Washington Books

Profusely illustrated with brilliant, full color photography, Gary Wyatt's Mythic Beings: Spirit Art Of The Northwest Coast is a superb introduction to aboriginal art including totems, wood sculpture, masks, stone carvings and more. Wyatt's informative text is an outstanding survey placing each art piece within their cultural context, enhanced with the artist's own descriptions and commentaries. Mythic Beings is a very welcome addition to personal, academic, and professional Native American art and cultural reference collections.

Great color photos and and discriptions of the carvings and artwork. I would definitely recommend this to anyone that is interested in Northwest Coast art.

Mythic Beings is an unassuming but impressive book. The major organizing theme is that spirit art captures the rich cultural and aesthetic traditions that permeate regional artistic expression. Northwest Coast art can be intimidating because it has a complex cosmology and iconography. Wyatt, however, makes this complexity accessible by using two underlying principles. The universe consists of separate but interrelated realms (e.g., sky, underwater), and each realm has its characteristic real and mythical creatures. Mythical creatures have distinctive physical representations used in both sacred and secular representations.

Mythic Beings features 75 beautifully reproduced photographs of masks, robes, and rattles representing the work of 34 artists. Each artist provides a commentary about his/her piece. This provides an opportunity to become familiar with the physical depiction and mythological roles of the creatures depicted by the artists.

Mythic Beings is a gem. It is a wonderful gift book for anyone interested in indigenous art and First Nations peoples.

Great color photos and and discriptions of the carvings and artwork. I would definatly recommend this to anyone that is interested in Northwest Coast art.

I recently came back from a trip to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. It isn't enough that it is some of the most beautiful landscape on Earth, but I also discovered the amazing artists of the Pacific Northwest community. The artworks within this book (as well as Spirit Faces also by this author) are so moving and beautiful, my only regret is that I am not able to start collecting on a massive scale.

Mr. Wyatt also allows the artists to describe for the readers their inspirations and ideas behind their products, which allows us to get to know them a little. After a short while I was able to determine the various artists based upon the varying styles of the pieces depicted here.

Highly recommended!

This story of a city government responsive to community people and empowering them to build better communities through small grants and support is inspiring and hopeful...both for our neighborhoods (especially those so often left out) and people, as well as for a kind of government that partners with people to make things happen. Stimulating and gives ideas that can be replicated elsewhere. Mary Nelson

Neighbor Power is an excellent book! Smart. Funny. Inspiring. If you're interested in Seattle---or if you're interested in community building---or if you're interested in how local government works (and sometimes fails to work)---or if you're just interested in people and you like hearing good stories---read this book.

As a resident in a transitional neighborhood, I find the example and stories in this book inspiring. The book is informative with examples of individual contributions make a difference as well as the power when people organize.

This book is both inspiring and full of practical information. I recommend it to anyone interested in working at the grassroots level to make cities better places to live.

It was cheering to learn that, in a city obsessed with reaching impossible consensus before acting, things are actually getting done here. I also learned some delightful details about when, where, and how certain Seattle landmarks were born.

If you're an activist, you'll find some concrete, useful theories and techniques on how to accomplish your goals. I'm no activist. But reading about these small, very important changes--made by common citizens--could make an activist out of anyone.

My husband couldn't put this book down and he has read so much on WWII

The Doolittle Raid has always been a favorite chapter in history and Ross Greenings account of flying the Hari Kari-er (#11 off the deck of the Hornet) is an incredible new addition. More remarkable is his experience in the N. African and Italian air campaigns resulting in being shot down, capture, escape, capture again and eventual liberation. Because Greening was an illustrator, the book is full of his original work done during the war. In this regard, the experiences and parallels between Greening and Private Robert Knox Sneden of the Civil War are remarkable. Both recorded their respective combat and prison
experiences in journals and illustrations. The printing of "Not as Briefed" is excellent and Washington State University Press has done an incredible job. One can read 50 to 100 books a year, but it is only every 2 or 3 years that one finds a real gem. "Not as Briefed" is one of those gems. It is a simple and humble recounting of a remarkable life. Kudos to WSU Press and the family of Ross Greening for publishing such an historical treasure.

