Editorial Review

In Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel's memoir Read more

Reviews (461)

A powerful read !! A personal saga of survival against all odds
Elie Wiesel's book, "Night" was one of the first books I had read on the Holocaust when I was in high school back in the mid 1970s. His painful and searing account of the unspeakable horror, known as the Holocaust is the single most defining event of the 20th century.
Never again
'Night' is the heart-wrenching true story of a young Jewish boy who is rounded up by the Nazis and sent to Auschwitz. The young boy is none other than the author, Eliezer Wiesel. He recounts his horrific experiences as an inmate of the Nazi concentration camp system and his struggle for survival. Amid the death and desperation, young Elie struggles only to remain near his father, without which, he would have no will to live. 'Night' is also a story about lost faith, as the once devout, young Elie defiantly rebukes the God that did nothing to stop these indescribable horrors. I found myself thinking that I would have never submitted to this inhuman treatment. That I would have preferred to die on my feet than to live on my knees, and would have somehow fought back. But this is all too easy to say in hindsight, from the comfort of my warm, safe home. I put this book down with a heavy heart. I was angered and saddened, and I can honestly say that this is one of the most moving books that I have ever read.

storm of storms
Though the word 'Holocaust' has become the most common cipher for one of mankind's greatest crimes, many Jews and other rememberers of 1939-1945 object to the borrowing of this biblical term to name Hitler's mass murder.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    4. Historical - Holocaust    5. Holocaust    6. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)    7. Personal narratives   

Reviews (8)

Fake memoir
This story was probably constructed from a number of real memoirs, other sources like films, and Jung's and the author's imagination.Helmut Jung may have been a soldier on the Eastern Front but what he claims to have seen there owes more to imagination - perhaps the author's - than reality.Units composed of seven foot Mongols? (p. 297).Really. In the fifty or so books I have read about the German-Russian war nobody else noticed such units. In the same chapter, a description of the capture of a group of female Russian soldiers appears to have been lifted from the film version of 'Cross of Iron'.There are numerous other elements traceable to other sources throughout ths ridiculous book. Avoid wasting money on this 'memoir'.You will learn nothing about the real experience of combatants on the Eastern Front that you haven't already read elsewhere.

A Work of Fiction
I agree with some of the other reviewers that this is most likely a work of fiction.There is no real information given about the supposed author, Helmut Jung, other than his "incredible" wartime exploits. There are too many mistakes in the book about Jung's training and service to believe this is anything more than a piece of fiction put together by the American writer...it doesn't read or feel right.Save your money and buy "Black Edelweiss" for a real biography of a German soldier.

The Jekyll and Hyde of german wwii memoirs
First of all, this book is 464 pages long, apart from a small paragraph about Mr. Jung at the end there is nothing else, you get what you pay for, 464 pages of reading material. There are also no photos. Now, this memoir is a rollercoaster of emotions, paradoxes, anomalities, irregularities and some simply senseless and hard to believe asseverations by Mr. Jung and the author, who should have at least researched a little bit more, edited a bit better and should have gotten himself a good grammar dictionary, unless that is, he chose to leave the book as it is to keep the element of reality present. At times Mr. Jung sounds so real and truthful you can't help but pity him at others you could swear he is a jew posing as a german soldier. Now I don't blame Mr. Jung for his mental lapses (most people don't remember what they did 2 weeks ago) so after so many years one can understand his memory lapses. However mistaking the 6th army for the 10th at Stalingrad is preposterous to say the least. His asseveration that the SS went around shooting wounded german soldiers from penal batallions is simply hard to believe. During the actions of our Blue division in Russia we had a squad of men assigned to follow up behind the main body of troops checking the russian dead behind us and making sure they stayed very dead, for these vermin were treacherous and they would fake death in order to shoot us in the back. The Waffen SS had a similar way of dealing with russians (read Blood Red Snow). Also we were forbidden from building fires at night no matter how cold it might be (this was a sure way to have snipers pick everyone off one by one, have our positions identified by artillery spotters), yet he claims they would build this huge fires and huddle around at night! The war in the east was a metaphysical encounter of extreme ideoligies, the far right on our side and the far left on theirs. We alone had the sole opportunity of stoppping the spread of communism within our grasp and were betrayed by the very western civilization we sought to safeguard and preserve for the new generations. One look at the map of Europe after wwii will tell you who really won and for what purpose the western powers really fought and shed so much young blood. Mr. Jung was as caught up in this hell as the rest of us were and like us he did what he had to do to survive, however a man should have convictions and a sense of belonging to his nation and while he did his share, he did it for himself... we did it for our people, our nation and for western civilization. To those of you who might find this offensive I remind you of the words Julius Streicher spoke to the hangman at Nuremberg in 1946, "someday the russians will do this very same thing to all of you". Time proved him right.
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Subjects:  1. 1926-    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Campaigns    6. Eastern Front    7. Europe - Germany    8. Germany    9. Heer    10. Historical - General    11. Jung, Helmut,    12. Military    13. Military - World War II    14. Panzer-Division, 7    15. Personal narratives, German    16. World War, 1939-1945    17. Biography: general    18. European history (ie other than Britain & Ireland)   

