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AUSSIE RICK'S 50 BOOKS READ IN 2012
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JANUARY:1.
by Michael KordaFinish date: 10 Jan 2012
Genre: Bio/History
Rating: A+
This is one of the best books that I have read covering the life & times of T.E. Lawrence - 'Lawrence of Arabia'. The author covers in great detail his activities in the Middle East during WW1 but also provides lots of interesting information about Lawrence before the War and what happened to him post WW1. This is a great book and although its 700 pages of narrative it flows easily and quickly and is a joy to read. Well researched and well written I think anyone who has an interest in the subject with love this book and also possibly learn a few new things along the way.
2.
by James R. ArnoldFinish date: 14 Jan 2012
Genre: Military History
Rating: A-
A detailed account of the final stages of Napoleon's Polish Campaign in 1807, following on from the Battle of Eylau through the various battles and skirmishes to the Battle of Friedland.
3.
by William Ledyard RodgersFinish date: 22 Jan 2012
Genre: Military History
Rating: B
Although this book was first published in 1937 and many of its references may be a bit dated it still offers a novice in this field of history and enjoyable and interesting read. The author, a retired Vice Admiral (USN), tells a great story using numerous primary and secondary sources available to the historian at that time.
4.
by John W. KiserFinish date: 26 Jan 2012
Genre: Bio/History
Rating: B+
An excellent account of the life and times of Emier Abd el-Kader, the man who tried to stop the French occupation of Algiers in 1830 and who carried on the fight aginst their forces for 15 years before surrending.
5.
by Helmut PabstFinish date: 28 Jan 2012
Genre: Military History
Rating: C
A decent and ultimately sad first-hand account of a German soldier who served in Army Group Centre on the Eastern Front until his death in 1943. Lots of good detail about every day life at the front and in the trenches during the early campaigns and battles in Russia.
6.
by Thomas De LonguevilleFinish date: 31 Jan 2012
Genre: Bio/Military History
Rating: A
This book; “Marshal Turenne” by Thomas Longueville was first published in 1907 and offers the reader an interesting and engrossing account of the life of Henri de la Tour d'Auvergne, Vicomte de Turenne, who many believe, after Napoleon, is one of the greatest French generals in history.
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UPDATE response to message 4: No, is it just a book you have started?
FEBRUARY:7.
by Wade DavisFinish date: 7 Feb 2012
Genre: History
Rating: A
If you only want to read one book on George Mallory and the early British attempts to conquer Mount Everest then this is the book for you. This is an excellent and detail account of the mountain and the men who went to climb it back in the 1920's.
8.
by Hurtado de MendozaFinish date: 10 Feb 2012
Genre: History
Rating: B
Interesting account of the War in Granada fought between Christian Spain and the remaining Moors and Moriscos that started with an uprising on Christmas Eve in 1568. The campaign was witnessed by a Spanish noble, Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, who published this book in 1627. After the War the remaining Moriscos were deported to the various regions of the Kingdom of Castile, Extremadura and Andalusia.
9.
by Tim JealFinish date: 16 Feb 2012
Genre: Exploration/bio/History
Rating: A
An excellent account of those brave men and women who attempted to find the source of the Nile during the late 1800's. Covers all the well known British explorers, their accounts of their explorations and a history of the region.
10.
by Evan ThomasFinish date: 23 Feb 2012
Genre: History
Rating: B+
A fast moving and interesting account of the build up towards the Spanish-American War looking at the actions of a few great men in American history, Roosevelt, Lodge amd Hearst and their involvment in pushign American towards war and expansion.
11.
by George GoodwinFinish date: 24 Feb 2012
Genre: History
Rating: C
Overall an interesting account of this period in English history but to me failed in presenting enough on the main topic of the book, the Battle of Towton in 1461. The book is just under 200 pages but only about 10-12 pages covers the actual battle so I was a bit disappointed.
12.
by Glenn E. TorreyFinish date: 27 Feb 2012
Genre: History
Rating: B
A well researched and well presented biography of the French General Henri Mathias Berthelot who is remembered for his role is 'saving' Romania during the Great War. Berthelot served in Algeria, Indo-China and then on the General Staff during the opening stages of WW1. He later commanded French troops during the vicious fighting at Mort Homme Hill at Verdun. He was then delegated to lead the French mission to assist the Romanian Army upon its entry into the conflict.
13.
by John FranceFinish date: 19 March 2012
Genre: Military History
Rating: B
An interesting account of Western military power and its development throughout history up until to modern times.
MARCH:14.
by J.P. RileyFinish date: 6 March 2012
Genre: Mil. History
Rating: B+
A very decent account of Napoleon's 1813 campaign that also covers the war in Spain and the 1812 war with America. The author provides the reader with some great accounts of the military campaigns and battles along with the politics of coalition warfare. However the maps provided were sub-standard.
15.
by Bob DruryFinish date: 10 March 2012
Genre: Mil. History
Rating: C
A decent account of the final hours of the American presence in Vietnam and the evacuation of the US Embassy in Saigon. A number of historical errors spoilt the overall affect of this book but that did not detract from the accounts of those brave Marines who stayed till the end.
