History Books

Excellent book, but I am not sure the distinction is between Western and Oriental tactics. I suspect that American Indians, frontier scouts, the British SAS, U.S. Special Operations community, etc...would be very familiar with, and skilled at, these tactics.

A classic dilemma that resurfaces every time we go to war. Militaries, at least in the West, prepare to fight the last war and not the next one. As a free society, the public tends to forget the hard lessons learned and shuns warriors during times of peace. The end result is that we constantly are reinventing the wheel after every war/generation.

Victor Davis Hanson, in a recent editorial in the City Journal called Why Study War, gave a perfect example from the Post-Vietnam era; "The public perception in the Carter years was that America had lost a war that for moral and practical reasons it should never have fought--a catastrophe, for many in the universities, that it must never repeat. The necessary corrective wasn't to learn how such wars started, went forward, and were lost. Better to ignore anything that had to do with such odious business in the first place"...."A wartime public illiterate about the conflicts of the past can easily find itself paralyzed in the acrimony of the present. Without standards of historical comparison, it will prove ill equipped to make informed judgments."

A well-written and important book that provides an in-depth analysis of small unit tactics.

Danger, danger, is very much the message put forth in this book and it should be heeded before it is too late. Some reviewers have mentioned Sun Tzu and his rules of warfare. Sun Tzu puts forth a very reasoned and systematic set of rules that define a nations path to victory or defeat. By definition, our present leadership has us solidly on the path of defeat. Our people in the field have to both fight our Eastern enemies as well as carry a great weight of poor leadership at the highest levels. This book is very informative and is for the most part, completely accurate and frightening.

The idea that hardware superiority alone can replace common sense is ludicrous and this book digs deeply into this. I remember seeing news footage of our troops in Afganistan heading up into steep mountainous terrain encumbered with huge heavy packs and body armor. They could barely move. They should have had only their clothes, rifles, ammunition and food and water and some good lightweight footwear. If you are going to fight an Apache you have to be an Apache. It seems at times to me that our soldiers are forced simply to carry as much weight in useless (and expensive) contractor equipment as a mule. Small unit combat and the tactics that win in this arena will be the deciding factor. Something also needs to be done about our so called free press. This game is for blood not for profitable commercial air time and these people should be subjected to the sort of censorship that our country used in WWII and the sooner the better.

I feel also that some of the opinions voiced on China are a bit over the top. The Chinese wish to better themselves and are not necessarily motivated by a desire to hurt us per se. It is very possible that in future that the Chinese could help us. They should not be blindly antagonized. They think and plan in a fashion that is very, very, long term. Our own leadership is cripplingly shortsighted in strategic planning.

I have lived and worked in the Mid East for a number of years and my personal opinion of the Iraq war can be summed up as follows:

1. The US leaves Iraq now and the country will dissolve into a bloody civil war.

2. The US leaves later and Iraq dissolves into a bloody civil war.

This book documents many of the reasons why this is so. Anyone who cares about the future of our country and indeed the world (China included) should read this book.

A sure test of talent and knowledge is the challenge of taking a very complex subject, explaining it in understandable terms and then offering solutions along with the understanding. My very brief stint in the Army ended long before Vietnam called the younger brothers of my generation. From the news reports it appeared that we suffered so many casualties only because the enemy was "sneaky" and prepared to die. How could the US lose to people who could not afford shoes?

Poole does a great job of bridging the gap from Sun Tzu to the muddy jungles of Vietnam and the significance of the lessons to our maneuver warfare. It is no accident that Boyd associate Willian Lind wrote the preface.

Poole finished the book just before 9/11. Our experience in Iraq and the Israeli experience during the past year show that we have much to learn. After 50 plus years of victories over various armies, the Israelis lost to what most consider a rag-tag army. Other than their heritage, they are as unlikely to defeat the Israelis as the sandal clod Vietnamese.

Poole's book is a gift to the small unit soldier and perhaps a greater gift to those in higher command who will order soldiers to assault targets with little understanding of what they may be facing. It may be at a distant command post or in the case of Somalia the commander flying overhead at 2,000 feet but unable to understand the river of lead flying down the street as he instructs troops to consolidate their positions.

This is a great aid to understanding current events and history from the comfort of your easy chair while balancing a martini on the arm. However, my sense is that it is far more valuable as a gift to a young trooper. In addition it should be mandatory reading ( along with Sun Tzu and Boyd's briefing slides) for every reporter who covers wars and "low intensity" conflicts.

Reading the book makes you appreciate Poole but feel uncomfortable with the contents. A great contribution.

As with all of Poole's works, we are treated here to an excellent analysis of the tactical sphere of war. This time, from the eastern fighter's perspective. Written, I believe, pre-9/11, the work itself is a thorough offering of actual techniques and wartime practices used by small units against western forces, but it is most remarkable in that it outlines in a concise and friendly manner what most analysts still fumble over on MSNBC.

