5 comments about The Peasant Prince: Thaddeus Kosciuszko and the Age of Revolution.

1. The sweep of this biography shows that the American Revolution also brought change to Europe as well. Kosciuszko was right in the mix on both sides of the Atlantic. He arrived in Philadelphia in 1776 and met Ben Franklin who put him in charge of building forts. He was friends with Washington, Jefferson and the other Founding Fathers and he was instrumental in the Battle of Saratoga, the turning point of the Revolution. He also built West Point, and in a notorious act of treason, Benedict Arnold tried to sell the fort that Kosciuszko built to the British. After the war, Kosciuszko left a last will and testament asking that his salary from the war be used to buy and free slaves. Unlike other revolutionaries, he put his money where his mouth was. In Europe he played a part in the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars, and started a democratic revolution in Poland. He was a true icon of liberty for all! He stood up for the rights of black slaves, white peasants, Indians, Jews, women, etc.. He was a man ahead of his time and it's shocking that Americans don't know more about him. This is a great book, and it's about time some one told this story.



2. I enjoyed this book so incredibly much. I'd give it 10 stars if I could. Each night, I slipped back into the days of the revolution and walked with a great American hero. If the subject matter interests you, you'll love this book!



3. I was amazed at the thorough research conducted by Alex Storozynski, and enjoyed reading the entire work. In the intro Storozynski mentioned that he wanted the true person of Kosciuszko to be portrayed, and not just a eulogized image, and that purpose was most definitely fulfilled. You meet a real a man with a real human nature, someone you can identify with, and also greatly admire because of his nobleness of purpose and his perseverance to his ideals of equality for all humanity, and the freedom he desired for his homeland, Poland. My only problem with the book, was there were a few times that I wanted to know `more' and I can easily see how the book could be twice its length! I don't know how long Storozynski spent conducting research and writing, but his depth of knowledge of Kosciuszko and Polish history is evident. I also really enjoyed Storozynski's `word-smithing' that was evident throughout the book, from the chapter titled `Napoleon comes up short' (gotta love that one!) to "It would be sixty years before the healing powers of the fountains of Lourdes would first mystify southern France, yet when Kosciuszko's ship docked nearby at the port of Bayonne on June 28, 1798, he cast aside his crutches and stood up on his own." Being much more than just a list of facts in chronological order, Storozynski's book brings you face to face with real people. He not only brought the person of Kosciuszko alive to me, but I also enjoyed meeting others... I didn't realize that Niemcewicz was such a blabber mouth and tried to ride Kosciuszko's coat tails. And Chief Little Turtle's advice on having an affair with Catherine was priceless. Jefferson came alive, as did others, like Ludwika his first love. I had no idea that Kosciuszko's will (the purpose of which was to free and educate African slaves in America) never materialized after his death. I also had not realized the Washington/Lafayette vs the Jefferson/Kosciuszko connection and found that thought-provoking as well.
   And I really enjoyed reading about the last part of his life. In my own studies on Kosciuszko, I had not come across any more than `he spent the last years of his life in Switzerland with the Zeltner family.' I love the prayer that he wrote during his last years... there was just so much that I enjoyed reading and discovering about Kosciuszko that my own copy of Storoznski's book The Peasant Prince has many `dog-eared' pages so I could easily find this or that fact that fascinated me about this great man's life. This book will captivate anyone who wants to read the life story of a true hero; his trials, triumphs and temptations: and be inspired!



4. I recently saw the author do a book reading on C-SPANs Book TV and was so impressed that I immediately went out and purchased the book. When I got home I realized that I had actually purchased a signed copy. How lucky can you get? I finished the book while on vacation in 4 days. I live in Troy, NY and have traveled many, many times over the Thaddeus Kosciuszko bridge. I knew very little of the man but one of the engineers who built the bridge was a friend of my father's so for most of my life it was Mr. White's bridge. The opportunity to find out about the man who had a bridge named for him intrigued me. I have read other books on the American Revolution but never learned so much as I did when I read this book. As the book closed on the American Revolution, I had to admit that I wasn't sure the rest of his story would hold my attention. I was wrong. Never before had the story of Poland and Europe been explained in such a way. My history teachers did a poor job of relating such interesting facts and people. I don't think the story of Thaddeus Kosciuszko was ever taught. How could he be left out of any story of the world's history at that time? What a noble and fascinating human being. I often wonder where our great thinkers and leaders are now. We seem overwhelmed with public figures who are all about greed and self promotion. Are our schools presenting history with the attention it should be given in the classroom? Are we presenting the facts and human drama that shaped the course of the world in a way that our young people can make the link between the past, the present and the future? I'm not so sure but I do my part by trying to educate myself and pass on what I learn. This book has done a lot to help me with my very minor effort to enlighten whoever will indulge me as I relate the stories I read. The story of Thaddeus Kosciuszko has given me a lot to talk about as I sit with my children and try to "turn the light on".



