Reviews (2)

Microstates deserve more analysis of this kind
This fascinating compendium fills an important gap in the area of political and cultural geography.One hopes for a further augmented second edition that covers in more detail the Order of Malta (a sovereign entity), the Channel Islands (which are personal dependencies of the British Crown, not part of the UK and EU - and beyond the jurisdiction of the UK Parliament) and perhaps such unusual European enclaves as Campione d'Italia (a piece of Italy within Switzerland that functions as a quasi-Swiss jurisdiction).
A Masterful Geographical and Historical Work
In researching sources for information on Malta for a forthcoming excursion after the Universala Kongreso de Esperanto next year, I came across Tom Eccardt's "Secrets of the Seven Smallest States of Europe."I not only found everything I needed to know about Malta, but was fascinated by his treatment of the other six small states. This is an excellently researched work, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in geography or history.
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Subjects:  1. Europe    2. Europe - General    3. Guidebooks    4. History    5. History - General History    6. History: World    7. States, Small    8. Western Europe - General    9. World - General    10. Andorra    11. European studies    12. Liechtenstein    13. Luxembourg    14. Malta    15. Monaco    16. San Marino    17. Vatican   

Reviews (24)

The American experience
Surely, as another reviewer pointed out, this book is a look at the American experience in the battle.However, that doesn't keep this book from being amongst the best about the Battle of the Bulge.Toland makes you feel like you are there.The chapters are broken up so that the book is highly readable and very fast paced.An excellent work of military history that makes you feel like you are there.Highly recommended.

The story of he Bulge
This book is very ineresting, accurate accounts of the battles fought during this period, This book brought back memories of the winter that we had to endure plus the Germans. I was there for most of the time and attest to the worst winter of the century.

GI Joe's View Of The Bulge
"Battle: The Story Of The Bulge" gives the reader a view of the Bulge as seen by the individuals involved.While the "Big Picture" is told in the actions of commanders and the maps of the lines of battle, the focus is on the individual GI Joes, Tommies, German attackers and the civilians who interacted with them.As the son of a Third Army veteran, I gained some insight into what my father endured during his service.Author John Toland obviously conducted many interviews during the research for this book.
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Subjects:  1. Ardennes, Battle of the, 1944-    2. Ardennes, Battle of the, 1944-1945    3. Campaigns    4. France    5. History    6. History - Military / War    7. Luxembourg    8. Military    9. Military - World War II    10. World War II - Europe    11. World War, 1939-1945    12. Europe    13. European history: Second World War    14. Second World War, 1939-1945    15. War & defence operations   

Reviews (7)

Exceptional!
This brilliantly written story follows the efforts of a group of people who dedicated themselves to locating the lost remains of the men who served with the 99th Infantry Division at the Battle of the bulge. THE DEAD OF WINTER begins with an introduction of two Belgian artifact hunters, Jean-Louis Seel and Jean-Philippe Speder who, in 1988, stumbled upon the remains and dog tags of an American soldier.
Bill Warnock's Magnum Opus
Bill Warnock has written a spectacularly detailed and wonderfully crafted tale of which he is a main protagonist -- a selfless American who has dedicated the last 20 or more years of his life to reuniting the dead heroes of World War II with their families. I must admit to the favoritism I feel toward Bill because he and I met on the Ardennes battlefield back in the early 1980s while I was researching my first book, The Key to the Bulge. Many of the people in this great work are close friends of mine. Even with this foreknowledge, I cannot help but stand in awe of Bill's skillfully written and masterfully researched chronicle of his team's efforts to discover and return to their homes the lost heroes of the Battle of the Bulge. This book is more than a simple tale of how a group of dedicated Americans and Belgians sought the final resting places of those men who went missing during the Bulge. Instead, it is a tale of devotion, Herculean persistance, and selfless dedication. The only reward that Bill and his team sought for their actions was the satisfaction of recovering the remains of our dead heroes and giving closure to families whose pain remained unhealed for 50 or more years. This book is a gem and a lasting testimony to those who truly appreciate the sacrifice of America's fighting men and women. Thanks, Bill. Well done.

