Orde Wingate directing Haile Selassie
Fire in the Night: Wingate of Burma, Ethiopia and Zion. J Bierman and C Smith.
An enthralling read. Segmented together in bite size chapters this never feels staccato or short. A well structured and interesting read about one of many British military eccentrics. It is important to acknowledge both before reading this book, and more generally, that eccentricity need not be genius. But this is nonetheless an interesting read about a probable genius. Within popular culture (even more recently down to Elvis Presley or Punk music) the mainstream establishment either absorbs, and to a degree neuters, or absolutely rejects non-conformity. This book, about a non-conformist rebel, is a sympathetic biopic, (even overly so), but it paints a great and largely convincing picture of possible establishment motivations and actions for belittling and undermining the legacy of Orde Wingate. The rhetoric of being lucky doesn’t hold water either – it is amazing how the harder he worked and more experience he gained the luckier he got! Even if every step of the way he seemed to stand on someone’s toes. But Orde Wingate was a man who overall could be said to have ‘succeeded’, despite all those who wanted him to fail. It also brilliantly captures the nuanced dichotomy that was Wingate the soldier – selfish, myopic, devoted to his men, and always committed to ‘a’ cause and defined course. Exactly what that cause is / was, is at points often oblique – not just in the book but possibly within the man.
However, this book is weakened as well by a few simple errors. Not least that it is repetitive at points, some things to the point of ad nauseum. For example, Moshe Dayan doesn’t require a second introduction, whilst at beginning of Chapter 8 we are told for a second time that there were no major clashes and no major action during the period under discussion. Is that because of 2 authors or because it may have been collated from separate conference papers? Fortunately though as we get further into the book this duplication dies down and the book settles into a familiar pattern of Wingate infuriating and alienating senior officers whilst his men and a few key senior staff remained devoted to him. Overall a riveting and compelling read and worth seeking out.
An enthralling read. Segmented together in bite size chapters this never feels staccato or short. A well structured and interesting read about one of many British military eccentrics. It is important to acknowledge both before reading this book, and more generally, that eccentricity need not be genius. But this is nonetheless an interesting read about a probable genius. Within popular culture (even more recently down to Elvis Presley or Punk music) the mainstream establishment either absorbs, and to a degree neuters, or absolutely rejects non-conformity. This book, about a non-conformist rebel, is a sympathetic biopic, (even overly so), but it paints a great and largely convincing picture of possible establishment motivations and actions for belittling and undermining the legacy of Orde Wingate. The rhetoric of being lucky doesn’t hold water either – it is amazing how the harder he worked and more experience he gained the luckier he got! Even if every step of the way he seemed to stand on someone’s toes. But Orde Wingate was a man who overall could be said to have ‘succeeded’, despite all those who wanted him to fail. It also brilliantly captures the nuanced dichotomy that was Wingate the soldier – selfish, myopic, devoted to his men, and always committed to ‘a’ cause and defined course. Exactly what that cause is / was, is at points often oblique – not just in the book but possibly within the man.
However, this book is weakened as well by a few simple errors. Not least that it is repetitive at points, some things to the point of ad nauseum. For example, Moshe Dayan doesn’t require a second introduction, whilst at beginning of Chapter 8 we are told for a second time that there were no major clashes and no major action during the period under discussion. Is that because of 2 authors or because it may have been collated from separate conference papers? Fortunately though as we get further into the book this duplication dies down and the book settles into a familiar pattern of Wingate infuriating and alienating senior officers whilst his men and a few key senior staff remained devoted to him. Overall a riveting and compelling read and worth seeking out.
Rome Seizes the Trident: The Defeat of Carthaginian Seapower and the Forging of the Roman Empire Book by Marc G. DeSantis
Rome’s naval power, through the various stages and ages of her empire, has always been a subject of debate. Did she even have a standing navy or was it simply that when she needed one she duly built it and then just let it fall into disrepair after the specific obstacle in question had been overcome? Without a specific requirement she seems to have left the sea to her allies (Rhodes amongst others) ensuring at the same time none got too big for their boots. One of the key defining moments of this came with her clashes with Carthage 3rd to 2nd Centuries BC. This book covers all of that period - but on a very superficial level. If you are looking for an overview of events and naval battles during the Empire’s formative years then this is right book. But Rome Seizes The Trident, somewhat simplistically, concentrates on the maritime aspects of what may have been a terrestrial problem as well, for example the problem of finding sailors from farmers and soldiers. But not least in confining itself to the sea this book is also largely unimaginative and therefore offers nothing revelatory or novel. However, that criticism aside, it is a very good introduction to the subject - being written in a pleasant and engaging manner
Rome’s naval power, through the various stages and ages of her empire, has always been a subject of debate. Did she even have a standing navy or was it simply that when she needed one she duly built it and then just let it fall into disrepair after the specific obstacle in question had been overcome? Without a specific requirement she seems to have left the sea to her allies (Rhodes amongst others) ensuring at the same time none got too big for their boots. One of the key defining moments of this came with her clashes with Carthage 3rd to 2nd Centuries BC. This book covers all of that period - but on a very superficial level. If you are looking for an overview of events and naval battles during the Empire’s formative years then this is right book. But Rome Seizes The Trident, somewhat simplistically, concentrates on the maritime aspects of what may have been a terrestrial problem as well, for example the problem of finding sailors from farmers and soldiers. But not least in confining itself to the sea this book is also largely unimaginative and therefore offers nothing revelatory or novel. However, that criticism aside, it is a very good introduction to the subject - being written in a pleasant and engaging manner
Alan Villiers: Voyager of the Winds. By Kate Lance
Alan Villiers was an Australian sailor, later social anthropologist and social commentator who wrote popular books about the dying ‘Age Of Sail’. Born in 1903 in Melbourne he sailed to England and maintained itchy wet feet until just before his death in 1982. As a result this thorough biography darts across many continents but never feels rushed or shallow. Though one major flaw is it does not offer even handed treatment -for example the lack of detail on his time on Arab dhows feels thin and could have been a lot longer. (Even if he himself had covered it in great detail in his own Sons Of Sinbad).
Overall from these pages (and my own reading more generally) it is clear that Villiers was a passionate sailor and strong personality but he also comes across as quite amiable in this well-researched text. The weaknesses and omissions I suspect stem from a lack of impartial source material. A possible criticism also is that of the remaining source materials it is clear Lance is over reliant on Villiers own diaries, as opposed to the limited critical narratives that were written. This is compounded by the amount of repetition and positive speculation where a critical eye might have drawn other conclusions.
As well as a lack of detail on his Arab sailing exploits along the Rufiji delta there is little more generally on his time in Arabia and Egypt and little on his military service - both of which would benefit from more analysis and detail.
These minor omissions aside however overall, despite being a very sympathetic biographer, Lance manages to capture an interesting and relatively thorough assessment of the man Alan Villiers, his life and times.
Alan Villiers was an Australian sailor, later social anthropologist and social commentator who wrote popular books about the dying ‘Age Of Sail’. Born in 1903 in Melbourne he sailed to England and maintained itchy wet feet until just before his death in 1982. As a result this thorough biography darts across many continents but never feels rushed or shallow. Though one major flaw is it does not offer even handed treatment -for example the lack of detail on his time on Arab dhows feels thin and could have been a lot longer. (Even if he himself had covered it in great detail in his own Sons Of Sinbad).
Overall from these pages (and my own reading more generally) it is clear that Villiers was a passionate sailor and strong personality but he also comes across as quite amiable in this well-researched text. The weaknesses and omissions I suspect stem from a lack of impartial source material. A possible criticism also is that of the remaining source materials it is clear Lance is over reliant on Villiers own diaries, as opposed to the limited critical narratives that were written. This is compounded by the amount of repetition and positive speculation where a critical eye might have drawn other conclusions.
As well as a lack of detail on his Arab sailing exploits along the Rufiji delta there is little more generally on his time in Arabia and Egypt and little on his military service - both of which would benefit from more analysis and detail.
These minor omissions aside however overall, despite being a very sympathetic biographer, Lance manages to capture an interesting and relatively thorough assessment of the man Alan Villiers, his life and times.
Alan Villers at Sea.
On the Road Bike by Ned Boulting
Ned Boulting is currently the go to man for light hearted commentary (more than deep analysis) in UK cycling, perhaps most famously, for the last 15 years on the Tour De France. He has also had some success within the cycling fraternity with his book ‘How I won the Yellow Jersey’. This book, a follow up of sorts, is a light hearted assessment of cycling in Britain, although not a complete homage to the 'English' or ‘British’ way and style, it does encompass and reiterate much of the quaint ‘Middle England’, his target audience. Yet at points it is a damning critique on how Britain, ultimately, has no cycling soul - just a few yearning individuals (who are often bitter and overlooked in the history of cycling more generally) and a general public who have, in the last c.5-10 years, been caught on the crest of a wave. A wave that could, and probably will, decline just as easily and quickly once messers Wiggins and Froome move slowly out of the picture. British Cycling may then retreat back to the few trusted stalwarts who kept it alive in the past. In turn every MAMIL (Middle-Aged-Man-In-Lycra) will retreat or find another expensive fad to be subsumed by.
This book is a funny and very leisurely read - easy to pop in and out of chapters covering various topics from cycling’s history, including Britons fleeing to Europe for recognition and success. Funny, witty and touching it deals with relatively obscure characters of British cycling in the past 50 years. But because of its subject matter and the context of recent British success only the book feels hollow and falling between two stools - cycling fanatics and the recent fair-weather fans. It is however aimed specifically at those more recent converts so may fulfil their desire for a light overview of the background and trendy names within this very elitist sport. These include Tommy Godwin (x2), Chris Boardman, Ron Keeble, David Millar's mum (Avril), Maurice Burton and many more little known people ‘in the biz’. Worth a read but unless you are an avid cycling fan possibly not a priority.
Ned Boulting is currently the go to man for light hearted commentary (more than deep analysis) in UK cycling, perhaps most famously, for the last 15 years on the Tour De France. He has also had some success within the cycling fraternity with his book ‘How I won the Yellow Jersey’. This book, a follow up of sorts, is a light hearted assessment of cycling in Britain, although not a complete homage to the 'English' or ‘British’ way and style, it does encompass and reiterate much of the quaint ‘Middle England’, his target audience. Yet at points it is a damning critique on how Britain, ultimately, has no cycling soul - just a few yearning individuals (who are often bitter and overlooked in the history of cycling more generally) and a general public who have, in the last c.5-10 years, been caught on the crest of a wave. A wave that could, and probably will, decline just as easily and quickly once messers Wiggins and Froome move slowly out of the picture. British Cycling may then retreat back to the few trusted stalwarts who kept it alive in the past. In turn every MAMIL (Middle-Aged-Man-In-Lycra) will retreat or find another expensive fad to be subsumed by.
This book is a funny and very leisurely read - easy to pop in and out of chapters covering various topics from cycling’s history, including Britons fleeing to Europe for recognition and success. Funny, witty and touching it deals with relatively obscure characters of British cycling in the past 50 years. But because of its subject matter and the context of recent British success only the book feels hollow and falling between two stools - cycling fanatics and the recent fair-weather fans. It is however aimed specifically at those more recent converts so may fulfil their desire for a light overview of the background and trendy names within this very elitist sport. These include Tommy Godwin (x2), Chris Boardman, Ron Keeble, David Millar's mum (Avril), Maurice Burton and many more little known people ‘in the biz’. Worth a read but unless you are an avid cycling fan possibly not a priority.
