Reviews (23)

Duty, Honor, and Devotion
Although Professor James McPherson wrote this study of the motivation of the Civil War soldier, it is not a great exaggeration to say that in this book the soldiers speak for themselves. Professor McPherson has read and analyzed a prodigious amount of source material written by Civil War combatants, Union and Confederacy, officer and enlisted soldier. For this book, he has taken a sample of the letters home and the diaries of 1076 soldiers, 647 Union and 429 Confederate to analyze their candid, uncensored reflections of why they fought. Professor McPherson also draws on many modern studies of combat psychology and utilzes their findings in discussing the Civil War soldiers.

Professor McPherson's sample is not statistically random and it may be skewed in some ways. For example, the sample does not include (obviously) illiterate soldiers or black soldiers. It tends to be tilted in the direction of those individuals who did most of the fighting and who were committed to their respective causes. Professor McPherson recognizes that many of the combatants were unwilling participants, particularly as the draft was instituted in both armies and that both armies included many shirkers. These individuals are not represented in his sample of letters. But still, these letters, written in the activity of soldiering and not intended for publication, are revealing of their authors' thoughts and feelings in a way impossible to replicate in other writings.

The letters reveal much about the motivation of the combatants and about life in Civil War America. Professor McPherson finds that many of the soldiers in the Civil War had a firm idea of why they were fighting. On both sides soldiers fought for the preservation of liberty and the duty they perceived they owed to their country. Patriotism, in a word. Southern soldiers fought to achieve their independence and to avoid what they viewed as "subjugation" and "slavery". Northern soldiers fought to preserve the Union and, increasingly as the War progressed, to end slavery. Soldiers in both the Union and the Confederacy drew sustenance from religious convictions. They were motivated deeply by the camaraderie that developed with their fellows, particularly in their own units. In the Civil War in particular, soldiers fought side-by-side with others from their own state and community. They developed a strong bond with each other, based on the terrors of war and the privations of the camps, and fought in solidarity with each other.

The letters in the book speak well for themselves with Professor McPherson's organization and commentary. It is moving to read about how many Americans were driven by high ideals in enlisting and fighting in this, the most deadly and formative of the wars of the United States.

There is a sense of poignancy throughout the book. For the Civil War generation, concepts of duty, honor, family, manhood, and patriotism were not viewed with the skepticism that became common following WW I and that remains prevalent with many people today. It was a romantic generation, in part, but one with commitments and ideals. I think there is much contemporary Americans may learn by the devotion shown by the American Civil War soldiers and by the ideals of liberty, duty, and courage for which they fought.

What motivated the Civil War soldier?
This book is a very refreshing twist on Civil War history. In this work, as well as in his book What They Fought For, noted Civil War historian James McPherson explores what exactly motivated men to fight in the war. Having done exhaustive research to the tune of diaries and letters from nearly 1,000 soldiers, most of them obscure and average men, McPherson is aptly qualified to perform this work. He looks at several factors, from group unity to sense of honor to desire for vengeance, in an attempt to understand the average Civil War soldier, and ultimately makes a strong case for the idea that Civil War soldiers were idealistic men who were not ignorant of the issues at stake and who were motivated by an extraordinary desire to fight for their beliefs. This, McPherson argues, sets them apart from soldiers in other wars.

As is always the case with McPherson, this book is very well written and enjoyable to read. Most of this book is composed of quotes from various soldiers with McPherson's interpretation and narrative interjected only often enough to keep the discussion flowing. He does a wonderful job of integrating the quotes and making them fit perfectly into what he's trying to say. McPherson's use of quotations from the men who were actually there is infinitely more effective in proving his point than anything he could say himself, and this is what makes this book so great. There are hundreds of books out there that will tell you WHAT happened, but this book is one of only a few that will try and explain WHY and HOW things happened.

What men fought and died for, and what they were thinking
This is a wonderful book. Prof. McPherson read over 30,000 letters and diaries for this, and thus I think he has provided one of the most thorough and thought provoking treatments of the psychology of Civil War soldiers and studies on why exactly they fought.

For this work, Prof. McPherson also incorporates theories, reports, and research of the combat motivation, effects of combat, and psychology of men and soldiers in others war such as WWI, WWII, and the Vietnam War, not to mention general medical studies from British, American, and German armies. In some instances, he uses modern knowledge to analyze the thoughts and feelings of the soldiers of the Civil War. As interesting as this is to show how soldiers in the Civil War had the same problems and feelings as most men of war, his academic findings illustrate how Civil War soldiers were also very different from soldiers in other wars.

The difference lay in their devout belief in their causes, and their sustained belief in those causes, and the close relationship with the men they fought with (which is a common thread for men of all wars), throughout the war. McPherson rarely goes on for more than a paragraph or two of his own narrating. He lets the voices of the men who fought take up 90% of the book, giving you a real sense of who these people were, and allowing the reader to derive an opinion for themselves, but always with McPherson's voice in the background guiding the reader, teaching you.

The causes brought up by the letters and McPherson are wide and varied, and McPherson makes sure to research each and explain as elaborately as possible, but quite noticable are the few main causes that men on both sides procliamed in verbose rhetoric. These consisted of Duty, Honor, Liberty, Independence, and the sustainment (US) or creation of (CS) a "free and independent country". For the CS the issue of slavery is brought up, but even though McPherson mentions it quite often and does what he can to explain, I did find some holes, most especially what yeoman farmers in general felt about the slavery and the strife, or what their exact definition of "states rights" (in relation to slavery) was. But that subject in of itself deserves it's own book, and I do not find that as derogative to the book at all, in fact it provoked my thoughts.

This may be strange to say, but while reading it, you feel safe. In other words, the research is so sound, so well documented, so well explained, that you feel like there is no way you are falling into a trap of propagandist, shallowly researched, or off the cuff revisionist history simply masked by some good prose. McPherson is a talented writer, making the read an easy and anticipated one for the reader (I read in 3 days, and I am NOT a fast reader), but he's also an astute historian who settles for nothing less than good hard research and logical and sound analyzation of his findings (thus a lengthy bibliography), without any sway of personal opinion; the book is entirely objective, and the bibliography in of itself is a great read (I've already read some of the books listed and recommended).

Read this book if you want a solid, incredibly well researched, and inspired understanding of the men who fought the Civil War. Hopefully you'll come away with new ideas for yourself and a new knowledge of the men who fought. McPherson muses that these men deserve a respect for fighting for goals and causes that were sustained only by their own willpower, conviction, and mainly their courage, amidst the blood and chaos of the War; and judging by what Prof. McPherson has found, that is something I can concur with.

They speak for themselves
With this work McPherson has proved himself to be an outstanding research historian. Many such historians cannot find the right balance between evidence and interpretation. McPherson has done just that. He provides for us a powerful forum for the soldiers to tell us themselves why they fought; but he also weaves their comments into a compelling story, providing keen insight, analysis and juxtaposition for Union and Confederate soldiers. This is truly a great example of the Civil War as social history.

