5 comments about Rebel Private: Front and Rear: Memoirs of a Confederate Soldier.

1. This book is a very enjoyable and powerful read. The "War of Northern Aggression" has never seemed such a real happening to me before. It makes well-known battlefield names come alive. Fletcher was a very practical, down-to-earth man and the reader is exposed to the practical everyday concerns of a Confederate soldier. The plight of the wounded is nearly felt by the reader. Fletcher candidly discusses taking food from women and children in Union territory and scavenging the dying. He even expresses regret that he had refrained from shooting an enemy soldier because he appeared very young and he wonders if it hurt his nation's cause. There are very exciting stories about being captured and escaping from a moving prison train. After the war, he heard a North Carolina soldier ask Fletcher's Texas cavalry unit if they had any bacon. When one answered yes, the man said "Grease and slide back into the Union." After thinking about it a while, Fletcher saw the wisdom in that statement and did just that. He became a highly successful lumber entrepreneur. I highly recommend for students of military or Southern history or anyone who likes true adventures.



2. An outstanding view of the War Between the States from the point of view of an "ordinary" soldier.



3. Perhaps if the writer had put his thoughts to paper soon after the events described he might have remembered a few details! We barely find out anything about his weapons, his leaders, his thoughts on seccession etc... While the small details of camp life and escaping are interesting a better book on that subject is Prison Pen.



4. Excellent, first had observations made by a common private in during the Civil War. The author IS NOT a professional writer. This makes it all the more valuable. The author is not writing the book to entertain, or to pass along old, gory war stories. This is a story by a simple man trying to tell us his point of view, simple as that. This account is quite valuable to anyone interested in the study of this horrible conflict. Recommend it's reading and recommend you add it to your collection. I do wish there had been more like this one.



5. This is a good, first hand account of the life of a Confederate soldier. Fletcher writes of only what he seen during the war. The only judgement he cast is upon his leaders actions at Gettysburg. This book will definitely change your perspective on the life of a common soldier.

No comments about The Flying Tiger: The True Story of General Claire Chennault and the U.S. 14th Air Force in China.

No comments about The Two Thousand Yard Stare: Tom Lea's World War II (Military History).

5 comments about Death in the Jungle.

1. The author is a brave soldier. Enlisting in the SEALS is the bottom of his courage. His engagement in the ambushes, the numerous missions of harassment, against the VCs are impressive. The man has a very acute sense of humour and likes sharing his wisdom about the sense of the war.
   
   Brave soldiers, heroes, nice men ; a good book on the Vietnam war even though I preferred "Sog: The Secret Wars of America's Commandos in Vietnam" or "Good to Go: The Life and Times of a Decorated Member of the U.S. Navy's Elite Seal Team Two" by Harry Constance.



2. Deep in the jungle and behind enemy lines. You hear something in the water. What do you do? This is the setting for the book Death in the jungle by Gary R smith and Alan Maki.
   
   
   In this story Gary serves 5 tours in the Vietnam War. He tells about his missions and the pros and cons of being a Navy Seal. My favorite mission he told was when his team and he are on a 24 hour river ambush at night. They hear something floating down the river. Seeing only the outline of the object they open fire on what they thought was the enemy. After blowing away half of their rounds they realized it was just a log.
   
   
   The theme of this book is war is not always a good thing. People die and sometimes nothing is accomplished. This was a great book to read. It was full of details and action packed missions. I had a hard time putting it down. I would recommend strongly that you read this book.



3. Book arrived within a few days and was in the condition that it was described or better, very happy with there service.



4. This is an excellent account of a mans tour of Vietnam. Its worth every penny!



5. I have read just about every Navy Seal book out there and this one is by far the best one. The way the teams can turn it on and off like a light switch from cold calculated killers and then back to normal is unbeleivable...

5 comments about Lee's Lieutenants: A Study in Command.

1. Bah, humbug. Having read the original 3-volume works (my parents gave it to me for Christmas of 1954), and re-read it from time to time, I found this abridgement unsatisfying and almost a mockery of the original. I recommend that any person seriously interested in the Army of Northern Virginia spend the additional money for the original.
   
   I supposed the current work would be satisfactory for a newcomer to the Civil War and might even give this work five stars. Freeman was the undisputed giant with respect to Southern History, also writing the 4-volume set "R. E. Lee, A Biography," and editing the 52-volume set of the "Southern Historical Society Papers," which is usually purchased as an adjunct to the 130-volume "War of the Rebellion, Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies." All of these are still available (for up to $2,500.00), and they are indispensible for the committed Civil War Historian.
   
