History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

If You Survive: From Normandy to the Battle of the Bulge to the End of World War II, One American Officer's Riveting True Story

Average customer rating:

Belonging to the short list of must own WWII books
If You Survive
One excellent Book
Interesting way to learn about WWII and being a soldier
OOPS...

If You Survive: From Normandy to the Battle of the Bulge to the End of World War II, One American Officer's Riveting True Story
George Wilson
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0804100039
Release Date: 1987-05-12

Book Description

"If you survive your first day, I'll promote you."

So promised George Wilson's World War II commanding officer in the hedgerows of Normandy -- and it was to be a promise dramatically fulfilled. From July, 1944, to the closing days of the war, from the first penetration of the Siegfried Line to the Nazis' last desperate charge in the Battle of the Bulge, Wilson fought in the thickest of the action, helping take the small towns of northern France and Belgium building by building.

Of all the men and officers who started out in Company F of the 4th Infantry Division with him, Wilson was the only one who finished. In the end, he felt not like a conqueror or a victor, but an exhausted survivor, left with nothing but his life -- and his emotions.

If You Survive

One of the great first-person accounts of the making of a combat veteran, in the last, most violent months of World War II.

Customer Reviews:

Belonging to the short list of must own WWII books.......2007-06-23

Just as Eugene Sledges, "With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa", is the standard bearer for books written about the Marine island hopping campaign, "If You Survive" by George Wilson will be considered to be among the very best autobiographical accounts of being an Army infantry officer during the post D-Day European campaign in WWII. Wilson's account is poignant, rings true, and offers a rare perspective of a young lieutenant leading men into combat in the race to Germany in 1944. It should be standard reading for all NCOs and young officers regardless of their military occupational specialty. You'll find it hard to put down as Wilson's narration leads the reader from one harrowing combat battle to the next. All this was happening while the platoons and the companies commanded by the author were steadily reduced through the attrition of casualties and combat fatigue. A fascinating story.

If You Survive.......2007-04-10

Excellent read, this guy story could be mine, you will enjoy it, fast read

One excellent Book.......2007-04-01

I have read many, many books in my life. I have read dozens of books on WWII. This book is at the top of my list for reading. I've read it three times in the short time I've owned it. It is compelling in it's frankness. Rarely does an author bring you into the war with his narrative, as George Wilson does. The story allows one to forget his troubles, and be swept into the past. The men who fought in WWII have been called our Greatest Generation. George Wilson's book, 'If You Survive: From Normandy to the Battle of the Bulge to the End of World War II, One American Officer's Riveting True Story' helps you understand why.
An excellent book, and excellent read. Buy it and enjoy!

Interesting way to learn about WWII and being a soldier .......2007-03-09

My Dad (who was a tail gunner in a plane during the Battle of the Bulge) recommended this book to my son in middle school. My son, and in turn, many kids in his social studies class and his teacher also gave the book rave reviews. It is an easy read from a soldier's perspective that takes you through the big European ground battles of WWII. A much more interesting way to learn history and make it "come alive". My son and many of his friends have gone to other WWII books because of their interest in WWII and I think this book contributed greatly to that interest. George- thanks !

OOPS..........2007-01-17

I really enjoyed this book. One odd thing though, the last 40 or so pages were missing. You could see where the book cover area of the binder was too big for the shortened book and the wording ran onto the back cover. I really wanted to finish it, the library was closed for holiday, and it was cheap enough, so I just bought another one (complete) at Barnes & Noble.

Average customer rating:

A gorgeous book, from presentation to content.
too esoteric to feed my apocalypse-hungry soul
These Zombies Are Not A Metaphor

The Apocalypse Reader

Manufacturer: Thunder's Mouth Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1560259590

Book Description

These are the ways the world ends.
Thirty-four new and selected Doomsday scenarios: an enthralling collection of work by canonical literary figures, contemporary masters, and a few rising stars, all of whom have looked into the future and found it missing. Across boundaries of place and time, these writers celebrate the variety and vitality of the short story as a form by writing their own conclusions to the story of the world. Obliteration has never hurt so good.
Contributors include Grace Aguilar, Steve Aylett, Robert Bradley, Dennis Cooper, Lucy Corin, Elliott David, Matthew Derby, Carol Emshwiller, Brian Evenson, Neil Gaiman, Jeff Goldberg, Theodora Goss, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Jared Hohl, Shelley Jackson, Ursula K. Le Guin, Stacey Levine, Tao Lin, Kelly Link, H.P. Lovecraft, Gary Lutz, Rick Moody, Michael Moorcock, Adam Nemett, Josip Novakovich, Joyce Carol Oates, Colette Phair, Edgar Allan Poe, Terese Svoboda, Justin Taylor, Lynne Tillman, Deb Olin, Unferth, H.G. Wells, Allison Whittenberg, and Diane Williams.

Customer Reviews:

A gorgeous book, from presentation to content........2007-09-19

"THESE ARE THE WAYS THE WORLD ENDS--THIRTY-FOUR NEW AND SELECTED DOOMSDAY SCENARIOS"

This is a gorgeous book, from presentation to content. The selections are humorous, serious, simple, complex, and much more--thirty-four stories, some short, some long, make for a wide spectrum of apocalypses. Taylor, in the foreword, expounds on his conception of an apocalypse:

"It's worth pointing out that the word Apocalypse comes from the Greek, and literally means "a revelation" or "an unveiling." It can be used to describe cataclysmic changes of any sort. Revolution, for example, or social upheaval. [...] There are micro-Apocalypses that mark moments in our lives: childhood's end, a relationship's sudden implosion, Death."

