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.

Average customer rating:

Loved it!!!!!!!!
Abigail's Story
I've read better....
THIS BOOK BURNS WHITE HOT!!!!!!
I love these Drake Sisters!

Oceans of Fire (Drake Sisters, Book 3)
Christine Feehan
Manufacturer: Jove
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

Romantic Suspense | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books

Gothic | Romance | Subjects | Books

Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

General | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

Romantic Suspense | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 051513953X

Book Description

The third daughter of seven in a magical bloodline, Abigail Drake was born with an affinity for water and a strong bond with dolphins. After she witnesses a murder, she flees right into the arms of Alexsandr Volstov. On the trail of stolen Russian antiquities, he's a relentless Interpol agent--and the man who once broke Abby's heart. But he isn't going to let the only woman he's ever loved slip away again.

Customer Reviews:

Loved it!!!!!!!!.......2007-08-31

This is definitely my favorite story of the bunch, it centers around Abbey and Aleksandr and we get to know a lot more about them and understand more of their back story, (especially since abigail isnt mentioned a lot in the other books much to my disappointment as she is definiteley one of my favorite characters). Aleksandr was trained from birth to be a ruthless agent and he became a police officer who needed a little help on solving a case so he turned to a lady known for her powers of discovering and envincing the truth, little does he know that he would fall in love with her. Abigail didnt know that he knew about her powers beforehand so she though that he wanted her for herself an she tried to help him on his case but things went wrong during questioning and Abbey lost faith in both her powers and in aleksandr. Abigail loves aleksandr but she has to find a way to trust in both him as well as her powers again before she can accept him back into her life, especially since she's in danger and he's bound and determined to protect her and keep her in his life.

Abigail's Story.......2007-08-14

This was one of my favorites.

I liked both characters: Abigail and Alexsandr Volstov

I enjoyed reading about swimming with the dolphins and all the water adventures that went with this story.

It was nicely written and oh so romantic.

I've read better...........2007-07-06

I was not impressed with any of the Drake Sisters series. There was nothing there to keep me wanting to know more about the sisters. It didn't hold my attention. The "magic" was not enough to hold my attention.

Another thing that bothered me is that everyone just took for granted that the sisters had their "magical" powers. They didn't try to hide it and it didn't bother anyone. No one questioned them. Maybe secrecy would have made the series more interesting.

I was definitely not impressed. I'm hoping the Dark Series will be better, but from what I know about them, they seem like a ripoff of the Dark Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I guess I'll have to see.

THIS BOOK BURNS WHITE HOT!!!!!!.......2007-06-09

This book was so good. It was so full of angst. I would advise anyone and everyone to read this book as well as the other books in the series. Of all of the books in the series this was the first one I read and my all time favorite.

I love these Drake Sisters!.......2007-05-09

I really like the drake sisters series. I started with the one with Libby and liked them so much I needed to go backward to read the sisters before her. I loved the story of Alexsander and Abigail. The previous conflict between them was handled well with little drama and a lots of information that did not interefere with the plot line of the actual book. Christine Feehan delivers a wonderful paranormal romantic suspense everytime.

Trial By Fire: The Last Good War: A Novel of World War II (Last Good War)

Average customer rating:

Probably the Worst Work of This Genre I Have Ever Read
Publisher's Weekly pretty much nailed this book
Much improved
Trial By Fire
Great story!

Trial By Fire: The Last Good War: A Novel of World War II (Last Good War)
James Reasoner
Manufacturer: Forge Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

War | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0312873468

Book Description

December 7, 1941

"A day that will live in infamy," is how President Franklin Delano Roosevelt described the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. With a devastating stroke, World War II was no longer a strictly European war; it was now our war, too. In this powerful, exciting sequel to Battle Lines, James Reasoner shows us the fight through four friends cast into the chaos of the war that reshaped the twentieth century.

As the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor, they simultaneously launch an assault on Wake Island, where Adam Bergman is one of the marines working feverishly to complete the installation of an airstrip. He is unaware of the Pearl Harbor disaster that sends hundreds of casualties streaming into the hospital on the United States Naval Base, where his wife, Nurse Catherine Tancred of the Naval Medical Corps, is one of dozens ministering to the wounded and dying.

