Koncocoo

Best Napoleonic War History

Waterloo: The History of Four Days, Three Armies, and Three Battles
Reviews
"Cornwell does a great job of not only setting the strategic and operational stage, helping us understand Wellington, Blucher, and Napoleon, but also weaving in personal anecdotes of the soldiers who fought and died on the battlefield. In this Cornwell was able to rely on the original work of historians - Cornwell's strength in this book is not original research, there's nothing new historically, but what makes his book worth reading is the way he painlessly tells the tale in a very understandable manner. If you're familiar with some of the post-war finger-pointing among the allies you'll understand, after reading the book, Cornwell's conclusion that, "The battle of Waterloo was an allied victory."
"very readable account of the battle (including key events before and after). Author gives one a very good understanding of the high level strategy of the battle as well as a good understanding of the experience of soldiers involved in the battle and the weapons and tactics of the Napoleonic era.. Great use of quotes from journals and other accounts of the battles written by participants in the conflict."
"Cornwell does have a funny way of mixing past tense and present tense without any clear strategy for doing so, and he does repeat himself, but I liked his doing the latter because it kept everything straight in my mind, so I didn't have to look back in the text to reassure myself that I knew which flank we were talking about or correctly recalled some other important detail that might have got lost in the fog of the battle in my mind. So from the book I got a big picture view of the battlefield, the tactics of each side, how the columns and lines were formed and how they fought, what it felt like and looked like on the field, and the critical moments when the battle could have turned or did turn.... And also important: The account was balanced; there was none of the usual prejudice in books by many writers, even biographers, and especially British ones, against Napoleon."
"The Duke of Wellington made three winning moves: he chose the right ground to defend, he never showed fear to his men even in the face of what looked like certain defeat, and he never lost trust in his ally Blucher the head of the Prussian army. We say that the Duke of Wellington won the Battle of Waterloo, but really Blucher and the Prussians won that battle as much or more than the British."
Find Best Price at Amazon
Waterloo: The History of Four Days, Three Armies, and Three Battles
Reviews
"Cornwell does a great job of not only setting the strategic and operational stage, helping us understand Wellington, Blucher, and Napoleon, but also weaving in personal anecdotes of the soldiers who fought and died on the battlefield. In this Cornwell was able to rely on the original work of historians - Cornwell's strength in this book is not original research, there's nothing new historically, but what makes his book worth reading is the way he painlessly tells the tale in a very understandable manner. If you're familiar with some of the post-war finger-pointing among the allies you'll understand, after reading the book, Cornwell's conclusion that, "The battle of Waterloo was an allied victory."
"very readable account of the battle (including key events before and after). Author gives one a very good understanding of the high level strategy of the battle as well as a good understanding of the experience of soldiers involved in the battle and the weapons and tactics of the Napoleonic era.. Great use of quotes from journals and other accounts of the battles written by participants in the conflict."
"Cornwell does have a funny way of mixing past tense and present tense without any clear strategy for doing so, and he does repeat himself, but I liked his doing the latter because it kept everything straight in my mind, so I didn't have to look back in the text to reassure myself that I knew which flank we were talking about or correctly recalled some other important detail that might have got lost in the fog of the battle in my mind. So from the book I got a big picture view of the battlefield, the tactics of each side, how the columns and lines were formed and how they fought, what it felt like and looked like on the field, and the critical moments when the battle could have turned or did turn.... And also important: The account was balanced; there was none of the usual prejudice in books by many writers, even biographers, and especially British ones, against Napoleon."
"The Duke of Wellington made three winning moves: he chose the right ground to defend, he never showed fear to his men even in the face of what looked like certain defeat, and he never lost trust in his ally Blucher the head of the Prussian army. We say that the Duke of Wellington won the Battle of Waterloo, but really Blucher and the Prussians won that battle as much or more than the British."
Find Best Price at Amazon
Waterloo: The History of Four Days, Three Armies, and Three Battles
From the New York Times bestselling author and master of martial fiction comes the definitive, illustrated history of one of the greatest battles ever fought—a riveting nonfiction chronicle published to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Napoleon’s last stand. In his first work of nonfiction, Bernard Cornwell combines his storytelling skills with a meticulously researched history to give a riveting chronicle of every dramatic moment, from Napoleon’s daring escape from Elba to the smoke and gore of the three battlefields and their aftermath. With historical accounts like this, who needs novels for excitement?” ( Wall Street Journal ). “Waterloo may be a well-mined topic, but this new presentation is bound to satisfy lovers of military history…. “Bernard Cornwell proceeds at a brisk canter and his descriptions of the fighting are as gripping as any in his splendid Sharpe novels.” ( The Times (London)). “Brings a shrewd military historian’s mind to his subject…thrilling to read…Cornwell’s is from start to finish a gripping account, red in tooth and claw. “As you would expect from a writer who is the acknowledged expert on the Napoleonic Wars he is superb on the tiny details as well as on the bigger picture.” ( Daily Express (London)). “Cornwell has found deserved popularity with his Sharpe series of historically accurate novels set in the Napoleonic Wars. In his first work of nonfiction, Bernard Cornwell combines his storytelling skills with a meticulously researched history to give a riveting chronicle of every dramatic moment—from Napoleon’s daring escape from Elba to the smoke and gore of the three battlefields and their aftermath. Cornwell brings to life how it actually felt to fight those famous battles—as well as the moments of amazing bravery on both sides that left the outcome hanging in the balance until the bitter end.
Reviews
"Cornwell does a great job of not only setting the strategic and operational stage, helping us understand Wellington, Blucher, and Napoleon, but also weaving in personal anecdotes of the soldiers who fought and died on the battlefield. In this Cornwell was able to rely on the original work of historians - Cornwell's strength in this book is not original research, there's nothing new historically, but what makes his book worth reading is the way he painlessly tells the tale in a very understandable manner. If you're familiar with some of the post-war finger-pointing among the allies you'll understand, after reading the book, Cornwell's conclusion that, "The battle of Waterloo was an allied victory."
"very readable account of the battle (including key events before and after). Author gives one a very good understanding of the high level strategy of the battle as well as a good understanding of the experience of soldiers involved in the battle and the weapons and tactics of the Napoleonic era.. Great use of quotes from journals and other accounts of the battles written by participants in the conflict."
"Cornwell does have a funny way of mixing past tense and present tense without any clear strategy for doing so, and he does repeat himself, but I liked his doing the latter because it kept everything straight in my mind, so I didn't have to look back in the text to reassure myself that I knew which flank we were talking about or correctly recalled some other important detail that might have got lost in the fog of the battle in my mind. So from the book I got a big picture view of the battlefield, the tactics of each side, how the columns and lines were formed and how they fought, what it felt like and looked like on the field, and the critical moments when the battle could have turned or did turn.... And also important: The account was balanced; there was none of the usual prejudice in books by many writers, even biographers, and especially British ones, against Napoleon."
"The Duke of Wellington made three winning moves: he chose the right ground to defend, he never showed fear to his men even in the face of what looked like certain defeat, and he never lost trust in his ally Blucher the head of the Prussian army. We say that the Duke of Wellington won the Battle of Waterloo, but really Blucher and the Prussians won that battle as much or more than the British."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Korean War History