5. A wonderful bio of one of Americas most important Patriots. Thaddeus Kosciusko, a hero in the fatherland, Poland, but long neglected in American Revolutionary history. Alex Storozynski has concisely compiled the life of this forgotten hero in a way that flows and keeps the reader in anticipation of what lies ahead. A great resource for anyone doing research of an historical nature, but more important is the ease with which the reader can accomplish that goal. Mr Storozynski has done the research and has done it superbly well. Kosciusko, a man ahead of his time. A freedom fighter. Standing on the principles of Liberty, Justice and Equality for all of mankind, he devoted his life to the cause asking nothing in return but the abolishment of slavery,serfdom and feudalism. He lived his ideals and led by example on and off the battlefield. This tactical engineer was indeed far ahead of his time. A highly recommended read.

5 comments about A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier.

1. The item came in the condition that it said. I was very surprised it was in new condition, no writings, or bent bindings. Very glad I bough this item!



2. This novel is uninspiring at best. I would expect a novel about child soldiers to inspire me to want to do something about the situation but, really, it just left me like "eh, oh well."
   It's very redundant without much suspense. I struggled to turn the pages at times- that's how bored I was.
   The way he ended the book was horrible
   This was my first time reading a book on this subject so I should've been easily impressed, unfortunately, i wasn't.
   
   Overall, you should skip this book.



3. The candid account of a Leonian who exemplifies the chief export of Sierra Leone - Resiliance.
   
   Beginning with a Leonian middle class kid who couldn't wait to hit the next hip hop event with his friends, the reader is swept up with Beah in his experience as it happens. From terrified dislodged tweenager looking for food and family, through his evolution to the most deadly and dangerous of human weapons, the Author takes us along, openly, without patronizing or passing judgement on himself or others.
   
   One quickly learns that child soldiers are not merely boot-fillers, not just to swell the ranks of otherwise adult forces. On the contrary, these children are among the most deadly of all human begings. Without the life experience to develop normal moral code, completely stripped of all connection to family and normal life, with youth allowing uncanny physical endurance and capability, they become the most remorseless, ruthless, and skilled of killing machines.
   
   Recruited for their clean mental slate, twisted adults will drive them to robot-like assassin status, then unleash them to obliterate entire communities. Read, and witness.
   
   Without the likes of Ishmael Beah, we would not have the insight to understand the phenomenon. Jarring, sad, disturbing, current, and ultimately uplifting, this work haunts.



4. I read this book without reading any prior reviews and couldn't put it down because I wanted to know how everything played out. I began to read these reviews and did a little research on the accuracy of this book. There are many events to question and few that have been disproved. So the problem is how much of the events actually happened to the author. (Spoiler) The wild pig chase, losing his family right before he was going to find them again, a few boys taking out a whole rebel unit, a 24 hour fight (no one runs out of ammo), being saved by his rap cassette, vivid detailed dreams, the grenade toss, and being stripped searched by border soldiers but then having money to take a cab are some of the events that may make you wonder is this fact vs. fiction.
   The author should have explained the rationale for burning villages and killing civilians. Was it tribal, religious, or just economic? Also a chapter explaining the history of the civil war rather than a historic time line would have been helpful.
   Finally I was left wondering what responsiblities should boy soliders have to bear. Should they be charged, including the author, with war crimes for killing prisoners and slaughtering civilians? If they are not charged and punished will that insure more future child soldiers?