In my opinion, Not As Briefed is one of the greatest World War Two memoirs ever published. While every valiant hero of that war has a story to tell, few have stories as dramatic as C. Ross Greening. Greening writes his story in a fascinating style, captivating the reader and making real his experiences. His blunt, humorous recollection of events can make the reader laugh or cry.

Not as Briefed is the story of bombs over Yokohama, bail-outs over China, and a purple heart on the slope of Mt. Vesuvius. It is the story of a pilot who could use his mind to get out of trouble when he spent months running from the Nazis in the Italian alps. Greening made so many brushes with death that readers will wonder if they are actually reading fiction. But Greening was right in the middle of a brilliant history.

Once captured, Ross Greening put his talents to use in Stalag Luft One, and demonstated one of the finest measures of character ever to touch the thousands of POWs in Barth, Germany. Greening's memoirs are an important reminder of the price of freedom, and illustrate his own love for America that grew as WWII wore on. Not As Briefed is patriotic and moving, and ought to be rated by American readers as one of the finest World War Two documents ever published.

I enjoyed this book very much and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys WWII stories. This book was an easy read and was filled with exciting and touching events. The personal perspective that Ross gave to the war and his situation made the book very informative. This is a book that you will read more than once.

The unpublished manuscript of this book was discovered by the author's neice many years after the author's death. The neice, obviously captivated by her uncle's writing and World War II experiences was motivated in spending 5 years putting together this incredible biography.

Her uncle, Ross Greening, was #11 on the Doolittle Raid. After surviving that assignment, we was transferred to the North African/Italian theater of operations where his B-26 was shot down and his story of evasion and escape from the enemy is what makes Hollywood Movies but don't wait for this to be made into a movie. It is too long and detailed for Hollywood but is a heck of a page turner. It is well written and reads like a novel. But as you read, remember this isn't fiction. This stuff really happened.

Greening was an art major from Washington State U and uses these skills throughout the book with hundreds of illustrations of the events of this story.

If you are at all interested in the human side of war, you will love this one.

Dr. Wright's presentation of the nation's first national debt is both engrossing and informative. Perhaps it is his background as an historian, but regardless, his presentation of economics is straightforward and makes for a good read from the layperson's point of view.

Wright shows Alexander Hamilton as the genius that he truly was. While critics of Hamilton tend to focus on his behind-the-scenes machinations during the 1800 election, Wright allows Hamilton's financial wizardry (which should be this founder's true legacy) to shine. Indeed, Hamilton grasped that a national debt and the eventual assumption of states' debts was necessary not only for the new nation to survive practically, but to maintain its international public credit.

I would recommend reading this book in concert with John Miller's biography on Alexander Hamilton, Portrait in Paradox. Both authors show that Hamilton was well ahead of his time.

The chapters read easily, with an early focus on the Dutch and English international finance models of the early and late 18th century. The chapter entitled "Life," which concentrates on a few individual Virgina debt holders, is also engrossing. Wright spotlights the stories of a few individual patriots to show that these debtholders were just as vital to the nation, with their willingness to take a chance on the early United States, as was both France and Holland in their initial financing of the War of Independence.

All in all, a great read.

Dr. Dennis Edwards
Associate Professor of Economics

Anyone intersted in US history will enjoy this book, it was an easy read on what I thought would be a complicated subject.

The author keeps the subject interesting by mixing the "big picture" of international finance with political skullduggery at home and shines more light on the much maligned Alexander Hamilton's role in safeguarding America's first years.

This book provides rare insight into the financial foundations of the US economy. Supporting data, trends, and documentation add additional color to this thoughtful commentary on early american economic history. This obviously knowledgeable author writes in a very readeable style. The book was fantastically insightful.

