4 comments about Pacific War Marine.

1. I picked up Pacific War Marine by Clyde Holloway as a Father's Day gift for my father-in-law, a World War II veteran. Before I wrapped the book, I started reading it, and I couldn't put it down until I'd finished this engaging true story that is part personal experience, part history, and part love story. Written by the son of Marine who served in the Pacific during World War II, Pacific War Marine tells how one young Marine managed to stayed alive through endless missions in the Pacific and fell in love with a local beauty while on shore leave in New Zealand. Through actual letters and period photos, the reader is transported back to the 1940s. An excellent read--and a great gift for the veteran in your family.



2. This book really made the Pacific ordeal come alive. You feel like you're in the midst of the conflict, with the resultant fear and courage of the young men sent to defend their country. The love story between the principles brings it back to a personal level, reminding us that these young men sacrificed much.



3. This book was written by the son of a World War II marine. What really makes this book special is how the author(son), has incorporated the letters written by his father to his future wife. By using these letters he has given a more balanced view of what a "jarhead" had to go thru from both the Marines combat experience to the homefront war time reality. The use of many photos (including personal photos) and his father's wartime memories makes this more than your typical war book. He has captured his father's experiences and has successfully made them come alive for the reader.



4. That's right. I wrote the book about my father's four years in combat. He was in the "Forgotten Battalion," a unit of over 500 Marines of which only seventeen were left standing at the end. Tulagi and Guadalcanal thinned their ranks, many were cut down at Tarawa, Saipan-- more of the same, ditto Guam, then Iwo Jima decimated them further.
   
   But this book is not just about combat; Stanley Holloway met a young woman in New Zealand and fell in love. The book includes letters written while he was slogging through island invasions and she was worried sick about him.
   
   I've had a lot of people tell me they really enjoyed Pacific War Marine. One of my favorite responses came from a Vietnam veteran Marine. He wrote, "I have read many books of the Pacific Campaign and yours was so personal it made me feel like I was a part of the family... very hard to put down. Have read it twice... good detail. Most books of our 'Heroes' are written in documentary form and really do not tell the story."
   
   There it is, shameless promotion of my own book.

No comments about Celtic Warriors (Shire Archaeology).

5 comments about Lost Black Sheep: The Search for WWII Ace Chris Magee.

1. Chris Magee, the enigmatic "Wildman" of Pappy Boyington's Marine "Blacksheep" fighter squadron of World War II, disappeared in the late 1950's after serving as a fighter pilot in Israel's fledgling Air Force and also after serving several years in an American penitentiary for robbing two banks in one day. Then journalist Robert T. Reed discovered that the "Wildman" was his biological father. And through an astute process of "investigative reporting," Mr. Reed has pieced together a thoroughly fascinating portrait of a gifted pilot, talented and sensitive human being and quintessential "free spirit." Mr. Reed's book constitutes a fine addition to the annals of those whom Tom Brokaw has designated America's "Greatest Generation." It's indisputable that the efforts of extraordinary men like Chris Magee were crucial in bringing victory to the Allied Powers in history's greatest conflict.



2. If you are a fan of WW II VMF-214, "Baa Baa Black Sheep" and "Once They Were Eagles", this is a must read. Two stories in one. That of "Bandanna Maggie" before, during and after WW II. Also, a determined author's quest about a Marine hero he did not know until too long. Follow the trail of a Marine I'm sure Gregory Boyington admired as a great fellow warrior after the "big one" and his attepts to find himself in war and peace. (Success, or failure? Yes? No? You decide.) A remarkable book for those who are interested in the men of 214. As I said, if you liked the two first books mentioned, you will love this one written by the one man who would have done it.



3. If, like me, you read Baa Baa Blacksheep and Once They Were Eagles, this is for you. The mysterious life and whereabouts of Chris Magee almost haunted me after reading Frank Walton's Once They Were Eagles. The information about Chris Magee in Walton's book and the fascinating letter it contains left many questions about Magee that begged for answers. I knew this would be an interesting book before I read it and I was not let down. I did not know it would be emotionally provocative. I won't spoil the surprises. Don't read too many reviews lest you not get the full effect. Pick it up soon.



