Discover Best Sellers Audiobooks in History, Military

Shadow Divers Audiobook by Robert Kurson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Robert Kurson) — Thu, 24 Jun 2004 03:00:25 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Shadow Divers Subtitle: Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of WWII Author: Robert Kurson Narrator: Campbell Scott Format: Abridged Length: 6 hrs and 22 mins Language: English Release date: 06-24-04 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 324 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: But in the fall of 1991, not even these courageous divers were prepared for what they found 230 feet below the surface, in the frigid Atlantic waters 60 miles off the coast of New Jersey: a World War II German U-boat, its ruined interior a macabre wasteland of twisted metal, tangled wires, and human bones all buried under decades of accumulated sediment. No identifying marks were visible on the submarine or the few artifacts that Chatterton and Kohler brought to the surface. No historian, expert, or government had a clue as to which U-boat the men had found. In fact, the official records all agreed that there simply could not be a sunken U-boat and crew at that location. Over the next six years, an elite team of divers embarked on a quest to solve the mystery. Chatterton and Kohler, at first bitter rivals, would be drawn into a friendship that deepened to an almost mystical bond of brotherhood. As the men's marriages frayed under the pressure of a shared obsession, their dives grew more daring, and each realized that he was hunting more than the identities of a lost U-boat and its nameless crew. Author Robert Kurson's account of this quest is at once thrilling and emotionally complex. The story of Shadow Divers often seems too amazing to be true, but it all happened, 230 feet down, in the deep blue sea. Critic Reviews: "While Kurson doesn't stint on technical detail, lovers of any sort of adventure tale will certainly absorb the author's excellent characterizations, and particularly his balance in describing the combat arm of the Third Reich. Felicitous cooperation between author and subject rings through every page of this rare insightful action narrative." (Publishers Weekly) "A fascinating look at the sometimes communal, sometimes bitterly competitive psychology of wreck-divers, weekend warriors in wet suits whose dangerous hobby is often an antidote to the frustrations of the workaday world." (Booklist) "The story told in Robert Kurson's new book features undersea thrills, a gripping mystery, incredible discoveries, true-blue friendship, life-or-death crises and history unfolding....Written with great you-are-there intensity and dynamic verve." (The New York Times) "From U-boat history to the mortal dangers of diving (disorientation is so common that you wonder only three men drowned on this quest), Kurson explains it all, even as he's spinning a fantastic yarn that happens to be true. All he leaves out are the boring parts." (Newsweek) Members Reviews: Who Knew This Book Would Interest Me At All? I only downloaded this book because it got such amazing ratings. I am not interested in scuba diving, in boats, in submarines or in WWII, but I was intrigued by the ratings. Boy, am I glad I didn't miss this one! What an incredible story, and it is non-fiction to boot! The story is fascinating, the men on the diving mission are fearless beyond belief and the history they uncover is staggering.

Topgun Days Audiobook by Dave "Bio" Baranek

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Dave "Bio" Baranek) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 08:39:49 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Topgun Days Subtitle: Dogfighting, Cheating Death, and Hollywood Glory as One of America's Best Fighter Jocks Author: Dave "Bio" Baranek Narrator: Jeremy Arthur Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 47 mins Language: English Release date: 02-07-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 50 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Dave Baranek (callsign "Bio") was one of 451 young men to receive his Wings of Gold in 1980 as a naval flight officer. Four years later, seasoned by intense training and deployments in the tense confrontations of the Cold War, he became the only one of that initial group to rise to become an instructor at the navy's elite Fighter Weapons School. As a Topgun instructor, Bio was responsible for teaching the navy's and Marine Corps' best fighter pilots how to be even better. He schooled them in the classroom and then went head-to-head with them in the skies. Then, in August 1985, Bio was assigned to combine his day-to-day flight duties with participation in a Pentagon-blessed project to film action footage for a major Hollywood movie focusing on the lives, loves, heartbreaks, and triumphs of young fighter pilots: Top Gun. Bio soon found himself riding in limousines to attend gala premieres, and being singled out by giggling teenagers and awed schoolboys who recognized the name "Topgun" on his T-shirts. The audiobook ends with his reflections on his career as a skilled naval aviator and his enduring love of flight. Editorial Reviews: Topgun Days: Dogfighting, Cheating Death, and Hollywood Glory as One of America's Best Fighter Jocks is a focused description of one mans exhaustive climb to the pinnacle of his career as fighter pilot. This autobiography by Dave Baranek will prove enjoyable to those generally interested in military life as well as those who wish to live vicariously through an expert fighter pilot. Baranek explains the patience and discipline required to ascend the fighter pilot career ladder. He segues into his life as role model for Hollywoods glamorized version of topguns. Assigned to create action footage for the Tom Cruise vehicle Top Gun, Baranek himself briefly becomes a pop phenomenon. Baraneks pride and sincerity can be heard in narrator Jeremy Arthurs entertaining recital. Members Reviews: Top Gun or Topgun I admit it, Ive watch Top Gun the movie over and over. I love it. So when I had to a chance to read how it was put together I jumped at it. I had no reviews to help me (I really depend on reviews) so I felt a need to write a this review. Bio (his call sign and it is in the credits I checked) our author tells us about how he learned to be a REO. A reo is the weapons officer in the back seat. Bio tells us about having to eject on a failed landing attempt. Bio relates how they study and study and study to fly those jets with such safety and menace. Top Gun the school according to Bio didnt have a trophy given to the winner of the class. Tony Scott took some liberties with that one. I think the preparation for the flights, the preparation for the teaching of the classes our author lets us know that being in a fighter jet is for in shape young men and women that are well trained and dedicated. When I listen to a book some go by real fast, and that usually means to me it was riveting. This book flew supersonic by me and of course, I did stream the movie this weekend to check the credits and see exactly what Bio was talking about. If you liked the movie this book is for you. a pretty good and accurate, balanced storytelling it was a very good book, pretty accurate, and fun. It brought back good memories, most of them accurate.

A History of the Peninsular War 1807-1809 Audiobook by Charles Oman

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Charles Oman) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 09:11:31 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A History of the Peninsular War 1807-1809 Author: Charles Oman Narrator: Felbrigg Napoleon Herriot Format: Abridged Length: 26 hrs and 55 mins Language: English Release date: 12-03-12 Publisher: FNH Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 23 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: FNH Audio presents a reading of Charles Oman's classic military history A History of the Peninsular War. In this first volume, a detailed examination is made of the first years of the war, 1807 to 1809. The campaign is examined from both sides using reference materials from British, French, Spanish, and Portuguese sources. This book covers the invasion of Spain and Napoleon's trickery in luring the Spanish crown into prison. It also features Wellington's first peninsular battle and of course the famous retreat to Corunna and the battle at that place. This history, written many years after Napier's, draws its information from more first-hand accounts and corrects some of more glaring mistakes and biases of Napier. Although this audiobook is abridged, the only text removed is a number of the non-English sections of the Appendix, namely sections one, two, three, four, and seven. All English text from the appendices is present. Members Reviews: Wonderful if you can tolerate the reader What made the experience of listening to A History of the Peninsular War 1807-1809 the most enjoyable? Well researched and presented material How could the performance have been better? If you could find someone to read the book who doesn't butcher the English language. It is cav-al-ry, not cav-ary and pam-plo-na, not pam-ploo-na. The reader continually mis-pronounces words and it is very annoying. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? No way. Couldn't tolerate but a hour or so at a time of the reader, it was very painful at times. Any additional comments? Super book, be aware of this reader related to future purchases. Where is Robertson Dean or Michael Kramer when you need them? Well researched content Unfortunately impacted by the narrator's atrocious pronouncing of French names. Is anybody reviewing these priductions before the audio release? Ignorant Reader Botches Historical Classic Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? No, because the reader's total inability to pronounce anything above third-grade vocabulary is extremely distracting. Also, it is a strange choice to have a book that takes place in Spain read by someone with absolutely no clue how to pronounce Spanish--it's so bad that you usually can't tell whom or where he is talking about. He can be funny, though: my favorite was when he rendered "suzerainty" (overlordship) as "super-zanity." What other book might you compare A History of the Peninsular War 1807-1809 to and why? "Marlborough, His Life and Times," read by a dyslexic 8-year-old. Would you be willing to try another one of Felbrigg Napoleon Herriots performances? Only if the alternative was to have my brains pulled out through my nose. If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? "Now on film, because you couldn't stand to listen to the audiobook." Any additional comments? A good book ruined by a bad reader. I want my money back. doesnt translate well into audiobook Would you recommend A History of the Peninsular War 1807-1809 to your friends? Why or why not? Yes Which scene was your favorite? Battle of Balin and Moore's retreat. Any additional comments? This is probably an excellant book but it doesnt translate well into an audiobook.

Badass: Ultimate Deathmatch Audiobook by Ben Thompson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Ben Thompson) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 20:03:30 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Badass: Ultimate Deathmatch Subtitle: Skull-Crushing True Stories of the Most Hardcore Duels, Showdowns, Fistfights, Last Stands, and Military Engagements of All Time Author: Ben Thompson Narrator: Stephen Bowlby Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 48 mins Language: English Release date: 03-12-13 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 43 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Unstoppable true stories of the most hardcore showdowns, last stands, and military engagements of all time! When only one can live, it's an ultimate deathmatch! This ain't no table tennis. You're not here to skip rope with your niece. You're here to witness the catastrophically awesome exploits of history's greatest badasses. Not only that, you're here to see what happens when badasses collide, when glory and doom hang in the balance, when two men enter one man leaves. If you dare listen, you'll hear the stories of.... Members Reviews: Good idea, Poor execution Where does Badass: Ultimate Deathmatch rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? in the middle If youve listened to books by Ben Thompson before, how does this one compare? average Any additional comments? It was a good concept; sacrificing historical accuracy for entertainment value. It's just that the s**t talking was uncreative. Aside from Standards of Literacy, It's ok LoL I say standards of literacy because I believe the book is written without thinking about grammar, language, & repetition of words... I almost feel like I'm at one of those monster truck shows because the commercials on TV remind me of the narrator. But if u break it down to the basics, the stories are true (from my small knowledge of history & looking up certain parts in Wiki the content is accurate) with decent fictional content filling up the unknown parts of the historical record. Obv. with 'Badass' in the title the word is used waaaay too much along with normal slang that I used to speak when intoxicated in college to an extent while some slang is new to me. TLC used to have a show that was similar to 'deadliest warrior' plus I love 'future weapons' & other military channel shows. This book is about 2-3 steps below that, lol, but I got it because I'd like to read a book that has multiple listings of past battles, conquests, major figures, & military campaigns. I think the author wrote 1 or 2 other books similar to this, but I would really rather read/listen to a book that is written for adults & not someone sitting on a couch watching Scarface & polishing his jewelry (JK, unfair generalization haha), but I really think it is the point of the book to be written in the 'common tongue' & 'slang' to be able to use sayings that u would never read in any book that has good literary content unless it involves a character who comes from the different demographics covered in the books language... Vulgar language, graphic violence, & descriptive scenes from sex to fighting has never bothered me, if it doesn't bother u, & u have a credit to waste, the book is worth a read at 2x speed It's like a rapper trying to give a history lesson I have always been a fan of the idea behind Badass: Take historically significant characters, then present them in a larger than life, ridiculously exaggerated fashion with mature language. It's almost like a rapper wants to give you a history lesson. I ended up laughing several times at the images that are portrayed in the book.

Gray Fox Audiobook by Burke Davis

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Burke Davis) — Fri, 03 May 2013 19:43:50 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Gray Fox Subtitle: Robert E. Lee and the Civil War Author: Burke Davis Narrator: Christopher Hurt Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 48 mins Language: English Release date: 05-03-13 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 14 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Robert E. Lee, a Christian and a gentleman, was the most remarkable man to emerge from the Civil War and is one of the greatest tragic figures of American history. Reserved and unflappable, savvy and fearless, shrewd and tenacious, fatherly and kind; these are but a few of the adjectives commonly used to describe this noble hero. By using a dramatic form of narrative and relying on numerous eyewitness accounts, Burke Davis brings Lee to life. Listening to this powerful work gives you the feeling you are there, with Lee, Jackson, and the rest. It is a rare blend of history and emotion, a book that speaks to both the mind and the heart. ©1956 by Burke Davis (P)1990 by Blackstone Audiobooks Members Reviews: Low quality recording What made the experience of listening to Gray Fox the most enjoyable? Great story about Lee. Any additional comments? Low quality recording. Even in one place, it tells you that you are the end of a cassette - I was listening on an iPhone5. Also, there was a echo - usually a delay, but once it was ahead of the actual dictation. The latter was particularly noticeable with high quality earphones.Not up to Audible's usually high quality.

Napoleon's Wars Audiobook by Charles Esdaile

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Charles Esdaile) — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:38:25 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Napoleon's Wars Subtitle: An International History, 1803-1815 Author: Charles Esdaile Narrator: Simon Prebble Format: Unabridged Length: 24 hrs and 48 mins Language: English Release date: 05-20-09 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 84 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: In the most definitive account to date, respected historian Charles Esdaile argues that the chief motivating factor for Napoleon was his insatiable desire for fame. More than a myth-busting portrait of Napoleon, however, this volume offers a panoramic view of the armed conflicts that spread so quickly out of revolutionary France to countries as remote as Sweden and Egypt. Napoleon's Wars seeks to answer the question, What was it that made the countries of Europe fight one another for so long and with such devastating results? Esdaile portrays the European battles as the consequence of rulers who were willing to take the immense risks of either fighting or supporting Napoleon---risks that resulted in the extinction of entire countries. This is history writing equal to its subject---grand and ambitious. Critic Reviews: "Deft, authoritative, often strikingly counter-intuitive, this is the definitive word on the subject." (Telegraph (London)) Members Reviews: Not bad, nor what I was expecting This book is great at what it does, but what it does is not what I hoped for. This is a broad overview of Napoleon, with a particularly detailed examination of his part in the wars that dominated Europe during the early 19th century. What it is not, disappointingly, is a narrative of the battles themselves. I had presumed, given the book's title and length, was that I was buying a detailed examination of napoleonic battlefield strategy and tactics. While I have only made it 1/3 through this work, I can confidently state that there is none of this. Instead, we hear a lot of "and then Napoleon defeated the Austrians at this spot, then they formed an alliance and defeated the Germans at that spot, etc etc." I should also point out that this book presumes a fairly extensive understanding of European geography (particularly historic geography) on the part of the reader. Without a map of current and past geographic features as a companion, this work quickly becomes inaccessible. Understanding the age and grasping the facts This well-narrated and well-written book is giving me the background I need to teach a history-and-literature series on the aftermath of the American Revolution in Europe. The narrative has helped me begin to understand the confusing complexities of the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars. Prior to this book, we read aloud and studied Unlikely Allies, The Great Upheaval, and of course Tale of Two Cities. In conjunction with it we are studying The War for All the Oceans (by Adkins) and Tolstoy's War and Peace (the latter using Audible's audiobook also). In addition, the Sharpe series by Cornwell is providing some additional relaxed level historical fiction as we read through those in order. Esdaile's narration is a pleasure to listen to. (I have a hard copy of the book but am a bit too busy now to sit down with it much, so the audio keeps me going; I drop in post-it notes at the parts I want to relate to my high schooler.) (By the way, I'm a veteran home school mother and a retired physician.

Wired for War Audiobook by P. W. Singer

biacuaduc@gmail.com (P. W. Singer) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 03:48:05 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Wired for War Subtitle: The Robotics Revolution and Conflict in the 21st Century Author: P. W. Singer Narrator: William Hughes Format: Unabridged Length: 20 hrs and 29 mins Language: English Release date: 10-14-10 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 256 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: A military expert reveals how science fiction is fast becoming reality on the battlefield, changing not just how wars are fought, but also the politics, economics, laws, and ethics that surround war itself. Singers previous books foretold the rise of private military contractors and the advent of child soldiers - predictions that have proved all too accurate. Now he explores the greatest revolution in military affairs since the atom bomb: robotic warfare. We are now seeing a massive shift in military technology that threatens to make the stuff of I, Robot and The Terminator a reality. Over seven thousand robotic systems are now in Iraq; pilots in Nevada are remotely killing terrorists in Afghanistan; scientists are debating just how smart - and lethal - to make their current prototypes; and many renowned science fiction authors are secretly consulting for the Pentagon. Blending historic evidence with interviews from the field, Singer vividly shows that as these technologies multiply, they will have profound effects on both the front lines and the politics back home. Replacing men with machines may save some lives but will lower morale and psychological barriers to killing. The warrior ethos, which has long defined soldiers identity, will erode, as will the laws of war that have governed military conflict for generations. Paradoxically, the new technology will also bring war to our doorstep. As other nations and terrorist organizations obtain their own robotic weapons, the robot revolution could undermine Americas military preeminence. While his analysis is unnerving, theres an irresistible gee-whiz quality to the innovations Singer uncovers. Critic Reviews: This book is awesome. (Jon Stewart, The Daily Show) P. W. Singer has written what is likely to be the definitive work on this subject for some timeIt is riveting and comprehensive, encompassing every aspect of the rise of military robotics, from the historical to the ethical. (Financial Times) Robotics promises to be the most comprehensive instrument of change in war since the introduction of gunpowder. (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: Target Audience Acquired This book is remarkably comprehensive, yet manages to stay fresh and compelling. The author makes every attempt to capture realistic snapshots of today's modern military and then speculates a bit into the future. The author makes a rather impressive effort to sort out all the issues that you and I don???t have any time to sort out yet ourselves. You will be impressed by what is already out there. You'll be captivated by the new frontiers for tech . You'll realize how much you didn't know. The author shares all that he found in his epic project. The only drawback to the book is that it???s difficult to walk away from it having any sense of finality about it. Perhaps the book suffers only from the same paradox it uncovers???.that the jury is still out???.that all this great technological power has yet to be made into a coherent part of our civilization. Techno-Sprawl: A Dissenting Opinion I might have given this work four stars, if others hadn't. The author has done an enormous amount of valuable reporting and brought together a big picture of many critical technical issues affecting the future of war, focusing mainly but not exclusively on robotics.

A History of Britain Audiobook by Simon Schama

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Simon Schama) — Fri, 13 Jun 2003 22:18:26 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A History of Britain Subtitle: The Fate of Empire 1776-2000, Volume 3 Author: Simon Schama Narrator: Timothy West Format: Abridged Length: 10 hrs and 58 mins Language: English Release date: 06-13-03 Publisher: Macmillan Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 34 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: The Fate of Empire is a compelling epic made more so by lively storytelling and bold character. But alongside flamboyant heroes, Schama recalls unsung heroines, like the Crimean War nurse Mary Seacole, and virtually unknown enemies like Indian Islamic Jihadi warrior Ahmadullah. And with the grand ideas, Schama also exposes the grand illusions that cost untold lives, as when India's viceroys let millions of starving Indians die. As he brings the narrative up to the present, Schama takes a hard look at ambitious post-World War II liberal dreams and analyzes what happened to them. His conclusions emerge in The Fate of Empire and reveal the living ideals of Britain's long history, "a history that tied together social justice with bloody-minded liberty." Critic Reviews: "Schama has written a delightfully readable book that should be mandatory for anyone interested in British history." (Publishers Weekly) "Schama's narrative is magnificent." (New York Times Book Review) "My literary discovery of the year...British history made so playful and seen through the eyes of today." (Los Angeles Times)

Black Hawk Down Audiobook by Mark Bowden

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Mark Bowden) — Thu, 16 Dec 1999 12:23:06 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Black Hawk Down Author: Mark Bowden Narrator: Joe Morton Format: Abridged Length: 4 hrs and 33 mins Language: English Release date: 12-16-99 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 304 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Ninety-nine elite American soldiers are trapped in the middle of a hostile city. As night falls, they are surrounded by thousands of enemy gunmen. Black Hawk Down drops you into a crowded marketplace in the heart of Mogadishu, Somalia with the U.S. Special Forces - and puts you in the middle of the most intense firefight American soldiers have fought since the Vietnam War. Award-winning literary journalist Mark Bowden's dramatic narrative captures this harrowing ordeal through the eyes of the young men who fought that day. He draws on his extensive interviews of participants from both sides - as well as classified combat video and radio transcripts - to bring their stories to life. ©1999 Mark Bowden, All Rights Reserved; (P)1999 Simon & Schuster, Inc., All Rights Reserved, AUDIOWORKS Is an Imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division, Simon & Schuster Inc. Members Reviews: Incomparable - The Best Modern War Story Available Mark Bowden's Black Hawk Down is the best story of modern war, as the subtitle calls it, I have ever read. I read the book, watched the movie and have listened to the audible audio several times. The depth and multitude of personal accounts of the battle that day in October 1994 is unbelievable. Bowden was patient and throrough in his research for this book and interviewed dozens of combatants and witnesses from both sides of the fight. His research coalesced into this masterpiece of military history that, in my opinion, should be required reading in highschools throughout the country, especially as we face the very real prospect of war on the ground in a clan dominated country once again with Iraq. The character development in this book is fleeting but ample enough to get to know many of the Rangers and Delta Force operators that fought, bled and too often died in this battle. The story of the most selfless and heroic Sergeant First Class Randy Shugart and Master Sergeant Gary Gordon coming to the aid of downed pilot Mike Durant is reason enough to listen to this book. This book allows us to honor all of the men who fought in this battle, for their courage and humanity. I highly recommend this book and suggest that you use the following web resource to supplement your listening: Black Hawk Down: An American War Story-The Original Newspaper Series Online. Mark Bowden is a writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer, where this story first appeared as a serial piece in the newspaper. This website includes maps, videos and the full text of the serialized version of the story. Listen to this book and understand fully what we may be committing our soldiers to with a new war in the streets of Baghdad on the horizon. Will the citizens of Baghdad embrace our mission to bring freedom to their streets or will they react more like the people of Mogadishu? I wish this book were available unabridged With a great book such as this one, I am always left wondering what has been omitted. Please give us the choice to hear the whole thing!! God bless all who serve! This was a very personal story as I was a friend of one of the soldiers killed. I always wondered what had really gone on and happened to cause his young life to expire. Very well written and kept me engaged to the very bitter end.