The selections do span the gamut--some were written so long ago as to be in the public domain, and some were freshly minted in the late 2000's; some focus on religious upheavals, some macro, some micro; there are personal upheavals, student rantings, surreal recountings of madmen; and of course many take the reader through more conventional "end of the world" scenarios. And even with all that diversity, perhaps guided by the introduction, the theme of the anthology runs strong.

If there were a criticism I could make of this volume, that, ironically, would be it. I consider myself a bit of an Apocalypse afficionado--I particularly enjoy reading such stories, along with dystopias--and I would have thought that I could never grow tired of reading well-wrought incarnations of such--and these stories were all well-wrought and well-edited, there is no doubt about that--but this volume overwhelmed me. I was tired, even weary, by the time I had wended my way through the collection (and that in the course of several "sittings")..

The lead story, a piece of flash fiction by H. P. Lovecraft, starts the anthology out elegantly, and slowly. It warns you, implicitly, that you're in for some heavy reading, even if you're a fan of Mr. Lovecraft's writing (and not just his mythos, which more people are familiar with, and is much easier to get into third hand). On that end of the scale, there's also a piece from Edgar Allan Poe that is ponderous but worth an examination, entitled "The Conversation of Eiros and Charmion".

Some of my favorites included:

"The Apocalypse Commentery of Bob Paisner" by Rick Moody -- This is an essay detailing the allegorical depths of the Book of Revelation with regard to Bob Paisner's life. The tone is both erudite and a bit delirious, and the piece as a whole is both informative and immersive--I found myself eagerly wondering where Moody was going to take us next, what dark or clinical humor would next be presented.

"Fraise, Menthe, et Poivre 1978" by Jared Hohl -- Another piece of meta-fiction, this follows a group of people through the more traditional trope of being the last survivors in a ruined post-apocalyptic city. What makes this piece stand out is the manic bent of the narrator and the push for the show to go on--the story weaves the primary narrative with a small handful of abbreviated stageplays that emphasize much about human nature, hope, and despair, while retaining a very human humor.

"An Accounting" by Brian Evenson -- An "honest" accounting of how one explorer fell into becoming a reborn Jesus and how he helps his flock survive. I don't want to say too much about this, but the voice is clear, the narrative is well woven and unrolls at a compelling pace, and other than, perhaps, the initial fanaticism he encounters, it is all quite believable.

"Some Approaches to the Problem of the Shortage of Time" by Ursula K. Le Guin -- This is a clever set of abstracts that are ever timely and consider a novel scenario for the end of the modern-day universe. The shortage of time is pervasive, and this story is brief to give you a maximum pleasure for what it takes.

"Think Warm Thoughts" by Allison Whittenberg -- A bite-sized slice of apocalypse that is poetically poignant; every word counts.

"When We Went to See the End of the World by Dawnie Morningside, age 11 1/4" by Neil Gaiman -- This is the end of the world, everyone and everything together, through the playful, somewhat naiive eyes of an eleven year old. It's told in the vein of "What I did over Summer vacation", and is very evocative, sweet, and strange.

"The Escape--a Tale of 1755" by Grace Aguilar -- This is an elegant tale of a woman's love for her husband, religious persecution, and a prison escape. It is written with a very modern feel despite its age (originally published in 1844).

That's not to say I disliked the other stories; and on another day I would have different favorites, though there were some pieces that didn't work for me. But I hope this selection will help give you a feel for the collection as a whole, beyond my simple regard for it. In all, it's a beautiful collection, and I recommend it strongly, with the caveat that you may want to take it in small doses.

too esoteric to feed my apocalypse-hungry soul.......2007-09-12

I was initially excited to discover the collection and didn't see how such a broad-based compilation could go wrong. I'm an avid reader of post-apocalyptic fiction, science fiction and futurism, so I'm no slouch, but this turned out to be quite different from what I was hoping for.

While a few of the pieces are good reads, so many of them are abstract, esoteric, or even reminiscent of the scribblings from slightly disturbed angst-ridden teenage diaries. There's no good "meat" here, no concrete scenarios, suspense or drama to drive fear into your heart and make your mind race. The circumstances under which "apocalypse" occurs are rarely even revealed. Even the subject matter is open to interpretation - "apocalypse" is made to mean many things, not simply the end of the world. Which it does, of course, but that's not what I was hungry for when I picked up this book. The book description should have done a better job of managing those expectations.

Perhaps if you are looking for a broad literary "treatment" of the subject, that kind of interpretation will appeal to you (or if you enjoy the just plain bizarre) then this collection is for you. It was not for me.

These Zombies Are Not A Metaphor.......2007-05-16

This is a fun collection of stories from some well known and serious talent (Gaiman, Lovecraft, Poe) and some newly minted authors. I found myself particularly amused by "These Zombies Are Not A Metaphor," the work of one of the new authors named Jeff Goldberg. I'll be keeping an eye peeled for future work from him.

The End of the Old Order: Napoleon And Europe, 1801-1805 (Napoleon and Europe)

Average customer rating:

Simply Amazing
the end of the old order: Napoleon and Europe
Diplomacy and War like Chess
The Myth of the Corsican Ogre...
An interesting thesis

The End of the Old Order: Napoleon And Europe, 1801-1805 (Napoleon and Europe)
Frederick W. Kagan
Manufacturer: Perseus Books Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0306811375

Book Description

From a leading scholar of history and military policy, a monumental account and brilliant new analysis of the Napoleonic era in Europe and the revealing interaction of continental politics and war shaping our modern world

Perhaps no person in history has dominated his or her own era as much as Napoleon. Despite his small physical stature, the shadow of Napoleon is cast like a colossus, compelling all who would look at that epoch to chart their course by reference to him. For this reason, most historical accounts of the Napoleonic era-and there are many-tell the same Napoleon-dominated story over and over again, or focus narrowly on special aspects of it.