Not too bad for a Yankee author
McPherson hits all the right notes in this "song" about the motives of soldiers, North and South. As an unreconstructed Southerner I found it belied a slightly Northern bias but not so much as to diminish the overall work. If anything, McPherson gives a redeeming account of why I believe many of my own ancestors fought for a free and independent South. I found myself alternately flying through the pages then slowing to pause, reflect and absorb. Despite the flaw of Union bias McPherson has still turned out a work for all to enjoy. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Private First Class Jessica Lynch's capture and rescue during the 2003 war in Iraq captured the attention and captivated the emotions of millions of Americans. Accounts of the actual events surrounding Lynch were wildly varied as some took her to be a symbol of American righteousness while others made her out to be a pawn of the US military. But the Lynch that emerges in Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Rick Bragg's portrayal is an ordinary young woman caught up in an extraordinary series of events. Bragg, who had the cooperation of Lynch and her family in writing I Am a Soldier, Too intersperses her war story with a detailed portrait of the diminutive kid from Palestine, West Virginia who enlisted to see the world. What's truly remarkable about Lynch is how relatively unremarkable she is. She had a normal working class childhood, did fine in high school, performed capably in basic training, made some good friends, met a guy, and, like thousands of her contemporaries, was sent off to a war zone in the Middle East. But the story takes a sharp turn when her vehicle loses the convoy it was following near Nasiriyah, her four fellow soldiers are killed in the subsequent fighting, and Lynch is badly wounded and taken prisoner. Blacking out for three hours, she awakes in an Iraqi hospital where the tensions of war coupled with a lack of resources and a language and culture barrier make for a harrowing stay even as numerous medical personnel defy their own military to protect her and save her life. Finally, American troops captured Nasiriyah, kicked down the hospital doors (even as hospital workers tried to give them a master key) and airlifted Lynch out. Bragg also tells the story of the blue collar West Virginia town of Palestine and the Lynch family who the world watches, first as Jessica goes missing, then when she is rescued, and finally when she returns amid much fanfare. Bragg keeps the story telling pretty simple, avoiding an analysis of how the story was spun or the politics behind the war itself. In the end, Jessica Lynch is not, by her own insistence, a hero. Rather, she is a soldier with a remarkable story of survival to tell. Thankfully, she has now had the opportunity to tell it herself. --John Moe ... Read more

Reviews (79)

She Is A Soldier - So Just Say Thank You
I Am A Soldier Too is the story of ex-P.O.W. Jessica Lynch. It is told in a hardcover book written by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Rick Bragg. Bragg is also the author of two best-selling books, Ava's Man and All Over but the Shoutin'. The title of the book was chosen because those were the words she had spoken to the soldiers rescuing her.
American soldier, Jessica Lynch, was captured and taken as a prisoner of war in Iraq. After being beaten, broken in pieces, raped, and living for days with the fear of what tortures might come next, she was rescued. Townspeople built her a house, the military gave her a purple heart, her countrymen called her a Hero, and the media made her an Icon. The soldier asked for none of that. She had only asked to be saved. The American people needed to feel hope during a time of War, in which they were beginning to feel lost. They used her to fulfill that hope. As she lay in a hospital bed seriously injured, myths began to form. When it came to light that the media or military may have exaggerated certain events, it was Jessica Lynch they began to criticize for it. After partially recuperating, she took it upon herself to bring out the truth, only to be criticized again for not speaking out sooner. The story of Jessica Lynch is being told, for the most part, to set the record straight on the events of her capture and rescue. More directly, it is being told to lift the impression that this ex-P.O.W. should be blamed for inaccurate reports of those events. After reading this book, any intelligent person without a heart of stone should come to the realization that this soldier did absolutely nothing wrong. She deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. That is the very least we can do for the soldiers of our country.
In the book, Bragg gives a very detailed description of the life back home, which Jessica Lynch left to become a soldier. He provides the same detailed description of her family, as well as her hometown and people who live there. The events of her life as a soldier and time as a P.O.W. are told, as she remembers them. Jessica claims that she is NOT a Hero. She credits her fellow soldiers who lost their lives beside her, as well as the brave soldiers who rescued her, as being the true Heroes.
I'm sure Bragg enjoyed writing about Jessica's hometown of Palestine, West Virginia. However, he spent too much time on his descriptions of it. The details were dragging on, causing me to lose interest. The author also seemed to jump around a bit toward the beginning; and there were some run-on sentences that were difficult to follow. Once the book got back to the story it was meant to tell, I could not put it down. It was very captivating and I was moved to tears more than once.
In chapter seven, Bragg portrayed Capt. Troy Kent King as incompetent, careless, and ultimately responsible for Jessica's ordeal. In the same chapter, it was also implied that Marines knowingly led the soldiers of the 507th to their deaths by allowing the convoy to continue on route toward Nasiriyah. This seems one-sided and I didn't find any evidence in the book that supports the implications. The book does, however, clear up confusions regarding P.O.W. Jessica Lynch. To this soldier's detriment, her M-16 jammed. With no fault to her, it was rendered useless by the sand. Everyone around her was dying and she had no means of defending herself. I can only imagine the fear she must have felt, as that moment swallowed her up. I don't want to imagine what she must have gone through during the three hours after her capture. Following her rescue, the soldier was blamed for not immediately rectifying misconceptions of others. Her efforts to put forth accurate information caused her to be accused of claiming fame. This soldier can't seem to win for losing.
In my opinion, this book gives an honest account of Jessica Lynch's life as a soldier. It provides a good understanding that the aftermath of conflict and debate toward this soldier, following her rescue, is not justified. Should she be considered a Hero? There are those of us who go above and beyond what is expected in the course of our duty. Those who make a decision to put their own lives on the line in an effort to save the life of someone else. They do it regardless of the peril they may face in the process. Such persons stand out among the rest of us. And should be recognized with an outstanding form of respect and reward. Did Jessica Lynch act as such? No. Should she be considered any more a Hero for the injuries she sustained or the unknown torture she endured? No. Any soldier in the entire Armed Forces could have been made to suffer the same horrible circumstances. It is a risk for all soldiers. However, what is being forgotten is that she did, in fact, put her life on the line for us. She agreed to go in our place, so that we may remain safely in our homes with the warmth of our families around us. She is our Hero; they all are. Let's not let them forget that.
This book will also be useful to the young people of our country. It will provide them with an awakening of what may lie ahead in deciding to join the military. The risks should not be taken lightly. Being in the Armed Forces should never be viewed as merely an escape or stepping-stone to something else. It should be a way of life preferred.
Thank you Jessica. I wish you a speedy recovery.

It's good to know what REALLY happened
I'm amazed and appalled at the criticisms of some of the other reviewers here: it is one thing to express an opinion of a book (although many of them don't seem to even mention the book itself)- it is something else entirely to attack the character of a person who has faced a terrible ordeal, and its very public aftermath, with honesty and courage. Shame on those who say that Jessica should not be telling her story! she has every right to, and unlike all of those who told it first, she is telling nothing but the simple truth, and with obvious compassion and admiration for her fellow soldiers. This is a gripping story and Rick Bragg treats it with the dignity it deserves. This book is a well-written and inspiring account of what this young woman and her family went through, and I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it.

