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A Soldier with the British Expeditionary Forces recounts his story of the horror of war. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (8)

best book on strategy , ever

Definitely the most profound book on strategy ever written ; war, business, sports... conflict and competition of any kind.

Great for understanding the Chinese way of thinking.

A book that is not easily understood on the first read. I have been rereading it for years. Mercifully short.

General Tao Hanzhang commentaries are very helpfull and insightful. Clear toughts from a man who defeated the Japanese empire and the nationalists backed by America!


Philippe de Vienne

Well known but weak.
This is a good book that is quoted often, but it is not a well written book, nor useful outside of quotes."The Book of Five Rings" by Miyamoto Musashi is a better read, better organized and more applicable as a transition comparison of ancient asian thought to modern life (which tends to be the use of these books).As far as strategy goes, I have always preferred "Strategy: The Logic of War and Peace" by Luttwak.Another very good book (but Intel related) is "Intelligence and Military Operations" by Handel.The later is tough to get for a good price.Of course there is "On War" by Carl von Clausewitz, often called the most quoted less read military book.In general, "Art of War" and "Book of Five Rings" can be found on the Internet (Google them with the search option of "filetype:pdf").Getting the book is good for that road trip, writing in the margins, and bookshelf.

One of the most important military books in history
The Warring States period Warring States Period 475-221 BCE is a history of constant warfare, of alliances and counter-alliances, and of treaties made and broken.The nature of warfare evolved during the period.During the Warring States period, political stability was impossible to gain by adventurous military action.With the advent of swelling ranks of soldiers, protracted sieges, and an ever increasing drain on state treasuries, warfare became a serious matter for study.

Thus, the opening remark of "The Art Of War" states--without exaggeration--war had become the most serious business of the state, the key to survival or ruin. The author of this and other pithy aphorisms on how to successfully fight a war was Sun Tzu.Sun Tzu scholars place his writing "The Art of War" in the Warring States Period, based on the descriptions of warfare in the text. The book has received great exposure in the west starting in the eighteenth century after being translated by a French missionary.It has been reported that Napoleon studied the text and effectively put many of its teachings to good use.For the past 2,000 years, it has been the most important military treatise in all of Asia, even known by name with the common people.Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese military figures have studied it and employed its concepts to good effect.This is especially evident in the military tactics of 20th century revolutionaries like Mao Zedong and Ho Chi Minh.

The book is comprised of 13 chapters.The thesis of Sun's work is one should employ an army after a thorough analysis mandated by careful planning and the formulation of an overall strategy before embarking on a campaign.Sun emphasizes rational self-control, influenced by Daoist teachings throughout the book.

Chap 1-Laying Plans
18. All warfare is based on deception. 19. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.

Chap 6-Weak Points And Strong
8. Hence that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.

The best translation is the Samuel B. Griffith edition

One of the most important military books in history
The Warring States period Warring States Period 475-221 BCE is a history of constant warfare, of alliances and counter-alliances, and of treaties made and broken.The nature of warfare evolved during the period.During the Warring States period, political stability was impossible to gain by adventurous military action.With the advent of swelling ranks of soldiers, protracted sieges, and an ever increasing drain on state treasuries, warfare became a serious matter for study.

Thus, the opening remark of "The Art Of War" states--without exaggeration--war had become the most serious business of the state, the key to survival or ruin. The author of this and other pithy aphorisms on how to successfully fight a war was Sun Tzu.Sun Tzu scholars place his writing "The Art of War" in the Warring States Period, based on the descriptions of warfare in the text. The book has received great exposure in the west starting in the eighteenth century after being translated by a French missionary.It has been reported that Napoleon studied the text and effectively put many of its teachings to good use.For the past 2,000 years, it has been the most important military treatise in all of Asia, even known by name with the common people.Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese military figures have studied it and employed its concepts to good effect.This is especially evident in the military tactics of 20th century revolutionaries like Mao Zedong and Ho Chi Minh.

The book is comprised of 13 chapters.The thesis of Sun's work is one should employ an army after a thorough analysis mandated by careful planning and the formulation of an overall strategy before embarking on a campaign.Sun emphasizes rational self-control, influenced by Daoist teachings throughout the book.

Chap 1-Laying Plans
18. All warfare is based on deception. 19. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.

Chap 6-Weak Points And Strong
8. Hence that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.

The best translation is the Samuel B. Griffith edition

Translation of the Art of War with commentary
Sun Tzu was ancient China's most renowned general. His classic text on strategy survived through the centuries and is still as applicable to war, politics and economics today as it was when Sun Tzu first drafted it. Many translations of Sun Tzu's manuscript are available, but this one is both attractive and focused. General Tao Hanzhang supplements the actual text with his commentary. Since he spent his entire professional life as a soldier, his interpretation makes Sun Tzu's guidance more applicable to contemporary situations. Thoughtful questions follow each brief chapter in this pocket-sized book. Though many readers have determined that aspects of this work are highly useful in business, some may find that translating military strategy to corporate life is too laborious, or may feel that Sun Tzu focuses their attention on conflict between businesses without addressing production issues or consumer needs. getAbstract thus recommends this immortal title to patient readers and to those interested in strategy in the broadest sense. ... Read more

Product Description
From the war-torn skies over Europe to the empty expanses of the Pacific, pilots were the vanguard of the American military machine during the dark days of World War II. Discover their experiences as numerous eyewitness accounts explore the terror, adrenalin and courage which defined aerial combat. Focusing on four elite fighter units across both the European and Pacific theaters of operations, readers gain a unique insight into the battles against Germany and Japan.

The book opens with the experience of 354th Fighter Group, the first fighter pilots to receive the legendary Mustang fighter, enabling them to finally take up the fight against the German Reich. Continuing the focus on the European Theater of Operations is the story of the 332nd Fighter Group - the Tuskegee Airmen - the only all-black unit of the airforce, revealing how they rose above discrimination to be feared by their enemies and revered by their colleagues.

The action then switches to the Pacific, where the crack 475th Fighter Group included amongst its ranks the highest scoring American pilots, the legendary Dick Bong and Tom McGuire. The book concludes with the story of the pilots based on Iwo Jima who risked their lives to fly hundreds of miles across the Pacific, with no hope of rescue, in order to attack the heavily defended Japanese mainland. Those who survived earned themselves membership of a unique society - the 'Tokyo Club'. In this moving and enthralling account, we pay tribute to these ordinary men who became extraordinary American heroes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Slapped-Together Collection of Previously Published Osprey Fighter Group Histories!
In the past, Osprey Publishing has occasionally cobbled together similarly-themed titles from their 'Elite Unit' or 'Aircraft of the Aces' series and created "a new title." WINGS OF COURAGE is one such offering, bringing together four USAF Fighter Group histories. In the past, I've had mixed feelings about such efforts. In the case of WINGS OF COURAGE, I'm afraid the whole isn't greater than the sum of its parts.

