Sherman Books

There are many historical novels out there but I think it's a difficult genre to crack. The tale could well distort the realms of history for perpetuity if the author isn't careful. This author has been careful. She has taken a few liberties with timings and events, but the amount of research into the subject is clearly obvious. Characters are very well drawn, dates are accurate, events are told in great detail, and a cast of characters with family nicknames is included. And the front cover features an image of the two main characters that is incredibly rare. The novel itself is a page turner telling a story of royalty, romance and revolution - and even that shady character Rasputin makes an appearance. If this story doesn't make you want to pick up a non-fiction history book to find out more, I'll be very surprised.

From the back cover:

"The Royal Mob is the story of the four beautiful Princesses of the House of Hesse, granddaughters of Queen Victoria, who come of age during the zenith of European Royalty. Each makes a brilliant marriage that will bring her both happiness and heartbreak. The eldest, Princess Victoria, marries the handsome Prince Louis of Battenberg, the former lover of Lillie Langtry. The next, the exquisite Elisabeth, is swept off to the unbelievable splendor of the Romanov court by Grand Duke Serge, while Irène dazzles Prince Henry of Prussia and takes her place at the court in Berlin. Alix, the youngest, marries the man she has loved since childhood, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, and becomes the fabled Empress Alexandra.

From such exotic locals as Russia, Bulgaria and Ottoman Jerusalem, to the drawing rooms of Sandringham, The Royal Mob is told as an intimate memoir of the eldest sister, Princess Victoria of Hesse, who was the favorite granddaughter of Queen Victoria. Starting in the court of the Queen Empress and ending at the marriage of Victoria's grandson, Prince Philip, to the future Queen Elizabeth of England, The Royal Mob is the lavish and exciting story of the last royal courts of Europe.

Theresa Sherman is a pen name."


The Royal Mob is a great summer/ autumn read, something like The Other Boleyn Girl. It's a fictional memoir of Lord Mountbatten's mother and Prince Philip's grandmother, and tells her story, the story of her tragic sisters, and indeed the family of Queen Victoria, through her compassionate yet pragmatic eye.

Preferring normally to read a non-fiction/history piece over that of its fictionalized represenation, I picked up this with some skepticism. Interested in the history of British monarchy, I found this a compelling read in that it strenuously adheres to fact while adding the writers clearly nuanced perspective of the mental complexities of the participants that allows a clearly plausible fictionalized narrative. Because she knows so well the stories and personalities of these individuals their actions and words in this book lack any of the trite or artificial nature of many historic novels.

That said, the subject of the book is fascinating, which are the four daughters of Princess Alice, second eldest daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The sisters all led complex lives filled with both passion and tragedy --- the most famous being the youngest who became the Empress Alexandra Feodorovna upon her marriage to Nicholas II, the last Emporer of Russia, while the elder is the grandmother of the present Elizabeth II's husband, Prince Phillip Duke of Edinburgh.

I strongly recommend this book -- and hope that others will enjoy it as much as I did!

I've never been a fan of anything Royal. My friend suggested this book,telling me how much he loved it. I bought it thinking I would read
a little every so often. That idea was short-lived. After starting I couldn't put it down.
This is a wonderful Book. I felt the author knew these people.
It's as if she witnessed their lives, their stroy.
Interesting and Beautifully written.
I'm looking forward to Ms. Sherman' next effort.

I don't usually like "historical fiction". Usually the authors take too many liberties with the people they are writing about and probably without even trying hard distort the truth.

However, this book is not like that at all. Theresa Sherman has done considerable research and has put together a lovely book about the Hessian sisters, granddaughters of Queen Victoria and daughters of Princess Alice, Queen Victoria's second daughter.

I began by thinking that I would read it, as I often do, in concert with other books. I rarely read one book at a time. But within the first sitting, I found that I had to keep reading. I had to know what was coming next.

It is interesting different look at the thoughts and motivations behind the historical happenings that lead to among other things, The Great War and World War II.

But it is a very precise look at Princess Victoria of Hesse who married Prince Louis of Battenberg and the family that they were part of.

Of the four sisters, Victoria and Irene are not as well known as Alix who became Alexandra Feodorovna, Empress of all the Russians and Ella who also married into the Russian royal family and became the Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna.

