Just got two new titles I am really looking forward to reading. First is "The Maps of First Bull Run" by Bradley Gottfried, part of his series that include Gettysburg and Chickamauga. It looks just as good as the other two and also covers the battle at Ball's Bluff. I am quite excited about the second book, "Three Armies on the Somme: The First Battle of the Twentieth Century" by William Philpott. Been meaning to read this one for a couple of years now, but just got to it. By the title alone, I will be interested to see what Philpott has to say about the French contribution to the battle, which is usually glossed over in most histories of the battle. Both books should be good reads. -- Al
Hi Chris. Yes, I have been there, but, as with you, it was a long time ago. Tended to spend my time in Leesburg proper at the bookstores and eateries when I used to go across at White's Ferry on a regular basis, in later years. I like the Gottfried map series. I have Gettysburg, Chuckamauga, and First Bull Run, which includes the Ball's Bluff battle. I am going to get the Antietam book when I can. -- AlHi Al, have you visited Ball's Bluff battlefield? It's preserved in a small park. I went there years ago. A little off the beaten path.
I'm still reading Gottfried's Maps of Gettysburg. More of a reference than a straight read although the text is quite good.
Chris
An excellent, and massive, work. Did you get it in English or German? -- Aljust recieved this morning: Wenn alle bruder schweigen (when all our brothers are silent) an excellent pictoral book from the early 80's on the waffen SS that I had been after for many many years. forwarded and additional narrative througout by Pappa Hausser. Another fascinating book on the interaction with the waffen SS and the other armed forces of the germans in WWII
Mitch
Enjoyed the Gottfried book a great deal. I am really impressed with the Philpott book about the Somme. I think it is the best book on the subject that I have read. It is a very balanced look at the campaign from all three of the engaged armies view. It is especially good on the strategy and forces that lead to the Somme being fought the way that it was. Philpott is at pains to paint the battle as a neccesary rung on the ladder to victory, and not just a senseless slaughter. He makes a very well reasoned argument. It does not fit the prevailing view of 'lions led by donkeys' that is so popular. It was a great read and opened my eyes to many factors in regards to the battle's importance to the Allies final victory in 1918. Highly recommended. -- AlJust got two new titles I am really looking forward to reading. First is "The Maps of First Bull Run" by Bradley Gottfried, part of his series that include Gettysburg and Chickamauga. It looks just as good as the other two and also covers the battle at Ball's Bluff. I am quite excited about the second book, "Three Armies on the Somme: The First Battle of the Twentieth Century" by William Philpott. Been meaning to read this one for a couple of years now, but just got to it. By the title alone, I will be interested to see what Philpott has to say about the French contribution to the battle, which is usually glossed over in most histories of the battle. Both books should be good reads. -- Al
Have just started reading ' Bertie , A life of Edward the VII' by Jane Ridley. Its the story of Victoria and Albert's second child who went onto become King but was a controversial figure because of his lifestyle, he and his mother had a very difficult relationship and she resented him for many reasons including contributing to the early death of her beloved Albert because of the strain Bertie's notoriety put upon him. Only twenty pages in so far but very enjoyable already.
Rob
Interesting, Rob. It occurs to me that he and his nephew Willy had some similar issues in their lives, and it's a sign of the difference in the environments in which they grew up, how differently they turned out.
Prost!
Brad
Re-reading William L. Shirer's "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" for the umpteenth time. I just finished re-reading Christopher Duffy's "The Army of Frederick the Great" over Labor Day, too.
Prost!
Brad
Interesting, Rob. It occurs to me that he and his nephew Willy had some similar issues in their lives, and it's a sign of the difference in the environments in which they grew up, how differently they turned out.
Prost!
Brad