WINGS OF COURAGE brings together William Hess' 354TH FIGHTER GROUP; Chris Bucholtz's 332ND FIGHTER GROUP; John Stanway's 475TH FIGHTER GROUP; and Carl Molesworth's 15TH, 21ST AND 506TH FIGHTER GROUPS, which was originally published as VERY LONG RANGE MUSTANG UNITS OF THE PACIFIC WAR.

As can be seen, there is a vague link between the units in that that they flew fighters in WWII. Most of the FGs were PTO units; one served in the Med; one in the ETO. While there is some solid history here, Osprey left out so much material contained in the original volumes that I can't recommend this grab-bag. Almost all of the photos found in the original four volumes aren't included nor are ANY of the color profiles. Likewise, Osprey decided not to use any cover artwork from the original quartet of titles but substituted a PTO air combat scene from Donald Nijboer's P-38 LIGHTNING VS KI-61 TONY book.

WINGS OF COURAGE retails for $24.95 so, if you're short of pennies, and need an air combat fix, it will do. To my mind though, I'd rather spend the extra bucks and get the four separate volumes as issued.

... Read more

Product Description
Recollections and Letters shows all the varying facets of Lee's character. His letters reveal his personal warmth, bravery and concern for the South during and after the war. No other collection of source materials gives such a whole and rewarding picture of one of the South's greatest sons and heroes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Recollections and Letters of General Robert E. Lee
The book was in good condition (as I ordered) and it arrived in a timely manner, the price was excellent. My expericence was good and I would recommend them to any future buyers.

"A Great General"

Great book to read, full of information about a great general that fought with dignity, and pride for the Southern States. I quote the following:

"I can quote Lincoln upholding slavery. I can quote southerners that wanted to abolish slavery. I can prove that Lee had greater morals than Lincoln"

A Memory of Lee
This is one of the best books about Lee! It is written from his youngest's son's point of view. It's a great book for every library.

A Measure of the Marble Man
Robert E. Lee never had the chance to pen his own autobiography as U.S. Grant did. He meant to, but kept holding it off until heart disease claimed his life five years after the surrender of Appomattox.

Many of those who served under him during the Civil War wrote biographies of the great Confederate General, claiming to know how he felt, and what he thought. But only two of them really came close. The ponderous but solidly written "Memoirs of Robert E. Lee" by his Aide, Colonel Long, and this volume, comprised of letters actually written by Lee, and the remembrances of those who knew him well, and none more so than the author of the book, his own son, Captain Robert E.Lee, Jr.

Captain Lee describes his childhood in the Lee household, of General Lee's love of animals, especially horses. He describes a man who smiled, was warm, as compared to the austere, solemn descriptions and illustrations of him once the Civil War commenced. He writes how Lee agonized within his own family of the decision to leave the U.S. Army, and then join the Confederacy, even though wishing for a quiet, neutral life, and of Lee's personal losses during the war - a daughter who passed on, a son wounded and captured, the son's frail wife also passing on, and the known loss of their dearly beloved home in Arlington, which was turned into the national cemetery of the same name.

Captain Lee studiously avoids the controversial sides of Lee, his stand on slavery or the rights of the South, concentrating mainly on the personality of man and how he dealt with others.
This is a volume that belongs on the shelf of any Civil War buff, especially those interested in the life of Robert E. Lee.
I recommend this book, and Burke Davis' "Gray Fox" be purchased together. ... Read more

Product Description
Cadmus Marcellus Wilcox started off his military career as a promising young West Point cadet and proved himself in battle with service as an officer in the Mexican War. But when the South seceded in 1861, Wilcox, along with 305 other West Point graduates, sided with the Confederacy. Aside from the historical perspective his life provides, a closer analysis reveals Wilcox as a man whose life, like those of many of his colleagues, was forever altered by the Civil War. Author Gerard Patterson brings his little-known subject to life in this fascinating biography. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A good man.
Cadmus Wilcox is a great story about a solid but unspectacular man. How he raised himself to such a lofty position in the southern army is a very interesting. Following his early life to his West Point time is founded on good information. His Civil War exploits were solid and are written in a very interesting fashion. His sruggles after the war to his untimely and awkward death keeps this story very interesting.

Excellent yarn about a fine soldier and survivor.
This short book is an interesting and very well-written biography of a lesser known but still important general in Gen. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia.

After graduating from West Point in 1846 with Stonewall Jackson, George McClellan and George Pickett, Cadmus Wilcox served with distinction in the Mexican War. In 1852 he was named to serve as an assistant instructor of infantry tactics at West Point, contemporaneous with Robert E. Lee's appointment as superintendent of the academy. While there, Wilcox taught such future leaders of the Confederate forces as John Bell Hood, J.E.B. Stuart and Edward Alexander Porter.

Having been born in North Carolina and raised in Tennessee, it is perhaps no surprise that Wilcox followed those states out of the Union in 1861. In doing so, however, he left behind a very promising career in the U.S. Army, prompting the author to note that Wilcox's resignation from the army was undoubtedly tinged with some regret.

Upon reaching Richmond, Wilcox was given the temporary rank of colonel and assigned command of the 9th Alabama Infantry Regiment.In the fall of 1861, he was promoted to brigadier general and given command of what had been Edmund Kirby Smith's brigade of Alabama, Mississippi and Virginia troops.During the Peninsular Campaign, Wilcox found himself in command of three brigades, which he led during the Battle of the Seven Days, when Robert E. Lee first made his mark on the rebel army.

In command of such a large unit, Wilcox thought he should have been promoted to major general but that promotion did not come until long after he thought it was due.As the author shows quite clearly and convincingly, Wilcox's concern about promotion and his perceived slights at the advancement of other officers he considered less qualified was a recurring theme throughout his service in Lee's army.

Perhaps Wilcox's greatest moment of glory came at Chancellorsville, when he positioned his troops in the path of Union troops under Gen. Sedgwick who had broken through the thin Confederate line at Fredericksburg and were bearing down on the rear elements of Gen. Lee's divided and numerically inferior force that was heavily engaged with Gen. Hooker.According to the author, "Wilcox had saved the day with his initiative and decisiveness by preventing Sedgwick from reaching Chancellorsville."

After the frightful losses among Confederate officers at Gettysburg, Wilcox was finally promoted to major general and given command of what had been A.P. Hill's famous Light Division.Wilcox commanded this unit for the rest of the war, including in the Wilderness, at the North Anna River and during the long and ultimately unsuccessful defense of Petersburg.I found it particularly interesting to read of the contact Wilcox maintained with worried residents of Petersburg during and at the end of the siege, when he gave them some valuable information.Wilcox and his men surrendered, along with the rest of the Army of Northern Virginia, at Appomattox, where he renewed acquaintances among the Union Army, thus beginning on a personal level the process of re-unification that would be so vital to the country's future well-being.

