history Phillip was, how he stabilized and remade Macedon, how he transformed Macedon's relationship with the Greek states and how he reorganized the small states around Macedon, Thrace and northern Thessaly as a basis for Macedonian power.
   
   Hammond also shows without comment how vulnerable and foolish the Greek states had become. The multi-generational, internecine warfare produced exactly the constant instability and waste of warfare you would expect. It is painful for the reader to once again see that democracies work when the citizens are conscientious, but can be pathetic when the citizens are foolish and vain. Nonetheless, it could have been no simple thing for Phillip and Alexander to have managed the mix of diplomacy, politics and military force required to so quickly master these rich and resourceful city states. More than any other, and without gushing, this clear book simply demonstrates the brilliance of Phillip and Alexander's politics.
   
   If Hammond has a bias, it is toward historians of Alexander who have military experience themselves. But unlike most military historians with personal military experience, Hammond does not wallow in warfare. What he does, as throughout the book, is write the clearest and most reasonable explanations of the military tactics and strategy, how (and exactly where) each battle was fought, what the strengths and uses of each army were, and how well Alexander understood how to use his army and how brilliantly Alexander was able to assess a tactical situation and respond.
   
   This is an exciting, clear, well documented analysis of great confidence and authority. For now, there is no better book with better judgment out there.
   
   
   
   
   
   

5 comments about Strike and Hold: A Memoir of the 82nd Airborne in World War II.

1. In his personal memoir, Strike and Hold, L. Moffatt Burriss relates an account of his World War II experiences as a platoon leader, then company commander in the 504th PIR of the 82nd AD. After a brief introduction describing his training and shipment oversees, Capt. Burriss describes three important engagements, which he participated in. The first was a drop into Sicily, the second was the struggle to maintain the beachhead at Anzio, and the third was the drop into Grave, Holland as part of the Market-Garden operation. Of the three, the operation at Grave, the crossing of the Waal River, and the subsequent capture of the Nijmegen bridge strikes me as the most traumatic of Burriss' combat experiences. The Waal crossing and attack were sheer hell and Burriss' account describes it in agonizing detail. Especially distressing to this reader was the account of the stalled British armored column, under General Horrocks. As their paratrooper comrades were being slaughtered at Arnhem, Captain Carrington (subsequently Lord Carrington) was brewing tea and waiting for orders to advance. This after the 504th had fought and died to gain the bridgehead to allow the Brits to advance.

   Capt. Burriss was also present at Cheneux, Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge. Unfortunately for this reviewer, he says little about it. The reason is unknown. Either he had little recollection of the event, or there wasn't a great deal to tell. In any case, Capt. Burriss has written a moving and poignant remembrance of the Second World War, and his reasons for fighting the war, and his speculation on whether today's generation could make such a sacrifice make this book a "should read" for any reader interested in why we fought.




2. This is a no frills history of the Third Battalion 504th. Written by a contributor to Cornelius Ryan's "A Bridge Too Far". T. Moffatt Burriss took part in every major campaign the 504th was in from Sicily,Salerno,Volturno River,Anzio,Holland,Belgium and finally Germany. If you are interested in the history of one of the premier battalions in one of the best airborne regiments in WWII I recommend this book. This is a nice tribute to "Those Devils in Baggy Pants".



3. This book is a nice quick read for those looking for a glimpse at what airborne operations were like in World War Two from the point of view of small units. This book lacks adequate maps and information, and sources to be taken seriously as a piece of historical literature. Most of the book's theme seems to be that the British weren't aggressive enough and that they really messed up the Waal River crossing. Almost half of the book is memoirs, in the form of statements from other soldiers in the 504th, none of whom we know or how they relate to the author's experience. There are spelling and grammar mistakes throughout the book and the author contradicts himself several times. The part of the book that becomes really interesting is when the author starts to give his opinion of strategic decisions that were made six or seven ranks above his head. This is a nice book as a memoir by a man who felt the need to put his experiences down on paper, but it is not a good book from a literary or historical viewpoint.



4. This book is about the missions of the 82d though out Operation Market Garden and other battles of the war. It follows a Plt. Leader, Burris on his accounts. The book had a very different feel than other war books. Burris gives accounts that he remembers and he also gives accounts of what other parratoopers saw, giving a true and honest approach. The book covers a small part of Operation Market, remember it is just following a plt. leader and his men.
   The letters he puts in the book shed a new light on things. I like the fact that the letters where not cut down and where printed in their true form.
   I liked the book very much and have great respect for Mr. Burris. The book is very easy to read it is not full of all that military jargon like other books.



5. This is an outstanding memoir written by a true citizen soldier concerning his involvement in the 82nd PIR during WWII. The prose is straight to the point and gives a first hand account of the battles of Anzio, Market Garden, and the Bulge. The description of the crossing of the Waal River is outstanding . Any WWII buff wil enjoy this book. It shows again why Mr. Burriss and his generation are truly the greatest.

1 comments about George S. Patton: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies).

1. This book is a concise and thorough overview of one of America's most studied and discussed generals. Mr. Smith has seemingly brought Gen. Patton back to life with his vivid descriptions and page turning narrative. Kudos to Mr. Smith for his unbiased approach to his subject. This is a great book.

1 comments about 100 Essential Lincoln Books.

1. I HAVE READ THIS BOOK AND I OWN ALL OF THE BOOKS THAT ARE MENTIONED ON THE LIST OF 100.I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!!!