No comments about The Two Princes of Calabar: An Eighteenth-Century Atlantic Odyssey.

5 comments about Henry Knox: Visionary General of the American Revolution.

1. Our hero George Washington was able to achieve the key Revolutionary War battles with the incredible foresight, creativity, and persistence of his General, Henry Knox - a self taught man. He was with General Washington from the beginning in Boston, through the battles in NYC, engineered the crossing of the Potomac, and finally victory in Yorktown.
   
   George Washington said "There is no man whom I love more or have a stronger friendship."



2. This is a very readable and much needed history of a forgotten founder of our country. I'd never read much of anything about Knox except that he got the cannons from Ticonderoga to Boston at the start of the revolution. It never occurred to me to think much about why Washington put so much trust in him and named him to his cabinet. There are a few minor errors, such as Puls statement that Hamilton wasn't able to run for President due to his foreign birth (false - per Article II, anyone a citizen at the adoption of the Constitution was eligible), but they don;t detract much from the whole.



3. From Boston street rat to American revolutionary general to the first U.S. Secretary of War, the career of Henry Knox rose steadily and triumphantly despite a life dogged by personal tragedy. Knox's quick intellect allowed him to turn bombardment theory gained through voracious reading into expert practice during the American Revolution; his unflagging optimism and good-natured love of people charmed open the doors to the halls of political power; his reliability and integrity gained him the respect and admiration of the army and its civic leadership. Perhaps the greatest testament to his spirit was his refusal to break under the deaths of nine children and the gradual mental collapse and death of William, his only sibling.
   
   Puls's biography of Knox falls into the category of "Better than Nothing." Knox, for whom the famed repository of American gold is named, deserves the limelight Puls shines on him. Also, Puls's writing is clear and exciting, the kind of prose that captures the imagination and holds it tightly. However, this is not a scholarly work, and it shows. Speculation on what Knox may have felt or thought is too prominent, and there isn't much in the way of scientifically-historical investigation. This popular biography fills a thoroughly necessary spot in the American library--to introduce the casual reader to a great historical figure who may otherwise have been forgotten. It's simply unfortunate that Knox has the popular biography without the definitive scholarly work to undergird it.



4. In very many ways, the story of the United States is also Henry Knox' story, of someone from humble beginnings, including a physical handicap, rising to be a significant part in the American Revolution, through personal efforts and overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. Knox may not have been an architect of victory, but he certainly was one of the major instruments of it. An American `Man For All Seasons', his range of talents, as well as personal and professional growth, were amazing: valor and leadership in the field; extraordinary organizational skills; trusted senior advisor to George Washington; quick in developing tactics and tools to accommodate the Continental Army's myriad weaknesses; founder of the US Navy; recognizing and exploiting new technology; founder of West Point Military Academy; architect of a professional officer corps. These and more were contributions he made that not only served the immediate struggle for the US' existence, but also provided tools for subsequent national leaders who were grateful for having them as instruments of policy. And, like all of George Washington's `family', he had a sense of honor that was sorely tested by the pointed, repeated and deliberate failures of national political leaders, something that exists still in today's modern military. The 257 pages are organized into 12 chapters and an Epilog, with extensive notes and bibliography. The time span is from his early years to his untimely death. A delightful read, and highly recommended.



5. The back of the book jacket quotes another author calling this "the definitive biography." Given the over-reliance on secondary sources, I think not. The book's author does point out that a fire destroyed the records of Knox's time as Secretary at War and subsequently Secretary of War, but there must be plenty of other primary source materials to draw on. I agree that this is a well-written biography, particularly in noting Knox's close relationship with Washington, which has been obscured by the focus on Hamilton and Lafayette as Washington's supposed favorites. As another reviewer noted, the war is the bulk of this briskly written book and is well written to reflect Knox's point of view and role in the campaign. I would recommend this book for those interested in the back-story of supporting, supplying and training the Continental Army. Knox will have to wait a while longer for his definitive biography, however.

5 comments about Tomboy Bride.

1. Harriet Backus chronicles her everyday life with a riveting narrative of her experiences in the early 20th century mining camps of the west. One cannot help but marvel at how our ancestors dealt with the harshness of life without the creature comforts we now all enjoy. But of course they knew no other way, so therefore accepted the hardships as they lived their lives. The author's marvelous way with words enables her history to come alive, making the reader feel like a companion sharing her joys, griefs and wonders of the world she encountered.



