Editorial Review

In the first significant engagement between American troops and the Viet Cong, 450 U.S. soldiers found themselves surrounded and outnumbered by their enemy. This book tells the story of how they battled between October 23 and November 26, 1965. Its prose is gritty, not artful, delivering a powerful punch of here-and-now descriptions that could only have been written by people actually on the scene. In fact, they were: Harold Moore commanded the men of the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, who did most of the fighting, and Joseph Galloway was the only reporter present throughout the battle's 34 harrowing days. Read more

Reviews (231)

Meeting these men has been an honor!
Knowing some of the people involved with this true story and having met General Harold Moore and Joe Galloway a few years ago I felt a necessity to read the general's book "We Were Soldiers Once and Young." They wanted the truth told so Americans could learn about one particular unit and the major battle they fought in 1965.
Essential Reading For All
As a non-American living in the US for a year, I bought this book to learn more about the Vietnam war.It didn't really serve its purpose in this respect - and that was my fault - but it more than made up for it by being one of the best war books I've ever read.This stands easily alongside anything Stephen Ambrose ever wrote.The authenticity is one hundred per cent because these authors were there - their passion, emotion and commitment to their mean comes screaming through the pages.As does their frustration with military top brass and politicians.I'll never forget finishing the book on a Sunday morning, sitting up in bed, tears streaming down my face as I read of the impact of the deaths of those brave men who perished.The consequences hit generation after generation.This book is essential reading now because it highlights the futility of war and the no-win situation that America repeatedly puts itself into.

The Birth of Air Cav
This book tells the true account of the battle of Ia Drang. NO book could have captured the intense battles a well as this has. After reading some war books about vietnam and World War II, I have only one thing to say, This is possibly the greatest recration in words of the actual battles I have ever read! Read this book and understand the true horrors of battle. With the release of 'We Were Soldiers' there is no doubt that this book will become more popular than it already is. God Bless America. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - Military / War    3. Ia Drang Valley (Vietnam), Bat    4. Ia Drang Valley (Vietnam), Battle of, 1965    5. Ia Drang Valley, Battle of, Vi    6. Ia Drang Valley, Battle of, Vietnam, 1965    7. Military    8. Military - General    9. Military - Vietnam War    10. Military History - Vietnam Conflict    11. History / Military / Vietnam War   

Reviews (23)

Good author, bad editor
This is an excellent book, which has received much well deserved praise. Rather than repeating the praise, I would like to take up a few points which I feel a good editor would have corrected:
The Battle for Spain: The Spanish Civil War 1936-1939
A very good book for the period leading up to WWII....an interesting read for all those interested in WWII and the events that defined what really happened. Provides in-depth facts and represents well thought-out research....a very good read.

Mad Delusion Of Propaganda
The Battle For Spain: The Spanish Civil War 1936-1939 is a book that focuses on not just the causes of the conflict and military actions taken during it, but also on the ideals, goals and politics that shaped the two sides.
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Subjects:  1. Civil War, 1936-1939    2. Europe - Spain & Portugal    3. History    4. History - Military / War    5. History: World    6. Military - Other    7. Revolutionary    8. Spain    9. History / Military / General   

Reviews (22)

Could Have been much better
The first two chapters are very interesting in that they have a modern day analysis of the actions and policies China is currently undertaking. The information provided about the purchase of Russian arms and the highlighting of the facts that lead to the thesis that China is not arming up for a defensive strategy but for a offensive strategy. The information on anti-satellite and computer/hacker warfare was also very eye opening.
Jingoism
Another jingoistic, poorly theorized work of fiction. There are countless of these cheap "doom-and-gloom" scenarios. Save your money and play Command and Conquer: Generals. Because really, that is all this book is, another fantasy videogame reading "end-times."
Would have been 5 stars but i had too much Napoleon brandy
The military information in this book is outstanding and the future event scenarios are unnerving (as one is actually occurring now in Cuba and another in N.Korea).I would have given this book 5 stars if it were not for the actual story telling.I know these two authors are politicians and military men, so i'll be nice.What can i say nice about their story telling....it was very entertaining.After reading so much about Napoleon brandy, i went out and bought a bottle and i'm still hung over. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. China    2. Foreign Relations    3. History & Theory - General    4. International Relations - General    5. Military - United States    6. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    7. Political Ideologies - General    8. Political Science    9. Politics / Current Events    10. Politics/International Relations    11. United States    12. International relations    13. Non-Classifiable    14. USA    15. Warfare & Defence   

