history Books

Concise, logical, and consistent, this 'Manifesto' presents Ron Paul's ideas and message of personal and communal liberty in a way that any literate person can digest.

Whether you're a 'conservative' or a 'liberal' or anything in between, this book is a wake-up call to our inner American -- a citizen of a country founded on Liberty in the true sense of the word, not a compromised version to be accepted out of apathy.

The book is short, plainly written, entertaining, and enlightening. Regardless of your political or social stance, I believe it to be relevant and significant reading, especially now.

Give it a shot -- if you don't agree, it'll just be an hour or two of your time and you'll probably still learn some things before you put the book down. What's there to lose?

Check the ratings and reviews on this book -- you'll see that an overwhelming majority of readers have found its simple and insightful message to be one worth reading. You will, too :)

This book was very well written and engaging. Enjoyed and will read again. Dr. Paul is a brilliant man, wish we had more like him in Washington!

Consider yourself lucky to have the opportunity to live, vote, and contribute in the time of Dr. Paul. This man is the modern day George Washington. His presidential face will be on the currency of tomorrow and heralded in the history books for revitalizing what this once great country stood for: freedom, justice, and opportunity.

The only politician left in America who the Founding Fathers would approve of today. Excellent book covering the most important topics of today and the simple answered solutions to them if we started following the constitution once again. This book is the ultimate nightmare of the Left.

A true American! Audit the Fed! Tell your state representatives to pass HR 1207. Get out of the stranglehold they have on us! We are becoming slaves to the Government. They are slaves to the Bankers! Read this book.

Easily one of the best reads I've had in a long time. It isn't just about horseracing or horses. It is more about the ungainly underdog Seabiscuit who becomes symbolic of the little guy. It's about heart, character, perseverence and a tenacity in the face of extreme hardship that shows us all not only how character is honed by adversity, but just how good we have it today compared to that period in time. After reading it I wondered about the fiber of Americans today and how many could have endured the hardships of the time.

Second time that I have read the book and came away with a deep
respect for the genius of the jockey, Red Pollard. Horses many times
are almost equal in their ability to run but its the jockey who seizes
the opening when it presents itself, knows when to take the lead or
hold off knowing that a horse will do everything in its power to beat
the horse ahead or alongside of him or her. Red Pollard had to rely
on his innate ability because of the injury he had and he proved how
great he was even with the handicap he had. The author also had to overcome the debilitating sickness she had and the story she wove
about the horse, the jockey, the trainer and the owner keeps your
interest from beginning to end.
Tom Bragen Bayonne, New Jersey

Seabiscuit follows the gradual rise of an underdeveloped horse born of grand breading. With no expectations of greatness thrust upon him, Seabiscuit enters a life of racing mediocrity. Slowly, his anger gestates as he is forced to lose to lesser horses in training to build their confidence. Eventually his life comes into confluence with a quixotic entrepreneur recovering from a personal disaster, a down-on-his-luck trainer with natural talent, and one of the tallest but most dedicated jockeys in the league. Together this unlikely but somehow perfect team take Seabiscuit to the greatest heights of horse racing, at the time the most popular sport in the United States. Along the way, their journey takes on grander scope than just personal redemption. They become a much needed beacon of triumph and personal renewal for American emotionally wasted by the throes of the Great Depression.

The story is excellently researched, well crafted, and favors reality to fairy tale endings. Each of the characters is presented in written detail akin to HD TV. Hillenbrand should patent HD Words.

Many times a book is not worth reading after seeing the movie (i.e. Twilight), which is a shame because a good book can greatly enlighten the backstory that doesn't come across in moving pictures. Seabiscuit thankfully makes the reading as well as the watching equally worthwhile regardless of the order they are undertaken.

I purchased this book years ago when it first came out. My husband is an avid fan of horse races and having went with him on numerous occasions I became interested in reading about them myself. This book will not disappoint and even though the movie was very good the book is tons better (which is almost always the case). I enjoyed reading about the background of all the people involved with Seabiscuit it is a real heartwarming story about a horse that everyone gave up on but everyone ended up having hope in. A trainer that was an outsider and an owner that wasn't your average horse owner and the faith he put into the jockey who was left by his parents at a horse track because they couldn't afford to keep him home (it was during the Great Depression). I could probably go on and on about the book because I enjoyed it very much.

The story of the rise and domination (within horse racing circles and the world at large) of the most celebrated race horse in history. Chronicling the horse, owner, trainer and jockeys; paying special attention to their remarkable place in history during a time in the late 1930's when the world needed a hero like Seabiscuit.