A History of Air Warfare Audiobook by John Andreas Olsen

biacuaduc@gmail.com (John Andreas Olsen) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 23:52:38 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A History of Air Warfare Author: John Andreas Olsen Narrator: Steve Van Doren Format: Unabridged Length: 20 hrs and 24 mins Language: English Release date: 11-30-10 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 31 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: This one-volume anthology provides a comprehensive analysis of the role that air power has played in military conflicts over the past century. Comprising 16 essays penned by a global cadre of leading military experts, A History of Air Warfare chronologically examines the utility of air power from World War I to the second Lebanon war, campaign by campaign. Each essay lays out the objectives, events, and key players of the conflict in question, reviews the role of air power in the strategic and operational contexts, and explores the interplay between the political framework and military operations proper. The concluding section offers wider perspectives by focusing on air and space power in both unconventional and conventional warfare from 1913 to the present. More than a simple homage to air power, A History of Air Warfare exposes air powers strengths and weaknesses and, where relevant, illuminates the challenges of joint operations and coalition warfare. Because of its critical approach, even treatment, and historical background, the book will appeal to modern warfare scholars, air power specialists, and general readers interested in military history alike. Critic Reviews: A History of Air Warfare is an epic work that captures all the essential elements that have made the airplane a dominant force in warfare. (General Charles A. Horner, USAF (Ret.)) John Olsen has assembled the best historians of air power; the result is a superb overview, indispensable to anyone interested in how the expansion of warfare into the third dimension has transformed the art of war. A first-rate work. (Eliot Cohen, Robert E. Osgood Professor of Strategic Studies, Johns Hopkins University) A History of Air Warfare isin a class of its own. Olsen and his very expert authors deliver on the promise of providing a history of air power that is both appreciatively celebrating and critical, as the record requires. No existing history even comes close to Olsen for domain, depth, and contextual analysis. (Colin S. Gray, professor of politics and international relations, University of Reading) Members Reviews: Interesting Story, poorly presented It was a bit of a struggle to get to the end of this book - but I did it. Only for the hard core military history buff. Very technical, lots of jargon. Fatally floored Would you try another book from John Andreas Olsen and/or Steve Van Doren? The subject is interesting, and is clearly & logically laid out - I didn't always agree with the various authors analyses but their arguments are both well informed & well argued. The scholarly tone of the book does make it somewhat dry, which isn't to everyone's taste, but it is clear that this book was never intended to be a collection of anecdotes, and as such was I think well presented. Would you recommend A History of Air Warfare to your friends? Why or why not? No! the fatal flaw with this book is in the choice of narrator. The following aspects of his performance served only to irritate me continually throughout the entire book: - - A smug tone by which he conveyed his obvious delight at the sound of his own voice. - His inability to pronounce a wide of words accurately or without a degree of pompous over emphasis. - His seeming boredom at having to read the book at all. I would not inflict this reading of this book on anyone!

PT-109 Audiobook by William Doyle

biacuaduc@gmail.com (William Doyle) — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 07:53:51 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: PT-109 Subtitle: JFK's Night of Destiny Author: William Doyle Narrator: David Drummond Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 37 mins Language: English Release date: 10-06-15 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 40 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: A thrilling, moment-by-moment account of one of the most famous events of World War II - the sinking of PT-109 and John F. Kennedy's heroic actions that saved his crew - and a fascinating examination of how that extraordinary episode shaped the future president's life. At 2:00 a.m. on the moonless night of August 2, 1943, US Patrol Torpedo boat PT-109, captained by Lieutenant John F. Kennedy, was struck by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri near the Solomon Islands. The American ship was cleaved in two and rocked by an explosion; two crew members died instantly; the remaining 11 survivors clung to the sinking wreckage, adrift in enemy waters. Despite injuring his back, Lt. Kennedy - towing a severely burned sailor by the strap of a life jacket - led his battered and exhausted men on a harrowing three-and-a-half mile swim to a tiny, uninhabited island. Desperate for food and water, Kennedy set off on a solo reconnaissance mission, scouting two larger islands two and a half miles away. Discovering water and coconuts, he returned for his men. For six days they lived off coconuts and kept out of sight of passing Japanese patrols until they were rescued. Drawing on new information from the American rescuers and recently released archives in both Japan and the US, PT-109 recounts this event in breathtaking detail and explores the incident's remarkable aftermath on JFK's life and legend. William Doyle reveals that while the incident transformed JFK into a war hero and helped propel him to the US Senate and the White House, the wounds he suffered during that harrowing week continued to haunt him, physically and psychologically. Members Reviews: Story is about JFK of which PT109 was a part I felt that the story had too much detail and too many names to be a good e-book. It would be more suitable for a book seen as a documentary of the history of JFK. Superb Told Story Superbly told story of John F. Kennedy in WWII and the loss of his PT boat in the Blackett Strait in 1943 in the story that became the foundation of his future political career. This is one of those books that you cant wait to get back to at the end of each day.

South Pacific Cauldron Audiobook by Alan Rems

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alan Rems) — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 19:29:10 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: South Pacific Cauldron Subtitle: World War II's Great Forgotten Battlegrounds Author: Alan Rems Narrator: Michael Prichard Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins Language: English Release date: 08-18-14 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 24 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: South Pacific Cauldron is the first complete history embracing all land, sea, and air operations in the Pacific War. Unlike most other World War II accounts, this work covers the South Pacific operations in detail. The audiobook includes many now-forgotten operations that deserve to be well remembered. Significantly, the official Australian history of World War II correctly observed that Australia's part in the Pacific war is barely mentioned in American histories. This volume finally brings the major Australian contribution to the fore. The dramatis personae could hardly be improved upon, including brilliant and imperious General Douglas MacArthur, audacious and profane Admiral William "Bull" Halsey, and bibulous and indelicate Australian General Thomas Blamey. As for the fighting men, many of their stories are captured in accounts of the actions for which they were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, Victoria Cross, and other decorations for valor. Critic Reviews: "South Pacific Cauldron is a first-rate account of the brutal and important fighting that occurred in the Solomon Islands and New Guinea during World War II....Alan Rems provides military history buffs with a fine starting point for the overlooked military operations in one of the world's most hostile environments." (Stephen R. Taaffe, author of Marshall and His Generals) Members Reviews: A little dry but informative This book was a little dry with much of it being along the lines of "unit A moved here, unit B moved there and clashed with enemy forces. The allies casualties were X and the Japenese suffered Y casualties". Much of the detail is at the strategic level and the only time you hear about anyone below a company commander is if they won an award like the Victoria Cross or Medal of Honour. If you're looking for insights into the soldiers lives then this book is not for you. If you are interested in the movements of armies, navies and air forces and insights in the decesions made by their commanders then you should give this book a go; it is packed full of information and seems very well researched. Maybe like me you will be suprised at how much fighting happened in the South Pacific besides the more well known Battle for the Coral Sea, Guadalcanal and Kokoda. I'd give this book 3.5 stars if I could. South Pacific Cauldron - Another Forgotten War I chose this book based on professionally readings and it was subject I had little knowledge on before I read the book. I think most people can tell you about battles in North Africa, Italy, France, or even the Eastern Front. However, other than the amphibious battles of the Central Pacific and the naval campaigns, there is, relatively, little discussion of the ground campaigns of the South Pacific. It is a good overview of this theater operations and I felt it was a nice primary for other readings and when I start to watch the documentary "Pacific". At the same time, I read "Once an Eagle". It is interesting the lead character commands a fictional division in the South Pacific. Disappointed Dry and monotonus, a collection of unit histories falling far short of its hype.

Awakening Victory Audiobook by Michael Silverman

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Michael Silverman) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 17:35:20 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Awakening Victory Subtitle: How Iraqi Tribes and American Troops Reclaimed Al Anbar and Defeated Al Qaeda in Iraq Author: Michael Silverman Narrator: Brian Holsopple Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 24 mins Language: English Release date: 03-29-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 2 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: In August 2006, many senior U.S. officials thought America had lost the war in Iraq, as the senior U.S. Marine Corps intelligence officer there wrote that control of al Anbar Province, the seat of the raging Sunni insurgency, was irrevocably lost to the insurgents. During that time, there were over 100 attacks per day against U.S. military and Iraqi forces in al Anbar, and al Qaeda in Iraq had planted their flag in the provincial capital, Ramadi, declaring it the capital of their new "Islamic State of Iraq". In January 2007, as a spearhead of the newly decided "Surge", the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment deployed to Ramadi as part of the 3rd Infantry Division, the first regular Army unit to deploy to Iraq for a third time. The battalion and its parent brigade went to work in a campaign that will be seen as the D-Day of the Global War on Terror. Starting by clearing al Qaeda from the city of Ramadi and replacing them with legitimate locally raised and trained Iraqi police - while simultaneously fostering the tribal movement known as the "Awakening Councils" - the brigade began to have tremendous success. By April 2007, attacks within Ramadi went from 20 per day to one or two per week. By mid-summer 2007, attacks in the entire province were down 90 percent from 2006. Furthermore, the "Awakening" had swept through the rest of Iraq, leading to the best security situation seen since 2003. The 3rd Battalion, 69th Armored, was the only battalion to participate in this campaign from start to finish. Moreover, many of the U.S. successes came directly from this units work. Awakening Victory tells the story of this incredible campaign through the eyes of the commander of the 3rd Battalion, who was right in the thick of the fight. The book also provides a description of the Iraqi insurgency - particularly al Qaeda in Iraq - that offers the depth and texture that are currently lacking in most Americans' perceptions of the war. It describes the battalions actions, including incidents previously unknown to the public, but it is not merely another blood-and-guts war story. The author uses the actions of his battalion to describe a paradigm shift that occurred, while in a totally foreign culture, yet allowed for a move from a war of bombs and bullets to one of partnership and ideas. The author, Lt. Col. Michael E. Silverman (ret) is a political scientist and historian by education and has extensive experience in both warfare and Middle Eastern affairs, including a tour as an advisor to a Saudi Arabian infantry battalion in Riyadh. Silverman served a two-year detail to the Central Intelligence Agency at their Langley headquarters between his last two tours in Iraq. There he was privy to the Directors Weekly Iraq Briefing, a working group that discussed issues on the war, many of which ultimately found their way into the Presidents Daily Briefing. Well versed in international affairs and world religions, he writes with the authority of someone who has both been blown-up by an IED and helped to shape U.S. strategic policy for the Global War on Terror. In this audiobook he describes, from the very front line, the exact turning point where the United States turned a supposedly failed war into a possibly enduring success.

The War of 1812, Conflict and Deception Audiobook by Ronald J. Drez

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Ronald J. Drez) — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 16:26:16 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The War of 1812, Conflict and Deception Subtitle: The British Attempt to Seize New Orleans and Nullify the Louisiana Purchase Author: Ronald J. Drez Narrator: Todd Curless Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 48 mins Language: English Release date: 09-08-15 Publisher: University Press Audiobooks Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 5 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Perhaps no conflict in American history is more important yet more overlooked and misunderstood than the War of 1812. At the climax of the war, inspired by the defeat of Napoleon in early 1814 and the perceived illegality of the Louisiana Purchase, the British devised a plan to launch a three-pronged attack against the Northern, Eastern, and Southern US borders. Concealing preparations for this strike by engaging in negotiations in Ghent, Britain meanwhile secretly issued orders to seize New Orleans and wrest control of the Mississippi and the lands west of the river. They further instructed British commander General Edward Pakenham not to cease his attack if he heard rumors of a peace treaty. Great Britain even covertly installed government officials within military units with the intention of immediately taking over administrative control once the territory was conquered. Far from being simply an unnecessary epilogue to the War of 1812, the Battle of New Orleans firmly secured for the United States the territory acquired through the Louisiana Purchase. Drez offers a compelling account of this pivotal moment in American history. The book is published by Louisiana State University Press. Critic Reviews: "Ron Drez has written the single most important book on the Battle of New Orleans. His prodigious research pays off big. For the first time we understand the magnitude of Andrew Jackson's grand moment. A terrific read!" (Douglas Brinkley, author of The Wilderness Warrior) "With the riveting narrative skill and psychological insight of the most passionate thriller writer, Drez takes us on an unforgettable excursion into the American past that shines the light of his prodigious research onto the intricately entangled political and military issues behind one of the most pivotal - and least understood - wars in American history." (Kenneth Atchity, former Fulbright professor of American Studies to the University of Bologna) Members Reviews: A thorough defense of the 1812 war The 1812 war has been described as a useless conflict with no distinct victor. This well researched book show the error of this conclusion and points to the impact of victory to the United States and in particular the territory of the Louisiana purchase. The reading is somewhat monotone but acceptable for non fiction. Excellent! Best history book that I have read. Well researched The only drawback was the narrator lacked (Audible version) emotion.

The Battle of Leyte Gulf: The Last Fleet Action Audiobook by H. P. Willmott

biacuaduc@gmail.com (H. P. Willmott) — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:41:29 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Battle of Leyte Gulf: The Last Fleet Action Subtitle: Twentieth-Century Battles Author: H. P. Willmott Narrator: Jim Seitz Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 12 mins Language: English Release date: 03-17-15 Publisher: University Press Audiobooks Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 38 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: The Battle of Leyte Gulf - October 22-28, 1944 - was the greatest naval engagement in history. In fact the battle was four separate actions, none of which were fought in the Gulf itself, and the result was the destruction of Japanese naval power in the Pacific. This book is a detailed and comprehensive account of the fighting from both sides. It provides the context of the battle, most obviously in terms of Japanese calculations and the search for "a fitting place to die" and "the chance to bloom as flowers of death." Using Japanese material never previously noted in western accounts, H.P. Willmott provides new perspectives on the unfolding of the battle and very deliberately seeks to give readers a proper understanding of the importance of this battle for American naval operations in the following month. This careful interrogation of the accounts of "the last fleet action" is a significant contribution to military history. Winner, Society for Military history Distinguished Book Award. Members Reviews: Analytical history, told with gravitas Would you consider the audio edition of The Battle of Leyte Gulf: The Last Fleet Action to be better than the print version? Absolutely, Jim Seitz' voice lends pacing and gravity to the necessarily analytic account of an immensely complex battle. What does Jim Seitz bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? Pacing, interest, and gravity. Willmott paints his picture with facts, showing the mechanics and inevitability of a large, diverse and complex set of actions. The consistent, accurate and never tiring narrative voice of Jim Seitz gives a welcome path through this densely argued account.He takes it out of the academy and brings it home. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? No, and the deep firm storytelling voice of Jim Seitz provides a stable re-entry point at each listening. If you love Military History, you'll love this! What did you love best about The Battle of Leyte Gulf: The Last Fleet Action? The Battle of Leyte Gulf is a fact filled volume detailing not only this particular battle, but Naval and WW2 history as well. Any additional comments? I believe the narrator did a fine job sorting out the many facts and figures that fill the beginning of the account. His delivery of the story was similar to that of a college professor dispensing his knowledge and passion about events that shaped this world. Helpful narration of a difficult book Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not? If I had a friend who was a serious student of WWII naval history, and who was eager for the most minute detail, I would recommend this book. If a person wants a good story about this episode of the war, they would have to look elsewhere. How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable? I don't think the intent of the book was to be enjoyable. This is a heavily detailed book that tries to give a definitive account of the various aspects of the Battle of Leyte Gulf. If I wanted an enjoyable account of this history, I would have to choose a book with a different intent. Which scene was your favorite? N.A. If this book were a movie would you go see it? N.A. Any additional comments? The narrator seems to be very attuned to the gravity of the book and the detail of the story.

Great Battles of the Ancient World Audiobook by The Great Courses

biacuaduc@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 20:22:30 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Great Battles of the Ancient World Author: The Great Courses Narrator: Professor Garrett G. Fagan Format: Original Recording Length: 12 hrs and 16 mins Language: English Release date: 07-08-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 271 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Forget Hollywood's portrayal of violence and mayhem in ancient warfare and find out what the ancient battles were really like. What were the weapons, tactics, armor, training, and logistics? What were the crucial factors that could turn the tide of battle, giving one side victory and the other defeat? In 24 exciting lectures, Professor Fagan introduces you to the many fateful battles that became crucibles of history: the fearsome clash between the Athenians and the invading Persian army at the Marathon, Alexander the Great's crushing hammer-and-anvil tactics against the Persians at Gaugemela, and the Roman mastery of siege warfare at the Jewish fortress of Masada. Encompassing the region from Mesopotamia to western Europe-including Egypt and Northern Africa-this course charts the development of warfare from prehistoric times and examines battles and warfare from the city-states of early Sumer to the fearsome Assyrian war machine, the Greeks' distinctive form of combat, the Persian invasions, and the legions of Rome, which evolved brutally effective tactics that gained them dominion over the entire Mediterranean basin. Although the battles you study were fought long ago, considerable controversy exists among contemporary historians. Professor Fagan presents contending theories without losing sight of the grim realities of war, and the many millions who have died on the battlefields. "We owe it to them," he concludes, "and to the thousands who continue to perish in our planet's wars, to understand as fully as possible what it was that killed them. If this course has advanced its audience's comprehension of war even a little, then it has amply fulfilled its purpose." PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: A Series of Violent Episodes Create a Whole Would you listen to Great Battles of the Ancient World again? Why? This course presents a unique look at ancient history by focusing on key battles. The context of the battle is established and its conduct and outcome discussed in detail. While this is a series of episodes, Professor Fagan makes it a whole story. The battles are presented in a narrative of the emerging civilizations and empires of the ancient world. This ties them together so you can see how they affected the course of history. The detail on strategy, tactics, and armaments is excellent. The descriptions are complete. There is never a dry moment. What about Professor Garrett G. Fagans performance did you like? With a wonderful speaking style, Professor Fagan pulls you into the story and makes you see the scenes he describes. Excellent! Would you consider the audio edition of Great Battles of the Ancient World to be better than the print version? Haven't read the printed version. What did you like best about this story? The Presentation, the Professor Fagan is truly a great at what he does. What about Professor Garrett G. Fagans performance did you like? His knowledge, his presentation, and his objectivism. If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? I wish I was in this classroom :P Any additional comments? If there is only one issue I would take with this is his lack of descriptions of various weapons and how they were likely used in the battles he presented.

Dead Men Flying Audiobook by Patrick Henry Brady, Meghan Brady Smith

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Patrick Henry Brady) — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 16:57:35 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Dead Men Flying Subtitle: Victory in Viet Nam: The Legend of Dust Off: America's Battlefield Angels Author: Patrick Henry Brady, Meghan Brady Smith Narrator: Jeremy Arthur Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins Language: English Release date: 02-12-14 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 47 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Viet Nam may be the only war we ever fought, or perhaps that was ever fought, in which the heroism of the American soldier was accompanied by humanitarianism unmatched in the annals of warfare. And the humanitarianism took place during the heat of the battle. The GI fixed as he fought, he cured and educated and built in the middle of the battle. He truly cared for, and about, those people. What other Army has ever done that? Humanitarianism was America's great victory in Viet Nam. Spearheading the humanitarian efforts were the air ambulance operations, call-sign Dust Off, the most dangerous of all aviation operations, which rescued some one million souls in Viet Nam. Dead Men Flying is the story of Charles Kelly, the father of Dust Off, who gave his life to save Dust Off - the greatest life-saver ever. His dying words - "When I have your wounded" - set the standard for combat medicine to this day. It is also the story of the author, Medal of Honor recipient General Patrick Brady, who learned from Charles Kelly and struggled to meet his standard. Brady led the 54th Medical Detachment as it rescued over 21,000 wounded - enemy and friendly - in 10 months, while sustaining 26 Purple Hearts. Finally, Dead Men Flying is the story of salvation in the midst of horror, courage in the face of adversity, and the miracle of faith in the heat of combat. A riveting tale from America's most decorated living soldier, this is a book that no American can afford to ignore. Members Reviews: Thank you Thank you Mr. Brady for telling the story of these brave men who saved the lives of so many. I remember my father telling me stories about his time is Viet Nam, the good and the bad. This book sets next to the helmet worn by Lester "Budda" Shadrick. It was his hard head that saved him. I love you dad and think of you everyday. Courage beyond definition. The American soldier, unique amount all nations. This story exemplifies courage, faith, loyalty, determination, persistence, valor, brotherly love, sacrifice, the list could go on for pages. There are very few men like the American soldier. They are maligned, forgotten, mistreated, taken for granted, unsung, yet they continue to do their jobs and continue to exemplify who America is at its core even when asked to walk into the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Good story ruined by author need to trash others What would have made Dead Men Flying better? This was a great and important story that was ruined for me by the authors injection of politics and religion. His hatred for atheists, politicians and the media really distracts for what is an interesting and missing story. He accuses atheists for killing his pets and blames the media for the poor treatment vets received coming home. I would have prefered to hear more of what his fellow pilots thought about the events in the book. His disrespect for "HQ types" wears thin after about an hour in - especially when you consider he retired as a major general. His complaints about how other units operate - followed by "but they had good pilots" is particularly ironic since it mirrors the frequent media treatment of military issues. His nice words about Bob Hope struck me as particularly hollow - since I knew Mr.