With this book, Theresa Sherman has brought Princess Victoria of Hesse, grandmother of Prince Philip, the consort of Queen Elizabeth II, and her family into much sharper focus.

In this collection of short stories, John "Verm" Sherman has pulled together some of his stories from his published columns in Climbing magazine. Although the three or four travelogues dragged a bit, the majority of stories are amusing and, in some cases, really funny. For example, how can the theory of relativity be observed/proved by a man and woman? (Sorry for the tease -- you'll have to read the book to get the answer to this question.) Putting wooly ovine conspiracy theories at front and center of the evidence, the book certainly offers some evidence to the notion that boulderers are more at the flaky edge of the climbing world. Very enjoyable read.

Some boneheads don't "get" John Sherman's brand of humor, but that's their problem. This guy is one of the best climber/writers working today. I missed many of these stories when they were originally published, but even the ones I had read were a pleasure to read again. Some of the best were previously unpublished. Sherman has a knack, much like John Long, for lampooning climbers yet still writing heartfelt and unforgettable stories about the sport and its crazy mix of characters. I look forward to Exposed II.

Finally a book with climbing stories that are really worth reading. This book is very varied containing pieces that are fun, sad, informative, disgusting, interesting and many other things as well.

After all the "we climbed the first ascent of so and so in three days"-stories here's a collection of articles about climbing and life that would still be great reading even if they were not about climbing. There are pieces here that will make you laugh, ones that might make you mad, some will make you smile and quite a few will make you think.

If you are a climber who likes to read this book is a must have! All I can say is: will there be more?

Slim

Exposed? yes, Sherman writes as well as any psudo-biographical author i've ever read, which suprising seeing as he's a climber. I laughed, and felt all of the emotions I belive he would want one to feel. I walk away from this book revitalized, ready for my next great climbing adventure. If you are familiar with trad, or embrace the kindred spirit of climbing (not just gym climbers), this is a must read!

If you're not a climber, this book will mystify you, but if you are, you must read it. It's hysterically funny, cranky and incisive. Some of the chapters -- most of which are reprints of the author's column in Climbing -- are better than others, but the best are laugh-out-loud funny.

This is a good book about Union Cavalry operations with Sherman. Good book if you like civil war history. Worth your money.

It is not often that we get a completely packaged history in a single volume. This is one of the few books that covers the subject and provides the reader with the background, off the field issues, personalities and operations. Sherman's cavalry operations are not a bright shining example of Union brilliance. They do show what will happen when average or below average commanders with vague orders embark on overly ambitious campaigns. For the Confederacy and Joe Wheeler, this was a very bright spot after many reversals. That the cavalry was not deciding the Atlanta Campaign saved Sherman and defeated Hood.

Most readers will not know the personalities involved and the author takes time to give us both the background and relationships. This enables us to understand the why of many decisions. Sherman is not well served by his cavalry commanders, something for which he is partially to blame. In addition, Sherman seems not to have wished to invest the time to correct problems and/or settle issues that divided this arm.

Each operation is covered in detail with maps in the proper place. I had few problems following and finding the places on the provided maps. Battles have maps are at the right point, allowing the reader to understand the situation. You will need these maps, as the battles are not familiar. However, the author manages to keep the reader in the battle with the right combination of participant's accounts and good writing.

This book belongs in every Civil War library and is necessary read to understand the Atlanta Campaign.

This book made the events that occurred come to life. I couldn't put it down.

Thorough research and good writing make this an excellent work of history. My great-grandfather participated in some of these actions and kept a diary. Reading Evans' book cleared up a lot of misconceptions I had formed from reading only my relative's private's-eye view from horseback.

The descriptions of the cavalry charges are wonderful and terrify'ing. I would have hated to be on the slashing side of those swords.

On the other hand the ablity of the South to repair the damage done by the raiders is remarkable. It made me realize the futility of distroying low grade rail and bridges. These guys would burn a bridge, and 3 days later it would be completely rebuilt. Not really slowing down the pace of the war at all. Sometimes the repairs were done before the raiders were back in camp!

It was incredible the amount of useless looting that went on. Soldiers stealing tableware & clothes only to toss it as soon as they were attacked.

Another great civil war read. (For those fans of wars in a bygone era.)