A terrific tale of heart and determination. The characters are richly drawn and the world of horse racing is told in a way that is fascinating to the non-enthusiast. The narratives of the races are constructed so well that they will keep your heart racing long after the horses are back in the stable. Wonderful stuff.

First, let me tell you I've never liked westerns (except for this one). This book is still one of, if not the, best book I've ever read. I'm not going into the storyline as other reviews have already done that. I'll just mention that the author makes you feel like you're apart of the characters lives to the point that once the book is over a little sadness sets in. When I read this book it held my interest so much that I could hardly put the book down.

I'd suggest that you read this book before seeing the movie. The book contains more of the story and, let's face it, the books are always better. Plus, the movie will make even more sense, if you read the book first. That's just my opinion. While we're at it, the movie was excellent in it's own right. If you get a chance to see it, you really should.

One more thing, in my opinion, this is definitely not a book for children to read.

If you like John Wayne movies or Clint Eastwood westerns you'll enjoy Lonesome Dove. Even if you don't like westerns there is a good chance you'll love this book.
I've read the negative reviews posted about how the book isn't politically correct. So what? People are offended by the brutish behavior of the cowboys here. So there are hookers and stereotyped Indian outlaws; who cares? The book is great. Honestly, the characters feel absolutly real.
Gus and Call aren't exactly refined. They are two burned out ex-Texas Rangers looking for a last hurrah by driving cattle from Texas to Montana because they're bored. I get it. They have character flaws; they entertain hookers; they get drunk; they gamble, they steal horses from Mexicans, but that is what makes them come alive. You connect with them on some level, and end up going on the journey with them. When a writer can put you there with the characters and you can see them, hear them, and know them like a close friend he's accomplished something magical.
You'll laugh, you'll cry, and when it's over you'll wish it wasn't. I love this book. 900 pages seems like alot, but you'll be sad when it is over.

Though this review does not include "adult" language, the subject matter might offend some people.

This is not so much a "literary" review as it is a socio-political one. I want to kick Larry McMurtry in the shins for failing to fully develop his deconstructionist view of the American West.

One of the best things about "Lonesome Dove" is that it is /not/ a literary work. It's simply a good story, well told. McMurtry's direct, unpretentious style never gets in the way. (One /can/ be pretentiously simple -- see Hemingway.) And if the first few lines, and the brilliantly developed first chapter that follows them, don't grab you, there's no way you're going to like it. (The prequels suffer from weak opening chapters.) I've read "Lonesome Dove" twice, and will probably pick it up again in a few years.

My issue with McMurtry is that, in trying to present the American West as it (probably) was, * is that "Lonesome Dove" (and its prequels/sequels) avoid any mention of -- how shall I say this? -- "male relationships". The possibility that men ever get sexually involved with each other -- whether out of need for physical release, or for affection -- is not part of McMurtry's wild-West Weltanschauung. (I threw that in to show that I know some big words. I like alliteration, too.)

McMurtry is not anti-gay. In "The Last Picture Show" he treats homosexuality in a sympathetic, almost comic fashion (which, for a story of the early '60s, is arguably implausible). But the thought of physical relations between men seems to bother him.

McMurtry is not known for explicit sex scenes. His characters engage in sex, but he's more interested in their reasons for doing it and their reactions to it, rather than the act itself. McMurtry's admiration (and near-idolatry) of strong women perhaps explains his general avoidance of male/male sexual activity. It is, after all, an implicit rejection of the most-basic need men have for women.

What is particularly odd about "Lonesome Dove" is that Gus and Woodrow are clearly "married" (Gus the querulous wife, Woodrow the taciturn husband), a relationship with precedents in Western literature (eg, Bret Harte's "Uncle Jim and Uncle Billy"), but McMurtry doesn't do much to develop or reflect on this aspect of their relationship, other than Clara's expression of ferocious sexual jealousy. (The book, more than the film, makes it clear that Clara needs men she can dominate and control.)

I interpret the scene in which Gus suggests to Lorie that /she/ choose what kind of sex they'll have, with Lorie utterly failing to understand, as McMurtry's way of indicating that Gus -- portrayed in all the books as someone with better physical sight (and therefore superior insight) -- is fully aware of what his relationship with Woodrow /could/ have been. One might go even further to argue that Gus is continually running after whores precisely because it short-circuits any possibility of them becoming involved in any kind of sexual relation with each other, even an occasional "chaw for a chaw".