Malta – The Last Great Siege. David Wragg's book on it - a little underwhelming
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Malta – the last great siege 1940 – 1943. David Wragg
From the very outset of the second major 20th Century European conflict it was clear that the islands across the Mediterranean, with the possible exception of Cyprus, were to play a crucial role in strategic leapfrogging both for British and Allied forces ‘back’ into mainland Europe, as well as a crucial lynch pin for Rommel’s supply lines to North Africa. Taking some of the islands for Germany and Italy had proved to be expensive in the first place. The price paid by German special forces in taking Crete shows both an underestimation of the task and the Axis recognition of the strategic importance. However, conversely the morale boost for locals and Allied propaganda cannot be under played either. With this in mind the blockade that Malta was subject to for much of World War II cannot be over emphasised. As such, the siege that Malta experienced throughout much of World War Two is of pivotal and strategic as well as of personal importance. With this in mind I was looking forward to reading this text. And there is no denying this is a thoroughly researched publication, it is just a shame that it is so badly executed. The monograph reads more like a collection of quickly collated essays (with excessive repetition and recycling) than a well put together publication as a whole. What could have been a potentially fascinating glimpse at Malta when she was enduring some of the worst privations across Europe for centuries, instead becomes a confused collection of events and isolated personal reminiscences. The author Wragg even sometimes repeating the same facts in the same paragraph, as well as other points in later chapters with little reference or context. However it does include the key facts and components. Although it was only published in 2003 I don’t think it would be unfair to expect more first hand interviews included, instead relying on IWN archive interviews. Another slight disappointment on this level is the amount of coverage given is often Anglo centric with more emphasis on the Maltese perhaps being of benefit. That said there is some great research and information here – but just at points poorly presented. That said overall worth a read for those who want to know more about the island during this period. |
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Eye of the Storm. Just a few observations really.
Just a few observations on this book really -
Peter Radcliffe DCM
Eye of The Storm
Whilst it is hard to differentiate and often side with the 'best ever' of the books about SAS - each offers new dynamic - this book is definitely a contender for one of the best in its scope, though perhaps less so on the execution. Radcliffe is not afraid to offer his comments on his perception of incompetences and failings in various members of the regiment. His book also highlights the obvious contradictions and exagerrations depicted in other books. I for one am of the opinion that there is truth in the middle ground. I am sure that Andy McNabb didnt tab 20km and that it was nearer 2km, but i am also sure that he and his troop had their reasons for choosing not to take vehicles in to their Bravo Two Zero operation - rather than solely stubborness.It also does brillianty in offering a picture of the personality clashes and egos at play in such a testosterone driven environment.
The writing style is perhaps more literary than many of his peers - with less of the slang and over the top Boy's Own-type adventure narrative that others have - though this may be due to long service and the seniority of his rank as an NCO and later officer. Or possibly because he has the assistance of 2 co authors! Though conversly the constant repetition in this is a bit frustrating - is that the fault of 2 co authors? Though ultimately what is said appears to to be sincere and considered.
As a commanding officer he does offer an interesting perspective on hierachy and also comments on not standing in the way of Bravo Two Zeros error of judgement (as it transpired)
It is perhaps timely that i also read this on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the Bravo 2 Zero book - which, perhaps because it is the best ever selling book of its kind, is actually being reissued in an anniversary edition.
Overall it is a well written easy read - soured only by the slight bitterness and commendable need to set the record straight on 'inaccuracies' or innocent misguided recollections from his other Special Forces writers turned authros / autbiographers.
He feels and reads sincere and trustworthy and his analysis often compounds that. It is not a revelation that the SAS make mistakes, it is how they train for such mistakes and react to them that makes them exceptional. However it tows the line to a degree and fits in comfortably to its canon - there are no earth shattering revelations - just a good honest British Army autobiography.
Peter Radcliffe DCM
Eye of The Storm
Whilst it is hard to differentiate and often side with the 'best ever' of the books about SAS - each offers new dynamic - this book is definitely a contender for one of the best in its scope, though perhaps less so on the execution. Radcliffe is not afraid to offer his comments on his perception of incompetences and failings in various members of the regiment. His book also highlights the obvious contradictions and exagerrations depicted in other books. I for one am of the opinion that there is truth in the middle ground. I am sure that Andy McNabb didnt tab 20km and that it was nearer 2km, but i am also sure that he and his troop had their reasons for choosing not to take vehicles in to their Bravo Two Zero operation - rather than solely stubborness.It also does brillianty in offering a picture of the personality clashes and egos at play in such a testosterone driven environment.
The writing style is perhaps more literary than many of his peers - with less of the slang and over the top Boy's Own-type adventure narrative that others have - though this may be due to long service and the seniority of his rank as an NCO and later officer. Or possibly because he has the assistance of 2 co authors! Though conversly the constant repetition in this is a bit frustrating - is that the fault of 2 co authors? Though ultimately what is said appears to to be sincere and considered.
As a commanding officer he does offer an interesting perspective on hierachy and also comments on not standing in the way of Bravo Two Zeros error of judgement (as it transpired)
It is perhaps timely that i also read this on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the Bravo 2 Zero book - which, perhaps because it is the best ever selling book of its kind, is actually being reissued in an anniversary edition.
Overall it is a well written easy read - soured only by the slight bitterness and commendable need to set the record straight on 'inaccuracies' or innocent misguided recollections from his other Special Forces writers turned authros / autbiographers.
He feels and reads sincere and trustworthy and his analysis often compounds that. It is not a revelation that the SAS make mistakes, it is how they train for such mistakes and react to them that makes them exceptional. However it tows the line to a degree and fits in comfortably to its canon - there are no earth shattering revelations - just a good honest British Army autobiography.
Class Conscious Victorian NIMBYs: The Suspicions of Mr Whicher ..... Summerscale - off the scale!
The Suspicions of Mr Whicher or the Murder at Road Hill House
Kate Summerscale
This book offers a history of the early days of the detective narrative from the perspective of one of its earliest and most sensational real-life cases. This book manages to encompass a history of Victorian social values alongside the emerging field of detective fiction of the time whilst at the same time offering a detailed analysis of a horrific country house murder in 1860. Written in the early 21st Century, but about events in the mid 1860s, this book is a crime writing history lesson master piece. The writing is often set in the style of the age by the clearly well read and well informed Summerscale. She lets out snippets of information - sometimes frustratingly little, other times jumping the gun too soon. The events narrated actually helped to shape the modern detective as well as ruining the career of one of the most promising police detectives of his generation.
In the days before Wilkie Collins and the more famous Arthur Conan Doyle the idea of detectives was a novel one at best, and often (with the benefit of hindsight) prejudiced with snobbery and judgmental attitudes. Through meticulous research, and at points tenuous assumptions and links from newspapers up and down the country, this book shows how pervasive class judgements were in the press and the assumptions that surrounded the figure of the detective, especially when he was given access to the higher social stratum who inhabited ‘the Big House’.
Some have criticised this book for being dull and analytical - reading more like an in depth essay - but that is to misunderstand and misjudge the book. For me at least, this was a riveting and easy read, though a little frustrating in its release of certain 'facts' at what I felt were the 'wrong' points in the text. – Why, for example, did Summerscale not address or even speculate as to why Constance’s half-sisters – the sisters of the murdered boy - traveled to Australia presumably with her. Surely this fact and the complicated family dynamic that surrounds it - if Constance did murder Saville (sorry to give that away) - is a huge omission. I would have even welcomed unverified speculation here, as it occasionally occurs elsewhere.
There is no denying that, whilst the text is cleverly edited, it is also at points intriguingly and sometimes disparately structured to fill out a whole book. Flitting between the Detective in London and the village the events occurred – as opposed to an evolving narrative. It does include an exciting narrative voice in parts and offers suspense and changing of pace when required. But also as a work of fact (and speculation) overall it maintains and achieves an exciting sense of urgency that is normally confined to fiction. Indeed, it just goes to prove that sometimes fact is stranger, and more fascinating, than fiction.
Kate Summerscale
This book offers a history of the early days of the detective narrative from the perspective of one of its earliest and most sensational real-life cases. This book manages to encompass a history of Victorian social values alongside the emerging field of detective fiction of the time whilst at the same time offering a detailed analysis of a horrific country house murder in 1860. Written in the early 21st Century, but about events in the mid 1860s, this book is a crime writing history lesson master piece. The writing is often set in the style of the age by the clearly well read and well informed Summerscale. She lets out snippets of information - sometimes frustratingly little, other times jumping the gun too soon. The events narrated actually helped to shape the modern detective as well as ruining the career of one of the most promising police detectives of his generation.
In the days before Wilkie Collins and the more famous Arthur Conan Doyle the idea of detectives was a novel one at best, and often (with the benefit of hindsight) prejudiced with snobbery and judgmental attitudes. Through meticulous research, and at points tenuous assumptions and links from newspapers up and down the country, this book shows how pervasive class judgements were in the press and the assumptions that surrounded the figure of the detective, especially when he was given access to the higher social stratum who inhabited ‘the Big House’.
Some have criticised this book for being dull and analytical - reading more like an in depth essay - but that is to misunderstand and misjudge the book. For me at least, this was a riveting and easy read, though a little frustrating in its release of certain 'facts' at what I felt were the 'wrong' points in the text. – Why, for example, did Summerscale not address or even speculate as to why Constance’s half-sisters – the sisters of the murdered boy - traveled to Australia presumably with her. Surely this fact and the complicated family dynamic that surrounds it - if Constance did murder Saville (sorry to give that away) - is a huge omission. I would have even welcomed unverified speculation here, as it occasionally occurs elsewhere.
There is no denying that, whilst the text is cleverly edited, it is also at points intriguingly and sometimes disparately structured to fill out a whole book. Flitting between the Detective in London and the village the events occurred – as opposed to an evolving narrative. It does include an exciting narrative voice in parts and offers suspense and changing of pace when required. But also as a work of fact (and speculation) overall it maintains and achieves an exciting sense of urgency that is normally confined to fiction. Indeed, it just goes to prove that sometimes fact is stranger, and more fascinating, than fiction.
The View From The Other Side: The One That Got Away. Burt and Leasor
The One that got Away: The Story of Oberleutnant Franz von Werra
by Kendall Burt and James Leasor (published in 1956).
For years I thought that Chris Ryan's book of the same name (about his escapades in the first Iraqi war) was the only book called 'The One That Got Away', not realising in fact it was a nod to this earlier, downright thrilling, story. The only Axis prisoner to have escaped from POW camps in Canada - and ultimately one of only a few to make it home before hostilities ceased - Von Werra's story was never going to be dull! Countless escape attempts, extreme bluffing and heroism of an extraordinary nature all feature in this easy to read book. In this daredevil story there are some striking similarities to those that future generations in Britain and America grew up on, most obviously the audacious tunneling of The Great Escape.
