History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Calculations are only as good as your numbers
  • Pants on fire?
  • Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
  • Very Interesting
  • History as Science Fiction
History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Mithec
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ChineseChinese | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
IrishIrish | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
JapaneseJapanese | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
WomenWomen | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Augustine, SaintAugustine, Saint | ( A ) | People, A-Z | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Doctors & MedicineDoctors & Medicine | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Lawyers & CriminalsLawyers & Criminals | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Love, Sex & MarriageLove, Sex & Marriage | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Assyria, Babylonia & SumerAssyria, Babylonia & Sumer | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books
Early CivilizationEarly Civilization | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books
HistoriographyHistoriography | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | World | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Asian American | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Asian AmericanAsian American | Poetry | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
FrenchFrench | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
VictorianVictorian | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
EpicEpic | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
GermanGerman | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
RussianRussian | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
SpanishSpanish | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ChineseChinese | Classics | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Conspiracy TheoriesConspiracy Theories | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
War on DrugsWar on Drugs | Crime & Criminals | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
English (All)English (All) | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
ArabicArabic | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
ArmenianArmenian | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
CzechCzech | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
GreekGreek | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
HungarianHungarian | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
JapaneseJapanese | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
KoreanKorean | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
NorwegianNorwegian | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
Persian & FarsiPersian & Farsi | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
PolishPolish | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
PortuguesePortuguese | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
RomanianRomanian | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
RussianRussian | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
SwedishSwedish | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
TurkishTurkish | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
ScienceScience | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
Online ResearchOnline Research | Genealogy | Reference | Subjects | Books
Native AmericanNative American | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Science | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books
History of ScienceHistory of Science | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books
Magic & WizardsMagic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Sailor MoonSailor Moon | Popular Characters | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
PilatesPilates | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
HistoryHistory | Fashion | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Fiction BooksLook Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Nonfiction BooksLook Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Reference BooksLook Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Religion & Spirituality BooksLook Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Romance BooksLook Inside Romance Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Science BooksLook Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy BooksLook Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
All TitlesAll Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. History: Fiction or Science? Chronology 2 (Chronology) History: Fiction or Science? Chronology 2 (Chronology)
  2. History: Fiction or Science? Astronomical methods as applied to chronology. Ptolemy's Almagest. Chronology III History: Fiction or Science? Astronomical methods as applied to chronology. Ptolemy's Almagest. Chronology III
  3. Discovering the Mysteries of Ancient America: Lost History And Legends, Unearthed And Explored Discovering the Mysteries of Ancient America: Lost History And Legends, Unearthed And Explored
  4. Before the Pharaohs: Egypt's Mysterious Prehistory Before the Pharaohs: Egypt's Mysterious Prehistory
  5. They Cast No Shadows: A Collection of Essays on the Illuminati, Revisionist History, and Suppressed Technologies They Cast No Shadows: A Collection of Essays on the Illuminati, Revisionist History, and Suppressed Technologies

ASIN: 2913621058

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:

3 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.

4 out of 5 stars 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.
The One that Got Away: My SAS Mission behind Enemy Lines
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Great story!
  • Worth a read
  • The limit of human endurance...
  • comparison
  • good book
The One that Got Away: My SAS Mission behind Enemy Lines
Chris Ryan
Manufacturer: Potomac Books Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Military & SpiesMilitary & Spies | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Military | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
AsiaAsia | History | Subjects | Books | Afghanistan | Armenia | Bangladesh | Belarus | Bhutan | Brunei | Cambodia | Central Asia | China | Far East | General | Georgia | Hong Kong | India | Indonesia | Japan | Korea | Laos | Malaysia | Maldives | Mauritius | Mongolia | Myanmar | Nepal | Pakistan | Philippines | Russia | Seychelles | Singapore | South Asia | Southeast Asia | Sri Lanka | Taiwan | Thailand | Tibet | Turkey | Vietnam
GeneralGeneral | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Operation Desert StormOperation Desert Storm | United States | Military | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | England | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Bravo Two-Zero Bravo Two-Zero
  2. Bravo Two Zero Bravo Two Zero
  3. Immediate Action Immediate Action
  4. Soldier Five: The Real Truth About the Bravo Two Zero Mission Soldier Five: The Real Truth About the Bravo Two Zero Mission
  5. Remote Control Remote Control

ASIN: 1574881566

Book Description

The British Army's Special Air Service is one of the world's premier special operations units. During the Gulf War, deep behind Iraqi lines, an SAS team was compromised. A fierce firefight ensued, and the eight men were forced to run for their lives. Only one, Chris Ryan, escaped capture or death, and he did it by walking nearly 180 miles through the desert for seven days and eight nights. This story features extraordinary courage under fire, narrow escapes, a battle against the most adverse physical conditions, and, above all, of one man's courageous refusal to lie down and die.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great story!.......2007-07-10

This book is great mainly due to the dangerous background of the mission. Ryan survived for about ten days in a hostile environment while he had to deal with coldness, exhaustion, injuries and starvation. Therefore it is an account of an incredible surviving. Respect for Ryan. His book is a must-read !

5 out of 5 stars Worth a read.......2007-03-27

Not the tale of an inhumanly capable and faultless warrior and all the more compelling for that. Very interesting and informative, a more realistic treatment of events that the McNabb book, or at least more believable.

5 out of 5 stars The limit of human endurance..........2006-01-27

Imagine driving two hundred miles, a long boring journey no doubt. Seems like ages...

Imagine walking it with no food, little water, and freezing temperatures that had already cost the lives of two of the SAS patrol troopers. That's what Ryan did when he journeyed to the Syrian border when the infamous Bravo Two Zero mission fell apart due to bad luck, poor intelligence, and below zero temperatures.

The famous - or infamous - Bravo Two Zero mission was about eight SAS troops that where sent behind enemy lines during the first gulf war. They were compromised early on, and with a fire fight early on, and no communication from headquarters, the men had to evade and escape. Four of the men were captured and tortured in an Iraqi sess-pit of a gaol. Three of the men died, one shot in combat and two died from hypothermia. Only one escaped. "The One That Got Away" is his story...

Ryan had to endure a terrific journey on foot of 200 miles to get to the Syrian border. Along the way, he drills (kills) a few Iraqi soldiers, or guards. He even breaks one's neck, told in squirm-inducing detail:

"When the second man saw me, his eyes widened in terror and he instantly began to run. But somehow, with a surge of adrenalin, I flew after him, jumped on him and brought him down with my legs locked round his hips. I got one arm round his neck in a judo hold and stretched his chin up. There was a muffled crack, and he died instantaneously."

Ryan's spirit comes from a very deep well, and with his SAS training, he pushes on even when he is on the verge of complete exhaustion (towards the end, he starts hallucinating).