In the world of tactical operations and small unit tactics, we can not ask for a better teacher than John Poole. Keep a close eye out for any and all of his works, for they have a lot to say about how and what western forces will fight for the next fifty years.

NOTE: This work makes a perfect companion to the author's "The Tiger Way," which outlines the ideal western method for combating such tactics.

I read all these reviews and in the main agree with them. However, the real "way of western combat" is exemplified right here: we -- AT THE BOTTOM LEVEL -- are discussing all this and implementing it as we go. And as another reviewer mentioned, our soldiers are getting at it and learning from this NOW. Here's the clincher: does the oriental soldier or citizen do this. No way. It's not in their culture. Hasn't been for thousands of years. Unlikely to be unless huge changes occur in their citizenry. West = democracy / more free / BOTTOM-UP APPROACH. East = tyrrany / less free / TOP-DOWN APPROACH.

SUMMARY: I'd much rather be in the West facing the Eastern way of war rather than be in the East facing the Western way of war. Let's be data-driven: what is the kill ratio of WW2, Korea, and Vietnam? 40-1? 10-1? And yet, Poole's talk about Japan in WW2 making "infantry the most valued weapon". What?! Americans (and all European armies before them all the way back to Alexander) don't line up rows of infantry and charge across open fields to be mowed down. Doubt it? Guadacanal. Korea. etc. That's the "cultural" difference highlighted here: we value life, even a single soldiers.

Further reading: Carnage & Culture, by Victor Davis Hanson.

Amazon asked me to review this book, which is funny, considering I still haven't received the copy I ordered more than a month ago! If you really want this book, you might try getting it elsewhere.

I found this book to be a wonderful book that takes you into the world of a passenger on the Titanic and his journey through the disaster. It was a wonderful book with great illustrations that really helped my students look into the events of the Titanic.

I liked the story because when Polar was lost he was reunited with his owner at the end of the story. The person that read me the story said that this story was true because the granddaughter of Polar's owner found this story in her attic and wrote a book about it.

the name of this book is polar the titanic bear.It was a very,very good book. IT IS A TRUE STORY.I is about a stuffed bear that is "alive" and has a very good connection with his master.His master's family was a very rich family,so they traveled alot.The two were on the titanic,& this book has real pictures of the titanic & his family.(masters family)

This book has much to offer, for young readers and for adults. It is a wonderful glimpse into history, told from the perspective of a Steiff polar bear, who is very much a part of the life of young Douglas Spedden. His family's travels and his young life unfold in a beautiful text that is illustrated with sensitive illustrations and historical photographs. The Speddens traveled on the ill-fated Titanic. The incredible drama of that event unfolds in the most personal narrative. The magnficent beauty of the ship is conveyed as the family enjoys its commodious luxury. The drama of its sinking is compelling as well as touching in the describtion of the heartbreaking separation of Polar from young Douglas. This is how a young child would remember such an event. Fortunately, Polar is found and reunited with his friend.

The story behind the story is as wondeful as the book itself. Leighton H. Coleman III found this wonderful manuscript in his grandfather's barn. It was written by his cousin, Daisy Spedden. How brilliant of a mother to convert a traumatizing event into a story for her little boy! Her tender insight, the wonder of discovery and the perfect blending of history and narrative--ocean liners, wonderful bears--all of these components make this a perfect children's book that is both educational and entertaining (for parents, too!). I have given scores of copies to my friends with children and to my many adult friends who are fascinated by ocean liners and the Titanic. The book is well-crafted with much to offer.

Paul Jellinek's Promise to Mary chronicles the author's travels through the northeast, south, and Alaska, capturing the spirit of "Faith in Action," a loose confederation of interfaith religious congregations who mobilize volunteers to care for the elderly and homebound. Told in the form of refreshingly original vignettes, an engaging portrait emerges of care-givers and receivers. We see the lines separating them often blurred, with some drawn to this calling by traumatic life events, leaving an indelible formative imprint on their life's experience.

Begun in 1993 through a series of nationwide grants awarded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the groups were started through seed grants to fund a paid executive to coordinate the volunteer base. The author's visits reveal that most of the original 25 have flourished more than 20 years, melding into the bedrock of community service in their individual locales.

The author skillfully remains the unobtrusive central character, through whom these voices are heard. The human toll exacted over a lifetime is examined in stories woven in a distinctly compassionate literary style. The author's gently probing questions are genuine and heartfelt. He gives voice to those whose eloquence, stifled by their infirmities, reveals their quiet perseverance and he allows them to express simply stated life-affirming truths.