While Adam and Catherine are immersed in the Pacific war effort, their friends Joe and Dale Parker are stationed with British tank divisions that are fighting the Germans for control of North Africa.

Joe and Dale are only supposed to advise their British allies, but before long, Dale is manning a tank to help stem the tide of battle, and Joe is working directly with British intelligence in Cairo.

Upon entering World War II, Americans fought to defend freedom around the world. Through the eyes of those in battle, we share their struggles and hardships in this memorable story of Americans at war.

Customer Reviews:

Probably the Worst Work of This Genre I Have Ever Read.......2004-11-18

This is not a great book although it can be used as a great illustration as to "you should always write about what you know best." In this case, I find it difficult to believe the author knows a thing of combat, World War II, history in general, making love or story telling. The story line is weak. The dialog is corny and the book is quite poorly researched. Even the "cussing" is forced and complete gratuitous - I doubt if the author ever listened to a GI talk. The book reads much like a Harlequin, a poorly written one at that. I would suggest the author stick to his empty Westerns. I cannot actually make enough negative comments to show my complete dislike and distain for this work. Jacket and in-book synopsis are quite misleading. I do wish I could give this one a less than one star rating.

Publisher's Weekly pretty much nailed this book.......2003-04-15

It reads at about an 8th grade level. The characters are weak; the dialogue weak; the color and tone even weaker. Historical details are not even very good.

If you want good historical fiction on the era, pick up Herman Wouk instead.

Much improved.......2002-12-01

Much improved from the previous Battle Lines. Although still a light fare, it moved from course to course smoothly. It is what it is, and needs a sequel.

Trial By Fire.......2002-04-17

This is not a great book although it can be used as a great illustration as to "you should always write about what you know best." In this case, I find it difficult to believe the author knows a thing of combat, World War II, history in general, making love or story telling. The story line is weak. The dialog is corny and the book is quite poorly researched. Even the "cussing" is forced and complete gratuitous - I doubt if the author ever listened to a GI talk. The book reads much like a Harlequin, a poorly written one. I would suggest the author stick to his empty Westerns. Jacket and in-book synopsis are quite misleading.

Great story!.......2002-04-08

I have to wonder if the reviewer from Publishers Weekly even read this book and its predecessor. I found both Trial by Fire and Battle Lines to be wonderful stories filled with great characters. The combat action is Trial by Fire is especially compelling, and the long opening sequence concerning the Marines' gallant but doomed defense of Wake Island is some of the best war fiction I've ever read. If you're interested in good World War II fiction or just plain good storytelling, you can't go wrong with this series.

Fire in the Turtle House: The Green Sea Turtle and the Fate of the Ocean

Average customer rating:

Fantastic Book
fascinating and heartbreaking
An Honest, Inside Account about the Fate of the Sea Turtle
Mysterious Waters....
Compelling Read About Fate of Sea Turtles and the Oceans

Fire in the Turtle House: The Green Sea Turtle and the Fate of the Ocean
Osha Gray Davidson
Manufacturer: PublicAffairs
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Conservation | Environment | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

General | Conservation | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Endangered Species | Conservation | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1586481991
Release Date: 2003-08-12

Book Description

"An elegant eco-cautionary tale wrapped in a scientific mystery." --Publishers Weekly.

Sea turtles have existed since the time of the dinosaurs. But now, suddenly, the turtles are dying, ravaged by a mysterious plague that some biologists consider the most serious epidemic now raging in the natural world. Perhaps most important, sea turtles aren't the only marine creatures falling prey to deadly epidemics. Over the last few decades diseases have been burning through nearshore waters around the world with unprecedented lethality.

What is happening to the sea turtle, and how can it be stopped? In this fascinating scientific detective story, Osha Gray Davidson tracks the fervent efforts of the extraordinary and often quirky scientists, marine biologists, veterinarians, and others racing against the clock to unravel a complicated biological and environmental puzzle and keep the turtles from extinction. He follows the fates of particular turtles, revealing their surprisingly distinct personalities and why they inspire an almost spiritual devotion in the humans who come to know them. He also explores through vivid historical anecdotes and examples the history of man's relationship to the sea, opening a window onto the role played by humans in the increasing number of marine die-offs and extinctions.