Ultimately this publication will not win any prizes for highbrow literature – but this is a thoroughly brilliant book. A brisk read with mad cap Boy’s Own style of heroics is all the more interesting for being from 'the other side.' The losers in war seldom get history’s prizes for posterity. As with many wartime escapees, Von Werra himself comes across as a slightly overblown, larger than life character. This is not helped by the celebrity status possibly forced upon him by the German High Command before his capture, but also his own bit of pompousness and arrogance. All military autobiographies, and especially those published in wartime or shortly afterwards, have an edge of the The Gem or The Magnet and are a bit fantastical because, in part, the writer thinks the audience demand it (Bravo Two Zero and Sniper One are two of the most recent), but also because the characters who succeed and have a more interesting story to tell are often the more self-important and conceited. But that in no way undermines Von Werra’s sheer audacity in defying the odds, indeed there is a compelling case to say all those successful escapees on both sides fit into the same broken mould. Written in a complimentary fashion - both based upon Von Werra's own unpublished manuscript ["Meine Flucht aus England" (My Escape from England)] as well as other detailed (and more impartial) sources, this book achieves a great overarching vision of how close Von Werra was to escaping on many occasions and the dangers to Allied lines and lives if he did. A prototype Hurricane that he sat in about to take off being the most audacious. (For a more detailed but excellent synopsis - check out http://www.pegasusarchive.org/pow/franz_von_werra.htm). Even though this attempt failed by minutes, upon returning home he was a source of crucial information for the German High Command, but also a propaganda coup, which they made full use of as far as he was willing. Though it was his desire to return to the air that unfortunately ultimately cost him his life relatively early in the war.
A great riveting read full of bravado – but my slight review can’t do all the nuances of the detailed book justice. Pick it up easily and read it just as easily. Great fun – spiffing chaps and all that!
by Kendall Burt and James Leasor (published in 1956).
For years I thought that Chris Ryan's book of the same name (about his escapades in the first Iraqi war) was the only book called 'The One That Got Away', not realising in fact it was a nod to this earlier, downright thrilling, story. The only Axis prisoner to have escaped from POW camps in Canada - and ultimately one of only a few to make it home before hostilities ceased - Von Werra's story was never going to be dull! Countless escape attempts, extreme bluffing and heroism of an extraordinary nature all feature in this easy to read book. In this daredevil story there are some striking similarities to those that future generations in Britain and America grew up on, most obviously the audacious tunneling of The Great Escape.
Ultimately this publication will not win any prizes for highbrow literature – but this is a thoroughly brilliant book. A brisk read with mad cap Boy’s Own style of heroics is all the more interesting for being from 'the other side.' The losers in war seldom get history’s prizes for posterity. As with many wartime escapees, Von Werra himself comes across as a slightly overblown, larger than life character. This is not helped by the celebrity status possibly forced upon him by the German High Command before his capture, but also his own bit of pompousness and arrogance. All military autobiographies, and especially those published in wartime or shortly afterwards, have an edge of the The Gem or The Magnet and are a bit fantastical because, in part, the writer thinks the audience demand it (Bravo Two Zero and Sniper One are two of the most recent), but also because the characters who succeed and have a more interesting story to tell are often the more self-important and conceited. But that in no way undermines Von Werra’s sheer audacity in defying the odds, indeed there is a compelling case to say all those successful escapees on both sides fit into the same broken mould. Written in a complimentary fashion - both based upon Von Werra's own unpublished manuscript ["Meine Flucht aus England" (My Escape from England)] as well as other detailed (and more impartial) sources, this book achieves a great overarching vision of how close Von Werra was to escaping on many occasions and the dangers to Allied lines and lives if he did. A prototype Hurricane that he sat in about to take off being the most audacious. (For a more detailed but excellent synopsis - check out http://www.pegasusarchive.org/pow/franz_von_werra.htm). Even though this attempt failed by minutes, upon returning home he was a source of crucial information for the German High Command, but also a propaganda coup, which they made full use of as far as he was willing. Though it was his desire to return to the air that unfortunately ultimately cost him his life relatively early in the war.
A great riveting read full of bravado – but my slight review can’t do all the nuances of the detailed book justice. Pick it up easily and read it just as easily. Great fun – spiffing chaps and all that!
Owen Chase Et Al: The Shipwreck of the Whaleship Essex
The Shipwreck of the Whaleship Essex
by Owen Chase (this edition includes 2 other reports)
The Shipwreck of the Whaleship Essex is a fascinating and easy read, despite being written nearly 200 years ago. This edition features 3 'factual' accounts of the same dreadful and thrilling event of 1819-21. Though Owen Chase's most famous account failed to set the publishing world alight when it was originally published in 1821, the story is one that takes hold of the imagination. Indeed, his narrative inspired Melville's Moby Dick and thus captured the imaginations of future generations.
The amazing facts, however, are verified by the eixtence of 2 further accounts - Captain Pollard's brief account (second hand at best) seems a true representation and the British born Thmoas Chapple's account which seems to have been used for a religious tract. This edition also includes the detailed annotated notes from Herman Melville, himself born the year the Essex sank. Missing and perhaps of use are the 14 year old cabin boy's, Thomas Gibson Nickerson's, recollections as well. Though clearly Nickerson's account had little influence on Melville - it is unlikely he saw it at all. This manuscript was lost until 1960, and was first published in 1984.
But Owen Chase's account is the main feautre of this book. It is enthralling, an easy read - though at points could benefit from clarification or footnotes from the editor - notably when explaining the confusion surrounding Henderson / Elizabeth Island that the sailors land on (they are one in the same). Though in this instance the useful map came in handy if not answering the query!
But all accounts are thrilling. It includes the heartache felt not just at the cannibalism that the crew were forced to resort to, but also the harrowing drawing of lots that preceded it. Interesting also is the fact that all the black members of the crew died first - perhaps their historic diet - or was it a more menacting sense of 19th Century priorities that was not dwelt of or even felt needed to be addressed by the surviving narrators.
Likewise - once they found land (for the first and only time) the poaching of birds eggs and even the birds who put up no resistance (presumably unused to human contact) - it is curious unanswerable question - did the actions of the protagonists gorging themselves on these actually lead in some way to the birds extinction?
But overall - if these things whetted your appetite there is so much more to follow up on this rivetting read. Are the 6 (or 8?) skeletons the marooned themselves found on the island the same 'prehistoric' (at least pre Columbian) Polynessians rediscovered in the 1990s? So many questions and so few answers - but a light easy read to offer a taster into the world of a few hardy souls who suffered and largely died penniless and cursed.
by Owen Chase (this edition includes 2 other reports)
The Shipwreck of the Whaleship Essex is a fascinating and easy read, despite being written nearly 200 years ago. This edition features 3 'factual' accounts of the same dreadful and thrilling event of 1819-21. Though Owen Chase's most famous account failed to set the publishing world alight when it was originally published in 1821, the story is one that takes hold of the imagination. Indeed, his narrative inspired Melville's Moby Dick and thus captured the imaginations of future generations.
The amazing facts, however, are verified by the eixtence of 2 further accounts - Captain Pollard's brief account (second hand at best) seems a true representation and the British born Thmoas Chapple's account which seems to have been used for a religious tract. This edition also includes the detailed annotated notes from Herman Melville, himself born the year the Essex sank. Missing and perhaps of use are the 14 year old cabin boy's, Thomas Gibson Nickerson's, recollections as well. Though clearly Nickerson's account had little influence on Melville - it is unlikely he saw it at all. This manuscript was lost until 1960, and was first published in 1984.
But Owen Chase's account is the main feautre of this book. It is enthralling, an easy read - though at points could benefit from clarification or footnotes from the editor - notably when explaining the confusion surrounding Henderson / Elizabeth Island that the sailors land on (they are one in the same). Though in this instance the useful map came in handy if not answering the query!
But all accounts are thrilling. It includes the heartache felt not just at the cannibalism that the crew were forced to resort to, but also the harrowing drawing of lots that preceded it. Interesting also is the fact that all the black members of the crew died first - perhaps their historic diet - or was it a more menacting sense of 19th Century priorities that was not dwelt of or even felt needed to be addressed by the surviving narrators.
Likewise - once they found land (for the first and only time) the poaching of birds eggs and even the birds who put up no resistance (presumably unused to human contact) - it is curious unanswerable question - did the actions of the protagonists gorging themselves on these actually lead in some way to the birds extinction?
But overall - if these things whetted your appetite there is so much more to follow up on this rivetting read. Are the 6 (or 8?) skeletons the marooned themselves found on the island the same 'prehistoric' (at least pre Columbian) Polynessians rediscovered in the 1990s? So many questions and so few answers - but a light easy read to offer a taster into the world of a few hardy souls who suffered and largely died penniless and cursed.
Mary Shelley: Frankenstein
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley,
Here is a whizz of a read. A classic that doesn't come with all the heavy duty reading of many of its contemporaries and luminaries. And perhaps most important to note for those who have not read it ...yet .... this is the story of the trials and tribulations of Dr Frankenstein not his monster! That's Frankensteen to those with a comic bent!
Thanks to the 20th century advent of cinema and celluiod to immortalise everything, this book's monster has taken on a misplaced identity of its own. This book offers a great depth than could not be imagined at first glance. The overarching question is "How dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge, and much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow". A conundrum we would do well to remember in this consumer and celebrity obsessed century as the Victorians did with the advent (or unprecedented progress) of industrialisation and science.
Perhaps this is less a review and more a stumbling from one quote to another becase although the much slatted and victimised bankers of the early 21st Century may come in for unjustified stick - the scientist of Mary Shelley's classic has words they and we should all heed "If the study to which you apply yourself has the tendency to weaken your affections, and destroy your taste for those simple pleasures in which no alloy can possibly mix, then that study is certainly unlawful, that is to say not benefitting the human mind." Society's greed to 'advance' and to better its lot creates monsters that it conveniently uses as a scapegoat. The upshot for Dr Frankenstein is to shun the public and any form of human contact - as result of his dabblings. The symbolism of the use of the moon - and the feminine (possibly even passive, pale and serene) offer an insight into the type of childbirth that men are guilty of.
An Oedipal theme throughout - of counting no man truly happy until he is dead - is a constant and not subtle homage, but an important one nonetheless. The fact that the 'savages' are the only one's to see and recognise the monster for what he is, perhaps points to the fact that the overly 'civilised' Western world has lost the ability to understand their own inner demons in the separation of self from 'nature'.
Mary Shelley,
Here is a whizz of a read. A classic that doesn't come with all the heavy duty reading of many of its contemporaries and luminaries. And perhaps most important to note for those who have not read it ...yet .... this is the story of the trials and tribulations of Dr Frankenstein not his monster! That's Frankensteen to those with a comic bent!
Thanks to the 20th century advent of cinema and celluiod to immortalise everything, this book's monster has taken on a misplaced identity of its own. This book offers a great depth than could not be imagined at first glance. The overarching question is "How dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge, and much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow". A conundrum we would do well to remember in this consumer and celebrity obsessed century as the Victorians did with the advent (or unprecedented progress) of industrialisation and science.
Perhaps this is less a review and more a stumbling from one quote to another becase although the much slatted and victimised bankers of the early 21st Century may come in for unjustified stick - the scientist of Mary Shelley's classic has words they and we should all heed "If the study to which you apply yourself has the tendency to weaken your affections, and destroy your taste for those simple pleasures in which no alloy can possibly mix, then that study is certainly unlawful, that is to say not benefitting the human mind." Society's greed to 'advance' and to better its lot creates monsters that it conveniently uses as a scapegoat. The upshot for Dr Frankenstein is to shun the public and any form of human contact - as result of his dabblings. The symbolism of the use of the moon - and the feminine (possibly even passive, pale and serene) offer an insight into the type of childbirth that men are guilty of.
An Oedipal theme throughout - of counting no man truly happy until he is dead - is a constant and not subtle homage, but an important one nonetheless. The fact that the 'savages' are the only one's to see and recognise the monster for what he is, perhaps points to the fact that the overly 'civilised' Western world has lost the ability to understand their own inner demons in the separation of self from 'nature'.