Andy NcNab's "Bravo Two Zero" book is about McNab's torture at the hands of his Iraqi captives. Ryan's story is also about brutal pain, but his is self-inflicted as he desperately seeks to escape capture (he loses all his toe nails due to the 200 mile hike, he is on the verge of getting frost bite, he drinks radioactive water, and to finish off bad luck, he nearly gets lynched when he finally gets to Syria).

Ryan comes across as a methodical man. He plays by the book (he doesn't journey during the day - an SAS no-no). His methodical thinking about getting things right sometimes makes the other members of the SAS patrol seem incompetent. That seems a tad unfair (though as the author, and with the slight fact that he was actually there, he may have a right to say what he wants). I think the real incompetence in the Bravo Two Zero mission was the lack of intelligence from the top brass and not the men on the ground (why should you have the cold terrain as the enemy as well as the Iraqis when it needn't be? Shouldn't Intelligence know that the temperatures in Iraqi can drop really low?)

Even if you not a fan of Special Forces you will find this book riveting. People who like endurance will also love this book - for example if you are one of them loons who think climbing Everest in a pair of flip-flops is a great day out, then this book is also for you.

Seriously, I would recommend reading this, especially now when the second Gulf war is still simmering. It gives you a realistic journey on combat that you rarely get with the media. I also recommend McNab's "Bravo Two Zero" as it gives an account of his capture and torture.

4 out of 5 stars comparison.......2006-01-13

this is a fantastic book. the SAS are phenominal. this mission was flawed, and this book is a testiment to the hardcore training and personnel of the SAS. however, to address another reviewer's comments, i fully disagree with the assessement that the SAS are vastly superior to Delta Force. firstly, for a number of years ive had close affiliations with the special operations world, and personally know a great number of both Delta operators and SAS soldiers and have conversed with them greatly on training, tactics, and so forth. no arguement that both are superior to the SEALs, who have always been overrated and hollywood. but the fact is, it is a complete and utter fallacy to state that Delta dont have the training to survive the way this SAS team did. thats absurd. first, delta's founder, charlie beckwith, a green beret who spent time with the SAS, used the SAS unit structure and training criteria as a template for Delta. second, Delta and the SAS are two of the most closely aligned units in the world, with frequent exchanges, putting Delta operators through SAS training and vice versa, as well as executing missions together from time to time. bottom line, Delta is the US military's MOST elite, MOST well trained, and MOST combat experienced unit of the last 25 years. Delta operators and SAS soldiers dont bother with the comparison themselves, because they're of the same caliber and embrace each other. further, the reason Delta has never done what mcnab's team did is because they've never been in the situation, which by the way was caused by MISTAKES. now im not bashing the SAS, even the most elite units make mistakes, Delta has as well. ultimately, these men survived through a undominable will, and escape, evasion and survival tactics, and to assume that Delta does not have this training is ludicrous, not to mention wholly untrue.

5 out of 5 stars good book.......2005-06-14

i think this book is very good.

i was in the SAS and i fought against the IRA.
First In: An Insider's Account of How the CIA Spearheaded the War on Terror in Afghanistan
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Good Inside Look
  • Disappointingly dull
  • stellar account
  • Best CIA book I've ever read
  • Tip of the Spear
First In: An Insider's Account of How the CIA Spearheaded the War on Terror in Afghanistan
Gary Schroen
Manufacturer: Presidio Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

AfghanistanAfghanistan | Asia | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Asia | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Intelligence & EspionageIntelligence & Espionage | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Operation Desert StormOperation Desert Storm | United States | Military | History | Subjects | Books
TerrorismTerrorism | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
IntelligenceIntelligence | Freedom & Security | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Jawbreaker: The Attack on Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda: A Personal Account by the CIA's Key Field Commander Jawbreaker: The Attack on Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda: A Personal Account by the CIA's Key Field Commander
  2. Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001 Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001
  3. Not a Good Day to Die: The Untold Story of Operation Anaconda Not a Good Day to Die: The Untold Story of Operation Anaconda
  4. See No Evil: The True Story of a Ground Soldier in the CIA's War on Terrorism See No Evil: The True Story of a Ground Soldier in the CIA's War on Terrorism
  5. The American Agent: My Life in the CIA The American Agent: My Life in the CIA

ASIN: 0891418725
Release Date: 2005-05-10

Book Description

While America held its breath in the days immediately following 9/11, a small but determined group of CIA agents covertly began to change history. This is the riveting first-person account of the treacherous top-secret mission inside Afghanistan to set the stage for the defeat of the Taliban and launch the war on terror.

As thrilling as any novel, First In is a uniquely intimate look at a mission that began the U.S. retaliation against terrorism–and reclaimed the country of Afghanistan for its people.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Good Inside Look.......2007-07-29

This is a great first hand account of what was going on after 9/11. While we were at home wondering what our government was doing, these guys were getting things done.

3 out of 5 stars Disappointingly dull.......2007-06-19

This book is more a lesson in the stifling bureaucracy of the U.S. government -- even when engaged in one of the most important foreign operations in its history. Schroen's book is filled with operational minutiae that, while providing a detailed account of the CIA operation in Afghanistan after 9/11, is bled dry of any context.

I feel for Schroen and his team as time and again, their efforts are hampered by intra-agency turf wars, mistrust and miscommunication with the U.S. military, not to mention the substantial obstacles they had to overcome vis-a-vis their Northern Alliance hosts.

It comes across in Schroen's writing -- he's at the center of the operation, but is largely beholden to other forces, in Washington and in Afghanistan. And you only get a glimpse at his frustration, probably due to the diligence of the CIA editorial oversight. I can't help but think that I'm reading a highly sanitized and watered-down version of what Schroen *really* wanted to say. (Note that unlike Gary Berntsen's "Jawbreaker", this book was published with the CIA's full approval, with nary a redacted line.)

In the end you get the sense that the CIA team were little more than clerks or administrators, doling out the cash to keep Afghan allies, well allied, and making requests for travel, fuel, etc. That's too bad because clearly Schroen and his teammates deserve acknowledgment (and praise) for what they were able to accomplish on the ground, despite being hamstrung and their own operational limitations.

4 out of 5 stars stellar account .......2007-06-02

This book represents a stellar account of the disconnect betwen the policymakers in Washington and those charged with the execution of U.S. foreign policy. Schroen's book also chronicles the insidious influence lobbyists representing foreign nations can have on defense or foreign policy. Pushing forward Pakistan's agenda cost lives of our true allies, those in the Northern Alliance who laid it all on the line to take the fight to the Taliban.