5. Before I started reading this book I didn't like reading because I used to think that it was boring but, I had to read this book because it was required for my class. I remember that after I read the first chapter I didn't want to put the book down because Ishmael made this book interesting and it wasn't boring. I thought that it was actually funny that a boy from Africa would listen to rap he loved to listen to rap. But I think that he did a good job by telling us his story about life and the soldier boys. I think that his childhood was really hard and also tormenting to see so many people die. And Ishmael and his friends just trying to survive and not get caught to become a soldier boy. Its sad that all those things happened in Africa and that some many kids got involved in becoming soldier boys and that they were so young. But at that young age they were tough to use a gun and kill people like if it was nothing. And I understand how Ishmael now that he is older still a little tormented by all those things that he lived with. But at the same time he was lucky that he was able to come to the U.S. and get adopted by someone from the U.S. and was able to go to College and write his life story. I would suggest this book to anyone to read!!!

5 comments about The Things They Carried.

1. This book is fiction, yet I see comments from readers stating that the book helped them understand the war. You cannot read this book and believe that you have a better understanding of the war and the soldiers that fought there. This fiction adds to the falsehoods/myths already written about the war, and unfortunately, some people believe it as fact. I read about 100 pages and toss it in the trash. It's disgusting that some continue to spread falsehoods about the Vietnam War.
   
   If you must read it, enjoy the FICTION, but never take what you read in this book as FACT!



2. The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien is a work of fiction and a masterpiece of literature. The fact that it is a work of fiction left O'Brien with infinite artistic and literary integrity in determining the events that transpired, or never transpired, for that matter. He carries the reader through a series of obscure and deliberate stories about the emotions and actions soldiers faced in the Vietnam war. The problem many readers have with this book is that it is never clear what is true and what is false. O'Brien stresses the point that it does not matter if a specific story actually happened, because it did happen. Maybe in a different context, or a different scene, but the irresolute feeling of trying to piece together what did or didn't happen is a major theme of the book. I think the feeling of uneasiness the reader gets is supposed to act as a mirror to what the soldiers felt throughout the war. This is an assumption since I have no idea of the hardships soldiers faced in Vietnam.
   
   The book is a very good book to read if you are aspiring to be a writer. Tim O'Brien writes in a very unique and engaging prose that makes this novel a quick read. It must not be simply skimmed through though because then a lot of meaning would be lost. This is a book that should continue to be taught in high school english classes because it requires a lot of deep and critical thinking to figure out what O'Brien is trying to say through his collection of uncomfortable short stories.
   
   Read it. It will make you think.



3. This thoughtful and elegantly written book gave true insight into the people who were there. I sent it to my son who is serving in Iraq.



4. This book is not just another story about a soldier in Vietman. Tim O'Brien's words make you feel as though you truly were there. You'll experience emotions like you never have before. A brilliant story.... war and its soldiers we should never forget !



5. I stopped reading about 1/3 of the way through. Although Mr. O'Brien is a gifted writer, he seems to wallow in the absolutely worst aspects of the Vietnam experience. Since this book is required reading in many high schools, I was doubly upset.
   When I first started the book I asked a Vietnam vet I know if he had read it. He looked at me and said "you won't like it-I didn't". Since he never talks about his experience, he would not elaborate.
   I have since learned from someone who went to a question and answer session with the author, that he admitted that a lot of the book was fiction, and would not even say whether or not he had ever served in Vietnam.

5 comments about Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10.

1. This story is absolutely amazing. The first half of the book is a thorough glimpse into the becoming of a Navy SEAL, pretty intense but rather boring after a couple dozen pages. Don't be deterred by this section of the book, don't put it down, keep reading! When they get deployed and finally begin their mission (redwing, I think) it is non-stop on-the-edge-of-your-seat reading. I loved this book, and so have three of my close friends who don't typically enjoy reading non-fiction. Buy it, read it, and read it again.



2. Once I picked this book up, I could not put it down. It was exciting, informative and emotional. The Hero's and heroics described in this book literally choked me up.
   
   While I'm sure it wasn't a focal point or intent of the author's, I especially appreciated the parts about how outdated Rules of Engagement, the biased liberal media and civilian lawyers are getting brave men and women killed every day. This is something America needs to see, realize and wake up to. This cannot continue.
   
   Pickup this book, you won't regret it for a moment and you will end up passing it around to friends and family so you will get your money's worth.



3. No, the writing was NOT exemplary.
   Yes, at times it was repetitive.
   Yes, 10,000 less words would have made this story better.
   You probably won't always agree with the author's political beliefs.
   