2 1/2 hrs reading,and you will understand Jessi's story*
Author Rick Brag did an awesome job of telling the true story behind Private First Class Jessica Lynch's ordeal. She is a simple country gal who grew up in a close knit American town, but like so many small towns in West Virginia, this means there are not too many options facing it's high school graduates.
Precious few jobs exist and that is why small country hollers in the middle of nowhere, USA recruit the highest per capita ratio of young people willing to become soldiers.
The military is the only exciting future for many teens.
Jessi was one such person - tough as nails and pretty as a tiny doll. She proved herself to be an American hero in an Iraqi battlefield.
Many people don't know this, but Jessica Lynch was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the Prisoner of War Medal.
She deserves each and every distinguished metal, and she has the internal & external scars to prove her mettle.
Some rude people are skeptical of her sacrifices, but as they sit on thier ever-expanding duffs critising everybody, Jessi is struggling to rehabilitate her legs and bladder and bowels.
Her wounds are far from being healed even today.
What horrors her dreams are made of nightly from being a prisoner of war I can only shiver and wonder about.
She gave all that she could for this war and served the US Army to her utmost abilities.
It is difficult to know that there are persons who wish to defame Jessica Lynch - people like that belong in hell.
YES, she is a super-star, a woman warrior and famous person who recieved many special gifts as well as discretionary bonuses, but Jessica herself is adamant that she would give "Four hundred billion dollars" for none of it to have ever occured, if she could somehow board a time machine and take back the combat death of her best roomy friend, Private First Class Lori Piestwa.
Jessica would do anything to talk her friend, PFC Lori Piestewa, out of going into Iraq, because her friend had papers discussing a shoulder injury which would have enabled her to stay in the safe zone.
Private Piestwa was a Hopi Indian and was the first Hopi to die in the line of fire in the history of this nation.
She leaves behind two young children, under the tender age of 5. I plowed through this book, reading about Jessica's life, but when I hit page 167 --- tears exploded in my eyes --- on this page is the picture of the father of Lori Piestewa, as a poem written for his daughter was being read at the Women in Military Service Memorial at Arlington National Cemetary.
Oh ... the anguish, the hoplessness, the sorrowful look on the old man's face...it crushed my hearts into bits and pieces and his grief came rushing into my own heart.
Jessica tells her story and does not leave out those heros who were tragically left behind; those who can never go home again.
The only consolation is that the body of young Private First Class Lori Piestewa was found and taken back to her family.
Her remains are now buried close to her kin, not buried in an unmarked place in the sandy dunes of Iraq.
This story moved me more than any of the other books that I have reviewed here. It's a story that rings of truth, of youth and consequences of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I sincerely wish that Jessica Lynch marries her sweetheart, Sgt. Rueben Contreras, and that they can have a happy life together.
I sincerely wish the people of Palestine, West Virginia, God's blessings and good grace; they truly love Jessica Lynch.
In spite of terrible tragedies, such as death, it is important to remember that life goes on...it simply has to go on.
After reading this book, (it only took 2 1/2 hours to read it from cover to cover.) I prayed for the soldiers in Iraq -- and those who will not make it home outside of the body bag. I pray for them and their families and for this great nation of ours who puts a high value on freedom and democracy for all humankind.
This story will move you like none other.
It makes me feel so proud to be an American, and to have those ideals of family, God and democracy deep in my heart.
God Bless the USA!

Honest
Lynch was brave to simply admit her fear. Courage, after all, is moving in the face of fear. (And she did go into a war zone). Male soldiers often experience the same feelings she did, however, they (in some cases) play along with the government's spin - it makes them seem more heroic. All the soldiers are heroes - scared or defiant - it's a human issue.

As for the race criticism (yawn, we should be so past that), to my knowledge no one has prohibited Shoshana from writing her own book.

FAITH ,HOPE, AND LOVE
ONE WORD... WOW. THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING. IT WAS SO AWESOME THE WAY THAT THE FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF JESSICA LYNCH HAD SO MUCH FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE FOR HER. THEY HOPED THAT SHE WOULD GET HOME SAFELY.PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JESSICA LYNCH GOT SO MUCH PRAYER FOR HER SAFETY BACK HOME. IT WAS LIKE IF YOU DIDN'T CALL HER PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JESSICA LYNCH YOU WOULD THE NEXT TIME YOU SAY HER NAME THAT'S HOW MUCH RESPECT YOU HAD TO HAVE FOR HER.WHEN I SAW THE PICTURES IN THE BOOK AND SAW HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE THERE FOR HER HOMECOMING PARADE I GOT DOWN ON MY KNEES AND STARTED TO CRY (ALMOST BAWLING). AS I AM CLOSING I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT PFC JESSICA LYNCH WENT FROM BEAUTY QUEEN TO A HERO AND I THINK THAT YOU COULDN'T GIVE A BETTER PERSON A PURPLE HEART FOR BRAVENESS THAN PFC JESSICA LYNCH. ... Read more

Book Description

Written in his own hand and finished only weeks before his death, Gen. Douglas MacArthur's memoir spans more than half a century of modern history. His vantage point at center stage during major controversies of the twentieth century enabled him to present unique views of the conflicts in which he played a vital role. No soldier in modern time has been more admired--or reviled. Liberator of the Philippines, shogun of Occupied Japan, victor of the Battle of Inchon, the general was a national hero when suddenly relieved of his command by President Truman. His supporters believe his genius for command and ability to implement that command by strategy stand as landmarks in military history. His critics are not so kind, calling him a gigantic ego paying homage to himself in this book. Decade by decade, battlefield by battlefield, this self portrait is a moving final testament to a life of service that began at West Point and continued in Vera Cruz during the Mexican uprisings and throughout the world wars. Appointed Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in the Pacific, MacArthur was the architect of the campaign to drive the Japanese from their strongholds at Bataan, Corregidor, and New Guinea. His recounting of World War II is dramatically punctuated with intimate portraits of key personalities and insights into his stand on controversial issues. Although the autobiography was written more than thirty years ago, it continues to be a valuable document of the period. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A fantastic memoir!
My past understanding of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur was vague and perhaps understated. This book by far has peaked my interest not only in the General himself, but also in the history of World War II as well as the history of others involved in that conflict.

General MacArthur does an excellent job covering his life from the time of his birth, to his assignment in Mexico to his command of the Rainbow Division in World War I to his leadership in World War II which lead to his appointment as Supreme Commander in the Pacific. MacArthur spends a great amount of time detailing each of his military adventures, along with noting his achievements along the way, finally ariving at the rank of 5-star General of the Army in 1944.

I was very surprised to find MacArthur to be very, what I would call, deferential in the receipt of each honor. He has been accused by some of being pompus and an egoist, but he came across as a man who, while very deserving, felt he had earned his awards through not only his own efforts, but also through the efforts of those around him.

General MacArthur also shares his experience with President Harry Truman at the Wake Island conference. Prior to reading MacArthur's memoirs, I was lead to believe that the conference was a tense undertaking with President Truman having to reign in one his "errant" Generals. MacArthur's take on the conference was completely different that what I have previously read - indicating that Mr. Truman was very complimentary toward the General and with the General returning the favor. I was surprised to read in Merle Miller's "Plain Speaking" to see that Harry Truman thought General MacArthur was a "dumb son-of-a-b****". When I contrasted the two (MacArthur and Truman), I found MacArthur to be articulate, to the point, and respectful. Truman, I have found was crude and ruthless.

I thought this was a fantastic book and would encourage its reading by anyone interested in the history of this great U.S. General.

History That Favors Me!
Informative and the most self serving narration ever made by and about a single American. Live a lifetime with the general and know what it is to never have made a mistake, never willingly to have submitted to legitimate authority, and never, and I mean NEVER, to have credited anyone else for the success of what ,in most military operations are shared endeavors.