Why do governments go into debt ? How do they pay for it ? Is that debt a good thing or a bad thing; that is to say, is a national debt a blessing or a curse ? Just what was the breakdown and nature of America's first national debt ? These are just some of the questions answered in Robert Wright's latest work.
It would not be bad bet to wager that few of us in the United States know how and why we incurred our first national debt. Maybe more importantly, even fewer of us probably realize just how much there is to contrast between now and then. Just after the adoption of our Constitution, our debt became, under the care and genius of a young Alexander Hamilton, a relatively temporary and useful tool for putting the credit of the United States on solid footing with Europe; while simultaneously serving as a a positive example to our merchants and businessmen, on whom so much of our finances were dependent. Today, our debt would appear to be nothing more than something for career politicans to continually run up for the sake of votes. Indeed, in today's modern American Nanny State, our so-called care takers seem to have no thought to paying the debt down, nevermind off. A far cry from some 200 years ago ! In Robert Wright's new book, such unfortunate differencees between now and then become all too clear.
There is even something for the more socially minded Historian in Wright's breakdown of those who were our nation's very first creditors. He sheds light on just who these first true patriots were.
In sum, this is a well written book on a very important subject matter.

Bob Wright's tenth book proves once again his keen ability to link our economic history to present trends. In these times of economic instability, one owes it to oneself to become educated. This does not mean education in regard to the current and near future "guesses" of what may come financially, but more importantly on how we have arrived here.
A must read. Regards... Michael W. Vasta

It is informative on what perennials work well in the PNW and what extra care you need to know about them to make gardening a success.

This book and its companion volume: "annuals" are my current garden favorites. I am a long-time fan of Marianne Binetti and these books are like taking her expertise as a "lazy gardener" to FlowerWorld or the garden show with you. I save money by not buying tempting plants that won't work here. The seed starting tips are also excellent.

One suggestion for future editions: I had Kinkos cut and spiral bind my copies of these two books so they stay open on the table when I am reviewing catalogs or making lists or planting seeds. This 8.00 investment really makes them perfect.

I've bought a number of different gardening reference books over the years, but none has been as helpful as this book. Only 96 perenials are covered (not counting the variations of each plant.) Every one of them can be grown in the Pacific Northwest.

Last week I decided that would finally get around to planting in the rocks around my little backyard pond. It didn't take long for me to identify a number of plants suitable for the rocks that could be planted in fall. Sure enough, I was able to find them all at the local garden center! This would have been an overwhelming task if I were using one of my big, more complete garden reference books.

While most of the book is about the plants, the first sixty pages of the book has general information on gardening. The information is simple enough for the beginner, but comprehensive enough that all but the most advance gardener won't find something to consider. This section also has mini lists of plants suitable for some basic conditions, like sandy soil, or shade.

I have absolutely no problems recommending this book to every homeowner in Washington and Oregon, especially those west of the Cascades.

I found this book very useful. I especially enjoyed the rear section that graphically showed the comparision between each plant. Plenty of photos and more specific than other books. Highy recomended.

This is an excellent book for novice perennial gardeners. The photos are great for identifying unknown plants. I would recommend this to anyone thinking of developing their own perennial garden--it definitely takes the guesswork out of choosing, planting, and growing them!

I actually got to meet Connie Rae Strain and see a presentation given by her about "Perfect Imperfections." She is one of the nicest people you can ever meet! "Perfect Imperfections" is a great book about a girl and her horse. Connie really wants a horse. She begs her dad to get her one and he does! This book is about their adventures.

My first reaction when I heard about the book from a friend was,
"It's a book about a horse, maybe I'll read it, maybe I won't--how intersting can that be?" So I bought the book..and I read it..and I loved it!! It is a well written story that moves at a good pace. The young girl's adventures through a life that isn't always so happy, tugs at your heartstrings. Reading about areas I am familiar with in the NW was a fun bonus!! I highly recommend this book and look forward to Ms. Strain's next adventure!!

This is a fun and heartwarming story of a young girl growing up in adverse conditions yet continues to pursue her dream. The bumps in the road are just small obstacles that only a young girl would see as a challenge rather than a roadblock. It made me laugh out loud at times, remembering myself as a fourteen year old.

it offers memmories of the good times and the badtimes. shows what life has to offer,that you should never say never.cause you never know.don't be afriad to try new things.shows a strong bond between a family afetr a, painful divorce.I SIMPLY LOVE IT.THIS SHOULD SELL MILLIONS.YOU GO AND DO YOUR THING MRS.STRAIN.

This book was an absolute surprise! Connie Rae takes us on a journey with all the twist & turns that life has to offer. She cleverly shows us through the eyes of a fourteen year old and seamlessly switches back to an adult perspective, which made it all the more entertaining. What a charming way to remind us all that whenever life gives us lemons it serves humanity to make lemonade. YOU GO CONNIE! SIMPLY FABULOUS...