Reviews (3)

The Inside Story
Ok, if you are a die-hard Democrat, this one is definitely not for you.But if you are a fan of 41, or at least want to experience a real inside the whitehouse look at the life and times of an American president, then check this out and you won't be disappointed.I liked it because I like the man.I've met him and he was very nice.(See my picture with GHWB in 'customer images' above).

The Real George Bush Sr.
I just finished the book and enjoyed it. I have always had great respect for George Bush Sr. and I think Doro did a good job of bringing to light his kind, respectful ways. I really think history will judge him well. However, most of the book were things I have already read but at the same time, I enjoyed reading what it was like growing up with him as a father.

Loving tribute to a father
Whatever your politics-you will enjoy the story that Doro Bush Kich has written about her father. It is a story written about a father who is truly loved and admired by his daughter.I enjoyed the ancedotes about growing up in a famous family and how the lessons that President George H.W. Bush learned from his wonderful mother stayed with him throughout his life.She always told him to be humble and think of others.From the ancedotes in the book-he took those lessons to heart. There are several examples of his kindness and thoughtfulness sprinkled throughout the book-many are well known stories and some haven't been heard before. There are good times and bad recounted in this book (as in all family stories).Mrs. Bush Koch lists all the people in the back of the book who have been quoted, told her stories and written her letters about her dad-they come from both sides of the aisle.This is a great addition to my library of presidential biographies. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Children of presidents    6. Daughters    7. Historical - U.S.    8. Presidents    9. Presidents & Heads of State    10. U.S. History - 20th Century (General)    11. U.S. President    12. United States    13. 21st century    14. American history: postwar, from c 1945 -    15. Biography & Autobiography / General    16. USA   

Reviews (129)

Wow you have to read this!!!
Reading this book has changed the way I have looked, felt and believed in life. I couldn't put it down, and everyday I keep thinking about it. I have shared with others the aw inspiring inspiration I have received. I am not one to read a lot of spiritual books or self help books. I have read a few but this one definitely surpasses any book I have read in a very long time. I am blown away. And it has made me take stock of my own life and my beliefs and it has shifted. I started thinking about whom in my life do I need to forgive. I truly recommend this book to everyone! We all need it especially now with what is going on in the world today.

Life-changing story
I could not put this book down.I've read several other books on the Rwandan genocide and I really appreciate this one the most for breaking down a complex political situation/history into one that is easy to understand for all readers, not to mention one of the most emotionally touching books I've ever read.This book has changed my perspective on life.

Best Book I've read all year!
I love to read, mostly spiritual self-help books, and a few biographies. I would say I read about 2 books a month on average, sometimes more. Any way I simply could not put this book down. I felt as if I was experiencing everything she was experiencing, and I could not help but admire her faith in God. She reminded me how good God is, and how he can do the impossible if we just trust him. I plan to give the book to a couple people as Christmas presents this year, so that they can truly embrace how blessed they are. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa - Central    2. Africa - History    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Catholics    6. Civil War, 1994    7. History    8. Ilibagiza, Immaculâee    9. Inspirational - General    10. Motivational & Inspirational    11. Personal narratives    12. Prayer    13. Religion    14. Religious    15. Rwanda    16. Spiritual Healing    17. Self-Help / Motivational   

Editorial Review

The life and times of Abraham Lincoln have been analyzed and dissected in countless books. Do we need another Lincoln biography? In Read more

Reviews (204)

The Power of Patience
Lincoln has been the focus of seemingly endless analysis, yet Doris Kearns Goodwin offers a fresh and illuminating perspective.By focusing on the men around the president, Goodwin portrays Lincoln as a remarkable judge of human character, a consummate conciliator, and a man of remarkable wit.Goodwin obviously writes well, although her spotlight on so many players does confuse the reader a bit.She is a talented historian, and this is another solid piece of work.

