Powell Books

Always in the thick of it
James Robertson's biography of General A.P. Hill is superb. Writing in a free and easy style, Mr. Robertson bring to life this courageous long dead Confederate Warrior warts and all. To say "Little Powell " was a complex man and general is a gross understatement. He was a brilliant military tactician, good husband and father, loyal subordinate, fatherly commander, yet fiercely proud, easy to take affront, and very demanding. He rose through the ranks from brigade to division commander quickly impressing General Robert E. Lee with his tenacious fighting prowess, tactical acumen, and innate ability to quickly grasp the nature of the battle and to immediately employ his troops when and where they were needed. On more than one occasion General Powell saved the day for the Army of Northern Virginia. He was eventually rewarded with command of the Third Corps and became Lee favorite "fighting" general. Although brilliant at the division level he did not grasp Corps leadership until the end of the war. As a Corp commander he instinctively had to be "in the action" rather than direct the action. This myopic leadership caused some tactical problems, specifically at Bristoe Station. Regardless, General Hill learned through his mistakes and grew as a Corps commander becoming a close Lee confidant. As the war wound on Hill was always at Lee's side. Jackson would be killed at Chancellorsville, Longstreet would go west for several months and then be injured at The Wilderness, and Ewell would eventually be relieved of command, but Hill was always there-Steadfast and loyal. Whenever Lee need a miracle it was Hill that seemed to provide one. It is very interesting that as both Jackson and Lee lay dying and delirious they both called out for Hill.
General A.P. Hill was a very complex man. He demanded obedience from his subordinates but could be extremely kind and compassionate to enlisted personnel. He could not tolerate cowardice but understood battle fatigue. He could easily take affront if he or his command was demeaned in anyway by a superior, but he never challenged General Lee's leadership or command authority always carrying out his orders to the letter. He could be prickly when ill and ebullient when not. He enjoyed the love of his men and the fear of the Union soldiers. Lee knew he was a gallant, courageous soldiers of the highest order. The Union Commanders knew he was tough, unyielding, and brutal in a battle.
Much has been written about Hill's illnesses during the war and his supposed "missing in action" occurrences. Mr. Robertson covers this in much detail and points out that in most cases Hill was present for duty and carried out his command functions admirably. He attributes Hill's illness to venereal disease he contracted while at West Point that eventually led to prostatitist and uremia . During the War it plagued Hill but rarely incapacitated him.
Mr. Robertson did a good job of filling in the gaps of Hill's early life and his loving marriage to Kitty Morgan. It appears that Powell Hill was a loving father and husband who enjoyed having his family close by. He enjoyed a limited social life but had a close relationship to General Lee and several West Point friends and classmates. All in all General A.P. Hill was a dynamic man and leader of incredible talent and loyalty. He was a warrior of the first order whose fighting ability was second to none. If Jackson and Longstreet were Lee' right hand Hill was his sword.
Excellent Job James Robertson.
Highly recommended and a must read for anyone interested in the "real" Civil War and how it was fought by the commanders. Much written about General Hill is simply inaccurate and marginalizes just how great a combat leader and tactician this superb soldier really was. James Robertson sets the record straight.