Amazon and its various sub-concerns obviate customer inconvenience- and any reasonable complaints! First-class people of merchandising withal.

Much to my surprise and delight "The Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant" are surprisingly readable and full of a dry understated sense of humor. U.S. Grant's memoirs give a very down to earth approach to his personal history starting in Ohio and continuing through his education at West Point and his involvement in the Mexican-American War. I highly recommend this book to anybody who enjoys Antebellum U.S. and Civil War history, or just history in general. Personal memoirs are an excellent medium for getting into the shoes of some of histories greatest figures and seeing the world as they saw it. U.S. Grant's memoirs do all that and more. You will not be disappointed.

To start off, I am usually relectant to read autobiographies, as many should be considered works of fiction. I have read countless book on the Civil War and several on Grant, but I had shamefully neglected reading his Memoirs-my mistake. Several years ago I got a copy on sale and thought I would give it a read-I was a born again Grant fan!
As many know, after leaving the presidency he lent his name and money to a failed business venture in New York and was near bankrupt. He had been approached by many to write his memoirs, but always resisted. The prospect of his beloved Julia not being provided for plagued him and so he consented to write them. He intially had a fairly good contract to write a subscription book, but his friend Mark Twain interviened and got him a deal that was substantially better. For an excellent overview of this, see Mark Perry's, "Grant and Twain".
After reading this, I came away with a completly different view of Grant. The only job he suceeded at was the one he disliked the most-a soldier. He served with distinction in Mexico, but was opposed to the war. All he wanted to do was to teach math at West Point.
The real heart of the memoir is, of course, the Civil War and here a masterpiece was made. He writes in a simply, though not an uneducated style. He is quite defferential and praising to his subordinates and clear describes where he made errors in judgement, not the usual justifications seens by so many. He cannot say enough good about Sherman and tactfully puts down Henry Hallecks meddling. The book ends with the end of the war and his last words were written only a week or so before he died.
In my opinion this is a classic in history and needs to be read by anyone interested in knowing how the North really won the war. The copies of the original maps leave a lot to be desired, but this is trivial. My only regret is I cannot give it a higher rating than 5 stars!

General Grant wrote this book while dying of throat cancer. He had been swindled by a dishonest Wall Street Broker and his trophies and possessions were stripped from him to satisfy the demands of his debtors. Bankrupt, suffering from a terminal illness and never passing a moment without acute pain, he produced this magnificent monument to his greatness. Those who denigrate Grant as a drunkard, butcher, bumbling President need to read this book in order to correct these errant assumptions. It is impossible to read this book and not realize that Grant was an inordinately intelligent man and one hell of a writer.

Grant's Memoirs are a deserved classic in American literature and considered the greatest military Memoirs ever penned, exceeding Caesar's Commentaries. Grant wrote as he lived: with clear, concise statements, unembellished with trivialities or frivolities. The only "criticism" the reader might have is that Grant bent over backwards not to wound the feelings of people in the book. He takes swipes at Joe Hooker and Jeff Davis, but what he left unsaid would have been far more interesting. A compelling and logical reason why Grant was so spare in his comments was because he was involved in a race with death. He didn't know how long he could live and therefore, "cut to the chase."

Grant's assessments of Lincoln, Sherman, Sheridan and other military leaders are brilliant and engrossing. His style, like the man himself, was inimitable and couldn't be copied. In everyday life, Grant was a very funny man, who liked to listen to jokes and tell them himself. His sense of the absurd was acute. It's no accident that he loved Mark Twain and the two hitched together very well. Twain and Grant shared a similar sense of humor, and Grant's witicisms in the Memoirs are frequent, unexpected and welcome. There are portions where you will literally laugh out loud.

Though Grant's Memoirs were written 113 years ago, they remain fresh, vibrant and an intensely good read. I have read them in! their entirity 30 times in my life and I never weary of the style and language that Grant employed. He was a military genius to be sure, but he was also a writer of supreme gifts, and these gifts shine through on every page of this testament to his greatness. All Americans should read this book and realize what we owe to Grant: he preserved the union with his decisive brilliance. In his honor, we should be eternally grateful.

