Japan Books

Written by some of the leading western experts who studied for years in Japan, this is an excellent introduction to the ancient Koryu or old arts of Japan. The book focuses mainly on the weapons arts using the sword, yari (spear), naginata (halberd), and so on, but jujutsu and the grappling arts also get discussed. Some of these authors were familiar to me from their contributions to martial arts journals like Furyu or the online Electronic Journal of the Martial Arts, like Ellis Amdur. Meik Skoss, the husband of Diane, was part of Draeger's original research team that went to Indonesia that resulted in Draeger's books covering Pentjak-Silat and the other Indonesian bladed arts, so I had high expectations about the quality and depth of the articles, and I wasn't disappointed.

As far as the coverage of the various arts is concerned, one thing that needs to be mentioned, since most people who study a martial art in the U.S. are studying karate or a similar boxing art like TKD or kung-fu, is that there isn't any coverage of that, since karate didn't arrive in Japan from Okinawa until the 1920s, and Japan really had no native tradition of boxing like ancient China, although China had a grappling art similar to jujustu in the art of chin na, and in the north there was Mongolian wrestling. Jujutsu did have atemi-waza, or striking techniques, but it wasn't a separate art and didn't develop to the same extant that it did in China and Okinawa before being introduced into Japan. Why this is I don't know, but I point it out just in case.

I had one other comment about the Hunter Armstrong chapter. He discusses in detail iaido, which he feels has lost the combative aspect, if it ever had it, pointing out that drawing the sword isn't an issue on the battlefield since you'll already be in the ready with your sword drawn, and in the heat of battle, if you have to draw your sword, it's probably too late anyway. Draeger brings this issue up too in his book, and that especially since the end of WWII iaido curriculums have been modified to make them more artistic than combative.

While this may be true, this problem isn't unique to iai or kendo or the other weapons arts. Karate has the same problem too, and so do the other unarmed martial arts. Unless you are willing to put on the heavy contact gear and risk getting your head bashed in, you're not participating in the ultimate combative aspect of the art, either. Although the samurai of previous centuries honed their arts and skills on the crucible of the battlefield and in individual duels, this isn't medieval Japan anymore, and is no longer practical. So although I would agree with Armstrong that the paired partner practice is certainly more realistic than the solo katas of iai, even that doesn't come very close to the original environment, and I don't see much help for the situation unless people are willing to make pretty radical changes that are unlikely, if only for the liability reasons.

Overall, this is a fine collection of articles about various aspects of the old Japanese martial traditions that are still poorly understood in the west and outside of Japan in general.

This is the first book that Diane Skoss has edited on the classical warrior traditions of Japan.This is the first English language general book on Koryu Bujutsu since Donn Drager. This book gives us westerner some insights into Japanese arts. This is a good addition to the library of anyone who studies Japanese Martial Arts or the history of asian Martial Arts.

Unless of course you're not interested in reading what some of the western world's foremost non-Japanese practitioners have to say regarding the subject of koryu bujutsu. What struck me most is the vast differences in approach between these arts and the general strip-mall style kung tae karate do type places you frequently see (and I've visited more than a few). This is a fascinating subject and if I have one problem with this book, it's that it serves to wet one's appetite to learn more. One common thread from the different writers seems to be that the koryu bujutsu represent a living history of Japanese culture, as well as embodying a historical form of teaching and finally representing lots of kick-arse martial ryu. Having said that, I think that imaginative types (I'm one!) might be well served to check out Diane Skoss's site www.koryu.com and read more about how involved studying such an art can be.

Martial artists with a desire to learn the history of Japanese bugei have appreciated Skoss and her insightful and informative writing for some time now. KORYU BUJUTSU deserves a spot next to Draeger's budo/bujutsu trilogy.

I first became interested in studying Bujutsu and its lasting impact on modern martial arts as an exponent of Judo and the short staff (jo). As my interests grew more towards the cultural backgrounds of these arts, I was pointed to the Draeger books and Secrets of the Samurai. Having no prior base of information, these complex and deeply analytical books left me even more confused. What I found in "Koryu Bujutsu" was a way to simplify some of the jargon that was found in the deeper research. It also gave me a bit of insight as to why certain instructors teach the way they do, and that a sensei that constantly points out your mistakes is better than one that just lets you work. To paraphrase a line in the book: Kobudo is not a proper term for these arts, because the term kobudo implies that they are dead arts. Koryu bujutsu tells us that these ancient arts continue to effect the techniques learned in the dojo to this day.