Despite his meteoric rise to command troops in nearly every battle of Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, Ambrose Powell Hill was arguable the Confederacy's most underrated general. Rising from a colonel of a Virginia infantry regiment to Major General in command of the new Third Corps, Army of Northern Virginia, A.P. Hill was perhaps best known for leading his Light Division on a forced march from Harper's Ferry to arrive in the nick of time to save Lee from total defeat at the Battle of Antietam/Sharpsburg. James I Robertson Jr. has thoroughly examined the perplexities of a complex man: one who could display the virtues of righteousness and compassion one moment and become impetuous, childish and unforgiving the next. What is more, Robertson's battle narratives are enthralling, placing heavy emphasis on infantry soldiering in the foulest of weather, rugged terrain and the difficulties of communications in an age when battle communiques traveled only as fast as a man could ride a horse. How a man of Hill's temperament, racked by life-long bouts of illness, and wounds handles rapid promotion, and, at which point reaches a level of incompetence, is the theme of Robertson's compelling story. From the age of twelve, young Powell read the exploits of Napoleon Bonaparte and was inspired to become a soldier. Hill entered West Point in 1842 in the infamous class of 1846. His classmates were Thomas J. Jackson, George Pickett and George McClellan, to name a few. Hill formed an immediate dislike for Jackson that would last for the rest of his life, while forming a close friendship with his roommate McClellan. In 1844, while returning to West Point from summer furlough, Hill contracted gonorrhea in New York City. He was forced to take an extended sick leave home, requiring him to repeat a year of studies. Upon graduation, Hill was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the 2nd U.S. Artillery Regiment.                 Robertson paints Hill's military career after West Point was one of sickness and boredom. In Mexico, Hill came down with typhoid fever that left him bedridden for six weeks. In Florida he would battle disease and boredom for six long years, especially repeated prostate problems associated with the untreatable venereal disease. Because of poor health, Hill requested to be transferred to a desk job in Washington.                 Hill's gift for staff work brought him to the attention of Jefferson Davis. After Succession, Hill not only chose loyalty to Virginia but also saw war as a chance for rapid promotion.                 Hill was appointed colonel in the 13th Virginia Infantry. He drove his men hard, and trained his regiment to the peak of proficiency. This leadership style would remain a permanent characteristic of A.P. Hill and would produce substantial benefits in future campaigns. Robertson shows a compassionate side of A.P. Hill during this period. During First Battle of Bull Run/Manassas, Hill would often be seen offering a weary soldier his horse while he walked alongside. He once noticed a sergeant who was obviously sleep deprived, and allowed him to lie down for a couple hours to regain his strength. These acts of kindness did not go unnoticed by his men. Typhoid fever, measles, mumps, diarrhea, dysentery and jaundice soon ran rampant among Hill's regiment. Much to his chagrin, Hill was held in reserve during the actual battle yet, a rapid series of promotions would soon follow. Hill was promoted to Brigadier General for the Peninsula Campaign. Hill soon gained a reputation for leading from the front in battle, distinguishable by the red or calico "battle shirt" he always wore in combat. Soon afterwards, he was promoted to Major General, commanding the infamous Light Division in the Seven Days Battles. In just ninety-days, Hill went from a colonel in charge of one regiment, to major general in charge of a division. Here, the author begins to raise doubt about how well Hill handled the transition, while weaving a compelling battle narrative. Hill's independent nature soon led to clashes with his two immediate superiors. As already mentioned, Hill despised Jackson and he did not care all that much for James Longstreet either. During the Peninsula Campaign, Hill and Longstreet got into a childish squabble that almost had tragic consequences. A war correspondent had been traveling with Hill's headquarters during that campaign. He wrote a series of newspaper articles that drastically inflated Hill's accomplishments at Mechanicsville and Fraser's Farm. According to Robertson, Longstreet felt slighted after he read the articles. Longstreet then wrote a "rebuttal," via his chief of staff, Moxley Sorrel and sent the letter to be published in a rival newspaper. Sorrel routinely acted as official liaison between Hill and Longstreet. After this incident, however, Hill refused to communicate with Sorrel. Consequently, Longstreet placed Hill under arrest. Hill, accosted Lee requesting he be relieved from Longstreet's command. A series of nasty letters passed between Hill and Longstreet until Hill finally challenged Longstreet to a duel. Lee had to quickly intercede to avoid a disaster. Another episode involved Hill's nemesis, Jackson. Lee had devised a plan for Hill's division to cross the Chicahominy River and attack Union forces at Mechanicsville. Hill was to wait until Jackson, enroute from his famed Shenandoah Campaign, arrived to support Hill's attack. On the morning of the scheduled day of the attack; Hill's division was assembled early and ready for battle. Hill's men waited for hours with no sign of Jackson. Finally at 3:00 PM, General Hill crossed the Chicahominy and advanced towards Mechanicsville without "Stonewall." Hill successfully drove the Federals from Mechanicsville; however, they dug in at Beaver Dam Creek and could not be dislodged. As a result, the day ended in stalemate with Hill suffering a high butcher's bill.Naturally, Hill blamed Jackson for failing to arrive at the rendezvous on time. The relationship between Hill and Jackson worsened, until Hill was ultimately placed under arrest for a second time, and, as punishment, Lee sent Hill to act as rear guard of Lee's army. This is how the Light Division, hitherto marching at the van , would find itself in Harper's Ferry while the Battle of Antietam was under way. As we know, Hill would redeem himself by saving Lee from possible defeat, and command a corps at Gettysburg. A federal sharpshooter ended the life of Gen. A.P. Hill on April 2, 1865, killing him while Hill reconnoitered his forward positions at Petersburg. Robertson's analysis of Hill's vulnerable pride, bordering on disrespect, the childish in-fighting within Lee's command, coupled with forceful battle narrative, makes this book difficult to put down. Five-stars and highly recommended!