4. In Lost Black Sheep: The Search For WWII Ace Chris Magee, Robert Reed reveals saga of an extraordinary man in a real-life story of war and peace, crime and punishment. Chris Magee was one of the legendary Black Sheep Squadron under "Pappy" Boyington's command. He grew up with stories of World War I aviation heroes and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Chris transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps and went to the South Pacific where his personal bravery and skills as a combat flier earned him the Navy Cross and the respect of his peers. After the war ended Chris spent the next twelve years as a black marketeer, bootlegger, volunteer fighter pilot for Israel, courier for a covert American group involved in Latin American politics, and finally a bank robber. In his middle years he turned his life around and became a respected journalist. By age 70 he was living in retirement in a rustic apartment on Chicago's North Side. Then Chris found an envelope slipped under his front door with a note that compelled him to revisit parts of his past he thought long buried. Several of Magee's letters, poetry, and other writings are woven into the text (including a short story titled "Keep Moving". Lost Black Sheep is a fascinating, superbly written biography of a very unusual American unusal life.



5. I received my copy of Bob's book two weeks after I had scheduled a trip to Waterbury Connecticut to the 56th reunion of my own father's WWII military group. My father passed away last year after a long battle with alzheimers, and I too was on a quest of sorts. I was never able to get my father to open up about his war experiences on the beaches of Normandy and beyond, and know now that their generation was truly the "great generation" of our time. This book really hit home. The content was interesting enough that I read the book at one sitting, and it provoked questions of a very personal nature to me. For those of us who are members of the "baby boom" generation I hope we all start asking our Fathers, Mothers, Uncles, Aunts - anyone with personal experiences about this remarkable time in our history to share their stories with us while they are able. We should also give them a sincere Thank You for their sacrifices.

5 comments about Custer and Little Bighorn: The Man, the Mystery, the Myth.

1. A large book well armed with pictures of not only Custer, his family, but also of key major military personnel, Forts, leading confederates and best of all, great Indian leaders. Besides the large presence of photographs, the book provides a nice compressed history of Custer from Birth to his postmortem. It's an accelerated read with direct references to historical events without gratuitous detail. In reference to his CW career, Donovan is a little light on Custer in the valley in 1864 as Custer has some conflicts with colleagues over such things as who earned the captured flags versus who actually took them. In addition, Custer's role at Five Forks is a bit large in contrast to the infantry's 5th Corps who crushed the isolated Confederate left. Overall, it's a pretty good overview of Custer's Civil War and pre- LBH western career. I do note that pictures sometimes fill in voids such as the destruction of Lt. Kidder's command and Custer's meeting with Satanta, which are missing from the narrative. The best part of the book deals with the LBH and the author pulls no punches in explaining what he thinks happened. His theory reflects Michno's "Lakota Noon" primarily in that he theorizes that Custer held his battalion on the east side of the river waiting for Reno and Benteen to rally to him to squeeze the Indians his battalion and theirs. But of course that does not happen and the command is destroyed. The author captures all the personal conflicts in command such as Reno's fitness and Benteen's pouting causing his leisurely stroll. The after the LBH evaluation is also quite good recognizing that several elements caused Custer's defeat, not just Custer's brashness, Reno's ineptness or Benteen's bitterness but the loss of surprise, the pressure to attack, the confidence of the Indians, their stubborn resistance capitalizing on the fractured commands and collapse and the primary fact that they didn't run like everyone perceived. Other elements include Crook's stepping out of the campaign with his 1300 men after the battle of the Rosebud the week before against smaller numbers then Custer. But also it's noted that Custer preferred the standard morning surprise attack but after discivering Indians on his back trail, he felt the need to attack immediately with reconnaissance done while on the move. Many forget that Colonel Reynolds inder Crook was nearly Court Martialed for botching the March Powder River attack. Although not mentioned directly, all commanders were under pressure to attack before the Indians dispersed. Terry's and Crook's subsequent post LBH campaigns attest to the Indian mobility challenge. The latter part of the book deals with the Custer legend based on writings, movies and historical hindsight that are based on the culture at the present, WWII era versus post Vietnam. This latter portion reminds of Hutton's great book the "Custer Reader" which is also worth a very good look since it also deals with participant' writings and fellow historians. This is a good book for those looking for a pretty good capsule on Custer that includes excellent pictures and an argument. Then they can venture into the books with greater analysis and detail and of course a greater feel for why the battle is so controversial.