Beautifully written, intellectually provocative, Fire in the Turtle House reveals how emerging diseases wreaking havoc in the global ocean pose an enormous, direct threat to humanity. This is science journalism at its best.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic Book.......2006-01-04

Well I have to say after receiving this book yesterday at 6pm I was done reading it by midnight. I just couldn't put the book down. The writing is so good and the flow of the book so steady, that as a reader you can't help but remain on the edge of your seat. The other nice thing about this book is that while the subject matter is complex, it is presented in a way understandable to all. HIGHLY recommended.

fascinating and heartbreaking.......2005-12-13

I loved this book, and not just because I am a lifelong turtle nut. I couldn't put this book down although at times it made me cry. Great storytelling, intelligent without being dry, and I wanted to tell everyone I know to read it. A must read for anyone into turtles, marine biology and oceanography, ecology, commercial fishing, commercial agriculture, veterinary medicine, and medical research.

"It all rolls into one, and nothing comes for free" -Robert Hunter

An Honest, Inside Account about the Fate of the Sea Turtle.......2004-03-04

I knew that sea turtles were endangered or threatened but never really investigated the reasons why. I found this book while perusing the book store and it caught my attention so I bought it and read it.
The book is well written and speaks to a non-biologist audience. It simply tells of the authors investigations into the reasons that they think the sea turtles are dying off at an alarming rate. It left me with my mouth gaping open and wondering why more people are not educated about the plight of this species.
While reading, the author makes you feel a part of their experiences, as if you were scuba diving with these creatures.
If the data from this book is any indication of the plight of the Earth's oceans, it is a very scary thought of what may be to come.
I recommend this book for ANYONE who is inquisitive about the hype surrounding "our dying oceans". It gives a detailed account of the afflictions affecting sea turtles and what we are trying to do to save them. The problem appears to go way beyond this mysterious virus. The book made me cry and get angry at the same time. We need to find out what is happening and target the source.
In the preface of the paperback edition, the author makes this statement: "If I could coin a blessing for a new world, it would be this: May your children swim in an ocean full of turtles." Amen to that Osha Gray Davidson.

Mysterious Waters...........2004-02-20

Unequivocally, I loved this book! Parts biological mystery, turtle evolution, naturalist history and love story to the sea, it's wrapped up in very engaging prose. It made me fall in love with the creatures!! And apparently I'm not the only one...

In a book I read last year, "Costa Rica: The Last Country The Gods Made," the authors' dedicated the book to a green sea turtle!! It read:

"To the green sea turtle who twenty-five years ago bumped the bottom of a boat in Key West, Florida, scaring a little girl. Those tears and this book are for you and your descendants."

Here's hoping that turtle's descendants will STILL be around in another 25 years! But the more people who read this book, the more attention these endangered animals will deservedly get.

Compelling Read About Fate of Sea Turtles and the Oceans.......2004-02-12

Fire In the Turtle House is a thorough, investigative account of many dedicated marine biologist, scientists, and turtle lovers trying to figure out how and why green sea turtles have become afflicted with fibropamillomatosis. The virus is killing off the specie in untold numbers and will lead to their extinction. By the reading the book not only did I learn about sea turtles, and how they live and breed, but I got an enormous education in marine biology and how the ocean is a precious habitat for these creatures. The author helped me understand by giving specific examples as to how man is contributing to the ocean's decline and thus sea life's decline. This isn't a diatribe on man but a well thought out provocative look at a very important topic told so that everyone can understand. There is a quote in the book by Arthur C. Clarke that says that our planet should not of been called Earth but perhaps "Oceana." Very true when most of the planet is made up of water, as are we. My eyes have been open to the truth of this statement after reading Fire in the Turtle House.