To me, one of the most interesting parts of the book is the story of what happened to Wilcox after the war until his death in 1890.Immediately after the war, he and other Confederate officers traveled to Mexico and tried to sign on as mercenaries in the French Army supporting the Emperor Maximilian.The photograph on page 100 of these once-proud officers, cooling their heels in Mexico attired in fine civilian clothes, is one of the highlights of the book.Sadly, Wilcox never got his career back on track after the Civil War, either in the military or in the business world, but he was fortunate to have strong family ties that undoubtedly gave him the will to endure and make the best of the circumstances in which he found himself.The author's fine portrayal of Wilcox in these years is sensitive and poignant without being maudlin.Of particular interest is the running feud Wilcox had with James Longstreet, who seemed to enjoy drawing attention throughout the post-war years to what he regarded as Wilcox's deficiencies and mistakes as an officer in Lee's army.As the author explains, the relationship between the two generals deteriorated during the war and never recovered.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.The author writes very well, with thoughtful analysis and interesting insights, and makes excellent use of quotations from letters, diaries, newspapers and other original sources.I hope he tries his hand at larger topics in the future for he clearly has the skills as a researcher and writer to produce material that is well worth reading.



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Soon after the end of the Vietman War, memories of loss still fresh, top military leaders of defeated South Vietnam recorded their observations in a series of publications sponsored by the U.S. Center of Military History. Insightful and poignant, unaltered and unedited by the CMH, their distinctive stories are little known and long out of print.
Veteran historian Lewis Sorley has gathered, edited, and arranged these sixteen monographs for ease of reference and access, providing valuable glossary, biographies of the generals, and index. Augmented with Sorley's introduction and glosses, along with maps and contemporary photographs, The Vietnam War brings the South Vietnamese military experience into sharper perspective, at last available for wider use and appreciation. ... Read more

Product Description
It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words, but, during World War I, newspaper illustrations were worth even more, not only conveying the news to anxious families at home and soldiers in battle, but also entertaining and lifting the spirits of a nation at war.

Featuring work by some of the most well-known illustrators of the period fromW. Heath Robinson to Bruce Bairnsfather, this thematic collection of 250 WorldWar I magazine illustrations is published in association with The Illustrated London News (the British Harper's).

The illustrations included range from light-hearted strip cartoons and line drawings, to poignant sketches and dark
and hard-hitting political satire. The images not only depict events as they happened, but reveal all the moods of a nation at war. Many are published here for the first time in 90 years, creating a unique, bittersweet portrayal of the Great War and a fascinating and very human, historical and artistic reference source. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great art of the Great War
This book has a wonderful collection of cartoons and other artwork produced during World War I. These mostly reflect the views of the British. A good addition to anyone's collection of WWI books, this covers an aspect barely touched on by other books on the conflict.

Highly recommended for art libraries strong in military art history
Over 200 illustrations taken from the archives of the Illustrated London News covers a range of newspaper and magazine images, from strip cartoons and line drawings to sketches and paintings. Highly recommended for art libraries strong in military art history, and for any collection strong in World War II archives.
... Read more

Product Description
Herbert Curzon is a former cavalry officer who earned fortuitous distinction in the Boer War. He knew little then; he learned nothing since. But the army, desperate for officers in the opening months of WW I, hands Curzon, a new division to train.

A few months later his formations dissolve at the Somme, hosed down by German machine guns. Uninstructed, Curzon still thinks himself a leader. When a German offensive threatens his remaining troops, he gallops suicidally into the fighting. He prefers death to self-knowledge.

"THE GENERAL is a superb novel. It blends Forester's preference for military subjects and solid unreflective characters, his irony, his grasp of history and his gift for lean, hypnotic narrative." (The New York Times) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Gernerals and Politics.
This is the bestanti-war novel I have ever read.It shows the creation of motivationsfor war and military action that come out of the personalissues of Generals andpoliticians.It underlines very clearly the massive destruction of livesas a brutal meaningless war (WWI)in the trenches went on for no reason except the personal ambitions of generals and politiians.

Small volume, large value
This relatively slim volume is in fact a great story with universal lessons for all."The General" ranks as high as a general in teaching lessons about how lessons ought to be taught to our leaders, political and military.

price is high but so is the value!
I know that this N&A edition is priced high but I payed the $25.95 here at Amazon and I was not disappointed.The General is one of the best war books I've ever read.It tells the tale of Herbert Curzon as he rises through the ranks to being a general in the British military.It's brilliant in revealing the world, social and political, of WWI Britain.One admires "old-school" Curzon and those like him and yet one is also shocked at the inadequacy of "old-school" tactics and their results.This book is gritty and polished, much like the British officers it illustrates.The war bits are very good though tragic.I had read The African Queen and disliked it.This is the second book of Forester's that I've read and I thought it was brilliant.

Classic novel of the first world war.
This is one of C.S. Forester's first novels about war, published in 1936 and hence pre-dating Hornblower.

Like almost all the novels which Forester wrote before he created the Hornblower books, this is brilliant, far less well known today than it deserves, and consequently quite rare. The author H.G. Wells described "The General" as "a magnificent piece of work."

Some of Forester's other books, particularly those describing battles against opponents of whom he strongly disapproved of such as Hitler's nazis or indeed Napoleon, can come over as patriotic to the point of jingoism or chauvinism. This story does not come into that category and it would not be far from the truth to call it one of the first great anti-war novels.

If you collect books about war, and you are fortunate enough to find a copy of "The General" for sale at a remotely reasonable price, buy it at once.

This novel describes the military career of a fictional first world war general. It begins and ends between the wars, with a sharp pen-picture of the retired general Curzon sitting in a bathchair on Bournemouth Promenade, having lost his leg during the great war and never managed to learn to walk properly with an artificial one.

Then the story goes back to Curzon's first battle as a subaltern in 1899 during the Boer war, and follows him through to the climax of the book at the battle of St Quentin on March 21st 1918 when the last desperate German offensive nearly snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

Forester appears to have set out to do three things; to entertain, inform, and explain. He entertains with an engaging story; he informs by describing the ghastly conditions and waste of life which was the first world war in the trenches; and he tries to explain one possible answer to the question of how British commanders could possibly have given the orders which sent hundreds of thousands of young men to their deaths.

One of the most memorable passages in the book describes the debate as generals and senior staff officers of an army corps prepared a report of why the attack they had just organised had failed and how to succeed next time. "In some ways it was like the debate of a group of savages as to how to extract a screw from a piece of wood. Accustomed only to nails, they had made one effort to pull out the screw by main force, and now that it had failed they were devising methods of applying more force still ... they could hardly be blamed for not guessing that by rotating the screw it would come out after the exertion of far less effort".

But that does not mean that Forester is simply repeating the popular caricature of First World War generals as dangerous idiots. Although he is critical of the mistakes of the generals who wasted so many lives, his criticism is far more sophisticated than the old "Lions led by donkeys" cliche.

Although Curzon, the central figure of this book, is old fashioned and conventional, he is intelligent enough to change his mind when confronted with clear evidence of the need to do so, and decisive enough to enforce that change of mind on others when many men would freeze in panic. Had he been as stupid as some reviewers make out, Curzon would not have survived the first few months of World War 1, let alone been rapidly promoted.