Given Gus's propensity for taking pot shots at Woodrow's dullness, it seemed likely that he would have gotten in at least one more jab before dying. The following interpolation to Gus's death scene /should/ have been written by Larry McMurtry, but wasn't. I apologize for not quite matching his style, because my writing leans toward complexity. (Gus's "voice" is quite easy to imitate, especially after hearing Robert Duvall nail the character.)

"Dangerous to write to two women at the same time," he said. "Especially when I'm this lightheaded. I might not be as particular in my sentiments as women expect a fellow to be."

[added material begins here]

Gus paused writing, hoping the lightheadedness would clear. Without the writing to occupy his thoughts, the urge to talk returned.

"You're somethin', Woodrow. We been together most of our lives, and though I'm about to shuffle off this coil, you don't seem to think that deserves a farewell salutation."

Call knew what shuffling was, but did not see the connection with a coil of rope. Was a salutation anything like a salute? Gus never passed up an opportunity to confuse or irritate him. Would Gus continue to pester him until the moment he died? Call did not look forward to Gus's death, but Gus seemed to be taking his time, just to exasperate him.

"You want something else, Gus?", Call asked.

"A kiss, Woodrow, a kiss. For a dear friend you ain't likely to see again."

Yet another annoyance. After a kiss, would Gus then ask for a poke? After extracting a solemn promise to cart his body to Texas, Gus might consider a poke as only a small inconvenience. Why would one man want to poke another man, anyway? There was only one place to do it, and it did not seem an accommodating spot for the fellow who was being poked.

Gus was annoyed that Call had shown no initiative in kissing his compañero goodbye, ** and had to be pressed to it. Gus was curious to know what kissing a man felt like. The request would serve nicely as his last chance to irritate Call.

Gus found the strength to grasp Call's blouse and pull his unenthusiastic friend to his mouth. Never having kissed a man, Gus was not familiar with the procedure. A simple pressing of the lips seemed satisfactory, and likely all Call would accept. He would surely not tolerate Gus's tongue in his mouth, and Gus didn't think his curiosity extended that far.

Gus brushed aside Call's beard to uncover his lips. He found them quite unlike a woman's -- thin, firm, and dry. The kiss was not unpleasant, but hardly so fine as Lorie's or Clara's. When Call did not respond, Gus made a great show of bussing him vigorously and affectionately. He couldn't demand something, then be half-hearted in taking it.

Call found no reason to respond. The week's worth of stubble on Gus's face scraped his lips in an unfamiliar manner, but he found nothing arousing or even interesting in Gus's kiss, nothing that justified a return. His feelings for Gus would be no different for having kissed him before his passing.

Having indulged his desire for a kiss, and been sorely disappointed in Call's failure to respond with the least bit of enthusiasm -- not altogether a surprise, as Call would likely have been as cold with a woman -- Gus released his friend and fell back on the pillows.

"'I god, Woodrow, you have now kissed a man almost as many times as you have kissed a woman. Maybe more. Not a very good record in my book, or any man's book. I figure the lady kisses -- if there was any -- was scarcely more passionate. That's another reason the women-folk don't care for you."

The energy Gus spent in kissing Call and rebuking his coolness made him even more lightheaded. He was not ready to return to letter-writing. He lay quietly and stared at his friend. Staring was a rare activity for Gus, as his brain was most-often occupied working his mouth.

Call tolerated the stare quietly. The silence ended when a thought that had often crossed Gus's mind, but he'd never thought wise to utter, rose to the surface.

"Woodrow, I have on occasion wondered what our lives would have been like if you and I had been..."

Uncharacteristically, Gus reconsidered. Finishing his thought would doubtless send Call into conniptions, because he was too damned ignorant to understand what he was about to say. Call would likely storm out, taking with him the promise to bury Gus in Clara's orchard.

"Don't matter, Woodrow. We wasn't born that way."

Call had no idea what Gus was talking about. Though Gus's words would on occasion come to mind, he was never able to reckon what Gus had stopped in the middle of saying. But that was Augustus McCrae, forever saying things that made no sense.

The lightheadedness finally passed, and Gus struggled back into a near-upright position, without Call assisting a man who was so determined to die. Gus slowly completed the letters, folding one of them. [original continues, with first sentence of paragraph deleted] Then Call saw his hand drop and thought he was dead. He wasn't, but he was too weak to fold the second note. Call folded it for him.

