Reviews (34)

The Classic Military History of the Korean War
T.R. Fehrenbach's "This Kind of War" is the classic military history of the Korean War.Fehrenbach addresses the strategic and operational aspects of the conflict, but much of his focus is on the tactical experience of U.S. units.His book is a searing indictment of the U.S. military and of the United States for having failed to maintain combat-ready forces less than five years removed from the end of the Second World War.
Must-read for citizens
Fehrenbach's bang-up history of the Korean War is a terrific view of the conflict, written by one who was there.It is not, however, a matter of personal reminiscence.
This should be required reading for those powers that be
This is one of the best books about War that I have ever read.The author is steel on target and should be read by anybody that cares for our nation. His outline of how we got into the Korean War and how we almost got handed our jock strap by a 4th rate nation is scary. There are a lot of lessons to be learned here that could apply to what is going on right now. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. History    3. History - Military / War    4. History: World    5. Military - Korean War    6. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    7. History / Military / Korean War    8. Korea    9. Korean War, 1950-1953    10. War & defence operations    11. c 1945 to c 1960   

Reviews (9)

Did Cumings write volume one?
In volume one we have nothing but crap from Cumings, and the book reads like socio-cultural and statistical study of Korea after the Japanese surrender, a lot of boring, dry facts.
SUPERB - *THE* GUIDE TO THE ORIGINS OF THIS WAR
It is with appreciation and gratitude that I approach scholars like Bruce Cumings.Courageous, meticulous, and honest, Cumings examines in painstaking detail the societal structure of the Korean state from the end of the Yi Choson dynasty to the role Korea played as a component of the Japanese empire to the various political movements that came to the surface upon Japan's defeat.
The Bible for Students of Modern Korean History
I was an East Asian Studies (focus on Korea) at Harvard.Both Volumes on the Origins of the Korean War by Bruce Cumings are absolute prerequisites to understand and study this unfortunate part of Korean history.I note how some reviewers trashed the book because they think it is "revisionist leftist nonsense" - I believe it is a matter of the reader not liking what actually happened.Prof. Cumings scholarship is impeccable.His tendency to let his passion and compassion for the Korean people show in his writing has earned him the distrust of some.However, scholars in Korean studies - of whatever political persuasion - hail these volumes as masterpieces of scholarship and writing.Both volumes (outrageously priced as they are) are absolute must haves for any library that has a section on Korean history. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Allied occupation, 1945-1948    2. Causes    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History: World    6. Korea    7. Korean War, 1950-1953    8. Military - Korean War    9. Asian / Middle Eastern history    10. China   

Editorial Review

Martin Russ's controversial book Read more

Reviews (104)

Wow, what a book!
I was a History major as an undergrad, so I've read my fair share of books on wars from Carthaginian to Vietnam, but this is far, far, far and away the best I have ever read. I've never, ever been more amazed in my life by the telling of a war story. I've read Pork Chop Hill, Colder Than Hell, and one or two other Korean war books, all good, but the problem the Korean war always had for me was the lack of a sense of closure. This is certainly not the fault of the authors- if I remember my History classes correctly they pretty much had no choice in the matter- it ending in a draw and all. However, with the Chosin Resovoir, much like Dunkirk, the retreat was so necessary and so miraculous that it comes across more like a victory, and the individual stories transcend the inconclusive nature of the war.
"This is a work of fiction"
I like Non-Fiction military books and I was looking for battle accounts of the Korean War. This book seems pretty promising with over 100 customer reviews; After reading one review saying the book was a work of fiction, I went to the Library to check for my self before ordering the book.
Essay in Mendacity
I read this book when it was first released and am astonished at the approach that the author (Martin Russ) decided to take while characterizing the US Army involved in this campaign as well as the scope of his ignorance on the subject.
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Subjects:  1. Campaigns    2. Changjin Reservoir    3. History    4. History - Military / War    5. Korea (North)    6. Korean War, 1950-1953    7. Military    8. Military - Korean War    9. Military - United States    10. Regimental histories    11. United States    12. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    13. Battles & campaigns    14. History / Military / Korean War    15. Korea    16. c 1945 to c 1960   

