V Books

This book is for you! Typical Chicken Soup fare but on the plus side, dogs are the lead characters. Lots of tearjerkers, heart warmers and amusing anecdotes. The format makes for perfect short reads (bathroom, waiting for appointments, lunch breaks). I recommend it highly.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! I love the stories and many of them bring me to tears. They're all great & really show the unconditional love of our dogs.

Bought this for my doggy-loving husband for Christmas. He travels a lot, so he says it will be perfect airplane reading material! He's already read a few of the stories and loved them.

I bought this book as a Christmas gift for my mom and step dad. They have a dog and I thought they would enjoy it. I have read other Chicken Soup book and they are good.

I am a total dog lover & this book made me laugh, cry & hold my dogs even tighter.

I was given this book as a gift from my son. I read it on an airplane and laughed and cried so much that at the end of the flight, the man sitting next to me said, "you are quite an emotional lady!" I bought a copy of this book for the lady that helped me when I got stranded when the flight was delayed a day. She read one of the stories in it while I was changing clothes and I found her in tears when I returned. It's a great feel-good book.

In this collection of stories from and about mothers, there is something for everyone. Whether you need to be inspired, comforted, or amused, whether if you are looking for a laugh or a cry you can find a story for your mood. The Chicken Soup authors always know how to pick a collection of stories that truly brings the subject to light, a tear to your eye, and a smile to your lips! This time, what a worthy topic: mothers. As a positive psychologist in private practice I certainly know the powerful and permanent importance of our mothers in all of our lives!

I CAN NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! Some real tear jerkers too. A must for all moms.

my family got this as a gift about 8 years ago. I don't remember much about it but I remember the stories about the mother losing her son during a skiing accident, the girl who bought her mom bobby pins for her birthday and the story where they're celebrating a grandmother's birthday and she dies at the end of the party after seeing her entire family at the celebration.

AFTER READING THIS I AM REASSURED THAT GOOD HONEST BOOKS ARE FINALLY MAKING A COME-BACK!!!!!!

This is a brilliantly original and creative work. Written with pathos and great humor, I was immediately hooked. The author gives us the challenging task of connecting to a quirky, obsessive-compulsive protagonist, and he succeeds in sparking our curiosity, and eventually, our empathy towards Ernest. I loved the use of footnotes: they created a story within a story feeling that really held my interest and added rich layering to the narrative. I laughed out loud many times! I found myself fascinated by the inner workings of Ernest's mind, and wanted to know more about what made him tick. I especially loved the originality of the piece, and appreciated the genuinely good writing! I would love to read other works by this author, and believe he has a legitimate place in the world of literature. This is an author who should be nurtured and supported in his creative endeavors!

To like this book, one has to throw out past ideas of what fiction is. Once you get past that, you get to appreciate what a wonderful book this truly is. The obsessive-compulsive nature of the narrator is very unique and left me laughing all the way. The things he does with his food (sectioning it, forming Eiffel Towers, and various images etc), the way he does his laundry, and the obsessive analysis of every small event in his life makes him one of the nuttiest and funniest character I've read in a long time. Man, are there really guys like that? Great job, Paul.

"The Outcome Trials of Ernest Delune" is the kind of novel I like to read: clever, inventive, original. It captivates through its sheer obsessiveness, because we want to see what oddball conclusions its irrational--but perceptive--narrator is going to make next. Thoughts come and vanish, but then reappear later, showing that the author has a clear grasp on the totality of this project; the threads appear random, but there is a method to the madness. The only difficulty to be discerned from this excerpt is a lingering question about the compassion we as readers will feel for Ernest; his observations are often more clever and clinical than endearing--something that could prove alienating if left to continue without exposing an underlying human side. But already at the end of the excerpt we see a glimpse of Ernest's humanity; his girlfriend Violet is evidently about to establish an ultimatum--one that will force Ernest (hopefully) to emerge out of his obsessive-compulsive mindframe and return to "normal" live (as much as possible, at least). I feel that "The Outcome Trials of Ernest Delune" has all the makings of a very fascinating read--one that I would definitely take home with me from a bookshelf. I only hope that Violet can bring Ernest out of his world, at least somewhat--so that we can meet the man hiding behind his own intriguing façade.

'The Outcome Trials of Ernest Delune' opens with a unique suggestion from the narrator to the reader on how to read the book. The narrator's voice is hilarious as he talks about literary structural collapse (LSC) and suggests ways to avoid it so that his characters are not forced into the world of abandoned books. The prose is very well written and is both erudite and funny.