2. I rarely read a book more than once but this one is worth the time to do that. What a life the bride lived.



3. Since so many have commented on the story, I'll skip repeating all the wonderful things others have already said. Here's what I have to say:
   
   I bought this book in 2001 when my wife and I got married at Alred's in Telluride (we were the FIRST couple to be married there). It wasn't until last month that I "found" this book on my shelf and decided to read it...I couldn't put it down!
   
   This book should be mandatory reading for all high school kids for several reasons: they can learn what life was like back then, and to show that life doesn't own you a thing! You have to earn what you want and take the good with the bad.
   
   Mrs. Backus was an incredible woman that lived through some incredibly difficult times, all the while never giving up or having a bad thing to say.
   
   I would rank this book right up there with "Narrative of the Slave"; it's easy to read, extremely fascinating and leaves you with lump in your throat when it's over.
   
   This book would make an incredible movie (just don't let them "Hollywood-ize" it. Keep it true to the story.



4. My son gave me this book as a gift and once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. It is a wonderful story of a young girl who marries and moves to a mining town in Colorado with her mining engineer husband in the early 1900s. As you turn the pages, you live day by day with Harriet and can actually experience the hardships of living in such remote areas.
   
   It is one of the best written books I have ever read and I recommend it to everyone.
   Brenda Ritter



5. Fantastic book. Well written with humor and sorrow. I picked this book up on a whim at a $1 book sale. Best dollar I have ever spent. I couldn't put this book down. Really a great read for anyone interested in mining life esp. what it was like from a womans point of view.

1 comments about The Infortunate: The Voyage And Adventures Of William Moraley, An Indentured Servant.

1. This book is a great way to learn about early American life in the cities. It is well written in a very unique first person, and true.

   I read it in college and loved it, and i think that it would still be a good read for anyone highschool to adult. It's a quick read.

5 comments about In Pharaoh's Army: Memories of the Lost War.

1. Once I started reading this book, it was so totally engrossing, I finished it in 2 days. It's a rather self-deprecating telling of his experiences as a US Army Special Forces advisor to the South Vietnamese in 1968-69 during the Tet Offensive. It is not a "war story" of violent or graphic combat, but of many engaging & intelligent observations, of himself, of the army, and of the events shaping his world at the time. At the end of the book I was left wishing for more.



2. Viet Nam is well-represented in war memoirs these days. Tobias Wolff, whose first memoir, This Boy's Life, made him famous, perhaps mostly because of the successful film version of the book, starring DeNiro and DiCaprio. His second memoir, In Pharaoh's Army, is not so well known. Wolff is brutally honest and self-effacing as he chronicles his rootless young adult life; his drift through basic, jump school, special forces training, OCS, artillery and language school, always near the bottom of every class. When he finally lands in Nam he is assigned to a remote jungle outpost as advisor to an ARVN artillery unit. Somehow he survives the Tet offensive, terrified to his very toes. He tells of an R&R trip to Saigon where a trio of drunken redneck GI's casually pound the poop out of him in a bar. Another tale concerns a small dog he rescues from his Vietnamese comrades. The dog's name, he learns, is Canh Cho. Wolff keeps the small fearful animal as a pet for months. At a farewell feast before his departure, he compliments his hosts on the delicious fare and asks what he's eating. "Canh Cho," he is told, which translates, of course, "dog stew." Horrified, but philosophical, Wolff concludes, "There was only one way left to do him justice. I bent to my plate and polished him off." There is no sign of braggadocio or false heroics in this story. Wolff is just a man who survived the nightmare of the Vietnam venture and told his story as honestly and as well as he knew how. Which is VERY well. - Tim Bazzett, author of Soldier Boy.[...]



3. War stories are really my brother's forte, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a memoir of Vietnam, and because I read it for a Creative Non-Fiction class, I'm left wondering whether a few things actually happened. Is truth crazier than fiction?
   
   I also really loved the interjections of writerly advice within the narrative, and wish Wolff would have given us more. A young man overseas, always with a novel in the back of his head. In many ways, I related. In many ways, I found truth within his words, and I think I may have found my "in" to the novel I started writing.
   