Frederick Kagan, distinguished historian and military policy expert, has tapped hitherto unused archival materials from Austria, Prussia, France, and Russia, to present the history of these years from the balanced perspective of all of the major players of Europe. In The End of the Old Order readers encounter the rulers, ministers, citizens, and subjects of Europe in all of their political and military activity-from the desk of the prime minister to the pen of the ambassador, from the map of the general to the rifle of the soldier. With clear and lively prose, Kagan guides the reader deftly through the intriguing and complex web of international politics and war.

The End of the Old Order is the first volume in a new and comprehensive four-volume study of Napoleon and Europe. Each volume in the series will surprise readers with a dramatically different tapestry of early nineteenth-century personalities and events and will revise fundamentally our ages-old understanding of the wars that created modern Europe.

Customer Reviews:

Simply Amazing.......2006-12-14

This book is an excellent start to a four part series (other three are unpublished at this time) that delivers pure diplomatic history. This is expert analysis of how the diplomatic machine of Europe brought about an end to stability and peace with the collapse of the old order. Napoleon's designs on Europe are clearly seen and this book takes you through Austerlitz and the start of the Napoleonic Empire. Although Napoleon declares himself Empire it is not truly established until Austerlitz leaving him in control of much of Europe. This book written in fantastic prose clearly outlines how Europe got to that stage. This is a must have for any Napoleonic library and I eagerly await the continuation of this series. Easily five stars and deserves more.

the end of the old order: Napoleon and Europe.......2006-11-10

I love this book very well written only took me 2 days to read it .

Diplomacy and War like Chess.......2006-10-14

In this volume(and the 3 that will follow) Kagan sets out to write a military/diplomatic history of the Napoleonic period.The first 200 pages give an overview of how the war of the First Coalition came about. Then there are some 100 pages devoted to the french and allied war plans and the rest of the book covers the war itself.This is a work of explanation and interpretation and the focus is on the diplomats and generals who made the important decisions.There is no spotlight on the idiosyncracies of individuals perse ,but only if it is important to explain some decision taken by that person. Likewise the descriptions of battles are explanatory. There is no blood and guts. All in all it is a bit like a game of chess and the best explanatory book i have read about Napoleonic Europe. The author, in contrast to most other books about this time, devotes an equal amount of space to the French and the Allies and is evenhanded in the condemnation or praise he bestows on the belligerents.It is simply not true as an other reviewer has it that this is the old Napoleon as Ogre story all over again.Knowing the author's very rightleaning political views i indeed started reading this book with some trepidation, but was pleasantly suprised that Kagan did'nt let those views cloud his judgement.Repeatedly Kagan stresses that it was'nt Napoleon who wanted this war but Tsar Alexander. Of course you can take exception with the author's interpretation of motives and events but that applies to every thesis. At least Kagan does't parrot every other author and his analysis is based on thorough archival investigation. This is not a book for the novice but if you want to know the ins and outs of Napoleonic Europe, have an analytical bend and value clear and uncluttered prose this is the book for you. Highly recommended. Hats of for Frederick Kagan and counting down to the next volume.

The Myth of the Corsican Ogre..........2006-10-06

This volume, while interesting in places, is neither brilliant nor monumental, except for its length.

What the author does do, however, is raise once again the old anti-Napoleonic propaganda from the period referring to Napoleon as a criminal, megalomaniac, tyrant, and generally repeating well-worn material of the old 'Corsican Ogre' school of thought. At the same time a completely inaccurate picture of Tsar Alexander is presented giving the patricidal monarch much more credit than he is due. This completely ignores accurate scholarship on Napoleon that has been completed since 1970.

Looking at the bibliography, it is evident what the inaccurate portrayal of Napoleon is based on. The only modern biography of Napoleon listed in the execrable volume by Alan Schom, which is fit only for a doorstop. None of the credible biogrpahies of Napoleon are referenced, such as the work of Englund, Cronin, or Ludwig. This is a shame, because presenting Napoleon inaccurately as a man and a head of state, colors the entire volume and makes it an unreliable resource.

The characterization of Napoleon in this volume is as inaccurate as the comparison presented on the organization of the Grande Armee and the allied armies. From 1800 onwards the corps d'armee was a permanent organization in the French service. That was not so with the allied armies, and equating the two systems in 1805 is incorrect. The allies lagged behind in tactics, organization, and staff organization and functioning in 1805 and didn't seriously start to reform until after the 1807 campaign.

The first danger signal in this volume is the overuse of the term 'myth.' What is evident in the volume is that a strawman has been created in order to make a point, which isn't in France's or Napoleon's favor. And the point(s) made is/are incorrect to a large degree. Much of the work in the volume on the diplomatic/political maneuverings from 1801-1805 is very good, but the military aspect is poor. Frankly, the author contradicts himself often regarding Napoleon's performance and motives.