He is intelligent enough to realise that his men need to eat and to make sure that they are fed properly, and to make use of officers who understand newfangled things like engineering, railways, or how many men it takes to carry a gas canister. He is ruthless enough to sack staff officers who are not up to the job even when one of them is his wife's cousin.

Within minutes of arriving at the front and seeing what artillery and machine-guns can do, Curzon abandons his pre-war attitude of deliberately evading training on how to dig trenches, and instead orders his men to dig for their lives, demanding compliance from junior officers who are afraid that the men might get dirt on their uniforms. "God damn it, man!" he explodes, "Get your men digging, and don't ask damn fool questions."

In the first round of battles in the Great War, heroic efforts from Curzon in the face of greatly superior german numbers prevent the British from being flanked and probably defeated at the First Battle of Ypres. Having fought with distinction up to this point, he is promoted to much more senior positions. But then things start to go wrong.

Forester makes a great many good points about the need to use the tactics which will win the current battle rather than the last war: indeed, thateven the tactics which won earlier battles of the current war should be dropped if they are out of date. But that is not the only message he is trying to put over.

The main theme of "The General" is a World War One version of the Peter Principle. The very qualities which make Curzon successful on the battlefield up to and including the command of a brigade have disastrous consequences for England when he is a Lieutenant-General commanding an army corps, and when both he and all the other senior officers of the army are still displaying the characteristics which colonels and brigadiers need to hold their regiments in the line.

Forester states quite explicitly in the book that the very strengths of the World War One generals, not just their weaknesses, were part of the problem. I quote - "It might have been ... more advantageous to England if the British Army had not been quite so full of men of high rank who were so ready for responsibility, so unflinchingly devoted to their duty, so unmoved in the face of difficulties, of such unfaltering courage."

This book is an unforgettable classic.

Generals fighting the last war
While most of the authors novels were set during the time of Napoleon, some were set at later times including the well known novel, "The African Queen," and this lesser known novel, "The General," both of which were set during World War I.It has often been said that generals plan tactics based on the last war.Napoleon had developed tactics based on an artillery barrage followed by an attack by infantry and cavalry.The British Army was still trying to use those tactics at the start of World War I, ignoring the change in armaments which included the introduction of machine guns.

Herbert Curzon is an officer from the old school, entering World War I in command of a lancer regiment, expecting to charge the enemy on horseback.Command of machine guns had been relegated to a lieutenant "who did not sit a horse very well," and most officers did not study the tactics of their use.They did not expect to fight on foot, and did not carry entrenching tools.The machine guns quickly became the most critical part of the battle, and men had to dig in the best they could in the muddy ground.

The British were slow to learn new tactics, and still adhered to the tactics developed by Napoleon well into the war.Curzon is given promotions, partly because he survives and impresses the War Office with his reputation for holding his positions, and partly because he marries the daughter of a Duke who has a position in the government.He rapidly rises to Lieutenant General and Corps commander.The novel ends when he is badly wounded trying to rally his men against a German offensive which is breaking the British lines.

The novel illustrates the muddle that occurred during the war.Officers had little experience trying to handle the orders necessary for the movement of half a million men, and there was an insufficient number of experienced officers.Reserves were in the wrong place, roads became clogged preventing movement, officers had a fixation on large assaults across torn up ground that their own artillery had rendered impassible.It rained, turning land into swamps where the artillery had destroyed the drainage systems.Changes to tactics were very slow.Observations were by balloons and airplanes instead of cavalry patrols.Tanks were introduced, but too few, and not readily accepted by the generals.

Hundreds of thousands of men were lost for little purpose.It is truly amazing that the government did not totally collapse, but they did not have the news media of our present day; and they had almost hysterical patriotism, with young women publicly shaming men who would not volunteer to go to the front.

The novel ends halfway through the war, when Curzon is badly wounded.

The novel was published in 1936.The forward indicates that it was used as a military manual in some countries. ... Read more

Product Description
James Maurice Gavin left for war in April 1943 as a colonel commanding the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division--America's first airborne division and the first to fight in World War II. In 1944, "Slim Jim" Gavin, as he was known to his troops, at the age of thirty-seven became the 82nd's commanding general--the youngest Army officer to become a major general since the Civil War. At war's end, this soldier's soldier had become one of our greatest generals--and the 82nd's most decorated officer.

Now James Gavin's letters home to his nine-year-old daughter Barbara provide a revealing portrait of the American experience in World War II through the eyes of one of its most dynamic officers. Written from ship decks, foxholes, and field tents--often just before or after a dangerous jump--they capture the day-to-day realities of combat and Gavin's personal reactions to the war he helped to win. And provide an invaluable self-portrait of a great general, and a great American, in war and peace.

The book's more than 200 letters begin at Fort Bragg in 1943 and continue to December 1945, as Gavin came home to lead the 82nd at the head of the Victory parade in New York. This correspondence constitutes the majority of Gavin's private wartime letters, but except for rare appearances in regimental newsletters, it has never before been published.

In her Introduction, Epilogue, and Notes, Barbara Gavin Fauntleroy gives a privileged glimpse of the private man. Edited by Gayle Wurst, the book features historical overviews by Starlyn Jorgensen, a preface by noted Gavin biographer Gerard M. Devlin, and a foreword by Rufus Broadaway, Gavin's aide-de-camp. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

A "Couldn't Put it Down" Kind of Book
Barbara Gavin and her father's letters made history and WWII come to life in a way that has never before touched me.The letters are full of insight and a father's love. But what really made it all come to life is the historical background added to the letters that make the book a complete piece. I've personally sent copies of this book to many people I know in the military.Even today, in 2009, I hear young and old soldiers talk fondly of General Gavin. It's now circulating amoung many pilots, former pilots, history buffs, 82nd Airbourne members and friends who all rave about this read.

I think teachers would love to add it to their circulum as an additional resouce for kids to learn about WWII.

Excellent book
This book is a great piece of WWII history. I purchased it because my son is named after this general. It is beautiful to see how people wrote letters before the times of computers and texting.

It's a 'must' for any serious, in-depth World War II collection
THE GENERAL AND HIS DAUGHTER: THE WARTIME LETTERS OF GENERAL JAMES M. GAVIN TO HIS DAUGHTER BARBARA provides an excellent portrait of the American experience in World War II, telling of a commander who at the age of 37 became the 82nd Parachute Infantry's commanding general, and the youngest to become a major general since the Civil War. His letters were written from the field to his nine-year-old daughter Barbara and provide plenty of 'you are there' insights into the realities of combat. It's a 'must' for any serious, in-depth World War II collection, especially libraries specializing in memoirs and writings from participants.