   Freeman's prose is as lively and readable today as it was when he wrote in the 1930s and 40s. In fact, I would give five stars to all his works including "George Washington" and "The South to Posterity." I am not sorry I purchased the LL abridgement, as it is of course a good read, but not the reference the original was.
   
   So buy this abridgement, but then move up to the original or buy the original in the first place.
   
   Freeman develops all of the subordinate commanders of the Army of Northern Virginia, with a particular emphasis on Stonewall Jackson. Personnel from Major Pelham on up are treated with sympathy and respect even when their battlefield performance was not up to par. It is as if Freeman was emulating his hero, Robert E. Lee, who spoke kindly whenever possible about his people. There is no attack-dog writing here, but the reader will be able to form valid and accurate judgments from Freeman's evidence and commentary. Many of the generals featured in this work are not household names, not having been spectacular failures or featured prominently at Gettysburg. Officers like Ramseur, Rodes, Pegram, Anderson, Rosser, Early, A.P and D.H Hill, Pender, Gordon, Mahone and Field all come alive in Freeman's work, lightly in the abridgement, but thoroughly in the original.
   
   There is much to learn here, and much to be proud about for all Americans, Union and Confederate.



2. Even though the original three-volume version of Douglas Southall Freeman's "Lee's Lieutenants" is not absolutely punctilious about bowing before the altar of Twenty-first Century political correctness, if ever a historical study and a historian deserved five stars, it is this history and this historian.
   
   The book that has generated this review, however, is not the book that Freeman wrote but an abridgement, this is to say, about 800 pages rather than the 2,395 pages, plus CXLIII pages of introductory material and photgraphs, to be found in the three massive, dignified, black volumes issued by Charles Scribner's Sons at the height of the World War II paper shortages.
   
   As an abridgement of a masterpiece, this book isn't bad. But it is not the real thing.
   
   Even a little bit of Freeman is still a good thing, so four stars--but seek out Freeman's real, three-volume "Lee's Lieutenants"!
   
   LEC/AM/8-08



3. I have not read this abridgement. I gave it two stars because it is still Douglas Southall Freeman, more or less. I have read the three volume set twice now and no doubt will go through it again in the future. In three volumes this is a classic of the genre, books that set the standards for all the others, just like Shelby Foote's three volume compendium. An abridgement of this type is for the novice set. My opinion is that everyone who is interested should get the three original volumes. I believe they can still be found or at least ordered.



4. .....your time, and money, will be well used. Stephen Sears has done a one volume abridgment of one of the greatest works in the English language, and done it quite well. When this book came out in 1998, it filled a gap; Richard Harwell had written one volume versions of Dr. Freeman's other two masterworks back in the 1960's.
   
   For the uninitiated, "Lee's Lieutenants" is the history of The Army of Northern Virginia told from the viewpoint of those who served under the command of General Robert E. Lee. Douglas Southall Freeman's magnum opus "R.E. Lee" had been published in the late 1930's; Dr. Freeman was afraid that the "other generals" would be forgotten [and some would have been], so he published the three volumes of "Lee's Lieutenant's" during WWII. It quickly became a standard work for historians, and for students at every military academy on Earth. It was required reading at West Point for years, and may still be.
   
   The first two thirds of the volume focus on Stonewall Jackson, and the last one third on James Longstreet; that is proper. The others are not forgotten, which was the idea in the first place; John Bell Hood, A.P. Hill, D.H. Hill, JEB Stuart, Jubal Early, Dick Ewell, Billy Mahone, "Maryland" Steuart, Wade Hampton, Fitzhugh Lee, John Brown Gordon, etc., etc., etc. Dr. Freeman made the point that not every Confederate General was a hero, and that many mistakes were poured out of a bottle. Alas, he was right, BUT, there were far more good than there were bad and indifferent....
   
   Following Mr. Harwell's model, Sears had cut out all the footnotes and appendices, most of the bibliography, and much of the dialog. For 99+% of readers, this book is all you will need, or want. It will give you an excellent overview in a well written manner. I own three copies. Still...But... The full three volumes are absolutely definitive. They are not difficult to find at a decent price ["R.E. Lee" is difficult, and "George Washington" impossible]; I own two sets. While I heartily recommend the full version, I have to recognize that most people don't need to go that far. Read this; it may make you want more, and the full story will make more sense if you've read this first.



