What are the Forum members reading (2 Viewers)

Just received a couple of good ones to go on the ever growing 'to be read' pile. First one is "South Pacific Cauldron: World War II's Great Forgotten Battlegrounds", by Alan Rems. It is a general campaign study of the Guadalcanal, New Britain, New Georgia, Bougainville, and Wewak area of operations. The second one is a new (2014) study of "The Chickamauga Campaign, A Mad Irregular Battle: From the Crossing of the Tennessee River Through the Second Day, August 22 - September 19, 1863", by David Powell. It is a massive 674 page study that I hope will unconfuse this battle for me. I've always had a tough time following this battle. One thing I am a little puzzled about is that while the book seems to be well foot-noted, there is no further bibliography, usually a warning sign in historical writing. Footnotes are good and will tell a lot about the research and sources, but usually not all the sources consulted by the author, either primary or secondary. I shall see. -- Al
 
Picked up an interesting one recently, Fighting the Bolsheviks . Its a diary of a member of the American Forces in Archangel 1918 to 1919. Good read so far especially since its from the soldiers diary and personal letters written and received while he was deployed.

Dave
 
I am reading Superman: The High-Flying History of America's Most Enduring Hero by Larry Tye. So far it's very entertaining
 
Fabled Fifteen - The Pacific War Saga of Carrier Group 15 - USS Essex (2014). Thomas McKelvey Cleaver. First two paragraphs of the jacket cover --- "The record of the Carrier Air Group 15 in WWII is astonishing by any measure: it scored 312 enemy aircraft destroyed, 33 probably destroyed and 65 damaged in aerial combat, plus 328 destroyed, 161 probably destroyed, and 129 damaged in ground attack. Twenty-six Fighting 15 pilots became aces, including their leader, Commander David McCampbell, who became the U.S. Navy's "Ace of Aces." (34 victories, 9 in a single day, Medal of Honor). Twenty-one squadron pilots were killed in action and one in an operational accident aboard the carrier Essex.

The fighter squadron's partners, Bombing Squadron 15 and Torpedo Squadron 15, scored 174,300 tons of enemy shipping, including 37 cargo vessels sunk, 10 probably sunk and 39 damaged. As well, IJN Musashi, the world's largest battleship (sister ship to Yamato), was sunk, along with a light aircraft carrier, a destroyer, destroyer escort, two minesweepers and other craft - plus the Zuikaku, the last surviving carrier that participated in the Pearl Harbor attack. Incredibly, every pilot of Torpedo 15 was awarded the Navy Cross, the highest award for bravery after the Medal of Honor."

My comment: To be more accurate, Air Group 15 was one of several air groups that attacked the Musashi on October 24, 1944.

Very much enjoying this read.
 
Wasn't sure I was going to like Pacific Crucible: War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941-1942 by Ian Toll, as it is not an operational study of the Pacific battles. I was looking for a Shattered Sword type book and this encompasses the political as well as military subjects. However, about 2/3 ds of the way thru and it is excellent. I compare it to Rick Atkinson's WWII trilogy and Shelby Foote's' Civil War narrative. I think it's that good. Was wondering if there would be a follow on book since this goes thru 1942. Saw today, The Conquering Tide 1942-1944, will be out Sept 21st. Very glad to see that. Chris
 
As my interest in the French & Indian Wars & AWI grows I'm always on the look out for a good read. I recently picked up a hardcover copy of 'Redcoats & Rebels' (The war for America 1770-1781) by historian Christopher Hibbert and it's exceptionally well written account of the conflict thus far.

Could any members recommend a good book/s covering the the French & Indian Wars for me please? It doesn't have to be a blow by blow account, just something to give a novice like me some background & maybe a few pic's of uniforms etc. Cheers in advance! :salute::
 
As it regards the French and Indian War, the standard text is probably Crucible of War by Fred Anderson (2001). It has a emphasis on the "big picture" elements and background politics and ties well into the Revolutionary War.