Dr. Jellinek celebrates the nobility and dignity of those who populate the book. The overriding tone is decidedly redemptive and hopeful. Stories of great courage emerge as the unsung heroes of local community service manage time and again to marshal their inner reserves, drawing upon a fragile yet durable support network woven of member interfaith congregations and faith communities. These are ordinary people doing extraordinary things, largely under the radar. The stories call to mind the importance of small deeds which loom large in the lives of those whom they touch.

The nonthreatening imprimatur of "church" is time and again the narrow margin breached by wary "forgotten souls" who tentatively reach out for much needed help. Their simple but profound acts of faith and trust are to what the program owes its success.

This book should be required reading, especially for those embarking on a career in social work or community service. To read it is to be infused with a sense of all that is possible and to have one's faith in humanity restored, through a rare glimpse into the heart and soul of some of the finest people one could meet. The author succeeds in focusing a deserving spotlight on those remarkable people who populate our everyday lives, but whose heroic deeds are largely unknown, except to those whose lives are quietly transformed by their gentle presence.

This is a book whose power lies in the gentle yet compelling individual stories which emerge, revealing the humanity which lies within all of us. It is also a compelling journey of personal discovery for the author as well as a wonderful historical record of Faith in Action.




Dr. Jellinek documents the sustained viability of what remains a simple but profound formula for success - ordinary people accomplishing the extraordinary, when artificial barriers to human compassion, in the form of preconceived stereotypes are ignored and people are free to relate to one another on the most basic level. By entering this world with Paul as your guide, you emerge hope-filled and humbled by the extraordinary compassion his journey reveals.

Paul's caring and poignant sharing of his journey across the continent and through the years with Faith in Action is one that will warm your heart and hopefully inspire you to look closely at your own community. I will guess that you won't look far to find your own Mary, Gracie, Harold or Eddie Mae. But stop and look farther. Find what it is you can do in your own community and with your own neighbors to help - with or without a Faith in Action project. Paul will tell you from his own experience as a Faith in Action volunteer for many years, that you will get so very much more than you give.

Thank you Paul for writing this important anthology once again proving what a small group of very committed people can do.

Paul Jellinek is a masterful interviewer and storyteller. The amount of depth and detail he was able to uncover in the lives of those he visited in just a few short hours is incredible. For those who take time to assist neighbors in their communities, it is an affirmation. For everyone else, it is compelling work of non-fiction that will keep you reading on and on. It is truly inspirational. I would recommend this book to everyone.

This is a book with a mission. It accomplishes its mission and then some. It spreads the word about Faith in Action, a successful, 15-year-old national program that brings together local congregations of different faiths to provide volunteer help to elderly and disabled individuals. Through interviews with administrators, caregivers and those they help, the book enlightens the reader about the program and its life-altering accomplishments.

The interviews, combined with the author's observations, provide keen insight into many of our country's great challenges--racism, poverty, crime, drugs, isolation, loneliness, abandonment. They also show how Faith in Action and its remarkable staff and volunteers take on these challenges and make a difference. The book is instructive, inspirational, and motivating. Undoubtedly, some who read it will become volunteers themselves.

The book's style is entertaining and captivating. The author brings us along on his road trip to contrasting parts of America where he conducts his interviews--New England, the South, and the Last Frontier of Alaska. Through his writing we share the scenery, weather, accommodations, and food he experienced--the good, the bad, and the ugly. (On the good front, I long for a piece of the "...best slice of pie I had ever had at a restaurant." Inquiring minds should see page 217.)

Each interview is a personality profile. We are introduced to a bevy of characters--some endearing, some distasteful, all remarkable. Among the favorites are the indomitable eighty-five-year-old Miss Helen; Sylvia, who once excelled in the study of mold spores and now excels in administering social services; Kim, whose hard life has transformed her into an expert practitioner of compassion; Jamie, a former wild child turned nurse with unique experiences involving death and dying; and Rodney, a former gang member who has yet to recognize his power and purpose.

The book has a rare attribute--a wonderful use of humor. There are more than a few laugh-out-loud moments. Always appropriate, humor is skillfully interjected throughout our journey with the author.

A Promise to Mary is reader-friendly. Because of its clever format--broken out by geography and interview--it can be picked up and put down as the reader's lifestyle dictates. It can be read in one sitting from cover to cover, enjoyed at the beach, or become part of a daily public transportation commute.

I owe a great deal to the book and its author. During my time reading the book, it became my travel companion, making my weekday commute a pleasure. My faith in the goodness of human beings has been reinforced. And I have added one more goal to my list of things to accomplish--becoming a Faith in Action volunteer. Thank you, Dr. Jellinek. Well done.