General Grant wrote this book while dying of throat cancer. He had been swindled by a dishonest Wall Street Broker and his trophies and possessions were stripped from him to satisfy the demands of his debtors. Bankrupt, suffering from a terminal illness and never passing a moment without acute pain, he produced this magnificent monument to his greatness. Those who denigrate Grant as a drunkard, butcher, bumbling President need to read this book in order to correct these errant assumptions. It is impossible to read this book and not realize that Grant was an inordinately intelligent man and one hell of a writer.

Grant's Memoirs are a deserved classic in American literature and considered the greatest military Memoirs ever penned, exceeding Caesar's Commentaries. Grant wrote as he lived: with clear, concise statements, unembellished with trivialities or frivolities. The only "criticism" the reader might have is that Grant bent over backwards not to wound the feelings of people in the book. He takes swipes at Joe Hooker and Jeff Davis, but what he left unsaid would have been far more interesting. A compelling and logical reason why Grant was so spare in his comments was because he was involved in a race with death. He didn't know how long he could live and therefore, "cut to the chase."

Grant's assessments of Lincoln, Sherman, Sheridan and other military leaders are brilliant and engrossing. His style, like the man himself, was inimitable and couldn't be copied. In everyday life, Grant was a very funny man, who liked to listen to jokes and tell them himself. His sense of the absurd was acute. It's no accident that he loved Mark Twain and the two hitched together very well. Twain and Grant shared a similar sense of humor, and Grant's witicisms in the Memoirs are frequent, unexpected and welcome. There are portions where you will literally laugh out loud.

Though Grant's Memoirs were written 113 years ago, they remain fresh, vibrant and an intensely good read. I have read them in! their entirity 30 times in my life and I never weary of the style and language that Grant employed. He was a military genius to be sure, but he was also a writer of supreme gifts, and these gifts shine through on every page of this testament to his greatness. All Americans should read this book and realize what we owe to Grant: he preserved the union with his decisive brilliance. In his honor, we should be eternally grateful.

I had the honor of meeting Peter Roussel at a luncheon at which he was the featured speaker. He spoke not only about his book, Ruffled Flourishes, but also about his experiences serving as White House press secretary. He told us that although his book is fiction, it is based on actual experiences and incidents during his tenure at the White House. The book is an enjoyable read, written in a warm, engaging, and often amusing tone. If you have an interest in politics, behind-the-scenes events affecting the presidency, and the power of the media, you can't go wrong with this book.

This hilarious yet endearing story about life in the White House was just the kind of reading that I needed right now. It was written in a style that I could understand and enjoy, while cracking me up on every other page. Who would have thought that life in the White House could be so amazing? Peter Roussel has truly written a credible novel, and it is nice to have a dependable source these days. I admire this book and the man who lived it and then shared his story with all of us. I highly recommend Ruffled Flourishes to all.

I truly enjoyed this book! I read it slowly because I didn't want it to end. I wanted to keep being a fly on the wall at the White House. More precisely, in the West Wing of the White House. And I wanted to find out what happens between Sox & Flaxen. I want more...how about a sequel...or a movie! Mmmm, who would play Sox? Tom Cruise? Ben Affleck? Vin Diesel? (just kidding)

Roussel gives his characters odd names and I am sure there must be some hidden meaning behind them. The main character is Sox St. Louis. His maybe-love interest is named Flaxen, and Sparta, the TV network correspondent is his media nemesis. The president is named Carl Crayon (that name doesn't exactly instill confidence, does it?). Aren't you just dying to know how and why these characters were named? I am.

Even though Ruffled Flouishes "is a work of fiction and all of its characters and events are imaginary creations of the author" - yadayadayada...you get a real feel for what it must be like to work in the inner sanctum of the White House as the spokesman for the president of the United States. Even the lingo sounds authentic. (And it probably is since Roussel served two tours of duty in the White House under Presidents Ford and Regan.)

For students of crisis management, the transcript of a 40 minute press briefing on pages 73-87 is most enlightening. How White House deputy press secretary St. Louis tap dances around the media, saying just enough to make them think he has said something profound when, in fact, he's said nothing, is a priceless how-to manual.