The best available history by a military figure
Better than even Eisenhower and certainly better than Patton, MacArthur tells us a little about himself, his family and his father's legacy before seeing his first (and later decorated) action in WWI. Taking over at West Point in 1919, his book begins to expose particular weaknesses in American idealogy when it comes to the "expense of defense." As MacArthur continued his tale, I could scarcely trust my eyes. In WWII, the Pacific theater had no unified command like Europe and other theaters. MacArthur controlled only part of his forces; those not under his command were oftentimes pulled away on other missions, sometimes at the last moment. For a time he enjoyed command over his own air power, but later he lost this luxury as other missions took precedence. MacArthur's tactics and strategy are always clearly defined and easily acceptable as intelligent courses. His hope and duty to protect his men appears on every page. His objections to frontal assaults on what he termed "militarily insignificant" objectives (both to the Allies and to Japan) on Okinawa and Iwo Jima made me groan anew for the men we lost there. "Only poor commanders turn in large casualties" he wrote. His masterly reconstruction of Japan (1945-50) shows his open and fair concepts of what we now call "nation building." He knew that the reconstruction and reforms would not succeed unless authorized by the people of Japan. Shouts of rage greeted him in 1945 when he entered Tokyo; tears of sorrow witnessed his departure. In Korea, my stomach turned on almost every page, as Mac describes the indecision or timidity that put men in harm's way without a clear objective, without support, and without even the formal declaration of war. The "police action" as Truman insisted it was seemed to Mac (and to any reader or soldier) as actual war, yet the more acceptable phrase continues to be repeated today. Persons who think so today should read this book and reconsider. For instance, the mass murder in Bosnia in the 1990s was diabolically reduced to "ethnic cleansing." In the 1940s we called this "extermination." When the concentration camps ran full speed in Poland in 1945, the German clerks merely wrote "released" whenever they bothered to record names. This book gives a heroic picture of American military might and the idealogy of freedom, but also a horrid picture of inaction and misinformed policy, and a glimpse behind a curtain of US Government-propagated disinformation.

MacArthur Pleads His Case
"Reminiscences" is General Douglas MacArthur's brief in support of his life and career as they stand in judgment before the Bar of History. His statement of facts is magnificent. Beginning with his immigrant grandfather, Judge Arthur MacArthur, and continuing through the career of his father, Gen. Arthur MacArthur, (see my Amazon review of "The General's General"), Douglas sets the stage for his entry into the great play of life. Growing up in the frontier army, Douglas was admitted to West Point in 1899.

Not a typical cadet or young officer, Douglas made his first appearance before a Congressional committee investigating hazing at the Academy in 1900. Graduating in 1903, his first assignment was to the Philippines, the land in which his father had won fame and where he would spend so much of his military career. In 1906 he was appointed aide-de-camp to President Theodore Roosevelt.

With U. S. entry into World War I, MacArthur bucked the prevailing wisdom that National Guard units could not function effectively in combat. It was he who conceived, promoted and implemented the concept of the Rainbow Division, consisting of National Guard units from 26 states. During his command of the Rainbow he established the legend of his fearlessness in combat.

Returning to the peace time army, MacArthur rose to Chief of Staff, a position from which, he believed, his father had been barred by political enemies. During his tenure, Douglas presided over the dispersal of the Bonus Marchers, an action which he staunchly defends in this book, and the defense the Army from the Depression-era budget cutting knife. During one meeting with FDR, MacArthur erupted with an immediately regretted remark that has become part of the MacArthur legend, "to the general effect that when we lost the next war, and an American boy, lying in the mud with an enemy bayonet through his belly and an enemy foot on his dying throat, spat out his last curse, I wanted the name not to be MacArthur, but Roosevelt." Although he claims to have immediately regretted the remark, he did find it worth reporting.

His career in the U.S. Army seemingly concluded, MacArthur retired in 1935 to become a field marshal in the Philippine Army. In this position he built the Philippine Defenses in the years leading up to World War II. In his soon to be familiar role of advocate for Pacific defense against a Eurocentered defense establishment, he struggled to obtain funding necessary to prepare the Philippines for the anticipated Japanese onslaught. When the pre-war build up began it was too little, too late.

With the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, MacArthur relates the plans for defense which culminated in the heroic stands on Bataan and Corregidor. From this narrative we realize how serious was the defenders' expectation of a relief expedition before their surrender.

The brilliant campaigns in New Guinea and the Philippines are explained. Through this campaign, MacArthur shrewdly advanced his forces as rapidly as his advancing air cover would permit, isolating Japanese troops which would be starved of supplies rather than overrun by assault. By use of this technique, MacArthur conquered immense territory and neutralized massive concentrations of enemy troops while taking relatively few casualties. On the pages of this book, MacArthur takes us into the conferences in which the plans for the war in the Pacific were charted.

With Victory over Japan, MacArthur assumed the role of ruler of Japan. During the section of the book dealing with this portion of his life, we see the challenges which he confronted and the steps which reformed Japan into the nation which it is today.

The chapter "Frustration in Korea" signals a decided shift in the mood of the book. Here we read of the desperate state of defense during the early stages of the North Korean invasion, followed by the complete U.N. victory over North Korea after the landings at Inchon. With the Red Chinese invasion of Korea, the second retreat began. Again MacArthur masterminded the U.N. defense. Here criticism of the Truman Administration accelerates in the accounts leading up to and following MacArthur's dismissal from command.

In the final section, MacArthur shares with us his views of developments in America and the world. We hear of his shock at the substitution of prolonged indecision for victory as a national war goal. More than once we are reminded that "There is no substitute for victory." In digressions, we also learn his views on the employment of Nationalist Chinese Forces during the Korean War, as well as his views on relationships with Communism, the importance of freedom, the role of the income tax and other issues. His arguments leave us with the lingering thought that perhaps Red China would have been vulnerable to a determined defense in Korea, bombings and blockade of the mainland and an unleashing of the Nationalist Forces. It is one of the great "What ifs" of history. Near the end of the book we are treated to the transcripts of his address to congress and the final roll call at West Point.

Throughout this book we are reminded of the many honors and tributes received by the author. This book would be much shorter if the awards, congratulatory telegrams, decorations and testimonials were omitted. The author was certainly impressed with the esteem in which he was held by his fellow man.

While not as good of a biography of Douglas MacArthur as "American Caesar" (see my Amazon review), "Reminiscences" is a valuable window into MacArthur's world. Self adulation notwithstanding, this book gives us an insight into how Douglas MacArthur saw his role in the world. We see many of the powerfully charged issues of the World War II and Korean War eras forcefully promoted by one of their foremost partisans. I am glad that I read it. I will never look at General of the Army Douglas MacArthur and his era in the same way again.

Very good autobiography!
Autobiographies do not get better than this. Its packed with information about many of America's wars through the eyes of the greatest general in United States history. Like the previous reviewer stated, the last chapter itself its unbelievable. It contains content and predictions that could be lifted and applied to the modern present world. I could not believe that this book was written 40 years ago. MacArthur was truly ahead of his time in thinking. His recollection opf events is superb and very detailed for a man who has probably more memories that ordinary men have for a lifetime. I'd recommend this book to anyone, the last chapter is alone worth the price! ... Read more

Book Description

ò True account of life, love, war, and finally, peace ò Includes details and accounts of D-Day ò Author sings tenor for the world-famous Oak Ridge Boys ò Poignant slice of Americana ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Love, War, Family, and Faith
I have never been a reader of war stories, nor did I know a lot about WWII. However, this book manages to overview the Second Great War and its effect on the U.S., while weaving in a story of love and faith.

Bonsall knows his characters well, because it's his parents' story. His writing is simple yet passionate. A quick read - that you will never forget. The book offers inspiration for the times we live in today.

American Love Story
I was simply blown away by this book. A street wise Kid from Philly making it on his own and then winds up in one of the nation's tragic wars only to meet up with a country girl from North Carolina and they both somehow seem to make it all work out and raise a family and grow old together and remained in love for many many years. This book truly runs the gammets of emotions from Pride to anger to sadness. You can really see what an American Love Story this is. Whether it be children's book or A simple love story if it has a story to be written Joesph S Bonsall can surely write about it.

Enduring faith like none other
There's a song called "Whatever Happened To Old-Fashioned Love," that simply asks where the life-long commitment of a marriage has gone. All-too-easily, people who have one little problem simply give up. This story is for them.