   BUT,
   If you'd like to read a gut wrenching true story of a REAL group of hero's, then buy and read this book. What these guys go through in TRAINING is amazing. AND, when the rubber met the proverbial road in this story, these particular guys showed a kind of bravery that will surely impress you.



4. The fact that this quite awful book was "co"written by a British hack (a rather odd choice for an American soldier) already explains a lot. There is a time honored tradition in British special forces memoirs to simply make stuff up, usually more violence, to make the story sexier. The most famous example, of course,is "Bravo Two Zero", which according to currently available information never had any enemy contact at all, but whose exploits in several contradictory books and a movie morphed into an epic running battle resulting in hundreds of dead Iraqis. I suspect the same happened here. There is no question in my mind that some heroic things happened on that mission; I don't think they would give the medal of honor to someone who didn't deserve it. Unfortunately, Luttrell is the "lone survivor", and his account, or rather his ghost writer's rendering of it, has way too many holes in it to be believable. This isn't how it happened; this is what the ghost writer thinks the American audience wants to read, complete with silly political rantings the kind of which I have never read in a military memoir before. From a marketing point of view, judging by the vast majority of reviews posted here, they hit it right on the head. But they've done a disservice to the special forces community and to those readers who want serious military history, not artificial patriotism a la FOX news.



5. This book was amazing. It kept me on edge and was well written and authentic. I have to admit-the first part, the training for the Seals was interesting but nowhere as compelling as the excursion into the Taliban war zone, after the initial Seal training. I understand more about the military than I ever thought I would know or even want to. This book is like an action movie in print! Bravo Marcus, so happy you were able to bring these memories and experiences home to us Americans that you have protected!! Happy Fourth of July, I am sure this is one of the most special days in your life!
   Patti Branco

5 comments about Soul Survivor: The Reincarnation of a World War II Fighter Pilot.

1. The story of James, both of them, presented in this book was captivating. With the research and undeniable passion for finding the truth that was displayed by the parents, the book was a good read. However, because of the tedious and unendingly boring pages about the alcoholic drinks being drunk, the ridiculous stories of wallpaper choices, the listing of menus and family personalities, I ended up skimming the story for "just the fact, ma'm." The writers should have taken a big step back and simply tried for a a more concise book rather than relating minutuae. Why didn't they offer more information about the family visit to the remote island where the plane crashed. It would have been much more interesting than all the pages filled with angst about the father's job woes and responsibilities.



2. The book is facinating. It just proves that there is so much we do not know and understand. I couldn't put the book down. Strongly recommend even the doubters, to read.



3. First, the F4U Corsair did not fly from the Natoma Bay. End of story. The central plot element was badly bungled (if you died in a Corsair, that would be an important past life memory--this is very sloppily researched, mistakes abound). Second, loss records from the ship are very well known and easily obtainable. Third, as a child I too was obsessed with World War II aviation and so were many of my friends. Indeed, we built models and drew highly detailed comics of said era. In this age of highly detailed computer flight simulators, any child could make up these stories. The "fantastic" coincidences and information he "couldn't have known" have been stock in trade for magicians for eons. See John Edwards "Crossing Over" if one has any doubts about how to extract information from the unwary. This is beyond pathetic. It disparages the true memory of a great American hero. Now even children have entered the Stolen Valor spectacle of modern America. We are a country that pretends to do things--we build fantasy, not ships any more.



4. It's hard to say whether this is really a "true story". If any of us experienced it for ourselves, we would insist it was, but since we are born skeptics, it's hard for any of us to believe. I think the book was well written, and very compelling to read. I did not want to put the book down, which is a sign of a good book. This books makes you think, whether you believe it or not, it certainly makes you think.
   
   Rachel



5. This is a wonderful story and could have been condensed into a much shorter form, such as an article in Vanity Fair or the Times. The parents include WAY too much information about their private lives which does not relate to the story at hand and becomes tiresome and annoying. The little boy is amazing and I completely agree that he was remembering a former life and I applaud the mother for her belief in her son. As the daughter of a veteran I was touched by this story from a soul still trying to find his way after a terrible tragedy, finding his solace in the body of a precious little boy. Unlike the father, I find this a wonderfully God-affirming story and have no doubt that this is a lesson for us all.