Forged by Fire: Robert L. Eichelberger and the Pacific War (American Military History)

Average customer rating:

Lieutenant General Robert Lawrence Eichelberger

Forged by Fire: Robert L. Eichelberger and the Pacific War (American Military History)
John F. Shortal
Manufacturer: Univ of South Carolina Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0872495213

Customer Reviews:

Lieutenant General Robert Lawrence Eichelberger.......2005-09-13

In the 40 years that have elapsed since General Douglas MacArthur's last campaigns in the Pacific during World War II, his victories have come to be viewed as quick, smooth and simple operations against an improverished foe. However, hindsight has obscured the tenacity of the Japanese and the immense difficulties MacArthur encountered in the Southwest Pacific. Not all his victories were quick and easy. In three major campaigns: Buna in December 1942, Biak in June 1944 and Manilla in 1945, MacArthur was forced to call in a fireman to rally American troops and to salvage desperate tactical situations. MacArthur always used the same field commander to handle his most diffcult missions - Lieutenant General Robert Lawrence Eichelberger. - from book's back cover

Average customer rating:

Oceans of Fiery Fun!

Oceans Of Fire (Stony Man)
Don Pendleton
Manufacturer: Gold Eagle
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Men's Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Action & Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0373619707

Customer Reviews:

Oceans of Fiery Fun!.......2007-03-09

This particular novel is written by one of Gold Eagle's best writers, Chuck Rogers, who has penned his first Stoney Man here. Usually writing in the Executioner and Mack Bolan series, Rogers has proven himself one of the ultimate action/adventure writers working out there today.

Oceans of Fire reads like an A-Class movie script, chock-full of action and suspence the likes of 007 movies would be envious of. Chuck Rogers always seems to write not only great action/adventure sequences that don't come off as hero worship, but balances it with growing characterizations of both sides of the storyline, in regards to Good guys and Bad guys, not cookie cut-outs.

The novel starts out on the Asian steppes in Tajikstan, where the Stoney Man team set up to take down a modern-day warlord. What ensues therin is a plot that is not just straight-laced action and cartoon bad guys, but instead a refreshingly mature storyline in which there is mystery and suspence in the form of double dealings and an interesting chameleon-like Russian that is extremely interesting and fun to read about.

From air to land to under the depths of the ocean, this Stoney Man novel is sure to please newbies and old hardcore fans alike. Excellent stuff, this!

A History of Private Life, Volume IV, From the Fires of Revolution to the Great War (History of Private Life)

Average customer rating:

This is the best book in the series

A History of Private Life, Volume IV, From the Fires of Revolution to the Great War (History of Private Life)
Phillippe Ariès , and Georges Duby
Manufacturer: Belknap Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Social History | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books

Personality | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0674400038

Customer Reviews:

This is the best book in the series .......2005-01-19

If you only read one volume of this five volume set, volume IV is the book I would recommend. The History of Private Life, vols. I-V, is concerned with the project of demonstrating private life in the west (read: France) from its Roman origins to the present day.

Volume IV concerns itself with the 19th century. The 19th century, with the emergence of industrialization, democratic feeling and the bourgeois, is where modernity begins. It should come as no surprise that the 19th century is also where the modern conception of "private life" began as well. After reading volume IV, I was left wondering whether this set of five books might have read better as a set of three books: Volume one would contain Roman life, the middle ages and the renaissance/early modern period, volume two would be this book and volume three would be the twentieth century.

Not to say that I found vol's I-III irrelevant. However, those volumes were more concerned with antecedents of "private" life and it is only in this volume that "private" life takes center stage.

I noticed a shift in the style of writing in this volume. Whereas the previous three volumes were straight forward with only occasional prose that lurched into the familiar (and oft incomprehensible) style of the "theorists of social control"(Foucalt, etc). This volume sometimes descends into the circular logic and incomprehensible theory of that school.

None the less, this is the one book of the five that I would most recommend.

Average customer rating:

Oceans of Fire

Manufacturer: Jove
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0739454390

Product Description

As the third daughter in a magical bloodline, Abigail Drake was born with a mystical affinity for water, and possessed a particularly strong bond with dolphins. She spent her entire life studying them in the waters off her hometown of Sea Haven...Until the day Abby witnessed a cold-blooded murder on shore and found herself fleeing for her life - right inot the arms of Alexandr Volstov - interpol agent on the trail of stolen Russian antiquities, a relentless man who gets what he goes after - ant the man wants Abby's heart.