Reviews (67)

If you read only one book this year make it, About Face.
I read About Face several years ago now.It is a long read and you will find yourself emursed in the life of this man we come to know as Hack.I emailed this man several times and he always responded back.He has sinced died and America has lost a son.This book is the best read ever if you have a patriotic bone in you don't miss it.
As a soldier, Hack is my hero
Hack told it like it is. We had a batallion commander like him a couple of years ago. If you read the Book "Heavy Metal" Then you would know who it is. In this book hack always had the soldiers by his side. Something officers in todays army dont have. He always knew how to work the system for the benefit of his men. Something today few officers or nco's are willing to do. As a soldier this is my leadership handbook. If civilians want to know how the army works today read this book. Eventhough this book is based on the 50', 60' and 70's I still find officers and nco's today doing what they did 30 to 40 years ago. Once you read this book your outlook on the Army will change. RIP Hack!

A Real American Hero
If you like books about war, then this may become one of your favorites. Don't expect a flowery tale of heroism though. Col. Hackworth is not telling this tale to build his own legend. His interest is in telling the truth and in preserving the memory of Korea and Vietnam, two wars that many people don't know much about. Although he eventually became a full Colonel, Hackworth began his career as an enlisted man, and his book often looks at war from the view of a man on the ground. Overall, this book is an enthralling read, and it has about it that feeling of truth that separates it from many other war books I have read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Historical - U.S.    6. Korean War, 1950-1953    7. Military    8. Personal narratives, American    9. Soldiers    10. United States    11. Biography & Autobiography / General    12. Biography: general   

Reviews (1)

Top-Scoring F-86 Pilots in MiG Alley Action!
Hard on the heels of his recent history of the 51st FW, noted Korean War historian Warren Thompson serves up the exploits of the top-scoring 4th FW in this nicely done Osprey 'Aircraft of the Aces' series.
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Subjects:  1. History    2. History - Military / War    3. Military    4. Military - Aviation    5. Military - Korean War    6. Military - United States    7. Air forces & warfare    8. History / Military / Aviation    9. Korea    10. c 1945 to c 1960   

Reviews (35)

Cold Hard, Mean and True
You have a choice with this book. You can read it like an adventure story and be stunned by the thrilling story or you can read it like the true account it is of a horrible war. It is a stunning book. It is a must read. Forget the movies read this book. This author deserves a Pulitzer Prize for his account of Korea. He also deserves a medal.

Amazing tale, modest writing
As far as heroism goes Joe Owen and the men he served with are 5 stars plus.What they went through was so amazing that the story was an easy to read page turner and we are forever beholden to the sacrifices they made.I have read other first person narratives that I thought were better for writing craft but this is a book I would recommend for the close up view of this historical moment in Marine history.

RECOMMEND THIS ONE TO YOUR COLLECTION
Excellent read for those interested in this particular conflict.The author is quite discriptive in his narration.He is able, somewhat, to give the "feel" of the circumstances..if that is even vaguely possible through the written word.The author has a tallent for enabling the reader to actually visualize the situation...sometimes rather difficult to accomplishe when addressing military movement on the battlefield.Again, I recommend you add this one to your collection.I makes a very nice reference book along with being a very good read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Campaigns    2. Changjin Reservoir    3. History - Military / War    4. History: American    5. Korea (North)    6. Korean War, 1950-1953    7. Military - Korean War    8. Military - Vietnam War    9. Personal narratives, American    10. Regimental histories    11. United States    12. History / Military / Vietnam War    13. Owen, Joseph R    14. USA    15. War fiction   

Reviews (8)