Give Me Tomorrow Audiobook by Patrick K. ODonnell

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Patrick K. ODonnell) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 21:12:34 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Give Me Tomorrow Subtitle: The Korean Wars Greatest Untold Story - The Epic Stand of the Marines of George Company Author: Patrick K. ODonnell Narrator: Lloyd James Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 10 mins Language: English Release date: 11-02-10 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 245 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: If I were God, what would you want for Christmas? With a thousand-yard stare, a haggard and bloodied marine looked incredulously at the war correspondent who asked him this question. In an answer that took almost forever, the marine responded, Give me tomorrow. After nearly four months of continuous and bloody combat in Korea, such a wish seemed impossible. For many of the men of George Company, or Bloody George - one of the Forgotten Wars most decorated yet unrecognized companies - this would be their last day. This is the epic story of George Company, Spartans for the modern age. After storming ashore at Inchon and fighting house-to-house in Seoul, Americas last reserve unit found itself on the frozen tundra of the Chosin Reservoir facing an entire division of Chinese troops. Little did this small band of men - green troops who had been rushed through training to bring fresh forces to the war - know they would soon be saviors. This is their story, and it will never again be forgotten. Critic Reviews: ODonnells storytelling is superbEach page resonates with authenticity. (Col. Dick Camp (ret.), author of Operation Phantom Fury) George Companys performance at Chosin Reservoir practically defines heroism. ODonnell brings it to vivid life. (Kirkus Reviews) Members Reviews: The boys of Summer Camp.Amazing!! I would add to the other 5 star comments three things. One, ODonnell takes time to deliver both the Macro and Micro, detailing interesting behind the scene events. Second, the book is concise and delivers quite the punch for its shorter length. Lastly, ODonnell really gets ithaving spent time with our Marries writing about the battle of FallujahI feel he delivers the unique imagethe unbelievable hardship and difficulty faced in the Korean War. And to think some of these great men had, on top of the nightmare conditions in Koreafaced epic difficulties in the Pacific fighting the Japanese! Wow... just amazing!!!! Good purchase This book tells the story of a Marine platoon, during the Korean War. What makes this book interesting is that we rarely hear stories from this war. The book describes what the men had to endure. Reminiscent of the Battle of Bulge, the struggle and triumph makes this book worth reading. Good book I have read several books on the Korean War. I particular like Martin Ross's " Break Out ", " The Last Stand of Fox Company ", " Colder than Hell " all dealing with the First Marine's breakout from the Chosin Reservior. It is really hard to believe the small unit acton displayed from George Company in and around Hagaru after being mauled on their trip from Koto-ri. Give Me Tomorrow O'Donnell wrote a straight forward history story of George company. The battle scene of the charging Chinese reminded me of the 1959 movie "Pork Chop Hill". Lloyd James did a good job of reading this as a fast pace action story. Enjoyed the comments on Chesty Puller, the most decorated marine in the history of the Corp. The cold and mistakes of the high command made the early part of the Koren war difficult for the Marines but they did over come it all. George Company-- Chosin Reservoir-the Korean War I have absolutely no complaints with this book, but I cannot give it more than three stars. It is a war book.

Ships of Oak, Guns of Iron Audiobook by Ronald Utt

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Ronald Utt) — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 19:37:52 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Ships of Oak, Guns of Iron Subtitle: The War of 1812 and the Forging of the American Navy Author: Ronald Utt Narrator: Stephen W. Davis Format: Unabridged Length: 20 hrs and 21 mins Language: English Release date: 07-23-14 Publisher: Regnery Publishing Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 34 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: The War of 1812 is typically noted for a handful of events: the burning of the White House, the rise of the Star Spangled Banner, and the battle of New Orleans. But in fact the greatest consequence of that distant conflict was the birth of the U.S. Navy. During the War of 1812, America's tiny fleet took on the mightiest naval power on earth, besting the British in a string of victories that stunned both nations. In his new audiobook Ships of Oak and Guns of Iron: The War of 1812 and the Birth of the American Navy, author Dr. Ronald Utt not only sheds new light on the naval battles of the War of 1812 and how they gave birth to our nation's great navy, but tells the story of the War of 1812 through the portraits of famous American war heroes. From the cunning Stephen Decatur to the fierce David Porter, Ships of Oak and Guns of Iron relates how thousands of American men and boys gave better than they got against the British Navy. The great age of fighting sail is as rich in heroic drama as any epoch. Dr. Utt's Ships of Oak and Guns of Iron retrieves the American chapter of that epoch from unjustified obscurity, and offers listeners an intriguing chronicle of the War of 1812 as well as a unique perspective on the birth of the U.S. Navy. Members Reviews: Mediocre - do not recommend What would have made Ships of Oak, Guns of Iron better? book is mostly quotes from other books - lacks original research and ideas in my opinion How did the narrator detract from the book? Narrator cannot pronounce place and people names correctly - painful to listen to. What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment? dissapointing... Any additional comments? I have read numerous books on this period. There are a lot of better choices out there. Narrator needs pronunciation coach What did you love best about Ships of Oak, Guns of Iron? interesting story of the romantic age of sail; this is the stuff that 'Master and Commander' only emulates How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable? found a narrator who knows how to pronounce nautical terms Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Stephen W. Davis? uncertain, Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you? story of Steven Decatur and the capture of the Macedonian Outstanding book One of the best written and informative books I've come across about the War of 1812. Written in a captivating and steadily interesting way, and the narrator did an exceptional job as well, slight mispronouncing aside. Overall it's easily fallen in as one of my favorites. Great story. Great narrator, Editor was asleep on the job The story was great and informative. The narrator was good however couple of pronounciation issues which resulted in Carthaginian ship in 1814 instead of Catagenian. The glaring issue is a few moments where it sounded like the story was skipping a couple of words when in actuality they are breaks that were supposed to be edited out. Otherwise truly issues are minor and enjoyed the history and perspectives being shared. reader needs to learn how to pronounce words The narrator did not know how to properly pronounce many key words. If a place name appears once or twice, okay, maybe that is excusable. but when it's a key place like Lake Champlain get it right. he did not. his strange pronunciation.

Leningrad Audiobook by Anna Reid

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Anna Reid) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 20:51:03 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Leningrad Subtitle: The Epic Siege of World War II, 1941-1944 Author: Anna Reid Narrator: Peter Drew Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs Language: English Release date: 03-26-13 Publisher: Audible Studios for Bloomsbury Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 73 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: On September 8, 1941, 11 weeks after Hitler's brutal surprise attack on the Soviet Union, Leningrad was surrounded. The German siege was not lifted for two and a half years, by which time some three quarters of a million Leningraders had died of starvation. Stripping away decades of Soviet propaganda, and drawing on newly available diaries and government records, Anna Reid chronicles the Nazis' deliberate decision to starve Leningrad into surrender, the incompetence and cruelty of the Soviet war leadership, the horrors experienced by soldiers on the front lines, and, above all, the ordeal of life in the blockaded city. Leningrad tackles a raft of unanswered questions: Was the size of the death toll as much the fault of Stalin as of Hitler? Why didn't the Germans capture the city? Why didn't it collapse into anarchy? What decided who lived and who died? Impressive in its originality and literary style, Leningrad gives voice to the dead and throws new light on one of the twentieth century's greatest calamities. Members Reviews: Very Good Look at the History We Were Not Taught I am convinced from reading several history books about Russia lately that without the Soviet Union, Hitler may have been more successful. He would not have won, but had Hitler maintained the alliance rather than violate it, the world would be a different place today. The siege of Leningrad was a horribly grim piece of history. The Soviet Union gave the city virtually no support. The city was on its own. Food ran out. Hundreds of thousands died. No wonder the Russian people are so tough. They had nearly a century of oppressive rule after their centuries of oppressive rule. They beat Napoleon and Hitler but not their own leaders and system. The book is a little choppy to follow. But, unlike the Rape of Nanking, it is not so grossly graphic that you cannot bear to listen to it. I highly recommend this book. Well done on all fronts. Heart wrenching This is Item #1 in the indictment of the human race, focusing on the misery that results from struggles regarding greed, power, lunacy, and the gullibility of the powerless. Sad. So sad. I continually overlapped already heard sections because I didn't want to miss a breath. A truth at last revealed. What did you love best about Leningrad? The eye-witness accounts. What did you like best about this story? The whole idea. Not much is known about the siege in the West. Would you listen to another book narrated by Peter Drew? I might. If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? The Battle between Darkness and Light. Any additional comments? None.

To Kingdom Come Audiobook by Robert J. Mrazek

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Robert J. Mrazek) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 07:44:47 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: To Kingdom Come Subtitle: An Epic Saga of Survival in the Air War Over Germany Author: Robert J. Mrazek Narrator: David Drummond Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 41 mins Language: English Release date: 03-01-11 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 30 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: On September 6, 1943, 338 B-17 "Flying Fortresses" of the American Eighth Air Force took off from England, bound for Stuttgart, Germany, to bomb Nazi weapons factories. Dense clouds obscured the targets, and one commander's critical decision to circle three times over the city---and its deadly flak---would prove disastrous. Forty-five planes went down that day, and hundreds of men were lost or missing. Focusing on first-person accounts of six of the B-17 airmen, award-winning author Robert J. Mrazek vividly re-creates the fierce air battle and reveals the astonishing valor of the airmen who survived being shot down---and the tragic fate of those who did not. Members Reviews: 38 Planes Were Sent Out. Only 2 Returned. What did you love best about To Kingdom Come? The battle descriptions. What did you like best about this story? The weaving of many lives into one mission. What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike? The narrator will drive you nuts at first, but stick with it. His style really works in the combat sequences. Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? The combat sequences had a profound affect on me. Any additional comments? The book takes some time to get going. Like the squadrons of Boeings forming over England, the characters are gathered in a large intro to the fateful mission. Keep with it. What these men went through deserves patience. I felt a kinship with these boys This story is so well told. It is personal and touching, while still being historically accurate. I LOVED and cherished the "rest of the story" at the end, giving us a glimpse of what the boys went through after the war. An important story As the last veterans of World War II pass away, their stories are disappearing. This is a sad thing, because it is in the personal stories of important events that we can truly learn history that affects us. Robert Mrazek's book conveys this history in a compelling fashion that makes it possible for 21st century Americans to relive the experiences of the young men of the Eighth Air Force during their time of trial in Europe. The personal touch Mrazek brings to each story manages to convey it at all scales from grand strategy to the happenings in individual planes. It's difficult to span this wide a scale, but Mrazek does it skillfully. In the interests of full disclosure, Ray Theodore Wilken, one of the men Mrazek follows through the raid was my biological grandfather, so I had a reason to read this book. Doing so has taught me more about my own family history and the histories of the men linked to Ted by their joint service, and the German fighter ace who killed him. Respect! This is a story well told with insightful details on the personal lives of the men who fought and their families at home. The author provides a great review of the risks and sacrifices to the French Resistance assumed in fighting the Germans and protecting the American servicemen. Good Book - I recommend it. Painful narration The narrator killed this book, but the writer got the assist. The sentence structure of every passage was rigid and repetetive. The narrator used this crazy repetitve cadence for the sentences. Skip this one, it was like paying to listen to finger nails on a chalk board.

War Dogs Audiobook by Rebecca Frankel

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Rebecca Frankel) — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 16:11:60 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: War Dogs Subtitle: Tales of Canine Heroism, History, and Love Author: Rebecca Frankel Narrator: Tanya Eby Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins Language: English Release date: 12-31-14 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 26 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: In War Dogs, Rebecca Frankel offers a riveting mix of on-the-ground reporting, her own hands-on experiences in the military working dog world, and a look at the science of dogs' special abilities - from their amazing noses and powerful jaws to their enormous sensitivity to the emotions of their human companions. The history of dogs in the U.S. military is long and rich, from the spirit-lifting mascots of the Civil War to the dogs who lead patrols hunting for IEDs today. Frankel interviewed not only handlers who deployed with dogs in wars from Vietnam to Iraq but also top military commanders, K-9 program managers, combat-trained therapists who brought dogs into war zones as part of a preemptive measure to stave off PTSD, and veterinary technicians stationed in Bagram. She makes a passionate case for maintaining a robust war-dog force. In a post-9/11 world rife with terrorist threats, nothing is more effective than a bomb-sniffing dog and his handler. With a compelling cast of humans and animals, this moving audiobook is a must-listen for all dog lovers-military and otherwise. Critic Reviews: "Military aficionados as well as dog lovers will learn from and enjoy from this study of canine commandos and the service people who count on them." ( Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: Dogs good; story not so much Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not? Part of the time. Story began repeating on itself, so it got kind of boring after about Chapter 4. Would you recommend War Dogs to your friends? Why or why not? It might be a good read for someone who has not read a lot about dogs. What aspect of Tanya Ebys performance would you have changed? She didn't do a very good job with male voices, particularly in battle scenes where things got intense. If this book were a movie would you go see it? No; I don't think it has the makings for a movie. Any additional comments? The story was a bit disjointed throughout. Jumping back and forth between the Gulf war, Vietnam, and WW I and II. Good read & very enjoyable I got this book out of curiosity and found it both interesting and moving at times. Good narration and engaging story. Good book Good story but dry narrarator Great story about our military and the special forces they use Good stories but I wanted more So, after reading the reviews I thought this would be a good book to listen to on a long trip. While I thought the stories were interesting, I found it to be more of a history lesson than anything else. There were times that I almost dozed and I was driving! The stories about handler and dog were interesting and poignant and sad but nary a tear was shed. And I cry when my dogs are constipated. I was hoping it would grip me the way Love From Bagdad did. Three stars.

War and the Art of Governance Audiobook by Nadia Schadlow

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Nadia Schadlow) — Tue, 16 May 2017 19:59:14 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: War and the Art of Governance Subtitle: Consolidating Combat Success into Political Victory Author: Nadia Schadlow Narrator: Robin Rowan Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins Language: English Release date: 05-16-17 Publisher: University Press Audiobooks Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 5 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Success in war ultimately depends on the consolidation of political order. Nadia Schadlow argues that the steps needed to consolidate a new political order are not separate from war. They are instead an essential component of war and victory. The challenge of governance operations did not start with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The US Army's involvement in the political and economic reconstruction of states has been central to all its armed conflicts from large-scale conventional wars to so-called irregular or counterinsurgency wars. Yet, US policymakers and military leaders have failed to institutionalize lessons on how to consolidate combat gains into desired political outcomes. War and the Art of Governance examines 15 historical cases of US Army military interventions, from the Mexican War through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Improving future outcomes will require US policymakers and military leaders to accept that plans, timelines, and resources must be shaped to reflect this reality before they intervene in a conflict, not after things go wrong. The book is published by Georgetown University Press. Critic Reviews: "In this critically crafted must-read before we enter another war, Dr. Schadlow lays out the post-combat challenges...persuasively charting what history tells us is required for our military victories to achieve a better peace." (James Mattis, US Secretary of Defense) "Quite simply, this is a timely and brilliant book." (David Johnson, Modern War Institute at West Point adjunct professor, Georgetown University) "A must-read for anyone who wants to understand the underlying failures of the last 15 years and wants those searing experiences to better position US strategy in the future." (Frank Hoffmann, author of Decisive Force: The American Way of War) Members Reviews: âIt is an opprobrious waste of lives if nothing better results." Yogi Berra once pointed out, "In theory, theory should work in practice. In practice, it doesn't!" Nowhere does this truism apply more than in the mistaken theory espoused by both military and civilian leaders that the job of the military ends when the shooting stops. In "War and the Art of Governance", Nadia Schadlow does a masterful job of detailing the long history of American failures and successes in consolidating âcombat gains into desired political outcomes.â With each of the 15 examples Dr. Schadlow cites, beginning with the Mexican-American War, through to Iraq and Afghanistan, she addresses how the ever-present debate and angst over the role of the military versus the role of civilian authority in establishing post-conflict order typically cause (i) a failure to adequately plan for the âday after,â (ii) a lack of adequate resources to conduct such activities, (iii) a lack of unity of command, (iv) the lack of a cadre of people trained to execute such objectives and (v) a lack of retention of lessons learned and general expertise. The author acknowledges the theoretical concerns on both sides of the military/civilian authority debate, but points out, in case after case, that no other organization but the Army has the capacity, structure and understanding of the domain to map an organizationally seamless transition to a post-conflict stabilization. With respect to the current wars in which the U.S.

Brotherhood of Heroes Audiobook by Bill Sloan

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Bill Sloan) — Mon, 01 Aug 2005 11:51:40 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Brotherhood of Heroes Subtitle: The Marines at Peleliu, 1944 Author: Bill Sloan Narrator: Patrick Lawlor Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 48 mins Language: English Release date: 08-01-05 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 157 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Misled by poor intelligence, the 9,000 Marine infantry-men who landed on Peleliu's beaches found themselves facing 11,000 Japanese who had turned the island into an intricate network of caves and underground fortifications unrivaled in the history of warfare. Sloan's gripping narrative seamlessly weaves together the experiences of the men who were there, producing a vivid and unflinching look at the nightmare that was Peleliu-a ferocious melee of non-stop infantry attacks, hand-to-hand combat, flame-thrower assaults, and night skirmishes, many in temperatures that topped 115 degrees. With casualties in some infantry units averaging more than sixty percent, Peleliu is the bloodiest battle in the Corps' history. Surprisingly, Peleliu received little public notice back in the States even as it was being fought and was virtually forgotten after the war. At last rectifying this historical injustice, Brother of Heroes will stand with Ghost Soldiers and Flags of Our Fathers as a modern classic in military history as a riveting read. Members Reviews: Great combat narrative As a lifelong armchair soldier, I'm a great fan of good, eyewitness style war narratives. This is a well written, well researched war story. The author first introduces the various Marines who will become the subject matter of the story. The listener then experiences the vicious struggle on Peleliu alongside these great men. The death and suffering are described without any attempt to soften the punch. Although the book delves into the reasons for the Peleliu operation and whether it was even necessary, the main thrust of the book is the personal accounts of the soldiers who were there. The best compliment I can give this book is that, as advertised, it really is as compelling as the brilliant "Band of Brothers". Flawed and Plodding A book about historical events can go the direction of being authoritative - putting every detail into the volume, or it can attempt to be readable and entertaining by conveying the essence of the details seen through the eyes of a few participants. Unfortunately, this book does neither well. The author continuously throws out names without allowing the reader to empathize or familiarize with anyone. When Marines are killed in foxholes adjacent to central figures, their names are given as if this books is the official record. While this is commendable for after-action reports, it makes for boring reading. By the end of the book it felt as if the author was trying to mention every Marine who took apart in the battle, interesting or not. What makes this worse is the terrible narration. When reading the voices of individual Marines, the narrator has an ensemble of comical accents but seems to forget mid-sentence that he's using a specific accent, so the result is a mish-mash of partial drawls within the same quote marks. The overall voice of the narrator is not suited for the material and in fact is prone to cause drowsiness rather than excitement in the material. Unfortunately this book will likely only be of interest to families of Marines who participated in the battle or in hardcore history buffs who want to count the foxholes. Amazing Story of Courage, Not as Well Written This story is a good one and outlines the courage and tenacity of some real heroes.

The Honor Was Mine Audiobook by Elizabeth Heaney

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Elizabeth Heaney) — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 04:02:37 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Honor Was Mine Subtitle: A Look Inside the Struggles of Military Veterans Author: Elizabeth Heaney Narrator: Joyce Bean Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins Language: English Release date: 09-06-16 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 22 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: A young combat veteran hides in his closet under a pile of clothes on bad nights. Another, home for five days, can't figure out how to talk to his wife. And a commander's spouse recounts the soul-draining effect of attending nearly one hundred memorial services... When therapist Elizabeth Heaney left her private practice to counsel military service members and their families, she came face-to-face with unheard-of struggles and fears. Emotions run deeply - and often silently - in the hearts of combat veterans in this eye-opening portrait of the complex, nuanced lives of service personnel, who return from battling the enemy and grapple with readjusting to civilian life. Presenting the soldiers' stories - told in their own words - as well as her own story of change, Heaney offers an intimate perspective, not of war itself but of its emotional aftermath. Some of these stories scrape the bone; others are hopeful, even comical. Every one reveals the sacrifices of those on the front lines and the courage, grace, and honor with which they serve. Members Reviews: "The Honor Was Mine" was years in the making, ... "The Honor Was Mine" was years in the making, and the author has made every year count. She has captured both her own growth and the heart-wrenching experiences of the modern day soldier with clarity and exquisite prose. As the daughter of a West Pointer and career Army officer and a friend to many who have served today but don't talk about it, I am deeply grateful that Heaney has found a way to express their universal experiences with candor, discretion, and compassion. I am recommending this to every veteran I know. Thank you, Ms. Heaney, and bravo! Taking those first steps togther towards healing. Elizabeth Heaney has given us an honest and heart wrenching insight into the every day struggles of service men and women returning from their experience of war. In the pages of this well written account of their stories, she also tells her own story of transformation as she take that first step with them on the path towards healing their invisible wounds. I want to read and learn more about the subject. I hope there is book # two in the works! T. Adams Changing My Mind I thought being antiwar meant being antimilitarism. This meant anti soldier too. The Honor Was Mine changed my thinking, I'm still against war unless our country is threatened or genoide occurs, but now through this profound book the true courage it takes to being in the Services mean just that. Being of service. The struggles these men and women and families endure are extreme, sometimes full of pride, sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes both. The author does a great job educating knee jerk ignorance and stereotypical opinions, especially mine. Thank you for that. An eye opening view of PTSD To some it might be a bit boring but the message is clear. Many military service members, their families and friends and relatives go through hell during times of conflict. Many require a shoulder to lean on or an ear to listen to there stress. As a 20 year military retiree (Air Force) I wasn't aware of the civilian councilors that were/are available. My service, largely not involving stressful situations - although I did have a few hairy moments - was probably the reason.