* There is some irony in this, as the novel is based on a screenplay written with Jimmy Stewart, Henry Ford, and John Wayne in mind. "The Searchers" notwithstanding, one does not associate The Duke with revisionist views of American history.

** In both the 18th and 19th centuries, it would not have been considered odd for a man to kiss a dying male friend goodbye. (It even occurs in the 1927 film "Wings".) As we see in "Dead Man's Walk" and "Comanche Moon", Woodrow F. Call is not only unaware of metaphor, but seems devoid of common human emotions. He is quite cold not to kiss his best pard, and shouldn't have had to be asked. Though the novel doesn't mention Call's failure to kiss Gus (how could Larry McMurtry /not/ be aware of death kisses?), its omission shows nevertheless just how cut-off from normal human emotion Call is.

This is an outstanding book with almost mythical figures, Gus and Woodrow. This is the very best of Larry McMurtry, destined to be an American classic. No need to buy on the Internet; check your local library.

This is a cowboy epic about two ex-Texas rangers who drive their cattle, their horses, their hands and themselves from Texas to Montana. There are bears, Indians, rustlers, and every kind of saddle tramp. There is harsh weather and harsh language. And there is a brutality in some of the characters that swallows nearly every good thing growing in its path. There are also wonderfully complex men and women who live and die for reasons hard to understand. This book leaves you aching for them and feeling the frustration of having stood helplessly by through their suffering. It could so easily have been different, so much better.

Is it wrong to go south of the border to steal a herd of horses with your partners? Maybe it's no big deal if you are working together to steal them from unknown Mexicans--even if you have to shoot one or two in the process. What if you help steal some of the same horses from the rancher you sold them to because you can't stand up to an outlaw with a gun at your back? Your friends show up again and help you out of this situation. Sort of. And you accept the justice and mercy of their rope. It all could have been so different.

There is a great deal of pain in this book. Maybe they all should have just stayed in Texas. Why do so many people miss their happiness after coming so close to it?

my heart was broken by this true story of courage and of the most evil acts that man can devise. I also strengthend my faith and while heartbroken I also felt a sense of victory for the survivors especially the author. Her ability to forgive the killers is beyond comprehension. The question I asked myself after reading this book is how could we (the USA) have ingnored this senseless slaughter? I have since read account of the lack of action by our country and the other world powers and I feel that we should be ashamed and do all we can to help these people. I would recommend this book to everyone

I pray a lot. Sometimes I think myself a little strange that praying has become such a constant. Immaculee Ilibagiza raises daily prayer to new heights and inspires/enhances belief that prayer really can save one's life--and sanity. The Rwandan holocaust was merely a story in the news magazines until I read this book. The hysteria and general craziness is brought home in this uniquely personal account of what happens in a society gone tragically awry. A must-read for anyone who wonders, "What would I do, if..."

I have had the pleasure of meeting Immaculee, she is a woman filled with grace. Most of the basics of her story I had already known, but the book really put the whole ordeal into focus, a truly riveting book, I couldn't put it down, and I'm not an avid reader.

I am enjoying this book very much. It arrived in a short time and in excellent condition.

Well written, about events in our life time that very few people are aware of, by a survivor.

I hope this is the right book, I just love the story, and the music, and the movie too!

The book is fantastic! Great pictures! I would highly recommend this book for any fan of the movie or a Titanic fan in general! The making of the epic movie is something to see and you can definitely see it in this book.

This is a MUST have for any Titanic collector. I waited for about 9 or so years for this book and I am so extatic that I finally have it!!

The scope of this majestic book truly befits the epic effort by James Cameron with his cinematic masterpiece "Titanic". Much great information here for the movie buff who likes to see how it is done. Incredible sets including the dining salon, complete even to dishes and decor. I was amazed to see how this particular set was pulled underwater by hydraulics to provide a very realistic feeling of sinking. Page after page of photographs and stories about the magnificent sets that brought this film to life. Lots of info about the stars and other cast members as well the production crew. This book is a perfect companion to the movie as well as a testament to the filmmaking genius of James Cameron.

Great book for the titanic enthusiasts!!!!! If you loved the movie, you will enjoy this book.

A very well written book about an everyday man who would become the President of the United States and would become respected for his service to his country.