2. The most thorough and well-researched book I've ever read on Custer. The beautiful illustrations, supporting historical documents, and Dononvan's insightful analysis evoke the myth that is our American West. Custer embodies that myth. Donovan succeeds in humanizing this compelling, tragic man while celebrating his immortality. The author does an exceptional job of establishing and explaining the legend of Custer and why his last battle seized the imagination of the American public. Securing not just a place in American history, but in our culture.



3. This was fun to read for the most part. There really is nothing new and I do take issue with the claim that this is" the first major illustrated work" on Custer. Lawrence Frost's book, The Custe Album, holds that distinction



4. Custer and the Little Bighorn was simply a great read! Not only are the illustrations and photos absolutely gorgeous - giving the reader a perfect visual context for the fascinating and tragic story of George Armstrong Custer, but once I started reading I couldn't put it down! The author obviously knows his history AND knows how to grab the reader's interest from the get-go and not give it up until after the final, bloody battle. This is a great coffee table book - with it's multitude of great photos, illustrations and maps. I think it's a terrific gift for any history buff - male or female, of any age. I'm keeping the first one I bought for myself, but it's also a definite on my gift-giving list for family and friends!



5. Custer and the Little Bighorn was simply a great read! Not only are the illustrations and photos absolutely gorgeous - giving the reader a perfect visual context for the fascinating and tragic story of George Armstrong Custer, but once I started reading I couldn't put it down! The author obviously knows his history AND knows how to grab the reader's interest from the get-go and not give it up until after the final, bloody battle. This is a great coffee table book - with it's multitude of great photos, illustrations and maps. I think it's a terrific gift for any history buff - male or female, of any age. I'm keeping the first one I bought for myself, but it's also a definite on my gift-giving list for family and friends!

1 comments about General James Grant: Scottish Soldier and Royal Governor of East Florida.

1. Paul David Nelson does seem to make a solid living at chronicling the lives of secondary figures of the American Revolution. Yet one can not ignore his works. There are few biographers with his skill and ability.
   
   Nelson's look at the life of James Grant proves useful and readable. Grant remains one of those obscure English figures who popped up all over North America in the 18th century. A proud son of Scotland, Grant worked his way up the military ladder after service in Europe. During the French and Indian war, Grant would lead one failed mission at Fort Duquesne (which would lead to his capture), a more succesful one in South Carolina against the Creeks, and spend time in the islands. From 1763 until 1771, Grant served as an able governor of East Florida. After his service in Saint Augustine, Grant headed to England where he served in Parliment before serving as a major general in the American Revolution. While retaining a low opinion of the militia, Grant did see some success as one of his friend William Howe's chief tactical officers, planning the battles of Brooklyn and White Plains though he never quite was able to land the knockout blow. Having said that, Grant's star rose after Henry Clinton's fell with Howe (for a detailed analysis of the odd relationship of Howe and Clinton, see Wilcox's classic "Portrait of a General"). After Howe was recalled, Grant did excellent work for his cause at St. Lucia.
   
   The only real problem is the book seems a bit too short at points. The Florida years for example seem rather rushed. Otherwise, Nelson shows how a Scottish second son could rise to prominence in 18th century England. Nelson is able to catch Grant's personality to some extent. This obese soldier liked the high life and could be stubborn and somewhat cantakerous yet still something of a social creature. Nelson also did a great deal of work with the primary sources. While Grant may be more than a bit obscure, he does come to life in this excellent, though short, biography.