Devotion: An Epic Story of Heroism, Friendship, and Sacrifice
For readers of Unbroken comes an unforgettable tale of courage from America’s “forgotten war” in Korea, by the New York Times bestselling author of A Higher Call. Devotion tells the inspirational story of the U.S. Navy’s most famous aviator duo, Lieutenant Tom Hudner and Ensign Jesse Brown, and the Marines they fought to defend. An African American sharecropper’s son from Mississippi, Jesse became the navy’s first black carrier pilot, defending a nation that wouldn’t even serve him in a bar. Deployed to the Mediterranean, Tom and Jesse meet the Fleet Marines, boys like PFC “Red” Parkinson, a farm kid from the Catskills. In between war games in the sun, the young men revel on the Riviera, partying with millionaires and even befriending the Hollywood starlet Elizabeth Taylor. When one of the duo is shot down behind enemy lines and pinned in his burning plane, the other faces an unthinkable choice: watch his friend die or attempt history’s most audacious one-man rescue mission. “Though it concerns a famously cold battle in the Korean War, make no mistake: Devotion will warm your heart.” —Hampton Sides, New York Times bestselling author of Ghost Soldiers and In the Kingdom of Ice. “At last, the Korean War has its epic, a story that will stay with you long after you close this book.” —Eric Blehm, New York Times bestselling author of Fearless and Legend. portrayed by [Adam] Makos in sharp, fact-filled prose and with strong reporting.” — Los Angeles Times “[A] must-read.” — New York Post “Stirring.” — Parade “A masterful storyteller . The perfectly paced story cruises along in the fast lane—when you’re finished, you’ll want to start all over again.” —Associated Press. He is a true hero; and in reading this book, you will understand why I feel that way.” —President George H. W. Bush “This is aerial drama at its best—fast, powerful, and moving.” —Erik Larson, New York Times bestselling author of Dead Wake “Lovingly rendered and meticulously researched, here is a tale of true friendship across the racial divide. Though it concerns a famously cold battle in the Korean War, make no mistake: Devotion will warm your heart.” —Hampton Sides, New York Times bestselling author of Ghost Soldiers and In the Kingdom of Ice “At last, the Korean War has its epic, a story that will stay with you long after you close this book.” —Eric Blehm, New York Times bestselling author of Fearless and Legend “In this beautifully written book, Adam Makos reveals a long-lost story of heroism set in the frozen realm of North Korea. and Young “Adam Makos immerses you in a story so crisp that you’ll forget you’re reading a book. Prepare to be swept away.” —Michael Tougias, co-author of The Finest Hours “Once again, Adam Makos demonstrates himself as a rising star in historical nonfiction.
Reviews
"A great book really imparts a sense of learning and understanding, and this book accomplished that many times over. I also happen to be a writer (with zero association of the writer of this book or the publisher), but I can honestly state that if you only buy and read ONE book this year, make it this one."
"This book interweaves the stories of numerous Korean War (1950-1953) veterans showing heroism and sacrifice during the "forgotten war". The main story focus' on Tom Hudner and Jesse Brown, two navy pilots, and their experiences prior to the war and during the support of marines near the Chosin Resevoir in November/December, 1950. Through these stories, the author does an excellent job of showing the service and heroism of these men and, in a larger sense, all the men who fought in the Korean War."
"Adam Makos has the remarkable ability to take us back into history into the lives real individuals; ordinary people who did extraordinary things in their lives."
"Like several other reviewers, I had read A Higher Call by Adam, loved it and could not wait for his next book. this is not a story about war or a rescue attempt; this is a story of men, their loves, fears, hopes and the bond they shared."
"Devotion is one of the better books, if not the best, that I have ever read about the Korean War, from a historical view point, based on those that were actually there."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Iraq War History

Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win (New Edition)
Willink and Babin returned home from deployment and instituted SEAL leadership training to pass on their harsh lessons learned in combat to help forge the next generation of SEAL leaders. Detailing the mindset and principles that enable SEAL units to accomplish the most difficult combat missions, Extreme Ownership demonstrates how to apply them to any team or organization, in any leadership environment. Riveting, engaging, and free from the usual cliché platitudes, this book is strikingly impactful and will dramatically improve leaders of all types.” ― Amy Brandt Schumacher, entrepreneur, executive, and philanthropist. An inspiring and page-turning read, the leadership lessons are easy to digest and implement. This book made me a better leader and enabled my entire team step up our game!” ― Jared Hamilton, founder and CEO, DrivingSales "One of the best books on leadership I've ever read and a tremendous war story book as well."
Reviews
"Extreme Ownership is written by two former Navy SEALs, Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, who now head a leadership training company. There aren't many books out there that give such detailed glimpses into the lives of SEALs in action. The authors convey one main point per chapter by sharing a story from their battlefield experiences, then highlighting the main principle of that story, and finally giving a concrete example of how this principle applies in business settings. In my opinion, the simplicity, clarity, and structure of this book are it's greatest strengths. There are several moments when the authors share a complete story or personal thought--and then share the story again, but this time in the context of telling it to either their SEAL teams or to a group of business executives. Second, while this book is very descriptive--especially with the battle scenes--it is also incredibly restrained, almost cold. Their lessons are insightful and thought-provoking, and I can definitely see how their experiences will help guide leaders in the business world."
"They explain hard-learned principles of leadership, which they experienced first-hand as US Navy SEALs, specifically in and around their 2006 deployment to Ramadi, Iraq, one of the most dangerous places and times in the war. Military recruits & officers, parents, corporate executives, students, low-level management, spouses, shop foremen, independent contractors, and sole proprietors will all benefit from the lessons of Extreme Ownership. If you feel you're stuck in a rut, lacking self-discipline, or perhaps know someone who simply needs to improve their lot, this book is an excellent starting point."
"I like the approach of looking at real life examples of leadership on the battlefield, followed by principles of leadership based on those experiences and concluding with proving the validity of these principles in areas requiring effective leadership."
"Instant purchase, my husband doesn't read a lot but he really enjoys reading this book and said it was the perfect gift."
"Good read, I've been reading multiple chapters at a time."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Prisoners of War History