PROMISE TO MARY is a gem. With a narrative style that rings true, the very real characters are as complex and interesting as any in a work of fiction. The author's genuine, but realistic, empathy provides a welcome antidote to the "kumbaya"-tinged works common to the genre. It is enough to provide even the cynic with at least a modest insight into our shared humanity.

For those who know of Roy Buchanan...he's not as well known to the general public...this book documents the upbringing and influences that guided and shaped one of the most talented and unique guitarists ever. A wonderfully researched chronicle of the life of an icon in music.

I've always wondered why Roy Buchanan, who in my opinion was the world's greatest guitar player, never broke through to a larger audience. After reading this excellent biography of his life, I completely understand why. Phil Carson did an outstanding job of pulling together a huge amount of detail into a page-turning, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny and other times heart-wrenching story of Roy's life. I've read quite a few biographies on music legends and the majority of them have been hard to read chronologies of factoids and interviews loosely held together. So, even though I was very motivated to learn more about the life of this unsung guitar master, I assumed that I was in for a chore. Much to my surprise, this was an outstanding read...a well researched, heart-felt, telling of the life of a gifted, albeit troubled, man.

If you're a fan of Roy's, then order this book immediately. If you aren't familiar with Roy's music then order a couple of Roy Buchanan CD's and listen to them while you read this book.

Note to Phil Carson: I'd love to see you take on the biography of another relatively unknown guitar master, Nils Lofgren (a protégé of Roy Buchanan).

THIS BOOK IS FANTASTIC..ROY WAS FANTASTIC....IF YOU ARE A FAN, YOU NEED THIS BOOK..I WILL READ IT OVER AND OVER....

All I ever wanted to know,about the man and his music.Great biografy,have read many books on other artist.If you go through Buchanan`s songs,there are many differt styles he mastered.Country,rockabilly,rock & &roll,instrumentals,pop,r & b,jazz.Saw him live once in Oslo,that was great.My friends say,play the #Telecaster# and die young,but I have to play it,have -blonde 52 reissue.Now I study bossa nova masters,like Lois Bonfa,Joao Gliberto,Jobim etc.cause I got a job with a female singer,playing spanish guitar.There are a few cuts with Roy playing acoustic and they are great.Read the book,by his concert DVD,s,and if you run short,get bored playing the beast,listen to the man.There have never been a guitar player like him,he had his own style,his style will never be duplicated.All american music styles,and Malaguena.The roadhouse king will live on forever.Arnie Buy-ROY BUCHANAN his first and SECOND ALBUM on Polydor,that is a good start.Good reading,good listning and play them over and over,and you will hear his soul.

I like Roy's first records--loud and clear, with the focus on his playing. Later on they tried to make him like Clapton, but it didn't work. I would rate Roy in the top 5 of the people I have heard. I also like Bugs Henderson, Tinsley Ellis, Wes Jeans, and Dave Hole. This book is a very good read. I saw Roy at Park West in Chicago. He did a very short set. It was hard to enjoy him with the female booze hustlers bothering me, but, he seem to be in top form. I still have my ticket, inside Roy's live Japan import.

This book needs to be read by everyone especially by all those over 13. I read it frequently and every time I am more amazed by John's incredible greatness, sacrifice, courage and love of children. I am also very thankful that his family, friends, professional co-workers et.all were there to help him. Even Dr. Johnson contacted medical assistance all over the country to help him. It is more tragic that his form of cancer is now much more treatable. The last line says that Coach Baker turned tragedy into an enduring legacy. Amen! The Duke City Dashers and the children of Aspen were so so blessed by their "Coach Baker." My paperback from 1982 has been replaced by a hardcover. Aspen, by his children was named "John Baker Elementary" in tribute to this great man and their "teacher" Words really can't describe him. I am so thankful that Mr. Buchanan has told all of us the life of one of the greatest people that I have ever known and heard about. Truly, Coach has received in heaven all of the crowns, trophies, medals that the Lord provides to His good and faithful servants!!Five stars all around to everyone involved in John Baker's legacy and William J. Buchanan. Coach Baker's story needs to be told even 38 years later!!

I originally read this book about John Baker's life and impact on young people when I was in grade school. I still had it on my bookshelf when I was in college in 1988. I felt a lump on my testicle and immediately saw a doctor. The diagnosis was malignant testicular cancer, but thanks to God and the fact that I had re-read John Baker's story so many times, I caught it early and am completely cured. John's life continues to have an impact on many people long after his tragic death.

I first read this book when it was passed on to me in high school by a friend. The story of John's life and battle with cancer is something that really makes you put your life in perspective and is truly inspirational. I don't know anyone that has made it through the book without some tears...just reading through the reviews here, I found myself with tears streaming down my cheeks. If each of us could do 1/2 the good in our lifetimes that John Baker did in his that ended much too soon, imagine how much better the world would be.