5 comments about Yale English Monarchs - William the Conqueror (The English Monarchs Series).

1. Well, I'm reading the other reviews and I can't agree that this is a good book. The author conducted quite a lot of research, but it's not very readable. My theory is that "history" is (or should be) everything that ever happened with the boring bits cut out. In an attempt to try something interesting, this author cut out the exciting parts (the actual victory against and death of England's king passes like an afterthought, as does the description of an attempt on William's life where his attendant was killed in Williams bedroom right before his eyes) and includes a long list of places and names as if he was trying to outdo the "begats" of the old Testament. Human elements are lost amid long discussions of land charters. There's no description of language, foods, clothing, personality, or anything that makes a story human. It simultaneously tells us too much and not enough. I don't feel like I know the people at all. I read David Howarth's 1066 at the same time and even though that book was less scholarly, I learned more from it. This author talks to hear himself speak. It's useful if you already know all about William and want to hear MORE, but it's almost useless as an introduction.



2. This book on the life of William the Conqueror (ca 1028 - 1086 AD) was a college textbook for me. (...Which I read much longer ago than I'd care to admit.) I recently read it again, with a much greater appreciation of the quality and depth of Douglas's research and writing.
   
   This work is a readable, well presented and interesting analysis of Duke William of Normandy's life from his early childhood as the bastard son of the murdered Duke Robert of Normandy, living precariously under the protection of various noblemen loyal to his father; through to the zenith of his career as the most powerful and successful ruler in all of Western Europe: noting the challenges he faced as he fought to maintain his position and power in his later years, and ending with his death and the impact he had upon England, France and most of the rest of Western Europe.
   
   You will come away from readng this book with a much greater appreciation of William, and how his intelligence, courage, military and political leadership and ruthlessness enabled him to attain the pinnacle of European society and politics of the time, and forge a legacy that endures down to the present time. You will see how his success had a huge impact upon the development of Feudal society and institutions throughout Western Europe and England. You will understand the complexities of the political, social and religious institutions and relationships of the time, and will have a solid understanding of William's influence upon the leaders and personalities who helped create and lead those same institutions.
   
   It's clear that Professor Douglas is equally comfortable with researching and explaining events and circumstances on both sides of the English Channel. He carefully avoids biasing the reader either for or against the English or French points of view on the life of this controversial man, and succeeds in providing a holistic view of William's life and the world in which he lived.
   
   I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book a second time, and was impressed with Douglas's encyclopedic knowledge and careful use of original sources from not only in England and France, but Denmark, Germany, Rome and elsewhere in Europe.
   
   My one reservation about the text is the lack of maps. Near the end of the book there is good map of Normandy and another showing Normandy and England. Yet, maps would have been helpful within the main text to give more detail about spatial relationships and movements at the scenes of battles or major events. Given that the book was written about 45 years ago, having two maps would be about average for that time, so I guess I won't put too much emphasis on this point. The charts showing the familial relationships and lines of descent of the Duke and his contemporaries in France, England and Denmark, and various other appendices, were very helpful and interesting.
   
   Any student of History looking to learn more about the life of William and other great rulers of the time, seeking to learn about development of Feudal society and culture, or interested in learning about the foundations of Anglo-Norman society and impact of the Normans upon Anglo-Saxon England (following William's victory over Harold at Hastings in 1066), will find this book to be very informative and useful. On that basis; given the quality of Douglas's writing and research; and this book's enduring reputation within this field, I have no hesitation in rating this book as 5 stars: well worth reading!



3. Sure, it's like, forty years old, but it still sets the standard in William the Conqueror scholarship. Here are answers, or at least well-phrased hedges about the most important questions surrounding William's life and conquests: Did William introduce feudalism to England or adapt existing social structures? Was his victory in the Battle of Hastings attributable more to the exhaustion of the English after fighting off the Norwegians or more to William's superior conquest? and so forth.
   