Reviews (6)

Hind's First hand
I'm a "Hind-Nut" or a HUGE fan of the MI_24 Helicopter and all it's variants. (old & New) I get every book and read every thing on line I possibly can about this flying battle ship.
PMCs,Diamond Fields & Hinds
The main focus of "War Dog" is on mercenary pilots in Africa around the turn of the millennium. Flying 'outdated' planes and third hand Hind helicopters these pilots ruled the skies above the endless battles to control the diamond mines below. Land battles and treks in BMPs get their due too, but it's the helicopters and airplanes that get the most attention in this book.
Unique insight into military contracting; sobering tutorial on modern Africa
This is a remarkable book. It turns like a thriller, yet the reader also is being educated from a first-hand observer of the sorry state of modern, post-colonial (sometimes proto-colonial) African states. If hiring professional soldiers is what it takes to do something--anything--to ameliorate the "Wretched of the Earth" and the biblical suffering in underdeveloped basketcases, then let's by G-d do it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - Military / War    3. History: American    4. Military    5. Military - General    6. Military - Other    7. History / Military / Other    8. Mercenaries   

Reviews (1)

A World War II Classic
With all the books written about World War II and Iwo Jima in particular, it's quite surprising that no one thought of telling this story before. Thank heaven it's been done. James Bradley, son of the corpsman who helped raise the flag along with five Marines writes wonderfully of these young men who in the briefest of moments, in this case, 1/400th of a second, would go on to embody American heroism and triumph in one of this country's most bitter fights.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. History    3. History - Military / War    4. Iwo Jima, Battle of, Japan, 1945    5. Marines    6. Military    7. Military - United States    8. Military - World War II    9. Photographs    10. Photography    11. Pictorial works    12. World War II    13. World War, 1939-1945    14. History / Military / World War II   

Reviews (3)

An excellent history of the III SS-Panzer Korps
This book was an interesting read about the III SS-Panzer-Korps (Germanisches).
Excellent History of the III SS Panzer Korps
Like most of Wilhelm Tieke's books, excellently written blending tremendous historic details along with many engrossing personal accounts. Of the 60 JJ Fedorowicz titles that are in my collection, this book is my favorite. Recommended without hesitation for anyone interested in the Waffen SS or War on the Eastern Front. Also note, this book was selected as one the Top Ten Military Books for the year 2001 as determined from the Stone&Stone.com Military Book Survey.

Triump of the Will!
This book recounts in full details the idealism and ultimate sacrifice of the Germans, ethnic Germans and European volunteers in the Korps which fought to stem the Red Bolshevic hordes from the cradle of civilization. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. Military    3. Military - World War II    4. Military life & institutions    5. Germany    6. Regiments   

Reviews (2)

Great Place to Start
I first bought this book about 15 years ago.It made a huge impression on me then when I didn't know much about uniforms, and it is still a great resource today now that I am a uniform collector.The painted images of soldiers of all the major armies of World War II are vivid and interesting.The text is informative and thorough.Of particular use are charts that detail rank insignia for all the various armies.
Well-organized and beautifully illustrated reference work
This is the DEFINITIVE reference book on the uniforms of WWII.Mollo carefully explains his terms and illustrates them in this handy, well-organized work.Individual illustrations of patches, epaulets andweapons are complemented by contemporary, hand-colored photographs of awide variety of uniforms.Excellent! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Armed Forces    3. History    4. History - Military / War    5. Insignia    6. Military    7. Military - Uniforms    8. Military uniforms    9. World War, 1939-1945    10. Non-Classifiable    11. Sale Books   

Reviews (15)

Where We Were In Vietnam
I have had Mike's book for some time now and have found it to be of great use to me.I served in Vietnam as an infantryman in the Australian Army and he has covered many of our battle sites as well as our base areas so for that I say well done..I currently live and work in Vietnam so I can use it as a constant reference whenever I travel throughout the country visiting the old battlefields and other sites of interest. With all grid references given in the military grid system and the ready availability of military maps for most areas it is a most usefull piece of work.