This story is about two post-WW2 veterans who attempt to return to normal life after the war. Permanent scars, both physically and emotionally, never truely allow that to happen, but one thing gets them through these hard times. Love. A love like none other. Through trials that seem almost unbearable and too hard to overcome, G.I. Joe and Lillie persevered. They are true examples of the old saying, "all you need is love."

Joseph Bonsall's writing is superb, and this true story, while brand new, is old as time itself. No matter what came their way, they always had each other. That's all they needed.

This book is like a warm quilt!
When it is dark and stormy, nothing is more comforting than to be cocooned in a homemade quilt. A tapestry rich in tradition and assembled with love, a kaleidoscope of patterns and colors, it is an American art form. Wrapped in its warm embrace, its fabric surrounds us and soothes our spirits. By extension, the spirit of America is a tapestry woven by the stories of its people. Each person; each man, woman and child, has a chance to mold this nation. Some become distinguished men and women and make monumental contributions to government, the arts, and business. Others become scourges of society. Most will fall somewhere in between, neither famous nor infamous. But they build lives and legacies for themselves and for the generations that follow them. They are ordinary people who sometimes do extraordinary things. They face adversity and challenges and find a way to overcome them. Their faith in God is the cornerstone of their existence. They raise their children to be honest and to reach for the stars. They are far from perfect, but they do the best they can with what they have been given. And they love each other, no matter what. They are the threads that form the fabrics that produce the patterns of our national tapestry. GI Joe and Lillie are two of those threads. They represent, even in their imperfections, all that is good and right about our country; faith, honor, strength, values, and dreams. Their story, so eloquently chronicled, mirrors many of our own narratives. The details may be different, the patterns and colors may not be the same, but the fabric of their lives, the values that brought them through the rough times, are universal to most of us. And in today's times, when it is dark and stormy, and we need to feel protected, or even just encouraged, we need only wrap ourselves tightly in the legacy they helped create. Their "quilt" warms the heart, and yes, soothes the spirit, for it is rich in tradition and assembled with love. You will laugh and you will cry, but mostly you will be inspired and grateful for this story. ... Read more

Book Description

Stephen E. Ambrose draws upon extensive sources, an unprecedented degree of scholarship, and numerous interviews with Eisenhower himself to offer the fullest, richest, most objective rendering yet of the soldier who became president. He gives us a masterly account of the European war theater and Eisenhower's magnificent leadership as Allied Supreme Commander. Ambrose's recounting of Eisenhower's presidency, the first of the Cold War, brings to life a man and a country struggling with issues as diverse as civil rights, atomic weapons, communism, and a new global role.

Along the way, Ambrose follows the 34th President's relations with the people closest to him, most of all Mamie, his son John, and Kay Summersby, as well as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Charles de Gaulle, Harry Truman, Nixon, Dulles, Khrushchev, Joe McCarthy, and indeed, all the American and world leaders of his time. This superb interpretation of Eisenhower's life confirms Stephen Ambrose's position as one of our finest historians. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

A True Leader at America's Calling
Stephen Ambrose's portrayal of Eisenhower as both soldier and president is a grand tribute to one of America's greatest war and peacetime leaders.

Though Ambrose views Ike in a very positive light he is willing to be critical of his choices not to engage the Civil Rights debates of the 1950s and not take a firm stand in regards to retaining or dumping Nixon as VP in 1956.

Eisenhower aimed to please and find compromise. It is striking how his style remained the same throughout the war and into his presidency. Though Ike was often viewed as a compromiser, Ambrose illustrates that Ike kept his options open at all times and thought out each major decision.

There has been no recent president more willing to think outside the box then Ike when it came to foreign policy affairs and the drive to limit the nuclear stockpiles of both the US and USSR as the Cold War began.

Ambrose again adds to the rich American tradition of the time with this book. It is an easy read and logically put together. I highly recommend this book on Ike, I have a great respect for a leader I knew little about prior to reading this novel. An A+.

The best book on Ike
This is a wonderful book, easy to read and very inspiring. Ike was a qunitesential american from the midwest who rose to the pinnacle of american power. Among the excellent insights in this book you will find:
1) Details of Ike's creation of the Highway system, he had learned first hand that americas roads were unexceptable in the 20s.
2) Ikes decision at Nromandy, where he penned a note in case of disaster.
3) Ike's simple manners and soldierly conduct. The quiet demeanor that held the alliance together.
4) Ike's term as president where he ended the Korean war, and created a policy of intervening to stop communism(Eisenhower doctrin).

The BEST book on Ike, a wonderful account. Clearly the best book on Ike ever written. Ambrose brings his superior prose to this volume.

The definitive work on Eisenhower
If you are only going to read one biography about Eisenhower, this one-volume version by Stephen Ambrose is the one to choose. Ambrose exhibits his deep and comprehensive knowledge of his subject and in the process provides the reader with with a real sense of Eisenhower.

While Ambrose does highlight Ike's shortcomings where appropriate, there is no doubt that he had a deep admiration for his subject. This admiration leads him to write the book from a certain perspective - not necessarily biased, but certainly favorably disposed. If you are looking for a different take on Ike (albeit narrowly focused on his relationship with Truman) read David McCullough's Truman.

Overall, this a solid book from a great author.

good favorable bio of ike
I very much enjoyed this book. Ambrose went over Ike's life in good detail. I learned alot about the man and also about his military career and his political background.
I was most interested about his presidency and I feel like Ambrose did give me a very good idea of how Ike came to his decisions and also how Ike formed his beliefs.
I do think that this was a very favorable bio of Ike.
Ambrose seemed to not want to really find fault with Ike on any of the issues except for his stance on civil rights.
I also do not agree that Ike is one of the greatest presidents of the 20th century along with Wilson and the two Roosevelts as Ambose said.
I would say that the best presidents of the 20th century were the two Roosevelts, Truman,and Reagan.
I would rank Ike as a good president but not a great president.
Thus I feel this biography of Ike is the best out there and will teach you alot about the man and his policies but that I would not agree with the positive assessment of Ambrose of Ike in many areas.

A better general than president.
But he was ok as president realizing than in his own sphere of influence you have more power as general than president. Steve Ambrose has done a skillful job condensing two volumes into one. I'm not sure what he left out. Having read "At Ease" written by Ike just before the presidency & "At War" written by his grandson this book dwelt on his presidency. Although it is a whole life biography there is not a lot of attention spent on his greatest accomplishment in life: Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe.
The image of Ike as a do nothing golfer is changing. While there was relative calm at home he was in his element dealing with international affairs. This required a disipline & organized mind, so in that sense his military background served him well. His political instincts were good & he did not rush to judgement. Stevenson looked foolish running against him but how could have anyone have beaten him? He virtually ignored McCarthy & he eventually self destructed.
In race relations he was lost & did a poor job. He could have done more to advance civil rights but he merely enforced the law. Ambrose goes into some detail on how he basically managed the "cold war". That it did not become hot is an accomplishment. You don"t get credit for bad things that never happen. The most unfortunate event of his administration was the U-2 that was shot down over the Soviet Union. Ike was striving for a nuclear test ban treaty that was to be the capstone of his career. Ambrose was a well known cheer-leader for Eisenhower but takes the reader through the painful cover-up that ensued. A sorry chapter in the saddest year of his presidency & the last. Ike wasn't comfortable with Nixon as the Republican canidate for president in 1960 but except for Rockefeller there wasn"t anyone else. He disliked JFK but his less than whole hearted support for Nixon may have cost him the election. This was a surprise admission of the author near the end of the book.
That he ranks in the top third of all out presidents is probably a fair accessment. ... Read more

Book Description

Frank Schaeffer draws on his relationships with America's military families to gather a timely and powerful collection of writing from the soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Like Keeping Faith and Faith of Our Sons, Voices from the Front bridges the divide between those who are in, or who have family members in the military, and the rest of us who can take that service for granted. It is a book about the intimately emotional and human side of military service. While Faith of Our Sons reflected this war through the homefront struggles of a quietly courageous community of families, Voices From the Front takes us directly to the often invisible front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan: from first deployment to patrols to combat to field hospitals and, in some cases, homecoming. As Schaeffer has written of a group he has come to think of-politics apart-as the next greatest generation, "We need to know the men and women in combat better and to understand what they are going through." Powerful, moving and undeniable, Voices from the Front tells the story of this war in the voices of the Americans who are living-and dying-in it every day. ... Read more

Book Description

Legendary spymaster Markus Wolf has emerged from the shadows to reveal his remarkable life of secrets, lies, and betrayals as head of the world's most formidable and effective foreign intelligence service ever.