5 out of 5 stars Best CIA book I've ever read.......2007-05-18

Mr. Schroen is the first author coming out of the CIA that I've ever read that has a shred of humility. It was refreshing to read his perspective and look into his amazing paradigm without all the macho horse-crap. This was a very interesting topic to me, and I really enjoyed this author's telling of it. I am into the details and there were a lot of them in this book. It's not a thriller-spy story, but it is a great read in my opinion.

5 out of 5 stars Tip of the Spear.......2006-07-07

Gary Schroen was less that 3 months away from retirement from the CIA on 9/11. He'd had a successful career there in "Operations", the guys who do the actual spying (as opposed to "Analysis", the guys who try and figure out what everything means), mostly dealing with the Middle East, and had wound up a Deputy Division head. For 2 years in the early 90s he was the Station Chief in Kabul, Afghanistan, and later in the decade he'd flown into the Northern Alliance's territory and met Ahmed Shah Masoud, the charismatic leader of that group who was assassinated just before 9/11. He had extensive contacts with various friendly figures in Afghan politics, speaks at least one of the local languages, and of course has lots of experience. As a result, 15 days after 9/11, Schroen was flown into the Northern Alliance's Panshir Valley on a CIA helicopter along with a half dozen other CIA guys, various laptops, satellite phones, and radios, a crate of guns, and $3 million in cash. His orders were to find and kill Osama bin Laden, and topple the Taliban government. This book is his account of the mission, how it went, and the adventures they had along the way.

Schroen was sent into Afghanistan at a time when the army didn't consider it safe to deploy troops (apparently now, if the army can't medivac wounded they won't operate in an area, and since there were no friendly airbases close enough, they were skittish about the idea of committing troops or flying combat missions) so Schroen and his friends were on their own for a considerable time period (about a month). They made friends with the locals (some of whom Schroen already knew) spread around money to buy weapons and supplies, and lobbied for airstrikes, Special Forces teams, and generally support while they watched the Northern Alliance fight the Taliban. As time passed, other CIA teams and Special Forces Operators did appear. At one point in the story, several of the CIA guys participate in a cavalry charge (I keep reading books that recount the "last" cavalry charge in history: believe it or not, this one worked) and there are various other interesting anecdotes. The author, 59 at the time he was inserted into Afghanistan, had terrible intestinal troubles that were never entirely resolved, and one of the other guys had gas (apparently from the altitude). While they didn't get Osama (never even got close, really...they landed on the other side of the country) they were instrumental in tipping the war against the Taliban.

This is an interesting, intelligent book. The accounts of the politics in Washington and the Pentagon are of course frustratingly vague, but of course the author was in Afghanistan when the debates were taking place, so he can only recount what he was hearing over the radio or phone. But for an account of the War on Terror from someone who was on the front lines, this book is just about as good as it gets.
The Devil's Sandbox: With the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry at War in Iraq
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • An amazing insight into the role of National Guardsmen at war
  • Great Book, Highly Recommend
  • Been There, Done That
  • Superb!
  • Devil's Sandbox
The Devil's Sandbox: With the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry at War in Iraq
John R. Bruning
Manufacturer: Zenith Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

GeneralGeneral | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books
IraqIraq | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Military | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | United States | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Operation Desert StormOperation Desert Storm | United States | Military | History | Subjects | Books
RegimentsRegiments | Military | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | World | History | Subjects | Books
Military ScienceMilitary Science | History | Subjects | Books
OregonOregon | State & Local | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. We Were One: Shoulder to Shoulder With the Marines Who Took Fallujah We Were One: Shoulder to Shoulder With the Marines Who Took Fallujah
  2. The Highway War: A Marine Company Commander in Iraq The Highway War: A Marine Company Commander in Iraq
  3. House to House House to House
  4. Roughneck Nine-One: The Extraordinary Story of a Special Forces A-team at War Roughneck Nine-One: The Extraordinary Story of a Special Forces A-team at War
  5. Takedown: The 3rd Infantry Division's Twenty-One Day Assault on Baghdad Takedown: The 3rd Infantry Division's Twenty-One Day Assault on Baghdad

ASIN: 0760323941

Book Description

The story of the 2nd Battalion of Oregons 162nd Infantry Regiment (2/162) in Iraq, this book gives readers an intimate look at the reality of National Guardsmen at war. Follow the 2/162 from their call-up in summer 2003 to their return home in spring 2005. The Devils Sandbox immerses readers in some of the fiercest fighting of the Iraq war and in some of the most rewarding and forward-looking civil affairs projects aimed at rebuilding this broken nation. It offers rare insight into what this war means for the citizen-soldier at home and abroad.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars An amazing insight into the role of National Guardsmen at war.......2007-09-02

I have read several dozen books on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. While I have enjoyed all of these books immensely, they all concentrated on conventional military units or special operations forces. They almost never mentioned anything about the role of National Guard units in these conflicts. For this reason, I was shocked to find out that many of our National Guardsmen are the proverbial "tip of the spear". Due to the fact that these men and women are not full-time soldiers, and hold normal, everyday jobs/careers, I always assumed that they would be located in rear-echelon positions. Perhaps serving in support roles. The reality of their participation couldn't be farther from what I had imagined. Like the squad of Navy SEALs who come across the Oregon National Guardsmen during a major engagement in Iraq, I was very impressed by their fighting skills. These men are going in harm's way as much as the traditional military units like the 82nd Airborne, the 101st Airborne, the 4th ID, and the Marines Expeditionary Units. It is hard to imagine being a working class joe one day, and the next day serving in scouting/direct action positions in Najaf or Fallujah. Thank you to John Bruning for bringing to light the brave, patriotic souls of the U.S. National Guard units. They should be receiving so much more publicity from the American media. It is a travesty that their sacrifice in service is not being acknowledged as much as their full-time military brethren. I am going to recommend this book to all my friends and family. Mr. Bruning is a great author and I can't wait to read his next book.

5 out of 5 stars Great Book, Highly Recommend.......2007-05-14

Must read if you are trying to understand what National Guard Soldiers and other service members endure on deployment to Iraq.

5 out of 5 stars Been There, Done That.......2007-02-12

I was with this unit in OIF-II in the capacity of a Medic. If you want to get a good feel for what Oregon's 2/162 did in Iraq, this is the book to read. I've read a number of military history books and sincerely feel that this is one of the better books I've read. Bruning looks at the overall strategic picture and details the reader from a tactical perspective, as well. Having known the troops in the book, as well as the others, I am extremely grateful to see our efforts noted and appreciated. Thanks John... very well done!