This true story of a runner and coach tugs at your heart strings. It is so sad , at times I could not see the page because of my tears. Mr. Buchanan does a remarkable job of painting the portrait of this young man's life in a realistic manner. Very well written - THIS WAS A GREAT READ!!!

I was 8 years old when John Baker passed away but, I do remember when they changed the name of the school to honor this hero. This book is chicken soup for the human soul. This book belongs in everyone's personal library and it should be read at least once a year to remind us that every little thing counts.

A friend shared this book with me a couple weeks ago and I read it in 24 hours. I could not put it down. It will always remain one of the most beautiful, comforting, authentic, soulful books I have ever read. It absolutely resonated with me. I am an orthodox Jew having converted from another religious tradition in the past. Many people do not know that although reincarnation is not the first or most important 'order of business' within Judaism, yet there is an understanding that we do not just visit this earthly plane only once. Reincarnation is alive and well :) in our tradition, although unfortunately not everyone is aware of it. Reading this small beautiful book as a practicing Jew, I continually found likenesses to beliefs in my own tradition (especially Kabbalah, but not limited to that), and I knew while reading it that it was of course written from an Eastern perspective, which made the likenesses all the more beautiful and remarkable to me, because ultimately Truth takes us back to One Source. Truth is truth and is not limited to any group, but available to all. That was one of the most lovely things about reading this book. This little book only confirmed beliefs I have had for much of my life and it illustrated to me once again the universality of the human experience and the love and compassion that lie beyond.

By the way, I think if anyone who is afraid of 'death' could read this inspiring little volume they would fear it no longer.

How I wish the book were affordable! I'd buy many to share with those I love. Five stars easily.

Rachel

How I came about this book will tell you much about the truth of its teachings. My physical body died on May 15th, 1991 while I was in the hospital. I had never given much thought to the possibility of life after death before this. Everything about shedding my physical body and journeying to this non-physical realm was new to me. What happened next was extraordinary! Meeting a Being of Light, regaining the memories of who I truly am, of who I was prior to coming to mortality, being given a choice to remain or to go back to mortality, the revelation that I had come to earth to accomplish a mission, etc. Much can be said about this amazing journey but this is not the place to do so.

Little did I know that my Near-Death-Experience (NDE) had opened a door to the other side. Things started hapening that I did not expect. I started seeing energy, having visions and even hearing a voice. At first, these things frightened me and I tried to repress them. As time went by, I became more confortable and started allowing these things to happen. (I found out much later that an NDE will sometimes bring on abilities such as clairvoyance and clairaudience)

The "Voice" as I call it, does not come often but when it does I listen, for it always guides me in the right direction. One such instance took place a few years ago. I had just purchased several books and had left the bookstore when the "Voice" came. It directed me to go back to the bookstore and guided me towards this book, A Soul's Journey. I purchased the book and I was reading it on the plane back home the following day. The "Voice" came again and said: "a sister will sit next to you". I was so absorbed by the book that I did not pay attention to the young woman who sat next to me. She initiated the conversation by asking what book I was reading and what it was all about. I told her about the teachings in the book which lead me to also tell her about my NDE. She started crying, telling me she had been praying for over a year asking for a sign that there is life after death. And here we were... this book and I on her path. I never saw her again. But I trust that my story and the teachings in this book came when she needed them.

This is an extraordinary book! Not only is there life after death but there is purpose to your life. You are the physical extension of your divine self. Reading this book will help you understand the journey you are on.

... a sequence of events and coincidences to powerfull to ignore culminated with the sales assistant giving me a copy of this book to read and return whenever... I did not put it down. It so aligns with a certain 'gut feel' that I had had for so long, answers questions I have held for so long and explains the esoteric events of my life... so far. As if to encourage me to keep on going, to trust life as it unfolds. This books adds a powerful perspective of the bigger picture. It gives a sense of belonging, purpose, and took me forward a massive quantum leap. First published in 1953, the context is of another time perhaps but the relevance remains very, very strong. It will add perspective to your ponderings and strengthen your understanding of the 'big picture'. A clear and easly understood read - I wish I had read it earlier...