Wolf was undoubtedly the greatest spymaster of our century. He was a figure of mystery, a shadowy Cold War legend who kept his own past locked up as tightly as the state secrets with which he was entrusted. In 1997 he finally broke his silence and told his story. Man Without a Face is the result. It details all of Wolf's major operations, successes, and failures, and illuminates the reality of espionage operations as few nonfiction works before it. Wolf tells the real story of Gunter Guillaume, the East German spy who brought down Willy Brandt. He reveals the truth behind East German's involvement with terrorist groups. He takes us inside the bowels of the Stasi headquarters and inside the minds of Eastern Bloc leaders. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

James Bond Bureaucrat
Markus Wolf has an amazing talent for telling stories, listing dates and names, while avoiding the more substantive issues of personal thoughts and feelings, motivations, and heart issues. He tells the stories of major events in his career as head of East German Intelligence, however he doesn't tell, on the whole, how these events made him feel, what the mood and tenor of discussions were as he and his colleagues planned drops/rescues/spy-baiting/blackmail, etc. Most of the information in the book is interesting, but not personal. It's a provocative read, and you won't be sorry you bought the book, but it just seems to lack that ineffable something that really makes the book a five-star read--a truly autobiographical perspective. It's a bit antiseptic. What you will read is a book that contains a perspective you will not read anywhere else. Wolf was shrewd and cunning and tireless and he writes what he knows. He did little first-hand field-work, but he did know how to manage an agency. If you want to see what administrating a Cold War spy agency was like from behind the curtain, then this is one of the few authentic books that will give you the perspective you desire. I would not want to be a NATO spy-master up against Wolf.

Awful - avoid this nonesense
I suspect that the last several positive reviews may have been written either by Wolf himself or by someone associated with him or the publication of this book. No objective, moderately intelligent person could possibly come to those conclusions after finishing this book.

What's wrong with it?

1) It's boring and uninformative. It reveals no secrets and almost no interesting information about the Stasi.

2) It's highly biased and disingenuous. Wolf sounds like the usual convict whining from his jail cell to anyone on the outside who will listen about his "innocence." According to Wolf, nothing he has ever done as head of the foreign section of the DDR's version of the KGB/Gestapo was ever wrong or immoral. Furthermore, he blatantly lies about his "devotion to democracy." He was convicted and imprisoned not because of resentment by the former West Germans (and certainly not because of his claimed democratic beliefs) but because he engaged in conduct that is criminal in civilized, democratic countries.

Buy and read this book only if

a. You're a huge fan of the DDR and wish you could go back in time to a period in which the Stasi coerced approximately half of the adult population of East Germany into being informers;

b. You're masochistic, like being lied to and enjoy being the recipient of witless condescension; or

c. You're Wolf's niece/nephew and you're tired of him trying to hit you up for money or for a place to stay, so you're just buying his d*mn book to get him off your back.

Great Book.
This is an entertaining, enlightening, and lively written book. Wolf's Teutonic humor makes it a joy to read. I unreservedly recommend it.

(I had written a more comprehensive review, but my browser failed, so I've summarized why I enjoyed the book above)

Good book
As a foreigner, who lived in the GDR and survided the turbulent time in the late 80s and early 90s, I can confirm the true circumstances described by Markus Wolf. Whatever the Stasi did to the GDR-citizen, Markus Wolf earns the respect as a man who keeps his word and for his honesty. He is a noble man who protects his former agents and does not sell them for D-Mark or US-Dollars. I'm sure that such a spy master can not be found in other spy agencies such as the former KGB or CIA. For those reviewers critizing Wolf's crime, come on, look at what CIA did and does everywhere in the world! People, who play the same game, should respect eachother, even one is the "loser" of the cold war.
I'm waiting for the English traslation of his recent book "Freunde sterben nicht". There is a lot of things to learn from his idealism.

A true 'operator'
Mr. Wolf, whatever your view of, and whichever side you are on in the 'great game', has provided an interesting insight into how he created an apparatus that provided quite a bit of fun and games for everyone to figure out. His version of events are quite sanitized, which is to be expected. He is an advocate of the system he grew up under and prospered from, so his personal viewpoints have to viewed in that light. However, what is of interest to current practioners of the arts is that he was very successful with recruiting efforts in target environments, and avoided detection by cognizant entities for quite a period of time. As some come to relearn old lessons, his observations will be deemed valuable in the course of events. Worth the read.....Hopefully, Mr. Wolf, you'll publish more in the days ahead. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Michael Donnelly's diary entries offer a matter-of-fact account of his 44 combat missions during the Gulf War, but his descriptions of dealing with doctors after coming home are more frightening. Diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, Donnelly is convinced what he has is "Gulf War syndrome"--brought on by exposure to low levels of nerve and poison gases during the war. "I don't know what to believe, where to turn for help," he writes. "All the while my body continues to deteriorate, heedless of the possible causes of its slow degeneration." Although he had served in the military for 15 years, Donnelly had to hire a lawyer and appeal to the Air Force Medical Evaluation Board to force the air force to pay him full disability benefits. And though the government denied any responsibility for his illness, we learn that U.S. officials both in Washington and at the front were aware of Iraq's chemical-weapons capability--and continued with their plans regardless: "Troops came upon camels lying dead and decaying in the desert ... dogs and rodents and other small animals died, suddenly, inexplicably, shortly after those tens of thousands of 'false' chemical weapons alarms rang out. The alarms were so common, some commanders even ordered their troops to disable or disregard them." Falcon's Cry is a story of courage and betrayal, a war story in which the casualty doesn't occur until after the fighting stops. --Linda Killian ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Enlightening
I obtained a tape of this book from the library of the blind , on tape.
I was fascinated with the whole process of his student days as well as the way they worked in the present time illness.
My heart goes out to him and his family and ALL other Soldiers who became ill with no apparent cause after the war.
I would like to know what his present status is, and would like to help in any way that is possible.
In thinking that our present war situation probably is as tentative, to hold this VITAL information back from those who serve makes a mockery of the Ideals our Country was founded on.
I used to participate in Living History, and the good thing about that is that we seem to LEARN from the past.
War does NOT change minds or hearts.
I would hope and pray that this present generation does not have to pay the price of this brave Soldier, Officer, and Gentleman.

Please read Falcon's Cry and remember that he was not alone.
I first came across the book in the fall of '99. It was at a critical time in my air force career. Soon, the mandate to submit to the anthrax vaccine would require a decision that would obviously affect the rest of my life. Take a vaccine that has been proven to cause terrible reactions and has been whispered to be a root cause of Gulf War Illness or refuse and be subject to military justice and the end of my career.

In my squadron, the most asked question to management was "If we become ill following the vaccine, will the Air Force take care of us?" As I saw in this book, the answer to the question is NO.