   The format of the book was especially endearing. Each chapter really was its own short story. There is no true linear progression, and yet there is one. We start off in Vietnam, after he and his buddy has just stolen a color TV upon which they're planning to watch the Thanksgiving special of Bonzana. Then we're back in the States, following the author around as he tries to figure out what the hell he's doing with his life. Then back to the war. We are told even before meeting them that some of his buddies are going to die, and yet we watch their relationships unfold ignorant of that fact.
   
   He's funny without trying too hard to be funny, an unique trait among writers nowadays. His humor comes from the mouth of someone real, not merely a vessel for funny sayings. It read, perhaps, like the memoir of someone I might know. A full-timer, down in the dish room, who doesn't talk about it, but it's always there, like the dreams that were so viciously taken away from them and the dreams that they gave up on.



4. There is something about Wolff that puts me off. I couldn't empathize with him in reading This Boys Life. I could understand how critics would think well of it--it does READ well. But as a person, I didn't like him. He carries this unlikablity (not as bad as Dubya, mind you) into In Pharoah's Army. I didn't like how he managed to become an officer in the Army. Somehow his book comes off as less authentic than other books about Vietnam. Compare it to Tim O'Brien or Philip Caputo (or even my own, Waiting for Westmoreland) and he comes out too detached and sometimes not entirely believable. I am not saying he ripped off Graham Greene, but he also shares a fair bit of style and tone with The Quiet American. Still, it may be worth reading if only to contrast it with the others out there.



5. Tobias Wolff knows how to write.
   In his second memoir, In Pharaoh's Army, Wolff masterfully recounts his experience in the Viet Nam war and does so in a way that completely entrances the reader. I started this book on a plane ride from Chicago to Los Angeles, which is a good three and half hours, and not once on that flight did I put the book down. Wolff is a true master when in comes to the conveying of experience. He brings people that remain only memories to life, and provides wit and insight from an older, matured voice. This is Wolff's true talent, the simultaneous storytelling and ironic analysis that he is so acclaimed for.
   
   Wolff's characters are some of the best in literature. Even minor ones come to life; Wolff describes a Vietnamese Sergeant as "[having] a thin scholarly face and a grave manner. When he spoke to me he lowered his head and looked up from under his eyebrows" (81). To add to his incredible storytelling and description, Wolff's funny asides bring even more life to the book. Looking back on a mission where he brought medical aid to rural villages, Wolff describes it as "being a missionary; even a god. A couple of us big white guys would drop out of the sky and spend the day surrounded by astonished rustics..." (100). Honestly, what is there not to love about writing like that?
   
   Not only does In Pharaoh's Army serve as a recollection of Wolff's experience in Viet Nam but also is a continuation of his previous memoir, This Boy's Life. He bridges the gap between his expulsion from Hill Academy and joining the Army, while also going much more in depth into his relationship with his father. So, basically, if you are looking for even more closure than provided by This Boy's Life, this is the book for you.

5 comments about Hitler: 1936-1945: Nemesis.

1. The second volume of Kershaw's outstanding biography of Hitler covers the period from 1936 to his death. Kershaw does a superb job of integrating the biographical material per se with relevant narrative and analysis of German history over this period. Kershaw picks up and expands themes that emerged in volume one. Two in particular stand out. One is the overriding importance of Hitler's crude but powerful ideology. The point of Hitler's actions was the violent attainment of his social Darwinist goals; the elimination of European Jewry, the dominance of "inferior races" like the Slavic peoples of Eastern Europe, and German domination of western Eurasia. War was not just necessary to achieve these goals but an indispensable part of the process of establishing German supremacy. The necessity of violence was not merely an ideological preoccupation but something with deep emotional resonance for Hitler. This was a man who found his service on the Western Front a personally transforming and uplifting experience. Kershaw shows well how a large number of Hitler's zealous supporters shared these horrifying views and how an even larger number of Germans, including virtually all of the traditional elites of the German state, were either supportive of Hitler's goals or willing to look the other way as long as he was successful. By the time it became clear that Hitler was leading Germany to disaster, Hitler's power was so well established that any kind of organized resistance became almost impossible.
   