If looking for a more illustrated volume, Osprey Press released Empire Collide: The French and Indian War 1754-63 (2006). It is a hardback book complied from a number of earlier Osprey volumes (272 pages).

Once you have that understanding, I found both the following volumes to be very enjoyable reads:

(1) The European Invasion of North America - Colonial Conflict Along the Hudson-Champlain Corridor, 1609-1760 by Michael G. Laramie (2012).

(2) Empires in the Mountains - French and Indian War Campaigns and Forts in the Lake Champlain, Lake George and Hudson River Corridor by Russle P. Bellico (2010). Highly illustrated volume with many uncommon maps and uncommon figures.

If interested in Battle of Monongahela:

(3) Braddock at the Monongahela - Paul Kopperman (1977). Detailed analysis of Historical Documents and Correspondence.

(4) Braddock's March - Thomas E. Crocker (2009).

If interested in Battle of Fort William Henry:

(5) Betrayals - Fort William Henry & the Massacre - Ian K. Steele (1990).

(6) The Siege of Fort William Henry - Ben Hughes (2011).

(7) Relief is Greatly Wanted - The Battle of Fort William Henry - Edward Dodge (2007). Interesting use of correspondence.
 
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Desertkiwi,
In addition to the books that Fraxinus recommended, I'd recommend you take a look at Quebec, 1759 by C.P. Stacey. It's an excellent book that thoroughly covers the campaign that effectively brought the war to a sucessful conclusion for the British.
Cheers,
Brendan
 
Thanks gents, the book suggestions are greatly appreciated and I'm looking forward to tracking down some copies. Thank you for taking the time to reply too!

I've always had an interest in this period, but seeing all the related figures and displays on TF has grown my interest further. Cheers Toddy ^&grin
 
In addition to all the other great suggestions, I've just been given an Osprey 'essential histories' book 'The French-Indian War 1754-1760' by Daniel Marston.
It's an easy read and full of info covering the conflict, it's beginnings and it's aftermath. It was certainly a brutal period and helps explain the lead up to AWI.
Once again thanks very much for all the book suggestions, as a result I've taken an ever increasing interest in FIW and of course JJD figures.^&grin
 
Reading Eliot Asinof's "Eight Men Out", about the 1919 Chicago Black Sox scandal. Reading this book leaves me with a couple of thoughts. One is that John Sayles slanted the presentation of the story in his movie, and that, if you read this story and get into the details, you understand why Pete Rose can never be allowed back into baseball. And before anyone says, "What about everyone who uses steriods? They're allowed back", I'll tell that I think they should be banned for life from baseball, too.

"Eight Men Out" is a little interlude as I work my way through William Forstschen's "Lost Regiment" series. I'm into the third installment, "Terrible Swift Sword," and I find the series entertaining. Though there seems to be a formula--overwhelming threat approaches, plucky Yankees hold a council of war, and come up with yet another project to apply mid-19th century technology and beat their foes. But it is enjoyable.

Prost!
Brad
 
Reading the Wright Bros by David McCullough. Still amazed at what two self taught mechanics were able to accomplish. Samuel Langley got $50K, in 1901 dollars, sponsorship by USG, the Wright's did it on their own with what the earned with their bicycle business. Maybe Steve Jobs comes closest to what they were able to do. Chris
 
Received a couple of new books recently. The first one, which I am in the middle of reading, is "Mitsubishi Zero: Japan's Legendary Fighter", by Peter Smith. It is the complete history of the Zero, from development to Japan's surrender. It is more of a true war history than just a spec history. Has a few ills and charts but that is not the main strength of the book. The author explains how the Zero gained legendary status, it's strengths, weaknesses, and how it fared thru out the war and how it went from the best fighter in the Pacific to an outmoded system. Very interesting so far. The other book I got is called "The Battle of Ezra Church and the Struggle for Atlanta", written by Earl Hess. I expect this to be a good book and very informative to me because I know very little beyond the basics in regard to the Atlanta campaign. I know Ezra Church was a costly defeat for Hood in his defense of Atlanta but I look forward to reading the particulars.
Also saw an anouncement for a new book on Pickett's Charge called "Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg:A Guide to the Most Famous Attack in American History", by James Hessler and Wayne Motts, both who are licensed battlefield guides at Gettysburg. It is to be 320 pages and is to have dozens of maps, battlefield photos, human interest stories, and a discussion of leadership controversies. Another book for my list.:wink2: -- Al
 