Straight From the Heart
This is an absolutely marvelous book. Barbara Gavin Fauntleroy has given us a very personal glimpse of a Soldier's Soldier who led his men from the front and was truly one of the great Generals of WW II. General Gavin's letters reveal the sensitivity and love that he maintained despite the strains of combat and command. One cannot read this book without feeling that you have shared so much of the personal experience as well as the love and devotion he showed to his daughter. It is a book that lifts the spirit and makes you respect the "Two Star Platoon Leader' even more.

the general and his daughter
A unique footnote to World War II, and an unusual view of a famous general ... Read more

Product Description
The story of "Oh! Hast Thou Forgotten" begins in the summer of 1862 in Kent County, Michigan, and it ends with the close of the Gettysburg Campaign in mid July 1863.It is the story George Thomas Patten, a young husband and father who wrests with his conscious over what could, and will be his part in defense of the Union in the Civil War. Over the objections of his father, who has grown weary of burying many young West Michigan men under the sod in local cemeteries, and who fears for the life of his only son, George Thomas Patten enlists in the 6th Michigan Cavalry Regiment. The regiment is mustered into the United States Cavalry, and departs Grand Rapids, Michigan on a cold blustery winter day for Washington City on December 10, 1862. In April 1863 Sgt. Patten, while posted on the defense perimeter of the Capitol, learns of the death of his wife, leaving behind a young son. His regiment is dispatched to the Gettysburg Campaign, under the command of Brigadier General George Armstrong Custer. The campaign culminates at the Battle of Falling Waters, where Sgt. George Thomas Patten pays the ultimate price of liberty. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Oh! Needs An Editor
I bought this book directly from the author. He had set up a booth at the 2009 Jackson MI Civil War reenactment. I chatted with the author who seemed nice enough. He had written a book based on letters written by his ancestor Sgt. George T Patten who served in the 6th Michigan Cavalry. As Michigan in the Civil War is one of my main interests,I bought the book and I eagerly started reading as soon as I arrived home. The book turned out to be a confusing mixture of historical fiction and an account of the Gettysburg Campaign. Neither approach works. The imagined conversations do not ring true. The historical account bounces around and contains information not related to Michigan Cavalry Brigade.(Such as an account of Joshua Chamberlain and the 20th Maine on Little Round Top.) Mr. Hamilton states more than once that 51,000 were killed on both sides at Gettysburg. Total CASUALTIES of killed, wounded and captured were about 51,000. The number of killed at Gettysburg will never be known but estimates range between 6,000 and 8,000. The maps are OK and were obtained from the National Park Service. The photos are a mixed bag. I liked the photos of the flags carried by the Michigan Brigade. However, the same photo of Sgt. Patten is placed on four different pages. There are also four photos of Gen. Custer, three of Gen. Kilpatrick, three of Maj. Weber, and multiple photos of others as well. I have never seen this in a book before. Toward the back of the book there is a list of the officers of the 6th MI Cavalry totaling 71 pages. It appears this was added simply to lengthen the book. With proper editing and a complete rewrite, this could be an adequate article for a magazine such as Civil War Times. This is a disappointment as a book. I would only buy this if it was in the bargain bin.

I Loved It!
I finished reading Oh! Hast Thou Forgotten.You have written a compelling story of the Michigan troops at Gettysburg.I appreciated the detailed descriptions of the life that these men left behind and the struggles and challenges they faced.Some of the numbers of casualties are shocking.I was able to visualize the battles with the thundering horses, the blazing weapons, and the slashing swords.

Thank you for sharing this history.

Shirley Roberts
Playa del Rey, CA

A work of historical fiction, but it reads like the real thing
Richard L. Hamilton, author of three unpublished books of Patten-Hamilton genealogy, calls this book a work of historical fiction, but it reads like the real thing.

Primarily written in the first person, it is the tale of George Thomas Patten, who enlisted in the 6th Michigan Cavalry in the autumn of 1862. The book follows his military experiences and personal tragedies through his death in combat at Falling Waters, West Virginia July 14th 1863 while engaging Lee's retreating army.

The 6th Michigan Cavalry was commanded at the battle of Falling Waters by 22 year old Brigadier General George Armstrong Custer. which should help sales.

What makes "Oh! Hast Though Not Forgotten" a good read is the honest story of George Thomas Patten. He just feels like the real McCoy. I think you will like him too. Several of his relatives also served in the 6th Michigan Cavalry, which remind us that families often served together in these volunteer state regiments. They lived as neighbors, enlisted together, suffered together, faced the reality of combat together and took care of their own dead.

Plenty of pictures are present, and an index which helps keep the characters straight. The editing could have been stronger, eliminating some duplicate pictures and lengthy narrative.

Richard N. Larsen
Reviewer

Oh, Why Did I Bother?
Now that the author's friends and relatives have had their say, perhaps a more objective appraisal is in order.

The book is readable enough, yes. But a serious historical work it isn't. Has the author never encountered the idea of citing primary sources, or for that matter citing anything? A university professor would not accept this sort of "scholarship" from a freshman. There's nothing whatever new here, and what might have been a useful addition to the subjects of the Gettysburg Campaign and the Federal cavalry simply isn't.

On top of which, the maps are really, really dreadful -- confused and hard on the eye -- and the quality of illustrations not much better.

On the whole, this is a rather amateur work.

Oh! Hast Thou Forgotten
This is a very personal look back at the author's great great grandfather, George Patten, who at age 28 in the summer of 1862 joins a calvary unit from his home state of Michigan to do his part in the American Civil War.He leaves behind his parents, a beloved wife and a young child to fight for a cause in which he deeply believes.

Through the eyes of Quartermaster Sergeant Patten we follow his journey from Grand Rapids, Michigan, where his company is trained to the long train journey to Washington City where he sees action in the battle of Gettysburg and a few days later in the battle of Falling Waters in West Virginia. His company, decimated by the Gettysburg battle, is ordered to charge a rebel position defended by hundreds of soldiers.Great great grandfather Patten writes a touching letter home before the battle and as he feared he is killed in a hopeless charge.

Author Richard Hamilton uses letters from Patten along with dozens of primary sources to flesh out the story of this union farmer in his last year of life.Through Patten we see the horror of our nation's most awful war and the effect it had on one man's family.The troop maneuvering of generals, the political machinations of politicians are all there but it is the foot soldiers, George Patten and his comrades in arms, who do the dying and suffering.Hamilton never loses track of this and "Oh! Hast Thou Forgotten" is never far from this truth of war.

... Read more

Product Description
From camp to battlefield, Keith Rocco's brilliant paintings evoke the drama, emotion and action of the Civil War. Twenty four full color paintings and many additional color vignettes, including some published here for the first time, tell the story of the war from the perspective of the soldiers who fought it. ... Read more

Product Description
The wonderful wordplay of J. Patrick Lewis breathes new life into the speeches of Lincoln, the letters of Grant and Lee, and the moving human drama of our country's Civil War. Lewis' poignant poetry gives young readers a vivid insight into the brutal conflict that tore America apart. The author draws on primary-source books and articles to inspire each poem, bringing the ordinary and extraordinary voices of the Civil War to light. The book also includes a note from the Photo Editor on the authentic period images used throughout. Readers experience history directly as it was lived by Americans in the 1860s. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Amazing photographic essay!
This book provides a more personal view of the Civil War by integrating photos with letters and other more personal accounts of the war. Though it does not contain primary source documents, the author has done a wonderful job of adding a voice to the events by recreating these fictionalized documents. ... Read more

Product Description
Beginning with Julius Caesar, who is still considered to be the best solider-writer of all time, history has witnessed a strong tradition of warriors mixing the pen with the sword. In I Am Soldier John Keegan has compiled over 50 stories of soldiers on campaign, from Biblical times through the war in Yugoslavia.