Where We Were in Vietnam
I served 3 consecutive tours in Vietnam and I must tell you, as a vietnam Veteran, I find this Book PerticulerlyAluminating. I still am in the process of comeing to terms with many things dealing with Vietnam. This Book puts many of them into perspective.
Simply Outstanding!Resonates with living history!
Michael P. Kelley has exceeded all expectations with this volume. He has put his heart and soul into this resource, one that resonates with the living history of a long series of wars in 20th Century Vietnam. A primary resource for all interested in the conflict in Vietnam. A First Rate effort! Reread all those Vietnam-era works and see if those firebase names jive up to the action described. Is it fact, or else some sorry assed tale passed on down? Now we know. This is a must for any and all public libraries. We simply must have this work in the public record. HATS OFF,Mister Kelley! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - Southeast Asia    2. Dictionaries    3. History    4. History - General History    5. Maps    6. Military    7. Military - Vietnam War    8. Military History - Vietnam Conflict    9. Military Organization And Administration    10. Military Science    11. Military bases, American    12. Vietnam    13. Vietnam War, 1961-1975    14. Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975   

Reviews (59)

A few translation suggestions
A few years ago, I translated the crucial first chapter of On War's first book from German into Portuguese. The results were then discussed vis-à-vis the Paret/Howard English version in our post-graduate program. Back then, I wrote a few additional comments in English about nuances of the Paret/Howard text [otherwise, very good], which - so I believed - seemed to dilute the depth of Clausewitz' exposition at key spots. These brief comments follow below, as I still believe they can be of some interest, particularly to those who meditate the relation between war and politics, and as they touch the very heart of Clausewitz unsurpassed insight into the nature of armed conflict.
Would-Be-Commanders Should Buy Other Books
If you are going into politics this book is for you. It is very abstract and rambles on for thousands of words in order to get to a single point.
Its the ECONOMICS, stupid !!
-Everyone expressing a erudite opinion about Clausewitz or "ON WAR" has completely missed the point here.
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Subjects:  1. History - General History    2. Military - General    3. Military Science    4. Military art and science    5. Technology & Industrial Arts    6. War    7. History / Military / Strategy    8. Warfare & Defence   

Reviews (9)

Good, If Sketchy, Overview of World Military History
This is another handsome book from DK.
Excellent Survey and Gateway
"Battle" can be described as a coffee table type book (although you may want to place it elsewhere when considering the subject matter) that is best suited for browsing.It surveys warfare throughout history and is quite sweeping and ambitious in scope. Generally, "Battle" is divided into eras/geographical areas and provides a briefing on the major powers and empires (and the rise and falls), strategic situations, weapons, tactics, and battles. The material is put together very well and contains many informative and striking pictures. In addition, it illuminates many periods and empires in areas such as India and China that are obscure to Westerners. Although probably not intended by the author, the reader is likely to grasp that any empire is fleeting when viewed in the context of history. Where "Battle" is lacking is in the descriptions of the individual battles. Generally that information is very brief and vague and those wanting details should look at other, more specific books. This is not surprising considering the immense scope. However, "Battle" is excellent for what it is and provides a gateway into the study of the many eras and participants of military history.