5 out of 5 stars Superb!.......2007-02-12

Having served in three branches of the military, including the Oregon Army National Guard, I am well acquainted with the personalities that John Bruning so deftly brings to the pages of his book. There are some typographical errors that I'm more than willing to overlook simply because this book is a great effort to educate the general public about the realities of being citizen soldiers. Putting civilian lives on hold to travel thousands of miles from home, to be thrown into the jaws of hell, is something that can only be fully understood by being there. Mr. Bruning has done a wonderful job of getting the rest of us just a little bit closer.

4 out of 5 stars Devil's Sandbox.......2007-01-19

This book is about my sons Battalion. After I read it and was drwn into the very moment that was taking place I had my son read it and we discussed it. He said there were a couple of incorrect statements but for the most part it was right on.
It is indepth, correct, compelling and heart renching.
The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors: The Extraordinary World War II Story of the U.S. Navy's Finest Hour
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • An extraordinary well done history
  • Learned A Lot That Is New
  • Great book, but...
  • Gene's review of Tin Can Sailors
  • The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors
The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors: The Extraordinary World War II Story of the U.S. Navy's Finest Hour
James D. Hornfischer
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

PhilippinesPhilippines | Asia | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Military | History | Subjects | Books
NavalNaval | Military | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | United States | Military | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | World War II | Military | History | Subjects | Books
NavalNaval | World War II | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Ship of Ghosts: The Story of the USS Houston, FDR's Legendary Lost Cruiser, and the Epic Saga of her Survivors Ship of Ghosts: The Story of the USS Houston, FDR's Legendary Lost Cruiser, and the Epic Saga of her Survivors
  2. Halsey's Typhoon: The True Story of a Fighting Admiral, an Epic Storm, and an Untold Rescue Halsey's Typhoon: The True Story of a Fighting Admiral, an Epic Storm, and an Untold Rescue
  3. Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway
  4. Clash of The Carriers: The True Story of the Marianas Turkey Shoot of World War II Clash of The Carriers: The True Story of the Marianas Turkey Shoot of World War II
  5. Sea of Thunder: Four Commanders and the Last Great Naval Campaign 1941-1945 Sea of Thunder: Four Commanders and the Last Great Naval Campaign 1941-1945

ASIN: 0553802577
Release Date: 2004-02-03

Book Description

“This will be a fight against overwhelming odds from which survival cannot be expected. We will do what damage we can.”

With these words, Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Copeland addressed the crew of the destroyer escort USS Samuel B. Roberts on the morning of October 25, 1944, off the Philippine Island of Samar. On the horizon loomed the mightiest ships of the Japanese navy, a massive fleet that represented the last hope of a staggering empire. All that stood between it and Douglas MacArthur’s vulnerable invasion force were the Roberts and the other small ships of a tiny American flotilla poised to charge into history.

In the tradition of the #1 New York Times bestseller Flags of Our Fathers, James D. Hornfischer paints an unprecedented portrait of the Battle of Samar, a naval engagement unlike any other in U.S. history—and captures with unforgettable intensity the men, the strategies, and the sacrifices that turned certain defeat into a legendary victory.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars An extraordinary well done history.......2007-09-27

It is often said that teaching and learning in high school is a mile wide and an inch deep. All I ever heard and read in high school about WWII and the naval battles against the Japanese Navy in the Pacific is that the United States won the war! This book capably presents the truth that it was never quite a certainty as the battles unfolded. It is a wonderful thing to have a talented writer and researcher as Hornfischer dedicate his extraordinary talent in presenting this excellent well written definitive history of the US and Japanese naval battles near the Phillipines in October of 1944. This book is very highly recommended as an excellent and thought provoking history as well as a true testimonial to the bravery of U.S Navy personnel in battle.

5 out of 5 stars Learned A Lot That Is New.......2007-09-16

I'm about two-thirds of the way through the book. Even at this point, I've learned a lot that I hadn't really appreciated before.

First of all, sometime back I read a book about the naval battle of Guadalcanal. In that battle, it seems as if all the Japanese had to do to sink one of our ships was to get just one hit on it. By the time of the Battle Off Samar, American ship building must have radically improved. Even the American ships that went down were hit literally dozens of times before finally succumbing to the inevitable. And lots of other American ships were hit but kept fighting and were still fighting at the end of the war.

Another realization was the awful damage 16-inch naval guns do to the human body when they hit a ship and explode. The mental picture I used to have of WW II naval warfare was antiseptic. Yes, guys died -- but I saw it as ever so much cleaner than the awfulness of land warfare. The author of the book has descriptions of what the results were. Naval guns were far bigger than anything in land warfare. The biggest shell for field artillery was about the size of a football. In the Navy, the plentiful six- and eight-inch guns had shells as big as a five footballs. And the 16" (or 18" for two of the Japanese Navy's "super" battleships") were as big as a garbage can and weighed as much as a Volkswagen. When they exploded, huge chunks of the sides of ships would be opened up like a tuna can even though it was inch-thick steel. The effect on the human body was even more devastating. Guys were literally ripped apart and sometimes whole compartments of guys were ripped apart so badly that one guy couldn't be identified from another. It was, literally, like an explosion in a meat locker. Never again will I think that naval warfare was antiseptic. (This is also something of a warning that if you read the book you're going to get all those descriptions too. If you don't think you can stomach it, then you'll either have to skip over those sections or skip the book.)

The book also follows the survivors of the ships that went down as they bobbed in the water waiting for rescue. Their time in the water was made more troubling by the fact that they were constantly being circled by sharks. It was their "good fortune" to be covered with bunker oil from the sunken ships that apparently acted both as a shark repellent and a sun block. But, unlike every other book I've read or movie I've seen, the whole story of a naval battle isn't over when the shooting stops. And, it isn't easy to spot guys in the water with a whole ocean to look at. It was also interesting how, despite the desperate situation they were all in, they all worked to help the wounded among them first. (Unlike the movie warriors who are all fight, the tenderness displayed to the worse off among them is remarkable.)

This is a great book for anyone wanting to know what World War II naval warfare was really like.

Also, there are a lot of maps that help to follow ship movements.

4 out of 5 stars Great book, but..........2007-09-14

I enjoyed the book and the heroism of the sailors and airmen who fought the battle has seldom been equaled. However, the whole reason they were in this terrible position to begin with was poor decision making and poor communication from the higher levels, esp Halsey. I found that after a while that fact made the book a bit depressing for me. It seems obvious that such a powerful Japanese fleet should have been given more respect (watched closely, etc.) since Halsey knew it was in the area.

5 out of 5 stars Gene's review of Tin Can Sailors.......2007-09-13

A very good narrative with human interest about an important naval engagement of the WWII. How the US Navy reacted to an almost impossible situation that seemed hopeless. Read his other book about the sailors of the USS Houston who sank and survived to help build the highway in the jungle which included the Bridge over the River Quai. He is a very good author!