What is entirely neglected that it wasn't merely France and Napoleon that were aggressive empires, but the same holds true for Great Britain, Russia, Austria, and Prussia. Looking at the results of the Congress of Vienna in 1814-1815 is a very good example. While Tsar Alexander is painted as a monarch who was working for the peace of Europe, what is neglected is that he waged wars against Turkey and in the Baltic during the period that were anything but peaceful and defensive. And while excuses are given for Alexander regarding the murder of his father, Napoleon is taken to task for the trial and execution of the Duc d'Enghien and what is neglected completely is the assassination attempt against Napoleon early in the Consulate when the bomb just missed destroying his carriage on the way to the opera in December 1800. That was at least financed by the British and was openly supported by the Bourbons. Finally the influence that British merchants might have had in the assassination of Tsar Paul, Alexander's father isn't mentioned.

In the book's introduction the author has stated that seven years were devoted to the research and writing of this volume. It was not time well-spent.

In short, this volume is a disappointment and in this reviewer's opinion does not add to the literature of the period. The analogies used regarding World War II and recent US operations in the Middle East to not enhance the volume and apparently the author doesn't understand either Napoleon's command system or the purpose and operation of the corps d'armee system implemented by Napoleon in 1800.

This volume is a great opportunity missed and this book is not recommended as a source. Frederick Schneid's Napoleon's Conquest of Europe: The War of the Third Coalition is a much better work, concise, accurate, and better written.

An interesting thesis.......2006-09-06

According to Frederick Kagan it was the mistakes made by European nations and not Napoleon's brilliance that lead to France dominating Europe in the first decade of the nineteenth century. First according to Kagan distrust among Britain, Prussia, Austria, and Russia made them form an alliance too late, and in Prussia's case to opt out until the very last moment. Kagan is especially critical of Tsar Alexander I for alienating potential allies by his overly idealistic version of postwar Europe in which both Prussia and Austria would have diminished power in exchange for greater influence of the smaller states in Central Europe. Kagan is also critical of the Austrian leadership for putting too many soldiers in Italy instead of Germany and at General Mack for not retreating from his overextended forces from Ulm. Also Archduke Charles failed to move sufficient forces from Italy to help Mack in Germany. Kagan is especially harsh on Tsar Alexander I for overextending his forces in Italy, around Prussia, and the Balkans, while failing to concentrate them in southern Germany in order to cooperate better with the Austrians. Finally Tsar Alexander I ordered Kutuzov to on the offensive prematurely before the disasterous Austro-Russian defeat at Austerlitz. Although I strongly disagree with Frederick Kagan's personal politics, he does write excellent military history.

To the Bitter End: The Final Battles of Army Groups North Ukraine, A, Centre, Eastern Front, 1944-45

Average customer rating:

Just the facts and little else
Title Says It All
Maybe it's poorly translated
Rare information on overlooked battles
expert on books from Whermacht prespective

To the Bitter End: The Final Battles of Army Groups North Ukraine, A, Centre, Eastern Front, 1944-45
Rolf Hinze
Manufacturer: Helion and Company Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1874622361

Book Description

This is a penetrating and detailed account of the climactic battles of the German forces in Slovakia, the Carpathians, parts of Poland, Silesia and Saxony, from autumn 1944 until the end of the war.

The author provides excellent detail on the movements and actions of numerous German units, and the text covers all major actions including the battle for the Vistula bridgeheads, the epic siege of Breslau, and the final desperate actions around Bautzen and Dresden. Appendices include comprehensive orders-of-battle.

A large number of detailed battle maps are also included. Key sales points: Continues Helion's translation of key German texts on the last phase of the war on the Eastern Front. Presents information previously unavailable in English.

A detailed text is accompanied by photos and maps along with extensive orders-of-battle.

Customer Reviews:

Just the facts and little else.......2006-11-10

No great moment by moment accounts here,only an overview of what units and divisions were where and what happened to them.Very brief combat accounts such as " they were heavily engaged before being pushed back to the river Bug" are most of what you will find along with an some short equipment notes such as " a hetzer group of 12 units was added until sent elswhere" Not what I was hoping for after reading books like "HELLS GATE" and "TIGERS IN THE MUD".The most interesting part is a sideline about the Slovack uprising at the time and it's key players.This book does suffer from some translation problems that do not improve it's flow.Treat this as reference material not the defining account of the end of Army Group Center.Maybe Douglas Nash can tell this story next...

Title Says It All.......2006-07-12

The title does indeed say it all. An excellent book you won't put down "To The bitter End". This really is a superb addition to the literature in English about these battles, and all credit to the translator!

Maybe it's poorly translated.......2006-07-03

On the first page the author claims that the withdrawal of the SS Pz Korps upon the termination of Citadel left a gaping hole in the German front that the Soviets promptly poured through, leading to the collapse east of the Dneiper. He goes on to say that, in one action or another, many Soviet tanks were knocked out by Stukas, some at close range. What is close range for a stuka?

Rare information on overlooked battles.......2006-06-27

Considering how little is published English on this phase of the war, the publishers really should be congratulated for doing a superb job! There is loads of detail covering these rare battles, and it really is nitpicking from another reviewer to give the book only two stars for not including personal accounts. Personal accounts on these battles are not easy to come by at all, and I understand the author died some years ago, so the publishers were unable to revise this English edition. As it stands, it provides a lot of information completely unavailable elsewhere, and is recommended to those who are interested in researching some of the less well-known aspects of the War on the Eastern Front in World War II.

expert on books from Whermacht prespective.......2006-06-20

I hate to be negative about a book from the German prespective, as they are rare, but I feel I must for others not to waste
their money. The book is a general and basic operational
overview of the end stages of combat in the Silesia area. If you
are only looking for dates, places, and names of units involved
this book is for you but, if you are like me, there are ZERO
personal accounts included, which are needed to "flesh" out a
book like this, to give you a better understanding of the various battles described.