   Kershaw shows well how Hitler's bold repudiation of the Versailles restrictions and the rearmarment policies that expanded the German economy led to enormous personal popularity. Under the umbrella of Hitler's success and great prestige, the Nazis were able to subordinate all the major institutions of German life, perhaps save the churches, which did offer some limited resistance. At the same time, the Party erected a powerful alternative governing structure and some of Hitler's most able and ruthless subordinates developed the powerful security services that policed Germany. Hitler personally established complete dominance over the Wehrmacht, the only institution that could have resisted him successfully. Hitler's daring and ability to capitalize on weaknesses of his opponents, coupled with a good dose of luck led to unprecedented success.
   
   Another major theme articulated by Kershaw is the nature of the Nazi state. The essentially indolent and politically shrewd Hitler ruled primarily by setting himself above day to day government and setting the broader ideological goals for Germany. Hitler's unwillingness to participate in the mechanics of government and his willingness to countenance competing sectors of authority led to an anarchic state (termed polyocracy by some historians) that enhanced Hitler's power because only he had the ultimate authority to adjudicate among the competing authorities. For much of his rule, it also insulated him from public disfavor as unpopular policies were associated with lower ranking Party or government officials. This system, which Kershaw describes as "working towards the Fuhrer" led to competition among different subordinates and power centers for who could gain Hitler's favor by pursuing the ideological goals of the regime. The result was essentially a race to see who could be the more effective murderer of those unfortunate enough to be enemies, real or imagined, of the regime.



2. I finally got around to reading both volumes of Kershaw's biography after plowing through the Fest bio. Fest's is better, in my opinion, although the first Volume of Kershaw's isn't bad. The problem with Volume 2 is that it's redundant, with endless anecdotes about Hitler's tantrums and paranoia---way too much padding. It's more of an historical account of WW2, instead of a biography, unfortunately. As well, Kershaw's contempt for Hitler gets in the way of acknowledging any successes on Hitler's part; he's unable to give the devil his due. Volume 1 is probably worth it; Volume 2 doesn't add much. Some people like Alan Bullock's bio of Hitler, while others prefer John Toland's. I haven't read either one.



3. How could a racial crank with no education rule Germany so effectively for years? If he was an evil genius, Why did he then fail, stupidly leading it into a second war and eventual defeat? Kershaw's answer is the Nazi phrase, "working towards the Fuhrer". When Hitler stated his desires or plans, he didn't have to issue actual detailed commands: he could count on his lieutenants to implement his will in practice.
   
   Thus making Germany's foreign policy (in particular) a copy of his own paranoid, ruthless personality, Hitler won some early victories against opponents used to dealing with "gentlemen" leaders and countries. Also, "working towards the Fuhrer" obscured his personality--that of a crank--behind competent experts. But once he desired the impossible (conquering the USSR) or once his will became increasingly vague and contradictory (during the war), the result was total catastrophic, with Germany willingly starting a war it couldn't possibly win just because the Fuhrer wanted it, with the "bonus" of complete government chaos as numerous competing organizations interpreted Hitler's latest vague speech in a self-serving manner.
   
   Kershaw's history shows in meticulous detail just how "working towards the Fuhrer" worked in practice: how it allowed Hitler to make his personal paranoia and racial hatered Germany's officlal policy, with all that that implies--the holocaust included--which is the main point of writing a new biography of him in the first place. This thesis, while surely it can never be conclusively tested, is a far superior explanation of all that had occured in 1933-1945 than simplistic "Hitler was evil" explanations. Evil he certainly was, but, as Kershaw notes, that explains nothing: numerous evil cranks exist. Why did so many cultured and supposedly humane and sane Germans support him is the interesting question, which Kershaw answers very well.
   
   Highly recommended.



4. I have read many books about the Nazism, but until I read this one I didn't really feel I understood how a little snake like Adolf Hitler could get intelligent people to follow him. "Working toward the Fuhrer", as Kershaw puts it, became the goal, regardless of the consequences. Being "one of us", rather than "one of them", was the only goal. Facinating stuff, and scary, considering the relevance to our own time.



5. To be sure, military historians may be upset because Kershaw doesn't cover every little thing when it comes to the war, but this is the place to start and finish when it comes to Hitler from 1936-1945. The book is very well written and highly readable. If you want more info on the war, there are certainly other places to go, but if you want to know about Hitler, start with Kershaw's 1st volume and move on to this.

