A little heavy on the apocalyptic language and definitely written in the rhythm of a fire siren with regards to the subject, I do think this couldA little heavy on the apocalyptic language and definitely written in the rhythm of a fire siren with regards to the subject, I do think this could have been way better. Sometimes it's a little repetitive or uses language picked up directly from academic studies, which don't seem to fit in with the general tone. It is outdated and some information found in here can be directly crossed off due do subsequent investigations. Worth a try. ...more
Hastings is just generally a solid writer. He has the same steady hand everywhere, and although he has written about a lot of wars, you can prettyHastings is just generally a solid writer. He has the same steady hand everywhere, and although he has written about a lot of wars, you can pretty much trust that you're getting at least a decent rendering of the particular conflict at hand. He manages to paint a detailed picture while never losing sight of the need for a broad one, and there are always interesting facts to follow up on from archival material that he has worked through. Worth a read. ...more
Macro and micro level history combines to give an overall account of both sides in this war. What I enjoyed most was the fact that the US' conduct inMacro and micro level history combines to give an overall account of both sides in this war. What I enjoyed most was the fact that the US' conduct in this particular theater of operations was not glossed over, as well as the fact that the Japanese (as fanatical and single minded as they were), weren't treated as just some savages who fought in barbaric ways. Enjoyable and well paced. ...more
Loved it! Detailed history, many many accounts of particular skirmishes, battles or company stories mixed together with long analyses of operationsLoved it! Detailed history, many many accounts of particular skirmishes, battles or company stories mixed together with long analyses of operations and logistical details make for a very good read. Almost equal focus given to the Western and Eastern fronts, which I enjoyed. Completely worth the read for any history nerd. ...more
Balanced. Focused. Well researched. Three ways of describing this book. Without assigning blame on any part (a task which I must admit, looksBalanced. Focused. Well researched. Three ways of describing this book. Without assigning blame on any part (a task which I must admit, looks Herculean), this rather long book takes you through the process of how, why, when and who made Brexit happen. It looks at media coverage, campaign financing, politicians who were involved (and why they were involved). It covers the things we've seen on the telly and the ones we're not really supposed to know, the back stabbings, the ruthlessness, the power struggles. I commend the author for being able to write this in such a clear voice, as the resulting book is worth everyone's read. ...more
Big history book treating big historical points in a big way. Often painted in broad strokes, as they are necessary to encompass such long spans ofBig history book treating big historical points in a big way. Often painted in broad strokes, as they are necessary to encompass such long spans of time. I'm not entirely sure it's a "new history of the world"... but hey, titles have to be catchy in the mass market world. Recommended to any history buff. ...more
Absolutely stunning. Jaw-dropping in its scope and written to cut you to the bone with its honesty, this has been one of the best books I've *ever*Absolutely stunning. Jaw-dropping in its scope and written to cut you to the bone with its honesty, this has been one of the best books I've *ever* read about conflict and what that does to humanity. Due to the experiences of the author and his life lived at the front line, his tone can at times be acid when he addresses the reader with regards to those he holds responsible for the murder and maim he has witnessed. But he is the voice of reason, the echo of morality in a world which wishes to dismiss the fact that humanity is in possession of a conscience. Some of the stories in this book will break your heart; the vivid descriptions of war, death and useless suffering are enough to make one want to forget these things are happening *every day*. Please read this, no matter if you are a history buff or not. If you're a human being, you should care about what Fisk has to tell us. ...more
This was a total surprise. Got it off Kindle on offer and thought it was gonna be waaaay more academic than it is. Actually, this is a wonderfulThis was a total surprise. Got it off Kindle on offer and thought it was gonna be waaaay more academic than it is. Actually, this is a wonderful exploration of human life through the eyes of religions which have existed for far longer than the most prominent ones. Russell leads you with a gentle hand and reminds you all the time to not forget that behind labels, ideologies and religious beliefs lie human beings; and that behind the same things lies a rich history which the world would rather see forgotten. ...more
Did I know anything about Virginia Hall before this book? Well, her name and the fact that she was a spy, as mentioned in a few other history books.Did I know anything about Virginia Hall before this book? Well, her name and the fact that she was a spy, as mentioned in a few other history books. Do I now wanna take her out for a beer? Yes. This here, though, is a great biography of Ms. Hall if you want to delve into it. It's detailed but not overbearing, understanding of the times but not forgiving of them and in general a great introduction to the life of a woman who has shattered more glass ceilings than she would've probably imagined she would. Thoroughly enjoyable and recommended on my part. ...more
Holland writes like Gibbon 2.0, only with less words. The same flowing sentences, the same play with rhythm and the same insane ability to suck you inHolland writes like Gibbon 2.0, only with less words. The same flowing sentences, the same play with rhythm and the same insane ability to suck you in and make you feel like you're being naughty because you're studying history. Genuinely enjoyable, this would be a top 15 recommendation on my part for my fellow Roman history nerds. ...more
This is not necessarily an alternative history of the 20th Century. It's just a history of the period which focuses on philosophical/artistic conceptsThis is not necessarily an alternative history of the 20th Century. It's just a history of the period which focuses on philosophical/artistic concepts more than on military/political ones. Enjoyable and easy to read, it does provide some insight into the previous Century. I would recommend it as a fast walk through for any history nerds. ...more
I do like me an engaging, well written history book. I knew close to nothing of Edward I and I thought this might help paint a picture of 13th CenturyI do like me an engaging, well written history book. I knew close to nothing of Edward I and I thought this might help paint a picture of 13th Century Britain. It certainly did. It flows nicely, the historical facts are not too overbearing and there's so much research behind this book that the author can describe the characters as if they're his friends. For anyone interested, I recommend this. ...more
If I only ever had this type of book to read, I wouldn't be able to do anything else. Engaging, fascinating stuff about which you have no idea.If I only ever had this type of book to read, I wouldn't be able to do anything else. Engaging, fascinating stuff about which you have no idea. Assassinations at the behest of governments happen all the time! Today, some people are plotting the death of someone who's upsetting the order they want to impose. This book makes me think of the famous quote by Clausewitz: "War is the continuation of politics by other means". Now substitute "targeted killing" for "war". This book is pretty long and very, very detail orientated - but if you have the patience, I totally recommend it. ...more
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