As pilots, our most treasured asset is our health. Without it, we can no longer perform the mission that we love. The manner in which Michael and Denise describe the physical and mental anguish he endured was truly overwhelming. I could imagine myself in his position and the way I would react; how I would feel.

In my months of research, this book proved to be one of the many determining factors in my decsion. When I talked to former commanders who reminded me of their experiences with Agent Orange or when I spoke with members at my own base that had testified to Congress about their illnesses following the anthrax vaccine, in the back of my mind was Michael Donnelly.

I ultimately made my decision to resign in lieu of taking the vaccine which has led to the end of my aviation career. The only salvation I have is the knowledge that I will never need to worry about unexplained illness in the future.

My most heartfelt sympathy and gratitude go out to Michael and Denise's families. Michael's story is one that I will never forget. Thank you for helping me make my decision.

A message for millions of Americans
In this story there is a message for millions of Americans. In this story the reader will learn about the "wheels of justice."

When is the movie coming out???
Not too many books grab my heart as this one did. I felt like I was participating in the book myself! Both Denise and Michael did an excellent job bringing his story to life. I read the book when it first came out and I still continue to think about it often (two years later). Personally, I could see it made into a movie. At any rate, this is one book that is a must read in my opinion and well worth my money spent!

Extremely real and well done. Could not put the book down.
If you want to know what life is really like for an American who serves his country, then read this book. Unfortunately too many men and women who serve our country as heroes every day and put their lives on the line get tossed aside by the bureaucracy after they are needed. The pain and suffering that our own government puts these families through is unexcusable at best and evil otherwise. Michael and Denise should be commended for their courage in telling this all too real story. It made me laugh and cry throughout, much like life does. All of us can feel this story, it could be any of us. A must read. ... Read more

Book Description

Napoleon called him le loup des mers ("the sea wolf"). One cannot visit a town in Chile (where he is seen as a hero) without crossing at least one street or town square that bears his name. He proposed the use of saturation bombing and chemical warfare over half a century before their use. As one of England's most famous naval heroes, Admiral Lord Cochrane's exploits inspired the likes of Patrick O'Brian and C. S. Forester. Now with a new introduction, The Autobiography of a Seaman chronicles the exciting life of Britain's most controversial admiral of the Napoleonic era. Known as a dashing, brilliant young sailor for his exploits against the Spanish, Cochrane was also a fearless campaigner against incompetence and corruption in the navy and in politics. Charged with a daring assault on the French in the famous Battle of the Aix Roads, he publicly accused his superiors of timidity when the action was called off at the last minute. He was elected to the House of Commons, where he fought vigilantly for the pensions of war veterans, only to make enemies with some of the most powerful families in Britain, including future prime minister of England Lord Palmerston. Later, he commanded the Chilean Navy in their fight for independence against Spain, helped develop naval warfare under steam, and devoted himself to developing a weapon of mass destruction (poison gas), which was so shocking to his contemporaries that his plans were shelved as classified until World War I. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Essential Reading for Naval Historians
The autobiography of Admiral Lord Cochrane was first published in 1860, the year Cochrane died at the age of 85. Richard Woodman has added an introduction to the present edition. Cochrane only covers the period of his life up through 1814 when he was 39. Consequently, he covers nothing of his later career in Chile, Brazil, and Greece; nothing of his reinstatement in the Royal Navy; and nothing of his immediate family other than a brief account of his marriage to Kitty Barnes (about 20 years younger than Cochrane) by whom he had 5 children.

Autobiographers always have a bias as the authors are presenting their side of the case (see, for example, Bligh's "Mutiny Aboard the H.M.S. Bounty"). While presenting the details of his early naval career, the main thrust is his campaign against corruption in the Admiralty Courts, the Royal Navy, and the Government in general. Some accounts are almost like comic opera, e.g., the Admiralty Court in Malta.

Cochrane's service commanding the Speedy from 1800 to 1801 has been fictionalized by Patrick O'Brien in the novel "Master and Commander" in which he replaces Cochrane with the fictional James Aubrey. All the major details are the same, but O'Brien added considerable color to the account.

Like many good military commanders, Cochrane lacked tact and was not a diplomat. He was promoted to command the Speedy at the age of 25 without having the experience to deal with the protocols of the Royal Navy. He could best be described as a loose cannon. He was unwilling to compromise when a little tact, a closed mouth, and a small amount of back scratching would have achieved major results. His lack of diplomacy caused others to reject well thought out plans simply because he proposed them. Cochrane damaged others around him simply by trying to be their champion, undoubtedly being responsible for Parker's ruin - people in power who Cochrane had offended would naturally take it out on his proteges.

While not great literature, the autobiography is both a good account of naval service from 1793 to 1809, and a good first-hand account of corruption within politics and the government. The writing style is somewhat like Churchill's history of World War II.

Cochrane's Life to 1815
Readers familiar with Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series will immediately recognize the source of many of those novels in Admiral Lord Cochrane's "Autobiography of a Seaman."

Admiral Lord Cochrane was born into a noble Scots family whose fortunes had declined by the time of his birth (1775). Through family connections, he secured a berth as a midshipman at the age of 17 on a British man-of-war in the early years of the Napoleonic Wars. Thereafter, he rose through the ranks of the British navy on the strength of several truly daring and remarkable attacks, capturing or destroying many French and Spanish vessels in a small sloop, and later, a frigate.

This book tells the stories of those triumphs.

The romantic aspect of the Napoleonic era is here too, and the tales abound with numerous examples of the dubious military notions of honor among combatants. Moreover, Cochrane moved in the highest circles of the navy and government, and it is surprising to see many prominent names in naval history, (e.g., Admiral Nelson, Captain Bligh) appear casually in these pages.

Lord Cochrane's exploits - at sea, in politics and in business - are clearly the source of O'Brian's Jack Aubrey. However, whereas O'Brian presents his tales in a highly-polished narrative style similar to Jane Austen, Cochrane croaks out his stories with bombastic self-apology, and delivers the narrative in a choppy and archaic military style, viz., by attaching copies of his despatches to superior officers to explain the events.

Anyone interested in naval warfare or anyone who likes a good adventure story should read this book. Napoleon's characterization of Cochrane as "le loup des mers" is well deserved. It is unfortunate, however, that Cochrane did not spend more time at sea. The last 100+ pages of this book (except for a trip to Malta) are tedious. Cochrane, perhaps at the peak of his career as a naval officer, became embroiled in reform politics, the court martial of a superior officer, and a stock fraud trial. These three episodes ended his career in Britain, (although he did go on to great success in Chile commanding its revolutionary navy.) Cochrane whines and complains about the most minute details of each case in an attempt to prove his innocence. As a practising litigator, I have represented a few clients who became obsessed with two or three facts which the client believes proves his or her innocence, in the face of dozens of facts which indicate guilt. It is difficult to listen to this type of complaining, but Cochrane takes it to new heights: this autobiography, written in 1865, spends a score of pages reviewing the 1814 testimony of witnesses on whether one stock-fraud participant wore a red or a green coat. Dreary stuff.

Readers who hope to glean some Freudian insight into his psychological make-up, or anyone hoping for a character like Diana Villiers will not enjoy this work. Although Cochrane says of himself, "my life has been one of the most romatic on record", (p.316), it is not the romance a modern reader might think. The section dealing with his marriage comprises three pages. His wife and mother are the only women mentioned, and only in passing.

Once again, a major flaw with this, like other nautical books, is the absence or inadequacy of maps. The action at Basque Roads would be much more comprehensible if the reader knew the position of the British fleet, the French fleet, Isle d'Aix, etc.