THIS BOOK IS A MUST HAVE,IF YOU LOVE THE JAPANESE SWORD AND THE SAMURAI.TONS OF BEAUTIFUL PICTURES ALL IN COLOR.TSUBA AND FITTINGS.

Being relativelly new to the subject of Japanese swords and fittings I was quite impresse by two things:
- Quality of the pictures
- Description of the items
I think this is worht having for anyone that trully appreciates the japanese swordmanship and art itself.

Very amazing photos, and quality information on each photo and sword. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

This review is a joint effort with Laerte E. Ottaiano
The book is very good . It has a few annoying errors. I give example of two of them: On page 171 there is a tsuba described as "Design of Egret and Crab" . However the Crab is not there . It is on the back of the Tsuba and is relatively ugly in our opinion . On page 193 there is a tsuba described as "Design of deer and the moon". Again the moon can not be seem. It is on the back of the tsuba and is very,very, beautifull. You can check what we told in the book by Ogawa Morihiro on the Boston Collection. The great thing of this book is that it presents a new way to way to apreciate Tsubas.Kinko( as oposed to steel , sukashi tsubas) were underrated in the USA and Canada. Only steel tsubas were considered old and of true use by Samurai.As this book teaches us this is not so. Kinko Tsubas were used by Samurai and Sukashi Steel ( or Iron ) Tsubas are not usualy so old . This came as a great relief for us . We always thought that Kinko tsubas were works of art. It is a grest relieve to find this in this book

On top on anything else, this book has the best pictures of japanese sword fittings that I've had the chance to see so far. There are many good close-ups that show well the work done by the craftmen.
Earle goes through explaining the evolution of sword fittings by presenting the influence of History upon the samurai, and their needs.
He also exposes techniques, although not in depth - it is not the purpose of this book - and materials used in the making of the tsuba and other fittings.
I believe he succeeds in bringing the reader to understand the how and the why behind those very impressive works of art.
The works chosen - among the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston; probably the greatest collection of japanese swords and sword fittings outside Japan - are just plain divine. The pictures were all taken using digital technology, and -as a photographer - I must say it is above anything I'd have expected from any technology and any subject. A must have for any japanese art/craft/design/sword lover.

it is amazing that with all the hardship that these guys went thru, human nature can still make the best of an awful situation.

One of my first introductions to Australian and Far East reading of WW11, thoroughly enjoyable, could not put it down until it was finished. Would recommend this book to all generations. Has given me the taste to find out more about the Far East and familiarise myself with further Australian literature. Thought only John Pilger could write riveting literature, I was wrong!

The author went through some really horrific situations but at the same time can describe the strength of the human spirit. The author also has a great sense of humor. I think books like this are rare these days in our politically correct world. Well worth the read.

The Naked Island

The autobiography of a young australian soldier who spent long years in captivity as prisoner of war of the Japanese.
The first part is the description of the military life in Malaya before the attack of the Japanese with many ironical notes on that tedious life from the point of view of a soldier.
The second part is the description of the useless fight of the Australian and British troops against the overwhelming enemy and then the attempt to escape the capture.
Then the third, and most interesting part, is the description of the life during three long years of captivity in the different prisons where the writer was imprisoned and in the jungle camps where all prisoners were forced to work without food, facing malaria, beri beri and death for starvation.
A book I would really recommend.
Are you looking for another absolutely interesting book about a similar experience?
Read the famous "Behind bamboo" by Rohan Rivett

This is an unforgettable book: informative, educational, poignant and often delightfully humorous. It is a tribute to the British and Australian Forces used as slave labour in the construction of the Burma/Siamese Railway and their ability to live with dignity, compassion and decency under the most deplorable conditions imaginable. This book leaves an indelible impression on the reader and should be required reading for each successive generation.

My daughters 6 and 2 request this book so often and still I never tire of reading it. I began the search for high quality childrens books when I could barely get through one sitting of 'Strawberry Shortcake Strikes Again!' or the equivalent. This book is a joy for reader and readee;)

It's lovely to see this book is back in print. I received a copy as a birthday gift when I was 5 years old (it was a new publication then!) and continue to treasure that same volume today. I also received a real pair of clogs from Japan about the same time, so the story took on even more meaning for me. I have an opportunity to teach a workshop in Japan in May about how our experiences are reflected in our artworks -- and this beautifully illustrated story which taught me so much about integrity, as well as Japanese culture, will be an important reference in my presentation. Simple lessons, so important to a child's character,kindly taught, DO last a lifetime! This is an important book for your child's library.