Ernest comes alive as a unique, interesting character as he solemnly pontificates his many theories on evolution and existence, and describes in detail his obsessive-compulsive personality of food sorting and his occasional need to reduce the world around him into a single 'reduction word' even as he assures the reader that he does not have a disorder. He reminds one of wonderful protagonists in literature like Holden Caulfield, Christopher -the autistic maths prodigy in 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time' and Sampath of Kiran Desai's 'Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard' who tries to avoid reality and escape from routine life.

This is one book that is in no danger of LSC - A reader might fan the pages to oblige Ernest (As I tried to do with the PDF excerpt), but is sure to keep on reading till the end. I am looking forward to read this book - The excerpt heralds a literary bestseller.

If I were a literary agent, I would track this Paul Margolis down and pray to god that someone else hadn't snapped him up first. This is the freshest, smartest fiction I've read in a very long time.

This is a wonderful book and well worth the time to invest in reading it. I would urge you to buy this timely book.

Through forceful, powerful, blatant, bold Calvinistic and evangelistic sermons, Pastor Jones did a marathon preaching on one of, if not the most controversial and heavily debated Sermon on the Mount; shattering other man-centered, self-centered, legalistic, antinomian, perfectionist interpretations. I have to admit before I read these sermons, I had most of my interpretations wrong. Here are some observations from what I took in. First, the Sermon on the Mount is not a social gospel where all it cares about is the actions, ethics and morale of the story. Though important, they are neither the meat nor the center of it; Christ the Preacher is. Not only is this so, but as Pastor Jones remarked in the concluding sermon, that throughout the course of it, Christ declares, I would say, both implicitly and explicitly, that he is the true giver, interpreter and center of the law. Second, no one can rightly live out the principles taught in it unaided unless one is a believer relying on the grace and power of God who enables him to do so. Third, it is not something one has to do to become a Christian. Instead, it shows what Christians should become as a result of a new gracious ruling principle in their hearts. Fourth, in some cases like turning to the other cheek, going extra miles, giving away both the cloak and the coat, loaning to those in need, not committing adultery, it is the general bigger-picture principles behind the detailed examples that was to be conveyed, not the actions themselves that are the most important. I wouldn't write what they are here, but let the readers discover on their own. Fifth; on the other hand, it involves some details which Pastor Jones beautifully expounds within the general description or principles, for example, on what the Lord's prayer means and how it is to be prayed properly with the right heart and attitude, how to determine the characteristics and signs of false prophets and professors, what it means to enter through the straight gate and going through the narrow way, what building house on sands and rock by the foolish and wise man signify and how we know which one of these categories we fall into. These are stunningly soul-searching; something critical that those of us who confess to be Christians should test ourselves with. Here is one of his quotes worth musing on what it urges us to do in regard to entering the strait gate,

"You have to go out of your way to find this gate. You will have to analyze yourself and be very honest with yourself, and having refused to hold back, say, `I am going on with this until I discover exactly what I have to do'. Here are so many who do not find this way of life because they have never sought the gate and entered in.... [it involves] fasting, sweating and praying... we must give ourselves no rest or peace until we know for certain that we are on this way."

And lastly, without trying to be simplistic, the underlying principle of it all is that it is the spirit, not the letters that matters. It is the heart, the desire, the attitude, the character and the outlook on one's life, not the actions, that Christ is concerned the most and therefore focuses his sermons on to graciously rebuke, correct and encourage. Despite his sober and frightening warnings, we should not lose heart but continue to persevere to the end to follow him for he who has began a good work in us will never leave us nor forsake us and will carry it on to completion.

This book is exceptionally rich in spiritual understanding, easy to follow and written from the heart of the author. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones knows how to bring out the truth of God's scripture. The book is actually two volumes in one, comprised of 60 sermons from Matthew 5, 6 and 7. The sermons will challenge you to review your Christian walk in contrast to the Word of God. Every sermon presented in this book brings the reader back to the foot of the Cross of Christ for self examination. It is a very humbling book, written to the heart of those that love God and his Son, Jesus Christ. This book will spiritually enrich your walk and strengthen your relationship with Christ. If you are searching for an in-depth study of The Sermon on the Mount you will not find a better book than this one. This is not a book you will read only once.