Peter Padfield: Donitz: The Last Fuhrer
Donitz: The Last Fuhrer
Peter Padfield
1984
This well researched and thorough book, which was published just three years after the subject's death, gives a detailed picture of the life of Karl Donitz and the world he lived in. In many way it captures a snapshot of the Reich's greatest 'yes-man' but, as with many successful men, presents a picture of one of the world's best self propogandists, though clearly he was a brave and intelligent Naval officer.
.
It comprises of a selection of interviews with some of his former colleagues and close family, as well as a somewhat over-reliant use of British Intelligence files. This has led to the obvious and possibly valid accusation that "The author takes the standard British view" as one reviewer rightly noted. However, although this is an undeniably meaty biography it also gives the impression that it is missing some crucial details. Some omissions of details towards the end of the war are addressed - the Nazi's destroyed vast swaths of documents as the Allies approached Berlin, but that does not account for all the gaps. Facing obvious omissions in the source documents and in the absence of cold hard facts, Padfield resorts to logical speculation. Whilst being reasonable (and possibly even correct!) is still just conjecture. However, in his defense, the most speculative conclusions or even observations are clearly referenced and acknowledged. Observations about 'an' early life and it's possible influences on the man border on the Freudian, but can never be ruled out. It also relies perhaps too much on Donitz's own book (Memoirs: Ten Years and 20 Days) which may be stooped heavily in propoganda and correctionist revisionism on the part of a leading party member.
Overall the book faithfully captures the spirit of Karl Donitz the man. An intelligent, considered man who was also unquestionably brave himself as well as a sincere and courageous leader, but one who was either easily manipulted and led or possibly of highly questionable ethics and morals himself! This account is well written with the thorough research increasing our knowledge of a Nazi mastermind and great military leader under the Third Reich. Once he became a Nazi party member Donitz tried to council Hitler and worked hard offering him the answers he demanded, whilst also privy to the ghastly secrets of the parties activities (most obviously the Concentration Camps). This biography also serves as a reminder of the politican's pragmatism following Hitler's death and his chameleon-like ability to fall back on the 'we were only soldiers obeying orders' at Nuremburg. As Padfield shows, for Dontiz at least, this appears a complete fiction but he was able to fool or convince the many intelligent minds to the contrary, even when they were baying for blood.
Whilst researching what to write about this book which I very much enjoyed I came across a harsh and largely unjust review on the ihr.org website. Certain comments there are spot on - but overall I think it is misguided. To condemn the text as "garbled, hostile rehash of long-discredited British war propoganda" is ultimately wrong.
That said the book frustratingly slips into factual errors from time to time. But in such a tome that is to be expdected. Overall it is a great and detailed read with minor quibbles.
Rupert Matthews: Hitler
Hitler – Military Commander
Rupert Matthews
This book is a great overview of Hitler’s broad ‘career’ spanning some 30 years (1914 – 1945). But ultimately it is nothing more than that, just a brief synopsis. It offers fascinating glimpses but little deep analysis of Hitler’s decisions and the deeper psychological or even pathological rhyme and reason. It offer a tantalising and succinct look at the future Fuhrer’s role as a runner in WWI. A more thorough analysis and a more meaty narrative approach, particularly on the actual process of decisions making and there consequences would be appreciated. But what does come across is that apart from Hitler’s unflinching bravery he would have been in a minor position to make any important decisions. However as an experience the First World War fundamentally shape his entire subsequent military outlook – in some cases to the severe determent [and death] of his troops. Instead we are treated to a light overview with the relevant background. It isn’t really until over halfway through the book that we really start to see Hitler’s own identity being stamped upon crucial decisions in a military setting. Here it is captivating. We see how few operational decisions Hitler made early in the war. Once planning was done generals of the army took over. Beyond the planning “Hitler had usually stood back from the actual conduct of military campaigns”, as Matthews acknowledges, thereby perhaps making him more a military leader than a hands on Commander up until this point. That is until August 1941 when he naively diverted his undivided attention towards the ill fated Operation Barbarrossa. Because of his intransigence in, for example diverting panzers into the Ukraine when logic may have dictated otherwise, we see the 1000 Year Reich begin to fall apart. Strategically he had made some brilliant decisions up until this point but appears to have consistently got it wrong subsequently – even before delusion seems to have set in.
Overall an interesting and balanced read perhaps because of its size it prompts more questions than it gives answers. How for example did the wily Adolf manage to arrange for Finland to ‘loan’ Nazi Germany a submarine for practice in 1935? Why did he become deluded and obsessed with imaginary armies towards the end – though perhaps that is more a question for the ‘Hitler: A Psychological Analysis’! For the military commander however - pick this up for a taster but don’t expect too much more.
Rupert Matthews
This book is a great overview of Hitler’s broad ‘career’ spanning some 30 years (1914 – 1945). But ultimately it is nothing more than that, just a brief synopsis. It offers fascinating glimpses but little deep analysis of Hitler’s decisions and the deeper psychological or even pathological rhyme and reason. It offer a tantalising and succinct look at the future Fuhrer’s role as a runner in WWI. A more thorough analysis and a more meaty narrative approach, particularly on the actual process of decisions making and there consequences would be appreciated. But what does come across is that apart from Hitler’s unflinching bravery he would have been in a minor position to make any important decisions. However as an experience the First World War fundamentally shape his entire subsequent military outlook – in some cases to the severe determent [and death] of his troops. Instead we are treated to a light overview with the relevant background. It isn’t really until over halfway through the book that we really start to see Hitler’s own identity being stamped upon crucial decisions in a military setting. Here it is captivating. We see how few operational decisions Hitler made early in the war. Once planning was done generals of the army took over. Beyond the planning “Hitler had usually stood back from the actual conduct of military campaigns”, as Matthews acknowledges, thereby perhaps making him more a military leader than a hands on Commander up until this point. That is until August 1941 when he naively diverted his undivided attention towards the ill fated Operation Barbarrossa. Because of his intransigence in, for example diverting panzers into the Ukraine when logic may have dictated otherwise, we see the 1000 Year Reich begin to fall apart. Strategically he had made some brilliant decisions up until this point but appears to have consistently got it wrong subsequently – even before delusion seems to have set in.
Overall an interesting and balanced read perhaps because of its size it prompts more questions than it gives answers. How for example did the wily Adolf manage to arrange for Finland to ‘loan’ Nazi Germany a submarine for practice in 1935? Why did he become deluded and obsessed with imaginary armies towards the end – though perhaps that is more a question for the ‘Hitler: A Psychological Analysis’! For the military commander however - pick this up for a taster but don’t expect too much more.
Sebastian Haffner: Defying Hitler
Defying Hitler
Sebastian Haffner
This book contains well written observations on growing up (a boy and man) in what became Hitler’s Germany. The only criticism of this book is that everything is told all too briefly, especially at the beginning – but perhaps that is a bit harsh – I certainly don’t remember much of my own early childhood! But that aside – this is a fascinating look into a child’s life during and after the First World War and the psychological effects this had on children of the era, the same children who were to be the backbone of Hitler’s Third Reich. The loss and disillusionment of a final defeat famously stolen from the mouth of victory has macabrely morphed into a final solution. The autobiography is given added depth by the personal story of someone (‘Aryan’) who escaped the injustices they saw, but failed to confront them.
Haffner (an assumed name) passed away in 1999 having been a successful Journalist and writer in Britain (London) during and after the war. However this all too short biography only covers to the period 1935 and not up to his departure in 1938. If he had elaborated it is unlikely the impact would have been lost, but we should remain grateful for what we have – the true and frank observations and comments of an intelligent disillusioned young man.
At times the book is self aware and even self deprecating – both in humorous and ominous ways, but all condensed into a very easy read. It explores and successfully offers an insight into the individuals and also the collective mind set that enabled both an unelected power to succeed and induce, which in turn manufactured passion and devotion across the board.
From the book -
“As Bismarck once remarked in a famous speech, Moral courage is, in any case, a rare virtue in Germany, but deserts a German completely the moment he puts on a uniform. As soldier and officer, he is indisputably and outstandingly courageous on the field of battle. He is usually even prepared to open fire on his own compatriots if ordered to do so. Yet he is timid as a lamb at the thought of opposing authority.”
Much is made of the ‘German psyche and personality’ – perhaps too much – but overall an interesting read.
Eventually Haffner himself (Raimund Pretzel) did return to post War Germany consolidating on his journalism success, but that is another story – one that unfortunately he didn’t have time (or the inclination?) to pen before his death in 1999.
Sebastian Haffner
This book contains well written observations on growing up (a boy and man) in what became Hitler’s Germany. The only criticism of this book is that everything is told all too briefly, especially at the beginning – but perhaps that is a bit harsh – I certainly don’t remember much of my own early childhood! But that aside – this is a fascinating look into a child’s life during and after the First World War and the psychological effects this had on children of the era, the same children who were to be the backbone of Hitler’s Third Reich. The loss and disillusionment of a final defeat famously stolen from the mouth of victory has macabrely morphed into a final solution. The autobiography is given added depth by the personal story of someone (‘Aryan’) who escaped the injustices they saw, but failed to confront them.
Haffner (an assumed name) passed away in 1999 having been a successful Journalist and writer in Britain (London) during and after the war. However this all too short biography only covers to the period 1935 and not up to his departure in 1938. If he had elaborated it is unlikely the impact would have been lost, but we should remain grateful for what we have – the true and frank observations and comments of an intelligent disillusioned young man.
At times the book is self aware and even self deprecating – both in humorous and ominous ways, but all condensed into a very easy read. It explores and successfully offers an insight into the individuals and also the collective mind set that enabled both an unelected power to succeed and induce, which in turn manufactured passion and devotion across the board.
From the book -
“As Bismarck once remarked in a famous speech, Moral courage is, in any case, a rare virtue in Germany, but deserts a German completely the moment he puts on a uniform. As soldier and officer, he is indisputably and outstandingly courageous on the field of battle. He is usually even prepared to open fire on his own compatriots if ordered to do so. Yet he is timid as a lamb at the thought of opposing authority.”
Much is made of the ‘German psyche and personality’ – perhaps too much – but overall an interesting read.
Eventually Haffner himself (Raimund Pretzel) did return to post War Germany consolidating on his journalism success, but that is another story – one that unfortunately he didn’t have time (or the inclination?) to pen before his death in 1999.
Geoffrey Lewis: Carson: The Man Who Divided Ireland
Carson: The Man Who Divided Ireland
Geoffrey Lewis
2005
Lord Edward Carson is a divisive character: Seen by many of the Irish who wished to remain part of the United Kingdom as a hero, by others as a traitor who caused a splinter that still injures the island. The Dublin man never foresaw or even imagined until late on that his unionist brethren (more prevalent in the north of the island), would hue the island in two. Given the circumstance therefore the epithet of this book ‘The Man Who Divided Ireland’ is well chosen. However, the book itself does not focus exclusively on his role in this one issue, but also in the context of a man who served the Empire until such time as the ‘Irish Question’ outweighed all other issues.
Overall this book is a balanced and well researched account of a man who’s main desire was to maintain a union that he perceived was in the best interests of his homeland. But he eventually bowed to popular pressure and acknowledged that his aim was sought only by a majority in 6 counties. In many ways more could be made of the betrayal element here – Carson chose eventually to crusade for only the Ulster counties and arguably sold his own unionist colleagues and their sizeable minorities in the other counties down the river.