Indestructible: One Man's Rescue Mission That Changed the Course of WWII
With a brace of pistols and small band of loyal fol,lowers, he robbed supply dumps, stole aircraft, invented new weapons, and modified bombers to hit harder, fly farther, and deliver more destruction than anything yet seen in the air. Taking readers from the blistering skies of the Pacific to the jungles of New Guinea and the Philippines to one of the the war's most notorious prison camps, Indestructible traces one man's bare-knuckle journey to free the people he loved and the aerial revolution he sparked that continues to resonate across America's modern battlefields. "Paul Irvin Gunn's time in World War II is the stuff of legends - and its fast-paced, page-turning telling in Bruning's book does the man's Herculean feats justice.... "This is a beautifully told story of a family separated by war, and of an extraordinary father, driven to avenge his family, who by sheer force of character changed the nature of warfare. Finally, we have a book that does justice to the legend of Colonel Paul 'Pappy' Gunn, a giant among heroes of World War II. "Set against the sprawling and violent Pacific War, Indestructible is the incredible story of one man's courage, tenacity and dogged fight to rescue his family caught behind enemy lines. "Bruning's gripping account of 'Pappy' Gunn's mission to save his family might seem to some like over-the-top fiction, but Gunn's rage really did drive changes to tactics and modifications to aircraft that changed the course of the Pacific War... every lover of bigger-than-life-but-still-true tales of wartime heroism will want to read this vividly written history."
Reviews
"This was a good niche biography and story about the early days of WW II in the Philippines, and the subsequent efforts by American forces recovering and rebuilding the Army Air Force in Australia and then the campaigns moving north through New Guinea and into the Philippines, ending with the liberation of the Philppines."
"One of the best books I've read about WWII."
"No question about it, this is one of the best books ever written about World War 2."
"An amazing story even if it were fiction, even more amazing because it is true."
"What a great story and a wonderful look at WWII in the Philippines."
"A story of danger constantly."
"Just one of many heroes of WWII, but what a hero!"
"Excellent book providing a spectacular story showing what one committed man can do."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best World War I History

Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania
But the Lusitania was one of the era’s great transatlantic “Greyhounds”—the fastest liner then in service—and her captain, William Thomas Turner, placed tremendous faith in the gentlemanly strictures of warfare that for a century had kept civilian ships safe from attack. Full of glamour and suspense, Dead Wake brings to life a cast of evocative characters, from famed Boston bookseller Charles Lauriat to pioneering female architect Theodate Pope to President Woodrow Wilson, a man lost to grief, dreading the widening war but also captivated by the prospect of new love. Finalist for the Washington State Book Award. — History/General Non-fiction. A Washington Post Notable Nonfiction Book of 2015. A St. Louis Post-Dispatch Best Book of 2015. A Miami Herald Favorite Book of 2015. BookTrib's Best Narrative Nonfiction Book of 2015. #1 History & Biography Book in the 2015 Goodreads Choice Awards. A LibraryReads Top Ten Book of 2015. A Library Journal Top Ten Book of 2015. A Kirkus Best Book of 2015. An Indigo Best Book of 2015 "Larson is one of the modern masters of popular narrative nonfiction...a resourceful reporter and a subtle stylist who understands the tricky art of Edward Scissorhands-ing narrative strands into a pleasing story...An entertaining book about a great subject, and it will do much to make this seismic event resonate for new generations of readers." — The New York Times Book Review "Larson is an old hand at treating nonfiction like high drama...He knows how to pick details that have maximum soapy potential and then churn them down until they foam [and] has an eye for haunting, unexploited detail." — The New York Times "In his gripping new examination of the last days of what was then the fastest cruise ship in the world, Larson brings the past stingingly alive...He draws upon telegrams, war logs, love letters, and survivor depositions to provide the intriguing details, things I didn't know I wanted to know...Thrilling, dramatic and powerful." "This enthralling and richly detailed account demonstrates that there was far more going on beneath the surface than is generally known...Larson's account [of the Lusitania 's sinking] is the most lucid and suspenseful yet written, and he finds genuine emotional power in the unlucky confluences of forces, 'large and achingly small,' that set the stage for the ship's agonizing final moments." "Larson has a gift for transforming historical re-creations into popular recreations, and Dead Wake is no exception...[He] provides first-rate suspense, a remarkable achievement given that we already know how this is going to turn out...The tension, in the reader's easy chair, is unbearable..." — The Boston Globe. Larson is an exceptionally skilled storyteller, and his tick-tock narrative, which cuts between the Lusitania , U-20 and the political powers behind them, is pitch-perfect." "Larson so brilliantly elucidates [the Lusitania 's fate] in Dead Wake , his detailed forensic and utterly engrossing account of the Lusitania 's last voyage...Yes, we know how the story of the Lusitania ends, but there's still plenty of white-knuckle tension. "Larson's nimble, exquisitely researched tale puts you dead center...Larson deftly pulls off the near-magical feat of taking a foregone conclusion and conjuring a tale that's suspenseful, moving and altogether riveting." "With each revelation from Britain and America, with each tense, claustrophobic scene aboard U-20, the German sub that torpedoed the ship, with each vignette from the Lusitania , Larson's well-paced narrative ratchets the suspense. "[Larson] has a gift for finding the small, personal details that bring history to life...His depiction of the sinking of the ship, and the horrific 18 minutes between the time it was hit and the time it disappeared, is masterly, moving between strange, touching details." Not so with Erik Larson...Larson wrestles these disparate narratives into a unified, coherent story and so creates a riveting account of the Lusitania 's ending and the beginnings of the U.S.'s involvement in the war." —Pittsburgh Post Gazette "In your mind, the sinking of the luxury liner Lusitania may be filed in a cubbyhole...After reading Erik Larson's impressive reconstruction of the Lusitania 's demise, you're going to need a much bigger cubbyhole...Larson's book is a work of carefully sourced nonfiction, not a novelization, but it has a narrative sweep and miniseries pacing that make it highly entertaining as well as informative." "Larson breathes life into narrative history like few writers working today." "Now the tragic footnote to a global conflagration, the history of the [ Lusitania 's] final voyage... is worthy of the pathos and narrative artistry Erik Larson brings to Dead Wake ...Reader's of Larson's previous nonfiction page turners...will not be disappointed. "The story of the Lusitania 's sinking by a German U-boat has been told before, but Larson's version features new details and the gripping immediacy he's famous for." The fact that this is coming through a page-turner history book, where all the figures and details reveal an impeccable eye and thorough research, is just one of the odd pleasures of Larson's writing." He draws upon a wealth of sources for his subject – telegrams, wireless messages, survivor depositions, secret intelligence ledgers, a submarine captain’s war log, love letters, admiralty and university archives, even morgue photos of Lusitania victims… Filled with revealing political, military and social information, Larson’s engrossing Dead Wake is, at its heart, a benediction for the 1,198 souls lost at sea.” — Tampa Bay Times. "In a well-paced narrative, Larson reveals the forces large and small, natural and man-made, coincidental and intentional, that propelled the Lusitania to its fatal rendezvous...Larson's description of the moments and hours that followed the torpedo's explosive impact is riveting... Dead Wake stands on its own as a gripping recounting of an episode that still has the power to haunt a reader 100 years later." — Booklist , starred review "[Larson] has always shown a brilliant ability to unearth the telling details of a story and has the narrative chops to bring a historical moment vividly alive. But in his new book, Larson simply outdoes himself...What is most compelling about Dead Wake is that, through astonishing research, Larson gives us a strong sense of the individuals—passengers and crew—aboard the Lusitania , heightening our sense of anxiety as we realize that some of the people we have come to know will go down with the ship. "Critically acclaimed 'master of narrative nonfiction' Erik Larson has produced a thrilling account of the principals and the times surrounding this tumultuous event in world history...After an intimate look at the passengers, and soon-to-be victims, who board in New York despite the warning of 'unrestricted warfare' from the German embassy, Larson turns up the pace with shorter and shorter chapters alternating between the hunted and the hunter until the actual shot.
Reviews
"In DEAD WAKE: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania, Larson returns to the subjects of war and ships and stirs in a potent mixture of international politics as well as a little romance to once again seduce his readers with a contemporary view of an historical situation. Written to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the Lusitania, a Cunard passenger liner sunk by a German U-Boat, Larson's account differs in several ways from other well-known books produced on the subject. The pluses of Larson's latest work are his acute examination of Room 40, his up-close look at Woodrow Wilson, and his ability to swing between the behind-the-scenes action and balance his discoveries with a conventional but absorbing look at some of the passengers on board the Lusitania all while building a true and terrifying suspense in the narrative. Whether one reads a great deal about WWI history, maritime disasters, or early 1900s international politics, there is something new to be learned in DEAD WAKE."
"I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history, naval battles, presidential decisions, and the life and times of the early 1900's."
"He includes the latest research from dives onto the wreck that determined the cause of the second explosion, which was not available for the earlier and still compelling landmark work by C. Simpson, "The Lusitania". Knowing the track of that sub, they could have provided the promised escorts; or the Lusitania could have been safely rerouted around Ireland without compromising security."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best World War II History