I read this book in Brazil during the seventies. I gave it as a present to many friends. The amazing story Mr. Richelieu tells, as a real experience, makes a lot of sense for all who came in contact with facts beyond the physical realms, as it makes sense for me. The author tells about the mystic "Acharya" who visits him one day in Colombo, Sri Lanka, during the II World War, after the author lost his younger pilot brother. The mysterious visitor starts to answer his questions, over a series of meetings, about life after death and later takes him to the astral planes and beyond, through guided conscious astral projections, so that mr. Richelieu can experience everything for himself. The whole book is fascinating. I've read somewhere that Mr. Richard Matheson used this book as part of his extensive bibliography listed in the book "What dreams may come", that was later adapted as a movie, with Robin Williams.
To say the least this book brings a lot of interesting insights to the naïve Judeo-Christian belief system about life after death, that was amusingly represented when preacher Billy Graham was asked by CNN's Larry King what he, Mr. Graham, would say to the (Christian) "God Almighty", when facing "Him" in the "heaven". Mr. Graham ("spiritual advisor to many "US commander in chiefs", since Eisenhower) answered that even though he had been studying the bible for dozens of years (maybe 60?), he still hadn't understood some parts of the "holly" book, so he would ask "God" to "explain them" to him! This shows where Christianity is standing. With some research, anyone can know that the Bible is a huge patchwork of stories and tales borrowed from mythology from Sumeria, Egypt, India and Greece, among others. And Lao Tzu in his Tao Te Ching defined "God" better than anyone else I read, when he says: The TAO is older than god.
Mr. Richelieu brings new light to reconstruct the present western naive paradigm about life after death, god and religions, as his guide, the kind and wise Indian Acharya sheds light on these matters in a sober and profound way, without attacking anyone or imposing any sectarian religious beliefs or dogmas. Five stars is the minimum for such a book, written in simple language anyone can relate to. For those who can read portuguese language, the Brazilian edition can be found in any religious/esoteric corner of our bookstores (or at the brazilian ebay partner site, mercadolivre_dot_com) for a fraction price of the rare and expensive english editions, the title there is "A Viagem de uma Alma".

If you ever wondered about this, read this book. I read this book as a teenager and re-read it again recently. It is based on a true story based on the author's experience. He was taken out of his body to visit the 'other side' of death. Reading this book gives a person hope and reassurance that death is not the end. There are other books published about life after death but I think this is one of the earlier books and the message remains the same. It's not the comfort or material gain one takes to the other side, instead it is compassion and love.

I bought this months ago and still have it out on my coffee table - that's how much I love this! It is loaded with excellent pictures and makes a great conversation starter when friends and family that come over. The history of the NFL is covered well and the articles offer terrific insights into sports past.

This is a unique, beautifully photographed book! It includes the history of football and large, clear photos of some of the best games! My husband loves it! If you're a football fan, you will treasure this book!

This was the comment of my 7 year old nephew (a Jets fan) when I gave him this book. It has the trademark Sports Illustrated photography, plus lots of old photos showing the infancy of the sport, which are interesting to adults and kids alike. He's a beginning reader, but we enjoyed looking at the pictures, with his guessing which teams were shown based on the uniforms. The Amazon price is a bargain. Highly recommended for boys and fans of all ages!

I bought this book for my 17-yr old who is a visual thinker, not a strong reader, but I loved it too! There are some amazing photos in the book and lots of history of the game and some players. I got a strong sense of the traditions of the game and the excitement for the sport. I am a stronger football fan because of it! I also recommend the rest of this 'series' by Sports Illustrated, The Baseball Book and The Basketball Book.

I got this book for my Dad for xmas & he loved it. It has a lot of great pictures, great articles and goes into the history of football. This is a great gift for older football fans.

Very much enjoyed this book. Loaded with fascinating pictures and images. Stays out of political opinions or posturing. Highly recommended.

This book broadly covers the organization and History of Hitler's elite enforces providing the reader with great amounts of information on this subject. It hides nothing especially the attrocities.

A must read for those interested in this subject.

This book is an awesome collection of written material along with rare, powerful photos and diagrams. A standout feature, and my personal favorites, were the illustrations of particular uniforms, medlas,ceremonial decorations, propaganda posters, and weaponry that you don't find in alot of WWII references. Overall, this a great book and a must for WWII enthusiasts.

Comprehensive, profusely illustrated, reader-friendly, concise, nice size edition and clear in its exposition. In about 250 pages Mr. Williamson covers the whole history of these special troops, in all their aspects. Reviewing all its divisions, commanders, foreign nationalities that were incorporated into them, the weapons, the battles, their most talented fighters, etc and without losing the thread of his story: a most remarkable thing. Of course this is no eulogy of the SS, it tells of the barbarities committed as well as the acts of true heroism in battle by some of their soldiers. This is a great history. One can follow their main divisions from their inception long before the war, and how they grew in size and experience parallel to the national circumstances of Germany herself.

The role played by Himmler's crackpot ethnic theories were debunked by sheer necessity of man force: many of its finest soldiers were indeed non-Germans. One feels compelled to read more about this ignominiuos personage, Himmler, as he really was a weird (and evil) guy. On the positive side are outstanding acts of sheer valor and heroism of some soldiers who really deserve to remain in any military history of this war. Some passages of course overlap with the Wehrmacht, since they fought side by side many times, but both the detailed analysis and the wider scope of the SS role are present in this book. Nothing relevant is missing here. A great history book and an engrossing read.