5 comments about Sophie Scholl and the White Rose.

1. If you have a restless conscience then you will better understand the members of the White Rose. Like most kids in Germany in the 30's Hans and Sophie Scholl joined the Nazi youth movement and bought into National Socialism. However through their father who opposed National Socialism and a God instilled restless conscience they soon saw National Socialism for the evil it was and is. The author does a good job of making you feel the tension and stress as the story unfolds. Their dileama was how do you mount a meaningful opposition to a totalitarian state from within. Who can you trust? Gestapo everywhere and all opposition to the State outlawed.By 1940 most of the 500 or so pastors who would not bow down to Hitler were in jail or executed. By the time the White Rose decided to take action in 1942 most Germans were scarred to death of the police state they had allowed to enslave them. But there was sporadic uprising against Hitler. One interesting story in the book was when the gov't banned all the crucifixes from the public schools in Bavaria in 1941. The parents signed protest letters and petitions and even threw the mandatory picture of Hitler out of classroom windows. The protest was so strong that Hitler backed down. Its scary to think that our gov't has taken Christianity out of the classroom but Hitler couldn't. As you read the book you feel that they felt they were going to get caught but their restless conscience would not let them turn from the course of action that would lead to their deaths. As we see our own freedoms of privacy (Patriot Act), speech (Hate Crime Bills) and other constitutional rights being taken from us by an ever growing central gov't we can learn a lot from this book. At her trial Sophie Scholl said "Somebody had to make a start". They certainly did and their pamphlets and death had a lasting effect on the German people. Hans Scholl's last words were "Long live Freedom". The essence of freedom is the limitation of gov't and requires eternal vigilance. The German people allowed Hitler to much power and he enslaved them. We still have the time and ability to limit the power of our gov't but it will take a lot of work and most importantly a restless conscience. 5 stars for this book.



2. This book was definitely a must-read, not only for those that are interested in this time period of study, but for anyone who wants to have a better understanding of world history. It's amazing, simply put. It reads so quickly. You are definitely drawn in from the very first page to the last.



3. I bought this for research and it is terrific. It really gets into the mindset and political background of the story of the White Rose and helps the reader to understand the 'why' of the story. Not as personal as other accounts, it nevertheless is a wonderful background that will help you see Nazi Germany in a whole new light while telling the moving and touching story of Sophie Scholl.



4. It is quite impossible to do an adequate job of reviewing this book.
   Knowing that these young German students really lived, daring to risk their young lives and, indeed, losing them, for their distribution of their printed words challenging German people to act against Hitler, is unbelievably humbling and cause for great hope for mankind. Passive resistence worked. Life triumphed over death. Good was stronger than evil.
   The authors, Annette Dumbach and Jud Newborn, became accomplished talents with the publication of this book alone.
   Their ability to combine the biographies of Sophie, her brother and their compatriots in the making and distrubtion of the White Rose and the requisite history and analysis of the political climate in Germany during The Holcaust is masterful.
   The book reads like a suspense thriller one could read in a few hours. However, their thoughtful, detailed insights into the minds and hearts of the protagonists, compel the reader to read and then reread many passages before being emotionally able to read on. This is a must read for young and old students of the human condition, a truly unforgettable book.



5. SOPHIE SCHOLL & THE WHITE ROSE is, essentially, about the finest aspects of human nature. The White Rose members' integrity and their compassion for their fellow Germans and, more surprisingly, for the Jewish population who had endured years of prejudice and oppression followed by vicious persecution is very impressive.
   
   To mount a secret campaign against the Third Reich, a totalitarian regime of insidious oppression and unbelievable brutality against both the German people and its conquered populations, takes amazing courage.
   
   But to face up to that regime on an intensely personal level, without hesitation or - apparently - regret, fully aware of the consequences, is simply awesome. And it awes me that most of the White Rose members were students like myself! This is a very memorable book with a powerful message.

5 comments about Maid of Heaven: The Story of Saint Joan of Arc.

1. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RNE87Q7CFIJMO Great inspiring video about Joan of Arc with historic pictures.