A sell for "The Coldest War"
As a previous reviewer I thought that Brady's book would be more of a focus on the DMZ and perhaps show some insight into "the scariest place."I did enjoy his war time reminiscences but that wasn't why I purchased his book.I didn't particularly care for his 'how he belatedly was awarded the Bronze Star,' and chumming around with colonels and generals at galas and such as it sounded like 'how great I am after all.'Oh, and by the way, Senator Chafee was my CO.I got tired of Mr. Brady selling his earlier pub,"The Marines of Autumn" (which is a fine read) but in particular I did not like him pimping (perhaps a bit too strong) his "The Coldest War."There are sections of the book where he cites this book seemingly every other page.After awhile I started to feel a bit sorry for Mr. Brady which is too bad as I'm sure that he was a fine officer for his Marines of Dog Company.It's an ok book for what it is but it really isn't about "the scariest place."

Reunion with Combat
The Scariest Place in the World by James Brady. Published by St. Martin's Press 11 April 2006. Paperback. ISBN 0312332432.
A warm look back at a cold and scary place
Man... Talk about crabby... Everyone else who's reviewed this book so far here don't seem to be impressed. But I always enjoy James Brady's writing and this book was no exception. It's a memoir, of course. The underlying theme of the book is the march of time and how one looks back at -- or in this case, returns to -- a specific geographic place where youthful impressions were made, ideals died or changed... Where a young, unsure Marine officer discovered he did, in fact, have what it took to lead Marines in combat.
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Subjects:  1. 1928-    2. Asia - Korea    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Brady, James,    7. Description and travel    8. Korea (South)    9. Korean Demilitarized Zone (Kor    10. Korean Demilitarized Zone (Korea)    11. Korean War, 1950-1953    12. Military    13. Personal narratives, American    14. Biography & Autobiography / Military   

Reviews (10)

A very good over view of the Korean War
My Dad who was in the that war told me that it was one of the best books he had read on the war. Enough said.

a qualified great accomplishment
A very finely written book, that delves into the people that shaped the war.The first chapter, that deals with all the characters and events that broght about the demobilization of the armed forces after WWII is absolutely riveting.The final chapter on the settlement talks is also as comprehensive as any book on the subject that I've read.Throughout the book, there is great attention to all the figures that shaped the war. There is only one caveat.That is, the bulk of the book on the war itself, is a case of overkill. I literally found myself skimming parts, simply because it seemed like I had read it all before.While technially a great achievement.I think that a 500 page book, with the first and last parts left intact, may have had a greater impact.Nonetheless, this is a definite must read on this war.

Exhaustive command history of a forgotten war...
The Forgotten War: America in Korea is an exhaustive study of command level combat in Korea.While the title claims to cover the war for 1950 thru its conclusion in 1953, in reality only perhaps 25 pages cover the last two years of the war.Read more

Subjects:  1. Campaigns    2. Campaings    3. History: American    4. Korean War, 1950-1953    5. Military - Korean War    6. Military History (General)    7. Sale Adult - History - Military / War    8. United States    9. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (4)

an interesting treatment of another aspect of conflict
Beginning with the Japanese annexation of Korea in 1910, followed by its replacement by the United States in 1945, the military governments established a series of bases, and from around these bases grew camptowns, a section of businesses that offered everything from souvenirs to alcohol to prostitution.For her own extended metaphor, Yuh refers to the shadow, or influence, that is cast by these camptowns not only across the Korean landscape but also within the Korean people, most specifically the women who worked, often as indentured servants, within these camptowns and went on to marry soldiers.Yuh makes explicit her change in referring to these women as military brides over war brides.This does not obfuscate, however, the historical value of war brides as being equivalent to war booty and hence configured more as property, even as the remnants of this idea manifest in certain social attitudes (i.e., domestic subservience) that many of the American servicemen may have had toward their Korean wives.
Powerful and Well Written
As the author points out, there is very little work on international military wives, and Korean military wives in particular.By such a logic, this book is a welcome project indeed. A moving and eye-opening account
This book fills a need by covering Korean women who married American military men and their experiences in life, the prejudices they've encountered from other Koreans and white Americans, and how they stake out a place of meaning for themselves through church activities with other Korean military wives.Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Biography    3. Cultural assimilation    4. Emigration & Immigration    5. Ethnic Studies - Asian American Studies    6. History    7. History: World    8. Korean American women    9. Korean Americans    10. Military - Korean War    11. Social conditions    12. Sociology    13. Women's Studies - General    14. Cultural studies    15. Ethnic studies    16. Immigration & emigration    17. Korea    18. Postwar period, 1945 to c 2000    19. USA    20. War & defence operations    21. Women's studies   