Many good things can be said about this book. I sought out this book after reading the `Complete Idiot's Guide to Nazi Germany' and found that it had very little information on the SS. I was surprised at the number of photos and pictures in this book. That was the aspect I liked the most. The overall layout of the book was nice with detailed information on the formation of the SS, day to day tasks, subdivisions of the organization, equipment, atrocities on both the Eastern and Western Fronts, and the foreign legions. However, I feel the book could have used more information on the Gestapo, the SD, and the Einsatzgruppen. The Waffen-SS was given plenty of coverage in regards to its individual divisions and campaigns on the two fronts. I would have to say too much information considering that this was supposed to be a book about the entire SS. The sections on the Waffen SS were excellent, without a doubt. The book should have been given a different title which stresses this fact. Overall, the book was easy to read and flowed well with plenty of fascinating information. The author seemed a bit quick to defend the Waffen SS and some of the atrocities it is accused of, constantly stressing the fact that on the whole they were soldiers like those in the Wehrmacht. Though this may or may not have been true, opinions like this should have been kept to a minimum. The book would have been better if the information was just presented and then proceeded to let the reader decide for him or herself.

An outstanding book about the symbolism of tombstone art. It shows an enormous amount of research and conveys the meanings in everyday vernacular. 5 stars for sure

This is the book I've always been looking for, and just didn't know it. Not only is this a fabulous reference book for taphophile, but it's also just good reading. As much time as I have spent wandering and working in cemeteries, I've learned some interesting facts. The book is also quite lovely, and well organized. And the facts seem well researched, and gives quotes from the appropriate religious texts when appropriate. It also gives more than the Christian context for many of the symbols and seems well balanced for an overview of American cemeteries. I knew within seconds of browsing this book I had to have it, and it's been nothing but wonderful since.

This book is excellent for anyone interested in cemetery symbolism and/or genealogy. The photographs make it all the easier to understand. I highly recommend this book...it's one of the best of it's kind that I have found.

I found this a facinating book. It was ordered for one particular cemetery display but was found to contain some amazing monumnets. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cemetery or religious art.

Dead men may tell no tales, but the symbols on their tombstones do. This guidebook is geared for genealogists and cemetery fans. Several chapters on cemetery symbols include Flora, Fauna, Religious Symbols, Secret Societies, and Mortality Symbols. Other chapters are a guide to cemetery architecture, tomb types and a selection of unique tombs.

The book is illustrated with numerous photographs and includes an alphabetical listing of acronyms and abbreviations of societies, clubs and organizations. A chapter on mortality symbols discusses everything from the skull and crossbones to the grim reaper. There are chapters on symbols of flora (plants), fauna (animals), and religions (Christian, Hebrew, Chinese and Japanese), including descriptions of different kinds of crosses. Angels, who seem to gather in cemeteries everywhere, get their own section called "Heavenly Messengers." I was especially impressed with the chapter devoted to secret societies and organizations such as the Masons/Freemasons, Woodmen of the World, Knights Templar, Knights of Columbus, Odd Fellows, Grand Army of the Republic, Shriners, and others. Each of these is illustrated with an example photograph.

This series is great and this was another chapter in the ongoing story of Maturin and Aubrey. Their adventures are of another world and provide a great contrast to other books.

This entry in the Aubrey-Maturin seagoing saga was probably my least favorite that I've read so far in this series. My quibble was with the novel's plot, which was pretty thin and derivative of other action novels and movies. And Diana Villiers, Dr. Maturin's love, is starting to remind of the character of Irenee in The Forsythe Saga. Everyone is always talking about how fascinating she is, but darned if I can see why. On the plus side, as always O'Brian serves up amazing historical details and makes Jack and Stephen witty and real. And the on-going story of their lives advances to a very eye-opening and surprising ending. So you can bet I'll look forward to the next installment of this series.

The focus is on Stephen Maturin in this seventh installment of the Aubrey-Maturin series, which, though it isn't the best or most exciting of the first seven books, is still a ripping good read. Returning to England following their escapades in North America, Aubrey and Maturin try to settle into life at home -- Jack with his family and Stephen with his scientific pursuits -- but their pasts catch up with them, compelling them to join forces for a spur-of-the-moment mission to the Baltic. Will they succeed? Will they overcome the old problems that dog them? And just who is the surgeon's mate? Read this tale of spying, diplomacy, and (of course!) naval combat to find out.