however I can see how some civil war buffs would feel that this book looks at A.P. Hill through rose colored glasses. A.P. Hill was exactly the kind of general that Longstreet hated, proud, political, overly aggressive...He was passionate about his men and his cause but much like Hood lacked tactical and strategic skills. The corp he commanded at Gettysburg should have gone to D.H. Hill. In 1864 and 1865 he provided steady, reliable service but never distinquished himself.

For those used to Robertson's ponderous and derivitive offerings, this will come as no surprise. His "find" that Hill suffered from V.D. has been readily apparent to anyone who ever read the general's correspondence (and who can recognize a 19th century euphamism). As for the rest, Roberston's factual blunders (like his ridiculous mention of the non-existent shoe factory in Gettysburg) are surpassed only by his uncritical fawning over his subject.

A. P. Hill was a fine soldier. He deserves a better biographer.

General A. P. Hill has been too long ignored by historians despite his pivotal role in the Army of Northern Virginia. Robertson gives us an interesting account of the general's early life and career, including his cadet years at West Point, up until his tragic death just days before Appomattox. A must-read for any serious student of the War and for those interested by the early lives and training of War Between the States heroes.

This is a delightfull and witty book. You can probaly figure who 'dunnit' half way thru, but it's still a fun read.

With friends like Bill Wayne's former army pals, enemies were an unnecessary distraction. Wayne's time in uniform ended with him being shot in the back by one of his so-called friends.

Now back in the U.S., Wayne wants answers. Playing tourist, he signs up on a bus trip that visits each of his former cohorts' home towns, and, to keep him company, he's taking along his trusty .45 automatic . . .

Richard Powell's 1953 story would probably have to be radically overhauled if it were to be set in the modern day. You couldn't really imagine a hero making his way through various action-packed scenarios via a bus in this day and age (Keanu Reeves excepted, perhaps). However, this is one road trip that you want to be on.

As you would expect from top-of-the-range pulp stories, there's colorful prose and snappy dialogue coursing through the pages. Bill Wayne's laconic patter when confronting his former friends is particularly pleasing. He uses a similar technique on the pesky Deputy Sheriff Carson Smith, a man who may put the mockers on Wayne's venture. Blonde bombshell, Holly Clark, the tour's hostess, is also taking a shine to the deputy, Much to Wayne's displeasure.

Hard Case Crime has published some real gems and `Say It With Bullets' is one of the best that I've read so far. I'd also recommend Gil Brewer's superb anti-hero tale, The Vengeful Virgin.

I'm having a difficult time figuring out who the intended audience for this book might be. Fans of good mysteries will be turned off by the gaping holes in the plot. Similarly, aficionados of hardboiled crime will be disappointed in the narrative's lack of grittiness and its careful avoidance of anything truly depraved. And readers who appreciate good, believable writing irrespective of genre will also be unsatisfied since the novel's plentiful dialogue is thoroughly unconvincing.