I Am Soldier covers all the famous wars and many of the most-famous types of warriors throughout time. There's the Roman Centurion, the Spartan hoplite, the Greek Satrap, the Byzantine Horseman, the Serban Jannisary, the Christian Crusader, and the American Revolutionary. In the modern period there's the Confederate soldier, the French Poilu of the First World War, the American Paratrooper of WWII, and the US Marine of the Korean War.

Each chapter describes what life was like from the point of view of an actual soldier. In the ancient period, where the written record is sketchy, the chapters draw on archaeology and the surviving chronicles from the time. Beginning with the medieval period, where it began to be possible for common soldiers to also be literate, chapters draw on combatants' memoirs.

A particularly poignant story recounted in I Am Soldier is that of Marie Magdelaine Mouran.In the 17th Century, few avenues were open to a woman bent on adventure. A hard home life and the threat of life of menial peasant labor--or worse--caused Marie to don a soldier's cloth and sign-up to serve a company commanded by Captain Destone of the Royal Walloon Regiment in France. Marie soldiered as 'Picard' for a year and a half, ending up in the garrison at Sisteron, a fortress guarding the Durance river in Provence. After a serious wounding in battle, her secret was discovered. A captain pressed charges against her and had her imprisoned--not because of her deceit, but because she had deserted his regiment for one with higher pay. Although the record is unclear, it appears that Marie never emerged from her prison cell.

The picture that emerges from I Am Soldier is not of the differences between fighters of different periods, but of the principles that unite them: discipline, valor, the importance of good leadership, and human limit to which soldiers on campaign are pushed in every age.

'Down in the Delta is where the dying began. ... Now we met real enemy units, in company and battalion size, got into day-long fights, and lost people in serious numbers. By late spring more than two-thirds of our original men had gone ... There is no training that prepares a solider for all of this.' -John Young, The Vietnam War, 1956-1975 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Faces in the battles
Richard Holmes is a well-respected British war historian and this collection of his brings together written images of the soldiers and wars from antiquity through the modern era. Though it's a thin book, about 240 pages, there are better than fifty profiles. The early examples rely on archeology in addition to written documents, and with more modern literacy we get the soldier's own words in later profiles. Roman, Spartan, Japanese, Greek, French, American, Serbian, Christian crusader... They all appear as human first, their background and military indoctrination examined, and then later as soldiers. There's a lot of commonality through the centuries which is surely the main point of the book.

It's a worthwhile book, vast in scope, yet relatively short. I think of it as a compliment to the excellent Faces of Battle (The Face of Battle) which took a more in depth look at a handful of archetypal soldiers (British soldiers at Agincourt, Waterloo, and the Somme). This is much farther ranging, but gives only a feel for the environment of each of the soldiers rather than the detailed, gritty exploration by Keegan. ... Read more

Product Description
The Jedi are taught to use the Force for good; to avail themselves only to the light side. But the dark side can be a dangerous temptation to even the strongest Jedi. Set against the backdrop of the Clone Wars, this novel-length adventure is filled with espionage, betrayal, and amazing lightsaber battles. It all begins with a dangerous undercover assignment that leads to... well, we dare not reveal the shocking ending! A story that is sure to have Star Wars fans talking - and wondering whether the fate of the Jedi lies in the light, or the dark. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Light and Dark (Star Wars: Clone Wars, Vol. 4)
Interesting view of Count Dooku in this book. Part of a series and as previously recommended, get all of them and then you will see how far Dooku really has fallen to the dark side. Good graphics, good dialogue.
Well done.

Great comic book!!
This is a great series! Absolutely worth to begin an excellent Star Wars series! The art is great and there are a lot of details and things to watch in these magazines.

A good story of the Jedi attempting espionage
This book was an enjoyable read that dealt with Quinlan Vos against Count Dooku and Aayla Secura against Aurra Sing.It doesn't add much to the overall Star Wars story like Volume 5 does, but it is worth reading.

What's not to like?
Another great Clone Wars graphic novel. Only this time, it's starring Quinlan Vos. Lot's of Clone Wars action, but this book is good for other reasons besides the plot. I may have forgotten to mention in my other reviews of TPB's, so I'll say it here. EXCELLENT ART! Nice explosions, battles, and the characters all look like their movie counterparts. That goes for every Clone Wars graphic novel. All I can say now about the Clone Wars series is that it keeps getting better and better.

Awesome!
I am something of a Star Wars nerd, I'll admit.This was a great read.The fact that it focused on characters besides the main ones we met in Episodes 1, 2 & 3 was satisfying for those of us who hunger for more Star Wars insight.The graphics were gorgeous, the story compelling. This is a must have for Star Wars fans, and pretty dang good for non-SW folks, too! ... Read more

Product Description
Confederate General P.G.T.Beauregard once wrote that "no people ever warred for independence with more relative advantages than the Confederates."If there was any doubt as to what Beauregard sought to imply, he later to chose to spell it out: the failure of the Confederacy lay with the Confederate president Jefferson Davis. In Jefferson Davis' Generals, a team of the nation's most distinguished Civil War historians present fascinating examinations of the men who led the Confederacy through our nation's bloodiest conflict, focusing in particular on Jefferson Davis' relationships with five key generals who held independent commands: Joseph E. Johnston, Robert E. Lee, P.G.T. Beauregard, Braxton Bragg, and John Bell Hood.Craig Symonds examines the underlying implications of a withering trust between Johnston and his friend Jefferson Davis.And was there really harmony between Davis and Robert E. Lee?A tenuous harmony at best, according to Emory Thomas. Michael Parrish explores how Beauregard and Davis worked through a deep and mutual loathing, whileSteven E. Woodworth and Herman Hattaway make contrasting evaluations of the competence of Generals Braxton Bragg and John Bell Hood. Taking a different angle on Davis' ill-fated commanders, Lesley Gordon probes the private side of war through the roles of the generals' wives, and Harold Holzer investigates public perceptions of the Confederate leadership through printed images created by artists of the day. Pulitzer Prize-winner James M. McPherson's final chapter ties the individual essays together and offers a new perspective on Confederate strategy as a whole. Jefferson Davis' Generals provides stimulating new insights into one of the most vociferously debated topics in Civil War history.Amazon.com Review
Jefferson Davis's Generals is one of the most completeexaminations of the Confederate president's relationship with his topmilitary officers. A collection of essays edited by Gettysburg Collegeprofessor GaborS. Boritt, it benefits from a variety of viewpoints and conciseinterpretations. Davis's reputation as a wartime leader inevitablysuffers in comparison to Abraham Lincoln, as JamesM. McPherson (author of Battle Cry ofFreedom) points out: "Davis was thin-skinned and lackedLincoln's ability to work with critics for a common cause." Hisrelationship with General Joseph E. Johnston is deemed"dysfunctional" on these pages, and another writer says his dealingswith General P.G.T. Beauregard "reeked of mutual loathing." Afterthe war, both Johnston and Beauregard blamed Davis for the South'sdefeat. EmoryM. Thomas offers a revisionist view of Davis and his most famouscommander, Robert E. Lee: "Historians have believed, as theConfederate president believed, that Lee and Davis were in strategicaccord when, in fact, they were not." This is a provocative idea, butit is argued persuasively here. Davis, says Thomas, wanted to fight anessentially defensive war of attrition; Lee believed all along thatonly a speedy war would secure Southern independence. Another essay,by LesleyJ. Gordon, focuses on the neglected subject of how Davis and hisgenerals' wives influenced their husbands. Many readers will no doubtwant to delve deeper into the issues raised in Jefferson Davis'sGenerals, and the book's final pages offer a very helpfulnarrative bibliography for further reading. --John J. Miller ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