Emotionalism At It's Purest Level
When I first started reading The Dead Of Winter I thought it would be another one of those books where there would be more boring facts and figures than personal, intimate, and emotional first hand accounts of infantrymen doing all they could do to survive the first few days of The Battle Of The Bulge.Bill Warnock, has done an outstanding job of resurrecting the fate of several infantrymen of the 99th Infantry who were killed and left behind after their positions in Belgium were overrun by the German jauggernaut of 16 December 1944.I became intimately attached to David Read, Mike Larson, Ewing Fidler, 2nd Lt Holloway, Sgt Frederick Zimmerman, and many of the others who died and were left behind to be buried in lonesome graves on the battlefield of Belgium and the Ardennes Forest.Thanks to the perserverance, tanacity, and cooperation of Carl Seel, Mr. Speider, Hans Honen, Ed Whithead, Mr. Swanson, and many others, these lost souls were found and brought home to their families, or given descent burials alongside their comrades who fought and died on the battlefields of World War II.Mr. Seel, and Mr. Speider who initially started this episode are the real heroes here too, because, as honest, caring, and loving men who cared about the American soldiers who liberated their country from the Nazi's, they took it upon themselves to try to locate, identify, and bring attention to these men who had died so gallently, but had to be left behind in the heat of battle.This is an awesome book, very well written, exactingly documented and recorded with all the facts of the men who were killed in action, and is well worth reading.I strongly urge everyone who loves freedom, history, and this great country to read this book.The men who were lost back in 1944, and the families they left behind, is a poignant reminder of just how fragile and important freedom is. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Belgium    2. Forensic Science    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History - Military / War    6. Luxembourg    7. Military    8. Military - United States    9. Military - World War II    10. Missing in action    11. Modern - 21st Century    12. United States    13. United States - General    14. World War II    15. World War, 1939-1945    16. History / Modern / 21st Century   

Reviews (2)

Not only soldiers fight in wars
What did I know about the Battle of the Bulge before I read this book? Well, not very much, even though I read about war and warfare all the time. Watching Band of Brothers I got the impression that Easy Company more or less saved the day for everybody involved in the Allied offensive, and well, that was it. No more Hitler and no more WWII.
Excellent a must read
This book is a must read for everyone intrested in the Battle of the Bulge! It is about a "forgotten" fact of this battle, the suffering of the civilians. Untill now in every book about this Battle, hardly any information can be found about the Belgian population and how they suffered. Most historians and writers wrote untill now that there were only very limited casualties among the civilians. This book proves that this is not correct! The Belgian people did not only suffer from the Germans in this Battle, also due to the military action of the American and British armed forces many civilians died! Bombings by the American forces caused terrible suffering. In this book - which is a must read - we get another picture of the Battle of the Bulge and the suffering is has caused. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ardennes, Battle of the, 1944-    2. Ardennes, Battle of the, 1944-1945    3. Belgium    4. Casualties    5. History    6. History - Military / War    7. Luxembourg    8. Military    9. Military - World War II    10. World War, 1939-1945    11. Battles & campaigns    12. Europe    13. European history: Second World War    14. Second World War, 1939-1945   

Reviews (6)