Tail-End Charlies: The Last Battles of the Bomber War, 1944--45

Average customer rating:

Tail End Charlies
Very Good Account of RAF in WWII
Good Information Poorly Ordered and Edited
Splendid Book on World War II Strategic Bombing.
Excellent

Tail-End Charlies: The Last Battles of the Bomber War, 1944--45
John Nichol , and Tony Rennell
Manufacturer: Thomas Dunne Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Aviation | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0312349874
Release Date: 2006-05-16

Book Description

Night after night they stifled their fears and flew through flak and packs of enemy fighters to drop the bombs that would demolish the Third Reich. The airmen of the United States 8th Army Air ForceAmerican and British Bomber Command were among the greatest heroes of the Second World War, defying Hitler in the darkest early days of the war and taking the battle to the German homeland when no one else would.
Toward the end of the conflict, too, they continued to sacrifice their lives to shatter an enemy sworn never to surrender. Blasted out of the sky in an instant or bailing out from burning aircraft to drop helplessly into hostile hands, they would die in their tens of thousands to ensure the enemy’s defeat. Especially vulnerable were the “tail-end Charlies”---for the Americans, which meant two things: the gunners who flew countless missions in a plexiglass bubble at the back of the bomber, and the last bomber in the formation who ended up flying through the most hell, and for the British, the rear-gunners who flew operations in a Plexiglas bubble at the back of the bomber.
Following their groundbreaking revelations about the ordeals suffered by Allied prisoners of war in their bestselling book, The Last Escape, John Nichol and Tony Rennell tell the astonishing and deeply moving story of the controversial last battles in the skies of Germany through the eyes of the forgotten heroes who fought them.

“This is the best account that has been written of the heroic American and British bomber crews . . . the best of its kind.”
---George McGovern

“Rivaling the best of Stephen Ambrose’s work, Tail-End Charlies gives a breathtakingly intimate look at the lives, loves, and deaths of the brave airmen of the greatest generation. This fascinating book is as valuable for its stories of joyous life on the ground as it is for its sobering tales of death in the air. You see the whole picture of the war here from the eyes of the strong young men who fought it.”
---Walter J. Boyne, bestselling author of Beyond the Wild Blue

“Adds new dimensions to the saga of the air war in Europe. The eyewitness accounts, reported within the context of the battle against Nazi Germany, provide a sense of the ordeals, the terror, the gore, and the heroism of ordinary men thrust into the savagery of aerial combat.”
---Gerald Astor, author of The Mighty Eighth

Customer Reviews:

Tail End Charlies.......2007-02-18

Great read. My son is reading now. You get a new appreciation for what these young men did in WW II.
The author relates so many great previously untold stories. As this generation of people passes, this book will become more important to tell their story.

Very Good Account of RAF in WWII.......2007-01-09

I bought this book for my dad who was a tail-gunner in WWII, stationed in England. He really enjoyed this account but thought it focused more on the Royal Air Force, RAF, than the US Army Air Corp. He enjoyed learning about what went on prior to him being stationed in England and could easily relate to the stories.

Good Information Poorly Ordered and Edited.......2007-01-08

While I enjoyed most of the stories in this book, the order in which they were presented was confusing, and detracted being able to form a cohesive picture of the message the author was trying to convey.

Splendid Book on World War II Strategic Bombing........2006-08-20

The best book on the history of World War II that I've read in a long time.

The title has three meanings:

1. It can refer to the gunner at the back of a bomber. The Brits called these people 'Rear Gunners.' The Yanks used the term 'Tail Gunner.' It's the most dangerous position in the plane.

2. The last plane in the formation. This was more true in the American Combat Box than in British usage. This position is difficult to hold because it is at the end of a string and every move by the lead ship propagates irregularily through the formation. It is also more dangerous as enemy fighters can attack this ship more easily since there aren't so many guns pointing that direction.

3. It can refer to the bombing missions near the end of the war.

This splendid book covers all three of these meanings. In addition it does an excellent job of discussing the power and importance of air power in the defeat of Germany.

Excellent.......2006-07-27

This is an excellent book covering the bomber war over Europe in the final two years of World War II. It is authored by two more recent RAF veterans and the book is simply outstanding.

The first part of the book talks about the experience of being in the bombers as they raided Nazi occupied Europe. It relies heavily on first person accounts, which make the reading fascinating. Everything is woven together to give a sense of training, flying, and dying in the bombers of Bomber Command and the Eighth Air Force.

The first part is based more on selected topics - on the experience itself. The second part of the book turns to operations from D-Day to the end of the war, including an excellent treatment on the controversy surrounding the decision to bomb Dresden.

The book tries to discuss both the British and American experience of the bomber war and while it relates experiences that both nationalities would probably share, it does focus more on Bomber Command than it does on the Eighth. This is in itself though is interesting as I knew little of the British experience and have been impressed by their resolve in prosecuting the war for so many years.

This is a great book to read - hard to put it down. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about the final years of the strategic bombing of Germany and are interested in the experiences of the average Allied airman.