This story is simply fantastic. I have read it to my children several times and they've enjoyed it the sixth as much as the first. I have taken the opportunity using this story to talk about cultures and traditions in a fun and exciting way.

My two boys, ages 2 and 5 love this book. Universal themes paired with beautiful Japanese art and poetry make it a winner.

My mother recently mailed to me a 40 year-old copy of "A Pair of Red Clogs" that I had when I was small. I wept in recognition of the poignant, exquisite illustrations of this young girl's life in Japan which so delighted me as a very young child. I read it now to my two year-old son, who asks questions about "the weather-telling game" that cracked Mako's clogs. The story is character forming, but it's the illustrations that last a lifetime in memory.

I think this is a great book for crocheters like myself who primarily work in string, and love doilies or table runners. I am not interested in clothing, so bring on patterns and as many as you can. This book is loaded with different styles shapes and textures. I learned by learning the language of written out patterns, but the visual experience in these diagrammed patterns is a walk in the park for those who have prior experience. I've got about 10 years of thread crocheting under my belt and this book is one that I enjoy. The pineapple pattern is one of the easiest to make and this book has a very large collection of them. Some require a bit more understanding, but I believe there are patterns for all levels of talent. And by the time one uses this book, I believe each will become an intermediate to expert if they are not there already. Enjoy!

I love this book it caters for the beginner straight up to advance crochet patterns. I have no problems recommending this book for someone who loves pineapple patterns. Just great.

Very, very pleased with this book, pineapples are one of my favorite items
to crochet.

The doilies are really beautiful. All of them. Range in size from approx. 8" to 29". The photos are beautiful but the instructions can be difficult. They have some written instructions which, quite frankly, I don't understand at all. Either they are a style I don't understand or they are a poor translation. But they are also in that diagram style so you have to learn to read the symbols. Which is easier than I thought, so I don't mind. I've run in to a couple places I still couldn't figure out but I'm not an expert. I think the book is worth the money I paid. I look at it over and over and have started 5 doilies already because they are so so pretty! I should also say that most of the patterns are for round doilies but there is a triangle, a rectangle, a couple ovals and a pillow cover. I rated the book a 4 because it is so beautiful but the instructions can be sketchy. I really do recommend this book.

I used to get Magic Crochet pattern books years ago, that only had doilies. Later on they added other crochet patterns, scarves, sweaters, etc. which steered me away from them. I have not been able to find a doily pattern book with a visual pattern until Pineapple Lace: with complete diagrams. I would recommend to anyone who crochets, beginner or expert. It is so much easier to look at the pattern instead of having to read it.

After being an exchange student in Japan, I found myself longing for the foods my host mom made, and decided to try cooking them myself! (Despite my absolute inability to cook previous to this.) This book provides recipies that taste exactly like the foods that could be found both at my host mom's table and at Japanese restaurants. They're easy to follow, include lots of photos to illustrate each step, and allow for improvisation for ingredients that are sometimes hard to find. I recommend Quick and Easy Japanese Cuisine highly for those looking to start (or continue) a cullinary adventure!

I've looked through the whole book, read up, and even made one of the recipes so far. I'm the only child in the family, and I don't get to cook often, but my parents love when I cook Asian food, so this book made them happy when they saw it. Everyone loved what I made so far.

I bought this book from a Japanese bookstore in "Japan Town" in San Francisco on vacation. I am online now buying more for my friends. I compared this book with every other english language Japanese cookbooks in the store (and there were MANY). I found this one to be superior to the rest as it contained everything I would need to prepare meals. I should mention I have lived in Japan for 5 years and have a good feel for what is authentic. This book has allowed me to create some very nice meals at home approaching resturant quality of those found in Japan. I expecially like the pictures that show all the steps of the preparation including pictures of the ingredients. Also included is a section that shows how food is served (presentation on table).

Honestly, I don't see how you can go wrong buying this book. Its inexpensive and contains EVERY aspect you need to be sucessful: tools and utensils, knife skills, ingredients, recipies, and presentation.