Kristine Dietrich
Stevens 8th block
Sherman's March by Cynthia Bass is a Civil War tale that takes place in the autumn of 1864. The war had come to a standstill. General William Tecumsch Sherman of the Union Army led 60,000 troops from the city of Atlanta, Georgia and marched eastward to the port of Savanna. This tale is told thought the eyes of three people, General Sherman, a solider called Nick, and a civilian called Annie. The reader follows these characters through the (few) twists and turns of the story, through their experiences, and their hardships in the America Civil War. On a scale of 1-10, I would give this book an 8. The history was accurate and the idea was there but the characters were very unrealistic. All of them acted like whining teenagers of today rather that people engaged in a civil war in the late 1800's. Sherman's March is a story that would have been a better read at the late elementary school and early middle school level.

In Sherman's March, the times shaped the individuals. The Civil War was a fight for people, by people, and about people. It was a conflict between slavery and freedom. A period in our country's history where its strength was tested as was its ability to act when it was split in two. During this time, thousands of young men fought and died for what they believed in or for what their families expected. The times brought them to that. For Annie, the death of her husband lead her to seek revenge, The slave saw an opportunity for freedom and risked everything in its quest. The slave owners feared the loss of their fortunes and fought hard to keep that from happening. All had their lives forever changed by a war the outcome of which was uncertain. Sherman's March is a story of unity and of separation where the times shaped the individuals and altered the lives of all who came after.

Cynthia Bass' Sherman's March is historical fiction as it should be: well researched and splendidly told. She tells the often repeated story of the Yankee swath of destruction though Georgia through three narrators: Sherman himself, a junior Yankee officer, and a Confederate widow who becomes a refugee. For those seeking a pleasurable read, I recommend it. For those seeking a study of the historic March, it can serve as a good primer to introduce readers to the topic. Then, a thorough study of non-fiction works can suffice.

This tiny little work of historical fiction is amazing. The story of Sherman's march on Atlanta as told by him, an officer, and a Southern lady. Simply a great read. Anyone who is interested in the Civil War will enjoy this book. I agree with the reviewer before me, this book ranks up there with "Killer Angels." I highly recommend this book. It is a short book and reads quite fast.

With all my so called "Civil War" knowledge, I never knew it was Sherman who coined the phrase, "war is hell". This is the kind of book that educates you without you even feeling it. It is a first novel which I find usually are really special. This one was great. It's not your typical Civil War book in that there isn't great detail of positions, units, etc. But it gives you a side you rarely see so well written, the everyday person, especially a women, and everyday soldiers. This is a book you will remember for years and recommend to all your friends.

This is an absolutely splendid novel, which has never received the attention it deserves. Few if any Civil War novels manage to intertwine so effectively a story of military action with a story of civilian experience; here both are given credible and powerful treatment. Though quite short, this book captures what the "March to the Sea" meant to the soldiers who took part, and to the civilians who were in its path, with honesty and tremendous emotional force. Her characters are so alive they could walk off the page. Only Michael Shaara, in The Killer Angels, has drawn major figures of the war with such vividness as her portrayal of General Sherman. The story itself is beautifully conceived, and its three converging strands come together unexpectedly and brilliantly.

This is a MUST READ for all Civil War buffs. But, whether Civil War buffs or not, I would also recommend it in particular to women who think they don't like "war stories," and to men who think a good "war story" takes place only on the battlefield. You will be pleasantly surprised.

I absolutely love this book. It has come to be my favorite book, even though it was published a month before I was born. I picked it up in a thrift store for [price] I put it on the shelf in my room, and forgot about it. A year later I looked through my bookshelf, needing another book to read. I picked it out, and sat down to read it. I couldn't put it down! I read it before school, in school, and after I finished my schoolwork until two in the morning. After I finished it, I put it down, and told myself that if I ever found another book in the world that was better then that, I would scream at the top of my lungs until my death, and I'm not screaming now.

It should be noted that this book won the Compton Crook award for being judged the best first novel in the genera by the Baltimore Science Fiction Society. That is a fine recomendation right there.

I thought the book was quite interesting. It's basically a novelization of a Russian folktale, and very fascinating. Deals with forest spirits and exiled nobles, some forbidden love and magical princes. Very charming read!