Born in Harcourt Street in Dublin in 1854, Carson was perceived as one of the established elite. Despite 20th century attempts to demonise him (compounded by unflattering photos of him making him look a stern man) he seems in all his actions a fair man who consistently fought against the extremes of sectarianism on both sides of the Irish divide, as this narrative commendably illustrates. But, as if to prove how complicated the situation on the island is (and at the same time highlighting just how closely aligned unionist and republican normal day-to-day lives are) in a great irony he was also (albeit distant) a cousin to the first president of Sinn Fein (Edward Martyn).
Well informed, Geoffrey Lewis gives a balanced view of a man with admirable convictions and research. Perhaps with every biography however there are omissions:
The book deals in detail with the Oscar Wilde case (a whole chapter) but does not even mention the Cadbury Case, a libel case involving Cadbury’s use of slave labour abroad which contrasted with their ethical stance at home. There are touching insight into his second marriage and aspects of his personal life, including the regular medicinal visits to German health spas.
One accusation that could be thrown at this book is it seems, at points, to rely too heavily, and possibly even exclusively, on the letters written by Carson to Lady Londonderry – only one side of which survive. Though from this solid starting point more general suppositions can be made and the overall picture is well balanced.
In fact – to read online here is the link!
http://books.google.com/books?id=ZG63y98ucvgC&lpg=PA67&ots=KdAt7AQblp&dq=Carson%20to%20Lady%20Londonderry&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q=Carson%20to%20Lady%20Londonderry&f=false
Geoffrey Lewis
2005
Lord Edward Carson is a divisive character: Seen by many of the Irish who wished to remain part of the United Kingdom as a hero, by others as a traitor who caused a splinter that still injures the island. The Dublin man never foresaw or even imagined until late on that his unionist brethren (more prevalent in the north of the island), would hue the island in two. Given the circumstance therefore the epithet of this book ‘The Man Who Divided Ireland’ is well chosen. However, the book itself does not focus exclusively on his role in this one issue, but also in the context of a man who served the Empire until such time as the ‘Irish Question’ outweighed all other issues.
Overall this book is a balanced and well researched account of a man who’s main desire was to maintain a union that he perceived was in the best interests of his homeland. But he eventually bowed to popular pressure and acknowledged that his aim was sought only by a majority in 6 counties. In many ways more could be made of the betrayal element here – Carson chose eventually to crusade for only the Ulster counties and arguably sold his own unionist colleagues and their sizeable minorities in the other counties down the river.
Born in Harcourt Street in Dublin in 1854, Carson was perceived as one of the established elite. Despite 20th century attempts to demonise him (compounded by unflattering photos of him making him look a stern man) he seems in all his actions a fair man who consistently fought against the extremes of sectarianism on both sides of the Irish divide, as this narrative commendably illustrates. But, as if to prove how complicated the situation on the island is (and at the same time highlighting just how closely aligned unionist and republican normal day-to-day lives are) in a great irony he was also (albeit distant) a cousin to the first president of Sinn Fein (Edward Martyn).
Well informed, Geoffrey Lewis gives a balanced view of a man with admirable convictions and research. Perhaps with every biography however there are omissions:
The book deals in detail with the Oscar Wilde case (a whole chapter) but does not even mention the Cadbury Case, a libel case involving Cadbury’s use of slave labour abroad which contrasted with their ethical stance at home. There are touching insight into his second marriage and aspects of his personal life, including the regular medicinal visits to German health spas.
One accusation that could be thrown at this book is it seems, at points, to rely too heavily, and possibly even exclusively, on the letters written by Carson to Lady Londonderry – only one side of which survive. Though from this solid starting point more general suppositions can be made and the overall picture is well balanced.
In fact – to read online here is the link!
http://books.google.com/books?id=ZG63y98ucvgC&lpg=PA67&ots=KdAt7AQblp&dq=Carson%20to%20Lady%20Londonderry&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q=Carson%20to%20Lady%20Londonderry&f=false
Bruce Marshall: The White Rabbit F F S Yeo-Thomson
The White Rabbit F F S Yeo-Thomson
Bruce Marshall
A fascinating story. Truly gripping, edge of the seat stuff this. The true story of the quintessential European F F S Yeo-Thomson. An ‘English’ taylor living in Paris when war began, he was a charismatic and colourful individual who was suited to the espionage for which he was eventually chosen (chosen after persistent attempts!). Dropped into occupied France he rallied a disparate resistance and garnered popular support as the mythical ‘Shelley’ code name. However captured by the Gestapo he is to suffer unbearable tortures at the hands of various departments across France and Germany. Sentenced to death on more than one occasion he manages to escape (or the British SOE arrange for his file to somehow be ‘lost’). However he himself also manages to escape on many occasions – sometimes yards, other times miles from his prison before his fourth (? I lost count) escape he finally makes it across the front line and a minefield in 1945 to report his experience. His testimony proved crucial in convicting many of the brutal regime who coordinated and managed the sickening tortures on him and thousands of others not fortunate enough to survive.
Amiably written like an art form a word also needs to be said for the Scottish writer of this great text. Almost a novel (Marshall is a novelist) in its indulgences, speculation and quaint turn of phrase are not archain but adept. Thoroughly riveting stuff of boys own comics – but clearly researched and personably at all times ……….. My descriptions or praise cannot do this book justice – just read it!!
Bruce Marshall
A fascinating story. Truly gripping, edge of the seat stuff this. The true story of the quintessential European F F S Yeo-Thomson. An ‘English’ taylor living in Paris when war began, he was a charismatic and colourful individual who was suited to the espionage for which he was eventually chosen (chosen after persistent attempts!). Dropped into occupied France he rallied a disparate resistance and garnered popular support as the mythical ‘Shelley’ code name. However captured by the Gestapo he is to suffer unbearable tortures at the hands of various departments across France and Germany. Sentenced to death on more than one occasion he manages to escape (or the British SOE arrange for his file to somehow be ‘lost’). However he himself also manages to escape on many occasions – sometimes yards, other times miles from his prison before his fourth (? I lost count) escape he finally makes it across the front line and a minefield in 1945 to report his experience. His testimony proved crucial in convicting many of the brutal regime who coordinated and managed the sickening tortures on him and thousands of others not fortunate enough to survive.
Amiably written like an art form a word also needs to be said for the Scottish writer of this great text. Almost a novel (Marshall is a novelist) in its indulgences, speculation and quaint turn of phrase are not archain but adept. Thoroughly riveting stuff of boys own comics – but clearly researched and personably at all times ……….. My descriptions or praise cannot do this book justice – just read it!!
This is not the edition I read - the slightly (!) more emotive image from a US edition of the White Rabbit! Subtle hey!
Benjamin Harris: The Recollections of Rifleman Harris
The Recollections of Rifleman Harris
Benjamin Harris As Told to Henry Curling
A memoir published in 1848 of the experiences of an enlisted soldier in the 95th Regiment of Foot in the British Army. No Grand narrative here, just working man telling his story.
Rifleman Benjamin Harris, the son of a shepherd from Dorset joined the British Army in 1803. He later transferred to the 95th Rifles, who’s smart green jacket’s impressed him, one of the few Englishmen in an Irish regiment, which at points he is painfully aware of. Some years later Harris dictated his story of service to a senior retired officer (Henry Curling). The recollections are a warmly written collection of anecdotes and stories of battle and warfare from an amiable soldier’s point of view. He is familiar and personable with some great sound bites and moral observations, both about battle and the times in between. The personal tales of drama are often the more interesting and amusing – when he is reminiscing about his observations on the fiery tempered Fluellyn Comyn and his Churchill like ability to be a turn coat to the regiment, twice! Or even when describing the gore of war: “Indeed … the froth came from his mouth …. A Musket ball, I found, had taken him sideways, and gone through both groins”
The short book includes all too real vivid images and harrowing descriptions of the dead and dying on the battlefield told in Harris’s cold observant matter (he himself acknowledges how matter of fact and nonchalant he has become to war’s results).
But the story Harris tells is enthralling and entertaining with stories of curious incidents including a cannonball killing 3 people at once (though some killed up to 10!) and how as the regiments Cobbler he had to go into town to get equipment and facilities to repair the shoes, only to nearly stumble into a bar brawl with the French who he had been fighting 24 hours earlier!
But Harris is not blind to the inhumanities and injustices of war which Harris highlights well “War is a sad blunter of the feelings of men. We felt eager to be at it again. Nay, I am afraid we longed for blood”
Military life of the early 19th century is hard for the modern reader to imagine, but this gives a great picture of what it was like to serve as a ‘squaddie’. Modern soldier’s would appear pampered (but equally exposed) by comparison – the modern British solder seldom collapse in their hundreds of starvation. This book is not alone in being written about the period – but the majority are memoirs from officers who often ‘overlooked’ such privations.
Rifleman Harris is a proud member of his regiment, a regiment that can still be traced through (not surprisingly!) to the modern day Green Jackets!
His affectionate and charming manner make this book an essential read for everyone, even those without an interest in military history: This is a book of pacifism as well as informative piece of personal history.
Benjamin Harris As Told to Henry Curling
A memoir published in 1848 of the experiences of an enlisted soldier in the 95th Regiment of Foot in the British Army. No Grand narrative here, just working man telling his story.
Rifleman Benjamin Harris, the son of a shepherd from Dorset joined the British Army in 1803. He later transferred to the 95th Rifles, who’s smart green jacket’s impressed him, one of the few Englishmen in an Irish regiment, which at points he is painfully aware of. Some years later Harris dictated his story of service to a senior retired officer (Henry Curling). The recollections are a warmly written collection of anecdotes and stories of battle and warfare from an amiable soldier’s point of view. He is familiar and personable with some great sound bites and moral observations, both about battle and the times in between. The personal tales of drama are often the more interesting and amusing – when he is reminiscing about his observations on the fiery tempered Fluellyn Comyn and his Churchill like ability to be a turn coat to the regiment, twice! Or even when describing the gore of war: “Indeed … the froth came from his mouth …. A Musket ball, I found, had taken him sideways, and gone through both groins”
The short book includes all too real vivid images and harrowing descriptions of the dead and dying on the battlefield told in Harris’s cold observant matter (he himself acknowledges how matter of fact and nonchalant he has become to war’s results).
But the story Harris tells is enthralling and entertaining with stories of curious incidents including a cannonball killing 3 people at once (though some killed up to 10!) and how as the regiments Cobbler he had to go into town to get equipment and facilities to repair the shoes, only to nearly stumble into a bar brawl with the French who he had been fighting 24 hours earlier!
But Harris is not blind to the inhumanities and injustices of war which Harris highlights well “War is a sad blunter of the feelings of men. We felt eager to be at it again. Nay, I am afraid we longed for blood”
Military life of the early 19th century is hard for the modern reader to imagine, but this gives a great picture of what it was like to serve as a ‘squaddie’. Modern soldier’s would appear pampered (but equally exposed) by comparison – the modern British solder seldom collapse in their hundreds of starvation. This book is not alone in being written about the period – but the majority are memoirs from officers who often ‘overlooked’ such privations.
Rifleman Harris is a proud member of his regiment, a regiment that can still be traced through (not surprisingly!) to the modern day Green Jackets!
His affectionate and charming manner make this book an essential read for everyone, even those without an interest in military history: This is a book of pacifism as well as informative piece of personal history.
