2 comments about The Flight of Bonnie Prince Charlie.

1. One of the things I love about traveling is getting a good sense of the history of a place I'm visiting. I bought "Flight of Bonnie Prince Charlie" in anticipation of a trip to Scotland, and it was perfect for that purpose. Although it provides an excellent history, it seems designed for the visitor; it's equal parts travel and history.

   This book gives a day-by-day description of the Prince's 5 months in hiding from the British before he was able to escape to France. He trekked hundreds of miles on foot, in disguise (once, famously, as a ladies' maid!), sometimes passing within earshot of the soldiers hunting him. The book is liberally illustrated with modern photographs of the particular glens and mountains Charlie passed by, as well as reproductions of painted portraits, etc. of the main participants.

   Even better, each part of Charlie's escape is accompanied by a detailed map showing where he was on almost a night-by-night basis. In the appendix there are even driving directions and a list of relevant places for tourists to visit.

   If you don't know the story behind Charlie's daring escape, you could not start at a better place.




2. The authors manage to tell the story of Prince Charles Edward Stuart's flight from the disaster that was the Battle of Culloden in vivid detail without including so much detail as to become tedious. Coupled with the inclusion of wonderful photography and maps, this book leaves the reader with a full grasp of what the pleasant Prince and his various protectors, guides and benefactors went through during his five months as a fugitive in the Scottish countryside.

   The authors also gave great detail, without undue romanticism, of young Flora MacDonald's role in the Prince's escape.

   People interested in the history of Great Britain in general, and Scottish history in particular will greatly enjoy this book.

2 comments about Henry V: The Scourge of God.

1. Disappointing. If you're hoping for a balanced treatment of the life of Henry V, this is not the book for you. If you wish to read a pro-French, late-twentieth century politically correct biography, this is it.

   Seward is biased in his use of sources--if it contradicts his conclusions, he does not use it. For example, there were contemporary French historians who blamed Henry's execution of many prisoners during the battle of Agincourt on the actions of the French, but Seward makes no mention of this. Seward also sins against good biography in telling us what Henry was thinking at times--not what he may have been thinking, and not what he wrote or said or others said he said, but what was actually going through his mind.

   Seward also refuses to take Henry as a man of his times, instead comparing him to the ideal Politically Correct leader of the late twentieth century. Understandably, Henry is found wanting. Since Henry did not have our modern concept of religious tolerance, he was an intolerant bigot, etc. Sigh.

   Not everything Seward writes is negative--he seems to have a grudging admiration for his subject at times--but his bias and use of sources are such that you cannot trust him. This book might be useful as a balance to books on Henry V written by biographers who refuse to see any warts on their subject, but it fails to be a balanced treatment by itself.




2. This is an essential piece of scholarship on the life of Henry V for the lay reader. Recently re-printed as "Henry V as military commander". Loved by Shakespeare fans or anglophiles, Hal is given the overdue and necessary analysis by one of the finest writers on medieval history for the lay public. (And if you like to think of Shakespeare as an accurate source, check out his vicious & bigoted portrayal of Joan of Arc in "Henry VI".) This is no character assasination however, as the diplomatic skill and administrative abilities of Henry are illuminated by research as well as his megalomania and barbarity. More comparable to a more vicious Edward I than noble prince of courtly virtue. Only faulted by it's brevity or lack of background on Plantagenet family pre-Richard II

5 comments about Crossing the Sauer: A Memoir of World War II.

1. if charles bukowski (minus all the alcohol intake) had been in world war II, and had written a memoir about it, you probably would have gotten something like this. a fantastic, unpretentious, totally enjoyable book. i wish this author had written more.



2. "Crossing The Sauer" by Charles Reis Felix.
   Subtitled:" A Memoir Of World War II".
   Burford Books, Short Hills, NJ, 2002.
   
   This is a well written personal memoir, written the way all personal memoirs should be written: little on the preliminary training, more on the actual combat experiences. This book begins with action in the European Theater of Operations (ETO) in December 1994, the month of the Battle of the Bulge. The author, Charles Reis Felix, launches his story by stating that he was being "shipped" across France in the famous (infamous) boxcars known as 40 and 8s. Shipped like cattle! This iconoclastic attitude continues throughout the entire book. He relates how an Army corporal and two PFCs bilk the replacements out of American money by saying it was against regulations to have American money in France. American dollars had to be traded in for French francs. Welcome to France! Non-coms taking advantage of the new people; ("boots" as we called them in the Navy.)
   