Resisted this book for quite awhile even though I am a DM fan. My apprehensions were unfounded, an excellent read in a time period that I had avoided for some reason, Truman, the man, surprised me,

Yet another superb job by David McCullough!! He has emerged as the absolute BEST historical writer of our generation, hands-down. Talk about bringing a character to life and covering all the aspects of his subject: the good, the bad, and the ugly. From Trumans humble beginnings, through his presidency, and his death, McCullough brings you inside the mind of Truman, and many of the people most important in his life. This is a long book, but it reads so easily that you don't even realize it. I am just amazed at the job McCullough does with his subject matter, whether it be technical (i.e. the Brooklyn Bridge or the Panama Canal), or personal (i.e. Truman, John Adams, Teddy Roosevelt). He does such an incredible job making his subject matter spring to life, and leaving you wanting more. How many authors write history books that are genuine page-turners and read like a fiction novel? This is the ability McCullough has, and Truman is no exception. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history, whether it be of WWII, the Atom Bomb, or Truman himself.

It really is the definitive Truman bio, a man whom, ever since I read this, has been an important influence on me. A truly great president, endlessly fascinating and champion of the phrase "the buck stops here!" - well, the buck stops with this bio, too. Great.

It takes a bit of courage to start on a 1000 page biography of a lesser known president (relative to Lincoln, Washington, Roosevelt(s)). However, for those of you decide to jump in may find yourself transformed at how you look at politics and America as a whole.

David McCullough has been given much (very well deserved) praise for his biography on John Adams. McCullough clearly deserved the attention (and the Pulitzer to boot), but it seems that "John Adams" has caused his work on Harry S. Truman to be overlooked. This is unfortunate, because in my opinion, Truman is a much more relevant and important that John Adams in today's society.

In "Truman" McCullough paints a masterful (and I mean MASTERFUL) portrait of a small town farmer who found himself not only President of the United States but as one of the most important figures of World History. It really is an unbelievable that a man who worked on his farm until age 34 decided to enlist in the Army during WWI. His fame as an artillery Captain allowed him to enter the world of local politics. From there a few incredible breaks have him in the US Senate as a relative anonymous Senator. World War II allows him to use his military expertise to form the "Truman Committee" and the oversight of government military spending. An unlikely turn-of-events has him Vice President of the United States to a dying President. Up next....

1- The Postdam conference with Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin
2- The dropping of the A-bombs in Japan
3- The drafting of all the railroad workers into the Army
4- Berlin airlift
5- Korean war
6- Firing of MacArthur

To name a few of the more significant events that this farmer had to face during his presidency.

McCullough paints a very vivid a lively man who never forgot the office that he represented, the people he served, or how he was raised. Truman is a model of a politician doing what they think is right and allowing the opinions to fall where they might. McCullough shows that what Truman lacked in polish he made up for in grit and determination.

Final Verdict - McCullough's best work - probably one of the best biographies ever written. In addition, we are given an amazing history of the United States from 1910-1955.

5 Stars - Must read for anyone who has the courage to tackle such a lengthy book.

I bought this book because I'm interested in cryptology but do not have the time to dig deep into specialist books. The book did not dissapoint me - it is well written, not too technical but doesn't 'dumb down' the essence of cryptology too much. The only reason why I wouldn't want to give it 5 stars is that it is a bit dated. Written quite obviously before 9/11, it is a bit too optimistic on the outcome of the battle between code makers and code breakers.

A good book, fun to read, and relatively easy to grasp.

"The Code Book" presents readers with a beautifully composed account of the history of cryptography. It is written in such a way to keep the technically inclined satisfied without overloading the average reader. Singh does an excellent job at presenting technical material.

This book maintains a high level of drama and excitement, constantly sparking imagination and occasionally encouraging readers to try their own hand at cryptography.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone remotely interested in history, information technology, or politics. It's an excellent read.

More than a history of cryptography, this book could be called a set of
stories about the topic. Which is not a demerit, on the contrary, adds
amenity to a topic that on one hand is interesting and entertaining (who
doesn't like to keep one's secrets and break those of others?) but on
the other hand may be hard (the mathematics and algorithms). The author
copes very well with the fun part and really quite well with the other
part, taking into account that this is not a text book but a informational
and even recreational book.
A reader not familiar with algorithms or computing may still be able to
grasp most of the ideas and every reader will surely enjoy of the well
documented stories on which the book is built. The language is clear
and simple (I am not an English native speaker and nevertheless I can
read it quite easily) so I think that even children of about 12 y.o.
and up may find the book interesting.