This book on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is one of the best books ever produced by Martyn Lloyd-Jones. If you have never encountered Lloyd-Jones then you will be blessed as you read this book and discover a man with a passion for both the Word of God and the God of the Word.

Lloyd-Jones, according to John Piper, is one of the last true Calvinistic Methodist from the days of George Whitefield. Here was a man who not only embraced Reformed Calvinism but also embraced a passion for God from the likes of Whitefield and John Wesley. He not only wanted to study the Bible and teach it clearly but he wanted to give people a hunger for Jesus that would become evident in holiness in life and character.

In this book, Dr. Lloyd-Jones explores the implications of the Sermon on the Mount for the Christian. He works his way slowly through each passage giving not only the content of the passage but many points of application for your life. I would encourage you to have your Bible open to Matthew 5-7 as you read this book and even more to memorize the passage (Psalm 119:11). This is a solid book well worth the price and its also a book you will refer to again and again.

"Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones brings great insight into the fundamentals of Christianity thru an in-depth look at the Sermon on the Mount. Lloyd-Jones shows a stark contrast between our world's values and the way in which a believer is called to live. To get the most out of this book than one needs to be willing to examine their heart and actions.

It starts off slowly, but then there is gradual progression in suspense and tension. That said it leaves you wanting MORE so very badly.

Robert Kirman's writing is good and mature in tone for this contemporary reader.

So for taking a chance on a book I never read one issue of, it lived up to it's hype, and I think has a lot of momentum moving into the next volume which will make me buy volume 2 if not 3 as well.

...i was always skeptical of this comic from an "alternative" publisher...until my wife gave me Invincible the Ultimate Collection vol. 1+2...
....these stories bring back memories of when comics were fun (and not so serious and dark as they tend to be these days)....Kirkmans tales easily fit in the comics tapestry along with classics like Amazing Spiderman , The Justice League, Superman...ect...
....

If you are a fan of Invicible the series. Or you like anything that Image comics puts out, by this! The best series i have read in a while, and the best super hero series i have read in years!

I didn't read comics as a kid, but I have always been fasinated with superheroes. After consulting several recommendations lists and reading lots of reviews, I chose Invincible as my first comic. I wasn't disappointed. It has everything I expected from a comic - a larger than life hero, lots of action, excellent artwork, and easy to read. It also had things I hadn't expected - the hero has more than one dimension and story is mature enough to hold an adult's attention. I read a wide variety of genres from classics to biographies, from fiction to science fiction, and this was just as enjoyable to read. I'm looking forward to getting volumes 2 and 3!

I picked this up without reason, I'd long since outgrown Comic Books and was really only drawn to the image on the cover and thought it might be interesting for the little boys I work with. I, personally, did not have any interest in it myself. But then the boys didn't care, it wasn't Batman or Superman and so it wasn't interesting.
It sat around for some time just looking like a big giant book until I had to take a long trip and needed something with more than just words to pass the time.
I was hooked.
As soon as I got home, I went right to the store and started buying back issues and trades to catch up.
This is one of the best modern superhero stories out there, it's a wonderful collection of great writing (kirkman's other series The Walking Dead is also great)and amazing graphics. The story lines are compelling, and I always want more at the end of an issue. In fact, I am always digging through old issues and climbing the walls waiting for new issues.
If You're looking for a new hero, Invincible's the guy. The series is terrific, it's just what I was looking for, serious reading for a serious reader with pictures.
It's worth the investment.

This is an excellent book. It will give you a more balanced perspective of what means to be a man of Faith, and how society expects this man to actually be.

In my top list of books. Made me cry when I read it. That's powerful writing.

This book was a bit of a surprise. While it is not the best "Catholic" novel I have read, its many good parts provide much to recommend it. I have been familiar with the story line from the Gregory Peck movie which has been a late-show staple. The book is more intricate and nuanced, like novels used to be. Cronin's characters are well-drawn, seem consistent and grow in your imagination like real people. He has a notion of ecumenism that concervative Catholics might find simple-minded and perhaps offensive, but probably reflects his childhood experience, with which many American Catholics could easily identify, that sometimes God lets himself be found extra ecclesiam.
In sum, a good book. I am glad I read it. I had trouble putting it down at night.

I purchased this book on the cheap not knowing a thing about A.J. Cronin. Reading the back, seeing the "Christian" theme, I decided to give it a try (it was on the clearence table!).