This book is like a fairy-tale. When I first got it, I wasn't in the least bit interested in it. But, being bored, I opened it and read the first page. Four and half hours later, I closed the book, finished. I could not put it down for one second.

In a magical Russian world full of rusalka, leshyi, boyars and magic, Finist, the magician-prince of Kirtesk has a few problems on his hands--or often, talons. Oh, just the usual: a sorcerous, seductive cousin who's out for his throne, politics, magic and, of course, True Love.

I loved the Russian setting and the use of Russian folk-tales to augment the excellent plot. Both characters and plot are developed thoroughly. If Russian folk-lore appeals to you, also try Mercedes Lackey's Firebird.

I really enjoyed reading this book -- full of insightful and often humorous stories that gave me food for thought for weeks afterwards. The short chapters make it the perfect choice when you just need to decompress for a short time, but the depth of content keeps you turning the pages. Well worth the read!

From the heart of Sherman Burns, this book is about real people and real life. There aren't any "you should's" or "you ought to's" that will make you feel more guilty. The author simply let's you glimpse other's lives and how they continue to survive. Sherman's insight into the relationship these people have with themselves will give you the freedom to be yourself, and shed rigid uncreative behavior you think is expected of you. Real life is right here and right now within your grasp, if you will take the time to listen to your spirit. "Life" can be read several times and continue to provide you more treasures as you learn to let go.

This book will mean different things to different people... a real book about reality with real life stories.... a look at the way many of us could live, and the way some of us do. Burns has crafted a lighthearted book to challenge and perhaps change your life. Let's hope he will follow-up with a work book guide.

Even though Burns advises us to read a few chapters at a time, it was difficult to stop reading! His "take-aways" at the end of each chapter were inspiring...I laughed and got a little teary-eyed too. I'd love to see this guy in person at one of his presentations!

A quick read for the humor will encourage a reread for the insight and reflective lessons .. several chapters hit close enough to home that I double checked to see if my name was listed in the acknowledgments.

Ms Sherman's cousins may be growing old, but through them we learn the art of being old and still growing. Sometimes outrageous, but always endearing, these characters will remind you of someone you know or perhaps you will see something of yourself in each of them. These uniquely southern women will stay with you long after the read.

Three very Southern women, loosely linked as kin, face growing old in their own quixotic ways. As their lives reach beyond their years of formation, careers, children, they try new personas, relationships, and coping mechanisms. Mavis, Sammie Jo, and Elvira will stay with you long after you read their stories.

When Southern Girls Grow Old is a coming-of-age story for retirement-age women. Readers get to know three childhood cousins--Mavis, Sammie Jo, and Elmira--each of whom has spent her life being a "good girl," steadfastly serving her boss, her family, or her community. Then, somehow, arriving at the cusp of old age gives each woman permission to behave in a new way. To those looking on, the women may appear to be losing it, but in fact each one is finding a long-buried kernel of herself. In addition to giving readers endearing, laugh-out-loud portraits of the three protagonists, the novel paints an authentic picture of contemporary life in the rural South, thanks to Ms. Sherman's ear for regional dialect and dialogue.

An easy read, this book is both comic and profound. Sherman has created colorful characters that jump off the page and right into your heart. Just when you are thinking how outrageous they are, you see something of yourself or your best friend in them, and in the life transitions they experience, you just may see your present or your future. Sherman draws her southern locale and culture with vivid details that ring true to this Alabama native reviewer. I heartily recommend this outstanding, thoroughly entertaining book. And now I need to go sort through some things that accumulated in my house through the years. If you've read the book, you'll know what I mean.

I didn't want to put this book down. It was like getting together with dear and long-time friends to catch up on what has been going on since we saw each other last, or like hearing about family stories you'd missed. It said those deeply emotional things I have felt about getting older but never told anybody, and it also made me laugh. The first chapter of the second section, "When Samantha Came Home", had me almost rolling on the floor with laughter! This is a great book and I highly recommend it.

1776 is a very special play. It portrays true historical magic. I especially liked the play because of the character development. I liked how Peter Stone, the author, developed John Adams character. Stone portrayed Adams as an egotistical jerk who would not take no for an answer. The ironic thing was that his unwillingness to quit was the key to winning our independence.