I just finished this "Those ****ed Black Hats!: The Iron Brigade in the Gettysburg Campaign. Great book, gave me a few new battlefield locations to explore when i'm in Gettysburg next week.
 
lancer said:
Received a couple of new books recently. The first one, which I am in the middle of reading, is "Mitsubishi Zero: Japan's Legendary Fighter", by Peter Smith. It is the complete history of the Zero, from development to Japan's surrender. It is more of a true war history than just a spec history. Has a few ills and charts but that is not the main strength of the book. The author explains how the Zero gained legendary status, it's strengths, weaknesses, and how it fared thru out the war and how it went from the best fighter in the Pacific to an outmoded system. Very interesting so far. The other book I got is called "The Battle of Ezra Church and the Struggle for Atlanta", written by Earl Hess. I expect this to be a good book and very informative to me because I know very little beyond the basics in regard to the Atlanta campaign. I know Ezra Church was a costly defeat for Hood in his defense of Atlanta but I look forward to reading the particulars.
Also saw an anouncement for a new book on Pickett's Charge called "Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg:A Guide to the Most Famous Attack in American History", by James Hessler and Wayne Motts, both who are licensed battlefield guides at Gettysburg. It is to be 320 pages and is to have dozens of maps, battlefield photos, human interest stories, and a discussion of leadership controversies. Another book for my list.:wink2: -- Al
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Earl Hess did a great book on Pickett's Charge and one on Kennesaw Mtn, as well as others, a prolific writer. Read both of these and recommend him to ACW students. Ezra Church should be a good one Al. Chris
 
Terp152 said:
Earl Hess did a great book on Pickett's Charge and one on Kennesaw Mtn, as well as others, a prolific writer. Read both of these and recommend him to ACW students. Ezra Church should be a good one Al. Chris
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Chris, I have read the Hess book on Pickett's Charge (still find the Stewart book my favorite) and enjoyed it. I expect Ezra Church to be good. Will have to get the Kennesaw book.:smile2: -- Al
 
About 2/3 of way through Dead Wake by Mark Larsen . Story of the sinking of the Lusitania . Larsen makes non fiction read like fiction !!!
I have enjoyed all of his books , you always learn a few nuggets of history . Highly entertaining
Regards
Kirk
 
My military book club has got to stop offering the 2 fer-3 fer- 4 fer specials on such a regular basis. I am piling up books to be read faster than Custer piled up demerits at West Point.{eek3} Got 3 more good ones today. All 3 are 1st edition publishers printings. They are: 1- Ferdinand and Elephant: Tank Destroyer, by Thomas Anderson. This an Osprey HB publication and is heavily illustrated. #2- The Price of Valor: The Life of Audie Murphy, America's Most Decorated Hero of World War II, by David Smith. #3- Target Tokyo: Jimmy Doolittle and the Raid That Avenged Pearl Harbor, by James Scott. This book is 648 pages and looks to be very highly detailed. It is the first book on the subject I will have read since reading the Glines book years ago. My pile of unread books is now about 3 dozen high.{sm2} -- Al
 
Having read "Shattered Sword" several times, I finally got around to getting a copy of John Lundstrom's "First Team", about carrier operations in the first six months of the Pacific War.

And I'm "Men of War", the 8th installment in Forstchen's "Lost Regiment" series.

Prost!
Brad
 
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