Lincoln's strength in humility
Although at first I did not understand why writing about Lincoln's cabinet members was going to be revealing about Lincoln himself, I found myself pleasantly surprised.
WHEN THE MEN AND THE MOMENT MET
During this election cycle of 2006 I have been asking myself a question. When was the last time leftist could have unambiguously supported a Republican or Democratic Party candidate. As indicate below the clear choice is the Lincoln-Johnson ticket in 1864. By a happy coincidence Doris Kearn Goodwin's book under review here provides more than enough ammunition to confirm that opinion. Normally, my concerns as a fighter for socialism and hers as a fawning devotee of the New Deal, Fair Deal and New Frontier eras of the Democratic Party are miles apart. Here we can, at least for this moment, agree that Lincoln, as a man and politician was worthy of support by militants and those not so militant. Make no mistake Lincoln and his compatriots were big men who confronted big tasks. And did it. Underlining Goodwin's thesis is a belief that what passes for today's Republican leaders pale in contrast. Again we agree. Here's why.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Case studies    6. General    7. Genius    8. Historical - U.S.    9. Political    10. Political leadership    11. Presidents    12. Presidents & Heads of State    13. U.S. Political History    14. U.S. President    15. United States    16. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (4)

terrific look at Marie Antoinette through her fashion
This is a terrific look at Marie Antoinette through the fashion she wore that defied French society over the objections of the aristocracy yet set trends with these same nay-sayers imitating or parodying the monarch while the hookers and madams copied her.The premise of Caroline Weber's fashionable biography is that the doomed queen was her own person from the time at fourteen she first sat on the throne to her last dance with Madam Guillotine.This book is well written and fascinating and fans of the French Revolution era will be enthralled by the detailed accounts especially the haunting all in white final ride to the execution as the author uses the clothing to symbolize the extravagance and ruin of a regime.With a salute to Arnold's Clothing Theory, Caroline Weber provides a fresh look at this violent period through the wardrobe of its most representative figure.
a tour-de-force!
I am glad that Carrie Weber's fascinating book "Queen of Fashion" is making a headway into American and Canadian popular culture to counteract some of the false information that will undoubtedly be generated by the Coppola film. No, Marie-Antoinette was not an empty-headedteenage spendthrift just trying to have fun. There was a method to her "madness." In spite of her joie-de-vivre, she was a Habsburg, and the Habsburgs always knew how to wield power. Weber, through anecdotes and vivid descriptions shows how the ill-fated queen used costume throughout her life to make a statement, which ultimately shaped her destiny. She dressed stylishly as only former courtesans had dressed to show that she and no other was her husband's mistress.An excellent book!

Sartorial savoir-faire
"Queen of Fashion" is a stylish and engaging tour de force that offers a truly original perspective on the life of France's ill-fated queen. In her absorbing and rigorously researched account of Marie Antoinette's life, Weber convincingly shows that the history of the queen's wardrobe and the court politics at Versailles are inextricably interwoven threads of French history. The stylish essence of this book is its ability to communicate the complexity of the period's politics with an accessibility and elegance that will appeal to a broad range of readers. A must-read for anyone interested in the history of fashion or France. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1755-1793    2. 18th century    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Clothing    5. Courts and courtiers    6. Europe - France    7. Fashion    8. France    9. Historical - General    10. History    11. History: World    12. Marie Antoinette,    13. Queen, consort of Louis XVI, King of France,    14. Royalty    15. History / France   

Reviews (1)