I am especially involved in the study of history. The play was actually quite accurate except for all the singing and dancing which was added for theatrical purposes. The play had great lyrics and music. Not only was the book version well done the movie was also excellent. The movie stayed word for word with the book.

This play attracted my attention to a specific theme. When John Adams was desperate and discouraged he did not give up. He kept on pushing and pushing untill he had the outcome he wanted. A major theme of this novel would have to be to not give up when faced with tremendous odds. If John Adams had given up then we would most likely still be under British rule.

This play should definitly be read by all u.s. history classes. It inspires patriotism just at the mention of the title. This play is a great source and accurate account of exactly how this great nation became so great. A truly outstanding book.

Peter Stone's play "1776", is not only a wonderfully entertaining piece of musical theatre, containing great songs and dialogue (often with a healthy amount of wit), it is also historically accurate. The story centers around the Second Continental Congress in Philidelphia (most notably John Adams), in the months immediately prior to the signing of The Declaration of Independence. One of the things that impressed me most about this play was that when writing dialogue between Congress members, letters from Gen. Washington, and conversations between Adams and his wife, Stone reviewed historical documents. Thus, many exchanges you hear/read throughout the play were actual conversations or letters written by those people. Therefore, the play is not only entertaining, it's educational. This play allows you to better understand the people who fought so hard to secure American independence. So often we revere our forefathers with such a sense of awe that we forget their basic humanity. Stone does a wonderful job of reminding us all that these were simple men and women, with everyday hopes and dreams, who were also willing to risk their lives for the freedom that they sought. I think that this play ought to be performed for every school in America -- it teaches while it entertains!

This musical play really inspires patriotic feelings for any American that reads it. A sense of the magnanimity of such an occasion can be felt by its readers. From John Adams's beligerant character to Ben Franklin's sensibility, the reader will feel like he has known these great men and women forever.

Every 4th of July I watch the restored laser disc edition of "1776," the musical that has our Founding Fathers singing and dancing their way to Independency, and every time John and Abigail Adams sing goodbye to each other ("Till Then" and "Yours, Yours, Yours"), I get absolutely choked up (to be fair, I get absolutely choked up when I listen to either the original Broadway cast with William Daniels as John Adams or the revival cast with Brent Spiner in the role). But as much as I enjoy the songs, from "Sit Down, John" to "Is Anybody There?", what I admire is the way Peter Stone's book tells the story of what happened in foul, fetid, fuming, foggy, filthy Philadelphia.

Granted this is drama and not history. A historian would point to a big error in that John Dickinson did not show up the day of the crucial vote so that Pennsylvania would not kill independence. But Stone lays out the positions of those who oppose independence, not only Dickinson but Edmund Rutledge of South Carolina, who wants independence but sees it as independence for South Carolina. Consequently, even though we know that these men are going to sign their John Hancocks to the Declaration we still wonder how it will happen given the obstacles. The biggest one is slavery, and while the song "Molasses To Rum" captures the Triangle Trade, it is the debate between Rutledge on the one side and Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin on the other that is even more memorable as the Founding Fathers discuss the difference between "property" and "people being treated like property."

One of the most unusual things about "1776" as a musical is that the vast majority of songs are in Act I, because once the declaration committe's draft is read to the congress ("The Egg"), the debate becomes too important for anything but the most somber of songs. The genius here is the ability to mix low comedy, as in "The Lees of Old Virginia," with the historical drama, best represented by the moment when Franklin justifies the need for independency to Dickinson. Stone takes Franklin's old words, "We are a new nationality. We require a new nation," and amplifies them into a moment of ideological clarity. It is the gravity of that moment which allows the songs by Sherman Edwards to go off in fanciful directions, along with Franklin's pointed reminder at the crucial moment that the Founding Fathers were not demi-gods.

I maintain there is a wonderful educational opportunity with "1776." Obviously it is not what "really" happened, but it is based on such things, from the words of the Declaration of Indpendence to the letters exchanged between John and Abigail always addressed to "My dearest friend." Granted, not all students will be interested in exploring the reality behind the drama, but for those willing to make the connection, it is a worthwhile step in the development of their critical faculties.