F. W. Winterbotham: The Nazi Connection
The Nazi Connection
F W Winterbotham
This is a thoroughly riveting read, indeed it reads almost like a novel in its amiably written style. However this is a history book. An Intelligent and honestly written autobiography by one of the main players in the ‘spy game’ between the UK and Germany in the mid 1930s. (Who also went on to play a key role in the Enigma and Ultra codebreakers of Bletchley Park). Obviously written with the undoubted benefit of hindsight, which adds value, but could also compromise it tells the stories of Winterbotham infiltrating of the nazi regime through arguably the weakest link – the ‘intellectual’ theorist Alfred Rosenberg. Rosenberg invited him into their inner circle, introducing him to Hitler and ushering him into the clubs and societies of the military and specifically air force groups that went on to form the Luftwaffe. Connections he was more than willing and more importantly able to milk, until he was ‘rumbled’ by growing connections of Nazi Germany with Italy as war loomed.
Drawing on experience in his service in the first world war in the royal Flying Corps (later to become the RAF) according to his own account he was instrumental in ensuring British companies, as well as those politicians with the inclination, were kept informed of Germany’s progress - from Versailles Treaty tied to expansionist Nazi Empire. He portrays himself as dealing with the business sales of engines plus the recruiting of Australian genius Sidney Cotton to carry out peaceful but intrusive aerial reconnaissance over Germany in 1939-40 in a ‘private’ aircraft. (A modified Lockheed 12A). His fascinating study and analysis of all the characters involved and his fears specifically of Goering, are colourful and illuminating.
There is also fascinating speculation albeit brief, that one senior Nazi (Erhard Milch) may have been one of the apparently random connections that sprung up supplying Winterbotham with crucial information about Luftwaffe numbers and capabilities. He also amassed a wealth of information on German political and military intentions – often highlighting how very misguided or misinformed they were, as well as how misguided or trusting the British authorities were.
Ultimately though this is written with the benefit of hindsight and portrays Winterbotham as a forward thinking with vision bordering on the genius (or luck as he concedes) - you trust the writer and his judgement.
But there are slight inaccuracies – the swastika does not have origins in the middle ages – but a lot earlier. Such trivial errors are just that though. The overall effect and impact of this book is fascinating. As well as being a thorough enthralling look at infiltration and the very fluid set up across Europe at the time which facilitated access – but also war.
This is in effect the prequel to his own (and the first) account of the Enigma cipher – in his 1974 book Ultra, which, although it has its critics, was pivotal in paving the way for future information and discussion on the ‘war wining’ topic.
F W Winterbotham
This is a thoroughly riveting read, indeed it reads almost like a novel in its amiably written style. However this is a history book. An Intelligent and honestly written autobiography by one of the main players in the ‘spy game’ between the UK and Germany in the mid 1930s. (Who also went on to play a key role in the Enigma and Ultra codebreakers of Bletchley Park). Obviously written with the undoubted benefit of hindsight, which adds value, but could also compromise it tells the stories of Winterbotham infiltrating of the nazi regime through arguably the weakest link – the ‘intellectual’ theorist Alfred Rosenberg. Rosenberg invited him into their inner circle, introducing him to Hitler and ushering him into the clubs and societies of the military and specifically air force groups that went on to form the Luftwaffe. Connections he was more than willing and more importantly able to milk, until he was ‘rumbled’ by growing connections of Nazi Germany with Italy as war loomed.
Drawing on experience in his service in the first world war in the royal Flying Corps (later to become the RAF) according to his own account he was instrumental in ensuring British companies, as well as those politicians with the inclination, were kept informed of Germany’s progress - from Versailles Treaty tied to expansionist Nazi Empire. He portrays himself as dealing with the business sales of engines plus the recruiting of Australian genius Sidney Cotton to carry out peaceful but intrusive aerial reconnaissance over Germany in 1939-40 in a ‘private’ aircraft. (A modified Lockheed 12A). His fascinating study and analysis of all the characters involved and his fears specifically of Goering, are colourful and illuminating.
There is also fascinating speculation albeit brief, that one senior Nazi (Erhard Milch) may have been one of the apparently random connections that sprung up supplying Winterbotham with crucial information about Luftwaffe numbers and capabilities. He also amassed a wealth of information on German political and military intentions – often highlighting how very misguided or misinformed they were, as well as how misguided or trusting the British authorities were.
Ultimately though this is written with the benefit of hindsight and portrays Winterbotham as a forward thinking with vision bordering on the genius (or luck as he concedes) - you trust the writer and his judgement.
But there are slight inaccuracies – the swastika does not have origins in the middle ages – but a lot earlier. Such trivial errors are just that though. The overall effect and impact of this book is fascinating. As well as being a thorough enthralling look at infiltration and the very fluid set up across Europe at the time which facilitated access – but also war.
This is in effect the prequel to his own (and the first) account of the Enigma cipher – in his 1974 book Ultra, which, although it has its critics, was pivotal in paving the way for future information and discussion on the ‘war wining’ topic.
Ewen Montagu : The Man Who Never Was
The Man Who Never Was
Ewen Montagu
2 million copies sold! 2 million readers can't be wrong?
The false papers and false person who fooled everyone from the Spanish informant to Hitler himself. The classic true story straight from the man who masterminded the deception that facilitated the invasion of Sicily.
This is a frank, affable story of the plan and the actions behind the ‘campaign of deception’ about the location of the allied invasion of mainland Europe. The story is laid out in a very school text book way – with clear aim and method and execution. … Then a wallowing in how it was fallen for hook, line and sinker by the Axis powers.
Short and succinct (some 40,000 words at most) this tells the story of the man whose body was used to spin a lie to the German high command in 1942. And perhaps miraculously, given the circumstances, the ruse succeeded, crucially diverting Nazi resources from the most obvious target of Sicily, as a stepping stone into Italy, moments before the attack on the Island.
A story of classic spy cloak and dagger subterfuge, trying to cross every T and dot every I in an attempt to give a fictional character real identity and dupe the Germans into believe the documents in his possession were the real McCoy. It is fascinating the way Montagu, in his simple style, analyses and frankly details where the strings led and were followed up (or tied up in a truss) – but more amazing is the way in which all surviving records of everyone up to Hitler, point to a refusal to accept that it was a decoy even after events unfolding point the opposite direction. The mastery and dedication with which the decoy was instilled was such that the main protagonists even seem to believe that the person existed! The fiancés love letters and the Bank’s overdraft demand letters add a personal touch to the deception. Truly this was one of the most crucial Trojan Horses of the modern Era. Not necessarily in winning the war but certainly in limiting allied deaths in conflict, whilst Axis troops twiddled their thumbs in Sardinia and Greece! A knock on, not looked into, however is the effect upon Special Forces across the Baltic – who were plagued with more pressure consequently!
Originally written in 1954, in the interests of protecting his identity, Ewen Montagu did not name the welsh miners son who’s body was used as the decoy. We have no such qualms nowadays and perhaps for an updated perspective the newer Operation Mincemeat by Ben Macintyre may add an extra depth. Overall though – start here – an easy read and a whizz through the facts improved by the affable way Montagu tells them.
Ewen Montagu
2 million copies sold! 2 million readers can't be wrong?
The false papers and false person who fooled everyone from the Spanish informant to Hitler himself. The classic true story straight from the man who masterminded the deception that facilitated the invasion of Sicily.
This is a frank, affable story of the plan and the actions behind the ‘campaign of deception’ about the location of the allied invasion of mainland Europe. The story is laid out in a very school text book way – with clear aim and method and execution. … Then a wallowing in how it was fallen for hook, line and sinker by the Axis powers.
Short and succinct (some 40,000 words at most) this tells the story of the man whose body was used to spin a lie to the German high command in 1942. And perhaps miraculously, given the circumstances, the ruse succeeded, crucially diverting Nazi resources from the most obvious target of Sicily, as a stepping stone into Italy, moments before the attack on the Island.
A story of classic spy cloak and dagger subterfuge, trying to cross every T and dot every I in an attempt to give a fictional character real identity and dupe the Germans into believe the documents in his possession were the real McCoy. It is fascinating the way Montagu, in his simple style, analyses and frankly details where the strings led and were followed up (or tied up in a truss) – but more amazing is the way in which all surviving records of everyone up to Hitler, point to a refusal to accept that it was a decoy even after events unfolding point the opposite direction. The mastery and dedication with which the decoy was instilled was such that the main protagonists even seem to believe that the person existed! The fiancés love letters and the Bank’s overdraft demand letters add a personal touch to the deception. Truly this was one of the most crucial Trojan Horses of the modern Era. Not necessarily in winning the war but certainly in limiting allied deaths in conflict, whilst Axis troops twiddled their thumbs in Sardinia and Greece! A knock on, not looked into, however is the effect upon Special Forces across the Baltic – who were plagued with more pressure consequently!
Originally written in 1954, in the interests of protecting his identity, Ewen Montagu did not name the welsh miners son who’s body was used as the decoy. We have no such qualms nowadays and perhaps for an updated perspective the newer Operation Mincemeat by Ben Macintyre may add an extra depth. Overall though – start here – an easy read and a whizz through the facts improved by the affable way Montagu tells them.
Nigel Cawthorne: A History Of Pirates: Blood and Thunder on the High Seas.
Pirates
A History Of Pirates: Blood and Thunder on the High Seas. Nigel Cawthorne
A fascinating, albeit it brief, overview of the lives and times of pirates at the height of their ‘fame’ in the late 17th early 18th Century. Offering a cross section of views, from the recorded events that took place to the weapons used. Some are a bit thin and feel like they are to fatten the book out. The ‘Weapons’ chapter has a lazy photo simply called ‘A Selection of Pirate Weaponry’ with no references, whilst the subsections are simple observations and over views on the weapons themselves. However the detail about the transformation from Privateers to Buccaneers and pirates is fascinating, well researched and interesting overview of events.
The word itself though ‘pirate’ is derived from the Latin pirata and Greek ‘peiratēs’, and pirates have existed for as long as man has taken to shipping goods by sea. However as the stakes became higher, so we see the real success of state backed Piracy. Governments and turncoats of mixed and dubious loyalty under government coercion or interference or even in some instances specific commissions are seen to perpetrate acts of terrorism against other countries ships! Though, as is so often the case, because of ‘official’ backing they were often classified privateers as opposed to pirates!
There is a fascinating story of how the first English Empire was based upon privateering (or state condoned piracy – depending on your point of view!). More generally it is fascinating that so many famous people have been captured by Pirates. How different things might have been if Julius Ceasar had not been held ransom in 78BC. Or we may never have had Don Quixote if Miguel De Cervantes had not been released in 1575. Both the Roman and British Empires (and all in between) have tried to take on and in various degrees undermined the piracy trade. But piracy never went away and at present is making a resurgence in the media.
But the first ever solidifying of the the pirates image in the public consciousness came with Daniel Defoe’s (?) 1724 book A General History of Robbers, dealing with many of the most notorious pirates (Capt Charles Johnson.)
Dick Turpin of the sea’s seldom became the Robin Hood of the high seas. Theirs was a bacchanalian existence, often quite literally short lived, but concerns for their fellow man seldom went further than their egalitarian shipmates. Amazingly they lived largely democratically and based upon merit and success. The romantic image was very different from reality of necessity and often short lived ‘careers’ – when they could either be caught or cheated by their shipmates.
A thoroughly fascinating and easy read.