The book is humorous and a good, fun read. I highly recommend it.

Ruffled Flourishes is the first book I have read of its kind.
I found it to be quite refreshing and entertaining. The human side of the deputy press secretary was very endearing. I kept reading just to see if he would continue to mess things up with the character, Flaxen. It was interesting to get the perspective of the inner workings of the White House Press. It was equally entertaining to read the author's interpretation of the media. Who would have imagined it would be like that? I loved the way the author was able to combine both the professional and human side of the character.

Being a college student often entails way more reading than the normal American can stand, but with "Ruffled Flourishes" I didn't mind it at all. Roussel's charming and witty writing style kept me intrigued and roaring with laughter. The constant stress between the main character, Sox, and his romance Flaxen is addictive. Sox goes through many self- realizations during his time in the White House, and his journey is indefinitely an enjoyable one. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fictional accounts that have striking resemblance to the real deal. Way to go Sox, I mean Peter!

People my age were taught citizenship in school and were taught to respect the President. I have always been fascinated with the personal lives of the Presidents and the folklore of the White House. This book does not disappoint if you like the "behind the scenes" information on the White House and its past residents. I also recommend the one written for children by the same author. This puts politics aside and restores some pride in the institution of our Presidency and their families.

Season's Greetings from the White House is an excellent source of presidential Christmas/holiday items from the early part of the twentieth century to the present. Each President's holiday greetings along with staff gifts are shown. Mrs. Seeley has written an superb book which continues to grow with each new edition. The quality of photographs and the amount of them in the book make it worth the price. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has an interest in not only presidential items, but for anyone who has any interest in the holiday season.

Anyone who has ever been interested in Christmas and what it means to the residents of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue MUST get this book. A treasure that will be loved forever....a history that is important to America! Mary Evans Seeley has it all here! Thanks! Chis Allen

Mary Evans Seeley is an expert on Christmas celebrations in the White House. Several years ago, she decided to share her knowledge and research dealing with personal First Family recollections and the result is the wonderful book "Season's Greetings from the White House."

It is a book for historians, Americana fans, Christmas collectors and art lovers. More than just behind-the-scenes stories, this richly illustrated volume shows, in full color throughout, the actual cards, prints and other Presidential gifts of sterling silver, pewter, glass, wood and leather. Most of the gifts were designed for distribution to White House staffers.

Seeley, who resides in Tampa, Florida, shares with the reader, the personal experiences of the wide variety of artists whose works came to grace Presidential cards and gift prints. To bring in historical color, the author interviewed a number of First Ladies and children of First Families.

The book's frontispiece displays the magnificent Neapolitan Baroque crèche in the White House East Room in 1963. The photograph was selected by President and Mrs. Kennedy for their Christmas card scheduled to be sent in December. Less than 30 were personally signed by both the President and First Lady prior to their fateful Dallas trip. These dual-signed Christmas cards are among the rarest of all Presidential Christmas memorabilia.

The photos of Seeley's historical collection of White House Christmas cards offers an interesting glimpse of our nation's culture and its values through the years.

It's no matter if you look upon the book as a major scholarly effort or simply a beautiful insight into the traditions of our First Families, "Season's Greetings from the White House" makes an excellent gift for the holidays and is a wonderful reference book for historians who are seeking the human side of Christmas in the Presidential Mansion.

All White House Christmas books will be measured by this one in the future. It is incredible. A must for all collectors of White House Christmas memorabilia. Every home and office should have this book on display during Christmas time.

Before this one, many other books often provide one-sided view from Washington by war historians, scholars and analysts (who did not know off-hand the combat and strategic position at the time nor the moral, spirit and willingness to fight by these young, heroic and patriotic Special Branch Commandos). These books were based largely from declassified War Department MACV-SOG material since 1995, with few interviews with actual SB personnel. The sacrifice these Commandos made (in secrecy from 1956 to 1975) were not told the way it deserves in these books.
At Paris, in 1972, hundreds of these Commandos had been betrayed by Henry Kissinger and their American allied. The American team members got released while the Vietnamese are kept 10 years or longer in prisons. Years later, they are still cheated by many books that often lack the acknowledgement of their heroic sacrifice.