Grabbed from the first few pages, one can't help but feel for poor Francis as he struggles through his emotional and tumultous childhood, discovering his faith and ultimately landing in China to rekindle the flame of a forgotten mission. Through the story he meets various characters: the local militia, outcast roughians, the tender and vulnerable Chinese people, Catholic hiarchy and a few friends...

Francis remains true to Scripture (with one notable exception) and his vocation by being pious, and living in only very minor indulgences. He lives for the God, the mission and for the Chinese people, often to his own detriment, leading the way by his example.

A great read...a treasure that I "just" picked up...

Father Chisholm, the main protagonist in this story of Christian faith, flourishes as an example of what it means to be a man of conviction. Archibald Joseph Cronin has pieced together a story that not only is readable but thought provoking. Father Chisholm acts with courage and compasion as he lives out his vocation under trying conditions. This story is an affirmation of faith and if I were the director of curriculum at our seminary I would include this as required reading for our candidates.

Item came just as described and on time. I would definitely work with them again.

I really like this dictionary, I wish I could get this much info in a pocket dictionary!

It was a very good dictionary which I really found very useful for my studies.

I'm in a medical school, and I find this book insanely useful...even for very elementary things. It has EVERYTHING in it and I don't regret buying it for a second :).

I ordered Tabers Cyclopedic guide first, but it arrived with some pages damaged in binding. And it seemed compressed in size and with its explanations. So I sent it back (thank you damage) and switched to Mosby's. Hooray! Bigger & better & more thorough with LOTS of pictures. The words searched for are printed in blue, with the definitions in black, making it easy to scan for your subject. Lucky me.

I really can't understand all the 5 stars this got because other than a short, brilliant chapter on flying the camel, it just goes on and on and on and...you get the idea. Plot summary: get up and fly, dodge archie, come back to base, maybe somebody dies, get drunk, do it again tomorrow. That's pretty much it folks. Don't look for any plot development or character development here. There is some philisophical rambling about the meaning of the war which should rightly be included in any war book. Never goes anywhere. it was hard to actually finish the book but i was curious to see if it actually every "took off and flew". final verdict? down in flames! Want my copy free?

In doing some family history research I established that an 18 year old relative had died in a mid air collision while flying a Sopwith Camel in the same area and at the same time this story is set. I was searching for some literature that could give me some understanding of what this brave young man had experienced. I could not have found anything that could have been more compelling reading or had more of an emotional impact than this superbly written account of the machinery and the time.

A ripping yarn, a must for aviation enthusiasts, replete with explicit and graphic flight scenes. The philosophizing seems more 1930's than 1918, but that's when the author published it. The way the author/hero deals with the loss of comrades is skilled writing, evoking the banality of having to get on with the job without mourning. i'm not qualified to comment on any authenticity of the feeling expressed/felt but it stands out from others of the genre for that reason. for me, it ranks with Sagittarius Rising, and Derek Robinson's work. the author enjoys spiking the sometimes purple prose with neologisms and entertaining latinisms; a trait i enjoy but others shouldn't have much trouble ignoring.

One of the great novels about flying over the trenches in World War 1. The only shame is that this edition does not carry the introduction by
T E Lawrence ('Lawrence of Arabia') that the earlier editions carry. Based upon the author's own experiences in the RFC it does not glamorise the life, nor does it indulge in self-pity.

Based upon the author's own experiences in the RFC in 1918 here is the complete story of the war in the air on the western front. 148 sorties, the slow inexorable death of friends and squadron mates one at a time until only a squadron of ghosts is left, dogfights with Fokkers, air superiority over the Huns, death in the air, flamers (the worst way to die!), Archie, getting tight in the mess each evening singing rousing songs and smashing furniture to relieve the tension, dropping bombs, low altitude ground strafing, slaughtering ground troops with your machine guns until it sickens you, downing two seaters, mechanical failures of your Sopwith Camel while waiting for the new Snipes to arrive from England,gliding or limping back to the lines and safety, mid-air collisions, influenza turning to TB. It is all there. Highly recommended. This is the best book on the war in the air in WW1 I have ever found. Read it, and then read it again. It is that good.

Eric's writing is simply amazing. He digs down and finds different ways of expressing his emotions.

If you're into music, and enjoy honest, easy-to-read writing, this is the book for you. I read it on recommendation from one of my HS students, and read it in about 45 minutes - it was a great way to pass the time in the airport!