2. Maid of Heaven was the third book I recently read about Joan of Arc. While I don't typically read poetry (that is I may be a bad judge), this particular poetry was definitely not to my liking. The book was essentially a short biography of Joan 's life told in a manner that seemed forced and not particularly appealing; the poetry aspects seemed almost non-existent to me other the some basic rhyming (I have read some really good poetry, some that captures your imagination and lets your drift into deep thought, not this one). The reason to add this review was to provide some counter-balance the 10 other 5 star ratings (!?) -- you may love this, but the book didn't excite my imagination at all.



3. Everyone knows of the general legend of Joan of Arc - a young and illiterate girl hears voices from God and leads France against the invading English. "Maid of Heaven: The Story of Saint Joan of Arc", however, tells the complete and through story of a sixteen year old girl who rose up to stand against insurmountable odds. Nonfiction, but written and reads like fiction, "Maid of Heaven: The Story of Saint Joan of Arc" is expertly composed and highly recommended to world history shelves and for anyone who wants a complete understanding of this enigmatic teenage girl who was anything but.



4. The symbolism in this poem is awesome! The whole battle of light verses darkness in the life of St. Joan is beautifully portrayed throughout Maid of Heaven. The very first stanza references St. Joan's birth on the Epiphany and from there her great spiritual journey unfolds in a way that make it clear what the focus of her life was: serving God.
   
   If you only read this poem as a history of Joan of Arc you will come away with a good understanding of the major events in her life. BUT if you allow the poem to take you deeper you will transcend beyond the obvious conclusions about St. Joan of Arc and better understand why she truly deserves to be called a saint.



5. I've read many books about France's Partron Saint, Joan of Arc, but never seen one like 'Maid of Heaven' by Ben Kennedy. It is Joan's life portrayed through beautiful poetic form. Mr. Kennedy does an amazing job of putting such a lyrical story into capitivating lyrical form. It is the kind of book that catches your attentiion, and then never lets go. Once I started, I was compelled to continue to the very end. The poetry is lovely and well versed, and the historical perspecties reflect an accurate accounting of Joan's amazing story. Most importantly, Mr. Kennedy doesn't neglect to include the spiritaul perspectives and implications in his work, and we are all the better for it. I highly recommend this lovely and most original approach to Joan's life.

5 comments about The Secret Life of Houdini: The Making of America's First Superhero.

1. 
   The subtitle "The making of America's first superhero" really doesn't hold up very well. I would say George Washington or Daniel Boone fit that bill long before Houdini was born and a few others probably could be named as well. The authors also pursue a questionable line of research when they try to put Houdini in the position of master spy with very little research to back it up; mainly supposition and conjecture derived from a few sources. I guess they were trying to add a bit more spice to a figure who has had more than a few biographies written about him, but I didn't find all the "bells and whistles" necessary to enjoy this well-written look at one of the few individuals whose name has become part of our lexicon. Houdini's life is a marvelous combination of hard work and ego; in his quest to be famous he achieved a kind of immortality, his life filled with all the human failings of hubris and weakness, but he was always supplemented by a tremendous will to overcome whatever he was confronted with. .The later chapters, dealing with Houdini's battles with spiritualists, like Margery, are particularly telling. These attacks on spiritualists, who seemed to have really earned his enmity by having the temerity to try to trick the master of deception, are fascinating examples of how Houdini was able to combine his personal feelings with commerce as he was able to tour and lecture on their fraudulent practices. These chapters are truly the most intriguing, as the gradual decay of Houdini's friendship with Arthur Conan Doyle is mixed with Houdini's valiant attempt to enlighten people to the deceit of the spiritualist movement. Once again the author's attempt to "gild the lily" by suggesting Houdini was killed as a payback from the "spiritualist movement" with little evidence. It's not that I don't believe the possibilities of this "assassination" or the book's earlier contentions of Houdini's "spying" but I would expect them to be better supported by evidence before giving them as much credence as this book does. Despite these attempts to add another dimension to Houdini's biography, the book still stands as a valiant effort to bring Houdini's life and legend to a new generation.



2. This book must be ranked as the best biography on Houdini. It is so well written that I literally could not put it down.
   
   I knew only Houdini the master magician, but he was so much more--possible spy for the US and Britain, inspiration for countries to develop an Air Force for the coming conflict (WWI), and even devulging some of his secrets in order to teach soldiers how they might escape from enemy prisons, etc. But of course the biggest story of all is his intense fight against fake mediums and their bilking the grieving of both their money and playing with their emotions.
   