Finally this is one of the two books (the other is by Ken Conboy and Dale Andrade) about the secret war conducted by the CIA and Colonel Ngo The Linh's Bureau 45B (or Special Branch). Mr. Tourison interviewed many Vietnamese commandos & case officers and have made great effort to provide a more complete and accurate account of success and failure of CIA & Special Branch and SOG & Coastal Security Service.

Many of these Commandos died in North Vietnamese cruelest prisons, the rest spent between 15 to 22 years in hard-labor. Their stories are now finally told.

I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Thank you Mr. Tourison.

Before this one, many other books often provide one-sided view from Washington by war historians, scholars and analysts (who did not know off-hand the combat and strategic position at the time nor the moral, spirit and willingness to fight by these young, heroic and patriotic Special Branch Commandos). These books were based largely from declassified War Department MACV-SOG material since 1995, with few interviews with actual SB personnel. The sacrifice these Commandos made (in secrecy from 1956 to 1975) were not told the way it deserves in these books.

At Paris, in 1972, hundreds of these Commandos had been betrayed by Henry Kissinger and their American allied. The American team members got released while the Vietnamese are kept 10 years or longer in prisons. Years later, they are still cheated by many books that often lack the acknowledgement of their heroic sacrifice.

Finally this is one of the two books (the other is by Ken Conboy and Dale Andrade) about the secret war conducted by the CIA and Colonel Ngo The Linh's Bureau 45B (or Special Branch). Mr. Tourison interviewed many Vietnamese commandos & case officers and have made great effort to provide a more complete and accurate account of success and failure of CIA & Special Branch and SOG & Coastal Security Service.

Many of these Commandos died in North Vietnamese cruelest prisons, the rest spent between 15 to 22 years in hard-labor. Their stories are now finally told.

I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Thank you Mr. Tourison.

Tourison provides a long overdue account of ill-conceived covert operations which achieved little other than to demonstrate the bravery of the naive young Vietnamese men who undertook these missions. This is a group which suffered some of the worst treatment dished out in the Vietnamese communist re-education camp system. Readers of Vietnamese should seek out the lengthy memoir "Thep Den" written under the pen name Dang Chi Binh, which covers the recruitment, training, mission, capture and inmprisonment of one of these operatives. Sadly, when some of these men arrived in the refugee camps of Thailand during the late 1980s they had trouble convincing the officials screening them for refugee status that their far-fetched backgrounds were indeed true. That some small measure of financial compensation has finally been provided to this group by the United States government is a welcome gesture, but no gesture will erase the guilt of those responsible for dispatching these men to certain death or imprisonment.

I admire Tourison for revealing the truth about the Gulf of Tonkin incidents which led to an escalation of the Vietnam conflict. The book tells of the CIA's Operation Plan 34a which directed commando raids against N Vietnam which resulted in PT boat attacks against American destroyers in the gulf where they seemed to be supporting the commandos. Those attacks resulted in the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution which gave the president extraordinary war powers which began an all-out war, although it was never declared as such by congress. It was great to learn how the war *Really* began. Sad to say, it was started by us :-(

Before this one, many other books provide the one-sided view from Washington by war historians, scholars and analysts (who did not know off-hand the combat and strategic position at the time nor the moral, spirit and willingness to fight by the young and heroic Special Branch Commandos). These books were based largely from declassified War Department MACV-SOG material since 1995, with few interviews with actual SB personnel. The sacrifice these Commandos made (in secrecy from 1956 to 1975) were not told the way it deserves in these books.

At Paris, in 1972, the Lost Commandos had been totally ignored by Henry Kissinger. Their American team members got released while the Vietnamese are kept 10 years or longer in prisons. Years later, these Commandos are betrayed again and cheated of the praise they deserve in many books by American writers.

Finally this is one of the two books (the other is by Ken Conboy and Dale Andrade) about the secret war waged by the CIA and Colonel Ngo The Linh's Special Branch. Mr. Tourison interviewed the Vietnamese side and have made great effort to provide a more complete and accurate account of success and failure of CIA & Special Branch and SOG & Coastal Security Service.

Many of these young SB Commanods died in North Vietnamese cruelest prisons. The rest spent between 15 to 22 years in hard-labor prisons until 1982.

Their stories are now finally told...