5. The abridged volume of Lee's Lieutenants is an excellent title for anyone interested in Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. I have looked at the original 3-volume series and the only difference as one earlier reviewer points out is that the footnotes have been taken out. Given that Douglas Freeman was the editor of a Richmond, Virginia newspaper, one would expect several pages of footnotes. However, the book's essence is still retained.
   
   Freeman covers the army's life from the Seven Days' Campaign in early 1862 to the bitter end at Appamattox in April 1865. He mentions just enough detail of the battles for the reader to comprehend the importance and result of each engagement. The deeper focus is on the main officers in Lee's army and their relationship with Lee and each other.
   
   The narrative is free flowing and is easy to read without being simplistic. Indeed, while the book is just over 800 pages, I found myself reading several pages on many occasions.
   
   If you are looking for a book about the Confederate side of the Civil War's Eastern Theater, then this is your read! The only gripe I had was the few maps - there could have been more and could have been more detailed. However, there are plenty of books out there on specific engagements that can make up for the difference.
   
   Read and enjoy. Highly recommended!

5 comments about Glory Denied: The Saga of Jim Thompson, America's Longest-Held Prisoner of War.

1. Tom Philpott is an outstanding author. His format and organization provide a perfect setting for the telling of the powerful, tragic story of Jim Thompson. This book is a must read.



2. The story of Col Thompson is truly remarkable. The thing that grabbed me the most was his constant struggle to regain the life he knew before he was captured. It made me think what would life be like if I spent 9 years away from everything I currently know. Think about it take the last 9 years out of your life and everything that was created, or music changes, clothing changes. Truly and incredible read. If you want to read a great book pick this one up.



3. Of all the books I have read in my lifetime, none has moved me more then the story of Captain Floyd James Thompson!! He is without doubt one of America's greatest and most loyal and dedicated American's I have ever read about. As a Viet Nam Veteran I would venture to say that even the most Hardend Combat Veteran would be humbled by the story of Capt Floyd James Thompson!! An incredible story of an individual's will to not only survive in the most inhumane conditions but to maintaine the constant will to stay loyal and committed to his Flag and Country! After reading this book you will find that every day problems no matter how grave they may seem will seem miniescule!
   "Glory Denied" is a befitting title for the story of Captain Floyd James Thompson and his Family as he and they deserved so much more from our Country then was given! He will be surely missed, but never forgotten!
   
   C L Chamberlin



4. 
   
   "Glory Denied" is the tale of Green Beret Captain Jim Thompson. It is unique in that GD does not unfold in linear, year by year fashion. GD is reconstructed entirely by interviews with Thompson and his friends / families. Captain Thompson became a POW in March of 1964 when his observation plane was downed near Khe Sanh in the remote northwest corner of South Vietnam. As GD's cover aptly notes, Captain Thompson was a prisoner of the Viet Cong while many Americans had barely heard of either the VC or the country itself. Thompson suffered mightily in the squalid and remote jungle camps before his 1968 transfer to the better known prisons that surrounded Hanoi. There, in places like the Rockpile, Thompson lingered until the general prisoner release in the Spring of 1973. He and Navy Lt. (j.g.) Everett Alvarez were the longest detained POWs. There is an aura of competition between the 2 throughout GD. The poignant story of prison life is sharply detailed in GD, but many other books have done likewise. The "in country" tale is the lesser portion of GD. What sets Thompson's story apart is the recounting of his life after his repatriation. He came home to an America VASTLY different than the buttoned up, pre Beatles nation he had left in 1963. (This reviewer thought things had changed after only one year in country!). We should all dwell on how much happened in those crazy years and imagine the reaction of a conservative guy who wanted only to return to the hearth and home he knew. His wife had, to put it mildly, been "stepping out" during his absence. The marriage might never have been ideal but any POW must have remembered and fanaticized about only the good parts of his relationship. The remainder of GD deals with Thompson's repeated attempts to achieve normalcy in his personal life while he rebuilds his Army career. The former is an abject failure, though it certainly qualifies as interesting, if tragic reading. As to the latter, this reviewer was impressed how the Army stood by Thompson, promoting him all the way to Lt. Colonel and helping him with his alcohol abuse. Granted, he was a special case but the DA cut him a lot of slack. It was painfully obvious the Army didn't know what to do with the guy. One wonders how many returned prisoners actually reconstructed their careers -and how many were dumped by the wayside. More poignantly, one wonders how many POW families got back together. How many wives remained faithful? How many guys remarried? How many families fell apart? I hope I was mistaken when I read of the behind closed doors "beatings at family reception centers". Rating GD is a hard call. It is not a straight POW tale in the "Why Didn't You Get Me Out" or "When Hell Was In Session" tradition. The second part of GD would qualify as soap opera if not so depressing. The resolution is purposely not revealed here. Out of respect for Colonel Thompson (his retirement rank), all the other POWs and their collective suffering and service to their country, GD is given 4 stars. Credit author Philpott with a unique story compilation- one that was 16 years (!) in the making. How he got the Thompson family to cooperate, only he and the Man Upstairs can guess. A final and sobering thought: GD makes it painfully evident that it wasn't only the POWs' in country suffering that is significant: Many troubles began in earnest after repatriation and the travails of spouses and children may take a lifetime to heal. Those of us that came back to the world intact and unscarred should count our blessings daily.