Battle
This book is simply outstanding!Our 8 year old is completely fascinated with the history of warfare.He loves to research military attire and weapons used in the various battles.This book is a visual journey through all of the battles worldwide over time.It shows the progression of advancing technology and strategies used.It brings the reader one step closer to understanding the essence of each battle using both visuals and well written explainations.It is a must-have for anyone deeply interested in the evolution of war. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Battles    2. History    3. History - Military / War    4. Military    5. Military - General    6. Military Equipment    7. Military History (General)    8. Military history    9. War    10. History / Military / General   

Reviews (3)

Diplomacy and War like Chess
In this volume(and the 3 that will follow) Kagan sets out to write a military/diplomatic history of the Napoleonic period.The first 200 pages give an overview of how the war of the First Coalition came about. Then there are some 100 pages devoted to the french and allied war plans and the rest of the book covers the war itself.This is a work of explanation and interpretation and the focus is on the diplomats and generals who made the important decisions.There is no spotlight on the idiosyncracies of individuals perse ,but only if it is important to explain some decision taken by that person. Likewise the descriptions of battles are explanatory. There is no blood and guts. All in all it is a bit like a game of chess and the best explanatory book i have read about Napoleonic Europe. The author, in contrast to most other books about this time, devotes an equal amount of space to the French and the Allies and is evenhanded in the condemnation or praise he bestows on the belligerents.It is simply not true as an other reviewer has it that this is the old Napoleon as Ogre story all over again.Knowing the author's very rightleaning political views i indeed started reading this book with some trepidation, but was pleasantly suprised that Kagan did'nt let those views cloud his judgement.Repeatedly Kagan stresses that it was'nt Napoleon who wanted this war but Tsar Alexander. Of course you can take exception with the author's interpretation of motives and events but that applies to every thesis. At least Kagan does't parrot every other author and his analysis is based on thorough archival investigation. This is not a book for the novice but if you want to know the ins and outs of Napoleonic Europe, have an analytical bend and value clear and uncluttered prose this is the book for you. Highly recommended. Hats of for Frederick Kagan and counting down to the next volume.

The Myth of the Corsican Ogre...
This volume, while interesting in places, is neither brilliant nor monumental, except for its length.
An interesting thesis
According to Frederick Kagan it was the mistakes made by European nations and not Napoleon's brilliance that lead to France dominating Europe in the first decade of the nineteenth century. First according to Kagan distrust among Britain, Prussia, Austria, and Russia made them form an alliance too late, and in Prussia's case to opt out until the very last moment. Kagan is especially critical of Tsar Alexander I for alienating potential allies by his overly idealistic version of postwar Europe in which both Prussia and Austria would have diminished power in exchange for greater influence of the smaller states in Central Europe. Kagan is also critical of the Austrian leadership for putting too many soldiers in Italy instead of Germany and at General Mack for not retreating from his overextended forces from Ulm. Also Archduke Charles failed to move sufficient forces from Italy to help Mack in Germany. Kagan is especially harsh on Tsar Alexander I for overextending his forces in Italy, around Prussia, and the Balkans, while failing to concentrate them in southern Germany in order to cooperate better with the Austrians. Finally Tsar Alexander I ordered Kutuzov to on the offensive prematurely before the disasterous Austro-Russian defeat at Austerlitz. Although I strongly disagree with Frederick Kagan's personal politics, he does write excellent military history. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1769-1821    2. 1789-1815    3. 19th Century World History    4. Emperor of the French,    5. Europe - General    6. Europe - History    7. France    8. General    9. History    10. History - General History    11. History: World    12. Military - Napoleonic Wars    13. Napoleon    14. Napoleonic Wars, 1800-1815    15. Politics and government    16. Battles & campaigns    17. Biography: historical    18. European history: c 1750 to c 1900    19. c 1800 to c 1900   

Reviews (24)

The Overland Series
The Battle of the Wilderness May 5-6, 1864
The Wilderness Campaign
Rhea has done an excellent job of sorting out fact from friction in this major civil war campaign. I have read several accounts including Grant's own biographical account of the wilderness battle. This is by far the most complete coverage of the two critical days of the conflict. I especially enjoyed reading the account of the medical treatment associated with the fatal wounding of Union General James S. Wadsworth. Wadsworth was a major land holder and statesmen in the Genesse Valley near Rochester NY were I grow up. I had never heard of the unsusal story of the rebel farmer who went to his aid and eventually claimed the General's remains. This kind of detail makes the author's account of the people in the terrible collision of forces so remarkable. This is a classic narrative of the final wilderness tragedy where so many on both sides lost thier life in early 1864 to end the conflict. The beginning of the end of the rebellion by attrition.