When all is said and done, Say It With Bullets is a rather far fetched
action-adventure tale with a touch of romance that is equally far fetched. Yes, the book is fast paced and contains a number of mildly amusing quips. But, overall, I would not recommend this pulp fiction relic.

Admittedly, the premise of "Say It With Bullets" is completely absurd and riddled with the kind of coincidences that would spoil other works begging more serious regard. The hilarity of the first chapter coupled with many tongue-in-cheek nuances peppered throughout is a clear signal that the author understands this, if not by all members of his audience. Bill Wayne, searching for the unknown army buddy who has twice shot and left him for dead, has booked a pre-packaged bus tour of the West that just happens to hit each of the cities his friends have settled in. Bill imagines this as the perfect cover for dodging the man who's after him while making his other pals talk, but he hasn't counted on the unwanted romantic attention of the beautiful tour guide who happens to be from his past. Bill is intent on deadly serious business while his fellow pleasure-seeking tourists are left confounded over his anger and intent to be left alone. Once you've laughed through this premise, the action moves breathlessly forward, delivering a unique blend of traditional noir mixed with humor and a grand finale reminiscent of Hitchcock. Though no one, obviously including the author, really aspires for this material to reach the status of a genre classic, "Say It with Bullets" remains satisfying entertainment and is a joyful rediscovery.

The jamoke in the UPS truck screeched to a halt in front of my house. He walked up the sidewalk carrying a box. There was a hint of menace in his saunter. By habit, I checked my shoulder holster to ensure it was in place. Anything could be in that brown box. A severed head. Tickets to the Ice Capades. Wind chimes from Sharper Image. The driver tossed the box at my feet and vamoosed before I had a chance to question him.

I ripped it open only to discover an Amazon shipment of paperback Hard Case Crime books. They looked like they'd been lashed together by Shakey the clown during the last tornado. I grabbed this particular book first. I based that decision on its title alone. In retrospect, it was a bigger mistake than hiring Tony Soprano as a financial advisor. The characters were paper thin, with a plot that was even thinner - aluminum foil, maybe. While the dialogue was snappy with the kind of metaphors that Raymond Chandler would have enjoyed, everything else suffered.

In all seriousness, I'm a huge fan of pulp fiction. But this particular effort was disappointing. Unlike some other veteran authors in the Hard Case series (e.g., Charles Williams), Powell had a better shot of replacing Ethel Merman in Gypsy than getting this book classified as timeless. Apart from some clever phrasing and a decent hook, there isn't much to commend.

A friend loaned me this book at just the time I needed to hear what it shared.. and it is an incredible book, which I have subsequently bought for various friends.. On the content of the book alone, I would rate this an unequivocal 5 stars. It is powerful, and it's message is an important one for all of us to hear.. The exercises at the back are brilliant..

I recently learned, however, that John Powell has admitted to sexual abuse perpetrated against a number of young girls/young women under his care.. I am shocked, saddened and sickened by what I have learned, and it has tainted my perception of his books.

This priest admitted to child sexual abuse. Please realize that he is a liar. What he has written sounds so good, but you cannot trust the words he has written. It is so sad that he used his gift to lure children into his awful life.

I read this book at a time when I felt my relationship was falling apart. Powell's wise insights into the value of communication, honesty, and talking things over when every ounce of your being - save one - says to give up gave me the strength to re-examine my thoughts and feelings. I took the advise he gave and now, six months later, feel changed for the better. My relationship is thriving, and my understanding and (most importantly) appreciation and love of my boyfriend is much greater. I would recommend this book to anyone!

After telling us that "loving yourself" is the key to happiness, the author then tells us that "we can not make it alone......I need to see my worth and beauty reflected in your eyes." p.24. This puts people right back where they were, addicted to others. Sure, human beings fundamentally need other people, but only after becoming secure without them.

This book is awesome and should be required reading for everyone. Yes, it's written by a priest, but the 'religious' references are minimal and don't in any way detract from the message of the book - unless you choose to let them do so. I've given many to friends and will continue to do so ... very powerful message, yet easy to read, understand and apply the principles. An immeasurable gift to give to yourself or to others.