5 out of 5 stars The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors.......2007-09-13

Having served on 3 destroyers (Tin Cans) 1952-1965, two of the Fletchers, this book brought back many memories, both good and bad, of those years of service and sailing on those ships. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and found it difficlut to put down. There are so many heroic stories to be told that have not been revealed, and so many more that will never be told, but I thank this author for telling this one.
Kenneth E. Irons
Dead Center: A Marine Sniper's Two-Year Odyssey in the Vietnam War
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent View into a soldier's life
  • As real as it gets
  • Good Story
  • Excellent Marine 'Sniper' book
  • Great Story
Dead Center: A Marine Sniper's Two-Year Odyssey in the Vietnam War
Ed Kugler
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Military | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | United States | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Vietnam WarVietnam War | Military | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Vietnam | Asia | History | Subjects | Books
Southeast AsiaSoutheast Asia | Asia | History | Subjects | Books
Southeast AsiaSoutheast Asia | Asia | History | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
VietnamVietnam | Asia | History | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
GeneralGeneral | Military | History | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
United StatesUnited States | Military | History | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Vietnam WarVietnam War | Military | History | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
All 4-for-3 DealsAll 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. 13 Cent Killers: The 5th Marine Snipers in Vietnam 13 Cent Killers: The 5th Marine Snipers in Vietnam
  2. Marine Sniper: 93 Confirmed Kills Marine Sniper: 93 Confirmed Kills
  3. Silent Warrior: The Marine Sniper's Story Vietnam Continues Silent Warrior: The Marine Sniper's Story Vietnam Continues
  4. Crosshairs on the Kill Zone: American Combat Snipers, Vietnam through Operation Iraqi Freedom Crosshairs on the Kill Zone: American Combat Snipers, Vietnam through Operation Iraqi Freedom
  5. Inside the Crosshairs: Snipers in Vietnam Inside the Crosshairs: Snipers in Vietnam

ASIN: 0804118752
Release Date: 1999-05-29

Book Description

WHEN YOU'RE IN THE DEATH BUSINESS,
EACH DAWN COULD BE YOUR LAST.

Raw, straightforward, and powerful, Ed Kugler's account of his two years as a Marine scout-sniper in Vietnam vividly captures his experiences there--the good, the bad, and the ugly. After enlisting in the Marines at seventeen, then being wounded in Santo Domingo during the Dominican crisis, Kugler arrived in Vietnam in early 1966.

As a new sniper with the 4th Marines, Kugler picked up bush skills while attached to 3d Force Recon Company, and then joined the grunts. To take advantage of that experience, he formed the Rogues, a five-sniper team that hunted in the Co Bi-Than Tan Valley for VC and NVA. His descriptions of long, tense waits, sudden deadly action, and NVA countersniper ambushes are fascinating.

In DEAD CENTER, Kugler demonstrates the importance to a sniper of patience, marksmanship, bush skills, and guts--while underscoring exactly what a country demands of its youth when it sends them to war.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Excellent View into a soldier's life.......2006-11-29

I'm not much on reading a lot of military works. Ed Kugler does an awesome job bringing me inside his world. Writing in a conversational voice, he draws you in and speaks directly from his feelings and views regarding life as scout-sniper during the Vietnam War.

This memiore of his military life brings along side Ed Kugler in the tall grass. Taking and supporting the point as they navigate past booby traps and enemy snipers to hunting grounds. History buffs and military readers will find this book to be a must read.

Ed Kugler does not romanticise war. He gives a direct account with the courage to show his thoughts and feelings, uncaring of judgement. I finished this book with a much deeper respect for my country's military. Men and women live each day fighting for our country and struggle to survive another day. Anyone enjoying this reading of one personal history should feel thankful too.

5 out of 5 stars As real as it gets.......2006-04-19

This book is an excellent choice for those seeking a good war story. It is truthfull to the core. Every aspect of war from the combat to the language used by the troops is graphic. This book is definitly not for the faint of heart. It is jam packed with mind numbing suspense, explosive action, and gripping emotions. You wont be able to put this book down once you pick it up, and beleive me you will have a much deeper appreciation for what our vetrans have done, once you have finished.

4 out of 5 stars Good Story.......2006-02-18

It's about a small town boy who reads a book about the Marines, joins up, and then finds himself in Nam. It's very different from what he thought it would be. This book will keep your attention but it ends abruptly when his tours are over.

4 out of 5 stars Excellent Marine 'Sniper' book .......2005-08-22

Unlike many of this type of book, it does not have dull or boring spots. But, it does a good job of sucking you in personally to what went on & what/how the author was thinking.
I felt it was a very honest book & definitely one of the best personal post-Vietnam books of the many that I have read.
I recommend this to anyone - novices or people very familiar with the genre.

5 out of 5 stars Great Story.......2005-06-27

I met Ed Kugler while installing a vinyl floor in his kitchen and noticed he had a little magnet on his refridgerator of the book cover. I found it quite amazing that this nice soft spoken teddy bear of a man was a marine sniper. He ended up giving me an autographed copy of the book and I thought that was aweful nice of him to do.

I let the book sit for about 3 months only reading a couple of pages at a time. Once I started really getting into the book I was so immersed in the story of his marine tour that I had to remind myself that I met the guy in his house on a hill in montana and that this is a true story...no B.S. Just the fact that he is not dead or missing limb's proves the greek was right. The story's here are top notch and there's never a dull moment in the book. Ed's vivid recollection of events really helps someone that has never been in war really get a good idea what it was like and what kind of things you think about. Definitely reccomend this to anyone over 15 years old for some education on how vietnam was for this group of snipers.
The French Secret Services: A History of French Intelligence from the Drefus Affair to the Gulf War
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • A Century of Disaster
The French Secret Services: A History of French Intelligence from the Drefus Affair to the Gulf War
Douglas Porch
Manufacturer: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

EspionageEspionage | True Accounts | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | France | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Nonfiction BooksLook Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
All TitlesAll Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Confronting "the Enemy Within": Security Intelligence, the Police, and Counterterrorism in Four Democracies Confronting "the Enemy Within": Security Intelligence, the Police, and Counterterrorism in Four Democracies
  2. Intelligence Services in the Information Age (Studies in Intelligence Series) Intelligence Services in the Information Age (Studies in Intelligence Series)
  3. Brassey's International Intelligence Yearbook: 2003 Edition (Brassey's International Intelligence Yearbook) Brassey's International Intelligence Yearbook: 2003 Edition (Brassey's International Intelligence Yearbook)
  4. The Sword and the Shield: The Mitrokhin Archive and the Secret History of the KGB The Sword and the Shield: The Mitrokhin Archive and the Secret History of the KGB
  5. The New Protective State: Government, Intelligence and Terrorism The New Protective State: Government, Intelligence and Terrorism

ASIN: 0374529450

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A Century of Disaster.......2004-06-10

Studying French history in the Twentieth Century is like slowing down on the highway to check out a terrible car wreck. The wreck may be tragic but its compelling and you have to slow down and look. Poor France, to have gone from the pretensions of World Empire to being the junior partner in the Franco German partnership. What a glorious, slow motion train wreck! A tragedy given malicious pleasure by Gaullist pretensions.