Take this book with you when you go
I was a battlefield tour guide in Europe for over three years.One of our most popular tours was the Ardennes Offensive aka "The Battle of the Bulge".Since we only had a day, we would drive up from Luxembourg City, paralleling the 3rd Army's relief route, and tour the Bastogne perimeter.If I had this book, I would've recommended this to my customers who wished to visit other sites of the battle."A Tour of the Bulge Battlefield" is designed for the tourist who wishes to tour the battlefield(s) for himself/herself.Well researched and written, one could almost use this book as a secondary source in itself.The six chapters cover the entire battle, from the north around Stavelot, to the south in the Ettlebruch/Diekirch area.Each chapter is in itself an excellent capsulation of the battle and movements, both German and American.However, this is not a guidebookin the traditional sense, there is nothing about lodging, and very little regarding food, and other questions most tourists have.Also, what few maps there are inadequate, surprising considering this book is designed for auto-touring.
Excellent guide
I recently followed the trail of the well-known 'Kampfgruppe Peiper', with the help of this amply illustrated guide, from the then frontline in December 1944 at the German border to La Gleize/Stoumont in the Belgian Ardennes, about 60 kilometers from its point of departure. With the help of this guide it turned out to be a fascinating experience. The reader gets a very good picture, by surveying the terrain and reading this text, of the heavy fighting which took place in this area in this fateful period that took its toll on civilians and military alike. This guide provides not only an excellent description of the route Peiper and his men took but also contains much interesting background information. It also provides descriptions of the routes taken by the main German formations in other sectors of the front during their failed push to the west. A plus of the book is definitely that it pays lots of attention to the German perspective on what happened. This aspect is often neglected in other English language literature on the subject, e.g. in the Toland volume on the Battle of the Bulge. A minor point of criticism on this book in my view concerns the maps. The book contains maps, but as the author himself says in the introduction, the reader needs the relevant Michelin maps of the area as well to complete this otherwise very useful battlefield guide.

A TOUR OF THE BULGE BATTLEFIELD
This is a must read for anyone interested in the history of the Battle of The Bulge. Will Cavanagh's latest book is a fascinating account of the battle. Take a ride in the Tiger Tanks of Kampfgruppe Pieper, feel the enthusiasm as they go on the counter offensive. Stand with the exhausted Americans, feel their terror and dread as they defend against the onslaught.All this is accomplished through numerous first hand accounts, told by the participants. The book is complete with many maps and numerous photographs of the participants. Most of the photos are from the authors personal collection.Read more

Subjects:  1. Ardennes, Battle of the, 1944-    2. Ardennes, Battle of the, 1944-1945    3. Battlefields    4. Belgium    5. Guidebooks    6. History    7. History - Military / War    8. Luxembourg    9. Military    10. Military - General    11. Military - World War II    12. World War, 1939-1945    13. Europe    14. European history: Second World War    15. History / Military / World War II    16. Land forces & warfare   

Reviews (2)

Cull's usual high-quality research yields a surprise!
I've read a number of works by Brian Cull, usually co-authored by Christopher Shores.I've come to expect books that exhibit good writing, rare photos, and meticulous research--research that often challenges popular conceptions of certain events. Read and Learn
Thirty days hath September, April, June and November;Read more

Subjects:  1. Aerial operations, British    2. Aerial operations, German    3. History    4. History - Military / War    5. Military    6. Military - World War II    7. Personal narratives, British    8. Personal narratives, German    9. World War, 1939-1945    10. Air forces & warfare    11. Belgium    12. European history: Second World War    13. History / Military / Aviation    14. Luxembourg    15. Netherlands    16. Second World War, 1939-1945    17. War & defence operations    18. World history: Second World War   

Reviews (1)

A complex history presented clearly with clarity and a light touch
I have just finished this delightful book, "The Low Countries".I am not an academic, but rather a former international banker who lived in the proximity of the Low Countries (3 years in Germany and a year in London) before spending 10 years in the Far East, during which time I occasionally also had Dutch bosses and colleagues.I have long been intrigued but the differences in personalities of Cologne and Frankfurt where I lived and The Netherlands and Belgium so close by, yet found no history books that really helped me get my arms around their complex, interconnected histories.This book not only did this, but with an occasional sly humor that I came to look for with delight. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Belgium    2. Civilization    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History: World    6. Netherlands    7. Western Europe - Benelux    8. Western Europe - General    9. European history (ie other than Britain & Ireland)    10. History / Europe / Western    11. Luxembourg    12. Modern period, c 1500 onwards   