After months of harassment from Eric via MySpace, I finally quit drinking long enough to set aside some money for his book. (Just kidding.) Anyway... I am really glad I did. Coma Therapy is the first poetry/prose book I have enjoyed in a very long time. I truly appreciate the honesty of the work, even if it were to turn out it isn't all truth.(Thank you, James Frey, for making me doubt every autobiographical account that is published.) I don't care at this point, because this is a collection of poems and stories that can affect the reader. I was reminded of the late Jim Morrison's poetry, only Coma Therapy is more intelligible and you can even read it if you aren't in a Hunter S. Thompson-like haze. (The lack of lizard-king repetition is also a plus.) With each page, I was drawn further into the text. It all seemed so personal that I felt like I was reading a journal without the author's knowledge and wanted to absorb as much as possible before he walked in the room and caught me read handed. It takes a very gifted writer to let their guard down and write with such candor. Victorino does not censor the text for fear of an outsider's judgmental prejudice. I only wish I possessed the courage to write without inhibitions, as Eric Victorino has been able to do in this book. In conclusion, thank you Eric, for constantly reminding us on Myspace about your book. I just started reading it for the third time. My favorite pieces include: "first kiss girl", "sweet, cherry red", "it's a people business", and "one of the most terrible things I have ever done (and a great friend.)" What am I saying? They're all friggin' good. Just buy the damn book and support a talented writer and musician.

I read this book for two reasons: The first of which is that I am a fan of the musical group "Strata" in which the author, Eric Victorino, is the lead singer. The second being, Eric personally asked me to read it..and being an artist myself constantly yearning for a greater audience, I decided I would help him pay the rent by buying a copy. It wasn't that spontaneous however, I started reading my friend's copy...and after the first two poems I decided that a great piece of literature such as this deserves a place amongst my shelf of classics.

It is written in a very artistic and impressive way that reminds me of Jack Kerouacs revolutionary spontaneous prose. It is metrical in yet lyrical...prose in yet romantically composed as poetry. I can safely say that I was intrigued 100% whilst reading the entire book and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone, reader or not. You don't need to be a performing artist to feel emotion when reading this, but it helps.

Coma Therepy is written very well. I couldn't put it down when I was reading it. I felt as if I was living in the stories.

This is a splendid book. My suspicion has always been that a lot of people are frightened away from it by the fact that it is just the first of a six-volume series, and the sheer size of the work is intimidating. If that's your reaction, think again; first, Churchill's work, while comprehensive, is also readily consumable in bite-sizes. Second, this particular volume really stands on its own for anyone who would like to understand the "why" of World War II.

Admittedly, on that "why" question, Churchill represents a particular point of view, but it is a point of view which, with hindsight, seems to have been dead-on. Had the allies not insisted on squeezing Germany nearly to death at Versailles, or had the allies not failed miserably to enforce the military terms of treaties with Germany or to arm themselves for the emerging conflict, the whole history of the twentieth century would have been very different.

My view is that historical reading is almost always best when it comes from the hand of a participant in the events; and Churchill's role in the war and in the runup to the war was important indeed. This volume covers the span of time from the end of WWI through the invasions of Poland and Norway (and the eve of the German invasion of France), and the most interesting aspect is not the military, but the political, aspect of the story. The validity of Churchill's point of view as a military historian has been the subject of much debate, but his political understanding of the factors leading up to the war is deep and detailed. No one was more aware of the threat Germany posed, and when Norway fell, no one was a more obvious choice to replace Chamberlain as PM than Churchill.

I bought this book because I wanted to understand how and why the war began, and I had no intention of reading all six volumes of Churchill's war history. But this book was so gripping and intense that I couldn't stop, and I proceeded to read the whole darned thing. Highly recomended.

This is the first volume of Churchill's Noble Prize winning six part chronicle of World War II. The Gathering Storm depicts the rise of Hitler and the indifference of the leaders of the European democracies to the clouds of the gathering storm. Churchill incorporates contemporary documentation and his own reminiscence in this opening memoir. Churchill was a great statesman with great literary ability - a winning combination. The Gathering Storm a unique work and has a message for us in today's world.