I first read Powell's "The Nostradamas Prophecy" when it was published in 1998. I found it to be entertaining and chilling. It's uncanny how accurate the author's use of Nostradamas' prophecy was to predict the terrorist attack in lower Manhattan. (Quatrain 97, Century VI-- The sky will burn at five and forty degrees,/Fire approaches the great new city,/In an instant a great flame bursts forth,/When they want proof they will look to the Normans). While the novel uses a nuclear explosion to destroy the financial district (including the Twin Trade Towers), this does not detract from the fact that this particular prophecy has actually come true. I highly recommend "The Nostradamas Prophecy"to anyone who wants to read a thoughtful analysis of how Washington might respond to a terrorist attack using a weapon of mass destruction, and learn how complicated it is to determine who's truly responsible. It's positively spooky thet the cover of the paperback edition shows the Twin Trade Towers crumbling into the dust.

In light of the 9-11-01 events, I read this book with hesitation, finally glad to know someone didn't use this book as a blueprint for their own "statement." As for the book itself.... parts of it were very good, but it gets bogged down by delving into the heads of too many characters. We're told way too much--marital problems, career aspirations--about characters who are in only one or two small scenes. Please, don't waste my time! I don't read too many techno-thrillers, but if they all have the sort of obsessive detail of every conceivable type of weapon, then I won't read too many more. It just seemed as if the author was trying to show off all the research he'd done. Also, his portrayal of the North Carolina natives gave the impression they went around barefoot in their overalls, chewing on straw stalks; they were more of a stereotype than characters. Same with a few of the New York characters-- too stereotypical.

I liked most of the twists and turns of the plot, but when details emerged about Bastardi's involvement and subsequent actions, I thought that was a bit of a stretch. Also it seemed as if most of the characters dealt with the total annihilation of New York City just a little too well. Considering how the US is dealing with the WTC tragedy, imagine how it would be if the entire city had been wiped out? I know these guys still had a job to do, but there was almost no reference to what effect this activity had the rest of the country.

Five stars for this first time author. From start to finish, an engaging Technothriller with well-crafted prose and strong, convincingly defined good and bad guys. The world they inhabit is neither black nor white, but morally muted in shades of gray. Friar Clarke, an ex-CIA cowboy and Kat Mills, his gung-ho FBI companion make readable, likable protagonists. For their worthy adversaries the author gives us a mixed bag. First, there's Alexander Dubov, a member of the Chechen Mafia, then there's Bruce Bastardi, the President's National Security Advisor. This novel reminds us that with over 20,000 nuclear warheads still in Russian hands, the threat of nuclear destruction ain't over till it's over. I was pleased with the positive way the novel treats our elite forces who may one day be called on to save us from real terrorists. Highly recommended reading for anyone who likes realistic suspense served in large doses and mental challenges beyond the routine.

This book had a great beginning, but a poor finish. Overall, I thought the author borrowed heavily from Tom Clancy's "Sum of All Fears" and "Clear and Present Danger". Except for Dubov, the characters were not very interesting. There were some elements that were well written, such as the escape from Cairo. However, the last third of the book had a choppy feel.

Patrick Murphy's coded message to long time friend Laurence "Friar" Clarke reads: Quatrain 97 in sixth century is valid.

The implications of the Nostradamus quatrain are astounding:

"The sky will burn at five and forty degrees, Fire approaches the great new city, In an instant a great flame bursts forth, When they want proof they will look to the Normans."

John Powell's novel is something of a mixed bag. There are quite a number of hits as well as misses. Readers will span the globe following the tale's many characters. Some are beautifully brought to life, while others were somewhat flat. There is a clear cut group of heroes and villains.

Despite the wonderfully crafted heroes in this story, I was surprised to find myself more interested in the fiendish doings of Alexander Dubov and his band of evil men. Dubov is a first class techno-thriller baddie. Should Mr. Powell continue this storyline in subsequent books, it would be fun to read more about this character. Friar Clarke and Bryan Warner are red blooded heroes of the highest caliber. Their talent, perseverance and love of country come through beautifully.