Reviews (1)

A Guide to Jewish Poland
What can you say about Jewish Poland in 264 pages or less? Read more

Subjects:  1. Description and travel    2. Europe - Benelux Countries (BelgiumNetherlandsLuxembourg)    3. Europe - Eastern    4. Guidebooks    5. History    6. Jewish - General    7. Jews    8. Museums, Tours, Points of Interest    9. Poland    10. Travel    11. Travel - Foreign    12. Jewish studies    13. Places & peoples: general interest    14. Travel & holiday guides   

Subjects:  1. Aerial photographs    2. Civilization    3. Description And Travel    4. Europe - Benelux Countries (BelgiumNetherlandsLuxembourg    5. Europe - Benelux Countries (BelgiumNetherlandsLuxembourg)    6. History Of Civilization And Culture (General)    7. Netherlands    8. Pictorial works    9. Pictorials    10. Travel    11. Travel - Foreign    12. Photographs: collections    13. Places & peoples: general interest    14. Travel / Pictorials   

Reviews (1)

Very nice, I will buy Volumn 2.
Very well researched. The detailed descriptions, at the start of the book, for the units that played a part in this portion of battle were excellent and invaluable. I gained a much greater appreciation for the true qualties of the units that fought with this book than from any other reading or sources. Read more

Subjects:  1. Ardennes, Battle of the, 1944-    2. Ardennes, Battle of the, 1944-1945    3. Campaigns    4. History - Military / War    5. History: World    6. Luxembourg    7. Military - World War II    8. World War, 1939-1945    9. European history: Second World War    10. Germany    11. Second World War, 1939-1945    12. War & defence operations   

Subjects:  1. Europe - Benelux Countries (BelgiumNetherlandsLuxembourg    2. Nature Photography    3. Photo Techniques    4. Photography    5. Scientific And Industrial Photography    6. Subjects & Themes - Plants & Animals    7. Subjects & Themes - Travel - General    8. Travel - Foreign    9. NATURAL HISTORY, COUNTRY LIFE & PETS    10. Nature in art, still life, landscapes & seascapes    11. Photographic equipment & techniques    12. Photographs: collections    13. Photography / Travel    14. Places & peoples: general interest   

Reviews (4)

it really happened (and it still happens)
I come from the town in question and beeing a child I once recieved my candy from the American St. Nick. (It was one of the years he had come back to play his role again.) I can remember that we children make fun of the way he tried to speak to us in luxembourgish. But what I didn't realise by then was the whole story behind it; I knew it was something special about it but I couldn't explain why. Now after having grown up and after having read the book I know that what they did was something very special.

In a word...WOW
It's a great, easy read AND it's true! When you see what these guys went through and what they did as a wonderful act of kindness you can't help but be moved. I challenge anyone to read this story and not be at the very least a bit misty-eyed when you're done. And the photos that are in the book are amazing. Obviously well researched. Why Hollywood hasn't latched onto this story yet is a real mystery. This one has "all the makings"!

WWII GI Gift
In this time, when our Veterans from World War II are realizing how much we all need to hear their stories, THE AMERICAN ST. NICK is a heart-warming one grandfathers can share with their grandchildren, helping them to see that behind the face of the Warrior beats a father's heart. No matter that the young men thought what they were doing was just a lark.
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Subjects:  1. Army    2. Army.    3. Brookins, Richard    4. History    5. History - Military / War    6. Infantry Division, 28th    7. Infantry Division, 28th.    8. Luxembourg    9. Military    10. Military - World War II    11. Modern - General    12. Saint Nicholas' Day    13. Signal Company, 28th    14. United States    15. United States.    16. Wiltz   

Subjects:  1. Europe - General    2. History    3. History - General History    4. History: World    5. Western Europe - Benelux    6. Europe    7. European history (ie other than Britain & Ireland)    8. World history   

Reviews (3)