Read and reviewed by Jimmie A. Kepler

And he did. This compulisively readable account of Europe between the wars and from 09/39 to 05/40 covers European diplomatic history, shifts in British politics, Britian's unwillingness to prepare for war, Hitler's rise to power and German re-armament. It ends with the invasion of France/the Low Countries and Chuchill's ascent to Prime Minister of a National Government. For all it's readablity and heavy use of documentation and primary sources, this is still a memior and sometimes self-serving.

Churchill gathered his researchers and secretaries and wrote an account of the events of World War II. These memoirs would span a work of six volumes, and added with his other literary achievements win for him the Noble Prize in Literature. The 'Gathering Storm', Volume I, starts with the end of World War I..the war to end all wars..and concludes on May 10,1940 with Germany's invasion of the Low Countries(Holland/Belgium) and France. May 10 was also the day that Neville Chamberlain resigned as Prime Minister and Churchill was asked, by the King, to form a new Government...in effect becoming the new head of Government or Prime Minister.

This is a work that is well worth reading. The contents and wisdom are just as relevant today as then. Churchill was relentless in his opinions, good and not-so-good, and did all in his power to try and stem the coming war. He had the advantage of being in the early government as First Lord of the Admiralty from 1911 to 1915. Driven into the wilderness years by forcing the Darnanelles,..a plan he still maintained would have worked if not for the 'timid observationists'..he would still keep active in governmental affairs and had enough connections to keep up-to-date with current events. Chamberlain, in 1939, would put him back into the Admiralty as First Lord..ironically going full circle back to his old office. Now with victory and hindsight, he was in the enviable position to see and write about the events that took place, and what could have happened if certain plans had or hadn't been implemented.

Churchill states that all the trials he went through prepared him for the great task of war. Had he remained in office, the position of Prime Minister would never have come his way. He would have been swept out of office with the failed administration. Those 'invisible wings' of fate were watching out for him. He was freed from party antagonisms and with six years of warning, about the oncoming events, no one could reproach him. What he had warned about was now real and the future was not certain. Churchill felt he knew a great deal about it all and was sure he could not fail. As Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, he now had the power to direct the whole scene. That was one of the areas I felt he craved more than any. The power to move the action forward on the offensive instead of always on the defensive.

Churchill wrote of the events that were transpiring with Germany's disregard for the Treaty of Versailles, Locarno and the failure at Munich. The rise of Hilter and his ascension to Chancellor, the absorption of Austria, the neutralization of Czechoslovakia, and the fall of Poland. The timidity of England and France to respond to the treaties and strike a blow for freedom in retaliation. He doesn't hold back his opinions and what he felt should have been done. As First Lord of the Admiralty he pushed for taking the port at Narvik Norway and found this plan changed from a sea strike to a failed pincer attack. He watched with frustration the failed, yet fortunate, attempt to tangle and embed the war on the Norwegian front. It was fortunate because shortly the war was to break full upon the Western Front and all was needed there. Norway ended the twilight or false war and moved the events forward into an all out compaign of total war.

The face and technology of war has changed over these many years. I doubt we'll ever see countries signing peace documents on battleships again. Unfortunately the reality is that war is still very much alive and with us. These facts alone make these volumes important reading. Possibly the most important aspect is that we can learn from a great man's experiences and hopefully not repeat the past. Well worth adding to the library.

In his preface Churchill states that one day president Roosevelt asked him for suggestions as to what the war should be called. He replied at once " the Unnecessary War "

While hindsight is always 20-20, it is impossible to read this brilliant account without coming to the conclusion that Churchill was giving way to understatement. The absurd idiocies of the governments of the victorious Allies of The Great War from 1918 to 1939 were so blatantly appalling as to be beyond belief.

To name just one, there was strong pressure in the British Parliament and Press to have France, in the interest of fair play (?) reduce its army by half and allow Germany to double its own.-- As Hitler was rallying millions to his banner.

The chapter on Hitler is perhaps the best. To quote Churchill again: " When eventually he came to power there was no book (Mein Kempf) which deserved more careful study from the rulers, political and military , of the Allied powers. All was there . . . "

But the Allies, embroiled with their own party strifes, took little notice.

Juncture after juncture, The Second World War could have easily been avoided. Repeat, easily.

For readers only familiar with Churchill's reputation as an orator, this is a chance to get to know why so many justly regard him as one of the greatest prose writers of the 20th century.

Furthermore, neither Hitler, Roosevelt, nor Stalin had the means or inclination to give an insider's first rate account of the war. Here you will see it from the summit, blow by blow.

It is indeed a tragedy, but one superbly told.