Honor by Fire: Japanese Americans at War in Europe and the Pacific

Average customer rating:

Excellent coverage of Japanese American military effort
War at home

Honor by Fire: Japanese Americans at War in Europe and the Pacific
Lyn Crost
Manufacturer: Presidio Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Japan | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

General | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0891415211

Customer Reviews:

Excellent coverage of Japanese American military effort.......2004-02-12

I found the book to be an excellent coverage of the Japanese American military effort during the Second World War. The book does more then relates the stories of the Japanese-American combat units but also go into other fields that these folks went into which proves to highly useful and valuable in the war effort. Serving as translators, working in military intelligence service and working on propagranda were all important duties served by the Japanese-American soldiers who often had to fight this war on two fronts....the enemies and their own side. I found the book to be well written, well researched and quite informative.

War at home.......2003-07-01

This book was written with hopes that those who have yet to come might grasp all aspects of the conflict known as WWII beyond those we might have seen courtesy of Frank Capra and news reels. If anyone has ever assumed the allies were without internal strife, that I am sad to say is a great wrong, for in fact the allies were split, not just in country, but by color, and race. This book tells the tail of the men of the 442nd Go for Broke, as well as the OSS Pacific theater translators who risked their lives and shed their blood for a country who, at the time housed their families in interment camps and took away their civil liberties. We were fighting the good fight, this is true and please do not think I hate my country, I would still fight for her and all her residence, but in that era it was not always so and this is obvious here. The turmoil one faces from both fronts in a war is relevent here as well as the feeling that most veterans felt when they knew friends for so long who the next morning would be killed. This story is also one of redemption, of how the Nisei not only proved themselves, but became one of the greatest units in the ETO around Italy. They shared the grief of their comrads in arms, the lack of supplies which hit all units of the campaign against Mt. Cassino and the light hearted moments on the Champaign campaign, an assignment that was not as horrible as those days in the Italian winter. To anyone who thinks America was a dog nation then, that is false. We learned from our faults, and today we honor these brave men, and always should.

Fire on the Waters : A Novel of the Civil War at Sea

Average customer rating:

Very enjoyable -- annoying quotes
Quite good
A Bitter Beginning
Good stuff
Great Historical Fiction

Fire on the Waters : A Novel of the Civil War at Sea
David Poyer
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

War | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Sea Adventures | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0684871335

Book Description

The opening volume in a gripping new fictional series of the Civil War at sea, from the sailor and novelist who "knows what he is writing about when it comes to anything on, above, or below the water" (The New York Times Book Review).

The year is 1861, and America shudders on the brink of disunion. Elisha Eaker, scion of a wealthy Manhattan banking family, joins the Navy against his father's wishes. He does it as much to avoid an arranged marriage to his cousin, Araminta Van Velsor, as to defend the flag. As war looms, Eli boards the sloop of war U.S.S. Owanee. There he meets Lieutenant Ker Claiborne at his own moment of decision.

Claiborne, Owanee's executive officer, is an Annapolis graduate who's seen action in the West Indies and the Africa Station on the Navy's Anti-Slavery Patrol. Cool and competent in storm and battle, he now faces an agonizing choice between the Navy he loves and his native Virginia. Whichever road he takes, he'll be called a traitor.

Within days, Owanee is ordered on a desperate mission to relieve Fort Sumter, the last outpost of Union authority in the newly declared Confederacy. And in Manhattan, Araminta makes her own move for independence.

So begins Fire on the Waters, a tale of honor, loyalty, and the hunger for freedom. With authentic nautical and historical detail, veteran storyteller David Poyer follows Eli, Araminta, Ker, and their loved ones and shipmates into a maelstrom of divided loyalties, bitter partings, stormy seas, governmental panic, political blundering, and finally the test of battle as the bloodiest and most divisive war in American history begins.

Poyer's deep, complex characters and vivid evocation of the heroic twilight of the Age of Sail will earn Fire on the Waters a place beside the work of Patrick O'Brian, Nicholas Monsarrat, and C. S. Forester.

Customer Reviews:

Very enjoyable -- annoying quotes.......2007-07-08

The story and characters are brilliant, and evoke the time in a way that connects with modern readers. However, Poyer has taken it on himself to use long dashes "--" instead of quotation marks. This is something that I couldn't get used to, in part because there is no mark to indicate the END of a quote. --Go below, Eli said. The first time I read a line like this, I think that it's someone telling Eli to go below. It's actually Eli speaking. 99% of the time there is little confusion, but basically you have to de-code every line of dialogue. A real pain in an otherwise first-rate book.