5 comments about Tears in the Darkness: The Story of the Bataan Death March and Its Aftermath.

1. My name is Julie Jorgenson and I'm the daughter of Ben Steele who is the main character in this book. This book is about a man who survived the impossible and came home from the war and made a life for himself. He claims being a POW 1244 days has enhanced his life. Michael and Elizabeth Norman did a wonderful thing for our family by telling his great story for everyone to share.



2. Tears in the Darkness: The Story of the Bataan Death March and Its Aftermath by Michael and Elizabeth Norman, both professors, is one of the finest treatments of how American POW's were treated by the Japanese ever written. Tears in the Darkness is profoundly insightful and laboriously researched, and presents the reader with an honest view into both the American psyche as well as the Japanese victors.
   
   As the son of a navy vet who served on an escort carrier in the Pacific and saw action at Macon Island, Tarawa, and later at Leyte Gulf, I found Tears in the Darkness very moving. I've read extensively about the Pacific war and in many ways still haven't forgiven the Japanese for what they caused. Political Correctness be-gone.
   
   The Normans focus on a young American who happened to be serving in the Army Air Corps when the war began. Focusing on Ben Steele allows the authors to use his experiences to study the wider specifics of the Bataan death marches and the POWs later treatment in the camps. With information gleaned from more that 400 interviews and many of Steele's pen and ink drawings, they provide the readers of a later era a revealing glimpse into what true torture is. No water boarding here. Starved, deprived of water, beaten, and allowed to die of horrendous diseases, Americans and their Pilipino allies, suffered and died together.
   
   By traveling to Japan to interview the few guards still alive, the Normans provide an authoritative element to the story they want to tell. Without allowing the Japanese an easy out, the authors do provide background that at least helps to explain the level of brutality suffered by the captives. No alibis here.....just facts about how the Japanese chain of command worked. Interesting.
   
   I also recommend We Refused to Die by Gene S. Jacobsen as a companion read.
   
   I highly recommend Tears in the Darkness.
   
   Semper Fi!
   
   
   
   



3. Sort of like the movie "Letters From Iwo Jima," this book gave me a chance to learn about the average Japanese soldier and to begin to understand why Japan did what it did during the war. Nice read that will keep you turning the page.



4. The Normans' magisterial history of one of the darkest chapters of modern warfare is one of those rare books that transforms readers. Those who read this book will be affected in different ways; some by the inconceivable suffering and cruelty, and some by the courage and grace of those who suffered.
   
   The authors have included not only the entire history of the death march and imprisonment, but also the consequences of these things on individuals, especially Montana's courageous Army Air Force enlistee Ben Steele, one of the few who survived.
   
   There was one episode that was particularly telling. After the war Steele became an art professor, and the day came when a Japanese-American student entered his class, and all the horror and bitterness and desolation of his three years of imprisonment rushed back into Steele's mind. But then he learned that the student's Japanese-American family had been interned here in the States. Steele invited the student into his office for a heart-to-heart talk, and out of it came reconciliation. Ben Steele treated his Japanese student with all the fairness he could muster. Other readers will discover other treasures in this powerful and luminous history. But no reader will finish the book unchanged.



5. This extremely well-written and carefully researched book is the definitive study of the Bataan Death March and its aftermath. It is a must read for those interested in World War II in the Philippines. It also is a detailed and often shocking chronicle of the horrors of combat and the incredible inhumanity with which the victorious Japanese treated their prisoners.
   
   The book serves as a monument to the courage of the Filipino and American soldiers whose courageous stand slowed the Japanese juggernaut sufficiently for the allied reinforcements to save Australia, which then would become the launching pad for the counter attack which eventually won the war in the Pacific.
   
   Finally, it is a story of survival. The survival of Ben Steele and others who through both luck and determination lived through the years of abuse and deprivation to rejoin their families following the Japanese defeat.
   
   The book relies on extensive interviews with Americans, Filipinos and Japanese who took part in the events described. It follows Ben Steele, a young cowboy and evolving artist, through the horrific events of combat, the Death March, prison camp, the Hell Ships, slave labor in Japan and liberation. The book is illustrated by sketches made by Steele of his experiences. Surviving the war, he would become a successful artist and university instructor.
   
   J. Michael Houlahan
   Historian, Philippine Scouts Heritage Society

5 comments about The Book Thief.