The Malaria Project Audiobook by Karen M. Masterson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Karen M. Masterson) — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 03:35:48 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Malaria Project Subtitle: The U.S. Government's Secret Mission to Find a Miracle Cure Author: Karen M. Masterson Narrator: Kimberly Farr Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 39 mins Language: English Release date: 10-07-14 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 18 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: A fascinating and shocking historical exposé, The Malaria Project is the story of America's secret mission to combat malaria during World War II - a campaign modeled after a German project which tested experimental drugs on men gone mad from syphilis. American war planners, foreseeing the tactical need for a malaria drug, recreated the German model, then grew it tenfold. Quickly becoming the biggest and most important medical initiative of the war, the project tasked dozens of the countrys top research scientists and university labs to find a treatment to remedy half a million U.S. troops incapacitated by malaria. Spearheading the new U.S. effort was Dr. Lowell T. Coggeshall, whose persistent drive and curiosity led him to become one of the most innovative thinkers in solving the malaria problem. He recruited private corporations and the nations best chemists out of Harvard and Johns Hopkins to make novel compounds that skilled technicians tested on birds. Giants in the field of clinical research, including the future NIH director James Shannon, then tested the drugs on mental health patients and convicted criminals - including infamous murderer Nathan Leopold. By 1943, a dozen strains of malaria brought home in the veins of sick soldiers were injected into these human guinea pigs for drug studies. After hundreds of trials and many deaths, they found their "magic bullet", but not in a U.S. laboratory. America 's best weapon against malaria, still used today, was captured in battle from the Nazis. Called chloroquine, it went on to save more lives than any other drug in history. Karen M. Masterson, a journalist turned malaria researcher, uncovers the complete story behind this dark tale of science, medicine, and war. Illuminating, riveting and surprising, The Malaria Project captures the ethical perils of seeking treatments for disease while ignoring the human condition. Members Reviews: the greatest scourge in human history Karen Masterson's book is a fascinating read, a deep dive into the lively history of the U.S. government's efforts to discover a wonder cure for malaria, the greatest scourge in human history. The section on how research into a cure for malaria led, almost accidentally, to a partially effective treatment for syphilis is a real-life page-turner. The careful descriptions of malaria research in the Nazi death camps versus U.S programs using prisoners is a compelling tale in shades of dark gray. But the most important part of Masterson's book is her conclusion: that the search for a miracle cure, while it has real value, is in the end less vital than the real answer, which is economic development. That is, to cure malaria, the answer is not a pill or a shot, but reasonable housing and sound land and water practices. As malaria (and, to a lesser extent, its more shocking distant cousin, ebola) continue to ravage the world, Masterson's thoughtful book offers that lesson to all who want to address the problem. Get the word out: this is a great book! Absolutely first rate. A fascinating medical drama involving dozens of complex, devoted, sometimes bristling personalities struggling to tame a disease that crippled whole societies and emasculated whole armies while the world was at war.

MacArthur at War Audiobook by Walter R. Borneman

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Walter R. Borneman) — Tue, 10 May 2016 12:32:25 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: MacArthur at War Subtitle: World War II in the Pacific Author: Walter R. Borneman Narrator: David Baker Format: Unabridged Length: 19 hrs and 35 mins Language: English Release date: 05-10-16 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 41 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: The definitive account of General Douglas MacArthur's rise during World War II, from the author of the best seller The Admirals. World War II changed the course of history. Douglas MacArthur changed the course of World War II. Macarthur at War goes deeper into this transformative period of his life than previous biographies, drilling into the military strategy that Walter R. Borneman is so skilled at conveying and exploring how personality and ego translate into military successes and failures. Architect of stunning triumphs and inexplicable defeats, General MacArthur is the most intriguing military leader of the 20th century. There was never any middle ground with MacArthur. This in-depth study of the most critical period of his career shows how MacArthur's influence spread far beyond the war-torn Pacific. Critic Reviews: "More than any other book I have read, MacArthur at War gives readers a unique portrait of the great general with his almost incredible combination of admirable and detestable qualities. Nearly as important are the insights into unflappable General George C. Marshall, who managed MacArthur's gifts and flaws to wrest victory from near defeat in a global war." (Thomas Fleming, author of The New Dealers' War: FDR and the War Within World War II) Members Reviews: An interesting, but flawed, history I believed when I first saw this book that it concerned itself with MacArthurs military actions during World War II and I assumed it to be an analysis of how he fought his campaigns, the setbacks and successes and his military approach. While some of that is covered that is not what this book is primarily about. Instead this book spends a great deal of time discussing MacArthurs failing - his tendency to exaggerate his problems, his imperiousness and mild paranoia and his grandstanding. Very little time is spent analyzing his military successes although considerable time is spent doing so with his failures. Anyone who has read about Douglas MacArthur knows that he was a complex and varied person - part military strategist, part self promoter, part actor and always very ambitious, and the same can be said of other colorful military figures during World War II - George Patton and Bernard Montgomery foremost among them. Leadership is not always a simple and straight forward thing. George Patton was flamboyant and colorful, always acting for his troops and always a self promoter. Bernard Montgomery was equally colorful and believed himself to be the only one who really understood how to fight the war. Douglas MacArthur was no different, although perhaps he was a bit more successful at some of his failings than the others. The book attempts to be a fair and balanced history of MacArthur during World War II, but fails in that attempt as the bias of the author is clear. The writing is full of phrases like It was almost as if when referring to MacArthurs actions, his conversations are often called tirades, his responses to reports called rants and lectures. A great amount of time is spent on his failures, especially his failure to properly prepare for the initial Japanese attack against Luzon and the failure to properly stockpile food for the retreat into Bataan and Corregidor, and rightly so, but this is rarely balanced with a similar discussion concerning his successes.

World War II Stalingrad: A History from Beginning to End Audiobook by Hourly History

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Hourly History) — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 04:28:07 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: World War II Stalingrad: A History from Beginning to End Author: Hourly History Narrator: Stephen Paul Aulridge Jr. Format: Unabridged Length: 1 hr and 3 mins Language: English Release date: 12-07-17 Publisher: Hourly History Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: The Battle of Stalingrad, perceived by historians as the most important battle of World War II and regarded by Russians as the most significant battle in their countrys history, cannot be viewed solely as a military engagement between two powerful, long-time foes. The Soviet Union, which had climbed to power from the shambles of the 1917 Revolution that saw communism overthrow the czar, and Germany, which had risen from the ashes of World War Is Treaty of Versailles, certainly had a complicated history. Stalingrad was a battle between the Allies and the Axis Powers; it was a struggle between the Soviet Union and Germany for victory; and it was also a test of wills between Josef Stalin and Adolf Hitler, two totalitarian dictators who were willing to do whatever was necessary to demonstrate the supremacy of their systems of government. Inside you will read about.... Stalin had succeeded Vladimir Lenin as the leader of the Soviet Union, and his entry upon the world stage ushered in a reign of absolute power as he bent a battered nation to conform to his will. Adolf Hitler, leader of the National Socialist German Workers Party, was elected chancellor of Germany in 1933 and promptly turned the beleaguered nation into a launch pad for Aryan domination. As their armies met at Stalingrad for a long and bloody struggle that would ultimately tally two million civilian and military casualties, the world would watch as two brutal regimes challenged one another while the fate of the free world hung in the balance. Members Reviews: Another Tragedy of War. Good read. A lot of the material in this book was taken from The Hourly History Book written about Hitler. This book was still very well written and factual. Quite good This was a concise account of facts related to the German attempt on Stalingrad. It was shorter than I expected. I appreciated it being objectively written. Great Book... As with all the "Hourly History" Books this was an easy read and filled with fun facts. if you lack time to read a full history books these are the next best way to learn history. Three Stars WWII Stalingrad a very bloody battle, not much historical facts I enjoy all Hourly History books I enjoy all Hourly History books; they're too the point and Give the most crucial points that matter. As a history buff l can revisit what l enjoyed about the great moments in history. The hourly format is great, as all your books have been and l recommend reading them!

A Great Place to Have a War Audiobook by Joshua Kurlantzick

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Joshua Kurlantzick) — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 03:30:18 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Great Place to Have a War Subtitle: America in Laos and the Birth of a Military CIA Author: Joshua Kurlantzick Narrator: Tim Campbell Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins Language: English Release date: 01-24-17 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 67 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: In 1960 President Eisenhower was focused on Laos, a tiny Southeast Asian nation few Americans had ever heard of. Washington feared the country would fall to Communism, triggering a domino effect in the rest of Southeast Asia. So in January 1961, Eisenhower approved the CIA's Operation Momentum, a plan to create a proxy army of ethnic Hmong to fight Communist forces in Laos. While remaining largely hidden from the American public and most of Congress, Momentum became the largest CIA paramilitary operation in the history of the United States. The brutal war, which continued under Presidents Kennedy and Nixon, lasted nearly two decades, killed one-tenth of Laos' total population, left thousands of unexploded bombs in the ground, and changed the nature of the CIA forever. Joshua Kurlantzick gives us the definitive account of the Laos war and its central characters, including the four key people who led the operation - the CIA operative who came up with the idea, the Hmong general who led the proxy army in the field, the paramilitary specialist who trained the Hmong, and the State Department careerist who took control over the war as it grew. Critic Reviews: "Superb!... A Great Place to Have a War is rich and jarring in its historical insight, fast in its pacing, and gripping in its read. You won't want to put it down." (Douglas Waller, author of Disciples: The World War II Missions of the CIA Directors Who Fought for Wild Bill Donovan) Members Reviews: great history with a great narrative This is a great CIA history of a little known war. The narrator does a good job. Very interesting read Definitely a worth-while read if you're into SE Asia or the evolution of the CIA. There's no one thing about this book that stands out but it's a good source of information to fold in with other works. well-written but some reviews on Amazon dispute it well-written but some reviews on Amazon dispute its version...other accounts should be on audible.com too

Wilful Murder Audiobook by Diana Preston

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Diana Preston) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:21:11 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Wilful Murder Subtitle: The Sinking of the Lusitania Author: Diana Preston Narrator: Michael Tudor Barnes Format: Unabridged Length: 17 hrs and 4 mins Language: English Release date: 02-22-11 Publisher: Random House Audio Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 42 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: On May 7th, 1915 a passenger ship crossing the Atlantic sank with the loss of 1200 lives. On board were some world-famous figures, including multimillionaire Alfred Vanderbilt. But this wasnt the Titanic and there was no iceberg. The liner was the Lusitania and it was torpedoed by a German U-boat. Wilful Murder is the hugely compelling story of the sinking of the Lusitania. The first book to look at the events in their full historical context, it is also the first to place the human dimension at its heart. Using first-hand accounts of the tragedy Diana Preston brings the characters to life, recreating the splendour of the liner as it set sail and the horror of its final moments. Using British, American and German research material she answers many of the unanswered and controversial questions surrounding the Lusitania: why didn't Cunard listen to warnings that the ship would be a target of the Germans? Was the Lusitania sacrificed to bring the Americans into the War? What was really in the Lusitania's hold? Was she armed? Had Cunard's offices been infiltrated by German agents? And did the Kaiser's decision to cease unrestricted U-boat warfare in response to international outrage expressed after the sinking effectively change the outcome of the First World War? Highly readable, highly researched Wilful Murder casts dramatic new light on one of the world's most famous maritime disasters. Members Reviews: Diane Preston writes a real winner. Wonderfully written. Learned an enormous amount. Reader terrific. The time was well spent . I will recommend this to all. Salt water in my mouth. Great book Beautifully written and read, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it was certainly evocative of the time and place. Thank you for several hours of real enjoyment .

SAS: Rogue Heroes Audiobook by Ben Macintyre

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Ben Macintyre) — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 17:23:35 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: SAS: Rogue Heroes Subtitle: The Authorised Wartime History Author: Ben Macintyre Narrator: Ben Macintyre Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 15 mins Language: English Release date: 09-22-16 Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 9 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: In the summer of 1941, at the height of the war in the Western Desert, a bored and eccentric young officer, David Stirling, came up with a plan that was imaginative, radical and entirely against the rules: a small undercover unit that would wreak havoc behind enemy lines. Despite intense opposition, Winston Churchill personally gave Stirling permission to recruit the most ruthless soldiers he could find. So began the most celebrated and mysterious military organisation in the world: the SAS. The history of the SAS is an exhilarating tale of fearlessness and heroism, recklessness and tragedy; of extraordinary men willing to take monumental risks. It is a story of the meaning of courage. Members Reviews: McIntyre narration and great narrator. I am fascinated by The men who made a difference and won the War. And these Roque heroes are real characters. I have read all of Ben McIntyre's books. This one is unique! Brilliantly executed book. This is the most comprehensive and detailed account of the SAS that I have ever read, or indeed listened to. From the initial idea that formed in Sir David Sterlings mind through to the temporary disbandment of Special Forces at the end of WWII. Ben Macintyre explores and makes a bloody good job of defining the main characters and his research to put this much detail into the the events chronicled is astonishing. This book, for me, is a testament to the bravery, and daring of the first men who understood their Regimental motto. But beyond that, it also tells of the foolhardy and sometimes downright idiotic exploits of those same men. To a man they were all heroes, but the man who stood quite literally head and shoulders above all, Lt Col Robert Blair "Paddy"Mayne. This is bloody good listen and I highly recommend it to those who enjoy listening to the extraordinary exploits of of extraordinary people in our history. What a read This is the story of, in my opinion, true heros, what these young lads went through was incomprehensible and very brave! Some say David Beckham is a hero for scoring a goal........ Exceptional insight. Rather monotone. Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? The book is a true to life account of the story of the regiment. A brutal history. The attention to detail shown is perfect. Not too much war jargon etc. Any additional comments? The only negative I have is the monotone way in which it was read. Little to no life was brought to the fore. I appreciate this is, in essence, snippets from the archives and diaries etc But I found it droning from time to time. Fascinating Outstanding insight to the origins of the SAS. Entertaining and at times shocking account of the ideas and characters behind the formation and development of the unit.

Stalin Audiobook by Edvard Radzinsky

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Edvard Radzinsky) — Thu, 08 Apr 1999 23:59:59 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Stalin Author: Edvard Radzinsky Narrator: David McCallum Format: Abridged Length: 6 hrs and 21 mins Language: English Release date: 04-08-99 Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 154 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Radzinsky uncovers the startling truth about this most enigmatic of historical figures. Only now, in the post-Soviet era, can what was suppressed be told: Stalin's long-denied involvement with terrorism as a young revolutionary; the real story of how he mangled his left arm; the crucial importance of his role during the October Revolution; his often hostile relationship with Lenin; the details of his organization of terror, culminating in the infamous show trials of the 1930s; his secret dealings with Hitler, and how they backfired; and the horrifying plans he had to send the Soviet Union's Jews to concentration camps, tantamount to a potential second Holocaust. Radzinsky also takes an intimate look at Stalin's private life, and his turbulent relationship with his wife Nadezhda, recreating the circumstances that led to her suicide. Finally, Radzinsky discovers one of Stalin's elite bodyguards, who breaks 40 years of silence to give the strongest evidence yet of the conspiracy behind Stalin's death. The Kremlin intrigues, the private worlds of the Soviet Empire's ruling class, Radzinsky thrillingly brings them to life. And the riddle of that most cold-blooded of leaders, a man for whom nothing was sacred in his pursuit of absolute might, and perhaps the greatest mass murderer in Western history, is solved. Members Reviews: A Great Book About a Great Tyrant I have been a periodic reader of Soviet history for the past three decades. With the opening of the various secret Soviet archives to certain researchers came the possiblity of better understanding of that which had only been speculated in the past, the "back-story" history of the revolution and the coming to power of Lenin and the Bolsheviks, and the succession of Koba Stalin. Prior to Radzinsky's book, I had read Dmitri Volkogonov's definitive history - STALIN: TRIUMPH AND TRAGEDY. Radzinsky's book brings, I believe, a more coherant and understandble story of Stalin's rise. Which author, Volkogonov or Radzinsky, is more correct in their presentation of Stalin? I cannot say. For the most part, their stories are complementary. I found Radzinsky to be more readable, more organized. This is an excellent book which I recommend highly to those interested in Soviet history. Now, about David McCallum's narration of this book: Brilliant. I have neaver heard a more perfect match of a book with a narrator. The pace, the phrasing, the nuance, the innuendo built into the reading was excellent. I was so impressed by McCallum's reading that I had hoped to find other historical volumes narrated by him. I'm sorry to say that I found only novels. Great Narration The narrator is tremendous. As another reviewer mentioned, his voice is perfect this book. He really captures the evil, deception, and debauchery of the times. He is slightly British sounding. This is overall a good, interesting, and revealing book about Stalin. However, the reader/listener should be aware that at times Radzinsky takes a position that is not widespread. A few example are: Stalin was preparing to start for World War 3, his breakdown during WWII was just an act to test the loyalty of his cohorts, Stalin was not surprised by the German attack in 1941, and Stalin was planning to attack Germany before they attacked him. Radzinsky builds his case for his interpretations often times on circumstantial evidence or something someone told him.

Legends of the Samurai Audiobook by Hiroaki Sato

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Hiroaki Sato) — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 23:31:41 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Legends of the Samurai Author: Hiroaki Sato Narrator: Walter Dixon Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 38 mins Language: English Release date: 08-25-16 Publisher: Gildan Media, LLC Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 9 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Over the decades, the reputation of the samurai has grown to mythical proportions, owing to such films as Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai and Yojimbo, as well as works such as James Clavell's epic Shogun. In Legends of the Samurai, Hiroaki Sato confronts both the history and the legend of the samurai, untangling the two to present an authentic picture of these legendary warriors. Through his masterful translations of original samurai tales, laws, dicta, reports, and arguments accompanied by insightful commentary, Sato chronicles the changing ethos of the Japanese warrior from the samurai's historical origins to his rise to political power. A fascinating look at Japanese history as seen through the evolution of the samurai, Legends of the Samurai stands as the ultimate authority on its subject. Members Reviews: Like nails on a chalkboard.... With so many Japanese names, places, quotes and poetry, couldn't they get a reader who could pronounce them correctly? The reader was good if it was English, but treated what is a beautiful language, terribly. I believe it did this book a great disservice. Listening to the readers pronunciation of Japanese, was like nails on a chalkboard. There was lots of good information, but the mispronunciation for me was very distracting and frustrating. Unfortunate. Pretty Bad What would have made Legends of the Samurai better? I downloaded this for a class I was in. The reader nearly put me to sleep when I was listening. What could Hiroaki Sato have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you? This subject wasn't much of interest to me. So with that being said it is difficult for me to give an unbiased opinion How did the narrator detract from the book? He was very monotone. I did not enjoy his voice and I thought his reading style was boring. You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities? I helped me realize and recognize that the samurai were a complex and proud people. But they were also babaric. Very good historical account, probably would enjoy it if you were into asian history. Not Worth the Purchase or the Listen Even if Free This is by far the worst audio book I have listened to thus far. There was no sense of organization and it frequently skipped around to different eras. It would make sense had this been advertised as a collection of short stories taken from noted historical tellings. My initial impression was there would be linear story telling of the ways of the samurai. Instead, it's hours and hours of pronunciations being butchered and stories being told in a random fashion. The narrator sounded so dull and tired it seems as if he too hated reading the book. There was no emotion in any retelling and was one solid flat pitch for hours. Seriously struggled to get through this.

The Patterns of War Through the Eighteenth Century Audiobook by Larry H. Addington

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Larry H. Addington) — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 01:20:33 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Patterns of War Through the Eighteenth Century Author: Larry H. Addington Narrator: Steve Rausch Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins Language: English Release date: 12-01-17 Publisher: University Press Audiobooks Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: A history of war and warfare from ancient to early modern times, The Patterns of War Through the Eighteenth Century explains not only what happened in warfare but why war in a certain time and culture took on distinct and recognizable patterns. Larry H. Addington discusses the development in weapons and tactics, methods of logistics, and characteristics of generalship. He shows how the changing patterns of war during this long span of history paved the way for those that would emerge in more recent times. Published by Indiana University Press. "A concise, highly readable survey of pre-19th-century warfare. - Choice

Red Star Rogue Audiobook by Kenneth Sewell, Clint Richmond

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Kenneth Sewell) — Thu, 22 Dec 2005 15:44:57 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Red Star Rogue Author: Kenneth Sewell, Clint Richmond Narrator: Brian Emerson Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 14 mins Language: English Release date: 12-22-05 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 181 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Early in 1968, a nuclear-armed Soviet submarine sank in the waters off Hawaii, hundreds of miles closer to American shores than it should have been. Compelling evidence strongly suggests that the sub sank while attempting to fire a nuclear missile. We now know that the Soviets had lost track of the sub; it had become a rogue. The Nixon administration launched a clandestine, half-billion-dollar project to recover the sunken K-129. The successful recovery effort helped forge new relations between the U.S. and the Soviets, even as it revealed a treacherous plan to provoke war between the U.S. and China, a plan that, had it succeeded, would have had devastating consequences. Members Reviews: Good but too long A friend who worked on submarines recommended this book and said many of the facts are true from his experience and what he heard through his navy career. Still the book could of been cut in half at least. I kept thinking to myself. "You said that already move on" If you like subs and sub stories like I do, it is a MUST READ. I would recommend "Blinds Man Bluff" next. Important story, poorly edited The real story of the submarine K-129 - as told in this book - is important, startling and deserves to be known. Unfortunately, the available facts of the case can support little more than a long magazine article. As a result, the book is quite repetitive. One can feel the author straining to fill the pages. Further, he mixes fact and 'speculative re-creation' too freely in the first half, leaving it unclear what is Definitely True as opposed to Probably True. Nonetheless, this book tells an amazing story with far-reaching and historic implications. A must-read for enthusiasts of Cold War history. Fantastic--But True Very good. Could have benefited from some editing. I found myself wandering during some of the early details on Soviet military life. I wasn't prepared when I found the book seemed to be in two or more parts: First, background and major events; then, later events and analysis. This arrangement was a pleasant surprise and served the story well. It kept things simpler. A real-life thriller! Outstanding Rich with detail, this fascinating account of a little-known moment in history and the resulting cascade of events that followed kept me riveted and sparked a desire to find out much more about this quandary. Well worth the choice. Great book I can believe his theory if his facts are complete!