For enthusiasts of French military history, there are a number of great books in English that chronicle this steep decline. Many of these books mention the role of the intelligence. However,like Logistics, the role of Intelligence gets lost in the sexier story of battles and campaigns. Douglas Porch's "The French Secret Services" is the first book in English that looks at the role of the Intelligence and the Secret Services from the Dreyfus Affair to the Rainbow Warrior catastrophe. The hardback edition is 500 pages and has a lot of ground to cover.

Every chapter helps fill in the the peculiar details of French history. I thought the three chapters on the Indochina War were especially good. Porch does an admirable job of detailing the importance of the opium trade and its role in the Dien Bien Phu catastrophe. I wish that somebody in the Pentagon would read Porch's two chapters on the Algerian War. Porch has a lot of interesting things to say about use of torture and direct action by Intelligence Services.

Porch's book is a survey of a hundred years of history. By its very nature, it cannot spend too much time on any one subject. To enjoy this book, the reader needs to have a good understanding of French history in the Twentieth Century. Without this knowledge, this book would be very hard to understand.

Along with Anthony Clayton, Douglas Porch is one of the great historians of French military history. His books on the French Foreign Legion, the Conquest of Morocco and the exploration of the Sahara are classics. His strength as a writer and story teller comes out when he is able to wrap his story around a discrete series of events. A survey history does not lend itself to Porch's talents. Having finished this book, I can only hope that Douglas Porch will one day turn his formidable talents to the French Wars of Decolonization. Douglas Porch is the perfect historian to update Bernard Fall and Alistair Horne.
The Battle of Leyte Gulf 23-26 October 1944
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Mostly Name Dropping
  • Courage Under Fire
  • great read
  • History's Biggest Naval Battle....
  • The Full Story of the Biggest Naval Clash
The Battle of Leyte Gulf 23-26 October 1944
Thomas J. Cutler
Manufacturer: Harpercollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

PhilippinesPhilippines | Asia | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Military | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | World War II | Military | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | World | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors: The Extraordinary World War II Story of the U.S. Navy's Finest Hour The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors: The Extraordinary World War II Story of the U.S. Navy's Finest Hour
  2. The Battle Of Leyte Gulf: The Last Fleet Action (Twentieth-Century Battles) The Battle Of Leyte Gulf: The Last Fleet Action (Twentieth-Century Battles)
  3. Stonewall in the Valley: Thomas J. Stonewall Jackson's Shenandoah Valley Campaign, Spring 1862 Stonewall in the Valley: Thomas J. Stonewall Jackson's Shenandoah Valley Campaign, Spring 1862
  4. Red Sun Setting: The Battle of the Philippine Sea (Bluejacket Paperback Series) Red Sun Setting: The Battle of the Philippine Sea (Bluejacket Paperback Series)
  5. Napoleon's Last Victory and the Emergence of Modern War (Modern War Studies) Napoleon's Last Victory and the Emergence of Modern War (Modern War Studies)

ASIN: 0060169494

Book Description

Two hundred and eighty-two ships, some of them the largest and most powerful ever built...nearly 200,000 men, many sent to the bottom of the sea...a cast of characters that included MacArthur, Roosevelt, Halsey, and Nimitz...more than 100,000 square miles of fire and blood...they all came together in one unique battle, the singular turning point in the tide of WWII and in the history of warfare. Now, using materials previously unavailable, award-winning author Thomas J. Cutler captures the awe-inspiring heroism, the flawed strategies, the brilliant deception, and the brutal reality of the greatest naval battle of all time. From seaman to admiral, from aerial to surface to submarine combat, every facet, every weapon, every controversy -- on both sides of the firing line -- explodes off the page in this impressive account of the Battle of Leyte Gulf.

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars Mostly Name Dropping.......2007-03-05

The book is more about the biographies of the Pacific military big wigs than it is about the Battle of Leyte Gulf. If you are looking for a first rate description of the battle itself there's no better book than The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors.

5 out of 5 stars Courage Under Fire.......2006-09-05

A moving and inspiring portrait of men most people will never know about but will always be remembered by those touched by their deeds and courage in places we don't remember much anymore. I am thankful for the sacrifice they made so I could freely write this.

5 out of 5 stars great read.......2002-08-01

My only complaint is the book is too short. A battle of this magnitude would benefit from a little more detail.

5 out of 5 stars History's Biggest Naval Battle...........2002-07-21

This is a superb book. I've not read (yet) "Afternoon of the Rising Sun" but I think this is the best primer on the subject ever written. It's clear, precise and you don't have to know a whole lot on the subject to read it. The chapter on the Battle Samar, "Charge of the Light Brigade," is a terrificly exciting account of Sprague's pitifully small group's collision with Kurita's Main Battle Line. Military history doesn't get any better than this. I extend my thanks to the Naval Institute Press for bringing this classic back in print.

5 out of 5 stars The Full Story of the Biggest Naval Clash.......2002-04-07

Cutler's account of the Battle of Leyte Gulf is a remarkable and detailed account of the greatest naval battle in history. What makes the book great is the details that Cutler provided for the reader to learn about what happened. The reader is given the background first of what led to the battle: the initial air strikes by Halsey, MacArthur's arguement to invade the Phillipines over Formosa, and the initial invasion. But he covers both sides as to why the Japanese committed the rest of their fleet and how the arrived at their plan.
The account of the battle is fully covered as well. From the Dace and Darter commencing the attack, to the smashing victory in Surigao Strait, Halsey's initial attacks and blunderous move north, and the herioc and desperate fight of Taffy 3 to protect themselves and the landing forces. Cutler doesn't just say wahy Halsey blundered, but he gives every reason why and what the consequences after the battle were.
Now I would be lying if I said I was totally satisfied though. I was a little disappointed in the pictures included, I have seen more in other books, but Cutler managed to get ones I have never seen before. That is minor though when compared to the satisfaction of getting the facts about the victory that guaranteed the US could win the war. The maps are helpful in seeing the Japanese plan of attack and the US plan of defense. I would recommend this to any historian or lover of war novels.
Head Game
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Readers won't want to miss this one.
  • Downs is Up
  • Powerful Psychological Thriller
  • A gripping thriller
  • An excellent, suspenseful series of twists and turns
Head Game
Tim Downs
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

GeneralGeneral | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
SuspenseSuspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Mystery & Thriller BooksLook Inside Mystery & Thriller Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Chop Shop Chop Shop
  2. Shoofly Pie Shoofly Pie
  3. Plague Maker Plague Maker
  4. Germ Germ
  5. The Best of Evil (Aramis Black Mystery Series #1) The Best of Evil (Aramis Black Mystery Series #1)

ASIN: 1595540237

Book Description

Three men--served together in Desert Storm. Their job was to create propaganda leaflets that stripped the enemy of his will to resist. Now, fifteen years later, the enemy is out to return the favor. He's playing head games with them...and won't stop until their worlds are turned completely upside down.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Readers won't want to miss this one........2007-06-06

In his absorbing thriller, HEAD GAME, the talented Tim Downs explores the power of psychological warfare, with excellent results.