Now I just wish I could find similar books for Greek, Italian, Thai, and so on...

-Steve Maercklein
Austin, Texas

I have been living in Japan for 3 years and we are about to move back to the U.S. One of my Japanese friends pulled out her copy of this book to give me some recipes. She actually bought it when she lived in the U.S. so she would have English language versions of recipes to give her American friends. She found this book to be very close to her mother's and grandmothers' way of cooking. The recipes are easy to follow and the illustrations of preparation techniques are very helpful even for someone without any prior knowledge of Japanese food preparation.

This book was given to me over a decade ago by a Japanese exchange student Kay, who stayed with my family. She was a wonderful guest and she even cooked some of the things in the book for us. This was the book which sparked my interest in Japanese cooking. I still use it to this day. It's a great basic book for someone just getting started and a good reference book for anyone who is familiar with Japanese food. It has some good timeless photos, especially for being an older book. It also has several black and white pages with photos and drawings of cookware, utensils, table setting, the various meal courses and a guide to tea. Overall, it's worth owning, fair for a coffee table book and wonderful in the kitchen!

John Gauntner's "Sake Handbook" is the perfect guide to those who want to explore the art and science of sake. I feel more confident when I am choosing sake for a gift or for my own entertaining. A 'must' for those that want to expand their knowledge of sake.

John really knows his stuff. I live in Tokyo and I run a Liquor shop here. I have studied for years about sake and I go once a year to make sake at a friends family brewery. I got so much insight and new information from John's wonderful book that I only wish he'd written it five years ago! If you already have several books on sake, this is a must to add to your collection, if this is the first book on sake that your going to buy, consider your self lucky that such an informitive and well written book is around to buy. Thanks to John Gauntner for sharing this informaion with all of us.

Ah, sake. This rice wine has been around for thousands of years, and is part of many traditions in Japan. As Japanese food styles have become popular across the globe, so has this fine drink, which can be served both warm and cold. To learn more about the history of sake, and to learn how to choose a good brand, this book is invaluable.

To start with, The Sake Handbook goes over each step involved in making sake. Reading through the intricate processes involved helps you understand why there are so many varieties of sake, and why each one has a different flavor. One key step, for example, is the polishing step. The inner part of the rice generally is of higher quality than the outer portion, so the more 'extra' that is polished away, the finer the sake.

Next, Gauntner goes over the various types of sake, and how each is unique. Some of these terms are:

* Junmai-shu is pure rice sake. Only rice, water, and the koji mold are used to produce this top level sake. It ends up tasting heavier and fuller than other types of sake. It uses less than 70% polished rice - this means they have `ground away' the other 30% of impurities.

* Honjozo-shu has a small amount of distilled ethyl alcohol added during the final stages. They then add water later so the alcohol content stays the same. This sake is lighter and dryer than other types. It can be served warm.

* Ginjo-shu uses 60% polished rice. It is also fermented for longer periods of time, giving a complex and delicate flavor.

* Daiginjo-shu is just like Ginjo-shu, but polished to 50% of the original size. It takes even longer to brew and complete. Futsuu-shu - any sake which does not fall into one of the above four categories.

Gauntner describes how sake is tasted, and how an individual can learn to distinguish between various sakes, and figure out the 'type' best suited for his or her palate. To help with this, the entire second half of the book is dedicated to a brand-by-brand evaluation of the best sakes on the market. This is invaluable! No matter if you're in Tokyo or Chicago, you can bring this book in with you to a store or restaurant and compare with ease the various sakes available.

There even is a section towards the back listing the best sake restaurants in Japan. If you're going on a trip to Japan, bring this book along, and know what to order and any special rules about each location.

Having lived in Japan for 7 years and spent many a Saturday night at local pubs, John's book is the best guide you will find bar none on how to find, decide and thoroughly enjoy Japanese sake'.

This book is excellent. It's main sections on How Sake is Made, Drinking and Where to Buy are very detailed. Most of the terminology will be new to those unfamiliar with sake, the author takes the time to explain them in detail. There is the history, the people and some of the ritual of sake as well.

With each of the sake detailed, the author provides tasting notes and information about other sakes from the same brewer.

As a side note of the detail of the book, one of my Japanese friend's found her favourite sake in the book. I went to my local bottle shop with the book, pointed to the picture of the label and found we found it, leading to a night of entertaining drinking.