The End of Barbary Terror: America's 1815 War against the Pirates of North Africa

Average customer rating:

A real-life pirate story
Appeasement never works
A interesting look at a rather unkown naval war
Extremely well-written, informative, and insightful

The End of Barbary Terror: America's 1815 War against the Pirates of North Africa
Frederick C. Leiner
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Algeria | Africa | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0195189949

Book Description

When Barbary pirates captured an obscure Yankee sailing brig off the coast of North Africa in 1812, enslaving eleven American sailors, President James Madison first tried to settle the issue through diplomacy. But when these efforts failed, he sent the largest American naval force ever gathered to that time, led by the heroic Commodore Stephen Decatur, to end Barbary terror once and for all. Drawing upon numerous ship logs, journals, love letters, and government documents, Frederick C. Leiner paints a vivid picture of the world of naval officers and diplomats in the early nineteenth century, as he recreates a remarkable and little known episode from the early American republic. Leiner first describes Madison's initial efforts at diplomacy, sending Mordecai Noah to negotiate, reasoning that the Jewish Noah would fare better with the Islamic leader. But when the ruler refused to ransom the Americans--"not for two millions of dollars"--Madison declared war and sent a fleet to North Africa. Decatur's squadron dealt quick blows to the Barbary navy, dramatically fighting and capturing two ships. Decatur then sailed to Algiers. He refused to go ashore to negotiate--indeed, he refused to negotiate on any essential point. The ruler of Algiers signed the treaty--in Decatur's words, "dictated at the mouths of our cannon"--in twenty-four hours. The United States would never pay tribute to the Barbary world again, and the captive Americans were set free--although in a sad, ironic twist, they never arrived home, their ship being lost at sea in heavy weather. Here then is a real-life naval adventure that will thrill fans of Patrick O'Brian, a story of Islamic terrorism, white slavery, poison gas, diplomatic intrigue, and battles with pirates on the high seas.

Customer Reviews:

A real-life pirate story.......2007-03-23

While many might believe that the American entanglement with the Islamic world began with the first Iraq War, or at the earliest, the founding of Israel, we have actually been fighting with this area of the world much longer, even as far back as the first years of the United States. Of course, there are many differences between this early conflict and our current ones, so historical comparisons should not be too easily made between our current war and the one against the Barbary Terror, as chronicled by Frederic Leiner.

One significant difference is location: instead of the Middle East, the Barbary pirates operated in North Africa, particularly in the Barbary states of Morocco, Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli (the last with the famous shores of Tripoli). These pirates (or corsairs) actually worked for the local states, making them more akin to privateers. The goal was simple: steal the goods on merchant ships and enslave the crewmen, with the intention of ransoming them. There was an alternative, however: paying an annual tribute to each state, or what may now be thought of as protection money.

The Barbary states did rather well with this system, terrorizing the ships of the Mediterranean. Few seemed willing to do anything about the corsairs. This changed at the conclusion of the War of 1812, when James Madison authorized a war against the largest (and most duplicitous) state, Algiers. Led by naval war hero Stephen Decatur, a fleet would soon force Algiers into capitulation; what was worse for the Barbary states was their façade of strength was broken, and soon the world power England would turn its wrath towards these countries (which were technically part of the Ottoman Empire).

Another big difference with our current conflicts is the softening effect of time. With two centuries having gone by, the Barbary states seem more exotic than evil. Although generally a nasty lot, nowadays corsairs tend to be romanticized like all pirates (as the success of Pirates of the Caribbean attests). There has even been a casino called the Barbary Coast; I think it will be quite a few years till we are able to look nostalgically back at Sadaam Hussein and start naming hotels after his regime.

Leiner does a nice job of writing, as his title states, of the End of the Barbary Terror. This is, in a way, an adventure story that we already know the end of. It is also, despite the fact that it is almost forgotten nowadays, an important chapter in American history, and represents our first real military rout of an opponent. Leiner tells a good story and puts it in the proper historical context; if you enjoy reading about American or naval history, this is a book to read.

Appeasement never works.......2006-11-10

A good object lesson to people who think that you can appease or negotiate with bullies. The USA was a little country that had just gone through three years of war with Great Britain, a mighty sea and financial power. Most European coutries simply paid annual extortion fees to the pirates to protect their shipping and hopefully send the pirates against their competitors' ships. The USA sent ships and solved the problem. This caused real consternation among the European population when they saw that the USA could send ships all the way across the Atlantic and fix the problem while their governments could only send taxpayer money year after year. Not only did the USA not pay any extortion money but they also returned many of the enslaved mariners to their home countries. Clearly Europeans didn't learn anything from this as we saw in the 20th century.

I give this a four due to several editing errors. It's not a long book so proofreading it should not have been a big burden.

A interesting look at a rather unkown naval war.......2006-09-11

A rich and detailed look at an obscure event in U.S. naval history. "The End of Barbary Terror" describes a rather dashing adventure by a young U.S. Navy fresh off the Battle of 1812 with the British. Despite these challenges a band of brash and confident officers deployed the bulk of the U.S. fleet to the Med to destroy the Algerian Fleet and force the return of U.S. hostages and the end of payments to Algeria.

The book proves that the U.S. has been combating Islamic forces since its earlier days. While this was a very different war, certain similar ties between then and now can be seen

The author spends considerable team telling not only the operational naval portions of the battle, which were not exactly very exciting, but he focuses on the complicated political battles between naval leadership and national politicians. The author's naval knowledge seemed solid, but the description focus mainly on the officers, little is known or discussed about the rest of the crew. The same can be said of the Algerians. The great majority of sources were American, so what was going through the minds of Algerian leadership and naval officers could only be guessed.

The British Attack on Algiers was well done, and more riveting then the rather limited engagements between the U.S. and Algeria described earlier in the book. I recommend this book to any serious reader of naval history, who enjoys diving into the deep details of the U.S. Navy circa 1815.