1. This book kept me up at night, reading until my eyes were too heavy to fight. Read it. Inspiring and beautiful.



2. This has been reviewed well enough in these pages that I will not go too deeply into it.
   
   It is a very good book. The language is beautiful, the use of foreshadowing and introduction of characters and themes are very expertly done. Use of death as the narrator extremely novel and interesting and it works. It deals with a very difficult and much mined territory very effectively in an absolutely new and interesting way - it is humorous, and profoundly moving. My only gripe is with its being marketed as a book for kids. I think it is a book for everyone older than say thirteen.



3. It was a little long winded for no particular reason...
   I liked the book but I think a little less detail would have made it more tolerable.



4. I loved this book. you become entranced w/ the characters- i cried at the end- by far- one of my all time favorites.



5. This is a book that sneaks up on you. You realize you are seeing the holocaust from a completely different perspective than you ever have and then it becomes apparent that this is a very powerful and effective way to convey the horror and absurdity of war and the way that individual acts can still matter in a sea of military and political uniformity. This is certainly not a children's book nor is it's importance or appeal to be diminished with the label of "young adult" literature. It is literature plain and simple and a rewarding, powerful, enlightening and entertaining read for anyone old enough to appreciate and understand it.
   One of the best books I've read this or any other year.

5 comments about Horse Soldiers: The Extraordinary Story of a Band of US Soldiers Who Rode to Victory in Afghanistan.

1. My husband is a Vietnam Veteran and avid military history reader. He had not heard the Horse soldiers story and was thrilled to receive the book.I had heard the author talk on the radio and was very pleased to have purchased the book for Fathers Day.



2. This is not a Tom Clancy Novel. It is a non-fictional account of the unwavering courage of 12+ men who for a mere $50-60,000/ yr salary...risked their lives against overwhelming odds. If you had any doubts about the inhumane character of the Taliban, you won't after reading this book. The loss of only one American was equally unbelievable, fighting under such conditions. It is a great tribute to all of our military & CIA for preparing these men for this task, and then relying on their creativity and courage to overcome the obstacles no one could have forseen. It is a travesty to watch Nancy Pelosi,our Congress and the rest of Obama's administration attempt to weaken and challenge our brave men & women who keep us safe in America. Perhaps she should put herself in the sandals of an Afghan woman for a day. Once you start the book, you won't put it down.



3. I was very disappointed by this book. The prelude to the fighting in Afghanistan was very well written, the characters were developed, and the anticipation of what was to happen next was very high. That's where this book is a let down. The description of the actual combat was very confusing and had me re-reading previous pages to ensure that I hadn't missed something. This one left much to be desired as far as combat books go.



4. This book was purchased as a gift. It arrived via USMail in a timely fashion and it was new as stated.
   The recipient is very pleased with the book, its content and easy reading, etc. He highly recommends the book.



5. The story of 5th Group and the Northern Alliance is outstanding, but being a 20+ year veteran of Special Forces I was greatly disappointed in the research. After reading that Roger's Rangers fought against the British in the Revolutionary War as opposed to fighting with the British against the French in the French and Indian War I was amazed at such a historical error. Claiming Special Forces committed the majority of attrocities in Vietnam is just false. The story is good, the writing mediocre, and the research horrible.

3 comments about The Art of War.

1. Victor Mair is amazing! I own an older version of Sun Zi, and I have to say hands down that this is much more readable and insightful a piece of work. Mair is an excellent writer in his own right, and his expert scholarship is clear from the authoritative introduction, some 55 pages long but easy to read. I have devoured this book. It is hard to put down and it doesn't bog down. His translation is superior to the older Shambala edition. I enjoyed the discussion on putting the treatise into a historical and military context. Even the forward by another author, comparing Sun Zi with Clausewitz, is excellent, thought-provoking work. I think this moves Sun Zi scholarship forward but in a way that is also perfectly readable to the layman. Mair gives the more serious scholar ways to get more into the weeds in the notes section and in references to more academic papers he has done on the subject, which is fine by me.
   
   I highly recommend this to anyone interested the Sun Zi, tactics, and Chinese philosophy.



2. Dr. Victor H. Mair's 2007 scholarly book, "The Art of War: Sun Zi's Military Methods" (published by Columbia University Press), provides not only an accurate translation of The Art of War but also the most recent research into its origin.
   