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
When his Army Air Forces bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean, against all odds, Zamperini survived, adrift on a foundering life raft. Appearing in paperback for the first time—with twenty arresting new photos and an extensive Q&A with the author— Unbroken is an unforgettable testament to the resilience of the human mind, body, and spirit, brought vividly to life by Seabiscuit author Laura Hillenbrand. Hailed as the top nonfiction book of the year by Time magazine • Winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for biography and the Indies Choice Adult Nonfiction Book of the Year award “Extraordinarily moving . Hillenbrand’s writing is so ferociously cinematic, the events she describes so incredible, you don’t dare take your eyes off the page.” — People “A meticulous, soaring and beautifully written account of an extraordinary life.” —The Washington Post “Ambitious and powerful . a startling narrative and an inspirational book.” —The New York Times Book Review “Magnificent . [Hillenbrand] has crafted another masterful blend of sports, history and overcoming terrific odds; this is biography taken to the nth degree, a chronicle of a remarkable life lived through extraordinary times.” —The Dallas Morning News “An astonishing testament to the superhuman power of tenacity.” — Entertainment Weekly “A tale of triumph and redemption . nothing less than a marvel.” — Washingtonian “[Hillenbrand tells this] story with cool elegance but at a thrilling sprinter’s pace.” —Time “Hillenbrand [is] one of our best writers of narrative history. a powerfully drawn survival epic.” — The Wall Street Journal “[A] one-in-a-billion story . designed to wrench from self-respecting critics all the blurby adjectives we normally try to avoid: It is amazing, unforgettable, gripping, harrowing, chilling, and inspiring.” —New York “Staggering . Hillenbrand’s writing is so ferociously cinematic, the events she describes so incredible, you don’t dare take your eyes off the page.” — People “A meticulous, soaring and beautifully written account of an extraordinary life.” —The Washington Post “Ambitious and powerful . a startling narrative and an inspirational book.” —The New York Times Book Review “Marvelous . It manages maximum velocity with no loss of subtlety.” — Newsweek “Moving and, yes, inspirational . deserve[s] pride of place alongside the best works of literature that chart the complications and the hard-won triumphs of so-called ordinary Americans and their extraordinary time.” —Maureen Corrigan, Fresh Air “Hillenbrand . tells [this] story with cool elegance but at a thrilling sprinter’s pace.” — Time “ Unbroken is too much book to hope for: a hellride of a story in the grip of the one writer who can handle it. When it comes to courage, charisma, and impossible adventure, few will ever match ‘the boy terror of Torrance,’ and few but the author of Seabiscuit could tell his tale with such humanity and dexterity. Hillenbrand has given us a new national treasure.” —Christopher McDougall, author of Born to Run “Riveting . So haunting and so beautifully written, those who fall under its spell will never again feel the same way about World War II and one of its previously unsung heroes.” —The Columbus Dispatch “Magnificent . [Hillenbrand] has crafted another masterful blend of sports, history and overcoming terrific odds; this is biography taken to the nth degree, a chronicle of a remarkable life lived through extraordinary times.” —The Dallas Morning News “No other author of narrative nonfiction chooses her subjects with greater discrimination or renders them with more discipline and commitment. If storytelling were an Olympic event, [Hillenbrand would] medal for sure.” — Salon. Hillenbrand demonstrates a dazzling ability—one Seabiscuit only hinted at—to make the tale leap off the page.” — Elle. Zamperini’s life is one of courage, heroism, humility and unflagging endurance.” — St. Louis Post Dispatch. “Hillenbrand has once again brought to life the true story of a forgotten hero, and reminded us how lucky we are to have her, one of our best writers of narrative history. You don’t have to be a sports fan or a war-history buff to devour this book—you just have to love great storytelling.” —Rebecca Skloot, author of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
Reviews
"The depth of depravity that Louie and his fellow prisoners had to endure is unimaginable, and the fact that he survived to live a productive life is a testament to his incredibly resilient and unbreakable will and spirit. The account of Zamperini's reluctant encounter with evangelist Billy Graham,is touching and instructive, for it proved to be the event that allowed Louie to finally come to peace with his hatred of the worst of the Japanese guards, Mutsuhiro Watanabe, "The Bird," Louie was finally free of the haunting nightmares and his need to seek revenge."
"The resilience of how man can go through such horrific life events and struggle to the top!"
"Hillenbrand recounts the statistics of men who lost their lives, not only in combat, but also due to all kinds of accidents, technical failures, and training errors — they are a sobering number. Out of the eleven men on board, only 3 survived the crash — they spent 47 days adrift at sea, living off rain water, fish, and birds… mostly starving, dehydrating, fighting off sharks, and talking to each other to keep themselves from going insane. Louie and his friend, Phil, were mistreated, to say the least: they were separated, beaten, practically starved, denied proper medical attention, psychologically tormented, and worked half to death at prisoner-of-war camps. The loss of it can carry a man off as surely as thirst, hunger, exposure, and asphyxiation, and with greater cruelty.”. Surviving on the life rafts while out in the open ocean was quite a challenge — yet when Phil and Louie lacked water, they waited for rain; when they were hungry, they ate whatever they could get their hands on: fish, bird, or shark; when they were too weak to do anything else, they would talk to anchor their minds to their bodies so that they could live to see another day as lucidly as possible. But once they were prisoners of war, the Japanese soldiers sought to degrade them, deprive them of every basic human right imaginable, and to crush their spirit. Louie wrote to his greatest tormentor, Watanabe in letter (after the war): “It was not so much due to the pain and suffering as it was the tension of stress and humiliation that caused me to hate with a vengeance."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Naval Military History