In the Code Book, Simon Singh takes us on a fascinating journey through cryptography from ancient Egypt to to the modern. He touches on many historical figures and their contributions to modern day cryptography. Personalities such as: Charles Babbage (the grandfather of computing), Alan Turing (creator of the Turing Machine, the father of modern computer science), Ronald Rivest, Adi Shamir, and Leon Adleman (the men behind RSA encryption), and Phil Zimmermann.

This book was enlightening as it put the cryptography mechanisms we employ today into a historical context while describing their complex inner workings and presenting the rich history that lies behind all innovation. Like other reviewers, I was also disappointed that the book came to a close so soon. I'm looking forward to reading Singh's other books.

You will learn all about how secret communications through code have created the history of europe, middle east and other nations. Just get this book.

Definitely one of the best books I've read! Here are some favorite quotes:

Pg. 121: "There is no outrunning fear, though, it comes on you and you have to face it. Childbirth is not an enemy you can fight or conquer or outrun, it takes you and tears you apart from the inside out and you have to just submit to it. I never understood why a girl would choose to be an old maid, but now I do."

Pg. 166: "It seems to me that any time there are men making a war, somewhere there are women and children at home waiting and worrying."

Pg. 309: "It seems there is always a road with bends and forks to choose, and taking one path means you can never take another one. There's no starting over nor undoing the steps I've taken."

Pg. 327: "Mama told me to make a special point to remember the best times of my life. There are so many hard things to live through, and latching on to the good things will give you strength to endure, she says."

I really enjoyed stepping back into the late 1800's when I had ancestors in the west. Great imagery and well written story.

This was an enjoyable read. The story seems contrived and far fetched in places, but that didn't take away from the enjoyment. The author does a good job in bringing to life the hardships faced by the settlers of the American west, particularly the women.

What a delight it was to read this book -- until it ended! That was the only disappointment -- that the book ended. How Ms. Turner is able to put herself into the dusty, well-worn shoes of a young woman growing up as best she can in The Territories is beyond me. You don't just feel as if you're there; you ARE there. The life-and-death situations, the tiny bits of joy, the enormous impact on so many lives of things we don't pay much attention to now -- summer storms, a dry spell, gardening, worn clothing. My favorite -- the subtle way in which Sarah's spelling and grammar gradually, oh so subtly improve, as she begins to read to better herself.

I almost didn't read past the first few pages in this book, but thank goodness, I persevered, because I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read the sequel. Ms. Turner's writing is so intimate that I feel as if I have a new friend in Sarah Prine, and I have bought two additional books to give to my sister and my granddaughter. Hang in there past the first few pages! It's an easy read and a true treasure.

I love the complete Far Side set. It brought joy and happiness to my life.
Dxrams

If you want the whole collection in brilliant form of presentation, then this is the one for you.
Yes, its expensive, very heavy, but once you start turning pages, you can't stop 'till the end.
Go for it!!

Love these books and love the way they have been assembled. If I can just get over the weight issue...THIS SET IS AMAZINGLY HEAVY! Makes for an entertaining afternoon, evening, weekend, however long it takes to get through it all. There is so much Gary Larson. I love it.

the best cartoonist of the century
... but don't let the Complete Far Side drop on your foot.

These books are as well bound as hefty mega pulpit bibles at church. Beautiful paper. Works of art. Arrived in a few days time direct from Amazon in perfect shape. A worthwhile investment in cheerfulness during this difficult economic season.

This book lives up to all the praise it has received from reviewers such as Paul Fussell. It goes a long way in diminishing the romanticized and fictional idea of war, usually held by those who never go to fight it.

Outstanding first account of Marine Corps actions during WWII. Great to visit that place after so many years.

Over the last decade, I have given several copies of this book to friends who did not know about the horrible fighting that took place at Peleliu. A Marine whose brother died there, first told me about the battle and loaned a copy of this book. I found E. B. Sledge's account of what happened there and at Okinawa to be told with compassion and humility. The Marines who fought there overcame impossible obstacles and paid dearly. We owe them our respect and gratitude.

I was fortunate enough to serve in W. Germany during the "cold war," with the US Army. Although there was the threat of combat, luckily it didn't happen for us. However, what these guys went through was pure man made hell on earth. It's not just the combat, but more so the stresses of unrelenting heat, humidity, decay, exhaustion, fear, etc. I think taking a bullet through the head would have ended up the easy way out, it was those who survived that in some respects had it the toughest. This country can never fully repay these Marines. Hopefully, they all found their peace with God.

Just finished reading and am now circulating to my sympathetic CMP Forum buddies. A must-read for anyone interested in first-hand history.