Study of the North's two greatest generals during the American Civil War. Not an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of Grant and Sherman, but, mStudy of the North's two greatest generals during the American Civil War. Not an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of Grant and Sherman, but, more importantly, a description of the warm, but sometimes testy relationship between them. Each brought unique qualities to the relationship and to the war effort. Together they were an unstoppable force. The book can be read by both laypeople and Civil War experts....more
This is the story of Felix Sparks, who, like many young Americans, joined the Army at the start of World War II. What is so amazing about Sparks is thThis is the story of Felix Sparks, who, like many young Americans, joined the Army at the start of World War II. What is so amazing about Sparks is that he served over 500 days on the front lines, serving the in battles in Sicily and Italy, in the Normandy invasion, and in the final battle in Germany. He ultimately rose to the rank of Lieutenant General and continued a life of public service after he left the military. The book tells learn what it was like to be on the front lines in this terrible war. ...more
I was disappointed in this book. One learns a good deal about Donovan - and he was most certainly an interesting man - but not nearly enough about OSSI was disappointed in this book. One learns a good deal about Donovan - and he was most certainly an interesting man - but not nearly enough about OSS operations during the Second Wold War. The book is well-written and thorough, but it is just not the book I wanted it to be. ...more
Inferno: the World at War,1939-1945 by Max Hastings is an outstanding, even if strongly opinionated history and analysis of WWII, from Germany's invasInferno: the World at War,1939-1945 by Max Hastings is an outstanding, even if strongly opinionated history and analysis of WWII, from Germany's invasion of Czechoslovakia and Japan's brutal entry into China, to the Battle of Berlin and the dropping of the atomic bombs. Hastings has the rare ability to combine broad strategic considerations, leadership strengths and weaknesses, and the impact of the war on ordinary soldiers and civilians I don't think this is the book for professional military historians, but anyone with a general interest in history will find the book useful. ...more