A History Of Pirates: Blood and Thunder on the High Seas. Nigel Cawthorne
A fascinating, albeit it brief, overview of the lives and times of pirates at the height of their ‘fame’ in the late 17th early 18th Century. Offering a cross section of views, from the recorded events that took place to the weapons used. Some are a bit thin and feel like they are to fatten the book out. The ‘Weapons’ chapter has a lazy photo simply called ‘A Selection of Pirate Weaponry’ with no references, whilst the subsections are simple observations and over views on the weapons themselves. However the detail about the transformation from Privateers to Buccaneers and pirates is fascinating, well researched and interesting overview of events.
The word itself though ‘pirate’ is derived from the Latin pirata and Greek ‘peiratēs’, and pirates have existed for as long as man has taken to shipping goods by sea. However as the stakes became higher, so we see the real success of state backed Piracy. Governments and turncoats of mixed and dubious loyalty under government coercion or interference or even in some instances specific commissions are seen to perpetrate acts of terrorism against other countries ships! Though, as is so often the case, because of ‘official’ backing they were often classified privateers as opposed to pirates!
There is a fascinating story of how the first English Empire was based upon privateering (or state condoned piracy – depending on your point of view!). More generally it is fascinating that so many famous people have been captured by Pirates. How different things might have been if Julius Ceasar had not been held ransom in 78BC. Or we may never have had Don Quixote if Miguel De Cervantes had not been released in 1575. Both the Roman and British Empires (and all in between) have tried to take on and in various degrees undermined the piracy trade. But piracy never went away and at present is making a resurgence in the media.
But the first ever solidifying of the the pirates image in the public consciousness came with Daniel Defoe’s (?) 1724 book A General History of Robbers, dealing with many of the most notorious pirates (Capt Charles Johnson.)
Dick Turpin of the sea’s seldom became the Robin Hood of the high seas. Theirs was a bacchanalian existence, often quite literally short lived, but concerns for their fellow man seldom went further than their egalitarian shipmates. Amazingly they lived largely democratically and based upon merit and success. The romantic image was very different from reality of necessity and often short lived ‘careers’ – when they could either be caught or cheated by their shipmates.
A thoroughly fascinating and easy read.
David Miles: The Tribes of Britain
The Tribes of Britain
David Miles
This is a thorough book. Well written and well presented, covering quite literally the full span of Britain – using archaeology through to government data to offer a picture of the changing face of this archipelago (mainly England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland). But the book is also fascinating in its ability to answers many of those questions asked by non natives or curious natives to which we cannot definitely answer. Namely where does burgh or pool etc come from at the end of village and town names. Or how does that surname relate to ones identity. As well as the English language’s ability to absorb more than any other because it has been moveable more than perhaps any other – for example the County system from the continent. Whilst words such as sister or many of our physical attributes (Skin, neck, or leg) and by some shorter and punchier words (Ugly, fat) all have Scandinavian roots. French words in English on the other hand are more fancy – or based around institutions and religion. Despite often assumed - Sheriffs are not Scottish and we could have taken the saxon nach or sassanch route as opposed to the Angles who are still growing.
Shampooing popularised by an Indian immigrant (via Cork) to Brighton in early 19th Century. Such fascinating facts abound about both British Romans, Normans, Saxons, Angles and even ‘British’ French Hugenots. There is also an interesting write up about the Jewish presence in Britain – without holding back on the guilt of the ‘locals’!
An interesting fact pointed out in the book is that there was no native speaking king in England between the years 1066 – 1400 – and this is the crux of the book. Not so much those dates, but the realities of our ever changing make up mean this book should be compulsory reading for any racist! (We can but dream) – as it runs through how every century (right up to 21st) is an amalgam of hybrid peoples who have co existed to create what we are today. Thoroughly researched from a life immersed in history and archaeology.
David Miles
This is a thorough book. Well written and well presented, covering quite literally the full span of Britain – using archaeology through to government data to offer a picture of the changing face of this archipelago (mainly England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland). But the book is also fascinating in its ability to answers many of those questions asked by non natives or curious natives to which we cannot definitely answer. Namely where does burgh or pool etc come from at the end of village and town names. Or how does that surname relate to ones identity. As well as the English language’s ability to absorb more than any other because it has been moveable more than perhaps any other – for example the County system from the continent. Whilst words such as sister or many of our physical attributes (Skin, neck, or leg) and by some shorter and punchier words (Ugly, fat) all have Scandinavian roots. French words in English on the other hand are more fancy – or based around institutions and religion. Despite often assumed - Sheriffs are not Scottish and we could have taken the saxon nach or sassanch route as opposed to the Angles who are still growing.
Shampooing popularised by an Indian immigrant (via Cork) to Brighton in early 19th Century. Such fascinating facts abound about both British Romans, Normans, Saxons, Angles and even ‘British’ French Hugenots. There is also an interesting write up about the Jewish presence in Britain – without holding back on the guilt of the ‘locals’!
An interesting fact pointed out in the book is that there was no native speaking king in England between the years 1066 – 1400 – and this is the crux of the book. Not so much those dates, but the realities of our ever changing make up mean this book should be compulsory reading for any racist! (We can but dream) – as it runs through how every century (right up to 21st) is an amalgam of hybrid peoples who have co existed to create what we are today. Thoroughly researched from a life immersed in history and archaeology.
Kathleen Burk: Old World, New World: The Story of Britain and America
Old World, New World: The Story of Britain and America
Kathleen Burk
2007
A fascinating and detailed tome which covers the history of Britain and the US and their relationship. Dealing with hypocrisy and deception on both sides but also the abiding and unavoidable close relationship forged from a shared cultural background.
The detail and depth of this tome are truly amazing. However with that running at well over 800 pages this book is not for the feint hearted!
Very lucid, well written and despite its size – because of the time frames involved it is only really an over view with some fascinating facts and insights into two power houses and the shift of power between them (and to and from them). Covering, as it does from 1607 (a full 400 years) it is not surprising that each chapter is like reading a book in itself (and an important note - one can do this without losing the overall value of the book). But it also manages to bring the reader along as a full narrative, updating and leading the reader through a larger picture whilst still feeling able to relate to each period in isolation. For example - there is enough detail on occurrences like the annexation of Texas in the mid 19th century – a subject I knew little (or nothing!) about – without swamping the reader. During this period it also focuses interestingly on the political and cultural (marriages) – often to the detriment of perhaps more pragmatic business links
Factual and grammatical errors are to be expected in this size book, but they are few and far between.
The one recurring theme is an aspect of distrust within the US at what are perceived as predetermined actions from across the water, and the brashness of the younger
country’s actions. But it also highlights Britain’s lack of empathy and tactlessness, both on an individual and consequently national basis in their coverage and dealings with the burgeoning US. The obvious role reversal over past centuries is highlighted, but not dwelt on too deeply and the crippling effect on Britain of being completely involved in two world wars in the early 20th Century is dealt with in accurate detail.
Perhaps the real success of this book is that (despite some reviewers errors) Burk never confuses England and Great Britain – presenting with clarity where it is relevant (Scots influence particularly).
Clearly due to the nature and subject a lot has been missed out – but as an overview of a vast breadth of time it is almost faultless (typo’s excluding!)
Kathleen Burk
2007
A fascinating and detailed tome which covers the history of Britain and the US and their relationship. Dealing with hypocrisy and deception on both sides but also the abiding and unavoidable close relationship forged from a shared cultural background.
The detail and depth of this tome are truly amazing. However with that running at well over 800 pages this book is not for the feint hearted!
Very lucid, well written and despite its size – because of the time frames involved it is only really an over view with some fascinating facts and insights into two power houses and the shift of power between them (and to and from them). Covering, as it does from 1607 (a full 400 years) it is not surprising that each chapter is like reading a book in itself (and an important note - one can do this without losing the overall value of the book). But it also manages to bring the reader along as a full narrative, updating and leading the reader through a larger picture whilst still feeling able to relate to each period in isolation. For example - there is enough detail on occurrences like the annexation of Texas in the mid 19th century – a subject I knew little (or nothing!) about – without swamping the reader. During this period it also focuses interestingly on the political and cultural (marriages) – often to the detriment of perhaps more pragmatic business links
Factual and grammatical errors are to be expected in this size book, but they are few and far between.
The one recurring theme is an aspect of distrust within the US at what are perceived as predetermined actions from across the water, and the brashness of the younger
country’s actions. But it also highlights Britain’s lack of empathy and tactlessness, both on an individual and consequently national basis in their coverage and dealings with the burgeoning US. The obvious role reversal over past centuries is highlighted, but not dwelt on too deeply and the crippling effect on Britain of being completely involved in two world wars in the early 20th Century is dealt with in accurate detail.
Perhaps the real success of this book is that (despite some reviewers errors) Burk never confuses England and Great Britain – presenting with clarity where it is relevant (Scots influence particularly).
Clearly due to the nature and subject a lot has been missed out – but as an overview of a vast breadth of time it is almost faultless (typo’s excluding!)
Rose Doyle: Heroes of Jadotville
Heroes of Jadotville: The Soldier’s Story
Rose Doyle (with Leo Quinlan)
This is a well structured fascinating book for those with an interest in military history – or politics, although it loses its way slightly part way through. Divided into 3 clear sections, a kind of before, during and after of the events of the Katanga conflict in the Congo that took place over 4 days in 1961. Using interviews and eye witness accounts
Doyle makes no secret of her heavy reliance on the insight and balanced judgement of the commanding officer Commandant Pat Quinlan. Portrayed afterwards as cowards, (surrendering to the rebels) the facts point more to the futility of the situation and the calm considered attitude adopted by the commander. This book helps to highlight the absurdity of the task in front of them once they had been deserted by international politics (or indeed their own government). But it also captures the confusion and lack of information filtering its way home to families of all the soldiers – who at one point were reported as slaughtered. Easy to read – but as mentioned loses its way and gets a bit ‘boring’ / repetitive towards the end.
Rose Doyle (with Leo Quinlan)
This is a well structured fascinating book for those with an interest in military history – or politics, although it loses its way slightly part way through. Divided into 3 clear sections, a kind of before, during and after of the events of the Katanga conflict in the Congo that took place over 4 days in 1961. Using interviews and eye witness accounts
Doyle makes no secret of her heavy reliance on the insight and balanced judgement of the commanding officer Commandant Pat Quinlan. Portrayed afterwards as cowards, (surrendering to the rebels) the facts point more to the futility of the situation and the calm considered attitude adopted by the commander. This book helps to highlight the absurdity of the task in front of them once they had been deserted by international politics (or indeed their own government). But it also captures the confusion and lack of information filtering its way home to families of all the soldiers – who at one point were reported as slaughtered. Easy to read – but as mentioned loses its way and gets a bit ‘boring’ / repetitive towards the end.
Harvey/White: The Barracks.
The Barracks,: A History of Victoria/Collins Barracks
Dan Harvey & Gerry White
The Barracks is an interesting, detailed book but, as the authors concede themselves, in no way the definitive book on the history of the Cork Barracks, (variously known as Victoria Barracks and Collins Barracks). One major criticism is this book is perhaps too focused on a lot of what was going on outside the barracks, which clearly had an influence on the barracks themselves, but at the expense on day to day or viewing of the barracks life. The IRB and other periphery maintain the focus as perhaps the politics of the two authors gives way as opposed to the interesting life of the institution.
Dan Harvey & Gerry White
The Barracks is an interesting, detailed book but, as the authors concede themselves, in no way the definitive book on the history of the Cork Barracks, (variously known as Victoria Barracks and Collins Barracks). One major criticism is this book is perhaps too focused on a lot of what was going on outside the barracks, which clearly had an influence on the barracks themselves, but at the expense on day to day or viewing of the barracks life. The IRB and other periphery maintain the focus as perhaps the politics of the two authors gives way as opposed to the interesting life of the institution.