Harry Truman's Secretary of State
Mr. Beiser is the author of several books on diplomacy ("American Foreign Relations Since 1600" -- 2003). This definitive and long (800 pages) biography of Dean Acheson, a Democratic player (through the Roosevelt and Truman administrations) and foreign affairs genius. As Truman's Secretary of State, he was present at the start of the post-war era and created the framework for the Marshall Plan, the Truman Doctrine, the occupation of the Axis countries and NATO. As a result, Mr. Acheson titled his memoirs, "Present at the Creation." The writing is engaging and interesting as is Mr. Acheson himself (he managed to alienate President Roosevelt). Though this book obviously can not be read at one setting, it is a good history tale. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Historical - U.S.    5. Political    6. American history: postwar, from c 1945 -    7. Biography & Autobiography / Political    8. Biography: historical    9. History, American | Since 1945    10. Political leaders & leadership    11. The Americas   

Editorial Review

In the past, Antonia Fraser's bestselling histories and biographies have focused on people and events in her native England, from Read more

Reviews (67)

Great Read
This book was wonderful to read!! I even read it a second time a few weeks later, excellent!

best biography I have read
wonderful work of history, takes the reader beyond the myth and caricature of Marie Antoinette, to reveal a complex, very interesting queen. Not a dull moment in the book.

Another soap opera
There is no doubt that Antonia Fraser's "The Journey" is written in the author's usual wry, witty and highly engaging style (although I must say that I never before heard of sex described as "lugubrious.") There is also no doubt that Fraser has done a great deal to redeem Marie-Antoinette's shredded reputation by accurately describing her as being compassionate to the hardships of the French people. The book is full of vivid detail which makes it very readable. However, I was disappointed to see that Fraser resorts to many popular misconceptions. For one thing, why does Fraser act like Marie Antoinette was the only princess to be sent away from home as a teenager to seal a dynastic marriage? What about Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst (Catherine the Great) who was also a young stranger in a foreign land? This sort of thing happened all the time - it was what being a princess was all about. I was glad that Fraser did not fall into the myth of Louis XVI's impotence/ phimosis and surgery and all that. She simplistically portrays him as being asexual, which was not true, because he told his aunt after consummating his marriage that he enjoyed "it." But never has any other biographer subjected the reader to the spectacle of Fersen and the queen fiddling withprimitive prophylactics while consummating their grand passion. I must say, it is a first. Fraser insists that Marie Antoinette slept with Fersen for many years and yet gives no solid proof, while at the same time maintaining that she was a woman of high moral character. I usually do not think of a woman who is shared by both a lover and a husband as having a high moral character, but I guess Fraser does. Oh, well. It is such romantic fantasies that turn this book into more of a soap opera than a serious biography. I found it absurd when Fraser insists that the tormented queen of France was ultimately a martyr for the cause of the socialism and democracy which the French people now enjoy. If the queen had had her way, her descendant would be reigning today, and that is just the reality of it. For a better study of Marie Antoinette's relationship with her husband, I would recommend Vincent Cronin's "Louis and Antoinette." As for better biographies of the queen, let me join some fellow reviewers in the hope that the works of Delorme and Bertieres will soon be available in English. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1755-1793    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. France    7. Historical - General    8. Marie Antoinette,    9. Queen, consort of Louis XVI, King of France,    10. Queens    11. Women    12. Biography & Autobiography / General    13. Reading Group Guide   

Subjects:  1. 1638-1715    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Favorites, Royal    7. France    8. France - History    9. General    10. Historical - General    11. King of France,    12. Kings and rulers    13. Louis    14. Monarchy And Aristocracy    15. Relations with women    16. Royalty    17. XIV,    18. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (26)

How does Handley look now?
One measure of a good book is that it assists us to understand events after it is published. By this measure, Handley looks very good now. Even the self-censoring Thai press has reported that the palace was intimately involved in the Sept 19 military coup.

Taksin Shinawatra paid the author to fabricate the story
The author who wrote "The King Never Smiles" should be discredited because it is generally believed that he was hired by Taksin to write the book to provide the international world a biased view of the Thai monarchy. It may be very difficult for foreigners to understand the Thai people's deep love, respect, and reverence for the King, but our King is a good, pious King --- the "King of Hearts," and Taksin's insults to the King is the greatest insult to all Thai people. It may also be very difficult for foreigners to understand the Thai style of democracy, which has the constitutional monarchy. Our King is not only our supreme spiritual and moral leader, but also the living symbol of our nation's peace and harmony who unites the people and helped us sail through many political turmoil and turbulences in the past thirty plus years.
If only it could be sold in Thailand . . .
I live in Thailand and when attempting to find out about this book, every website that mentioned it was censored by the Royal Thai Police as being a threat to national security. So much for 'Thailand' being translated as the 'Land of the Free.'
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Subjects:  1. 1927-    2. Bhumibol Adulyadej,    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. General    8. King of Thailand,    9. Kings and rulers    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Thailand    12. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    13. Biography & Autobiography / General    14. Biography: historical   