   With a knack for Sinitic etymology, Sinitic lexicography, and the origins and evolution of Chinese script, Victor Mair pushed for Chinese language reforms in exceptional efforts such as how Chinese dictionaries should be best arranged. Dr. Mair's expertise allows him to break new ground in his Art of War translation and book which contains bold and original data, analyses, and theories. Like a scientist, he methodically asserts evidences to challenge our current knowledge and leaves us with renewed scholarship and appreciation for The Art of War. You won't regret owning this refreshing, authoritative, and well-researched edition.
   
   Victor Mair is a professor of Chinese language and literature at the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated from Dartmouth College (where he was captain of the Dartmouth basketball team and tasked to guard Bill Bradley from Princeton), served in the Peace Corps in Nepal, and holds a master's degree from University of London and a Ph.D. from Harvard University. He has taught at Kyoto University in Japan and at Sichuan University in China.
   
   After much debate and discussion, we at Sonshi are ranking Victor Mair's "The Art of War: Sun Zi's Military Methods" the #1 Art of War edition; how rare a book that courageously stands up to centuries of established thought, proceeds to knock it down with sound logic and proof, and succeeds in convincing even the Old Guard to change their views.



3. Mair's new translation does a great job of making "The Art of War" readable while better imbuing it with the feel of the Classical Chinese original.
   
   His explanations also shed new light on various aspects of this work by attempting to put it in broader context than many previous translators and annotators.
   
   I still think that every enthusiast of "The Art of War" ought to read the annotated Lionel Giles translation at least once--but without question, Victor H. Mair has created a genuinely valuable new translation that is superior to the work of most other modern Sinologists who tackled Sunzi's enduring masterpiece.

5 comments about Weapons of Choice (Axis of Time, Book 1).

1. I read this book when it first came out, then forgot I'd done so. Saw a copy in the bookstore recently and bought it. Oops. I think one of the jacket blurbs describes the novel as Clancyesque, and it sure is, in all the worst ways- the uber-bitchy female reporters, the loving descriptions of weapons, and the colorfully named and one-dimensional military heroes. The author, an Aussie, appears to have little familiarity with how actual Americans talk. He also has issues with the Japanese- they're generally portrayed as inhuman fanatics, and the 21st-century characters are calling them "Japs" almost as soon as they arrive in 1942. Bottom line- if you like Clancy, Thor, etc. then go for it.



2. Birmingham goes out of his way to produce a gross, un-P.C. WWII cast of characters that attack all persons other than white males who have arrived from the 21st century. The caricatures are laughable.
   
   Even worse, he takes 21st century women journalists and turns them into the lowest form of no-self-esteem sex maniacs.
   
   From both groups the language is foul and unappealing. It adds nothing to the story. I waded through 75% of the book, first because I like time travel and second because I like to find new authors/series. I appreciate that it was free and I would have been willing to pay full price for the "next in series".
   
   In this case I feel like I need to go take a shower.



3. It seems incredible that anyone would write a time traveler story without even giving a nod to the "Grandfather Effect". Wondering over that haunted my reading of the entire book.
   
   In America Girl SCOUTS not Guides sell cookies.
   
   When reading history of the WWII era from contemporary sources almost all sources refer to Russia as opposed to the Soviet Union.
   
   The writing became very sloppy in the last hundred odd pages with many words escaping sentences. Slow down and re-read before publishing!



4. Book's free, how can you go wrong, right? Well, you really can't with this. It's got some weak spots, a few weak characters, occasional slip ups with characters mentioning events, cultural icons that are supposed to be in the 2020's but in fact are in our time, but it's a fun read, perfect for the beach, airplane, any time and any place you want to mentally coast and be well entertained. I will say it ended a bit jarringly as I had forgotten that it is a trilogy. Got off the airplane, took the taxi home and immediately downloaded the second and third books. So, I have to say it isn't free since you will buy the second and probably the third, but the trilogy is certainly worth the $12 or $13.
   Net, net, it isn't great literature, but it's a heck of a lot of fun!



5. I downloaded this for free to my kindle and enjoyed reading it. It was a nice quick read like John Grisham. Instead of a young lawyer in trouble, it focused on an interesting combination of military history and Crighton type sci-fi. A fun, fast paced read if ultimately a little forgettable.