Edward Abbey: Hayduke Live
Hayduke lives
Edward Abbey
Following on from the iconic and controversial satire the Monkey Wrench gang this (as the title gives away) pairs together the same motley crew in one last escapade. Edward abbey’s usual well written selection of snippets. Short punchy chapters. Cliched in the extreme, but insightful and witty always. Sometimes a little simplistic, but always funny. A little predictable and caricatured in its writing and presentation this is still an amusing book with glimpses of the wry humour that Edward Abbey so well encapsulates for many of his readers (Armchair anarchists almost to a man).
As always he captures brilliantly the contradictory apathy and action of the ineffectual nature of said armchair activist – passive supporter – but realistic consumer and end user – greedy, lazy, but ultimately caring!
A mass melee of contradictory sense and actions and feelings and opinions that we all are – but either don’t allow ourselves to see or seldom acknowledge – the seldom seen ability we all have for noble action, but the overwhelming sloth like inaction that strikes us all. All limitlessly talented but all wastefully lounging!
Edward Abbey
Following on from the iconic and controversial satire the Monkey Wrench gang this (as the title gives away) pairs together the same motley crew in one last escapade. Edward abbey’s usual well written selection of snippets. Short punchy chapters. Cliched in the extreme, but insightful and witty always. Sometimes a little simplistic, but always funny. A little predictable and caricatured in its writing and presentation this is still an amusing book with glimpses of the wry humour that Edward Abbey so well encapsulates for many of his readers (Armchair anarchists almost to a man).
As always he captures brilliantly the contradictory apathy and action of the ineffectual nature of said armchair activist – passive supporter – but realistic consumer and end user – greedy, lazy, but ultimately caring!
A mass melee of contradictory sense and actions and feelings and opinions that we all are – but either don’t allow ourselves to see or seldom acknowledge – the seldom seen ability we all have for noble action, but the overwhelming sloth like inaction that strikes us all. All limitlessly talented but all wastefully lounging!
Michael Wood: In Search Of The Trojan War
In Search Of The Trojan War
Michael Wood.
1985
Written back in 1984 for one of Michael Woods earliest TV series (he is now instantly recognisable for many other Ancient History programmes) this book puts forward a compelling set of chapters for the argument in favour of Troy existing and even the battle involving the famous Trojan horse taking place at its steps. This book also, by necessity, deals with the modern myth of Troy. From Schliemann’s ‘finds’ and their authenticity back to older myth making that has sprung up around these events of well over 10,000 years ago. Whatever the facts surely now they have been lost to the ground? Beyond that the conjecture is compelling and well researched – both with contemporary information and Victorian initial research. The book is an easy read and well structured. Chapters are complete in themselves but all fit together well. From speculation about the key players both in the battle and the world of the time, plus the key players in looking for evidence – be they Thucydides and Herodotus or Schliemann and Elgin.
An interesting introduction to the study of a fascinating event and the subsequent industry and interest that has sprung up around a possible myth of epic Chinese whispers.
Michael Wood.
1985
Written back in 1984 for one of Michael Woods earliest TV series (he is now instantly recognisable for many other Ancient History programmes) this book puts forward a compelling set of chapters for the argument in favour of Troy existing and even the battle involving the famous Trojan horse taking place at its steps. This book also, by necessity, deals with the modern myth of Troy. From Schliemann’s ‘finds’ and their authenticity back to older myth making that has sprung up around these events of well over 10,000 years ago. Whatever the facts surely now they have been lost to the ground? Beyond that the conjecture is compelling and well researched – both with contemporary information and Victorian initial research. The book is an easy read and well structured. Chapters are complete in themselves but all fit together well. From speculation about the key players both in the battle and the world of the time, plus the key players in looking for evidence – be they Thucydides and Herodotus or Schliemann and Elgin.
An interesting introduction to the study of a fascinating event and the subsequent industry and interest that has sprung up around a possible myth of epic Chinese whispers.
Peter Haydon: Beer and Britannia: An Inebriated History of Britain
Beer and Britannia: An Inebriated History of Britain
Peter Haydon
The beer Britainnia is only for the clever alliteration this is about Drink in England.
This book is an ‘Ok’ written expedition into English beer, despite the misnomer of the title. Do not be deceived by a desire to make a round peg fit a square hole. …. Clearly the author Peter Haydon found a quote about Beer and Britannia and in slight laziness made it apply to England, which is the subject of this book. As the prologue makes clear We do not hear discussion of the 60/70/80 shilling beers of Scotland
Nor is Guinness given more than passing reference (though English Porter is given an interesting coverage and it is fascinating to see how a product now so closely associated with Ireland held on in its original hometown - London)
Perhaps the most important and interesting aspect is that we do see how finance driven and economies of success are from the 18th Century onwards. Breweries and take over’s feature heavily as economies of scale and increased travel for the product that is beer.
The book itself is good and an interesting read - but it does overlook a couple of important ‘facts’ – Now compared with previous centuries –water is generally drinkable and awareness of the long term damage of drink secondly the real important factor in some declines is bottled beer, its consistent quality and the home drinking phenomenon.
Also sweeping assumptions of knowledge are made about beer, the brewing process and even differences between Ale, Beer and beer that are actually worthy of explanation. Though it does blow out the myth about lager being a 1960’s ‘invention’
The book also makes assumptions about English History more broadly, but these are trivial, overall it is worth a read.
Stated at one point “The 19th Century was a hotch potch of influences and changes. So many different forces were at work within society that trends and patterns must be heavily qualified” and this book is a light read – not a pint of heavy that’s for sure! More like an enjoyable summer shandy!
It is fascinating to see how influential the Dutch import of Gin was from the 17th Century onwards – right up until the 19th Century. King Billy, hero to millions, may have been poisoning his subjects!
Well written and an interesting book. Thoroughly researched and well presented – but overly simplistic at points. It also paints a sad picture of ‘progress’ such as demand and playing on assumption that change is always bad (which it is but indisputably increases revenue!).
Peter Haydon
The beer Britainnia is only for the clever alliteration this is about Drink in England.
This book is an ‘Ok’ written expedition into English beer, despite the misnomer of the title. Do not be deceived by a desire to make a round peg fit a square hole. …. Clearly the author Peter Haydon found a quote about Beer and Britannia and in slight laziness made it apply to England, which is the subject of this book. As the prologue makes clear We do not hear discussion of the 60/70/80 shilling beers of Scotland
Nor is Guinness given more than passing reference (though English Porter is given an interesting coverage and it is fascinating to see how a product now so closely associated with Ireland held on in its original hometown - London)
Perhaps the most important and interesting aspect is that we do see how finance driven and economies of success are from the 18th Century onwards. Breweries and take over’s feature heavily as economies of scale and increased travel for the product that is beer.
The book itself is good and an interesting read - but it does overlook a couple of important ‘facts’ – Now compared with previous centuries –water is generally drinkable and awareness of the long term damage of drink secondly the real important factor in some declines is bottled beer, its consistent quality and the home drinking phenomenon.
Also sweeping assumptions of knowledge are made about beer, the brewing process and even differences between Ale, Beer and beer that are actually worthy of explanation. Though it does blow out the myth about lager being a 1960’s ‘invention’
The book also makes assumptions about English History more broadly, but these are trivial, overall it is worth a read.
Stated at one point “The 19th Century was a hotch potch of influences and changes. So many different forces were at work within society that trends and patterns must be heavily qualified” and this book is a light read – not a pint of heavy that’s for sure! More like an enjoyable summer shandy!
It is fascinating to see how influential the Dutch import of Gin was from the 17th Century onwards – right up until the 19th Century. King Billy, hero to millions, may have been poisoning his subjects!
Well written and an interesting book. Thoroughly researched and well presented – but overly simplistic at points. It also paints a sad picture of ‘progress’ such as demand and playing on assumption that change is always bad (which it is but indisputably increases revenue!).
Tim O’Brien: If I die in a combat zone
Tim O’Brien
If I die in a combat zone
Well written gritty realistic short over view of Tim O’Brien own time in a war zone – from the initial draft to the journey home (not in a casket).
Capturing war, in its graphic detail, its boredom, its fears, about soldiers and officers Capturing in all his characters the human identities – some are flawed others are brave but neither is mutually exclusive. O’Brien is a thinker and the reader is offered the inside view on war. He is not ‘brave’ enough to run away conforming to societies demands and not willing to let down his family (or spend the rest of his life in Sweden!)
This book is, I believe, an autobiography of sorts – but is very similar to an amazing ‘fictional’ short story he wrote elsewhere in a collection. The short story is called ’The Things they carried’ and is a compact version of the story that is far more intense and worth consulting first.
Mark Oliver Everett: Things the Grandchildren should know
Things the Grandchildren Should Know
Mark Oliver Everett
Immediately disarming this book is amiably written with a personal and intimate approach. Mark Everett was and is the lead singer and main man behind the successful band The Eels. And he has managed, in the telling of his story, to create a disarming, charming but very real picture over harrowing events that took place in his life – from family crises to surreal, but ever so real, events such as a plane crash on his front lawn!
Such events are dealt with in a very light weight and simplistic manner – but in doing so they achieve and highlight the fragile honesty with which Everett deals with life.
You do not need to be a fan of the Eels or their music - The music is only really dealt with in passing, but it is the life of the protagonist that we follow – as he stumbles from one episode to another – seemingly unable to escape an unfortunate set of circumstance that befell his family. (Father collapses on his bed, dead, sister gang raped, mother dies slowly from Cancer). In isolation these events do not make the story so compelling – but it is well written and structured. Not genius, or maybe it is, but definitely intersting and compelling.
Mark Oliver Everett
Immediately disarming this book is amiably written with a personal and intimate approach. Mark Everett was and is the lead singer and main man behind the successful band The Eels. And he has managed, in the telling of his story, to create a disarming, charming but very real picture over harrowing events that took place in his life – from family crises to surreal, but ever so real, events such as a plane crash on his front lawn!
Such events are dealt with in a very light weight and simplistic manner – but in doing so they achieve and highlight the fragile honesty with which Everett deals with life.
You do not need to be a fan of the Eels or their music - The music is only really dealt with in passing, but it is the life of the protagonist that we follow – as he stumbles from one episode to another – seemingly unable to escape an unfortunate set of circumstance that befell his family. (Father collapses on his bed, dead, sister gang raped, mother dies slowly from Cancer). In isolation these events do not make the story so compelling – but it is well written and structured. Not genius, or maybe it is, but definitely intersting and compelling.
Angela Carter: The Bloody Chamber
Angela Carter
The Bloody chamber
A collection of 10 short stories – or interpretations of classic fables – not all of which are immediately recognisable to those brought up in the English language culture
But all are colourfully written in expressive powerful floral language and tell the colourful stories of women and their lusts and the theme of loss of virginity or tasting of the apple in abundance. – in the face of the over powering male powers……
Some are Suffocating, others slight – but all are captivatingly written by a wordsmith. Magnificent and worth your time.
The Bloody chamber
A collection of 10 short stories – or interpretations of classic fables – not all of which are immediately recognisable to those brought up in the English language culture
But all are colourfully written in expressive powerful floral language and tell the colourful stories of women and their lusts and the theme of loss of virginity or tasting of the apple in abundance. – in the face of the over powering male powers……
Some are Suffocating, others slight – but all are captivatingly written by a wordsmith. Magnificent and worth your time.