I was born in San Francisco and know the beauty of this city. I recently visited my cousin who lives in Italy. She was teasing me that she wanted to come home with me to San Francisco so I did the next best thing and purchased this book for her. I understand from her emails that she treasures it and hopes to come here one day

San Francisco is one of the most stunning cities in the world and if you look inside this book it's not hard to see why. Morton Beebe brings it to life in this beautifully presented colourful book. Not only are there beautiful photos and pictures, but essays and interesting reading material and information about this gorgeous Northern Californian city.
If you have been fortunate enough to travel to San Fran and enjoyed it, then you'll love this book, - and if you haven't yet been, then this might be just the inspiration you are looking for to convince you to travel there. This book is well worth it's price and makes either a great gift or a nice treat for yourself. I really loved reading through this book.

Absolutely gorgeous pictures, great for San Francisco lovers. New edition has several new pictures and essays. It serves as a great gift if you are visiting someone and want to show off the city you live in

Bring together an elegant top-quality publishing company, a gifted photographer, superb essayists and you have all the makings for a good book. Let the subject be San Francisco, though, and you have a great book.

This is the 3rd edition of this best seller with 218 full color images by Morton Beebe as well as essays by Herb Caen, Tom Cole, Barnaby Conrad, Herbert Gold, John Hart, Allen Pastron, Miguel Pendás, and Kevin Starr. Together, they provide an intimate portrayal of the City by the Bay. This stunning collection of photographs captures the contrasts, the energy, and the vitality of San Francisco. As do the essays.

Tom Cole takes us back to the beginning and provides an historical review of the raucous town that suddenly grew up overnight in its feverish bid for gold. Barnaby Conrad leads us into the night with anecdotes witty, clever, and sensuous from an eclectic mix including, to name just a few, Graham Green, Frank Sinatra, and Eva Gabor.

"Bahnaby tells me you haf a vooden leg, vitch vun iz it?"
"Eva, I never thought I'd have to tell a Gabor what a man's leg feels like."
"Vell, dahling, ve vass never in zee lumber business!"

In a final essay, Allen Pastron walks us through much of the city beneath our feet. Here, we discover the world's finest anchorage being dug up and, therein, its archaeological heritage. Penned a "worm's-eye-view," the essay provides some wonderful insights into what was once the bawdy Barbary Coast - particularly, the story of the discovery of the buried ship General Harrison.

Rudyard Kipling opined San Francisco was "a mad city inhabited by perfectly insane people." So it lives on! Multi-faceted lifestyles unfold with each page, the images capturing the curious joie de vivre that reigns over The City. Other pictures highlight the unmistakable landmarks: the skyline with its Pyramid Building, the Golden Gate, and my favorite, the Palace of Fine Arts in the gentle light of dusk below a full moon glowing. The photos speak volumes in this book. Each offers a glimpse as to why the city Herbert Gold called "America's last great metropolitan village" has won the most coveted travel destination award in the world - now ten years in a row - the Condé Nast Traveler's annual Readers' Choice Awards.

San Francisco, City by the Bay, was first published in 1985. This edition features ninety new images and three new essays. The publisher, Abrams, boasts that Beebe's book is their longest running best seller. Not surprisingly. It is said that San Francisco is a city full of people that want to be here. Morton Beebe, a 3rd generation San Franciscan, reminds us of why this is so.

Beebe's images have truly captured the many diverse flavors and charms that make San Francisco the unique city that it is. Combined with the entertaining and informative essays, the beatifully printed images in this book bring a reader as close as one can come to walking through the streets of San Francisco itself. I throughly enjoyed this book.

This is an old classic as far as I am concerned. As you read through the book, it gives you an insight into the elegant and committed life style of the Japanese culture. I've read this book at least 4 times and decided to get a copy for keepsake as I lost a previous copy in one of my travels.

James Clavell has written many books. This book is my favorite. I picked this book up and couldn't put it down. Clavell has a way with words that make it seem as if you are there in Japan with the characters. Be warned though. This book is intense. Once you start it, you will want to finish it. They made a movie out of this book, but it just wasn't the same.
If you have the time, pick up this book and journey to the land and culture of Japan. Learn what it takes to become a Shogun! What a masterpiece.

one of the richest and entrancing books I've ever read. A historical work of fiction that reflects the cultural clash between East and feudal Japan. When Master pilot Blackthorne and his crew are shipwrecked off the coast of Japan the odyssey begins. Adventure abounds, deeply layered characters and a story that makes this a very difficult book to put down. On my Top Ten List of All Time Favorite Books.