16.
by Chris HunterFinish date: 12 March 2012
Genre: Mil. History
Rating: B+
Excellent and fast paced account of a British Army officer's tour in Iraq as a bomb disposal technician. The book is full of humour, excitment and sadness but overall it's a great read which I am sure most people will enjoy.
17.
by Paul M. BarrettFinish date: 12 March 2012
Genre: Social History
Rating: C+
An interesting story of the maker of the Glock pistol and also the gun culture of the United States. Overall very interesting and does make you think about the way weapons have become part of society and the ramifications of that.
see review
18.
by Duane SchultzFinish date: 18 March 2012
Genre: Mil. History/US Civil War
Rating: C+
A concise but enjoyable account of the Civil War battle of Fredericksburg in 1862. Not a detailed military history but more of a look at the people involved in this terrible battle. An interesting and enjoyable book for those who like accounts of the Civil War.
19.
by Ben HughesFinish date: 24 March 2012
Genre: Military History
Rating: B
The true story of "The Last of the Mohicans"! A good and well presented account of the siege of Fort William Henry during the French-Indian Wars and what really happened after the garrison surrendered to the French and Indian forces. The book covers the events leading up to the conflict in general and specifically to the Fort and what happened afterwards as well. Overall a pretty decent account.
20.
by Mark MortensenFinish date: 30 March 2012
Genre: Military History
Rating: B
Overall this is a good story of a brave man who did his duty and was present at all the major battles fought by American forces on the Western front during the Great War. For those interested in the early history of the USMC or America’s involvement in World War One.
21.
by Andrew SalmonFinish date: 31 March 2012
Genre: Military History
Rating: A
This book covers the first year of the Korean War and the role of the British and Australians who made up the 27th Infantry Brigade – 1st Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, 1st Middlesex and the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.
see review
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APRIL:22.
by Jonathan W. JordanFinish date: 6 April 2012
Genre: Military History
Rating: B+
Excellent and engaging account of three of America's greatest WW2 soldiers and how they fought the enemy, the allies and each other. A well told story, fast paced and fun.
see review
23.
by Francis Parkman(1910 edition)
Finish date: 9 April 2012
Genre: American History
Rating: B
A fun, fast paced and enjoyable account of Pontiac's rebellion or conspiracy that occured after the end of the French-Indian War. Be mindful that this book was first published in the late 1890's but is still full of interesting accounts and is a fun history to read.
24.
by Keith LoweFinish date: 13 April 2012
Genre: Military History
Rating: B+
This is a book that should be read by anyone who has an interest in military history and who needs the occasional reminder about how terrible war really is. There are over 130 pages of notes and appendixes with numerous maps and black & white photographs. Overall this is an excellent addition to the many books covering the allied bombing campaign against Germany during the Second World War and should be read by all who have an interest in the subject.
see review
25.
by Caroline AlexanderFinish date: 20 April 2012
Genre: Maritime History
Rating: C+
Good, solid, well researched and indepth account of the mutiny on the Bounty, the subsequent search for the muntineers, the Court Martial and what happened to the major players afterwards.
26.
by Donovan CampbellFinish date: 21 April 2012
Genre: Military History
Rating: B
A Platoon commanders first-hand account of what he and his Marines from 'Joker One' went through during their tour in Ramadi, that capital of the Sunni-dominated Anbar province in Iraq. A good solid and interesting read which most readers should enjoy.
27.
by Edward Porter Alexander28.
by Ben AndersonFinish date: 25 April 2012
Genre: Military History
Rating: B
Interesting and engaging account by British reporter and documentray maker of his tours in Helmand province with British and American forces between 2007-2011.
see review
29.
by Tom RenoufFinish date: 29 April 2012
Genre: Military History
Rating: B
A good solid & interesting account of one mans war in the Black Watch during the Second World war. From the Normandy campaign till the end of the Third Reich.
see review
MAY:30.
by S. G. BradyFinish date: 4 May 2012
Genre: Military History
Rating: B
Good, easy to read account of Caesar's campaign against the Gauls taken from his own account; "The Gallic War". A fun read for the modern reader (first published in 1947).
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First if you would after you have completed the book add the entry - that would be great. I think it is best to add one book entry per comment box. That way things are way easier to correct.
The format is book cover, author's photo and author's link (if all three are available) and there is a category header before the start of the review itself. Please go back and edit by adding the word Review: before the start of each review and then everything will be pitch perfect.
The History Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
Caesar's Gallic Campaigns (other topics)Black Watch: Liberating Europe and Catching Himmler - My Extraordinary WW2 with the Highland Division (other topics)
No Worse Enemy: The Inside Story of the Chaotic Struggle for Afghanistan (other topics)
Joker One: A Marine Platoon's Story of Courage, Leadership, and Brotherhood (other topics)
Fighting for the Confederacy: The Personal Recollections of General Edward Porter Alexander (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
S.G. Brady (other topics)Tom Renouf (other topics)
Ben Anderson (other topics)
Donovan Campbell (other topics)
Edward Porter Alexander (other topics)
More...
Our Format:
JANUARY
1.
Finish date: March 2008
Genre: (whatever genre the book happens to be)
Rating: A
Review: You can add text from a review you have written but no links to any review elsewhere even goodreads. And that is about it. Just make sure to number consecutively and just add the months.