Downs (PLAGUEMAKER) sets up his best novel to date by giving us a window into the Gulf War and three men who form a tightly-knit PsyOps unit. Cale Caldwell is an advertising executive whose fresh talents are put to work writing leaflets encouraging Iraqi soldiers to surrender. "The product the Army was selling was simply life: survival; continued existence; the chance to see your loved ones again; the chance to get your first decent meal in weeks...." "King" Kirby (born Alderson Dumfries) is an aspiring comic book illustrator whose talents are put to work in the PsyOps unit. Captain "Pug" Moseley is the wise Intelligence Officer who also does "market research" and is "the old warhorse" of the group.

Downs excels at intriguing the reader with his detailed account of how the trio puts together leaflets that will best appeal to Iraqi soldiers and cause them to surrender. His descriptions of the nuances of language and how a word used or deleted can affect the reader will capture fans from the opening pages. (For example, The Army changes a leaflet message from "Surrender" to "Surrender with honor" with significant results.)

But all of this is background to the story that unfolds in present-day Charlotte, North Carolina, where Caldwell, a recent widower, and his teenage daughter Hannah are caught in a downward spiral of unfortunate events. Caldwell is told that his former PsyOps buddy Kirby has committed suicide. Caldwell's dead wife's past may not be as squeaky clean as he imagined, and the mild-mannered and beloved family dog, Molly, has seemingly attacked an innocent passerby. Then Hannah, angry and bitter about her mother's death and her father's long absences, takes up with a hardened girl at school and plots revenge against what she sees as her father's misdeeds. But are these misfortunes really random events? Or the work of a brilliant enemy bent on revenge?

Fans who have followed Downs from his debut novel, SHOOFLY PIE, will be delighted to see that he isn't afraid to explore new genres (most previous novels have had a tie-in to forensics or biological warfare). However, they'll also wonder what happened to Downs's delightful sense of humor, which is part of what made his earlier novels (CHOP SHOP) so appealing. It's not in evidence much here. The death of Hannah by a drunk driver is also a stock plot element overly used in faith fiction. One publishing snafu: A discount sticker that the reader is supposed to peel away for instructions on redemption turned out to be a bust --- the instructions were illegible.

However, the success of this suspense novel lies in Downs's fresh approach to what could have been a tired plot in another author's hands (old enemy seeks revenge). One of the most interesting portions of the book is the opening chapter, which is done as a graphic novel illustration of suicide, penned by the author. It's wonderful to see some experimentation in faith fiction --- WestBow is to be commended for taking some chances here --- as should Downs for executing this well. One of Downs's stunning plot twists keeps the reader glued to the story until the last page is turned.

Downs is one of the most talented suspense novelists in the faith fiction genre, and keeps improving with each new book. Readers won't want to miss this one.

--- Reviewed by Cindy Crosby

5 out of 5 stars Downs is Up.......2007-04-25

If I could put together a batting line-up for the best in suspense, I'd be sure to include some of my newest favorites: Harlan Coben, Joseph Finder, Robert Liparulo, and Daniel Silva. There is no doubt, though, that Tim Downs would belong on that list. From his quirky Bug Man series, to his international thriller "Plague Maker," to this newest head-to-head mind game between two Gulf War survivors, Downs continues to impress.

"Head Game" follows Cale Caldwell, a man trained in pyschological operations. He used his skills to convince thousands of Iraqi soldiers to surrender in the Gulf War, but now he's settled into more routine employment while trying to raise a teenage daughter and recover from the death of his beloved wife. Adding to the pressure, he finds out that a fellow vet has committed suicide by throwing himself off a bridge.

Cale and his old war buddy, Pug, find themselves pitted against an Iraqi with a view for revenge. There are no-holds barred in this man's twisted game, and Cale will be stretched to his limits as he discovers things about himself, his marriage, and his daughter. The book speeds along at a great pace, while never forgetting to care about its characters. Downs also makes a subtle, but very effective, comparison between the psychological warfare waged against one man and the spiritual warfare we all face--against depression, loneliness, and doubt.

Once again, Tim Downs hits one out of the park. If someone asks me who I want at bat on this team of suspense, I'll tell them, "Downs is up!"

5 out of 5 stars Powerful Psychological Thriller.......2007-04-19

Cale Caldwell is a veteran of the Gulf War who served in the Army's Psy Ops forces. Life couldn't be better for Cale with his beautiful wife and daughter and his rising career as an advertising genius. After the tragic loss of his wife, he struggles with the daunting task of raising his teenage daughter alone. When Cale gets word that his best friend has committed suicide, he suspects foul play and begins to investigate further. Soon he becomes the target of an unknown madman who will use any means necessary to see him suffer. As Cale looks deeper into the mystery of his friend's suicide he uncovers shocking revelations tied to his past that may have deadly consequences.

Tim Downs has delivered a powerful psychological thriller in his latest novel. The plot is perfectly paced with effective twists and turns throughout. Downs expertly places pieces to this unfolding puzzle throughout the story that draws the reader in with ease. Themes of good vs. evil are effectively explored through the backdrop of psychological warfare. Cale's relationship with his daughter is a roller coaster of emotions that will tug at the heart strings of parents. This is a suspenseful tale that will have readers holding on for the ride and guessing until the end. Head Game is highly recommended for fans of mystery and suspense. (From Christian Library Journal)

5 out of 5 stars A gripping thriller.......2007-04-18

This was the first time I read any of Tim's books, and now I've got to find the rest of them. This book was incredible from start to finish. It had the most original first chapter of any recent Christian novel I've seen (drawn by the author himself), and then followed up with a gripping story that kept me reading until the end. My reading time is limited, so I don't finish a lot of the books I start unless they keep my interest. This one did! The in-depth look into PsyOps and how it's really used in the military was fascinating. I highly recommend it.