Patrick O'Brian's scope of imagination is staggering. We are now into the seventh book in his series, and Captain "Lucky Jack" Aubrey and surgeon/naturalist/spy Stephen Maturin continue to find themselves in realistic-yet-dire circumstances of a personal, military, and intelligence nature. Through it all, these two characters never seem like invincible juggernauts, but instead very human, very capable men living by the best their wits and luck can offer.

At the outset of the novel, Aubrey and Maturin need to flee the New World for the old, but find themselves hard-pressed to do so. Thanks to Dr. Maturin's single-handed destruction of French spy networks in Boston (including a wee bit of murder), a wealthy intelligence figure hires ships to track down the fleeing Maturin. The result is a thrilling chase off Nova Scotia and the nearby waters - while I prefer Aubrey's sinking of the Dutch 74 the Waakzamheid in "Desolation Island," this chase is one of the most thrilling in the series so far.

And the joys of this novel don't stop there. O'Brian once again finds various ways to inject humor into his novel. Dr. Maturin hits a personal and professional high (as a naturalist) when he gets the chance to address a body of learned scientists in Paris . . . only to bungle the presentation horribly. Aubrey allows himself to be seduced by a wanton woman while celebrating his escape from the jail in Boston, and is confronted with news of the natural biological result of such a transgression. Maturin and Aubrey are accompanied on many of their adventures in "SM" by the Swedish captain Jagiello, a supremely attractive young man, and Aubrey finds himself at a loss as to why the women fall all over themselves for this young buck when they could have a sailor "with the handsomest set of whiskers in the fleet." There are joys in this novel that you just don't find in most swashbuckling thrillers.

But at its heart, "SM" is an adventure yarn, and O'Brian does not disappoint. In a story that sweeps from the New World to Paris to Denmark to the infamous Temple Prison back in France, Aubrey and Maturin find themselves thrown from one pan into another fire. And God bless them for it!

Confession time. THE SURGEON'S MATE is the fifth book in the "Aubrey/Maturin Series" of seafaring novels that I have completed; however, it is the seventh book in the logical series order. Having subscribed to receive the entire series, I began reading the books in the order that they arrived, assuming that the publisher would send them in proper sequence. Such turns out not to have been the case, and some of my discontent with other volumes I have reviewed derived from the fact that I had missed some events because of reading the books out of order. Allow my experience to stand as evidence that, for maximum enjoyment and even comprehension, these books should be approached in their logical sequence.

I have now edited those earlier reviews to correct any misstatements as to the books' places in the sequence of novels and have removed comments pertaining to missing events that actually were addressed in preceding volumes. Nonetheless, I find that my overall assessments of the books remain unaltered. I feel that Richard Russ (Patrick O'Brian's real name) is essentially a "three star" author. When he writes of naval engagements aboard men-of-war, sloops, frigates, and the other fighting ships whose maneuvering capabilities are largely at the whim of the prevailing winds, he is a most engaging author. However, when he delves into the interpersonal relationships of his characters, he is less successful in engaging his readers.

Two other continuing weaknesses in Russ' writing are his heavy use of now-archaic seafaring terminology that often clouds the meaning of the passage and his frustrating lack of time transitions. The first problem could have been alleviated by judicious use of explanatory footnotes. The latter could have been corrected by use of transitional commentary. As it is, however, in one sentence, the captain may call for one of his officers, and in the very next sentence he is speaking to that officer. It is as though a time warp has occurred and the officer has materialized next to his captain at the very moment he is called for. This annoying truncation of time appears in each of the five volumes I have read thus far, and I fear it is a weakness to which the author is blind and may well continue throughout the series.

By itself, THE SURGEON'S MATE, while subject to the general criticisms I have mentioned, is, by and large, readable and engaging. Is Russ/O'Brian improving as he writes additional volumes, or am I becoming accustomed to his style and more accepting of it? In either event, I found this volume a much faster and more intriguing read than some of the others I have already encountered. The single most perplexing thing about this book is its title. There is no focus on any "surgeon's mate" whatsoever, and where Russ/O'Brian found his inspiration for the title remains a murky mystery! (Some reviewers have identified the title as referring to the character of Dr. Stephen Maturin; however, he has hitherto been described as being much more than a naval surgeon, being a skilled physician while a naval surgeon was essentially limited to chopping off shattered limbs. If this is indeed Russ/O'Brian's intent, then his choice of title essentially demotes Maturin from his former position, which is not, I think, the author's intent.)

If, gentle reader, you are determined to read the entire Aubrey-Maturin series of novels, you will certainly not want to miss this one. However, you will perhaps enjoy it most if you have read the preceding six volumes first. On the other hand, if one is interested in merely sampling Russ/O'Brian's work, this would not be a bad example to choose, although I would still suggest reading at least the first work, MASTER AND COMMANDER, before delving into any of the succeeding books, including this one.