Spymaster Audiobook by Tennent H. Bagley

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Tennent H. Bagley) — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 19:21:58 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Spymaster Subtitle: Startling Cold War Revelations of a Soviet KGB Chief Author: Tennent H. Bagley Narrator: Bronson Pinchot Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins Language: English Release date: 11-06-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 384 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: From the dark days of World War II through the Cold War, Sergey A. Kondrashev was a major player in Russias notorious KGB espionage apparatus. Rising through its ranks through hard work and keen understanding of how the spy and political games are played, he handled American and British defectors, recruited Western operatives as double agents, served as a ranking officer at the East Berlin and Vienna KGB bureaus, and tackled special assignments from the Kremlin. During a 1994 television program about former spymasters, Kondrashev met and began a close friendship with a former foe, exCIA officer Tennent H. Pete Bagley, whom the Russian asked to help write his memoirs. Because Bagley knew so about much of Kondrashevs career (they had been on opposite sides in several operations), his penetrating questions and insights reveal slices of never-revealed espionage history that rival anything found in the pages of Ian Fleming, Len Deighton, or John le Carr. This includes chilling tales of surviving Stalins purges while superiors and colleagues did not, of plotting to reveal the Berlin Tunnel, of quelling the Hungarian Revolution and Prague Spring independence movements, and of assisting in arranging the final disposition of the corpses of Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun. Kondrashev also details equally fascinating KGB propaganda and disinformation efforts that shaped Western attitudes throughout the Cold War. Because publication of these memoirs was banned by Putins regime, Bagley promised Kondrashev to have them published in the West. They are now available to all who are fascinated by vivid tales of international intrigue. Editorial Reviews: Spymaster is no ordinary account of Cold War espionage - banned by Putin, it offers an insider look at agent Sergey A. Kondrashev's involvement with the KGB. Kondrashev entrusted his close personal friend, ex-CIA officer Tennent H. Bagley, to publish these memoirs for a Western audience, and the stories of purges, revolutions, and defections are truly startling. Listeners will be surprised to discover that the deep, serious, and evocative vocal performance is from none other than Bronson Pinchot, better known as "Balki" from television's Perfect Strangers. Here, he proves his sincerity and versatility as a vocal actor, to great effect. Members Reviews: An brilliant personal Cold War perspective A fascinating story of the personal life of a man who survived the Stalin purges, participated in events that molded the Cold War, and a transparent view of "of the other side". The true story of a former Russian spy What made the experience of listening to Spymaster the most enjoyable? The revelations. What did you like best about this story? The idea of the memoirs of an ex-KGB officer. Which character as performed by Bronson Pinchot was your favorite? Every one. Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? One part made me laugh, the story involving the paintings of Politburo members and a switchboard in the Soviet embassy in Britain. Any additional comments? None. Fans of the cold war spy game should give it a try The insight of a soviet spymaster is more than enlightening; he gives answers to questions western intelligence services didn't even know to ask. Although I like and read history, I tend to listen to fiction; having said that, I really enjoyed this one.

The Jedburghs Audiobook by Will Irwin

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Will Irwin) — Mon, 19 Dec 2005 13:36:32 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Jedburghs Subtitle: The Secret History of the Allied Special Forces, France 1944 Author: Will Irwin Narrator: Patrick Lawlor Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 20 mins Language: English Release date: 12-19-05 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 104 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: The story of the Special Forces in World War II has never fully been told before. Information about them began to be declassified only in the 1980s. Known as the Jedburghs, these Special Forces were selected from members of the British, American, and Free French armies to be dropped in teams of three deep behind German lines. There, in preparation for D-Day, they carried out what we now know as unconventional warfare: supporting the French Resistance in guerrilla attacks, supply-route disruption, and the harassment and obstruction of German reinforcements. Always, they operated against extraordinary odds. They had to be prepared to survive pitched battles with German troops and Gestapo manhunts for weeks and months while awaiting the arrival of Allied ground forces. They were, in short, heroes. The Jedburghs finally tell their story and offer a new perspective on D-Day itself. Will Irwin has selected seven of the Jedburgh teams and told their stories as gripping personal narratives. He has gathered archival documents, diaries and correspondence, and interviewed Jed veterans and family members in order to present this portrait of their crucial role, a role recognized by Churchill and Eisenhower, in the struggle to liberate Europe in 1944-45. This is narrative history at its most compelling; a vivid drama of the battle for France from deep behind enemy lines. Critic Reviews: "Irwin's detailed retelling of these early covert operations and his ability to place these relatively small operations in the context of the Allied campaign will please military history readers." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: Really Enjoyed It It might be two folksy for some military history buffs, but I really liked this book. While it covered your basic military history - how people trained, what they did, etc. - I really liked that you got the background of the people involved. This person was smart, but couldn't afford college because his father was sick... This person was in law school from a well-to-do family... AND at the end of the book, he gives the further story of the people. This guy was married to ... on ..., 1946 had three boys and two girls and was a diplomat, etc. Really made the people live! good history; not so good reader The history was fascinating, and I learned alot, in spite of a reader who wasn't very familiar (in my opinion) with the material ... his sense of timing and punctuation via vocal inflection was, and I don't mean to be unkind, atrocious, nearly to the point of keeping me from finishing the book. It was only because of the storyline that I was able to continue to the end. In short, I recommend the author and the history; I will avoid the reader in the future. Review This is a great book! The reader is OK to listen to, but mispronounces many words, terms and places. Great Story But Poor Recording The story was great and I enjoyed learning a lot about the role of Special Forces in World War II but the recording was terrible. The volume levels change dramatically throughout the recording, especially in the beginning, and make listening unpleasant at times. Nonetheless I loved hearing about the unconventional warfare mission during the Second World War and how it worked in support of conventional objectives. If you like WW2 history-Highly Recommended! I love World War 2 history to begin with,and this is a great story.

The Great Raid on Cabanatuan Audiobook by William B. Breuer

biacuaduc@gmail.com (William B. Breuer) — Mon, 19 Sep 2005 17:51:56 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Great Raid on Cabanatuan Subtitle: Rescuing the Doomed Ghosts of Bataan and Corregidor Author: William B. Breuer Narrator: Patrick Lawlor Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins Language: English Release date: 09-19-05 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 79 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Breuer recounts in searing, meticulous detail the full story of this thrilling true-life adventure and inspiring testament to American heroism and grit. Critic Reviews: "An exciting narrative presented by a first-rate storyteller." (Publishers Weekly) "The book's great virtue is that it allows a number of the rapidly diminishing band of survivors of the whole experience to have their say." (Booklist) Members Reviews: A Great Story The quality of the narration and the gripping nature of the story of the rescue of several hundred American POW's made this one of the best audible books I've listened to in the last few years. Higly, highly recommended for WWII buffs as well as for those who like an adventure. A story which must not be forgotten! I downloaded this book after viewing a documentary about the raid on Cabanatuan. The movie left me wanting more detail, and this title wonderfully provided it. The story of Bataan and the eventual rescue is rivetting. Patrick Lawlor is an excellent narrator for this type of story. Listen!!!! This one's a winner!!!! OK for WWII fans I read this after reading Ghost Soldiers, one of the best WWII books I have read, so it was kind of a let down. It did give a different perspective on Raid. Ghost Solders was more about the raid itself, where this book talked more about the camp and the under ground that help the prisoners. The Other Side Of "I Shall Return" This is an amazing story. I particularly enjoyed the parts about the Filipino Resistance to the occupation and their efforts to help the POW's at great cost and personal risk. Heroism abounds... Learned so much and was captivated by the story. Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? Yes, because there's so much that is untaught in US schools about the liberation of the Philippines in WW2. Was amazing to hear about everything that happened. Was shocked that I learned nothing of it until now. I'm so happy that I randomly decided to listen to this audio book. If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be? I shall return!

MASH: An Army Surgeon in Korea Audiobook by Otto F. Apel JR. M.D., Pat Apel

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Otto F. Apel JR. M.D.) — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 11:00:32 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: MASH: An Army Surgeon in Korea Author: Otto F. Apel JR. M.D., Pat Apel Narrator: Dr. Bill Brooks Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins Language: English Release date: 01-27-15 Publisher: University Press Audiobooks Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 29 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: When North Korean forces invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950, Otto Apel was a surgical resident living in Cleveland, Ohio, with his wife and three young children. A year later he was chief surgeon of the 8076th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, constantly near the front lines in Korea. Immediately upon arriving in camp, Apel performed 80 hours of surgery. His feet swelled so badly, he had to cut his boots off, and he saw more surgical cases in those three and a half days than he would have in a year back in Cleveland. In addition to his own story, Apel details the operating conditions, workload, and patient care at the MASH units while revealing the remarkable advances made in emergency medical care. MASH units were the first hospitals designed for operations close to the front lines, and from this particularly difficult vantage their medical staffs were responsible for innovations in the use of antibiotics and blood plasma and in arterial repair. On film and television, MASH doctors and nurses have been portrayed as irreverent and having little patience with standard military procedures. In this powerful memoir, Apel reveals just how realistic these portrayals were. The book is published by The University Press of Kentucky. Critic Reviews: "The authors have skillfully blended the surgeon's personal experiences into the bigger picture of military medicine, providing the reader with an informative and interesting account of the MASH and its impact during the Korean War." ( Military) "A superb book... Reading this fine nonfiction account of an army surgeon in the Korean War will make you wish you had been there treating casualties. It did me!" ( Journal of the American Medical Association) "An excellent account of the history of MASH units and how they operated in Korea." ( Navy Medicine) Members Reviews: Should be re-recorded Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? Yes, if someone was truly interested in the subject. This is a good history of the beginning of some of the standard surgical techniques adapted for trauma surgery. What was one of the most memorable moments of MASH: An Army Surgeon in Korea? The truth behind the shower tent canvas removal scene in the television series was quite a hoot. What does Dr. Bill Brooks bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? It was difficult to listen to Dr. Brooks- his pronunciations and completely inappropriate Korean accent left an unappealing sound in my ear. If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? I'm not good at this type of thing, sorry. Any additional comments? This book is a historical and social icon. It should be re-recorded with less strained medical terminology elocution and more sensitivity should be applied to the Korean dialogue. It came off sounding worse than a Mel Brooks film. One of best combat related books Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? I would recommend to a friend who is interested in war as I am. I have listened to and read many books about war and combat but this book looks at war from a different perspective.

For Love of Country Audiobook by Howard Schultz, Rajiv Chandrasekaran

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Howard Schultz) — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 11:48:07 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: For Love of Country Subtitle: What Our Veterans Can Teach Us About Citizenship, Heroism, and Sacrifice Author: Howard Schultz, Rajiv Chandrasekaran Narrator: Rajiv Chandrasekaran Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 6 mins Language: English Release date: 11-04-14 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 37 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: A celebration of the extraordinary courage, dedication, and sacrifice of this generation of American veterans on the battlefield and their equally valuable contributions on the home front. Because so few of us now serve in the military, our men and women in uniform have become strangers to us. We stand up at athletic events to honor them, but we hardly know their true measure. Here, Starbucks CEO and longtime veterans advocate Howard Schultz and National Book Award finalist Rajiv Chandrasekaran of The Washington Post offer an enlightening, inspiring corrective. The authors honor acts of uncommon valor in Iraq and Afghanistan, including an Army sergeant who repeatedly runs through a storm of gunfire to save the lives of his wounded comrades; two Marines who sacrifice their lives to halt an oncoming truck bomb and protect 33 of their brothers in arms; a 60-year-old doctor who joins the Navy to honor his fallen son. We also see how veterans make vital contributions once they return home, drawing on their leadership skills and commitment to service: former soldiers who aid residents in rebuilding after natural disasters; a former infantry officer who trades in a Pentagon job to teach in an inner-city neighborhood; a retired general leading efforts to improve treatments for brain-injured troops; the spouse of a severely injured soldier assisting families in similar positions. These powerful, unforgettable stories demonstrate just how indebted we are to those who protect us and what they have to offer our nation when their military service is done. Critic Reviews: Inspiring will certainly move readers who have served in the military, as well as... fans of military histories and those who have close contact with the courageous soldiers who put their lives on the line. (Kirkus) "This splendid book should be read by every American. It is a story of heroes, of sacrifice, of valor. But it is also a story of resilience, recovery, and a continuing desire to serve our country and its citizens. You must be made of stone to read this and not shed tears. But the books message is that, after the tears, we must not forget the sacrifices those in uniform and their families have made for all of us over the last thirteen years; we must welcome back into our communities those who served not just with thanks and open arms, but with respect, admiration, and new lives and careers worthy of all they have done for all of us. (Robert M. Gates, author of Duty) Members Reviews: Worth the read Great stories and an even better purpose. Some of the chapters are pretty graphic and the language is rough in places. Don't think it's really necessary in order to tell the stories or make the points. Eye Opening How amazing are our veterans! An amazing read causing one to want to go out and do more! A definite must read. Thank You Good book. It's nice to see that some people appreciate veterans. And I'm definitely going to look up Team Rubicon! KKD

A Better War Audiobook by Lewis Sorley

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Lewis Sorley) — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 16:13:23 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Better War Subtitle: The Unexamined Victories and Final Tragedy of America's Last Years in Vietnam Author: Lewis Sorley Narrator: Basil Sands Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 3 mins Language: English Release date: 11-07-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 45 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Neglected by scholars and journalists alike, the years of conflict in Vietnam from 1968 to 1975 offer surprises not only about how the war was fought, but about what was achieved. Drawing on authoritative materials not previously available, including thousands of hours of tape-recorded allied councils of war, award-winning military historian Lewis Sorley has given us what has long been needed - an insightful, factual, and superbly documented history of these important years. Among his findings is that the war was being won on the ground even as it was being lost at the peace table and in the U.S. Congress. The story is a great human drama of purposeful and principled service in the face of an agonizing succession of lost opportunities, told with uncommon understanding and compassion. Sorley documents the dramatic differences in conception, conduct, and - at least for a time - results between the early and the later war. Meticulously researched and movingly told, A Better War is sure to stimulate controversy as it sheds brilliant new light on the war in Vietnam. Members Reviews: A Better Book! What did you love best about A Better War? I have never, in many member reviews, rated any Book as a % star, rxcepting this one! Not only is it a terrific story, it is read with feeling. As a Marine Vet I follow Vietbam History very closely. This one is not to be missed. Most revealing. Great Book that should be read by all Historians & the public as a whole. It paints an impressive story to much unpublished materials on this era. I am so glaad I fell into it. NDJohn What did you like best about this story? Listening to the Veitnam War tume frame of 1969 to 1971. Plus about Nixon. All Vets will enjoy this Book. Which character as performed by Basil Sands was your favorite? General Abrams by far! He gave me renewed hope. Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? Yes, the Oh so sad ending! Any additional comments? Please give this Book some attention, NDJohn A thought-provoking history of the war 68-75 What made the experience of listening to A Better War the most enjoyable? The story is well written and Basil Sands renders a solid performance that is captivating and leads you through a complicated story with a number of pivotal events, Tet, Tet2, the logistical war into Cambodia and Laos, Quang Tri, the Cease-Fire, the "peace", and the downfall. Each is well told, and tied together nicely to explain why the war "after Cronkite" turned out the way it did. What other book might you compare A Better War to and why? In the introduction to the book, Sorley himself compares his work to Stanley Carnow's Vietnam: A History. Sorley's A Better War deals essentially with what was Nixon's war, the Geneva peace accords, and the abandonment of an ally under Ford and the post-Watergate congress.. Carnow's focus is on Johnson, Kennedy and earlier. Have you listened to any of Basil Sandss other performances before? How does this one compare? This was my first experience with Basil Sand. Overall a very solid performance. I struggled with Henry Kissinger quotes in a de regueur German-accent -- too cliche, almost denigrating, but then his personification of General Abrams seemed to register -- part John Wayne, part Norman Schwarzkopf.

Donovan's Devils Audiobook by Albert Lulushi

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Albert Lulushi) — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 07:43:32 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Donovan's Devils Subtitle: OSS Commandos Behind Enemy Lines - Europe, World War II Author: Albert Lulushi Narrator: Noah Michael Levine Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins Language: English Release date: 04-21-16 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 8 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: The stirring, little-known story of the forerunners to today's Special Forces. The OSS - Office of Strategic Services - created under the command of William Donovan, has been celebrated for its cloak-and-dagger operations during World War II and as the precursor of the CIA. As the "Oh So Social", it has also been portrayed as a club for the well-connected before, during, and after the war. Donovan's Devils tells the story of a different OSS, that of ordinary soldiers, recruited from among first- and second-generation immigrants, who volunteered for dangerous duty behind enemy lines and risked their lives in Italy, France, the Balkans, and elsewhere in Europe. Organized into Operational Groups, they infiltrated into enemy territory by air or sea and operated for days, weeks, or months hundreds of miles from the closest Allied troops. They performed sabotage, organized native resistance, and rescued downed airmen, nurses, and prisoners of war. Their enemy showed them no mercy, and sometimes their closest friends betrayed them. They were the precursors to today's Special Forces operators. Based on declassified OSS records, personal collections, and oral histories of participants from both sides of the conflict, Donovan's Devils provides the most comprehensive account to date of the Operational Group activities, including a detailed narrative of the ill-fated Ginny mission, which resulted in the one of the OSS's gravest losses of the war. Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade imprint, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in history - books about World War II, the Third Reich, Hitler and his henchmen, the JFK assassination, conspiracies, the American Civil War, the American Revolution, gladiators, Vikings, ancient Rome, medieval times, the old West, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times best seller or a national best seller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home. Members Reviews: Unique Look Where does Donovan's Devils rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? Good. The author or narrator might have chosen to avoid reading glossary/appendix type opens that readers typically skipped over. What other book might you compare Donovan's Devils to and why? Like many works on the OSS it offers a solid overview but this is one of the few works to focus on the Operational Groups.

Japan 1941 Audiobook by Eri Hotta

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Eri Hotta) — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 03:28:33 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Japan 1941 Subtitle: Countdown to Infamy Author: Eri Hotta Narrator: Laural Merlington Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 17 mins Language: English Release date: 10-29-13 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 242 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: When Japan attacked the United States in 1941, argues Eri Hotta, its leaders, in large part, understood they were entering a conflict they were bound to lose. Availing herself of rarely consulted material, Hotta poses essential questions overlooked by historians in the seventy years since: Why did these men - military men, civilian politicians, diplomats, the emperor - put their country and its citizens in harm's way? Why did they make a decision that was doomed from the start? Introducing us to the doubters, bluffers, and schemers who led their nation into this conflagration, Hotta brilliantly shows us a Japan never before glimpsed - eager to avoid war but fraught with tensions with the West, blinded by traditional notions of pride and honor, nearly escaping disaster before it finally proved inevitable. Members Reviews: Very riveting What made the experience of listening to Japan 1941 the most enjoyable? The narration was first rate. The writer showed the complex politics of Japan leading up to the war. One of my few complaints was, I believe that the writer tried to show that no one in Japan wanted war and it was a massive misunderstanding and that Japan was trying to be a peaceful nation. That went in direct contrast of what really happen; example, the rape of Nanking, the blatant attack on the Gunboat Panay. The force occupation on indochina, the horrible treatment of the Chinese civilians that was only exceed by Nazis Germany and Stalin's Soviet Russia. But the biggest complaint that I found hard to swallow was that up to August 12, 1941, Japan was trying to do everything to stop the upcoming war. Fact, the Pearl Harbor attack plan was started in 1940. Fact, they Japanese Navy was gathering their combined fleet to attack Pearl Harbor and Singapore and the Phillippines. To say that Japan was only trying to keep world peace is like saying that Hilter had a bad hair day. That being said, I did find the inter workings of the Japanese government very interesting and also showing that Emperor Hirohito knew or at least was informed of what was happening and did nothing to try to stop it. The public has been told that the Emperor was only a figure head but in reality, he was commander in chief of the military and at anytime he could have stopped it. Interesting A very well written interesting read on the series of events that lead to WWII from the Japanese perspective. Certainly an incomplete history but I already know the American / western side so that's what made this such a good read. The author goes out of their way to make note that when you try to explain history from a certain side of an event it can come of as being an apologist for that side. I was worried this would mean we'd get some politically correct "history" in an effort to blame the US for everything. Happily that is not the case here, while the US, like all countries, makes mistakes I felt everything was handled extremely fairly and the author did a great job of just laying out events as the Japanese seen them - which is exactly what I was looking for.