   Trained as artillerymen, Charles Reis Felix and his friends are thrown into the turmoil of the ETO just as the Battle of the Bulge was demanding warm bodies. The author and his friends expected to be assigned to the relative safety of behind-the-lines artillery, but, as usual with the Army, the replacement artillerymen were dispatched up front with the infantry ... despite their technical expertise with the 155mm weapon. SNAFU. The author did not identify his outfit by number or name. Personally, I did not check other books to see which outfit was where in the ETO at such and such a time, as I was more interested in the personal experiences of the writer. The author mentions the Army specialized Training Program (ASTP) on page 30.
   
   For a time, Charles Felix escapes actual front line foxholes by volunteering the information that he was able to operate a radio. As a radioman, Felix worked up with certain officers, for whom he has not much good to report. He describes one officer who, with the intention of getting rid of Felix, sends him up to a dangerous front position. All this because the officer had been seen by Felix in an embarrassing position! Then there is the major, (later in the book), who likes to be first into a newly captured German town. The major would prance and dance and strut his stuff in the town square, so the recently surrendered German officials would obsequiously bow down to him. As they rapidly tracked through Germany, the major always wanted to be first into the town so that he could mince about in the part of the conquering American. This all ceased one day when a Hitler Jugend fired a Panzerfaust at the major's jeep. After that, the major was content to sit in his jeep in the middle of the convoy, protected both front and rear. There was one officer, however, who treated enlisted men, and radioman Felix, fairly well. In fact, he tells the author to go upstairs and enjoy some of the food that the officers are gobbling down. Of course, the "good" officer is quickly killed.
   
   As the war winds down, early April 1945, Felix feels sick. An old German woman looks at him and says, "Krank." (p. 183). He WAS sick. Finally, he is diagnosed as having yellow jaundice, sent to the rear, and flown on a C47 to Paris. The war ended for him.
   
   I wonder if he became sick because the U. S, Army had given him an unapproved vaccine against yellow fever. See: "Mapping Epidemics: A Historical Atlas Of Disease" by Brent Hoff, page 34. According to that reference, the unapproved Army vaccine caused thousands upon thousands of cases of yellow jaundice in American troops.



3. The novel Crossing the Sauer is a book based on World War II. You read and learn about the different experiences from a soldier in the war. The man that you read about is Charles Reis Felix himself as he tells you what he encounters being in Europe during WWII. He explains about the hardships he has to face, not only physically but mentally as well. Charley is still young and he is confused on what he really wants in life. When he comes across those "you see your life flash before your eyes" moments, during an attack in Europe, he feels that there's so much more he wants to do with his life but feels trapped now that he is in the army and at war. Charley comes to think that being a soldier you either end up dead, then your life obviously is over with. Or specifically WWII, you spent most of your life over in Europe and by the time you return to the United States you've already missed out on several other opportunities. As he has so much going on in his mind he has to be able to fight the physical challenges and learn how to build up strengths and emotions.
   
   One 9r class reading Crossing the Sauer connects to is mostly The Pearl. In Crossing the Sauer, he learns the value of life and that you need to make the most of it. In The Pearl,
   Kino realizes what's important in life, not material things such as what he could get with the pearl. They each have to learn the hard way, Kino and Juana by losing the life of their child, and Charley being in war and seeing that his life could end in almost any minute when they are attacked or at battle.
   
   Personally I did not enjoy the book as well as some other people might have. I liked the topic of WWII but, they go into great detail on war terms that I didn't understand and made me confused. What was good about this book was he talked about different events that had happened to him and to other people in all different countries. They were interesting because you didn't hear much about them and probably wouldn't expect to. I would suggest this book to adults or teenagers. The language and some conversation may not be appropriate for younger children. I'd especially recommend this to anyone that's been part of the army in any because they might be able to relate themselves tot his book.



4. Crossing The Sauer: A Memoir Of World War II is Charles Reis Felix's staunchly honest and unflinchingly vivid memoir of what it was like to serve in Patton's Army and advancing through the German battlefields of World War II. As memorable, emotional, and brutal as the bloodshed and battles of World War II itself, Crossing The Sauer is a compelling personal testimony and a highly recommended addition to Military History supplemental reading lists and academic reference collections.



5. I've been reading WWII memoirs for thirty years. In that time I feel I've "seen" it all. Rarely, however, do I come across a book like "Crossing the Sauer," a book that I can't put down until I've read every page. Somewhat short (189 pp.) but chock full of honesty and realism, Felix's story oozes with gut wrenching confession. Too often things get glossed over and former soldiers leave out the juicy details. Mr. Felix, however, has brought his doubts, reluctance and horror at finding himself (trained in the artillery) attached to an infantry unit at the front to the reader's consciousness. It doesn't get any better than this.