Reviews (96)

THANK YOU MILITARY HEROS for Killing Terrorists!
I am sorry for all the military families who have lost loved ones in this war on terrorists, you have given the ultimate sacrafice so that I can sleep safely in my bed tonight. Thank you.
The complete story
No matter whether you share Cindy Sheehan's views of the war or this country or not, this is an excellent book. It finally brings out the truth about all of this and who Ms. Sheehan really is.

A Time Enduring Work...
American Mourning is more than a simple story of two every day families during a time of war, who have each sustained the loss of a loved one. It is an evolutionary study of the effects of war upon the survivors of those fallen, detailing the elements of the characters prior to and following their loss. Delicately, it details the human strengths and weaknesses required for survival and the belief in faith that holds families together during time of national crisis and personal grief. If you are a fan of the Cindy Sheehan "icon," be prepared for a reality check. Moy and Morgan take you to our hometown and introduce you to the many who knew her best, before and after she embarked on her self-destructive path. They poignantly and compassionately try to balance the truth about a every day woman exploited during a presidential campaign, who not only betrayed and neglected her family during a time of grief, acted vindictively toward the local parish priest after being laid off from a defunct position of Youth Chaplin, met with Hugo Chavez and begged him to withhold oil shipments to America when gas prices were at an all time high at the pumps and Americans were struggling to get to work, turned against long termed friends when they did not agree with her own personal beliefs, didn't bother to thank the many volunteers who remodeled her home after his death, and who joined alliances with the same terrorists who killed her son, calling them freedom fighters. The authors ploughed through public records finding she had not paid taxes prior to Casey's death, despite her claims she refuses to pay as a result of his death and discovered the organization Real Voices with which Sheehan was involved was really a sham propoganda campaign, as an arm to the John Kerry Presidential bid. They emotionally detail the confusion of those who loved her, as they experience her instant transition from warm and loving friend wife and mother to radical, narcissist and attention seeker after being solicited by Kerry. They detail the accelerating character flaws as she clings to her role as "victim" and demands troops who were giving critical life saving assistance to those in crisis be removed from "occupied New Orleans" during Hurricane Katrina. Truthful, gutsy and emotional, these women authors and investigative journalists have the courage to chronolize the truth to the American public about the current anti-war movement and its top icon, by going to the sources in our hometown, the Johnson's hometown, Crawford, Texas, Fort Hood and the Iraq battlefield. Finally, at the end, you will realize there is no question why Cindy Sheehan does what she does and realize it is an escalating continuing pattern. You may find yourself pitying the woman who gave up everything important in life, friends family, children, neighbors and even her faith by betraying everyone close to her, including denying her own fallen son his legacy and feeling heartfelt and emotionally wrenching compassion toward the surviving members of her family, as most of us do. You will fall in love with the strong character and heroism of her son, who closely mirrors his father. And you will love, embrace and admire the Johnson family, who despite their own human weaknesses, have the strength to survive, to carry on and to remain loyal and united in their love of their country and their fellow men, in much the same tradition as the majority of those from our hometown. If you are the mom or dad or loved one to one in the military, it will send you reeling on a roller coaster of emotions, from anger, to sadness, to tears and perhaps, finally, resolve. Kudos for a story well told, from another who, in Vacaville, also knew the truth and begged the mainstream media to get the courage to tell it. And thankfully, in honoring the legacies of the brave young men and women whom the Congress and Senate voted to send to Iraq, this book will serve as a memory to them all in what they and their families have sacrified in trying to develop a better and safety tomorrow. Someday, I would expect to see it in college classes that study grief, the sociology of war, the development of activists and mainstream media bias. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Death, Grief, Bereavement    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family relationships    5. Family/Marriage    6. Historical - U.S.    7. Iraq War, 2003    8. Iraq War, 2003-    9. Protest movements    10. Soldiers    11. United States    12. Coping with death & bereavement    13. Marriage, family & other relationships   