It all comes down to relationships
This book is a series of essays about Jefferson Davis' relationships with his generals. Each essay looks at a specific general.The southern officer corps literally came from the US Army, when US officers resigned their commissions and offered their services to their states.Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses and this book details those of Jefferson and his leading commanders.Most of the leaders of the Confederacy were Southern Gentlemen with a sense of honor and were sensitve to preceived insults which seems to hamper the abilty of anyone to discuss differing points of view.Jefferson found himself trying to defend the entire Confederacy against a stronger foe.The political reality was that he could not abandon the frontiers which supplied troops and supplies and political will to continue the fight.He found it impossible to dismiss generals who irritated him.I found the book enjoyable and comprehensive.I would recommend it to people interested in why the South lostA comparable look at personal relationships, which includes the Union can be found in Partners In Command

A complicated topic.......
This book is actually a collection of essays examining Jeff Davis' relationship with five of the eight Confederate Generals of "four star" rank; Davis was a difficult, vain, man who, unfortunately, believed those who, at the onset of the war, said that he was a great military leader in his own right. The President was a West Pointer, as were all eight full Generals, and 14 of the 17 Lieutenant Generals...he wanted to hold every inch of territory, and wear the Yankees out [as did Joe Johnston]; others wanted to win a GREAT BATTLE [Lee, Hood]; either strategy MIGHT have worked, but the mixture of the two insured disaster.

My disagreement with this book centers on the conclusions drawn about the results of the good or bad relationships: the author feels that the Confederacy was not harmed by Davis' dislike of Beauregard and poisonous dislike of Joe. I would submit that the South was badly hurt when great leaders were shunted to backwater commands. Jeff did like Robert E. Lee, thank God, and Hood; I would again disagree with the author and assert that John Bell Hood was a great fighting Officer who had good strategy, but bad breaks. Of course, the authors are right about Braxton Bragg, a loyal, devoted, military genius who was such an unpleasant person that he never should have had a field command...behind a desk in Richmond, he could have done for Davis what Marshall did for FDR in WWII.

There is an interesting chapter on the leader's marriages...Davis, Bragg, and Joe had rock-solid marriages to devoted and helpful wives...Lee and Beauregard suffered misery. Beauregard was problaby unfaithful, though he was also probably a better father than Lee. [Hood was single at the time]. General Lee is said to have liked the attention of pretty young girls [what middle age man doesn't?], but his honor, and faith, kept him from going further...

This really isn't a "bad" book...it is well written, and offers some interesting insights. If you have a couple of dollars, and hours, to spend, you could do worse...I know that I have.

Jeff Davis and his commanding generals.
Why did the South lose the war?Well, Jefferson Davis interfered with the role his commanding generals played in their respective theaters.Davis enjoyed a good relationship with Robert E. Lee but less desireable relationships with Johnson and Bragg.The Western commanders and the Army of Tennessee were a less dangerous foe to the Union forces.
In this book of essays from different authors, Davis's relationship with such generals as Johnson, Bragg, Hood, Lee, and others are portrayed. His interference in their commands made the difference in the West.Lee was more of a diplomat and managed to cope and modify Davis's demands for the Army of Northern Virginia.Also portrayed is a unique essay on how the wives of these Generals also had an effect on the war.Jeff Davis was a poor commander, and most of his Generals (with the exception of Lee) failures.Lincoln was the better Commander in Chief and that is one of the reasons he won the war.
A good read about the command function of the leader of a nation.
This book stirs your interest in why the South lost and the North won. ... Read more

Product Description
Most scholarly studies devoted to examining the entire Cold War period focus almost exclusively on Soviet-American relations, thus neglecting other important aspects of the war. In addition to the global contest between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, the history of the Cold War involves a wide range of issues relating to geopolitics, political economy (both international and domestic), and political development in all parts of the world. This international study provides a fresh perspective on the Cold War through an exploration of many of these issues, including: changes in the global distribution of power; advances in warfare technology; shifts in the balance of social and political forces within and among nations; the evolution of the world economy; and the transformation of the Third World. David Painter offers a compact, sophisticated analysis of how all of these factors intersected to produce, prolong and eventually end the Cold War. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (7)

Nine outstandingly well-written accounts of Southern victories that might have been.
272 pages long and edited- emphasis, *edited* by Peter G. Tsouras, "Dixie Victorious" is an outstanding book from two publishers. One, Greenhill Books/Lionel Leventhal Ltd., is British, while the other, MBI Publishing, is American. It contains nine accounts of how the CSA could have won, or rather, not lost, the American Civil War. One story, "Confederate Black and Gray" is written by Tsouras, a what-if depicting the South beginning to bring blacks into the Confederate armed forces on a much larger scale than they ever did. All the rest are from other writers of alternate history, discussing different ways the South could have emerged victorious. In some cases, the South doesn't do much any different, but does gain the foreign recognition and aid it so desperately sought throughout its existence. One thing the stories all have in common, however, regardless of their writer, is their talking of what could have been as if it actually happened. So, in "Ships of Iron and Wills of Steel", the writer refers to things that would actually exist in the world that particular victory would have created, and talks as if he is a historian writing about a Civil War that the CSA really won. For one thing, Wade G. Dudley, author of that particular story, says towards the end that the Confederate States of today celebrates its victory in the war on "Navy Day", so named for the significance of a strengthened CS Navy in defeating a US Navy force and cutting off McClellan after he launches an amphibious invasion of Virginia. He notes that the US, however, forever makes silent protest against the success of secession, draping the now-empty Southern Senate seats in black and flying flags at half mast.

Each writer also makes notes on the reality of the particular aspect of the war that his story covers, telling what actually happened after discussing in such great detail what could have.