   Smooth, free-flowing prose and an eye for detail kept me riveted. I got some great laughs out of Felix's re-telling of some of his buddies' adventures, especially the sexual ones. We know those things went on but, until recently, the WWII generation has been reluctant to let the public in on their not-so-delicate tales of prostitutes and willing females. We want the whole story, not just the horror of war stuff.

   I was a bit frustrated at not knowing the dates and, more importantly, which unit Mr. Felix served with but these are minor complaints. It would seem that he was with the 5th Infantry Division but one reference mentions the 28th Division, not part of Patton's Third Army, to my knowledge. Maybe he kept these things confidential to protect the participants. The officers, especially, come off looking pretty bad. As a former Marine I was appalled at how they treated the enlisted men. Marine officers and NCOs take care of their men first.

   Evidently that wasn't the case in the WWII Army, especially the front line infantry units, full of replacements/draftees and lots of men who really didn't want to be there in the mud, blood and snow. Barely speaking to the lowly privates at best and sacrificing them for their own glory at worst, the higher ranks had no qualms about eating a fresh, hot meal of roasted chicken and baked potatoes under the nose of poor Felix who, while manning the radio, frequently went days without food. Spending up to fifty-two hours on duty without a break, Felix and his fellow "peasants" were at the mercy of the Army's "upper class," condescending, abusive, vainglorious and impervious to the plight of their underlings.

   If you want to know what it was like to be drafted into an infantry unit during the war, pick up a copy of "Crossing the Sauer." I think, like me, you'll appreciate the author's honesty, insight and very literate tale.

No comments about The Home Place: Life in Rural Prince Edward Island in the 1920s and 30s.

2 comments about Diana : An English Rose.

1. A large collection of photos of the late Princess, many of them very good, most of them you'll have in some other book. I'd say buy it if you're building up a collection but if you have a tight book budget this might be one to leave off if you already have some picture books. The history part is interesting too, in the same way, and may have a small error or two in it.



2. Diana, an English Rose is not just another picture book. Skinner's writing is lively, amusing and insightful, a very balenced account of Diana, Princess of wales amazing life and the impact of her death. I'm sure Diana would have given it 5 stars. I own nearly every book written about her and this book definitely completes my collection.

2 comments about Who Killed Diana?.

1. I read this novel after reading the excellent "Whose death in the Tunnel?" by Aaron Becker. This book did not begin to compare. I read it to the end hoping for a glimmer but it left me cold.



2. Don't waste your money on this one. If you are really interested in conspiracies on Diana, go and surf the net. You'll get more than what you find in this book-and then some!

1 comments about Elizabeth I.

1. Elizabeth I is, perhaps, the English monarch that has caught the interest of more people than any other British ruler has before. David Loades has managed to write a detailed record of her reign and life that covers not only the facts, but also presents and analyzes the many hypotheses that historians have come up with over years of research.
   
   The opening chapter of the book details the circumstances of Elizabeth's birth and goes on to explain how she eventually was recognized as the rightful heir to the throne. The following four chapters describe the events of her rise to power, and the middle section covers her forty-year reign. The final chapter examines the reasons for Elizabeth's success.
   
   The book is written in a very analytical manner, especially on Elizabeth's motives for the actions she took as queen of England. It also provides a substantial amount of background information on other important figures, such as Henry VIII, Mary, and Catherine.
   
   On the whole, David Loades' biography is a thorough and fascinating read for those who want to delve into the intriguing story of Elizabeth I.

5 comments about Prince Leopold: The Untold Story of Queen Victoria's Youngest Son.

1. With this book, the author takes a welcome look at the life of Prince Leopold, fourth and youngest son of Queen Victoria. A fascinating prince, Leopold is one royal that history has more or less forgotten save his sad position as the first known royal hemophiliac. The earnest Leopold was highly intelligent (later Oxford educated), and desperate to live some semblance of a normal life, despite his illnesses (besides his hemophilia, Leopold was also likely a mild epileptic, both of which were not well-known outside of his family). His precarious health also made his already overbearing mother keep an even shorter leash on her youngest son, and his battles for a life separate from her were hard-won.
   
   Zeepvat is by profession a historian, and this book was definitely well-researched. The author includes much correspondence amongst a family of prolific letter-writers, and gives her audience an almost daily account of Leopold's activities and whereabouts. This approach also gives a well-rounded portrait of Leopold's personality, his thoughts on his illnesses, his struggles for independence, and his familial relationships. Aside from his dealings with Queen Victoria, Zeepvat also highlights Leopold's very close relationship with Alice, Grand Duchess of the small German principality of Hesse, and likewise her husband Louis. Zeepvat likewise describes Leopold's Oxford days well, along with the long-lasting friends he made there (Alice Liddell of Alice in Wonderland fame among them) and the happy memories he kept.
   