Reviews (16)

Nothing new here - move along
It is shameful that "Best Friend" Billy Noonan felt the need to dish about John Kennedy and his family.We all know that John valued his privacy and one would think that he would be horrified at this betrayal.
Boring, Screams, "I'M THE REAL BEST FRIEND", and Poorly Written
Carol Radziwill's book was a tribute to her husband, and wonderfully and warmly written.The mentions of John and Carolyn were in context of their relationship, and truly showed their personalities.The retelling of John singing a boyhood song to Anthony brought tears to my eyes.
Poignant and Humorous Story of Friendship
The author does summon up a particular demographic (affluent Irish-Catholic third-generation young men in the Boston/Hyannis/Cape Cod area) and epoch (those coming-of-age between the mid-70s and 1990s) in this tale of friendship set against a larger backdrop with regard to the identity of one of the friends and, of course, the ultlimate tragedy that overtakes them.Noonan is generous with the details and challenges in his own life, from testicular cancer (and apparently a recurrence a year ago made him all the more intent on sharing his own story with readers) to the loss of his own father to personal flounderings with regard to college and overall life-direction. Naysayers who regard this story as an "invasion of privacy" overlook the fact that this tale is an intensely personal one and that it is the privelege of a writer to share as he pleases. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Celebrities    6. Children of presidents    7. Editors, Journalists, Publishers    8. Historical - U.S.    9. Noonan, William Sylvester    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Publishing Industry And Trade    12. Rich & Famous    13. United States    14. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (3)

Excellent Biography
Adrian Goldsworthy's latest book, "Caesar", is another one of those great books that you cannot afford to miss this year. Following on from his excellent run of books; "The Punic Wars" and "In The Name of Rome", this new title is a great addition to anyone's library.
Hail Caesar!
A good basic and thorough history of the great Roman. Dr. Goldsworthy writes in a clear, understandable style relying for his information on primary texts from the age.Arcane political and military terms are nicely explained.
Objective, reader-friendly, thorough but not overly technical - a must-read for Roman scholars/fans
Fans of Goldsworthy's previous works won't be disappointed with this bio, which will undoubtedly be named as one of the best overall works about Julius Caesar for many years to come.
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Subjects:  1. Ancient - Rome    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Historical - General    6. Royalty    7. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (3)

Poor Logic
Thomas Dilorenzo shines at misinformation in his new book.Among the lies he states is that it is not widely taught that the Civil War was not just about slavery but also for economic reasons.This is interesting to me as a history teacher, since any modern text, college, high school or grade school would have this information.
Lincoln Unmasked: Dishonest Abe. By Thomas Dilorenzo
A lot of research examines Abraham Lincoln and other origins of American National Socialism. Much of the work helps to explain the massive growth of government in these United States of America and the growing police state. More work needs to expose the influence of American National Socialism upon socialists worldwide, and upon the National Socialist German Workers' Party.
A Real Inconvenient Truth
I've already read DiLorenzo's The Real Lincoln; and I must say, this new book of his is far more trenchant in its libertarian exegesis of creepy "Father Abraham."Anyone interested in human freedom and dignity should get this book.Its a twelve-pound sledge of intellectual dynamite to evicerate the socialist propaganda of Eric 'Stalinikov Marx-o-holic' Foner with.
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Subjects:  1. 1809-1865    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography And Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Historical - U.S.    8. Lincoln, Abraham,    9. Presidents    10. Presidents & Heads of State    11. Public opinion    12. U.S. History - Civil War And Reconstruction (1860-1877)    13. United States    14. United States - Civil War    15. History / United States / General   

Editorial Review

The angry ranting of an obscure, small-party politician, the first volume of Read more

Reviews (138)

hitlers book
the reason ichose to recomend this book is because i belive it is the only one which tells the truth about nazi germany.its really not "racist propaganda" as the school systems would have you belive but an account of a man who loved his country so much,he tried to perfect it.its basicly just a philosophy book.remember ,hitlers allies in ww2 were a half black man ,mussolini and the japanese leader.so,if you want truth,read this book.if you want a bunch of tree huggin hippie bs,read any other book on the matter.this book was the most widely owned book in the world in its day.if you cant handle the truth,steer clear.if you want the german equivelant ofthomas paines's"common sense",then read it.

