Russian Nazi Leader Putin has ordered the Russian Army into the Ukraine in strength in the most serious European incident since Adolf Hitler.
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Monthly Archives: August 2014
Digging the Trenches, the Archaeology of the Western Front
This is an interesting and well-illustrated look into the exciting world of modern archaeology. It is a book not to be missed and it should appeal to a wide audience as a modern detective story. It may enthuse some readers to such an extent that they will become archaeologists and contribute to our essential pool of knowledge of the past.
Mosquito Down! The Extraordinary Memoir of a Second World War Bomber Command Pilot on the Run in Germany and Holland
The publisher is developing a reputation for offering some uniquely insightful aviation histories and this account of his experiences by Frank Dell is well up to the standard. It would be a welcome new book for its portrayal of the young men who flocked to the RAF from school, and particularly those who flew the outstanding multi-role Mosquito with the RAF’s Light Night Striking Force. What makes this memoir special and very valuable is its exposure of life on the run for a pilot downed behind enemy lines. It exposes the humanity and courage of those in Occupied Europe who risked all to save the aircrew evading capture.
The author has written movingly of his time on the run and of the brave Dutch people who helped him. As an essay on the best of humanity, this book should be widely read.
Book Review – The Retreat From Mons 1914: North, Casteau to Le Cateau
This book is the first of two books in the Battle Lines series, describing itself as “the Western Front by Car, by Bike, and on Foot”. It is a very practical guide that opens the battle lines to visitors of all ages and wealth. It is a highly illustrated guide, with crisp text, covering the fast moving campaign at the opening of hostilities.
Ypres 1914: Langemarck
This book joins the highly acclaimed Battleground series of more than 140 first-rate guides and histories. It meets the very high standard achieved by the series and covers a pivotal point in the progress of WWI on the Western Front.
This book is well-researched, well-written, and admirably illustrated. It is an essential guide for the visitor and an interesting read from home.
As with the rest of the series, highly recommended.
Book Review – Germany’s High Sea Fleet in the First World War
This is a primary source history, although the author is expressing a German view of the war at sea. It provides a valuable insight into the attitudes of German naval officers and their influence both on the First World War, and on the future development of the Germany Navy. It can be argued that the two World Wars were really a single war divided by a short interval, and the views of a senior German naval commander are essential reading. Lacking a photo plate section, the book more than makes up with a a unique selection of charts, maps, and battle formation images through the body of the text.
Book Review – Lost Wings of World War I, Downed airmen on the Western Front 1914-1918
There are two very good photo plate sections, complimenting the engaging text. No enthusiast’s library of WWI or aviation histories will be complete without a copy of this book
Book Review – Major & Mrs Holt’s Battlefield Guide to Western Front – North
This third and 100th Anniversary edition of a very popular guide that compliments the other excellent guides from the same authors. This is an expanded and updated edition with GPS locations and over 400 full colour images. One of the challenges for writers of guide books of any kind is the fast moving development of electronic navigation devices. Historically, map references and navigation co-ordinates have been used to assist the location of the less obvious areas the guide recommends. With the increasing use of hand-held navigation devices, it is becoming important to include GPS locations.
Book Review – ANZAC Sari Bair, Battleground Gallipoli
The Battleground Series is now well-established with more than 140 titles in print. This addition to the series maintains the very high standard set by the series. It includes a great many images in support of the text. The combination of thorough research and clear writing has produced a comprehensive work that can be used as a battlefield guide, or as a detailed historical account that will grace any WWI library.
By using logical headings, the author has given detailed information that can be read and used to aid a visit to the battleground. At the same time, it makes the book more readable for the armchair historian.
Highly recommended.
Book Review – Britain’s Great War Experience, life at home and abroad, 1914-1918
One of the great joys of the outpouring of WWI history books, marking the first centenary, is the quality being achieved and the fresh insights being offered. This book is well up at the front of these new publications. The author has written expertly, the publisher has achieved a high standard of production, and the lavish illustration is outstanding, but at a very affordable price.