South Pacific Destroyer Audiobook by Russell Sydnor Crenshaw

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Russell Sydnor Crenshaw) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 21:51:08 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: South Pacific Destroyer Subtitle: The Battle for the Solomons from Savo Island to Vella Gulf Author: Russell Sydnor Crenshaw Narrator: Alan Bomar Jones Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins Language: English Release date: 09-05-11 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 31 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Russell Crenshaw's riveting account of the savage night battle for the Solomon Islands in early 1943 offers listeners a unique insider's perspective from the decks of one of the destroyers that bore the brunt of the struggle. Drawing on his experience as a gunnery officer in the USS Maury, Crenshaw's vivid, balanced, and detailed narrative includes the Battle of Tassafaronga in November 1942 and Vella Gulf in August 1943, actions that earned his warship a Presidential Unit Citation and sixteen battle stars. Crenshaw also discusses the impact of radar and voice radio, the shortcomings of U.S. torpedoes and gunfire, and the devastating effectiveness of Japan's super torpedo. Members Reviews: Great History - Hard Listen. This is a much needed window into the history of US destroyer action in the South Pacific. Other than the stories of "The Little Beavers" of Burke's DesRon 23, and the fate of the tincans of Halsey's 3rd Fleet in Typhoon Cobra, little has been written about American destroyer operations during World War Two with any great specificity. Unfortunately the narrator's ignorance of anything "naval" or any familiarity with Naval history detracts from the subject matter with his repeated mispronunciations of both terminology and proper names. One would think that the editors would ensure that these errors would nor occur. Any fellow member of the US Naval Institute will cringe at these glaring errors. Content is outstanding, but the delivery while enthusiastic, makes this a tedious book to listen to for long periods of time. I have found that this naval terminology mispronunciation problem is systemic on audible books due to ignorance and a lack of oversight, but one should expect that they would get proper names such as "Grumman" and "Mitscher" correct! Waste of a credit This is the first time I have not been able to finish an audio book. To begin with, the story itself is tedious. The writer goes into exacting detail on how every part of the destroyer works even into how the gears of a particular machine operates. But the worst part about the book is the narration. This narrator is just horrible. He reminds me of those mine-numbing health movies we had to listen to in middle school. Think of paint drying - he really is that bad. After listening to "Unbroken" or "Lost in Shangria La" or "Finish Forty and Home" I guess I thought all narrators would be on their level. Boy was I wrong. From now on I will click on the little sample button before I purchase another audio book. Good story-poor performance What did you like best about South Pacific Destroyer? What did you like least? I liked the realistice portrayal of life on a Destroyer in WWII. The performance was less than acceptable What didnt you like about Alan Bomar Joness performance? He doesn't seem to be familiar with the terms in the story-mispronouncing many of them. Overall his performance seems choppy. Lots of detail but reader is hard to listen to What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you? I have read and listened to a ton of WWII history, focused most heavily on the pacific naval war theatre. Often you don't get a lot of the destroyer detailed perspective, so I was expecting a lot of minutia and thats what I got.

The Knights of Bushido Audiobook by Lord Russell of Liverpool

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Lord Russell of Liverpool) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 21:22:07 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Knights of Bushido Subtitle: A History of Japanese War Crimes During World War II Author: Lord Russell of Liverpool Narrator: Simon Vance Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 44 mins Language: English Release date: 02-13-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 55 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: The war crimes trials at Nuremberg and Tokyo meted out the Allies' official justice; Lord Russell of Liverpool's sensational bestselling books on the Axis' war crimes decided the public's opinion. The Knights of Bushido, Russell's shocking account of Japanese brutality in the Pacific in World War II, describes how the noble founding principles of the Empire of Japan were perverted by the military into a systematic campaign of torture, murder, starvation, rape, and destruction. Notorious incidents like the Nanking Massacre and the Bataan Death March emerge as merely part of a pattern of human rights abuses. Undoubtedly formidable soldiers, the Japanese were terrible conquerors. Their conduct in the Pacific is a harrowing example of the doctrine of mutual destruction carried to the extreme, and begs the question of what is acceptableand unacceptablein total war. ©2008 Skyhorse Publishing, Inc. (P)2013 Audible, Inc. Editorial Reviews: A belief in Japans divinely mandated right to rule over Asia led to stunning atrocities during the Second World War. Lord Russell of Liverpool, a lawyer who worked with the British Army during the war, offers a vivid and detailed catalogue of these bloody and vicious war crimes in his 1958 volume The Knights of Bushido. The cruelty of the Japanese military was seen in Nanking, where thousands of innocent Chinese were raped and murdered by Japanese soldiers and its prisoner of war camps, where international treaties were ignored and soldiers were starved and tortured. With his British accent, narrator Simon Vance strikes a dispassionate tone that allows the gravity of Lord Russells careful research and unembellished prose to speak for itself. Members Reviews: Not for the faint of heart This was a great and terrible book at the same time. My grandma had told me about the hatred for the Japanese during WWII and how two of her high school friends were killed during the Bataan death march, but this book paints the full picture of the depths of depravity and horror that can be conjured up by the human mind. Countless acts throughout the Sino-Japanese war to WWII are described here and broken into sections that describe how the Japanese dealt with situations (Pilots, Sea Battles, Prison Camps, Civilian Populations, Cannibalism). While it is not chronological, I feel it is a far better way of sorting through the information, as you can begin to see the Japanese mindset towards certain prisoners or situations. The book does a good job of accurately portraying the horror experienced by the world during this time. The examples are brutal (babies thrown up and "caught" on a bayonet), but it helps show a whole side of World War II that is not talked about much, and gave me a new found admiration of the "Greatest Generation" who overcame such evil. Grim but important to know Would you listen to The Knights of Bushido again? Why? Probably not, as much of it is ghastly: once one is familiar with the contents, it seems a bit pointless to go through the horrors a second time. What about Simon Vances performance did you like? Excellent.

The 21st-Century Sniper Audiobook by Brandon Webb, Glen Doherty

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Brandon Webb) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 04:57:50 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The 21st-Century Sniper Subtitle: A Complete Practical Guide Author: Brandon Webb, Glen Doherty Narrator: Allen O'Reilly Format: Unabridged Length: 4 hrs and 12 mins Language: English Release date: 02-20-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 78 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: The 21st century sniper is a mature, intelligent shooter who leverages technology to his deadly advantage. He has spent thousands of hours honing his skills. He is a master of concealment in all environments, from the mountains of Afghanistan to the crowded streets of Iraq. He is trained in science and left alone to create the unique art of the kill. To the sniper, the battlefield is like a painters blank canvas. It is his job to simultaneously utilize tools, training, and creativity to deliver devastating psychological impact upon the battlefield. And it is he alone who is left with the intimacy of the kill. A complete practical guide for any modern sniper, former Navy SEAL and military sniper Brandon Webb reveals the tips and basic training necessary to become an efficient marksman. Webb is an international authority on sniping, and after serving multiple missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, he ran the Navy SEAL sniper course, which is arguably the best sniper qualification course in the world. Including details on advanced sniper training for maritime, helicopter, and urban sniper operations, The 21st Century Sniper also touches on the latest research, development, testing, and evaluation of sniper weapons systems and optics. From trajectories and wind speed to camouflage and best vantage points and targets, Webb covers everything an expert sniper needs to know. This book is suitable for gun enthusiasts, outdoorsmen, the beginning sniper, and those with military backgrounds. Editorial Reviews: Allen O'Reilly expertly performs Brandon Webb and Glen Doherty's book The 21st-Century Sniper: A Complete Practical Guide. This volume really aims to unravel the mysteries behind of the military's deadliest combatants without falling to the misconceptions touted by films and video-games. While the sniper has played a part in every war for centuries now, not much has been written about the experience by those who have held this position in the military themselves. With entries involving the long and storied history of the vital sharpshooting position, to a close look at the science of the scoped rifle and training needed to use one, this an crucial guide for understanding these artists of the battlefield. Members Reviews: READ it, Don't Listen Where does The 21st-Century Sniper rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? Allen O'Rielly has no business narrating. He consistently mispronounced words, or overpronounced others. ".30-06" is not pronounced "point three zero to zero six". The points in the guns arent ever prnounced, and you definitely don't say "three zero to zero six". He often stopped to catch his breathe, and semed generally inept. The book itself is great, focusing mostly on guns, tactis, and the history of the sniper. If you're looking for a book about that, then it's a great read. I stress READ unless they get some one else to narrorate this. What did you like best about this story? The "inside" story of snipers. Would you be willing to try another one of Allen O'Reillys performances? NO NO NO NO NO. I'd prefer a book narrorated by Gilbert Godfrey. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? No. It's not even designed that way.

The Controversial Flight and Capture of Rudolf Hess Audiobook by Charles River Editors

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Charles River Editors) — Tue, 05 May 2015 10:01:58 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Controversial Flight and Capture of Rudolf Hess Subtitle: The History and Legacy of the Deputy Fuhrer's Mysterious Peace Mission to Britain Author: Charles River Editors Narrator: Dan Gallagher Format: Unabridged Length: 1 hr and 25 mins Language: English Release date: 05-05-15 Publisher: Charles River Editors Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 6 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: "Even if I could, I would not wish to expunge this time from my life. I am happy to know that I have done my duty toward my people, my duty as a German, as National Socialist, as loyal follower of my Fuehrer. I regret nothing." - Rudolf Hess during the Nuremberg Trials Stars glittered over the restlessly undulating waters of the North Sea late on the evening of May 10, 1941, as a lone twin-propeller Messerschmitt Bf 110 heavy fighter bearing the Iron Cross emblem of the Nazi Luftwaffe came in sight of the low, dark line of land along the horizon that marked where Scotland lay. Far to the south, waves of similar aircraft and Junkers JU 88 "fast bombers" were roaring through the fire-streaked skies over London, pounding the luckless metropolis with a heavy attack that killed over 3,000 British civilians in about an hour and setting the Houses of Parliament on fire. Given a clear view of their targets by the bright moonlight shining over the "Sceptered Isle," the German pilots created immense havoc in which at least one observer found a certain hellish beauty: The Anglo-Irish poet Louis MacNeice had arranged to spend the night in the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral. He wrote that soon after the raiders appeared, "great tawny clouds of smoke, rolling in sumptuous Baroque exuberance, had hidden the river completely and there we were on the dome, a Classical island in a more than Romantic Inferno. It was far and away the most astonishing spectacle I have ever seen." (Manchester, 2012, 350). Members Reviews: Average Middle of the road account. Adds very little to the subject and the narrator mispronounces a number of words.

Just War Reconsidered Audiobook by James M. Dubik

biacuaduc@gmail.com (James M. Dubik) — Thu, 06 Oct 2016 01:15:11 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Just War Reconsidered Subtitle: Strategy, Ethics, and Theory Author: James M. Dubik Narrator: Tim Halligan Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins Language: English Release date: 10-06-16 Publisher: University Press Audiobooks Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 5 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: In Just War Reconsidered: Strategy, Ethics, and Theory, James M. Dubik draws on years of research as well as his own experiences as a soldier and teacher to fill the gaps left by other theorists. He applies moral philosophy, political philosophy, and strategic studies to historical and contemporary case studies to reveal the inaccuracies and moral bankruptcy that inform some of the literature on military ethics. Conventional just war theory adopts a binary approach, wherein political leaders have moral accountability for the decision to go to war and soldiers have accountability for fighting the war ethically. Dubik argues, however, that political and military leadership should be held accountable for the planning and execution of war in addition to the decision to initiate conflict. Dubik bases his sober reassessment on the fundamental truth that war risks the lives of soldiers and innocents as well as the political and social health of communities. He offers new standards to evaluate the ethics of warfare in the hope of increasing the probability that the lives of soldiers will not be used in vain and the innocent not put at risk unnecessarily. Members Reviews: James Dubik Fills a Critical Gap in Jus en Bello Literature James Dubik's Just War Reconsidered fills a critical gap in the Just War tradition. Walzer, Orend et al. have written exhaustively on the the conduct of war-fighting and what is demanded of soldiers in the fight: principally, that they adhere to military necessity, civilian distinction, proportionality and humanity and that they win quickly and decisively in their tactical or operational engagements. Dubik, a true warrior-philosopher, with many years of combat experience at the operational and strategic levels of war, wisely recommends jus en bello be expanded to hold senior military and civilian officials responsible for how they wage war. In a Walzer-esque manner, Dubik brilliantly weaves several important historical and contemporary case studies into his analysis and ends the book with a practical framework for leaders to follow to wage war in a manner that is consistent with the Just War tradition. This book is a must read for any soldier, statesmen or aspiring national security practitioner. Ethics matter. A must read book! This book is a must read. Author, General Dubik gave me his first hand insight of war. His writing style also captured my intrigue. Five Stars I does fill the gap as promised.

Prisoners of War Audiobook by Tim Bowden

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Tim Bowden) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 05:43:52 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Prisoners of War Subtitle: Australians Under Nippon Author: Tim Bowden Narrator: Tim Bowden Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins Language: English Release date: 02-08-13 Publisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 5 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: This documentary series, first presented in 1985 by acclaimed producer and presenter Tim Bowden, is a harrowing account of the ordeals faced by Australian POWs in Japanese camps, at the height of World War II. Told through the first-hand accounts of survivors from the war, this series has been remastered and serves as an indispensable insight into the realities of the war in the Pacific. Members Reviews: A kind interview This book is more of interview than a story, does not carry person away as a story book does. More for scholars than readers or listeners. Sympathy for family who were POW of the Japanese The only people who attacked Australia after the English. How we were defending the UK, Europe leaving our gates wide open. Then the Japanese arrive in Asia with the non practice of Geneva Convention. Hence belief people, POW, were lost in action whilst severely punished by the Japanese following their God - Japanese royalty - kill or die trying don't come home until called. The amount of time after the end of the conflict of the war prisoners were still being punished. FILM SOUNDTRACK - DOES NOT WORK AS AN AUDIOBOOK What disappointed you about Prisoners of War? Not being able to understand what's being said. Some of the Australian accents are just too thick. I thought it would be one narrator reading the first-hand accounts of the war. What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!) I didn't get that far. I gave up after 30 minutes. How could the performance have been better? This is the soundtrack of a documentary film. It doesn't work as an audiobook. The survivors' accents are hard to understand. Then some are speaking over sound effects of bombing and shooting - maybe from an underlying film segment - and that only makes it all worse. Sensation Gripping. Moving. Enlightening. Brilliant. A fantastic reading experience. Should be heard by all Australian school children.

American Spartans Audiobook by James A. Warren

biacuaduc@gmail.com (James A. Warren) — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 06:28:33 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: American Spartans Subtitle: The U.S. Marines: A Combat History from Iwo Jima to Iraq Author: James A. Warren Narrator: Dick Hill Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 35 mins Language: English Release date: 12-14-05 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 111 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: This is the first modern history of the Marines in a generation and the first to show how battlefield performance has driven the Marines from the Cold War to the war on terror. Members Reviews: Excellent I have read or listened to many books on the subject of the marines and their battle history. This listen will give you a broad overview of all the battles be they on the battle field or in the halls of political power of the marines since WWII. If you are interested in modern marine history this is a great place to start. History that if you are a Marine, you have heard. If you are a Marine, it's your history but nothing you haven't heard before. If you want to get a better understanding of where the Marine corps came from then this is a good start. U.S. Marines are more than Spartans! Great Mid 20th Century to 2002 history of the U.S. Marines. The reader learns about how the marines had to adapt as an entire Corps to stay on tip of their game and to remain an elite military ready force for America. outstanding account of Marine history Very good read for learning and improving ones understanding of the United States Marines with an added perception of a commanders point of view. Avid Fan of the Corps I enjoyed the format, information, and the performance of the reader. We should be proud of the USMC!

Once They Were Eagles Audiobook by Frank Walton

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Frank Walton) — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 08:23:45 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Once They Were Eagles Subtitle: The Men of the Black Sheep Squadron Author: Frank Walton Narrator: David Randall Hunter Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins Language: English Release date: 02-08-16 Publisher: University Press Audiobooks Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 19 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Marine Corps Fighter Squadron 214 was hastily organized in the field during World War II to meet the urgent need for another combat squadron in the South Pacific. The squadron, self-named the "Black Sheep", went on under the leadership of the swashbuckling "Pappy" Boyington to become the most famous in Marine Corps history. Now comes the true story of the Black Sheep Squadron and the men who wrote its record in the Pacific skies. Once They Were Eagles tells how and why the squadron was formed, provides brief sketches of every member, and creates a vivid picture of the exciting but deadly aerial sorties over the South Pacific. Frank E. Walton located the 34 survivors of the 51 original Black Sheep. In a unique series of interviews, former "Eagles" share their recollections of those days of high adventure and their experiences in the years to follow. Critic Reviews: "A study of immense value of how Marines battled the vaunted Japanese Zero and emerged victorious." ( Leatherneck) "A fascinating study of the overnight development of a diverse group of American youth reacting with shock to the attack on Pearl Harbor." ( Marine Corps Gazette) "A new and refreshing look at this truly remarkable fighter pilot-'Pappy' Boyington-and his squadron." ( Military History) Members Reviews: it sorted fact from fiction I grew up watching Black Sheep Squadron it is nice to have the information sorted out and a better understanding of Squadron

Pearl Harbor Audiobook by Gordon Prange

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Gordon Prange) — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 20:05:05 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Pearl Harbor Subtitle: The Verdict of History Author: Gordon Prange Narrator: Dennis Holland Format: Unabridged Length: 23 hrs and 29 mins Language: English Release date: 06-17-14 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 13 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Examines the underlying causes of Pearl Harbor and the revisionist theories that high officials knew of the attack. Gordon W. Prange is the author of Miracle at Midway and At Dawn We Slept. This title is the sequel to At Dawn We Slept. Members Reviews: Don't waste a credit on this book. Would you try another book from Gordon Prange and/or Dennis Holland? NO What do you think your next listen will be? Unsure What three words best describe Dennis Hollands voice? Nothing wrong with narrator. Can not be held responsible for content What character would you cut from Pearl Harbor? The author Any additional comments? Could not one feel the same way about the author as the author feels about John Tolan and many others???????? its al political names you're never going to here again and most names you will never had heard of to start with.making it an unfriendly read.this book is for a very select few

Dark Invasion Audiobook by Howard Blum

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Howard Blum) — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 15:37:51 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Dark Invasion Subtitle: 1915: Germany's Secret War and the Hunt for the First Terrorist Cell in America Author: Howard Blum Narrator: Pete Larkin Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 36 mins Language: English Release date: 02-11-14 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 59 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Combining the pulsating drive of Showtime's Homeland with the fascinating historical detail of such of narrative nonfiction bestsellers as Double Cross and In the Garden of Beasts, Dark Invasion is Howard Blums gritty, high-energy true-life tale of German espionage and terror on American soil during World War I, and the NYPD Inspector who helped uncover the plot - the basis for the film to be produced by and starring Bradley Cooper. When a neutral United States becomes a trading partner for the Allies early in World War I, the Germans implement a secret plan to strike back. A team of saboteurs - including an expert on germ warfare, a Harvard professor, and a brilliant, debonair spymaster - devise a series of mysterious accidents using explosives and biological weapons, to bring down vital targets such as ships, factories, livestock, and even captains of industry like J. P. Morgan. New York Police Inspector Tom Tunney, head of the departments Bomb Squad, is assigned the difficult mission of stopping them. Assembling a team of loyal operatives, the cunning Irish cop hunts for the conspirators among a population of more than eight million Germans. But the deeper he finds himself in this labyrinth of deception, the more Tunney realizes that the enemys plan is far more complex and more dangerous than he suspected.Full of drama and intensity, Dark Invasion is riveting war thriller that chillingly echoes our own time. Critic Reviews: "Terrifically engaging and pertinent.... Instructive, yes, but also as engrossing as good detective fiction." (Kirkus Reviews) "[A] worthwhile page-turner, combining the best features of a police procedural and a spy novel with a firm base in verifiable events." (Publishers Weekly) "Sounds like a pretty good espionage thriller. In fact, its nothing less than authentic - albeit long-forgotten - American history, brought to vivid life." (Vanity Fair) Members Reviews: World War I Terrorist/Spy Story While America purported to remain neutral at the outbreak of World War I, Germany was convinced American sympathies were on the side of England and France. The victuals of war necessary for victory were available to the Allies but were denied to Germany. This was more a function of the English fleet blockading the sea approaches to Germany than a political preference by the United States who after all had a very large German-American population; ten percent of the population had German origins. In addition, American businesses were making tremendous profits selling war goods to the Allies. There was a strong movement in the United States to join the Allies against Germany but President Woodrow Wilson was holding fast to a policy of neutrality. Nevertheless, the Germans felt the sting of not being able to buy goods from America while bullets, canned food, horses and other weapons were being sold to the Allies in great numbers. They decided to do something about that but it was important that the German government not be seen as a belligerent to the United States for fear of pushing them into the war on the Allied side. So they established a secret terrorist/spy cell in American to wreak havoc and disrupt the flow of supplies to the Allies. President Wilson was deaf to the transgressions of these German agents for fear of being pushed into declaring war.