Reviews (4)

AuthorZone.Com Book Review
Excellent book. Well written, easily read, thought provoking. Is long, but not cumbersome. should be required reading for all seving military leaders
I first came to hear of ABOUT FACE from a friend and fellow NCO in Korea.He said I might think it was good,Was that an understatement. I read About Face in one fourteen hour plane ride back to Korea. I've read itthree more times so far and recommend it to all my friends deserving thetitle Non-Commisioned Officer. I truly believe that all military leadersshould read this and take from it; Hack's wisdom and experiance dealingwith the military, Integrity and soldiering.

A Great Man, A Great Book, A Great Read
I bought this book when I was about 11 years old and a big fan of "war stories".I am now approaching twenty and have read this book at least once a year since first purchasing it, to the extent that it is now in three parts and the photographs have fallen out.This book is an intense, gripping, readable but most of all honest and believable account of one of America's greatest warriors and his experiences...from the forested slopes of Trieste in 1946 to being chased around Washington DC by Army Intell goons in 1971, this book, while entertaining, will also teach you everything you need to know about duty, honour,bravery and honest patriotism, qualities that come hard to find in the era of Iran-Contra, Tailhook, Whitewater and the like... This book will make you laugh, cry and think. Please, read it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Army    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. General    6. Hackworth, David H    7. Korean War, 1950-1953    8. Military - Vietnam War    9. Military History (General)    10. Personal narratives, American    11. Soldiers    12. United States   

Reviews (1)

Close observation at Chosin, although not under fire
In general, this is about (part of) Chosin operation.The author was thecommander of H&R company of 1st Battalion, 1st Marine during Chosinoperation.He gave a good account about the hardship the marines enduredduring the operation.Mind that his battalion was assigned the task oftaking Hill 1081 and wrestled the control of Funchilin Pass out fromsuperior Chinese Communist Part (CCP) forces.Unfortunately, he was insuch a position that he spent most of his time staying very close tobattalion HQ and could not provide more details about the fighting. (Interesting readers should look up S.L.A. Marshall's "Battle atBest".There is a chapter dedicated to the battle of Funchilin Pass.) But, it is still a good book with the first hand account of the Chosin. Of course, nobody who are interesting in Korea War would want to miss thetwo very valuable reports about CCP troops' attack patterns, written byS.L.A. Marshall himself, attached at the end of the book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Campaigns    2. Changjin Reservoir    3. Fiction    4. History - Military / War    5. Korea (North)    6. Korean War, 1950-1953    7. Marines    8. Military - General    9. Military - Korean War    10. Regimental histories    11. United States   

Reviews (4)

Stalin & Mao: Happy-Go-Lucky-Killers
Interesting book. Focuses on the evolving relationship of Mao & Stalin. Both men had immense egos. Fascinating to understand that at onetime even Mao had to rule thru consensus. Stalin by 49 rules thru fear,having already had shot anyone whose consensus didn't jive with his.Butthe title is misleading. The decision for war in Korea is only a factor inthe last couple of chapters. These chapters are fascinating, to the pointone wishes the book contained more info on the Korean war and less on thepolitical relationship that developed from 45-49 between these two evilmen.