Quite good.......2007-04-24

I read one of David Poyer's earlier, modern naval books, probably 10-15 years ago, and wasn't impressed with either it or him. I guess in the interim he learned to write, or I became more tolerant of his foibles, because I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

The story begins in 1861, with the U.S.S. Owanee. One of the main characters of the book is the ship's executive officer, Lt. Ker Claiborne, a Virginian who is unsure of his loyalty to the Union, but certain of his determination to keep his oath of loyalty to the Navy, the flag, and his ship...at least as long as he's a serving officer in the Navy. As the book starts, the ship is joined by a volunteer lieutenant, a New York blueblood who's talked his way into the Navy by exaggerating his skills as a yachtsman, to escape an overbearing father.

The ship then sails south, and almost starts the Civil War by participating in a rescue or reinforcement mission to Fort Sumter. When that fails, the ship returns first to Washington, then Newport Naval Station, where they ultimately tangle with the first rebels towards the end of the book.

This is one of the better naval novel's I've read in a long time. The author has adopted Charles Frazier's habit (Charlie Huston uses it too) of preceding everything anyone says with an em dash rather than using actual quotation marks. I'm not sure what the point of that is, but it works here, for the most part. Perhaps I'm getting used to it.

I enjoyed this book, and I'm proceeding on to the second one in the series right now.

A Bitter Beginning.......2006-08-02

The time is the opening days of the US Civil War. Secession is imminent but has not yet happened and many still hold out the hopes that it will not. The issues of the day, however, are driving people apart, even people who have worked closely with each other. This includes the officers and crew of the sloop of war, OWANEE, just back from the Africa station.

The ship is tired as are her crew. She was expected to be put into ordinary but now has to scramble to take on the missions assigned to her as the nation prepares for rebellion. Matters are not helped by the fact that the crew is composed of northerners and southerners, whites and blacks. The loyalties of the southerners are in question even when they go above and beyond the call.

Into this mix is introduced a frail young yankee man as a gentleman volunteer. He has his own issues in addition to those of the country. He has the head knowledge of a sea officer but no experience. Neither is he familiar with the customs of the navy. He wants to serve, however, because he is escaping a controlling father and because he wants to prove himself. He is also a fierce abolitionist.

The entire action of the novel takes place over the course of just a few days. The ship is sent to the relief of Ft. Sumter and then dispatched to Hampton Roads to aid in the evacuation of the naval base. During the course of these actions the aspiring sea officer changes from a timid boy to a responsible man.

This is certainly not the best naval fiction I have read nor is it the most interesting. It is quite readable, however.

One small thing stood out for its nuisance value. The author uses a long dash "-" to mark quotes instead of quotation marks. I found this a bit distracting but it did not harm anything.

Good stuff.......2003-12-17

I decided to try this book because I am a fan of historical fiction in general; naval fiction (O'Brien) and Civil War (Shaara) in particular. I actually picked up a Country of Our Own first and was only partway into that book before I went out and purchased this one to start over at the beginning.

I was very pleased. There are several interesting characters, the main ones being Ker Claiborne, the conflicted Southern officer and Elisha Eaker, a young Northern idealist. The setting is superb. We get a real sense of the building anxiety and tension among shipmates as political events unfold. I would say that this book has a little less action and is more character focused than most in the genre. But you get the sense that much more action is set to occur in the next installment. Here the big question was would there or would there not be war. We readers all know that a bloody explosion is coming but the characters in the novel can't quite see the future.

My only complaint about this novel is the whole storyline involving Elisha's fiancee, Araminta. It really doesn't contribute much at all. I get the feeling it was put in as filler to provide a change of scenery, given that the events of the book only cover a couple of weeks' time. There's one scene in particular where she attends an abolitionist meeting that seems so much historical name dropping. I was lost and confused by what she was trying to do at the end of the book and the final revelation involving her character was totally lame and cliché.

Great Historical Fiction.......2003-12-16

I decided to try this book because I am a fan of historical fiction in general; naval fiction (O'Brien) and Civil War (Shaara) in particular. I actually picked up "A Country of Our Own" first and was only partway into that book before I went out and purchased this one to start over at the beginning.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books