This book is a good read to the extent it focuses on Cochrane's naval actions, but that portion of the autobiography that focuses on politics and trials is no more interesting to readers now than it was when it was written. ... Read more

Book Description

This is a biography of Major George E. Preddy, Jr. who became the leading active ace in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. When he was killed on Christmas Day 1944 by Allied ground fire, he was the top P-51 Mustang ace of all time, with 27 aerial and five ground victories. George's younger brother, Bill, was killed on April 17, 1945 while strafing an enemy aerodrome near Prague. A chapter is devoted to his short career in which he claimed two aerial victories. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

An author's thoughts on "Preddy"
When the original edition of this book was published, I wondered why the publisher had chosen the "mini" size that has since become more routine for mainstream books---routine in today's world of consolidation and globalization because the tiny handful of big bookstore chains put such a premium on space. The story of Major George Preddy, who was credited with 23.83 aerial victories at the controls of the P-51 Mustang, warranted larger dimensions, more pages, greater thickness, I thought. Many other aces have become the subject of full-sized biographies while some, like Col. (later, Gen.) J. C. Meyer, who admired Preddy, has not.

I became very much aware of the Preddy brothers a decade ago when writing a book on the P-51 Mustang (now out of print).

The reader of this book will get first-hand glimpses at George Preddy and brother Bill from a cousin (co-author Noah) who knew Preddy personally. The selection of photos is interesting, since many come from family sources and have not been seen elsewhere. The story of George Preddy and his career makes exciting reading. I probably should have given this volume a couple more stars in my rating, but I'm one of those teachers who never hands out an "A." I cannot imagine anyone with an interest in air combat in World War II not having this book.

An Ace's Fitting Biography
Reviewer: John Edwards from United StatesFebruary 29, 2000These are merely some thoughts that came to mind while reading the book and shortly thereafterand are in noparticular order. This is a detailed account with complimentary diaryexcerptsproviding an excellent glimpse into the manand the ace fighter pilot. A hall mark of a well written biographical account in my opinion is one that depicts the person, notjust his/her accomplishments.Military biographiesgenerally do this. I detected no attempt to smear anyone or organization as some lesser works. The book is supported by solidresearch and timely use of primary andsecondarysources, especially interviews and personal rememberances of Preddy. Theuse ofpersonal recollections makes the book read likean oral history instead of a typical biographical sketch. A particular strength of the work is the use of 'real' photographs,not the well publicized andover used images commonlyfound in biographical accounts. The gun camera stills bring a certain sense of immediacy to thebook. What better way to visualizedthe chaotic, swirling dogfights overEurope than withthe same images Preddy saw, taken from his own gun camera. I personallylikethe clear, logical manner of organziation in thebook. The writing seemed dynamic and vibrantinsteadof staid and flat. I never thought the material presented was out of scopein the chapter inwhich it appeared. Your own closefamily ties with George did not prevent you and Sam from capturing the man George was. The writing stayed focus on Preddy's lifeand did not become a dryoperational history of the352nd during Preddy's service. This certainly held true in the first partofthe book with Preddy serving in the Pacific. Sooften in WWII literature, if the subject served in the ETO and PTO authors commonly short shaft the PTO since it does not carrythe same appeal.Your book is proportionally balanced.Well done.

These are just random thoughts I had. Ienjoyed reading the book. This book does not require prior knowledge like some biographies.

An ace's fitting biography
These are merely some thoughts that came to mind while reading the book and shortly thereafter and are in no particular order.This is a detailed account with complimentary diary excerpts providing an excellentglimpse into the man and the ace fighter pilot.A hall mark of a wellwritten biographical account in my opinion is one that depicts the person,not just his/her accomplishments.Military biographies generally do this. I detected no attempt to smear anyone or organization as some lesser works. The book is supported by solid research and timely use of primary andsecondary sources, especially interviews and personal rememberances ofPreddy.The use of personal recollections makes the book read like an oralhistory instead of a typical biographical sketch. A particular strengthof the work is the use of 'real' photographs, not the well publicized andover used images commonly found in biographical accounts.The gun camerastills bring a certain sense of immediacy to thebook.What better way tovisualized the chaotic, swirling dogfights over Europe than with the sameimages Preddy saw, taken from his own gun camera.I personally like theclear, logical manner of organziation in the book. The writing seemeddynamic and vibrant instead of staid and flat.I never thought thematerial presented was out of scope in the chapter in which it appeared. Your own close family ties with George did not prevent you and Sam fromcapturing the man George was.The writing stayed focus on Preddy's lifeand did not become a dry operational history of the 352nd during Preddy'sservice.This certainly held true in the first part of the book withPreddy serving in the Pacific.So often in WWII literature, if the subjectserved in the ETO and PTO authors commonly short shaft the PTO since itdoes not carry the same appeal.Your book is proportionally balanced. Well done.

These are just random thoughts I had.I enjoyed reading thebook.This book does not require prior knowledge like some biographies.

An outstanding biography of an aviation hero
This is an interesting story of a young man in World War II.It is detailed and well researched.General John C. Meyer is quoted as saying: "George Preddy was the greatest fighter pilot who ever squintedthrough a gunsight; he was the complete fighter pilot".The book isalso an accounting of the man himself (apart from his war efforts) and hisfamily.It is written by a man who knew George Preddy as a child andlooked up to him.

Get up to speed on WWII aviation history!
This book is a must read for anyone who has an interest in World War II aviation history. The text is thoroughly researched and well-written.The story is true and fascinating.I recommend it highly. ... Read more

Book Description

Guantánamo: What the World Should Know teams human rights lawyer Michael Ratner with political journalist Ellen Ray to reveal the truth about Guantánamo Bay Naval Station and the creation of a new network of U.S. detention camps around the world.

As president of the Center for Constitutional Rights, Ratner is at the center of a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case, Rasul v. Bush. This case will help to decide the future for thousands of people being held in U.S. detention centers—without charge or any hope of trial. The U.S. administration insists that these prisoners have no rights, and that President Bush has unlimited power to designate anyone—including American citizens—as "enemy combatants" who can be held and interrogated for as long, and as intensively, as their captors wish.

Gathered together for the first time, Guantánamo also includes the governmental memoranda and orders that led to this system of detention without accountability, a letter from two recently released Guantánamo detainees, and excerpts from the Geneva Convention.

Ratner and Ray give a definitive account of what Guantánamo means for the rule of law, for liberty, democracy, and the right to dissent. ... Read more

Book Description

Kerry Lane, who enlisted as a sixteen-year-old farm boy from Virginia, battled the Japanese at Guadalcanal and rose to heroism powering a bulldozer to bridge "Suicide Creek" in the swamps on Cape Gloucester. There he led his Marine comrades to victory.

For this action, Lane, then a sergeant, was recommended for the Navy’s highest honor, the Navy Cross, and received the Silver Star Medal.

In Guadalcanal Marine, he recounts the dark reality of combat experienced by the men of the 1st Marine Division in the Pacific theater and brings to life the struggles of his companions as they achieve these two astonishing victories.

Lane describes the trials of the common Marine serving in the first grueling island campaign. In vivid prose he tells of joining the service before the war and of training. Soon after the shocking news of Pearl Harbor, he and his trusted comrades fight the Japanese in one of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific.

In the tropics, Lane and his companions suffer malaria and dysentery, endure jungle rot and oppressive heat, and grapple with an enemy who fights to the death. Throughout the book, Lane bares the experience of the average Marine and his historic World War II journey, revealing how one sixteen-year-old farm boy became a Corps hero and ultimately finished his military career as a lieutenant colonel. ... Read more