So why the mediocre rating?

It comes down to pacing. There's quite a bit of chatter between the principal players. When there's action to be read...this novel moves along briskly. Some of the petty bickering between Clarke, Warner and NSA director Bastardi tends to run a little long.

The title and the aforementioned quatrain are the only references to Nostradamus, though. Readers thinking that this novel is deeply rooted in the prophecies may find it a bit of a disappointment.

This novel really should get 3 and a ½ stars. It was an enjoyable read, but ended rather abruptly. I'd certainly give another book of John S. Powell a chance.

Clearly expounds the nature of the experience at the heart & soul of this school of profound teaching. i.e. the ultimate goal of the spirtual quest.

If you want a book that will help you feel good and be successful in this life... this isn't the one. This is for that soul that simple wants the straightest, truest answers possible, from someone who was fearless in his search of reality. I've read three of Nisargadatta's books (including the classic "I Am That"), and this one takes the reader further than any of the others. He challenges the reader to go beyond even the "I Am" state and realize an even deeper, broader reality. This following quote sums up much of his focus in the book...

"Even this primary concept, "I-am-ness," is dishonest, just because it is still only a concept. Finally, one has to transcend that also and be in the nirvikalpa state, which means the concept-free state. Then you have no concept at all, not even of "I am." In that state one does not know that one is. This state is known as Parabrahman: Brahman transcended. Brahman is manifest; Parabrahman is beyond that, prior to that: the Absolute." (page 123)

These are among the last teachings of Sri Nisargadatta and he shared them in a way that was simple, bold and powerful. Again and again he challenges seekers to question who/what they really are... like turning the camera on yourself.

"Your true meaning cannot be grasped or captured by words. You can never be equated with any words, because you are prior to words." (page 159)

I think this book is best read slowly and absorbed for whatever gifts it brings to you.

These are among the final talks that Nisargadatta gave in the last year of his life or so. In this powerful book of Q & A between teacher and seeker we have some extremely detailed and terse teachings on the Nature of Reality.
Nisargadatta's answers cut to the chase and go right to the Heart of the Absolute. One of the reasons for the sharpness of the teachings is because he is physically suffering due to throat cancer and nevertheless continues to teach throughout his illness (he continued to teach until hours before his physical death).
For those that don't know his work too well, what is considered his main work is I AM THAT, which is recommended to begin the study of his teachings, after I AM THAT came a series of about 6 books, all within the last 2 years of his life. The post I AM THAT books are all uncompromisingly direct and sharp. He speaks only from realization of the Unborn state and gives all his discources from there, making it tricky to understand for some. With the combination of being ill and with 42 years of teaching experience at this point, he keeps his talks very focused.
In this great work, we see his expertise in that he doesn't just point to the Absolute reality with a lot of poetic words, he also deconstructs your preciously held self. He tirelessly breaks down concepts and spiritual ideas we don't want to let go of. One can say in this work we are privledged to see very "advanced" teachings. Teachings that will appeal to seekers that can go beyond just pretty ideas of spirituality, bliss out states, any form of personal gain whatsoever (because you're understanding yourself as the Impersonal Reality). He even challenges one particular seeker in this book to leave spirituality because he knows that this particular seeker is caught up being a "spiritual seeker" and isn't ready to go beyond the body-mind sense, he fears death of the personality. No flowery, superficial hand holding here!
The essence of his teachings is: understand your "I am-ness" or consciousness, go deeply into that and awake from your daydream as that body-mind entity you think you are and apperceive yourself as the Unborn.
I felt deeply privledged to read this wonderful book.

"What do you understand by the word dream? Is not the dream something like a drama, a play?...To one who really understands what has been said here, a dream is no different from what is seen in the waking state: both are plays of consciousness... We call one thing the waking state, another thing the dream, but in essence both are events happening in the consciousness and essentially they are not different."

" When you are liberated from the body/mind sense, so that you are not the body mind, that itself is liberation."