Great Evidence, Strange Conclusions
The book provides great insight into Stalin's almost paranoid fear of a Sino-American rapprochment, even before the end of WWII. In fact, the book dedicates the entire first section to detailing this concern of Stalin's.And, it is well-researched. The problem is that when assessing Stalin'sinterests in getting China to enter the Korean war, the authors list vagueand anecdotal reasons as to why Stalin might want a direct Sino-Americanconflict on the battlefield. They even acknowledge that this was theresult, but oddly never consider that this was Stalin's intention allalong. Otherwise, a useful work to understand how the war fit into thelarger strategic calculations of all three players.

Great book dealing with post-WWII China and Russia
In an overall sense, this is an outstanding book.Uncertain Partners deals with many of the issues surrounding the nations of China, Russia, and Korea immediately following WWII.The authors, a Russian presidentialadvisor and two Stanford political scientists,reveal and report aboutmany of the confidential documents of Stalin, Mao Zedong and Kim Il Sung. These documents, never before seen previous to the 1990s, describe theinner-workings and deep-seeded relationship between Stalin and Mao.Inmany ways, Stalin and Mao were uncertain partners.The authors makes thereader understand that Mao was simply a puppet of Stalin and his formdictatorial communism.For a greater understanding of this partnership, Iwould undoubtably recommend this book.Concerning the topic of Russian andChinese relations, this book has to have profound implications.With thatin mind, it's a must read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History - General History    2. International Relations - General    3. Military - Korean War    4. Politics/International Relations    5. Asian / Middle Eastern history    6. China    7. Former Soviet Union, USSR (Europe)    8. Korea    9. World history: postwar, from c 1945 -   

Reviews (18)

A powerful look at Marines at war in Korea
In "The Coldest War: A Memoir of Korea," author James Brady vividly describes what it was like to be a junior officer in the Marine Corps during the Korean War.Brady notes the irony of his decision to sign up for a Marine Corps officer training program: "I'd joined up to dodge the draft and ended up being sent to war."He gives many insights into the positions he held: platoon leader, company executive officer, and battalion intelligence officer.His narrative also illuminates the culture and organization of the U.S. Marine Corps.
A two night read an well worth it
I do not know James Brady and hae no connection to him. I know him mostly from his good writing in Crain's New York Business. His Memoir of Korea was simply a great and compelling read. It was like being in front of a fire with a vintage port wine, a Cuban cigar and a friend who finally decides to tell you his story. That the friend is a master racounteur (sp?) helps and that James Brady has one hell of story to tell also helps. Thanks Mr. Brady. Here's to you and your buddies who sacrificed so much. May all your nights be warm.

5 Stars.
My criteria for a book is simple. The writing has to be good: This one is well-written. A book has to capture my attention: This one does that. And a good book should never break-the-spell with crude interruptions...like gross factual errors, improbable-implausible action, and gross incongruence in the traits of the character's. There are no "What in hell was that all about?" moments in this book. Brady's experience in Korea is similar to my Vietnam experience, and it's similar to other recollections of Korea. But the bottom-line is: Is this book a "keeper" for the library? It is. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1928-    2. Biography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Brady, James,    5. Korean War, 1950-1953    6. Marines    7. Military History - Korea Conflict    8. Personal narratives    9. Personal narratives, American    10. Soldiers    11. United States    12. Brady, James    13. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (8)

Temendously Articulate Book on the Korean War
Stokesbury writes a readable, informative and articulate book on the Korean War that covers the war in great detail surprisingly in a mere 250 plus pages. The author has a great gift for economy of words, saying a lot with a few sentences. One example is his brief discussion of the relationship between Syngman Rhee, Chiang Kai-Shek and MacArthur where the author notes they all got along well because each was a megalomaniac. Stokesbury covers the political situation before the war and notes that the unfinished business of WWII causing the division of countries led to the future wars of Asia. The political issues of supporting Rhee, more of a dictator than a leader of a democracy, are very well discussed. The author also articulates well that up to that time, the US was never ready for wars and Korea is a prime example of out dated equipment and under supported troops, The author covers the MacArthur controversies, the great Inchon move and the odd split command between Generals Walker, west side and Almond (MacArthur protégé) on the east that is virtually over run when the Chinese amazingly hide their large forces in the mountains dividing both main columns. Stokesbury describes battles strategically along with the command structure as well as the movement of divisions and corps to give you the overall picture. In this small book, he even describes well the problems of prisoner exchange, North Korean prison riots, and the abuse of prisoners by the North Koreans. Stokesbury even covers the pain staking negotiations well and utilizes great quotes such as a negotiator representing the UN stating that the North Koreans were very obstinate in that they could insist that "Two plus two equals six and only after intense negotiations would they relent and then agree that it equals 5". This book is a great short history giving you a lot of information, allowing you the economic choice of learning the basics or cuing your interest into more detailed reading. A great point Stokesbury makes is the difficulty that open societies that place a high value in human life have in fighting wars against dictators that are willing to lose thousands of their people in return for their central gains. The only negative, there is not any references to the recently declassified information that indicates that several American POWs were never released and that Eisenhower was aware of that fact.