5. What can be said of the Vietnam War that hasn't been said. From McCain to Kerry, this war needs to be constantly studied and read. We must not forget the mistakes and lessons learned. We must learn from different perspectives and viewpoints. Vietnam must be studied so that we know what to avoid with future conflicts we're forced into. Especially, in this time of terrorist and other anti-American deviance.
   
   So pick up this title and read carefully. Then take a look at what your own viewpoints are.

No comments about Jesse James: The Best Writings on the Notorious Outlaw and His Gang.

1 comments about We Band of Brothers: The Sullivans & World War II.

1. As one of eight children growing up in Michigan, I wasmesmerized in 1962 when I first saw "The FightingSullivans," by that time already an 18-year old black & whitemovie. Like my Dad (a WWII veteran wounded in Europe while with the103rd Inf Div) and my two older brothers, I entered into the militaryservice during the Vietnam War, married a WAF (the daughter of a NavyWWII vet aboard the USS Sigourney and USS Duluth), and have nowwatched four of our own eight children enter the Army and Air Force.As a Catholic, I strongly identify with the large family of theSullivans, their religion, and their commitment to military service.While I enjoyed the 20th Century Fox movie, I especially appreciatedthe even-handed and fair treatment that Commander Satterfield usedwhile writing this book. It's the only one I know of whichcomprehensively covers the family. It is well-researched from both amilitary documents viewpoint and that based upon newspaper articlesand family and friend interviews. He presents the family as they were--- not saints, just ordinary Americans growing up in the midwest withcommon family problems. Both the author and the Mayor of Waterloo, IA(a nephew of Katherine Mary Rooff Sullivan) were receptive to emailinquiries I sent. I heartily recommend this book to all butespecially to those whose interests center on family militaryservice...

1 comments about Sweepers Sweepers Man Your Brooms: An Enlisted Man's Story.

1. This is a fantastic read about the feelings and adventure of Navy life and is a MUST READ for all Old Salts. You will picture yourself in the characters and find humor in their relationships as they are so dramatically portrayed by the authors wit.

3 comments about Behind Hitler's Lines: The True Story of the Only Soldier to Fight for both America and the Soviet Union in World War II.

1. I am very suprised this book is not as popular as others. It reads like a movie. The things this man went through were unthinkable. I was on the edge of my seat anxious to get to the next page the whole time.
   I am not very good at giving reviews as others but I have read many other war memoirs. Its very hard for me to find a World war 2 one that I have not read and this one ranks towards the top. If your reading this review and considering the book- please get it. You will not be sorry. Its an easy read, the chapters are not that long and the story is just simply amazing.
   
   This guy did not recieve the commeroation he deserves for what he went through.



2. This is a great book. this is a story about joe from the 101st airbourne. it shows his triumphs and let downs through world war two. from his first mission to his last. i am a junior in high school and am not that big of a reader. this was honestly the first book i couldnt put down. every page interested me more than i thought a book ever could. a very good bokk for someone my age or above. his intelligance and will to survive made this story one of the best.



3. A very well-written account of one gentleman who served with the 101st Airborne. His adventures are so twisting and turning, it must be a true account! If it were fiction, the reader would say -- couldn't be done! The book reads like fiction, i.e., it is easy to read. Recommended by this reader.