A Terrible Beginning Indeed
This is a very difficult book to read, not only because it is the product of the hateful and ignorant mind of a man that seized control of Germany and plunged the world into one of history's most devastating wars, resulting in the ethnic genocide of millions of Jews, Slavs, gypsies, homosexuals and others.
Putrid, but Important to Take a Look at
During the Nazi Era, this book was the most un-read bestseller in Europe.Lots of people purchased the volume, but very few took the time to read it.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Dictators    4. Europe - Germany    5. Fascism    6. Germany    7. Germany - History - Third Reich (1933-1945)    8. Historical - General    9. History    10. History & Theory - General    11. History: World    12. National socialism    13. Nationalsozialistische deutsch    14. Political    15. Politics and government    16. Biography & Autobiography / Historical   

Editorial Review

In retrospect, it seems as if the American Revolution was inevitable. But was it? In Read more

Reviews (348)

A Masterpiece
Joseph Ellis understands that it is what happens between, under and over the events of history that make it interesting.He has mastered the art of drawing out the implications of character, relationship and motivation.He brings the story to life by immersing the reader in the lives - the ideals, emotions, short-comings, likes and dislikes - of the characters that shaped the events of the American Revolution.Ellis doesn't just tell us that "they [all the major players] were making it up as they went along, improvising on the edge of catastrophe," he makes us feel it.
Founding Brothers, J. Ellis
A very readable and enjoyable book which makes the men involved in the Revolution, the drafting and signing of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, the relocation of the Nation's Capitol, etc., come alive.Their relationships with each other, envy, gossip, behind the scenes maneuvering are reminscent of politics today, or maybe life in general.If there were time to read only one history book, Founding Brothers would be it.
Excellent unbiased opinion of our early leaders
Founding Brothers is an excellent read for anyone interested in a clear, concise review of our struggle for independence and the early days of our republic.Ellis' explanations of the vastly different ideas that the founders had concerning what kind of government the new country should have and how to achieve it were captivating. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1783-1809    2. Anecdotes    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Historical - General    7. History    8. History & Theory - General    9. History: American    10. Presidents    11. Statesmen    12. United States    13. United States - Revolutionary War    14. Biography & Autobiography / Historical    15. Reading Group Guide   

Editorial Review

"Learning the game of power requires a certain way of looking at the world, a shifting of perspective," writes Robert Greene. Mastery of one's emotions and the arts of deception and indirection are, he goes on to assert, essential. The 48 laws outlined in this book "have a simple premise: certain actions always increase one's power ... while others decrease it and even ruin us."Read more

Reviews (414)

A Nuclear Weapon for the Modern Warrior
This book is LOADED with wisdom.The lessons you will learn here can help you to take your life to the next level and then the level beyond that one.Study this book and its Laws, and do not be afraid or too timid to adopt their teachings into your everyday experiences -- they will help you to get ahead, to get what you want, and to reach your goals.

Terrific synopsis of the classic historical writings on power.
This book is a no holds barred open discussion of raw power, entertainingly presented.It took me a little while to get over the almost completely amoral tone of the book, but I eventually got the sense that the amoral tone is there for a purpose: to clue you in to the fact that people who practice power at this level can often be completely amoral themselves.In that sense, the book truly gives the reader a sense of the mindset of those who will do anything to stay in power. There is a sense as one reviewer pointed out, that the book could have been written without this amoral tone, but then one would miss out on the opportunity of being immersed in its sense of amorality, which is an education in itself.Experiencing the amorality is a wakeup call that offers insight into how some of the world's ills have come to pass, though you may find yourself wanting to shower afterward.After reading it, you will definitely be more aware of the laws being played out on the world stage, and you will begin to recognize people in government who seem to be using it as a playbook.Some laws are even applicable in personal relationships...a scary thought.
Another product of the imagination
If you have wild dreams of pontifical success.Illusions of grandeur and great lusts for power, then this book may feed your ego.It may even make you feel real good about yourself.Knowing all these secrets of power.But alas, it is only a fantasy.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Business/Economics    3. Careers - General    4. Control (Psychology)    5. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    6. Historical - General    7. History & Theory - General    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Power (Philosophy)    10. Power (Social sciences)    11. Social Philosophy    12. Social Psychology    13. Business & Management    14. Self-Help / Success    15. Social & political philosophy   