This is the novel that introduced the Samurai's bushido, daimyos rivalries and the bakufu Shogunate to the average westerner. Through the eyes of a shipwrecked navigator, Blackthorn, a previously hermetically closed world is revealed.

From battle ethics and sepuku to hygiene and tea ceremonies, the interwoven narrative lines flow harmonically, like carps in a Zen rock garden pool. Beautiful, economical and seamless, Clavell's insights on human nature have produced another Masterpiece.

Like most of James Clavell's novels, SHOGUN is a thinly veiled historical story. There was a "Blackthorn" (English pilot William Adams), as well as a "Torenaga" (Shogun Tokugawa whose dynasty ruled Japan for over 200 years). However, like most James Clavell's novels, the story comes alive in some many ways it is pure enjoyment!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

PS:
There is a 1980 TV mini series based on this book - of comparable merit. Casting Toshiro Mifune and Richard Chamberlain was just the tip of the iceberg. Truly beautiful production. Nevertheless, my advice is to first read the book and only THEN watch the TV version.

When I was a kid, we owned this really abstract game for our Commodore 64 called "Shogun". None of us had any idea how to play it, but we liked the music and thought the characters were funny looking. Fast-forward about 21 years and I am at a book fair and I come across this gem. I got it for like, a buck I think. This is a HUGE book. Something like 1,500 pages. I was always curious what it was that inspired such a crummy game. Well, this book is GREAT. Extremely well-written, it plays out like a movie. Some of it is confusing - as I have trouble remember who is who aside from a few key characters. But, it's a great read. I only recently learned this was a made-for-TV thing back in the day, and thanks to netflix, I'm going to watch that next. Good book. You'll like it.

As previously noted, Site 18 details the experiences of a young radio operator in post-WWII Japan- during the height of the Cold War.

Mr. Waldron authentically recreates both time and place, introducing and bringing to life a likeable assortment of characters. Memorably etched in anecdotes featuring- among other things- fake birth announcements, "Mohawks," and Horseback Inspections!

You don't have to be ex-military to appreciate this interesting and enjoyable book!

This book is highly recommended reading for both former military and for those who may wonder what military life was like 10,000 miles from home a long time ago.

Dick Waldron's "Site 18" masterfully relates military life at a very remote radar ouitpost located on the most northern tip of Japan during the Korean War. The book evokes many memories - most of them good, and some not so good - of my 14 month tour there in 1952-53.

When my grown children read "Site 18" they finally understood why, after 53 years, I still have such close ties with my Wakkanai comrades. After 28 years in the Air Force and 8 overseas tours, Site 18 remains my most memorable overseas station. My thanks to the author for capturing that spirit in this book.

Tony Ocampo
Fairfield, CA

I spent the winter of 52/53 in Nemuro,Japan at site 26. Richard Waldrons' book is one of the only written accounts of our contribution to the Korean War effort that I've read. Thanks Dick for remembering us and putting it down in book form....
Well Done.......Paul (US ARMY)

Having been on Hokkaido radar sites, I can vouch for the authenticity of this account. The author managed to describe his experiences in a very entertaining way -- and I couldn't put the book down before going cover-to-cover.

Wish more veterans would take the time to preserve this sort of material. For a brief moment, I considering doing a book myself. Then sanity intervened, and I realize that Mr Waldron is an excellent writer -- and I am NOT. So I hope he writes another book, and MY function (and pleasure) will be to read it...

The book "Site 18" written by Richard E. Waldron is, in my opinion, nothing short of a masterpiece. In the short stories he tells you can almost see the characters as well as smell the seaweed, the fish, the crabs and the honeybuckets.

The book tells how life on a remote radar site during the Korean War and the Cold War was, and how miserable the remoteness and the winters at the radar sites on Hokkaido were.

What I remember most is how the young men in that place and at that time made the most of it. They did not question why they were there; they just did their job - just like the young men did in all the wars before Korea and all the wars after Korea. There were some tragic times and there were some good times; there were some sad times and some happy times.

I for one enjoyed the book. I was there.

Al Setting
Novato, California