This is the tale of America's most decorated living hero. From his humble beginnings to his glorious career in the U. S. Army. A man destined to be one of the elite movers and shakers in the military. He became disillusioned with America's war effort in Vietnam and the "ticket-punching" pursuits of the manager-officers. He gave up his career and moved into self-imposed exile. This story is a must read for those interested in the development of the U. S. Army since WWII. It's a real wake-up call

I bought this book when I was about 11 years old and a big fan of "war stories". I am now approaching twenty and have read this book at least once a year since first purchasing it, to the extent that it is now in three parts and the photographs have fallen out. This book is an intense, gripping, readable but most of all honest and believable account of one of America's greatest warriors and his experiences...from the forested slopes of Trieste in 1946 to being chased around Washington DC by Army Intell goons in 1971, this book, while entertaining, will also teach you everything you need to know about duty, honour,bravery and honest patriotism, qualities that come hard to find in the era of Iran-Contra, Tailhook, Whitewater and the like... This book will make you laugh, cry and think. Please, read it.

Excellent book. Well written, easily read, thought provoking. Is long, but not cumbersome.

I first read 'About Face' written by Col. David Hackworth during the late 1980s. I found it extremely valuable in helping me...a woman with little knowledge of anything military, understand better my children's dad, a land based Viet Nam combat vet and the problems he had to deal with before his death.

As the wife of yet a second Viet Nam combat vet, special forces, I suggest this book for anyone who wants a better understanding of the debt of gratitude and respect we citizens owe those willing to serve in The United States Military.

Reviewed by: molly martin

I first came to hear of ABOUT FACE from a friend and fellow NCO in Korea. He said I might think it was good, Was that an understatement. I read About Face in one fourteen hour plane ride back to Korea. I've read it three more times so far and recommend it to all my friends deserving the title Non-Commisioned Officer. I truly believe that all military leaders should read this and take from it; Hack's wisdom and experiance dealing with the military, Integrity and soldiering.

Most people who follow the Civil War would say that Joe Johnson was a very capable general for the Confederacy. In Davis's book, Johnson is shown as a general who was cautious and to a certain extent defeatist in his dealings with Sherman. I think the author makes a good case that Johnson's conservative generalship led to the forordained loss of Atlanta, and that the three weeks of Hood's command was an attempt to change the fate of Atlanta. Davis makes a good case by examining the records and correspondence of the loss of Atlanta. Hood's later reckless assault against Unionist forces in Tennessee clouded his capable handling of the forces around Atlanta.

This is revisionist history, but I think the author makes a solid case that Johnson's defense was not good for a nation wanting an active defense of one of their largest cities. Hood's
offensive was much more appreciated by the military and civil authorities in Richmond and Atlanta. Johnson's own conduct after the war plus the esteem his soldiers held him caused his redemption.

A nice little book about the defense of Atlanta. Sherman would have won ultimately because of his numbers. However the theory of Johnson's conservative strategy resulted in the fall of Atlanta.

Atlanta Will Fall: Sherman, Joe Johnston, and the Yankee Heavy Bandits is a sharp overview of the entire Atlanta campaign during the American Civil War, from Dalton to Jonesboro. The battles are described and the strategies analyzed, with detailed evaluations of the three major generals involved. In particular, author Davis argues that between the Confederate leaders Joe Johnston and John Bell Hood, it was Johnston who lost Atlanta due to overcaution, while Hood got the bad rap. Atlanta Will Fall is strongly recommended reading for Civil War buffs.

Stephen Davis systematically tackles the old myths surrounding the Atlanta campaign and its subsequent capture by the North. His analysis of Johnston's tactical decisions clearly elucidates where responsibility for Atlanta's loss truly lay. It is obvious that Davis has spent a great deal of time researching this work and his efforts show. A must read for anyone who enjoys a gripping, thoroughly researched account of a major historical event.

Stephen Davis has written a lucid account of the dark days of the Army of Tennessee as it was outmaneuvered and outgeneraled by W.T. Sherman during the campaign for Atlanta in 1864. Davis has introduced new primary research to support his assertions that Atlanta was lost in December 1863 when Johnston was appointed commander of the Army of Tennessee. History has castigated John Bell Hood for the loss and Davis does everything he can to dispel this claim and more. Very well written and full of the authors conclusions, it makes the reader think about what he is reading. Highly recommended for anyone who knows anything at all about the Georgia campaign. The passages on Johnston, Hardee, and Hood are especially interesting.