Extremely well-written, informative, and insightful.......2006-06-17

If you like American historical nonfiction than this is a must read about a period in our history that has a lot of relevance to today. Fred Leiner brilliantly leads the reader through a time when a young America, after the War of 1812, looks to expand its trade but falls prey to the pirates of North Africa. Following unsuccessful diplomatic efforts, America feeling bold after the war, sets out to put an end to this state-sponsored Barbary terrorism at the hands of the Muslims of North Africa.

As the story unfolds, the reader finds that they are caught up in a complex political and military drama hampered by slow communications, egos, prejudices, and traditions. Mr. Leiner does an excellent job methodically and carefully unfolding the story, while at the same time thoroughly develops the participants and the dynamics among them. In several areas, he also challenges and explores past notions about events and decisions, venturing to offer his own opinions based upon his research and insight. From the beginning of the book, to the epilogue, Mr. Leiner has done a masterful job of giving us a thorough look at a very exciting and important brief period in American history that had a major impact on our developing nation.

I highly recommend this book, particularly to people perplexed by modern day terrorism. History certainly does have a way of repeating itself.

The Man Who Fed the World: Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Norman Borlaug and His Battle to End World Hunger

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Delivery of a Great Story of an Amazing Man
A life-changing read
An important nonfiction book to read
Inspiring book
One of the Quiet Heros

The Man Who Fed the World: Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Norman Borlaug and His Battle to End World Hunger
Leon Hesser
Manufacturer: Durban House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Scientists | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1930754906

Book Description

The Man Who Fed the World provides a loving and respectful portrait of one of America's greatest heroes. Nobel Peace Prize recipient for averting hunger and famine, Dr. Norman Borlang is credited with saving hundreds of millions of lives from starvation-more than any other person in history? Loved by millions around the world, Dr. Borlang is recognized as one of the most influential men of the twentieth century.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Delivery of a Great Story of an Amazing Man.......2007-09-29

Just by reading the jacket copy, one can glean that Norman Borlaug was an amazing man. In this biographical tome by Borlaug's friend and colleague, we follow Borlaug's life.

We are pulled into the story by an unassuming man toiling in the fields being ambushed by a pickup truck full of reporters and photographers, eager to talk to the latest Nobel Prize recipient, and carried by Hesser's exceptional writing through an uplifting story of how a man who flunked a college entrance exam made huge strides in ending world hunger.

I recommend this book to those interested in the life of Norman Borlaug, those studying world hunger and the efforts to end it, and to those looking to learn how to write an exemplary biography.

A life-changing read.......2007-03-25

The Man Who Fed The World an authorized biography by Leon Hesser

Norman Borlaug's life, written by Leon Hesser, is more than magnanimous. It is impressively humble.
Hesser's remarkable, well-written book, is a wonderful story of the simple life of an Iowa farm boy whose extraordinary determination led him on a lifelong journey to feed a starving world. A young Norman Borlaug, scarred by the effects of the Great Depression witnessed, first hand, how food changes peoples lives.

The Man Who Fed The World is an inspiring book of one man's hope, vision, and the intestinal fortitude to relentlessly pursue his goal to relieve human suffering. And for the millions of the world's starving who were unable to personally express their gratitude Norma Borlaug, on October 20, 1970, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

A huge thank you to Leon Hesser for bringing the world this book!

Marsha is a writer, speaker, and author of Emerald's Garden How to grieve, mourn and recover from loss. See [...]

An important nonfiction book to read.......2007-03-08

Good reading for anyone who cares about alleviating hunger in the world; something we should all care to know more about.

Inspiring book .......2007-02-22

Nice work! This book captures the spirit of a man that passionately seeks ways to help people in other geographies. The author shows how Norman empowered those he wanted to help by giving them new tools to succeed, a far superior approach to charity.

One of the Quiet Heros.......2006-11-17

In Jimmy Carter's introduction to this book he points out the Norman Borlang has the distinction as one of the 100 most influential individuals of the 20th century.

Dr. Borlang was the 1970 recipient of the Nobel Peace Price. This was awarded for his work in saving the lives of more people - hundreds of millions, perhaps over a billion - from starvation than any person in history.

He, as much as any other individual deserves the title, The Father of the Green Revolution. In the late 1960s, most experts said that global famines in which billions would die would soon occur. Biologist Paul R. Ehrlich wrote in his 1968 bestseller The Population Bomb, 'The battle to feed all of humanity is over... In the 1970s and 1980s hundreds of millions of people will starve to death in spite of any crash programs embarked upon now.' Ehrlich also said, 'I have yet to meet anyone familiar with the situation who thinks India will be self-sufficient in food by 1971,' and 'India couldn't possibly feed two hundred million more people by 1980.'

Thanks to Dr. Borlaug, Paul Erlich was wrong.

Note that this doesn not mean that the problems are over. The Green Revolution plants take more water, more fertilizer (made from oil) than the older plants. There is an ongoing debate about biotechnology and food supplies. And of course, population growth cannot continue forever. But without Dr. Borlaug there would have been a lot more dying. And besides this just might sound like Paul Erlich.

Dr. Borlaug (now 91) lived a life filled with satisfaction, awards, and the knowledge that he has helped to feed millions.

