What do you think?
Rate this book
The Lost Legion: A Czechoslovakian Epic
Legendary memoir of the author's combat experience first in Galicia as a reluctant conscript of the Austro-Hungarian Empire; after being captured by the Russians, the Czechs join the White Army, only to end up trapped in Russia after the revolution. They must fight their way through Siberia and the Urals against the Bolsheviks.
111 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1939
2 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
October 31, 2018
I’ve been reading a lot about the Czechoslovak Legion lately, but I think this account is my favorite of what I’ve read so far (and I’ve read or have on my list just about everything on the subject that’s available in English). I might have enjoyed this one so much because in general I like war memoirs and the depth those bring when it comes to understanding a little more the experiences of others. Most other accounts available are second-hand accounts that focus on the big picture.
The book takes the reader through Gustav’s 6.5 years away at war, showing us his frustration at having to fight for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, his time as a POW in Russia, and his excitement at joining the Czechoslovak Legion. Most of the book is devoted to his time in the Legion, immersing readers in the frustration he felt as the Bolsheviks delayed the Legion’s evacuation to Vladivostok, then the excitement when the Legion finally had enough and decided to just take over the railway themselves, then the horror at getting involved in the Russian Civil War at the behest of the Allies. I wouldn’t have minded more detail—it’s not a very long book and the pacing is quick. But I’m glad I read it. 4.5 stars, rounding up for Goodreads.
Note: This book is out-of-print. I couldn’t find a single copy in any format for sale, and my library couldn’t get a copy through ILL. After nine months, I finally found a pdf on a website about war gaming. If the heirs of Becvar’s estate ever republish the book, I’ll happily purchase a copy.
The book takes the reader through Gustav’s 6.5 years away at war, showing us his frustration at having to fight for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, his time as a POW in Russia, and his excitement at joining the Czechoslovak Legion. Most of the book is devoted to his time in the Legion, immersing readers in the frustration he felt as the Bolsheviks delayed the Legion’s evacuation to Vladivostok, then the excitement when the Legion finally had enough and decided to just take over the railway themselves, then the horror at getting involved in the Russian Civil War at the behest of the Allies. I wouldn’t have minded more detail—it’s not a very long book and the pacing is quick. But I’m glad I read it. 4.5 stars, rounding up for Goodreads.
Note: This book is out-of-print. I couldn’t find a single copy in any format for sale, and my library couldn’t get a copy through ILL. After nine months, I finally found a pdf on a website about war gaming. If the heirs of Becvar’s estate ever republish the book, I’ll happily purchase a copy.
Displaying 1 of 1 review