   Douglas has read the primary sources in English and French (and Latin, and Italian, etc), he has read the secondary sources, he has, in short, done his homework. I mean, how many books have you read that have quotes from reviewers on the back that say, "the author has set about to self conciously create a masterpiece on the subject... and he has succeded."
   
   The funny thing about this book is that even though it is supremely scholarly, it is also suitable for the general reader. Provided: that reader has either taken an undergraduate course in Midevial history or has done reading on his/her own on the subject. If you only read one book before this one I would recommend either Feudal Society vol. I by Bloch or the Making of the Middle Ages by Southern.



4. William the Conqueror overcame enormous odds and political challenges to succeed his father as Duke of Normandy and his cousin, Edward the Confessor, as King of England. Only by defeating the upstart Harold Godwinson in 1066 at the battle of Hastings was William able to claim his throne. From the moment he attained his majority to the time of his death, William was forced to defend his realm in both Normandy and England from multiple opponents. Despite this rather pressing distraction, William is credited with many non-military achievements, not the least of which is the eager and successful sponsorship of ecclesiastical reform and the completion of the remarkably extensive social survey, Domesday Book.
   
   David C. Douglas has presented a substantial volume detailing the life and times of the Conqueror in admirable style. Discussing social, economic, ecclesiastical, cultural and military events with equal aplomb, Douglas brings the reader an in-depth, nearly digestable account of an epic era in european history. As can be expected of any comprehensive attempt at such a biography, recitation of the names, titles, landholdings and shifting objectives of various and sundry aristocrats, both clerical and lay, can send the reader into a bit of a fog. However, this happens seldom enough to allow this book's excellent formulation and pace to shine through. 4 stars.



5. David C. Douglas does an excellent job in his attempt to portray the events of William the Conqueror's life. He performs the task of drawing the many aspects of his life together in a very precise manner. The only drawback is that in some places the book's readability suffers from dense information. The amount of research done had to be tremendous considering all the information you come across in the book. I found the descriptions of the ecclesiastical revival in Normandy and subsequently England to be very fascinating. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the life behind the legend that is William the Conqueror.

1 comments about The Hostile Sky: A Hellcat Flyer in the World War II.

1. Vernon was a naval pilot in World War II and flew Hellcats. This story is his experiences during the later part of the conflict. Much of his story concerns his experiences during his training at various naval bases. This experiences relate to the difficulty in learning to fly and qualifying as a naval aviator.
   Other expiences such as dating and drinking and playing cards are also related in this time period. The last 40-50 pages dealt with combat experience and how he adjusts to losses through both training and combat.
   I enjoyed this read very much, but there are so many books just like his out on the market. There is no unique material in here, just a story of an average man making an adjustment to his life to fight for his nation. Our nation in built upon the sacrifices of young people like him.

No comments about Pemberton: A Biography.

1 comments about The Compleat Rifleman Harris - The adventures of a soldier of the 95th (Rifles) during the Peninsular campaign of the Napoleonic wars.

1. This is a well written series of anecdotes on the life of a rifleman during the Peninsular war. You will understand something of the life of and hardships of an individual soldier, but if you are looking for Sharp like action, then you probably will be disappointed.

1 comments about The Arctic Fox: Bush Pilot of the North Country.

1. Don Braun volunteered to fly for the Canadians during WWII and stayed in Canada after the war as a bush pilot. Don flew the far North with Wardair from the begining and proved himself to be a talented pilot in an unforgiving land. I found the stories to be well written and usually fascinating. Don was a pro in a type of flying that did not tolerate fools or mistakes. He pioneered some of the early routes and bush airstrips.

   Although a bit homespun at times the stories themselves overshadow any tendency for skimming. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to readers that enjoy Northern flying and adventure stories. There are not many books on Canadian bush flying, most are about Alaskan pilots. This one is one of the better accounts of post WWII Canadian flying.