The End of the Pacific War: Reappraisals (Stanford Nuclear Age Series)

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The End of the Pacific War: Reappraisals (Stanford Nuclear Age Series)

Manufacturer: Stanford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Japan | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0804754276
Release Date: 2007-03-01

Book Description

This book offers state-of-the-art reinterpretations of the reasons for Japan's decision to surrender: Which was the critical factor, the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, or the Soviet Union's entry into the war? Writing from the perspective of three different nationalities and drawing on newly available documents from Japan, the United States, and the former Soviet Union, five distinguished historians review the evidence and the arguments—and agree to disagree. The contributors are Barton J. Bernstein, Richard Frank, Sumio Hatano, Tsuyoshi Hasegawa, and David Holloway.

Constantinople 1453: The end of Byzantium (Campaign)

Average customer rating:

Great book on an important date in history
A Pretty Good Reference For A Little Known Siege
No, It's Not a Good Overview
So ended the Roman Army after almost 2 thousand years of service
Great Overview

Constantinople 1453: The end of Byzantium (Campaign)
David Nicolle
Manufacturer: Osprey Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Turkey | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1841760919
Release Date: 2000-11-25

Book Description

This title details the epic four-month siege of the city of Constantinople, last vestige of the once mighty Roman and Byzantine Empires. Mehmet 'The Conqueror' led an army of 80,000 men with a massive siege train against the city. Defending were a mere 10,000 men under the Emperor Constantine XI. The Turkish artillery battered the ancient city walls mercilessly, levelling a large section. A gallant defence held off the massive Turkish assault for several hours. Refusing appeals to flee, Constantine returned to the breaches and fought until overwhelmed and killed. Thus died the last Emperor of the Byzantines, and with him his once glorious empire.

Customer Reviews:

Great book on an important date in history.......2007-05-30

This is a richly illustrated book on one of the most important events in history-1453. It chronicles the last hours of the once-mighty Byzantine Empire and how its capitol(Constantinople-modern day Istanbul) fell to the Ottoman Turks. Over 96 pages of writings, illustrations, and captions dominate this book. Its an excellent guide to begin your journey into ancient warfare history.

A Pretty Good Reference For A Little Known Siege.......2006-06-29

Generally speaking, this book is written at the high standard expected from the Osprey Publishing Company. Nevertheless, there are a few areas that could be better. First, some of the maps are too complicated and contain an inordinate amount of information. The result is a very confusing map where large amounts of text are printed in an extremely small font. Some of this information is simply unnecessary. On one map, the editor appears to have been asleep at the switch. The graphic map depicting the final phase of the siege contains the same paragraph printed twice.

The writing style is also a bit confusing. Numerous characters were involved in this battle. Some of these people are not mentioned in the Opposing Commanders section. Individuals such as Ishak Pasha and Mahmud Pasha are not mentioned until well into the book. Thus, the reader is forced to figure out the significance of these people.

One positive aspect of the book is found in the full color battle scenes which are very well done. In addition, they contain a single paragraph narrative of what the artist is trying to depict. The reader can clearly and quickly grasp the concept being presented. This is in contract to other Osprey books where the reader must flip back and forth between pages to identify a plethora of characters that are crammed into the picture.

All things considered, the author does an excellent job of depicting the siege. At times, he appears to be showing off his immense knowledge of the subject matter by inserting unknown names or referencing vague sources. Nevertheless, the book moves along at a decent pace and follows a logical progression. Bottom line, this is a pretty good reference book. The reader will definitely come away with a much better understanding of this great battle.

No, It's Not a Good Overview.......2006-05-05

Mr. Nicolle's little opus on the fall of Constantinople to the Turks is a concise overview of the end of the last vestige of the Roman Empire. It's a long, sad, and complicated bit of history, well-chronicled and illustrated by eye-witnesses and historians of the period. In fact, you can find most of their accounts for free in the public domain and 'Constantinople 1453' is too concise. It adds little.

Even the mechanics of the Byzantine walls, the cannons, and the siege are more than the length of this book allows. But a true treatment of the story requires an understanding of the relations between the Papacy and Orthodoxy, the rise of the Sultans, and Genoese and Venetian trading states.

I'm sorry, but just the last sad day in May 1453 deserves more space and much more love than the author affords. When Constantine XI Pelalogos gave his last noble speech, the crowds wept. Then, the people of the city went to Liturgy at Hagia Sophia, wept, and hugged and forgave each other. The servants in the Imperial Palace wept among the geraniums, and the Emperor himself went once more into the breach to die with his people. Everyone in the ancient city knew that doom was upon them yet they chose to a man not to flee. Just that alone deserved more loving treatment than this book gave it.

Those really interested in the topic might be better off reading Lord Norwich's superb history of Byzantium.

So ended the Roman Army after almost 2 thousand years of service.......2005-07-01

If one wants to get a good quick overview of the Fall of the once Great City of Constantinople to the Turks.Then one could do a whole lot worse than this thin little book. The only real problem that the whole story can not be told in just 80 pages. But if you want to know about the siege and sack of the city, then here you go.It does a good job tellings of Constantine XI, his forces and the Sultan and his troops. Its a sad story that was a disaster for Eastern Europe and shifted the center of power to the Atlantic States of Europe.

Great Overview.......2002-06-23

Constantinople 1453: The End of Byzantium is a well written, but concise, history of the fall of Constantinople. The book is written in the clasical Ospery tradition and as a result gives the reader all that is necessary to understand the pivatol historical event.

What the book could not do, given the limited space avaliable, is put the the event in context. If the reader is looking for an indepth analysis of why Constantinople fell this is not the book for you. It would be impossible to cover centuries of history in 90 pages. If however, you are looking for the basics of the battle, the players and the whys and wherefores the book is excellent.

I have read extensively on the subjrect and was looking for something to read that concentrated on the fall of Constantinople. I was not disappointed.

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