The Second World Wars: How the First Global Conflict Was Fought and Won
A definitive account of World War II by America's preeminent military historian World War II was the most lethal conflict in human history. " The Second World Wars by Victor Davis Hanson is breathtakingly magisterial: How can Mr. Hanson make so much we thought we knew so fresh and original?" Mr. Hanson provides more than enough interesting and original points to make this book essential reading. "[ The Second World Wars ] is a brilliant and very original and readable work by a great military historian and contemporary commentator. "Dr. Hanson has written another well-researched and fascinating book.... [He] does an excellent job of placing World War II in the historical context of global conflict.
Reviews
"Rather than revealing his richest insights--a nasty trait in reviews--I suggest that readers, no matter how busy or distracted by daily life, make time for this book: It's underlying themes are even bigger than the declared subject."
"Taking a globalist perspective , similar to Weinberg but at half the length, Mr Hanson uses a unique approach. The analysis concentrates on fundamentals of production ,logistics, time and distance while spending almost no space on battlefield sketches of individual actions."
"This paradox is fully explored in this magnificent work, beautifully written and massively researched, it is bound to be a standard in the field of strategic studies of the war. As Hansen makes clear in depth, the war as won largely as a result of allied dominance on the seas and in the air. And yet that would have been impossible without the many "second fronts" such as North Africa, Italy, the strategic bombing campaign, Normandy as well as massive material aid."
"I read it straight through."
"This is a great macro look at the forces that shaped the war, but with a surprising look at often overlooked details."
"Exceeded my expectations."
"It's VDH."
"Great history-well researched, excellent insights, many useful statistics, good balance between Axis and Allies, excellent parallels to previous history and wars."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best War of 1812 History

Six Frigates: The Epic History of the Founding of the U. S. Navy
From the decision to build six heavy frigates, through the cliffhanger campaign against Tripoli, to the war that shook the world in 1812, Ian W. Toll tells this grand tale with the political insight of Founding Brothers and a narrative flair worthy of Patrick O'Brian. According to Henry Adams, the 1812 encounter between USS Constitution and HMS Guerriere "raised the United States in one half hour to the rank of a first class power in the world." Not confined to sea battles, Toll's history of the U.S. Navy's formative decades, from the mid-1790s to the War of 1812, rounds out affairs by anchoring the nascent navy to its financial supports.
Reviews
"VERY GOOD EXPLANATIONS OF THE PROBLEMS OF OUR GOVERNMENT ALSO THIS EXPLAINS MUCH MORE CLEARLY ABOUT THE BARBARY PIRATES AND HOW WE GOT INTO THE WAR OF 1812."
"Readable discussion of the political and economic drivers that led to the creation of the US Navy."
"It very much brought to mind the fact that while the founders of this country were extremely enlightened individuals, the government they created for the new United States was was a completely foreign concept heretofore."
"This is a well-written and little-known history of the birth of the U.S. Navy and the political climate at home and abroad."
"Must read for any high school student taking Civics / US Government or early American history."
"I bought this book after reading "Pacific Crucible.""
"Pirates of the Barbary Coast in the Mediterrinan Sea were capturing our ships, stealing the cargos and holding them for ransom. Cargo Insurance was going out of sight.When the Frigates started to come on line we attacked the Pirates and tamed their looting and flouting of International Rules of Commerce. British Navy was short of men because of the way they were fed, paid, flogged sometimes to death if the slightest infraction displeased the ship Captains. Their sailors were jumping ship at the slightest chance and joining the large American merchant fleet. Finally, common sense prevailed and they appropriated money and authorized six Frigates to be built to remedy this severe problem. Attacking the ships close aboard, destroying their crews with grape shot which was fast and very effective."
"Great book on the founding of the Navy."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Weapons & Warfare History

The Great Halifax Explosion: A World War I Story of Treachery, Tragedy, and Extraordinary Heroism
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • The riveting, tick-tock account of the largest manmade explosion in history prior to the atomic bomb, and the equally astonishing tales of survival and heroism that emerged from the ashes. , from acclaimed New York Times bestselling author John U. Bacon. This is the unforgettable story told in John U. Bacon's The Great Halifax Explosion : a ticktock account of fateful decisions that led to doom, the human faces of the blast's 11,000 casualties, and the equally moving individual stories of those who lived and selflessly threw themselves into urgent rescue work that saved thousands. John U. Bacon, a superbly talented historian and story teller, has rescued from obscurity an astonishing episode of horror and heroism.” (GEORGE F. WILL). In this suspenseful tale of heartbreak and heroism, Bacon deftly recreates a world at war and sheds new light on one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th century.” (BETH MACY, New York Times bestselling author of Factory Man and Truevine ). With deep research and evocative writing, John U. Bacon has brought back to life this devastating wartime event and illuminated its lasting meaning.” (DAVID MARANISS, Pulitzer Prize winner, and author of Once in a Great City ). “Fans of Ken Burns, Daniel James Brown’s The Boys in the Boat , and John Hersey’s Hiroshima will find in John Bacon’s meticulous reporting a story that literally rocked the world. “John U. Bacon’s The Great Halifax Explosion is the seminal account of one of the bloodiest man-made disasters in world history, which killed some 2,000 people.
Reviews
"Deeply researched and told in a riveting fashion, this book vividly draws you through the moments of one of the biggest man made tragedies ever experienced."
"He suspensefully sets up the collision of two ships and explosion that followed against the backdrop of WWI and US - Canadian relations in 1917."
"Hard to believe that this is a disaster story way overlooked by most history buffs."
"Fantastic book covering not only the technical aspects of the explosion but also follows the human aspects as well."
"I knew a little of the incident before reading it, but now knowing how the community all came together is heart warming."
"Gives alot of history of the area and the relationship of Canada and the US."
"When the scale of world events dominates coverage, stories of individual people emerge as the more poignant."
"A great mix of history and humanity."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Afghan War Military History