Spare Not the Brave Audiobook by Richard L. Kiper

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Richard L. Kiper) — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 13:52:10 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Spare Not the Brave Subtitle: The Special Activities Group in Korea Author: Richard L. Kiper Narrator: Capt. Kevin F. Spalding USNR-Ret Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 48 mins Language: English Release date: 07-07-17 Publisher: University Press Audiobooks Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 6 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: The Special Activities Group (SAG) and its subordinate companies have received little attention from historians, despite being an elite combat unit and participating in highly classified and dangerous missions in Korea. Rarely receiving more attention than a footnote, their story usually begins and ends on the night of September 12, 1950, with an amphibious raid near Kunsan. Until their inactivation on March 31, 1951, SAG simply disappears from most Korean War histories. Spare Not the Brave corrects this omission. Spare Not the Brave tells the story of the extraordinary missions carried out by this group of extraordinary soldiers. Recruited primarily from the Far East Command headquarters, these men received six weeks of training and then were thrust into combat in Korea. Boarding rubber boats in the Yellow Sea and paddling to shore far behind enemy lines, they conducted a diversionary landing near Kunsan, then landed at Inchon, and sailed to the Wonsan area of North Korea. There, SAG was augmented with a battalion of South Korean soldiers. Together they conducted counter-guerrilla operations until overwhelming Chinese intervention forced all Allied units to withdraw from the North. Drawing on his 26 years of infantry and special forces experience, Kiper brings critical analysis and insight to this previously untold story. Spare Not the Brave fills a gap in the historiography of the Korean War and adds a valuable chapter to the history of US Army special operations. The book is published by The Kent State University Press. Critic Reviews: "Spare Not the Brave should be required reading for Special Forces and War College students, and recommended reading for all soldiers. In fact, anyone with an interest in military history, the US Army, and Special Operations forces will find this book a rewarding read." (On Point: The Journal of Army History) Members Reviews: Excellent History Lesson! I was provided this free review copy audiobook by the author or narrator." This review is for the audio copy of Spare Not the Brave: The Special Activities Group in Korea by Richard L. Kiper and narrated by Capt. Kevin F. Spalding USNR-Ret. This was a very comprehensive history of a particular army unit as described in the title. As such, be prepared for a listen that would fit right into a college level lecture/class study on this subject. The author does an excellent job providing copious amounts of background information regarding Korea, and events leading up to and through the police action. Do NOT get this book if you are expecting an action adventure story based on history. This is a verbal history course with information that I had not known or understood prior to listening to this book. It takes an effort to get through it because of the format and the high level specific information. It is not for the faint of heart in regards to slogging through this information. What made it palatable for me were the efforts of the narrator. His tone, cadence and inflection enabled me to listen to the book in its entirety. I believe that if I tried to read this material I would have stopped about 1/3 of the way through. But, being able to listen to it helped me get through what could be viewed as a tedium amount of superfluous information.

Eisenhower's Armies Audiobook by Niall Barr

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Niall Barr) — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 00:42:05 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Eisenhower's Armies Author: Niall Barr Narrator: Steven Crossley Format: Unabridged Length: 20 hrs and 32 mins Language: English Release date: 01-04-16 Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 40 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Eisenhower's Armies is the story of two very different armies learning to live, work, and fight together even in the face of serious strategic disagreements. The Anglo-American relationship from 1941-1945 proved to be the most effective military alliance in history. Yet there were also constant tensions and disagreements that threatened to pull the alliance apart. This book highlights why the unprecedented level of cooperation between the very different American and British forces eventually led to victory but also emphasizes the tensions and controversies, which inevitably arose. Based on considerable archival research on both sides of the Atlantic. The book also looks back and demonstrates how the legacy of previous experience shaped the decisions of the war. Members Reviews: One of the unsung efforts during World War II Eisenhowers Armies Mr Barrs book is a look at how the Western Allies attempted to improve the efficiency of the alliance by removing or changing those things that prevented them from working together smoothly in Europe during World War II. It is easy to believe that, since the Americans and British both speak English and since they share a common heritage, that their militaries would mesh almost seamlessly, but there were multiple problems that prevented them from working together as well as they might, including the English language itself since the British and American forms of the language, although very similar, could easily lead to confusion and disharmony. One simple example is the use of the English term tabled as it referred to items being considered in a discussion. The term means one thing in the US and the complete opposite in Great Britain. This book concerns itself with the Allied armies in Europe and is not concerned with the effort in the Pacific, which was largely American in any case. In addition, the views of the two main armies, British and American, concerning the other were not positive. Americans thought of the British as being too traditional and unwilling to learn from changed circumstances and the British thought of the Americans as inexperienced and unwilling to learn from prior mistakes, especially if those mistakes were made by the British. Both were probably right. Many other problems existed between the two - they used different caliber ammunition, there was no commonality in the design of their tanks making the task of repair and supply much more difficult, the rations of the two armies were so different that Americans constantly complained if forced to eat British rations, military grades did not exactly parallel each other so officer seniority was often not easy to determine and the American view of British objectives were tinged with the belief that Great Britain wanted to reestablish their imperial colonies after the war and were designing strategy with that in mind rather than concentrating on attacking the destroying the German Army. And, of course, there was the issue that the American soldier was more highly paid and was being billeted in Great Britain in the buildup to the Normandy invasion while the British soldier was fighting and dying in North Africa and in Asia. Much of the effort to solve these problems are not covered in other books which tend to concentrate on strategy and tactics rather than the behind-the-scenes work to make the alliance work more smoothly and easily.

A Warrior Dynasty Audiobook by Henrik O. Lunde

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Henrik O. Lunde) — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 07:55:06 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Warrior Dynasty Subtitle: The Rise and Fall of Sweden as a Military Superpower 1611-1721 Author: Henrik O. Lunde Narrator: Mark Ashby Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 28 mins Language: English Release date: 12-24-14 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 81 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: This audiobook examines the meteoric rise of Sweden as the pre-eminent military power in Europe during the Thirty Years War during the 1600s, and then follows its line of warrior kings into the next century until the Swedes finally meet their demise, in an overreach into the vastness of Russia. A small Scandinavian nation, with at most one and a half million people and scant internal resources of its own, there was small logic to how Sweden could become the dominant power on the Continent. That Sweden achieved this was due to its leadership - a case-study in history when pure military skill, and that alone, could override the demographic and economic factors which have in modern times been termed so pre-eminent. Once Protestantism emerged, via Martin Luther, the most devastating war in European history ensued, as the Holy Roman Empire sought to reassert its authority by force. Into this bloody maelstrom stepped Gustav Adolf of Sweden, a brilliant tactician and strategist, who with his finely honed Swedish legions proceeded to establish a new authority in northern Europe. Gustav, as brave as he was brilliant, was finally killed while leading a cavalry charge at the Battle of Ltzen. He had innovated, however, tactics and weaponry that put his successors in good stead, as Sweden remained a great power, rivaled only by France and Spain in terms of territory in Europe. And then one of his successors, Karl XII, turned out to be just as great a military genius as Gustav himself, and as the year 1700 arrived, Swedish armies once more burst out in all directions. Karl, like Gustav, assumed the throne while still a teenager, but immediately displayed so much acumen, daring and skill that chroniclers could only compare him, like Gustav, to Alexander the Great. This book examines thoroughly, yet in highly readable fashion, the century during which Swedish military power set an example for all Europe. Members Reviews: Pretty dry military history If you want the numbers, dates and a narrative for all the engagements in the wars Sweden waged for 100 years, starting with the 30 years war in 1630, this delivers. It does not give much sense of the reasons behind the war, or any of the personalities involved. In keeping with that, it is read like a very long list, very flat. Not what I wanted or expected, but I did listen to it all. Not completely sure why, but it had some strange attraction as background noise. I did learn more a lot about the battles and tactics. A surprising mirror image of modern Sweden What made the experience of listening to A Warrior Dynasty the most enjoyable? The fact that I am Swedish but I felt detached from Swedish military history in particular. This was a nice partial filler of that void. What did you like best about this story? All the conflicts and the actual success and reverance of Swedish Kings and Generals. Which character as performed by Mark Ashby was your favorite? Noone in particular. Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you? When I realized the impact of the Carnage in Stockholm and the extent of the Danish-Swedish conflict. Good Read Good presentation of a long period of military history in a short book. I reccommend. Military Only This is not a bad book at all but it only deals with the military aspects of the dynasty and doesn't give you a full picture of what life was like.

Four Weeks in the Trenches Audiobook by Fritz Kreisler

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Fritz Kreisler) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:06:11 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Four Weeks in the Trenches Author: Fritz Kreisler Narrator: Felbrigg Napoleon Herriot Format: Unabridged Length: 1 hr and 14 mins Language: English Release date: 12-02-11 Publisher: FNH Audio Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 10 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: A brief record of the fighting on the Eastern front in the great war, by an Austrian Officer in that great and terrible conflict. Members Reviews: a disappointment I was expecting more. This is a story of a patriotic German soldier on the eastern front. Even for those who are not WWI buffs, this will add very little. Overall the story line is dull, the narration medium at best, and the horrors of the trenches (which, I would imagine, are the main reason people would be interested in the book) are hardly mentioned. In summary, FUHGEDDABOUDIT!

World War I Dogfights Audiobook by Charles River Editors

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Charles River Editors) — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 16:38:17 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: World War I Dogfights Subtitle: The History and Legacy of Aerial Combat During the Great War Author: Charles River Editors Narrator: Ken Teutsch Format: Unabridged Length: 1 hr and 36 mins Language: English Release date: 11-03-16 Publisher: Charles River Editors Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: The first aircraft to appear in the skies over the battlefields of World War I showed few signs of the dominant future of airplanes in warfare. Small, fragile, and slow, they provided no hint of the sleek jet fighters that would one day slash across the skies of Earth faster than sound to unleash the lethal blast and fire of sophisticated missiles, or the bombers able to level an entire city with one nuclear bomb. That said, they did not represent a complete novelty in warfare either, at least not during the early months of World War I. Members Reviews: All that you needed to know about World War I airplanes and pilots the e-book World War I Dogfights: The History and Legacy of Aerial Combat during the Great War described in detail the development of World War I airplanes from the flimsy toys to airplanes that were more than capable of fighting each other and attacking things on the ground. It further described the tactics that the various countries used in the deployment of their aircraft. There is also pretty good descriptions of the larger-than-life pilots that flew for each side. The e-book is relatively short but concise. This is a worthwhile collectors item for anyone interested in World War I airplanes and how they were used. It's definitely a good book to read to understand airplane use not just ... This title has some descriptions of dogfights, but I'd also say it's more about how the use of airplanes evolved during the war from mostly reconnaissance to full fledged fighters and bombers. It's definitely a good book to read to understand airplane use not just in WWI but WWII and forward.

Thunder Run Audiobook by David Zucchino

biacuaduc@gmail.com (David Zucchino) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:33:51 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Thunder Run Subtitle: The Armored Strike to Capture Baghdad Author: David Zucchino Narrator: Richard M. Davidson Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 37 mins Language: English Release date: 11-17-11 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 152 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Called the best account of combat since Black Hawk Down by Mens Journal, Thunder Run is a no-holds-barred look at the sweep of Baghdad, Iraq in 2003 by U.S. armed forces. One of the boldest gambles in modern military history, the surprise attack on Baghdad by three battalions of tanks and APCs and less than 1,000 men total was the single stroke that is credited for ending the Iraqi war. The three days of fierce fighting that followed the initial attack are captured in stunning detail by Richard M. Davidsons powerhouse narration. Members Reviews: Good reporting, but not a great book This book is competently written, but the author seems to be 'making the most' out of what he had to work with. This episode in the second Gulf War in interesting, but neither is it particularly compelling, nor particularly novel. It is not compelling because, in a reporter's effort to 'cover the event,' the story jumps from one subject to another, never hovering long enough to really become invested in the people who lived through this. There is no particular insight into either 'men and war' or 'the war itself'. It's just a competent reporting job. One of the previous reviewers described the book as "better than Black Hawk Down" -- on the strength of which I bought the book. I don't see it myself. The Battle for Mogadishu was a far more compelling story. The battle described in Thunder Run never seemed on the verge of getting out of American control, despite the author's best attempts to inject some degree of drama. For sure it must have been terrifying for those involved, but the situation was completely different. In Baghdad the the 3rd ID had main battle tanks and Bradly fighting vehicles. They had a great deal of close air support, they had (big 120mm) mortars, they had paladin howitzers. They basically always had superior firepower and were never really in danger of loosing it. Mogadishu was completely differ (again, despite the author's attempt to draw a comparison). The rangers had only helicopter gun support, no mortars, no artillery, no CAS. They had no armor on their convoys, they were out gunned most of the time. There was a very real chance that they would lose the entire unit. Things never looked so desperate for the 3rd ID in Baghdad. Thunder Run is probably worth a listen if you are a gulf war history buff. A far better book, IMHO, about combat soldiers in Iraq, is House to House, by David Bellavia. It's about mechanized infantry in Fallujia. It is a very powerful first person account of a far longer and, for those involved, intense period of fighting. Far more gripping, one feels far more invested in the people, and it is better narrated. So Intense! I never thought a book written in 2003 about the dash to Baghdad could be so damn riveting. No matter what type of military books you read, this one is a stunner. Starts off a bit slow, but by the time it was over I was so enthralled! Thunder run is an epic win! What made the experience of listening to Thunder Run the most enjoyable? Yes, this is really and action packed read. Who was your favorite character and why? There really can't be one because you get little flashes of POV's What about Richard M.

The Short, Strange Life of Herschel Grynszpan Audiobook by Jonathan Kirsch

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jonathan Kirsch) — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 14:02:56 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Short, Strange Life of Herschel Grynszpan Subtitle: A Boy Avenger, a Nazi Diplomat, and a Murder in Paris Author: Jonathan Kirsch Narrator: Simon Prebble Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins Language: English Release date: 12-20-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 18 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: On the seventy-fifth anniversary of Kristallnacht comes this untold story of a teenager whose act of defiance would have dire international consequences. On the morning of November 7, 1938, a seventeen-year-old Jewish refugee, Herschel Grynszpan, walked into the German embassy in Paris and in an act of desperation assassinated Ernst vom Rath, a low-level Nazi diplomat. He did it, he said, out of love for my parents and for my people. Two days later, vom Rath lay dead, and the Third Reich exploited his murder to inaugurate its long-planned campaign of terror against Germanys Jewish citizens, in the mass pogrom that became known as Kristallnacht. In a bizarre concatenation of events that would rapidly involve Ribbentrop, Goebbels, and Hitler himself, Grynszpan would become the centerpiece of a Nazi propaganda campaign that would later describe his actions as "the first shot of the Jewish War. Members Reviews: The banality of heroism There is an irony about this book: just as Grynzpan has largely been overlooked and ignored by historians and the Jewish community, so this very fine book has largely been given short shrift by the various media and literary reviewers. The story is well know and summarized by other reviewers and by Amazon: a nobody East European Jew--an immature and pathetically self-centered adolescent--in a moment of passion and anger, killed a nobody Nazi bureaucrat in the German embassy in Paris. He has variously been blamed for Kristallnacht--an absurd charge, since the Nazis would have invented or staged another provocation for this atrocity--and has been dismissed as a narcissistic grand-stander who only cared about his own skin. In addition to showing how Grynzpan's plight was a microcosm of the anguish millions like him were enduring as the Nazis tightened their grip, Kirsch forces us to look at this apparent foot-note in history in a more heroic light. Indeed, when Grynszpam finally changed his story in Berlin, during a Gestapo inquiry before the show-trial being planned for him by Hitler himself, this young man made a courageous decision to sabotage the whole affair. Whether he was really gay or not is beside the point: knowing he would be killed regardless, he decided to identify himself with a much maligned minority for the greater good. In "Eichmann in Jerusalem," Hannah Arendt held forth about how Eichmann epitomized the "the banality of evil," while belittling Grynszpan as being unworthy of serious consideration. Yet, this book persuades the reader to consider that this nobody East European Jew embodies the banality of heroism. Excellent Piece of WWII History Kudos to the author for maintaining the tension of the story against the larger backdrop of Nazi Germany and WWII. It is a poignant story intensified by the direct involvement of the Nazi elite, including Hitler himself. The story illustrates, yet again, the dishonesty and absurdity of Nazi claims of international Jewish conspiracy.

Rescue at Los Banos Audiobook by Bruce Henderson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Bruce Henderson) — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 05:52:54 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Rescue at Los Banos Subtitle: The Most Daring Prison Camp Raid of World War II Author: Bruce Henderson Narrator: Brett Barry Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 54 mins Language: English Release date: 03-31-15 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 36 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: From the best-selling author of Hero Found comes the incredible true story of one of the greatest military rescues of all time, the 1945 World War II prison camp raid at Los Baños in the Philippines - a tale of daring, courage, and heroism that joins the ranks of Ghost Soldiers, Unbroken, and The Boys of Pointe du Hoc. In February 1945, as the US victory in the Pacific drew nearer, the Japanese army grew desperate, and its soldiers guarding US and Allied POWs more sadistic. Starved, shot, and beaten, many of the 2,146 prisoners of the Los Baños prison camp in the Philippines - most of them American men, women, and children - would not survive much longer unless rescued soon. Deeply concerned about the half-starved and ill-treated prisoners, General Douglas MacArthur assigned to the 11th Airborne Division a dangerous rescue mission deep behind enemy lines that became a deadly race against the clock. The Los Baños raid would become one of the greatest triumphs of that war or any war; hailed years later by chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell: "I doubt that any airborne unit in the world will ever be able to rival the Los Baños prison raid. It is the textbook operation for all ages and all armies." Combining personal interviews, diaries, correspondence, memoirs, and archival research, Rescue at Los Baños tells the story of a remarkable group of prisoners - whose courage and fortitude helped them overcome hardship, deprivation, and cruelty - and of the young American soldiers and Filipino guerrillas who risked their lives to save them. Members Reviews: Edge of your seat story. Great narration The narrator keep you on the edge of your seat while listening to this story about the brave men and women who were captives at Los Banos and the brave soldiers who saved them. Time flies when listening to this exciting audio book. Bruce Baer Thanks for the book, outlining my family's rescue It was extremely tough, but rewarding hearing the detailed and well written accounts of an amazing rescue. The fact the me and my two siblings each served in separate branches on the US Military is a testament of the high regards my family always held thier rescuers. Thanks for giving us even more perspective. great book loved it couldn't put it down till I finished the book I would highly recommend it to anyone

Underground Warfare in World War I Audiobook by Charles River Editors

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Charles River Editors) — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 09:16:57 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Underground Warfare in World War I Subtitle: The History and Legacy of the Fighting Beneath and Between the Trenches Author: Charles River Editors Narrator: Bill Hare Format: Unabridged Length: 1 hr and 28 mins Language: English Release date: 08-17-17 Publisher: Charles River Editors Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 2 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: "It was a pretty gloomy business. We started sinking this shaft and it filled with water, so we pumped it out with hand pumps - lift and force. We got down about 10 feet or so. It was heartbreaking - I hated it. But I had to keep my men going. The Boche [Germans] saved us. We were making a lot of noise with spiling [timbering the tunnels]. The Boche opposite us were Saxons, rather friendly, and they put up a notice on a blackboard, 'No good your mining. We've tried. It can't be done.' The notice was in English. I reported this to my OC and it went up to HQ and they stopped the mine." - Major General F. Gordon Hyland World War I, also known in its time as the "Great War," or the "War to End all Wars," was an unprecedented holocaust in terms of its sheer scale. Fought by men who hailed from all corners of the globe, it saw millions of soldiers do battle in brutal assaults of attrition which dragged on for months, with little to no respite. Tens of millions of artillery shells and untold hundreds of millions of rifle and machine gun bullets were fired in a conflict that demonstrated man's capacity to kill each other on a heretofore unprecedented scale, and as always, such a war brought about technological innovation at a rate that made the boom of the Industrial Revolution seem stagnant. World War I was the first truly industrial war, and it created a paradigm which reached its zenith with World War II, and towards which virtually all equipment, innovation, and training were dedicated throughout the Cold War and the remainder of the 20th century. To this day, modern warfare remains synonymous with tanks and mass infantry battles, although a confrontation of this nature has not occurred, (except briefly during Operation Desert Storm), since World War II. The enduring image of World War I is of men stuck in muddy trenches, and of vast armies deadlocked in a fight neither could win. It was a war of barbed wire, poison gas, and horrific losses, as officers led their troops on mass charges across No Man's Land, and into a hail of bullets. While these impressions are all too true, they hide the fact that trench warfare was dynamic and constantly evolving throughout the war, as all armies struggled to find a way to break through the opposing lines. Underground Warfare in World War I: The History and Legacy of the Fighting Beneath and Between the Trenches examines one of the most forgotten aspects of the fighting on the ground during the Great War. Members Reviews: As bad as trench life was As bad as trench life was, this book details how much worse miners had it as they dug tunnels and tried to blow up the other side's lines underground. The book also does a good job of discussing counter-mining operations, with stories about miners on each side coming within feet of each other underground. This is a really good book about an overlooked aspect of the fighting during the war.Â Not What I Had in Mind... I was hoping for more of a story than just factual information. Historical fiction style writing around the subject would make a great book I think. Still, some fascinating information. There are better books about the subject out there Very short. Just an over all of the tunnel warfare of WW I.

The Bataan Death March Audiobook by Charles River Editors

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Charles River Editors) — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 04:45:50 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Bataan Death March Subtitle: Life and Death in the Philippines During World War II Author: Charles River Editors Narrator: Colin Fluxman Format: Unabridged Length: 1 hr and 21 mins Language: English Release date: 03-02-16 Publisher: Charles River Editors Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 4 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: "They went down by twos and threes. Usually, they made an effort to rise. I never can forget their groans and strangled breathing as they tried to get up. Some succeeded. Others lay lifelessly where they had fallen...I observed that the Jap guards paid no attention to these. I wondered why. The explanation wasn't long in coming. There was a sharp crackle of pistol and rifle fire behind us." (Captain William Dyess) On December 7, 1941, the Japanese military engaged in a preemptive strike against the American Pacific fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor, but they also began maneuvers to attack the American controlled Philippines. Although General Douglas A. MacArthur and Allied forces tried to hold out, they could only fight a delaying action, and the Japanese managed to subdue all resistance by the spring of 1942. However, in the aftermath of Japan's successful invasion, as the nation's military strategists began preparations for the next phase of military actions in the theater, their forces had to deal with a critical logistical problem they had not foreseen. The Japanese had to deal with large numbers of Filipino and American soldiers who had surrendered after a lengthy defense in the Bataan peninsula, but they were not prepared for so many prisoners of war because their own military philosophy emphasized rigid discipline and fighting until the end. They could not imagine a situation in which Japanese soldiers would willingly surrender, so they assumed that no other combatants would do so either. Members Reviews: No good Why would you let an English accent man read a story about the Japanese, Vietnamese and Americans. I could not even think about what he was saying. his voice is so out of context.