   The author also offers a theory on Leopold's hemophilia coming from Victoria's mother's family. Though the disease is passed to sons by their mothers, hemophilia was previously unknown on Victoria's maternal side. Hypotheses since Victoria's time have offered suggesting that Victoria's genes were perhaps mutated. Zeepvat points out what little was known about hemophilia even in Leopold's time, and further points out several young boys of Victoria's maternal family who died of what was thought to be usual childhood maladies of the times.
   
   The book is well-written in the fact that it is so rich in historical fact; however, Zeepvat's profession as a historian is evident, as the narrative is not particularly engaging. Also absent is much information on Leopold's wife, Helena of Waldeck-Pyrmont. Though their marriage was brief (it lasted just short of two years, ending in Leopold's sudden death), Leopold had wanted to marry very badly as part of living a more ordinary life. He and Helena had a very happy relationship, unlike many arranged royal unions of the time, and had two children, a rare feat for a 19th century hemophiliac.
   
   Nonetheless, Zeepvat has provided a solid effort with this work on Leopold, giving her audience a good picture Leopold's life, one that was all too short and is remembered far too little.



2. This is a decent biography on Prince Leopold, although the author's theories on how he contracted hemophilia through his mother Queen Victoria was a little over my head, and the author could have made her explanation a bit more clearer. Also, I do wish the author would have made a family tree of Prince Leopold's descendents.



3. This is the first book, of the many I have read on Queen Victoria and/or her children, that focuses on Prince Leopold. Even reading the edited letters between Victoria and her daughter Vicky had very little mention of this child. The book was informative and I learned a great deal regarding her true obsessive and sometimes vicious behavior to Leopold, as a child and as a grown man. I highly recommend it.



4. I'd rate this less than zero, if the rating system allowed me to. This is completely lousy book and a huge waste of money! Many facts are wrong, which is a disgrace for someone of Ms. Zeepvat's experience. Her writing is flat and uninspiring and almost anything of interest is obtained from other books about the subject. Personally I'm sick of all these royal books that are basically re-packaged versions of previous books.



5. In the many books about Queen Victoria's family that I have read, Leopold seems to be known only for his haemophilia. He seems to have been the most popular member within the royal family, although not with his mother, who seemed to see him as a convenient drone. She was notorious for trying to keep her children on a leash long into adulthood. Leopold appears to have overcome these obstacles. In his short life, he accomplished a great deal, he was the first of the royal family to attend Oxford, he was on the boards of a great many charities, he managed to travel, and he worked as an unofficial secretary to his mother.

   This is a well written and researched book. The author provides information on other more obscure members of Queen Victoria's family, such as her half sister Feodora and her family. The family tree of the female side of Victoria's family is the most extensive and interesting I have seen, although it does not solve the question of where the haemophilia in the family came from.

No comments about Queen Victoria - A Royal Life (Biography).

4 comments about Raider.

1. I had the honor of being Team Leader of A-402/A-403 for a short period while Galen Kittleson was Team Sergeant and about to leave Vietnam. He was a very steadying force in our unit and greatly admired for his dedicated service and exploits in WW II, the Korean War, and in the Vietnam War. He was also a very gentle and compassionate man. The book's a must read for all soldiers and anyone wanting insight into a real hero, superb gentleman, family man, and all-round great person. However I didn't particularly care for the author's constant use of "Little Sergeant" as an aka for Galen; though only 5'8" he was built like a refrigerator and no one in our unit considered him "little." De Oppresso Liber



2. I served with CSM Kittleson in 1973, on Okinawa, in 1st SFG. He was a father figure to me and kept me, a young soldier in line.... if you enjoy reading exciting and educational books I suggest reading this one.



3. Galen Kettleson is the most courages person that has inspired many people though out his life. Reading this book has given me a much higher respect for this man. Kettleson has been a friend of my family for close to thirty years, on May 4th 2006, Galen passed away. We have lost a true American Hero. ALAMO ALL THE WAY



4. Galen Kittleson's uncanny ability to see the enemy first and valor under fire behind enemy lines are legend. I just finished his biography and am thankful for his service to his country. Through Charles Sasser's words the persona of Kittleson is clear and his humility is reminiscent of medal of honor recipients.

   I gained insight into the horrific conditions of our prisoners of WWII (especially Baatan) and Viet Nam (Son Tay and Hanoi Hilton) and the bravery of men like Galen Kittleson who dared try to return them home. De Opresso Liber. Thank you Command Sargeant Major Kittleson. You are the epitome of a Special Forces Quiet Professional.