The Operator: Firing the Shots that Killed Osama bin Laden and My Years as a SEAL Team Warrior
New York Times Bestseller A stirringly evocative, thought-provoking, and often jaw-dropping account, The Operator ranges across SEAL Team Operator Robert O’Neill’s awe-inspiring four-hundred-mission career, which included his involvement in attempts to rescue “Lone Survivor” Marcus Luttrell and abducted-by-Somali-pirates Captain Richard Phillips and which culminated in those famous three shots that dispatched the world’s most wanted terrorist, Osama bin Laden. An interesting and insightful book about some of the most historic moments in modern American military history." "Enlightening about military special forces, especially the SEAL component . “Intensely moving and awe-inspiring, The Operator captures as few other books have the essence of being a frogman: utterly unimaginable fatigue followed by intense exhilaration followed by a weary emptiness—and then back for more. O’Neill wrote himself into American history with the three shots he fired into Osama bin Laden, but if you think that operation was intense wait till you read about the ones that preceded it. There is a saying, ‘Great battles are only given to great warriors.’ Rob was repeatedly given great battles, and he represented accordingly.” —Marcus Luttrell, New York Times bestselling coauthor of Lone Survivor and Service. What O’Neill has written is unique, surprising, a kind of counternarrative, and certainly the other half of the story of one of the world’s most famous military operations . In the larger sense, this book is about how to be alive—how to be human while in the very same moment dealing with death, destruction, combat.” —Doug Stanton, New York Times bestselling author of In Harm’s Way and Horse Soldiers.
Reviews
"This book regards the experiences of the author in serving as a U.S. Navy SEAL member on some 400+ "missions", with his account of being the person who actually shot and killed Osama Bin Laden -- the Islamist who coordinated the hijacked airplane, suicidal Islamikazi attacks on 9/11/2001 that destroyed several skyscrapers in NYC and damaged the Pentagon. I'm not going to recount the author's entire 25-page raid of rappelling from a helicopter into Osama's high-walled "fortress", but will quote the author as claiming that as he climbed up a stairwell to Osama's third floor: "Osama bin Laden stood near the entrance at the foot of the bed, taller and thinner than I'd expected, his beard shorter and hair whiter....In less than a second, I aimed above the woman's right shoulder [who was standing in front of Osama] and pulled the trigger twice. Even if the author hadn't been the SEAL who downed Osama, his recounting of his other combat experiences would still make this book an interesting read."
"The Operator: Firing the Shots that Killed Osama bin Laden and My Years as a SEAL Team WarriorI heard Rob O'Neil speak at a private event (hosted by Senator Dan Brown of the Missouri Senate.). He was not at all boastful, in fact he was mighty modest and impressed me as the boy next door, I mean, just a really a nice guy."
"If you've never read a SEAL memoir, then consider it a 5 star book and get this one."
"I enjoyed this book for details about the SEALs, their tactics and mindset."
"The events that led up to some historical events is great from O'Neill's prospective is spot on and humorous at times."
"Cannot imagine anyone, in less perilous situations e.g. including clubs, corporate, that would not enjoy a bit of this Amazing Story, history, and the highly trained voice of Experience and Leadership, in easy to understand manner."
"Very interesting insight into what Navy SEAL training is like and the lifestyle SEALS lead."
"Then I ran out and told all my friends about it because as far as I''m concerned, it's a must read."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Canadian Military History

001: The Civil War: A Narrative: Volume 1: Fort Sumter to Perryville (Vintage Civil War Library)
This first volume of Shelby Foote's classic narrative of the Civil War opens with Jefferson Davis’s farewell to the United Senate and ends on the bloody battlefields of Antietam and Perryville, as the full, horrible scope of America’s great war becomes clear. Whitman, who ultimately knew and loved the bravery and frailty of the soldiers, observed that the real Civil War would never be written and perhaps should not be. "Here, for a certainty, is one of the great historical narratives…a unique and brilliant achievement, one that must be firmly placed in the ranks of the masters. Whitman, who ultimately knew and loved the bravery and frailty of the soldiers, observed that the real Civil War would never be written and perhaps should not be.
Reviews
"And it does an outstanding job detailing the battles and the generals and politicians who directed the strategies involved."
"I have read many good books on the American Civil War and this is one of the best."
"I really enjoyed this book."
"I have read many works on the American Civil War and this gives a detailed report of not only the battles but the personalities and politics in the background."
"I am sure enjoying this book. Shelby Foote's Civil War book gave me for the first time a good accounting of Jefferson Davis."
"Also, this was my first non-fiction work read on a kindle so accessing the maps in an easy manner was bothersome, but that's more a knock on the kindle than the work of Mr. Foote."
"Actually as described and the right book cover to match our other 2 volumes, so we were very glad!"
"Very difficult to read through this extremely detailed volume but makes an excellent reference book through the battles and their commanders."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best American Military History

Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win (New Edition)
Willink and Babin returned home from deployment and instituted SEAL leadership training to pass on their harsh lessons learned in combat to help forge the next generation of SEAL leaders. Detailing the mindset and principles that enable SEAL units to accomplish the most difficult combat missions, Extreme Ownership demonstrates how to apply them to any team or organization, in any leadership environment. Riveting, engaging, and free from the usual cliché platitudes, this book is strikingly impactful and will dramatically improve leaders of all types.” ― Amy Brandt Schumacher, entrepreneur, executive, and philanthropist. An inspiring and page-turning read, the leadership lessons are easy to digest and implement. This book made me a better leader and enabled my entire team step up our game!” ― Jared Hamilton, founder and CEO, DrivingSales "One of the best books on leadership I've ever read and a tremendous war story book as well."
Reviews
"Extreme Ownership is written by two former Navy SEALs, Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, who now head a leadership training company. There aren't many books out there that give such detailed glimpses into the lives of SEALs in action. The authors convey one main point per chapter by sharing a story from their battlefield experiences, then highlighting the main principle of that story, and finally giving a concrete example of how this principle applies in business settings. In my opinion, the simplicity, clarity, and structure of this book are it's greatest strengths. There are several moments when the authors share a complete story or personal thought--and then share the story again, but this time in the context of telling it to either their SEAL teams or to a group of business executives. Second, while this book is very descriptive--especially with the battle scenes--it is also incredibly restrained, almost cold. Their lessons are insightful and thought-provoking, and I can definitely see how their experiences will help guide leaders in the business world."
"They explain hard-learned principles of leadership, which they experienced first-hand as US Navy SEALs, specifically in and around their 2006 deployment to Ramadi, Iraq, one of the most dangerous places and times in the war. Military recruits & officers, parents, corporate executives, students, low-level management, spouses, shop foremen, independent contractors, and sole proprietors will all benefit from the lessons of Extreme Ownership. If you feel you're stuck in a rut, lacking self-discipline, or perhaps know someone who simply needs to improve their lot, this book is an excellent starting point."
"Probably the BEST leadership book Ive ever read."
"It would seem hard to imagine reading this and not looking at an organization and not see powerful & measurable application from the principles they bring into conscience awareness."
"Good read, I've been reading multiple chapters at a time."
"I really enjoyed the format of this particular book."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Military Uniform History

Military History: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Objects of Warfare
From the siege towers and catapults employed by ancient invaders to the unmanned drones and stealth bombers used by today's armed forces, the mastering of superior technology has always played a critical role in determining an army's chances of success — or defeat. "The lavishly illustrated Military History follows in the DK tradition of providing high-quality, image-rich, and data-filled guide books.
Reviews
"Excellent book!"
"Very interesting and concise."
"Everything I could think wanting to know regarding military weapons is in this book with full color pics and clear precise explanations."
"This DK Eyewitness book is quite complete,"
"Excellent book i love it."
"This is less a history than a book of historic weapons, armor, uniforms, and weapon systems."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Military Regiment History

Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest
Stephen E. Ambrose’s iconic story of the ordinary men who became the World War II’s most extraordinary soldiers: Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, US Army. They parachuted into France early D-Day morning and knocked out a battery of four 105 mm cannon looking down Utah Beach; they parachuted into Holland during the Arnhem campaign; they were the Battered Bastards of the Bastion of Bastogne, brought in to hold the line, although surrounded, in the Battle of the Bulge; and then they spearheaded the counteroffensive. Among his New York Times bestsellers are Nothing Like It in the World, Citizen Soldiers, Band of Brothers, D-Day - June 6, 1944, and Undaunted Courage .
Reviews
"But the recurring theme is how the E Company survivors bonded and, after the war, did form that "band of brothers" through the remainder of their lives. In this age of faux patriotism and gun-totin' infantry wannabees the story of E Company is the real deal, a story of real people, all human, all flawed and less flawed."
"My Dad was in WW2 and this time in history fascinates me."
"I will be surprised if any other future historical event will bring out the qualities shown by Americans during that tragic time in history."
"He makes history more exciting by putting it in context and explaining not just the basics but he gets into the stories of the men. So beloved is this book that it was turned into one of the most acclaimed mini series of our time."
"Although I watched the HBO series (more that once), I enjoyed the book immensely - it gave substance to the narrative that a video series could not hope to provide."
"Band of Brothers tells the story of a company of the 101st Airborne from initial training through the end of the war. To think that such men, having survived and shared such suffering and "glory" (that only they knew about except for Ambrose documenting it near the end of the survivors' lives) would be frozen in time as they were made me feel despair."
"I wanted to reacquaint myself with Easy Company before seeing the DDay beaches, the small villages so hard fought for, the farm fields that Field Marshall Rommel flooded in anticipation of an air invasion."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Military Strategy History

The Second World Wars: How the First Global Conflict Was Fought and Won
A definitive account of World War II by America's preeminent military historian World War II was the most lethal conflict in human history. " The Second World Wars by Victor Davis Hanson is breathtakingly magisterial: How can Mr. Hanson make so much we thought we knew so fresh and original?" Mr. Hanson provides more than enough interesting and original points to make this book essential reading. "[ The Second World Wars ] is a brilliant and very original and readable work by a great military historian and contemporary commentator. "Dr. Hanson has written another well-researched and fascinating book.... [He] does an excellent job of placing World War II in the historical context of global conflict.
Reviews
"Rather than revealing his richest insights--a nasty trait in reviews--I suggest that readers, no matter how busy or distracted by daily life, make time for this book: It's underlying themes are even bigger than the declared subject."
"Taking a globalist perspective , similar to Weinberg but at half the length, Mr Hanson uses a unique approach. The analysis concentrates on fundamentals of production ,logistics, time and distance while spending almost no space on battlefield sketches of individual actions."
"This paradox is fully explored in this magnificent work, beautifully written and massively researched, it is bound to be a standard in the field of strategic studies of the war. As Hansen makes clear in depth, the war as won largely as a result of allied dominance on the seas and in the air. And yet that would have been impossible without the many "second fronts" such as North Africa, Italy, the strategic bombing campaign, Normandy as well as massive material aid."
"I read it straight through."
"This is a great macro look at the forces that shaped the war, but with a surprising look at often overlooked details."
"Exceeded my expectations."
"It's VDH."
"Great history-well researched, excellent insights, many useful statistics, good balance between Axis and Allies, excellent parallels to previous history and wars."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Military Aviation History

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
When his Army Air Forces bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean, against all odds, Zamperini survived, adrift on a foundering life raft. Appearing in paperback for the first time—with twenty arresting new photos and an extensive Q&A with the author— Unbroken is an unforgettable testament to the resilience of the human mind, body, and spirit, brought vividly to life by Seabiscuit author Laura Hillenbrand. Hailed as the top nonfiction book of the year by Time magazine • Winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for biography and the Indies Choice Adult Nonfiction Book of the Year award “Extraordinarily moving . Hillenbrand’s writing is so ferociously cinematic, the events she describes so incredible, you don’t dare take your eyes off the page.” — People “A meticulous, soaring and beautifully written account of an extraordinary life.” —The Washington Post “Ambitious and powerful . a startling narrative and an inspirational book.” —The New York Times Book Review “Magnificent . [Hillenbrand] has crafted another masterful blend of sports, history and overcoming terrific odds; this is biography taken to the nth degree, a chronicle of a remarkable life lived through extraordinary times.” —The Dallas Morning News “An astonishing testament to the superhuman power of tenacity.” — Entertainment Weekly “A tale of triumph and redemption . nothing less than a marvel.” — Washingtonian “[Hillenbrand tells this] story with cool elegance but at a thrilling sprinter’s pace.” —Time “Hillenbrand [is] one of our best writers of narrative history. a powerfully drawn survival epic.” — The Wall Street Journal “[A] one-in-a-billion story . designed to wrench from self-respecting critics all the blurby adjectives we normally try to avoid: It is amazing, unforgettable, gripping, harrowing, chilling, and inspiring.” —New York “Staggering . Hillenbrand’s writing is so ferociously cinematic, the events she describes so incredible, you don’t dare take your eyes off the page.” — People “A meticulous, soaring and beautifully written account of an extraordinary life.” —The Washington Post “Ambitious and powerful . a startling narrative and an inspirational book.” —The New York Times Book Review “Marvelous . It manages maximum velocity with no loss of subtlety.” — Newsweek “Moving and, yes, inspirational . deserve[s] pride of place alongside the best works of literature that chart the complications and the hard-won triumphs of so-called ordinary Americans and their extraordinary time.” —Maureen Corrigan, Fresh Air “Hillenbrand . tells [this] story with cool elegance but at a thrilling sprinter’s pace.” — Time “ Unbroken is too much book to hope for: a hellride of a story in the grip of the one writer who can handle it. When it comes to courage, charisma, and impossible adventure, few will ever match ‘the boy terror of Torrance,’ and few but the author of Seabiscuit could tell his tale with such humanity and dexterity. Hillenbrand has given us a new national treasure.” —Christopher McDougall, author of Born to Run “Riveting . So haunting and so beautifully written, those who fall under its spell will never again feel the same way about World War II and one of its previously unsung heroes.” —The Columbus Dispatch “Magnificent . [Hillenbrand] has crafted another masterful blend of sports, history and overcoming terrific odds; this is biography taken to the nth degree, a chronicle of a remarkable life lived through extraordinary times.” —The Dallas Morning News “No other author of narrative nonfiction chooses her subjects with greater discrimination or renders them with more discipline and commitment. If storytelling were an Olympic event, [Hillenbrand would] medal for sure.” — Salon. Hillenbrand demonstrates a dazzling ability—one Seabiscuit only hinted at—to make the tale leap off the page.” — Elle. Zamperini’s life is one of courage, heroism, humility and unflagging endurance.” — St. Louis Post Dispatch. “Hillenbrand has once again brought to life the true story of a forgotten hero, and reminded us how lucky we are to have her, one of our best writers of narrative history. You don’t have to be a sports fan or a war-history buff to devour this book—you just have to love great storytelling.” —Rebecca Skloot, author of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
Reviews
"The depth of depravity that Louie and his fellow prisoners had to endure is unimaginable, and the fact that he survived to live a productive life is a testament to his incredibly resilient and unbreakable will and spirit. The account of Zamperini's reluctant encounter with evangelist Billy Graham,is touching and instructive, for it proved to be the event that allowed Louie to finally come to peace with his hatred of the worst of the Japanese guards, Mutsuhiro Watanabe, "The Bird," Louie was finally free of the haunting nightmares and his need to seek revenge."
"The resilience of how man can go through such horrific life events and struggle to the top!"
"Hillenbrand recounts the statistics of men who lost their lives, not only in combat, but also due to all kinds of accidents, technical failures, and training errors — they are a sobering number. Out of the eleven men on board, only 3 survived the crash — they spent 47 days adrift at sea, living off rain water, fish, and birds… mostly starving, dehydrating, fighting off sharks, and talking to each other to keep themselves from going insane. Louie and his friend, Phil, were mistreated, to say the least: they were separated, beaten, practically starved, denied proper medical attention, psychologically tormented, and worked half to death at prisoner-of-war camps. The loss of it can carry a man off as surely as thirst, hunger, exposure, and asphyxiation, and with greater cruelty.”. Surviving on the life rafts while out in the open ocean was quite a challenge — yet when Phil and Louie lacked water, they waited for rain; when they were hungry, they ate whatever they could get their hands on: fish, bird, or shark; when they were too weak to do anything else, they would talk to anchor their minds to their bodies so that they could live to see another day as lucidly as possible. But once they were prisoners of war, the Japanese soldiers sought to degrade them, deprive them of every basic human right imaginable, and to crush their spirit. Louie wrote to his greatest tormentor, Watanabe in letter (after the war): “It was not so much due to the pain and suffering as it was the tension of stress and humiliation that caused me to hate with a vengeance."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Intelligence & Espionage History

Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win (New Edition)
Willink and Babin returned home from deployment and instituted SEAL leadership training to pass on their harsh lessons learned in combat to help forge the next generation of SEAL leaders. Detailing the mindset and principles that enable SEAL units to accomplish the most difficult combat missions, Extreme Ownership demonstrates how to apply them to any team or organization, in any leadership environment. Riveting, engaging, and free from the usual cliché platitudes, this book is strikingly impactful and will dramatically improve leaders of all types.” ― Amy Brandt Schumacher, entrepreneur, executive, and philanthropist. An inspiring and page-turning read, the leadership lessons are easy to digest and implement. This book made me a better leader and enabled my entire team step up our game!” ― Jared Hamilton, founder and CEO, DrivingSales "One of the best books on leadership I've ever read and a tremendous war story book as well."
Reviews
"Extreme Ownership is written by two former Navy SEALs, Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, who now head a leadership training company. There aren't many books out there that give such detailed glimpses into the lives of SEALs in action. The authors convey one main point per chapter by sharing a story from their battlefield experiences, then highlighting the main principle of that story, and finally giving a concrete example of how this principle applies in business settings. In my opinion, the simplicity, clarity, and structure of this book are it's greatest strengths. There are several moments when the authors share a complete story or personal thought--and then share the story again, but this time in the context of telling it to either their SEAL teams or to a group of business executives. Second, while this book is very descriptive--especially with the battle scenes--it is also incredibly restrained, almost cold. Their lessons are insightful and thought-provoking, and I can definitely see how their experiences will help guide leaders in the business world."
"They explain hard-learned principles of leadership, which they experienced first-hand as US Navy SEALs, specifically in and around their 2006 deployment to Ramadi, Iraq, one of the most dangerous places and times in the war. Military recruits & officers, parents, corporate executives, students, low-level management, spouses, shop foremen, independent contractors, and sole proprietors will all benefit from the lessons of Extreme Ownership. If you feel you're stuck in a rut, lacking self-discipline, or perhaps know someone who simply needs to improve their lot, this book is an excellent starting point."
"Probably the BEST leadership book Ive ever read."
"It would seem hard to imagine reading this and not looking at an organization and not see powerful & measurable application from the principles they bring into conscience awareness."
"Good read, I've been reading multiple chapters at a time."
"I really enjoyed the format of this particular book."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best History of Military Vehicles

The Complete Book of the SR-71 Blackbird: The Illustrated Profile of Every Aircraft, Crew, and Breakthrough of the World's Fastest Stealth Jet
The ultimate SR-71 book which profiles the history, development, manufacture, modification, and active service of all 50 models in the SR-71 program. The Complete Book of the SR-71 Blackbird covers every aspect of the SR-71's development, manufacture, modification, and active service from the insider's perspective of one of its pilots and is lavishly illustrated with more than 400 photos. A command pilot with more than 4,600 military flying hours, he has earned military decorations and awards including the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with three oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with eighteen oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with "V" device and one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Combat Readiness Medal with one oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four service stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Reviews
"Cool to find out that the SR-71 that's is nearest to me at Robins Flight Museum was one of the last to fly and holds the ultimate speed record."
"I found only one error in the book and that is Grand Forks is not in South Dakota."
"I was associated with the SR from 1969 to 1973 ... it is a good book."
"A comprehensive history of my favorite plane."
"This is a very attractive table-top book."
"This is the first book that explores the plane as a work in progress of R&D over time."
"If you are a fan of the 'Black Jet', SR-71, this book needs to added to your reference library."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Military Life & Institutions History

The Generals: Patton, MacArthur, Marshall, and the Winning of World War II
These three remarkable men-of-arms who rose from the gruesome hell of the First World War to become the finest generals of their generation during World War II redefined America's ideas of military leadership and brought forth a new generation of American soldier. Winston Groom is the beloved author of 14 previous books, including Forrest Gump ; The Aviators ; Conversations with the Enemy (nominated for a Pulitzer Prize); 1942: The Year That Tried Men's Souls ; Vicksburg, 1863 ; and Shiloh, 1862 .
Reviews
"For me the answer to these questions is that Groom has a knack for telling interesting stories that capture key features of a situation. Though I have not read as much about McArthur and Patton, Groom's stories left me feeling he had painted a penetrating picture of their lives and personas. The book starts with chapters on the early lives and careers of each of the three generals, then a chapter telling the story of their experiences in World War I--Marshall an outstanding planner on Pershing's staff, Patton as a senior tank officer, and McArthur as the fast-rising combat leader of the famous Rainbow Division. While Marshall was the ultimate political and administrative general in World War II, his role was so critical that Winston Churchill called him "the Organizer of Victory." One final note: the subtitle makes it sound like the period covered ends with World War II, but, for Marshall and McArthur, the story continues into Korea and their activities afterwards through the remainder of their lives."
"History is a great teacher and there are many lessons to be studied in My Groom's book."
"I've read several WWI and WWII histories and found this one to be the most enjoyable, tying the lives and careers of Patton, MacArthur and Marshall together with great emphasis on early life and WWI experiences."
"Excellent and riveting about Patton, Mc Arthur, and Marshall."
"These men were leaders with a purpose, and great responsibility."
"This was a thoroughly enjoyable and informative read; I highly recommend it!"
"It is an outstanding book the way it weaves the history of the US and these 3 men from late 19 th century thru WWII and the post war era ."
"Great book."
Find Best Price at Amazon
Home > Best Books > Best History > Best Military History > Best Napoleonic War History