What are you reading now...? - Page 34

**The Reaper** · 05-23-2010, 06:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by 219seminole

....he was the victor...over Hood.

Ah yes, George Thomas of the 19th Infantry. Good man.

That is a long and not necessarily distinguished list, especially late in the war.

TR

Debo · 05-23-2010, 14:12

Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

D.

Sigaba · 05-23-2010, 15:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by 219seminole

Christopher J. Einolf

Talk about a diverse range of research interests <<LINK>>.

akv · 05-23-2010, 19:08

" Laotian Highway Patrol" by James A. White, Jr.

This book is the heat, told from the perspective of Cobra pilots who flew cover for SOG missions. A tale of warriors, and a great pig story.

Last hard class · 05-24-2010, 09:15

"This time is different: 8 centuries of financial folly"

Spot on read.

ck333 · 05-24-2010, 15:14

Hunting the Jackal, by Billy Waugh

Richard · 05-24-2010, 15:52

Veritas - ARSOF in the Korean War: Part 1 - just came in the mail today.

Richard

wch84 · 05-30-2010, 21:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sigaba

What type of books do you want to read (densely written monographs for eggheads that represent the cutting edge of knowledge or books aimed at a more general audience) and on what topics (politics, diplomacy, strategy, operations, tactics, the experience and conduct of battle, social and cultural aspects) centering around that war?

Are you interested in the Civil War in the context of American history and/or that war in the context of military history?

Sigaba, I could go for general audience or egghead stuff. As long as the egghead stuff doesn't contain a ton of jargon. If it's anything like biological research, learning that specific research area's jargon is a prerequisite for understanding the material.

Context wise, I'd be interested to know more about the Civil War in relation to American history after the war. Specifically - the Reconstruction effort in the south. I don't know enough about the origins of the region where I've grown up.

I enjoy biographies, any recommendations in relation to the Civil War?

Thanks in advance!

wch84 · 05-30-2010, 21:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Reaper

If you are looking for an easy read that will give you some insight into the characters of the era, as well as the battle of Gettysburg, hard to beat "Killer Angels".

TR

Thank you TR, added to my reading list.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 219seminole

George Thomas by Christopher J. Einolf; a biography of one of the finest general officers we have ever had; brevetted three times as a junior officer in Florida and Mexico; unfortunately disliked by Grant, but he was the Rock of Chickamauga, his Army of the Cumberland took Seminary Ridge, and he was the victor at Nashville over Hood. While Grant slaughtered his troops in repeated frontal assualts, Thomas planned carefully and used forces wisely. This book also gives a view of the politicing so common in the Army. An eye opener for anyone who thinks the war was fought solely by Grant and Lee.

Thanks! I like biographies, so this is perfect.

Tuukka · 05-31-2010, 10:20

Recently read;

Forgotten Voices of the Falklands War by Hugh McManners

- Very good glimpse to what the Falkland people, British soldiers and Argentinians felt at the time of the conflict.

With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa by E.B Sledge

- Gripping, straight forward telling of the fight in the Pacific.

akv · 06-04-2010, 19:15

Just finished "Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War" by Karl Marlantes

Solid, gritty read. By the end of it, you see the reason for an all volunteer force, and detest political officers, the racial tension of the 60's also complicated things, I would put this book up there with "Fields of Fire".

Bebop · 06-09-2010, 15:22

1776 by David McCullough

Dad · 06-09-2010, 16:19

Mao, The Untold Story by Jung Chang and John Halliday.

So you think you know what a murderous slime ball Mao was? Did you know the "Long March" was only long because Mao was using his troops for political posturing? Or that it wasn't an issue for Mao and other high ranking Communist officials because they were carried by the undernourished troops in sedan chairs? A really good read with a lot interesting personal facts about Mao. Lots of info that was new to me. There are some areas where I would be interested in others opinions (Richard, Sigaba). Over all very good read. Over 600 pages plus another 100 or so of notes, etc.

craigepo · 06-09-2010, 16:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bebop

1776 by David McCullough

Good book. McCullough is fantastic

wch84 · 06-09-2010, 23:09

Picked up "Horse Soldiers" over the weekend and read it in a few hours. Excellent book. Good example of the ability of SF to adapt to unique situations and characters. Mike Spann grew up in my neck of the woods. Didn't know him personally, but his death made an impact on those in the local area. Thank you to all here who were involved.

Recently finished "A World at Arms: A Global History of World War II" by Gerhard Weinberg. Great coverage of the political and diplomatic angles in all theaters of the war. Weinberg also covered the technological innovations made by both the Axis and the Allies. It's a massive volume, but very much recommended. His sentence structure can make it a bit hard to read at times, but otherwise I have no complaints.

Currently reading "Vicksburg 1863" by Winston Groom.