Stokesbury is priceless
I 've read all of James Stokesbury's short history series and every one is a concise gem. He distills complicated battles and political background to the essentials, and his beautiful unbiased prose is a pleasure to read. I discovered A Short History of The Korean War quite by accident, and it compelled me to read everything that he has written. I can only hope that he is working on the Viet Nam war.

Good
When I found this book I did not have much interest in the Korean conflict, but since I enjoyed this author's history of WWII very much, I gave this book a try. I am glad I did. It explained the politics, the negotiations, the battles, some personalities and it was an enjoyable read. After reading this book, I read Henry Kissinger's Diplomacy. (Actually, I'm only about 2/3rds of the way through now. By the way, that is a truly excellent book.) The chapter in that book on the Korean War includes a discussion of the perspectives of the Chinese, Stalin, and N. Korea and the relations between these parties, whereas Stokesbury's book is basically just about the American goals, fears, etc. It is a pity that Stokesbury did not really explore these topics in this book, because it would have added so much more to our understanding of the story. Why did the Chinese get involved?; Could that have been prevented? What role did the Soviet Union play in encouraging the invasion? How did this conflict affect Sino-Soviet relatons? Whose idea was it to invade S. Korea anyway?; etc. Maybe the role of the Korean conflict in the overall containment of communism could also have been explored. Still, a very good book that accomplishes what it sets out to do very well.Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - Korea    2. History - Military / War    3. History: American    4. Korean War, 1950-1953    5. Military - Korean War   

Reviews (2)

Was the Korean War a Proxy for WWIII??
Good book! The introduction sets the tone and the theme for the book: thus, it hangs together despite being one of those books which covers the battles of the war in numbing detail. His theses are several: The Korean War
Start reading this book at the end if you don't have the time to read through every minute negotiation and battle during this three-year war.Chapter Ten is an excellent overview of how twenty nations on six continents became deeply and fatally involved with what Stueck calls a "substitute for World War III."Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - Korea    2. History    3. History - Military / War    4. History: American    5. Military - Korean War    6. American History    7. Asian / Middle Eastern history    8. Asian and Asian American Studies    9. China    10. History / Military / Korean War    11. International relations    12. Korea    13. Political Science and International Relations    14. Warfare & Defence    15. World History/Comparative History    16. World history: postwar, from c 1945 -   

Reviews (5)

The Korean Fight For Freedom
With the 50th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, there's been a renewed interest in this Cold War struggle. There are many books, new and reprinted, on the shelves at the bookstores. But all of these books continue, for the most part, to ignore the Korean contributions in war. While it is understandable that most attention in the US should focus on the American experience, it is ludicrous that the contributions of the Korean people to their own defense are so utterly, and completely dismissed. Even the very small contributions of the lesser UN allies receive more attention than the valiant struggle of the South Korean (ROK) Army in the usual books on the Korean War.
Excellent memoir and very insightful
This is an excellent autobiography.The General's career and development is amazing to have reached 4-Stars at such a young age.His modesty and emphasis on the South Korean Army's development into a complete military organization while at war is remarkable.