Excellent Narrative of a Bloody and Confusing Battle
In my humble opinion, Rhea has written what I believe to be the definitive account of one of the war's most bloody and savage battles.Rhea's writing style is clear and crisp - easy enough for the layperson yet technical enough to challenge the thinking of historians and military professionals.
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Subjects:  1. History - Military / War    2. History: American    3. Military - General    4. Military History - U.S. Civil War    5. United States - Civil War    6. United States - Revolutionary War    7. Wilderness, Battle of the, 186    8. Wilderness, Battle of the, 1864    9. Wilderness, Battle of the, Va    10. Wilderness, Battle of the, Va., 1864    11. American history: c 1800 to c 1900    12. Civil war    13. USA   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (29)

A mile-high pile of stinking propaganda
...from the incompetent drunkard who destroyed the British Empire. This is a worthless series of phony history, valued only by myopic, hero-worshipping American neocons. Churchill was a prime actor in the events he was describing and as such, wrote a self-justifying history designed to make himself look like Pericles, Jesus and Alexander the Great rolled into one. Objective history is written by objective historians, and Churchill was not one.
Great but.....strange!
I'll start by admitting that I have not read the complete, unabridged, six-volume set of Winston Churchill's "The Second World War". I have read the condensed version, which is still a mighty tome, with twelve hundred pages of small print. The book is fascinating in many respects and Churchill was certainly a unique and powerful prose stylist. You can't help but be struck by his phrase-making. Where others might say "..it is of great impoortance that.. etc.", Churchill gives us the immeasurably better "..it is of the highest consequence that...etc."
Churchill
I know the volumes well and I was interested in adding them to my collection. The delivery arrangements were excellent and the price was reasonable.
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Subjects:  1. History    2. History - Military / War    3. History: American    4. Military - General    5. Military - World War II    6. World War, 1939-1945    7. History / Military / World War II    8. Second World War, 1939-1945    9. USA    10. World history: Second World War   

Reviews (15)

A guide to understanding Japanese Culture, Business, and History
"Bushido: The Way of the Samurai" is an easy to read text based on Hagakure. Hagakure privides the ideal Samurai's code of conduct, according to the original author Tunetomo Yamamoto (1659).
There are better translations, but
I loved ths book. I've read the art of war, but this is more of a life style book. I beleive this should be required reading for all teenage children in the US. really I think the entire country could benefit from it. In my opinion anyway.

Good
The author does a very nice job explaining many of the priciples of Bushido, and applying it to today's circumstances. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bushido    2. Early works to 1800    3. Eastern - General    4. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    5. Japanese Philosophy    6. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    7. Mind & Body    8. Philosophy    9. Asian / Middle Eastern history    10. Japan    11. Special & elite forces   

Reviews (1)

A bit dull but nonetheless very informative
There is a fashion among Nelson writers to pick a year or two in Nelson's life and then to write every known thing about him during that time. This is one of those books. Still, it reads well and contains a lot of information (even though it's detail-heavy). I recommend it, but not as strongly as the other new Nelson books out this year (Vincent, Hayward). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1758-1805    2. 18th century    3. Admirals    4. Biography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. British    8. Caribbean Area    9. Great Britain    10. History    11. Homes and haunts    12. Military    13. Military - General    14. Nelson, Horatio Nelson,    15. Viscount,    16. Biography: general    17. Nelson, Horatio Nelson    18. Warfare & Defence   

Reviews (5)

A well-researched rendition of "Stuart's Ride" and the historiography surrounding it!
The critical military campaign that culminated in a battle at the crossroads community of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in July 1863 has spawned much debate and acrimony over the decades.Whose fault was it that the previously hapless Union Army of the Potomac had defeated the best field army in the Southern Confederacy, one that had consistently been victorious in the past?
Plenty of Blame- Stuart's Ride
The other three review