   Of particular interest is the conflict between Conan-Doyle and his band consisting of, among others, Dr. Crandon and his "medium" wife Margery. It is amazing how the creator of the world's greatest fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, could drop all reason when it came to these con artists. Doyle was obviously emotionally wrought over the death of his son, and it made him abandon the very aspects of rationality. His fictional character would have quickly proven that there was not just a million dollar industry based on fraud, but also there existed an equally strong possibility that Houdini was murdered. Doyle was not a fuzzy, warm guy when it came to another who challenged his irrational belief system, and it is unfortunate that one who is justly admired for his writing became so intertwined with the fake "religion" of spiritualism .
   
   After reading this book, which dispels many of the myths and unlocks the real story not told by the media, I myself believe there is enough circumstantial evidence that Houdini was at the very least a victim of people who wanted to injure him enough that he would give up his anti-medium crusade. It is also possible that certain people intended for him to die--they certainly had the money and influence to have it done. Houdini himself towards the end of his life acted as though he knew he was doomed, realizing that the people against him were powerful enough to accomplish his end.
   
   I now have a totally different view of this wonderful man and believe he was a martyr to the cause of exposing these predators of grieving people who used conjuring tricks to pull off their "schtick". He was truly a "Superhero" and this book brings the man back to life. The sad part is that he did not succeed and we are still plagued with these cruel charlatans. I recommend this book 100% without any hesitation.



3. A stirring account of Harry Houdini not only as a great magician but as a great human being. Should be read by all those who aspire to be the best that they can be amidst the pitfalls of the human condition.



4. This book delighted me and disappointed me. It delighted me because of all the rich details it gives about Houdini's career. He was a far more versatile and complex man than I had ever imagined, and the physical control he had over his body would have put any yogi to shame. Although the details sometimes get out of control, for the most part I couldn't put this book down. But, alas, three faults bugged me: 1. The authors provide no analysis of the man, they merely tell us what he said and did. Many of his actions cry out for interpretation and explanation, but the authors--if they say anything--speak in generalities. How does Houdini compare to other magicians and escape artists? (For instance, how good was his brother Hardeen compared to Houdini?) What are the tricks that still baffle magicians today? What medical explanation is there for his apparent ability to slow down his breathing and heart rate to the point where he would appear to be dead--and could survive in an airtight coffin for an hour and a half when the medical experts said he'd be dead in minutes? 2. The authors are unwilling (or unable) to look critically at Houdini. His statements and actions lead me to believe he was an egomaniac, desperate for attention, viciously defensive, suffering from a constant sense of inadequacy. But the authors blind themselves to these traits and assure the reader he did it all for the sake of keeping a promise to his dead father. Houdini is always praised, never criticized, by the authors. (For instance, for all their comprehensive detail, the authors somehow manage to leave out the fact (that I saw in a PBS documentary) that Houdini had a mordid curiosity--desiring to gaze upon the bodies of those who had suffered a gruesome death.) 3. The authors pathetically fall for conspiracy theories when it comes to explaining Houdini's demise. Were there lots of people who wished Houdini dead? Yes. Is there any evidence he was murdered? No. Just from the information the author's provide (which has a lot of holes in it), it is obvious that Houdini died from complications of a burst appendix. Surgery on Houdini pretty much proves this. As in science, the simplest explanation is to be prefered.



5. Harry Houdini was quite an extraordinary man. He could escape from almost any type of restraint, pick cell door locks with ease, and toward the end of his life, battle to expose phony mediums. This book tells it all, but in a rather odd way. Often there are disconnects between sections of the book, and it doesn't flow chronologically, which can get somewhat confusing. Also, many times the authors discuss something, but don't pin it down in time, which definitely is confusing. One of the main aims of the book, according to the authors, was to reveal that Houdini worked as a "secret agent" for various governments. While they cobble together suppositions and snippets of writings, to my mind they don't get anywhere near proving their case. Read the book for the story of an amazing man, and let it go at that!

5 comments about Memoirs of the Second World War (An Abridgement of the Six Volumes of the Second World War).