Very therapeutic
I have personally witnessed the great nation of the Netherlands reduce a great Englishman to a quivering wreck. Make that two Englishmen, and two quivering wrecks. Very Funny
I enjoyed reading the book tremendously. Brian's humour is in the great English tradition of geniuses like Ben Elton, Tom Sharpe and John Cleese. Not to mention Benny Hill. Oh, no sorry, I mean: don't mention Benny Hill. As to the ending, a touch of the surreal. Really, could it be, would it work? Could a real Englishman do what Henry did? Very Funny
I enjoyed reading the book tremendously. Brian's humour is in the great English tradition of geniuses like Ben Elton, Tom Sharpe and John Cleese. Not to mention Benny Hill. Oh, no sorry, I mean: don't mention Benny Hill. As to the ending, a touch of the surreal. Really, could it be, would it work? Could a real Englishman do what Henry did? Read more

Subjects:  1. Etiquette    2. Europe - Benelux Countries (BelgiumNetherlandsLuxembourg)    3. General    4. History - General History    5. Humor    6. National characteristics, Dutc    7. National characteristics, Dutch    8. Netherlands    9. Social life and customs    10. Travel    11. Western Europe - Benelux   

Editorial Review

"The beautiful exteriors and often subdued interiors shown [here] have at least one thing in common," declares the introduction to this gorgeous volume, "they were designed with love. Love in its Brussels variety--efficient, realistic, without any concessions to dishonesty, ugliness, imitativeness or kitsch and wholly devoted to making the art of living more enjoyable." Lavishly illustrated with nearly 300 color photos of marvelous urban landscapes and exquisitely appointed rooms, this is an expertly guided tour of a fascinating city and its residences. Celebrating the region's history, elegance, traditions, and craftsmanship, the book lovingly explores a place of contrasts: baroque splendor and mid-20th-century concrete, the undulations of art nouveau and the starkness of sleek modernism, the sprawling parks and densely built streets, but everywhere an admiration for the telling detail, the stylish touch. Those planning a trip to this intriguing destination will also enjoy the resource section describing hotels, restaurants, museum, and shopping sites, but you don't have to wait for an opportunity to travel there--soak up the ambience right now with this beautiful book, and find inspiration to bring some of that ambience into your own life. Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Architecture    3. Belgium    4. Brussels    5. Brussels (Belgium)    6. Civilization    7. Design - Decorative    8. Europe - Benelux Countries (BelgiumNetherlandsLuxembourg    9. History    10. Interior Design - General    11. Interior decoration    12. International Architecture - European    13. Modern Architecture    14. Photo Essays    15. Home furnishing & decoration    16. Interior design   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (1)

No doubt the best guide to Brussels for the curious
Reading this book is like discovering the city yourself, and most of all it will take along those hidden corners that you would have never notices had Derek Blyth not pointed them out. I've lived in Brussels for 12 years, and this book has made me rediscover places that I have been walking past almost every day without realizing how interesting this city really is. Strongly recommended for anyone who wants to get to know this place a little better. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Benelux Countries (BelgiumNetherlandsLuxembourg    2. Europe - Western    3. Middle East - General    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Travel Guides    7. Western Europe - History    8. BRUSSELS (BELGIUM)_DESCRIPTION AND TRAVEL    9. Belgium    10. Europe    11. Travel & holiday guides    12. Travel / Europe / Benelux Countries (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)   

Subjects:  1. Belgium    2. History - General History    3. Luxembourg    4. Western Europe - Benelux   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Europe - Benelux Countries (BelgiumNetherlandsLuxembourg    4. Europe - General    5. Exports & Imports    6. Government & Business    7. International - General    8. Social History    9. Travel - Foreign    10. Area / regional studies    11. Places & peoples: general interest    12. Reference works   

Subjects:  1. Bibliographies & Indexes    2. Reference    3. Western Europe - History +   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. General    3. Museums, Tours, Points of Interest    4. 21st century    5. Europe    6. Museum, historic sites, gallery & art guides