I read this book and enjoyed it because the stories were superbly well-written and researched, as was each's account of what really happened. That I do in fact wish the South had won, and hold a favorable view of the CSA, only made reading about all those ways the South could've pulled through and come out on top more fun. But anyone with a genuine interest in the Civil War, the CSA, and especially alternate history should have a look at "Dixie Victorious". Whether you're glad the South lost or sincerely wish it hadn't, if you have a genuine interest in history this book will surely interest you. I highly recommend it, but note last of all that it is not a book for the casual reader. Anyone but a serious history reader will likely get bored, lose track of units, commanders, ships and battles, or somesuch. I know some people who can't go anywhere more expensive and dignified than a McDonald's, on account of their unwillingness to sit still and not raise hell for more than five minutes. So somebody who lacks serious historical interest getting bored with this fine book is entirely possible. But a serious reader? Not likely.

Better
Having read Third Reich Victorious and Rising Sun Victorious which were also edited by Peter G Tsouras I have to say this was the best of the bunch.These ten stories seemed well researched and fairly plausible.None of the stories had the Confederacy invading and taking over the north.That would have been out of the realm of possibility.These stories focus more on the south being able to stalemate the north long enough for possible real life events to change such as European intervention or McClellan winning the 1964 election.The stories are not interconnected but the stories are presented in chronological order.I find the writing for all the authors to be very good.I think this is a must buy for any alternate history fans.

And the South wins, again and again and again...
_Dixie Victorious_ is an intriguing exploration of alternative outcomes for the American Civil War. Peter Tsouras compiled several well-researched essays from learned historians, many who have contributed to his other alternate history collections which focus on other interesting periods, such as World War II and the Cold War. The articles begin with varying amounts of historically accurate events surrounding a key battle or political decision, then, following a key change of mind or plan, they launch into the course of the alternative path as if it had truly occurred, including footnotes and references to imaginary texts published in the alternate "present" world where the South had won. This unusual and clever feature works with varying success, depending on the author: some used the footnotes well in including additional details within and beyond their subject, while others left me doubting the accuracy of the notes to actual references used. The counterfactual essays finish with a feature I found particularly helpful: an account of what actually happened at the time and discussion comparing the two. There are some basic but well done line-drawing maps illustrating the articles too, which I particularly enjoyed in their simple but elegant design.

I came upon this book after reading _The Confederate States of America: What Might Have Been_ which was so well written, it left me wanting more. I've always been fascinated with the Civil War and war gaming as well; rereading rules of a Civil War oriented board game led me to search out books on the subject to teach me possible strategies in playing. I didn't quite find what I was looking for despite the wealth of information contained in the book. For example, the authors go into detailed categorization of the order of battle of involved military units, and the course of action each pursued in battle. Perhaps I'm not enough of a grognard to appreciate such specifics. Military historians will likely enjoy this depth of detail, but I found it wearing after a while.

If you're a historian or history buff looking for subject material for writing a paper on different outcomes for the Civil War, then this is the book for you. If you're like me, more a general enthusiast who prefers history books that cover a wider range of sub-topics such as politics or social issues, you might get more out of _The Confederate States of America: What Might Have Been_, by Roger Ransom, which addresses economical and political issues surrounding the Civil War as much as the military outcomes. Military history aficionados will have much here to enjoy.

dixie victorious
readable but again like confederate states of america fairly dry and a little too academic. did not quite grip the imagination but then again fratricide generally does not.

Civil War in General
I have been a buff of the american civil war and I like to have alwasy like to read stories of what might have been. Stories like this rate up there Harry Turtledove`s stories on it and Newt Gringrich`s so if I ever find stories on it I try to buy them. Bruce ... Read more

Product Description

" On April 30, 1975, Saigon and the government of South Vietnam fell to the communist regime of North Vietnam, ending -- for American military forces -- exactly twenty-five year of courageous but unavailing struggle. This is not the story of how America became embroiled in a conflict in a small country half-way around the globe, nor of why our armed forces remained there so long after the futility of our efforts became obvious to many. It is the story of what went wrong there militarily, and why. The author is a professional soldier who experienced the Vietnam war in the field and in the highest command echelons. General Palmer's insights into the key events and decisions that shaped American's military role in Vietnam are uncommonly perceptive. America's most serious error, he believes, was committing its armed forces to a war in which neither political nor military goals were ever fully articulated by our civilian leaders. Our armed forces, lacking clear objectives, failed to develop an appropriate strategy, instead relinquishing the offensive to Hanoi. Yet an achievable strategy could have been devised, Palmer believes. Moreover, our South Vietnamese allies could have been bolstered by appropriate aid but were instead overwhelmed by the massive American military presence. Compounding these errors were the flawed civilian and military chains of command. The result was defeat for America and disaster for South Vietnam. General Palmer presents here an insider's history of the war and an astute critique of America's military strengths and successes as well as its weaknesses and failures.

Product Description
In 1970 the SAS was called in to support the Sultan of Oman's armed forces in their fierce campaign against a Communist armed insurrection. This is the gripping story of the part played in the conflict by squadrons of the 22nd Special Air Service Regiment, the first full SAS squadron in the region. Written by the man who commanded that unit and who successfully raised the first bands of Dhofari irregulars to fight for the Sultan, SAS: Operation Storm provides a unique and personal insight into what was to become one of the most successful counter-insurgency campaigns of the twentieth century. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

I am so pleased this book was written.
When I left 22 SAS in 1971, it was to commence my very first tour of duty in N. Ireland. At that time, elements of that particular regiment were fighting a little-known, and barely covered in the UK press!, war in Muscat and Oman. As I stood at the barracks gates in Hereford waiting for my taxi, a dear friend who was one of a small number of Fijian members of the regiment turned up in an open desert Landrover and drove me to the station. It was his way of saying farewell. He was a giant of a man in more ways than one and, as he dropped me off en route to my first operational tour of duty, I was already aware that he would soon be back in Oman undertaking what was for him, yet another! That man was Corporal Labalaba and the following year he died in heroic circumstances along with a colleague at Mirbat.

Author Tony Jeapes joined the SAS in Malaya in 1958 and won an MC in Oman in 1959. He later commanded 22 SAS Regiment for which he earned the OBE. Next he commanded the British Airborne Brigade and later still was appointed Commander Land Forces in Northern Ireland in the rank of Major General. It was at that time that I actually met him and was able to introduce him to some of his old diving buddies from around the Province. By now it was 1990 and I was completing my 7th year of duty there. Oh, how little had changed in those 20 years!

This author has provided a history of a campaign that, even now, is never mentioned on Remembrance Sunday when most vicars, priests and padres try to recall as many campaigns as possible in addition to those two world wars. Muscat and Oman was a campaign which was ignored throughout its duration and forgotten just as soon as it was completed.

This is the first-hand account that needed to be written and I am so very pleased that, not only was it written, but it had been produced by one who understood this particular conflict as well as any man. Altogether a must for amateur and professional historians alike.

NM

... Read more