Reviews (19)

The Way We Were:Remembering Diana
I read Burrell's other book, "A Royal Duty" and came away feeling that the author was obsessed with his employer and that he was a neurotic.
Well written, didn't want it to end
Well written and a must read if you want to read about Princess Diana, the person. He doesn't make her out to be bigger than life. The author seems unbiased because he writes about her faults as well as her assets. Enjoyed Paul's sons remembrances of fun times with Diana, William and Harry.
Absolute GOLD !
For anyone who loves Princess Diana, this book is pure, absolute gold. Paul Burrell tells stories about her that no one else can, because he lived and worked with her for years. The book is respectfully written, yet also very entertaining. He reveals aspects of their life together with total love and not the slightest hint of gossip or nastiness. Paul Burrell remains sensitive to The Boss and I, for one, will welcome any book he writes about Diana because it's plain to see that he is telling the truth. Anyone in the royal household who has a problem with him or his books needs to get a grip. Diana belonged to the world, and they should be thankful that with all the other books out there floating around about her, that this one tells it like it was, and stands head and shoulders above the others. Highly recommended reading. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1958-    2. 1961-1997    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Burrell, Paul,    8. Diana,    9. Great Britain    10. Great Britain - History - 20th Century    11. Historical - British    12. Monarchy And Aristocracy    13. Princess of Wales,    14. Princesses    15. Rich & Famous    16. Royalty    17. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (7)

SUPERSTARANDYWARHOL BLOWS UP
"Gee..." as Andy would say. "It's so big..." Brilliant compilation of Warholia with analysis and photos as evidence of His Genius. Two chapters- "America the Beautiful" and "Matinee Idols"- written by David Dalton who was there at the Creation are especially perceptive and insightful. Andy Warhol lives- Bigger and Better Forever!

ANDY ANDY ANDY ANDY ANDY ANDY ANDY ANDY ANDY
this book is really really big.
Great
I really enjoyed this book.If you are at all interested in Warhol this is the book for you.The format is amazing.The book has everything Warholian that you could want. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - General    2. Art    3. Artists, Architects, Photographers    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Contemporary Art    6. Fine Arts (General)    7. Historical - U.S.    8. Individual Artist    9. Techniques - Painting    10. Art / Individual Artist    11. Individual artists    12. Pop art    13. Postwar period, 1945 to c 2000    14. USA   

Editorial Review

In Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel's memoir Read more

Reviews (911)

Unforgettable Tale of Holocaust Horror
Beyond and essential read, Night speaks to the reader about fundamental questions at the heart of the human condition.A powerfully moving autobiography, the story of this teenager's journey through the most horrific death camps of Nazi Europe, strips away discussion of anti-semitism and hatred, to present the raw suffering of individual humans, stuck in situations beyond their control.From the establishment of a ghetto in Elie's home town of Sighet, the reader can only watch with growing horror as the young man and his family are swept up in the Holocaust.Auschwitz, Buchenwald, Gleiwitz: some of the most infamous places in modern human history, rise around Elie, as we watch him stripped of absolutely everything.The reader is swept along helplessly, as Hitler's "Final Solution" unfolds - death marches, starvation, selections, cattle-carts full of people, torture, floggings, mass-murder - and as Elie is gradually reduced to nothing more than a 'hungry stomach'.
must reading
this is a disturbing work in that it recounts a man's experience of the nazi death camps. Warning: this book will shake you up mentally, and emotionally.It is not for the faint of heart.Yet, it is a must read because of the exposure it gives to humanity at it's worst and humanity under it's worst.

Lost in Translation
The short novel Night has emotional power not only because of the dark subject matter, but because Elie Wiesel is a gifted writer who deftly reveals the spiritual and mental anguish of the main character.Generally considered autobiographical, the account follows a young man who feels he is losing not only God, but his humanity as the Nazi machine ravages Europe.The novel itself deserves 10 stars.
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Subjects:  1. 1928-    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Historical - Holocaust    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Personal narratives, Jewish    8. Wiesel, Elie,    9. World War, 1939-1945    10. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts    11. Europe    12. World history: Second World War