5 out of 5 stars An excellent, suspenseful series of twists and turns.......2007-03-12

Psychological tension springs to life in HEAD GAME, a complex novel which spans the course of nearly two decades and is a recommended pick for public lending libraries strong in detailed leisure reads. A psychological expert and intelligence officer who joined forces during the Desert Storm operation find themselves facing a phoenix-like enemy fifteen years later in an excellent, suspenseful series of twists and turns enhanced by the author's pen and ink drawings.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Jarhead: A Marine's Chronicle of the Gulf War and Other Battles
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Jarhead? Don't waste your time.
  • Scary look at the military and war in general.
  • What a waste of time. Should be called Blowhard instead of Jarhead.
  • phenomenal
  • Idiotic
Jarhead: A Marine's Chronicle of the Gulf War and Other Battles
Anthony Swofford
Manufacturer: Scribner
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Military & SpiesMilitary & Spies | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Military | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | United States | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Operation Desert StormOperation Desert Storm | United States | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Generation Kill Generation Kill
  2. The Last True Story I'll Every Tell: An Accidental Soldier's Account of the War in Iraq The Last True Story I'll Every Tell: An Accidental Soldier's Account of the War in Iraq
  3. My War: Killing Time in Iraq My War: Killing Time in Iraq
  4. One Bullet Away: The Making of a Marine Officer One Bullet Away: The Making of a Marine Officer
  5. Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War

ASIN: 0743287215

Book Description

In his New York Times bestselling chronicle of military life, Anthony Swofford weaves his experiences in war with vivid accounts of boot camp, reflections on the mythos of the marines, and remembrances of battles with lovers and family.

When the U.S. Marines--or "jarheads"--were sent to Saudi Arabia in 1990 for the Gulf War, Anthony Swofford was there. He lived in sand for six months; he was punished by boredom and fear; he considered suicide, pulled a gun on a fellow marine, and was targeted by both enemy and friendly fire. As engagement with the Iraqis drew near, he was forced to consider what it means to be an American, a soldier, a son of a soldier, and a man.

Download Description

"Anthony Swofford's Jarhead is the first Gulf War memoir by a frontline infantry marine, and it is a searing, unforgettable narrative. When the marines -- or ""jarheads,"" as they call themselves -- were sent in 1990 to Saudi Arabia to fight the Iraqis, Swofford was there, with a hundred-pound pack on his shoulders and a sniper's rifle in his hands. It was one misery upon another. He lived in sand for six months, his girlfriend back home betrayed him for a scrawny hotel clerk, he was punished by boredom and fear, he considered suicide, he pulled a gun on one of his fellow marines, and he was shot at by both Iraqis and Americans. At the end of the war, Swofford hiked for miles through a landscape of incinerated Iraqi soldiers and later was nearly killed in a booby-trapped Iraqi bunker. Swofford weaves this experience of war with vivid accounts of boot camp (which included physical abuse by his drill instructor), reflections on the mythos of the marines, and remembrances of battles with lovers and family. As engagement with the Iraqis draws closer, he is forced to consider what it is to be an American, a soldier, a son of a soldier, and a man.

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Jarhead? Don't waste your time........2007-08-25

Having wasted my time reading Jarhead, I feel compelled to post a review to hopefully save others from a similar fate. Although he had the opposite intention, Swofford succeeded in convincing me that "other people's oil" as he put it, was indeed worth more than his useless, degenerate life if even half the things he wrote about himself are true. His pretentious, pseudo-poetic writing style almost made me throw up. It must have been easy for him to write, though, since half of the words used in the book consist of the "f-word" and derivatives thereof. Do yourself a favor and avoid this cry baby's appalling chronicle of depravity.

4 out of 5 stars Scary look at the military and war in general........2007-07-10

This was a harsh look at the first gulf war. But it did shed light on the waiting and tedium during war. It was a bit scary to realize how young and bloodthirsty some of our military are. Overall this was a must read for anyone who really wants to understand modern warfare.

1 out of 5 stars What a waste of time. Should be called Blowhard instead of Jarhead........2007-06-22

Of all of the self-indulgent drivel I have ever read, and there is much to choose from in the warrior memoir genre, this book has all of the excitement of picking lint out of your own belly button. Anyone who has ever raised his/her right hand and sworn "to support and defend the constitution etc." knows full well that becoming a warrior is a license to be killed, not a license to kill. When Uncle Sam owns you, he will do with you what he will. It's not a secret, and millions of sailors, soldiers, airmen and marines will gladly tell you the same; all for a lot less than the purchase price and the time this book will cost you.

Most of this is typical marine mythology, of hard drink and prostitutes, of the depravity of the PI, of hardd*** Marines. Mr. Swofford, get over yourself.

5 out of 5 stars phenomenal.......2007-06-18

This is another book I've just recently read that has made it onto my (somewhat short) list of favorite books, and to top it off it is a great antiwar book as well (in the vein of Baghdad Express and The Last True Story I'll Ever Tell). I picked up this book because of the movie, though I read it before I saw the movie (and let me say, the movie is awesome, but the book is a hundred times better). It's very episodic in nature, and there isn't much of a linear storyline to it, though when the war does finally begin, it does become more linear. It's not only a story of war, military life, antiwar sentiments, but also of waiting, loneliness, and this may come to a surprise to many after seeing the movie, but it also has quite a bit to say on the subject of madness and suicide. There's nothing wrong with this book, and I mean that in the sense that this book is as perfect as it could be. I do recommend that you watch the movie, but I also say that you must read this book.

1 out of 5 stars Idiotic.......2007-06-04

I think he used a ghost writer--300 monkeys pounding randomly on a keyboard. The best thing about this book is that you can read it in about 45 minutes. Absolutely depth-less, the author seems to have an attention span of a gnat, which coincidentally matches his intellectual level. Do not waste your time with this nonsense--I think the only reason this was published is that the publishing world was looking for a negative spin on the Middle East "wars" the same way they did with Vietnam (no, I refuse to use the "L" word to describe the media) and this clown delivered. Probably made up half the stuff for pure shock value.

Books:

  1. History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
  2. History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
  3. History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
  4. History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
  5. History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
  6. History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
  7. History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
  8. History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
  9. History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
  10. History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books

  1. Between Two Worlds: Escape from Tyranny: Growing Up in the Shadow of Saddam
  2. The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order
  3. From Clocks to Chaos
  4. Gift from the Sea: 50th Anniversary Edition
  5. Oil Painting for the Serious Beginner: Basic Lessons in Becoming a Good Painter
  6. Supervision of Police Personnel
  7. Pawprints Upon My Heart
  8. Guide to Fake & Forged Marks
  9. Joseph Gandy: An Architectural Visionary in Georgian England
  10. With the Armies of the Tsar