1. With so many books that have been written from the American viewpoint (and I was born in the good old USA), it was refreshing to get the British view, straight from the Lion's mouth. Yes, he does make himself a bit more of a hero then he needed to, and it is a bit slanted, but what memoirs aren't? In fact this makes me very sad that Stalin and Roosevelt never wrote one, it would be wonderful to have been able to compare the three memoirs.
   
   I really enjoyed his "proper" English tone and words. By the time I was done reading it, it almost made me wish I had read the full 4,000+ unabridged one. Perhaps one day I will find the time. A must read for anyone getting deep into WWII.



2. `Memoirs of the Second World War' by Winston Churchill
   
   This abridged (6 volumes) edition of Churchill's WWII memoirs is as important today as it was when penned. One is left with a true sense of the thoughts passing through the Prime Minister's mind which led to the extraordinary choices he was to decide through the bulk of the `40's. I've always felt the European perspective of the war years was under appreciated in America, when after all, these were the souls who dealt with the ravages of war at their front door.
   
   Churchill's beautiful prose and detailed account of all major Allied decision making is required reading for any history, and certainly any WWII aficionado. It probably should be for all American high school students, as well. Whether or not you agree with these opinions, I definitely think you'll find a passionate, wonderfully composed piece of history in this excellent abridgement from one of history's greatest intellects.



3. This book is one of the most comprehensive I've ever read.
   
   I have a huge quantity of books about Second World War, including biographies of important people who took part in it; I can ensure this one is always within easy reach of my hands.
   Of course, you must be conscious before reading this book that it's been written by an English leader who was responsible not only for his country but for lots more and the War itself. He wrote it, based upon his documents and remembrances of those hard days.
   I didn't read the six volume set that is his thorough and complete biography, however "Memoirs of the Second Word War" is a wide-ranging book, starting in the thirties and going through all periods of war, till some time post-war.
   
   If you have a deep knowledge of WWII, might see that some facts are missing.
   In this book he does not make any mention of allies who took little but important part during those tough days. For example, he just talk about the capture of Monte Cassino , in Italy, without making any mention of Monte Castelo and Montese which resulted in prison of one entire German Division (148º Infantry) in a hard fighting, by FEB (Brazilian Expeditionary Force). These details however, do not take his merits away. On the contrary, Sir Winston Churchill show us others things that we, mere mortals, would not imagine that could be happen at that time, such as how dubious, distrustful and cheek Stalin was!
   He also exposes his disagreements and discussions with American allies when they had different point of views in some issues, and shows himself as a human being and not as a superman.
   
   We must be aware that, as he has said, "It must be not supposed that I expect everybody to agree with what I say", so it is a book to explain his point of view of this important event and not to please someone. Of course, you do not have to get this book as unique reference for researches or studies but as an addition to them.
   
   "Memoirs of the Second War" is a masterpiece which must be read for everyone who enjoy and study WWII.



4. Since this book was updated, there are new facts have come out about the statistics of WWII and the roles the Allies and the Axis played in it.
   That's to be expected.
   It is one sided with Churchill at times believing in his absolute right and his problems getting his view across to the Americans and the Russians.
   At times he lays too much emphasis on the fact that Britain won the war with the "help" of the Allies. And at other times he states that without the Allies Britain would have been sunk.
   As confusing and horrible as that time was, reading another book about the American side would be also helpful as we had to fight the Japanese also and it was our POW's on the defensive there. It seems to downplay the effect the Japenese had on the war which was not trivial at all.
   
   Though he seems to describe the battle of Leyete and Midway fairly well.
   It's a good read, and it's interesting to see the other "side" of the war from a great man and you won't be sorry to read it.



5. I read this good book, here in Brazil.Among the World War II great leaders, only Churchill wrote a book about that war.
   About american eugenics , race and gender relations, there isn't a single word against or about, in this big book, with more than 1,000 pages.There's some maps inside.This book isn't only about World War II, but also about the war's roots and fruits, includind about Cold War.
   This book is very biased.The Churchill's mistakes in World War II, were enormous.About France's battle in 1940, seems that Churchill was in another planet then, not as England's leader then.Ever big Churchill's or England's failure, has almost nothing or no place at all, in this book.About war production and military weapons, there's almost nothing.
   Secrets about Colossus computer and the breaking of german Enigma code machine or "purle" japanese code,were war secrets and also had no place on this book.
   Even with so many bias and other failures, this book remains good and easy to read.