Hubris Audiobook by Alistair Horne

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alistair Horne) — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 08:13:54 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Hubris Subtitle: The Tragedy of War in the Twentieth Century Author: Alistair Horne Narrator: James Adams Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 30 mins Language: English Release date: 11-17-15 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 99 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Sir Alistair Horne has been a close observer of war and history for more than 50 years, and in this wise and masterly work he revisits six battles of the past century and examines the strategies, leadership, preparation, and geopolitical goals of aggressors and defenders to reveal the one trait that links them all: hubris. In Greek tragedy, hubris is excessive human pride that challenges the gods and ultimately leads to total destruction of the offender. From the 1905 Battle of Tsushima in the Russo-Japanese War to Hitler's 1941 bid to capture Moscow to MacArthur's disastrous advance in Korea to the French downfall at Dien Bien Phu, Horne shows how each of these battles was won or lost due to excessive hubris on one side or the other. In a sweeping narrative written with his trademark erudition and wit, Horne provides a meticulously detailed analysis of the ground maneuvers employed by the opposing armies in each battle. He also explores the strategic and psychological mind-sets of the military leaders involved to demonstrate how devastating combinations of human ambition and arrogance led to overreach. Making clear the danger of hubris in warfare, his insights hold resonant lessons for civilian and military leaders navigating today's complex global landscape. A dramatic, colorful, stylishly written history, Hubris is a much-needed reflection on war from a master of his field. Members Reviews: I Never Heard W ll Explained this Way! Where does Hubris rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? I very much enjoy stories of WW ll & Vietnam. This Book covers several less known wars, especially between the Japanese & Russia. But Alistair Horne also covers a more well known, but rather short,look at the Pacific War, especially the Battle of Midway. Everything covered, Hubris's is the driving force behind the instigators. Very well read, most interesting to hear. I highly recommend it to those who wonder about the price of war & the driving force of Hubris. The once again fall of the French, in Vietnam this time, should have warned all of the American leaders of what disaster lay ahead for the USA! ND John Who was your favorite character and why? My favorite character was the Russian General Zhukov & his handling of the little know 1939 battle with the Japanese in Manchuria, a very bloody affair! This set the stage for the Russian General's actions in the soon to come WW ll & was the main reason Japan decided not to attack Russia during the 1940's allowing Russia to send his eastern army against the German advance on Moscow! I will now look at history's great Wars to see if the parties involved studied history! I know most did not & then paid a high price. Which character as performed by James Adams was your favorite? Finally, someone (James Adams) gave a forthright reading of the King of Hubris, General McArthur! If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? How Big Battles are Lost! Any additional comments? I loved "After a Win, Tighten Your Chin Strap"! How true! Excellent analysis, outstanding narration This is the best audible audio book I have listened. Superbly written, excellent analysis of the several war episodes chosen and an absolutely outstanding narration.

Blind Man's Bluff Audiobook by Sherry Sontag, Christopher Drew

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Sherry Sontag) — Thu, 16 Dec 1999 13:25:54 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Blind Man's Bluff Subtitle: The Untold Story of American Submarine Espionage Author: Sherry Sontag, Christopher Drew Narrator: Tony Roberts Format: Abridged Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins Language: English Release date: 12-16-99 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 378 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: No espionage missions have been kept more secret than those involving American submarines. Now Blind Man's Bluff shows for the first time how the Navy sent subs wired with self-destruct charges into the heart of Soviet seas to tap crucial underwater telephone cables. It unveils how the Navy's own negligence might have been responsible for the loss of the USS Scorpion, a submarine that disappeared, with all hands lost, 30 years ago. It tells the complete story of the audacious attempt to steal a Soviet submarine with the help of eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes, and how it was doomed from the start. And it reveals how the Navy used the comforting notion of deep-sea rescue vehicles to hide operations that were more James Bond than Jacques Cousteau. ©1998 Sherry Sontag and Christopher Drew; (P)1998 HarperCollins Publishers Critic Reviews: "Enthralling." (Kirkus Reviews) "This is the kind of non-fiction that drives people like me crazy. Why? Because it's almost impossible to make up stuff this good." (John Weisman, author of the Rogue Warrior series) Members Reviews: Wow This is an amazing listen This book amazed me and gave me insight on how much we really did to win the cold war....we were by far more involved that I ever imagined... Straight up, it's exciting, heartbreaking, and amazing! You MUST listen to this book! Hero's ALL I was a CT "spook" during the 60's while some of these missions were going on. I can believe everything in the stories. It's all true. VERY interesting information What made the experience of listening to Blind Man's Bluff the most enjoyable? It presented facts from different sources that brought the story of the Glomar Explorer and K129 into very sharp focus. Who was your favorite character and why? There are really no identifiable characters in that this is a true story of SPY vs SPY in the major leagues. Did Tony Roberts do a good job differentiating all the characters? How? Story was well read but would benefit from sme perceptive editing. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? My schedule did not allow this but I would certainly have done so if I could. Any additional comments? Should be read with Scorpion Down to see the entire picture of the the intelligence capabilities and use of subs. Breath'n my air Great book, well read. As a member of the silent service, I listened to those before us and enjoyed the history. Good info, interesting stories, but ... ... it is more like a set of story pieces from the 60 year history of the use of subs in military intelligence gathering.... and less like a truly connected tale (or even history). The book basically lacks an arc. Also, the audiobook is abridged, and I think the connectivity across the years may get further disjointed as a result. Lastly, at almost every step it seemd as if both the author(s) and the narrator tried too hard to interject slightly heightened (yet transparent) drama whenever possible.

Civil Wars Audiobook by David Armitage

biacuaduc@gmail.com (David Armitage) — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 11:37:35 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Civil Wars Subtitle: A History in Ideas Author: David Armitage Narrator: Derek Perkins Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins Language: English Release date: 02-07-17 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 13 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: A highly original history, tracing the least understood and most intractable form of organized human aggression from ancient Rome to the present day. We think we know civil war when we see it. Yet ideas of what it is and what it isn't have a long and contested history, from its fraught origins in republican Rome to debates in early modern Europe to our present day. Defining the term is acutely political, for ideas about what makes a war "civil" often depend on whether one is a ruler or a rebel, victor or vanquished, sufferer or outsider. Calling a conflict a civil war can shape its outcome by determining whether outside powers choose to get involved or stand aside: From the American Revolution to the war in Iraq, pivotal decisions have depended on such shifts of perspective. The age of civil war in the West may be over, but elsewhere in the last two decades it has exploded - from the Balkans to Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, and Sri Lanka, and most recently Syria. And the language of civil war has burgeoned as democratic politics has become more violently fought. This book's unique perspective on the roots and dynamics of civil war, and on its shaping force in our conflict-ridden world, will be essential to the ongoing effort to grapple with this seemingly interminable problem. Members Reviews: bellum civile This is an engaging and enlightening book. Dr. Armitage draws upon an impressively vast range of research and history to deliver a masterful (and empowering) analysis of civil war. I would describe the author's writing style as cogent, scholarly, well-organized, often amusing, and above all, animated with a deep knowledge and understanding of Western culture and history. The writing is rich with literary and historical allusions, brimming with relevant quotations from the greatest minds, and bristling with the author's own energetic and compelling interpretations and study. I want to include the following quotes for anyone interested in what the author is setting out to do with this book. What he is not setting out to do and what he can do: "It is not my aim to provide an overarching theory of civil war. Nor can I supply the missing treatise. What I can do as a historian is to uncover the origins of our present discontents, to explain why we remain so confused about civil war and why we refuse to look it in the face." (p.7) More on what he sets out to do: "Over the course of this book, I show that civil war is neither eternal nor inexplicable. I argue that the phenomenon is coterminous with its historical conception, from its fraught origins in republican Rome to its contested present and its likely no less confusing or controversial future. It has a history with an identifiable beginning, if not a discernible end. A historical treatment reveals the contingency of the phenomenon, contradicting those who claim its permanence and durability. It is my aim to show that what humans have invented, they may yet dismantle; that what intellectual will has enshrined, and equal effort of imaginative determination can dethrone." (p.

Hitler's Preemptive War Audiobook by Henrik Lunde

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Henrik Lunde) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 09:58:38 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Hitler's Preemptive War Subtitle: The Battle for Norway, 1940 Author: Henrik Lunde Narrator: Tom Parks Format: Unabridged Length: 24 hrs and 34 mins Language: English Release date: 03-29-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 32 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: This book describes the often overlooked World War II campaign for Norway - a complex series of battles in which Hitler out-gambled Churchill in order to secure a vital resource lifeline for the Third Reich. After Hitler conquered Poland and was still fine-tuning his plans against France, the British began to exert control of the coastline of neutral Norway, an action that threatened to cut off Germanys iron-ore conduit to Sweden and outflank from the start its hegemony on the Continent. The Germans responded with a dizzying series of assaults, using every tool of modern warfare developed in the previous generation. Airlifted infantry, mountain troops and paratroopers were dispatched to the north, seizing Norwegian strongpoints while forestalling larger but more cumbersome Allied units. The German navy also set sail, taking a brutal beating at the hands of Britannia, while ensuring with its sacrifice that key harbors could be held open for resupply. As dive-bombers soared overhead, small but elite German units traversed forbidding terrain to ambush Allied units trying to forge inland. At Narvik, some 6,000 German troops battled 20,000 French and British, until the Allies were finally forced to withdraw by the great disaster in France, which had then gotten underway. Henrik Lunde, a native Norwegian and former U.S. Special Operations colonel, has written the most objective account to date of a campaign in which 20th-century military innovation found its first fertile playing field. Members Reviews: Fine history; narration not so good Would you listen to Hitler's Preemptive War again? Why? I probably wouldn't listen to "Hitler's Preemptive War" again . . . but, I would read a hard-copy edition. What didnt you like about Tom Parkss performance? Tom Parks would be a good narrator for a young adult novel, but lacked the "gravitas" for this material. His pronunciation of words (even English) was odd, idiosyncratic. His word emphasis was off-putting. Any additional comments? Very fine example of military history on the more-or-less "micro" level. Excellent research went into this book! Great book hampered by poor narration Where does Hitler's Preemptive War rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? The subject and quality of the research was excellent. How could the performance have been better? You would think that the narrator would have been pre-screened for his/her ability to pronounce German, names and words. The narrator's lack of ability to pronounce German names and terms makes the book difficult to listen to at times. This is a book about a German Campaign get a narrator that has the ability to pronounce German words and military terminology, both German and English correctly.

Disciples Audiobook by Douglas Waller

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Douglas Waller) — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 12:23:12 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Disciples Subtitle: The World War II Missions of the CIA Directors Who Fought for Wild Bill Donovan Author: Douglas Waller Narrator: George Newbern Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 53 mins Language: English Release date: 10-06-15 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 79 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: The author of the critically acclaimed best seller Wild Bill Donovan tells the story of four OSS warriors of World War II. All four later led the CIA. They are the most famous and controversial directors the CIA has ever had - Allen Dulles, Richard Helms, William Colby, and William Casey. Disciples is the story of these dynamic agents and their daring espionage and sabotage in wartime Europe under OSS Director Bill Donovan. Allen Dulles ran the OSS' most successful spy operation against the Axis. Bill Casey organized dangerous missions to penetrate Nazi Germany. Bill Colby led OSS commando raids behind the lines in occupied France and Norway. Richard Helms mounted risky intelligence programs against the Russians in the ruin of Berlin after the German surrender. Four very different men, they later led (or misled) the successor CIA. Dulles launched the calamitous operation to land CIA-trained, anti-Castro guerrillas at Cuba's Bay of Pigs. Helms was convicted of lying to Congress over the CIA's role in the coup that ousted Chile's president. Colby would become a pariah for releasing to Congress what became known as the "Family Jewels" report on CIA misdeeds during the 1950s, '60s and early '70s. Casey would nearly bring down the CIA - and Ronald Reagan's presidency - from a scheme that secretly supplied Nicaragua's contras with money raked off from the sale of arms to Iran for American hostages in Beirut. Mining thousands of once-secret World War II documents and interviewing scores of family members and CIA colleagues, Waller has written a brilliant successor to Wild Bill Donovan. Members Reviews: A "Boys in the Boat" for WWII Intrigue Would you listen to Disciples again? Why? I actually have listened to several sections a few times, just to make sure I have all the characters right. And there are so many intriguing personalities going on here. To think this was real! This would make a great espionage film! Jason Bourne for reals, kids! Who was your favorite character and why? The author has so skillfully profiles every one of the young men who volunteered for Wild Bill Donovan's fledgling espionage ring, known as the OSS. I think my favorite might be Richard Helms, who was a gawky guy, too tall, too thin, too unhealthy. No branch of the military wanted him. But he persevered and ended up finding his stride in the OSS. So many of the members of this legendary group were rich or handsome-or both! Dick Helms is kind of the geeky guy you want to root for. What about George Newberns performance did you like? Great books can be ruined by poor narrative skills. Happy to say that George Newbern did a great job. He was so pleasant to my ear, in fact, that I found myself pausing to look him up, to see what else he's read. If I see his name under "Narrated by" for any future book purchases...well, that's a strong recommendation! Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you? I like this book so much, I'm reviewing it before even getting half-way through. But so far, what I find really touching is how all the players were eager to give up their own lives in order to fight the Nazis. We were losing the war and a lot of it had to do with the lack of solid espionage skills.

The Catholic and the War Audiobook by Hilaire Belloc

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Hilaire Belloc) — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 13:53:38 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Catholic and the War Author: Hilaire Belloc Narrator: Saethon Williams Format: Unabridged Length: 38 mins Language: English Release date: 11-10-14 Publisher: Cavalier Books Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 12 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Hilaire Belloc (1870-1953) was one of the great Catholic authors and historians of the twentieth century. Born in France, and raised in Great Britain, Belloc later became a naturalised British subject and served in Parliament from 1906 to 1910. After his brief political career Belloc continued his writing, commenting on a large variety of topics throughout his lifetime. This essay, written shortly after the outbreak of WWII (February 1940), examines the state of the war from a Catholic perspective. Belloc explains why the Catholic has a moral obligation to support the war effort against the Axis Powers, not only because of the crimes committed against the Polish and Jewish peoples, but because a loss for the Allies would mean the end of Western Civilization. He also expresses his shock at the attitudes of appeasement, and sympathy, some of his fellow countrymen hold for the enemy. Members Reviews: Belloc is clear as a bell A top notch essay on the application of Catholic social ethics to the situation at the beginning of WW2. Includes an enlightening recap of the events leading to the period of the war just prior to the fall of France. Rare to read such an unequivocal rational voice on the subject of geopolitics. Whether or not you find yourself agreeing with him you will find the engagement with his overview thesis worth having. The narrator is a tad breezy here, but still quite listenable. Time well spent! Very timely Fantastic writing - thorough and concise. Excellent narrator. Looking forward to more by this author. Belloc is brilliant as always This short book is very thought provoking. Anyone interested in the world wars will benefit from considering the main points raised, pertaining to the moral issues involved. Phenomenal The reader manages the tone and voice of the book wonderfully. The reasoning of Belloc is clear and nearly unassailable. All Catholic citizens of a democracy or republic must read this book!

Marked for Death Audiobook by James Hamilton-Paterson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (James Hamilton-Paterson) — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 20:30:17 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Marked for Death Subtitle: The First War in the Air Author: James Hamilton-Paterson Narrator: Gildart Jackson Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 14 mins Language: English Release date: 08-01-16 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 26 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: A dramatic and fascinating account of aerial combat during World War I, revealing the terrible risks taken by the men who fought and died in the world's first war in the air. Little more than 10 years after the first powered flight, aircraft were pressed into service in World War I. Nearly forgotten in the war's massive overall death toll, some 50,000 aircrew would die in the combatant nations' fledgling air forces. The romance of aviation had a remarkable grip on the public imagination, propaganda focusing on gallant air "aces" who become national heroes. The reality was horribly different. Marked for Death debunks popular myth to explore the brutal truths of wartime aviation: of flimsy planes and unprotected pilots; of burning, screaming 19-year-olds falling to their deaths; of pilots blinded by the entrails of their observers. James Hamilton-Paterson also reveals how four years of war produced profound changes both in the aircraft themselves, and in military attitudes and strategy. By 1918 it was widely accepted that domination of the air above the battlefield was crucial to military success, a realization that would change the nature of warfare forever. Members Reviews: Excellent I have read and listened to many books on WW1 aviation. This was arranged topically rather than chronologically. I learned a lot that I didn't know before. The narrator was very good also. From one military aviator to another - outstanding Great story line with narration and organization that is outstanding. Many lesson learned then are still used today in modern combat, but also many lesson learned then are ignored and we are still repeating them today. Great history for all and even better for a military pilot. Not a swashbuckler but has some interesting stuff While this book definitely contained a number of accounts of flying with the RFC in WW1, it wasn't as lively as some other books (e.g. Open Cockpit, which is referenced in this book). It does, however, contain a number of facts about the early days of the RFC and RAF. It is probably important to note that this book is specifically about the RFC / RAF. It touches on the air services of other countries only when necessary to complete a point. In fact, the book ends with details of how the RFC evolved into the RAF of 2015 and the author's feelings about that evolution. As opposed to most accounts of WW1 aviation, this one is not chronological. It, instead, builds chapters around topics of interest. For example, there are chapters on the 1914 - 1918 evolutions in: aircraft design (teaching, among other things, why biplanes were favored over monoplanes - a reason different than most people think), aviation medicine, pilot lives, and armament. I thought the narrator was quite good, picking up decent accents to represent people from various countries. It seemed that there were a few mispronunciations but I suspect these were actually just differences between the way that words are pronounced in the UK and here in the US. So, while I prefer first person flying stories that provide facts from the time (Open Cockpit is really a great listen for anyone so interested), this was a fine book for any World War One aviation enthusiast interested in learning facts that aren't generally covered in books of this genre.

Rock of the Marne Audiobook by Stephen L. Harris

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Stephen L. Harris) — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 20:24:10 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Rock of the Marne Subtitle: The American Soldiers Who Turned the Tide Against the Kaiser in World War I Author: Stephen L. Harris Narrator: Joe Barrett Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins Language: English Release date: 10-06-15 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 6 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: The soldiers of the Third US Infantry Division in World War I were outnumbered and inexperienced young men facing hardened veterans, but their actions proved to be a turning point during the last German offensive of World War I. In stopping three German divisions from crossing the Marne River, these heroic American soldiers blocked the road to Paris east of Château-Thierry, helped save the French capital, and, in doing so, played a key role in turning the tide of the war. The Allies then began a counteroffensive that drove the enemy back to the Hindenburg Line, and four months later the war was over. Rock of the Marne follows the Third Division's Sixth Brigade, which took the brunt of the German attack. The officers, many of them West Pointers and elite Ivy Leaguers fighting side by side with enlisted men - city dwellers and country boys, cowboys and coal miners who came from every corner of America along with newly planted immigrants from Europe - answered their country's call to duty. This is the gripping true account of one of the most important - yet least explored - battles of World War I. Critic Reviews: "Harris brings this epochal event alive with breathtaking vividness and skill." (Thomas Fleming, author of The Illusion of Victory) Members Reviews: American soldiers at the Marne If you could sum up Rock of the Marne in three words, what would they be? Interesting, Informative, Unique. Who was your favorite character and why? No one in particular. The strength of character of the doughboys was what stood out the most. What about Joe Barretts performance did you like? Matter of fact narration suited the material. If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? Doughboys at the Marne. I am not much on catchy titles. A clearly descriptive title well suits the material in this book. Any additional comments? I do not know of many books written about American soldiers in WW1. This listen satisfies a need for an informative description of their involvement.

The Silence of War Audiobook by Terry McGowan, Bill O'Reilly - foreword

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Terry McGowan) — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 21:06:55 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Silence of War Subtitle: An Old Marine in a Young Marine's War Author: Terry McGowan, Bill O'Reilly - foreword Narrator: Pete Larkin Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs Language: English Release date: 08-23-16 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 37 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: With a foreword by Bill O'Reilly, here is the incredible memoir of a former marine who returns to combat in Iraq and Afghanistan three decades after leaving the corps. Terry McGowan had been a beat cop, a marine captain, and a special agent for the FBI before retiring at the age of 50. But when tragedy struck the United States on September 11, 2001, Terry felt an undiminished sense of duty to protect and serve his country. Six years later he was in Iraq as a member of a team of high-ranking retired and active-duty military working for the highest level of marine military intelligence. His success in Iraq led to a position as a law enforcement professional with the marines in Afghanistan. There he found himself the oldest member of a platoon on the front line - a platoon that was understrength and under fire. While an 18-year-old marine can't look at a crowd of Afghans and pick out the guilty party, with his years of experience in law enforcement, Terry had developed an eye for the "felony look". His training as a marine officer, combined with his experience as an FBI agent, made him a unique asset as he struggled to keep up with young marines while they humped over the mountains. In The Silence of War, Terry recounts the many trials of his life of service, providing an intimate glimpse into the horrible realities of modern military conflict. Members Reviews: Great book If you served in the Global War on Terror you should read this book Semper Fi A story that needed to be told. Where does The Silence of War rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? As a member of the 2/7 unit that was deployed to Helmand Province in Afghanistan this book is very close to me, for me and my brother Marines this is the first and probably only outlet we have to let America at large hear our voice about our war. If one has been searching for a source to get a sense of perspective about the war in Afghanistan, I recommend this book first and foremost. What other book might you compare The Silence of War to and why? Storm of Steel by Ernst Junger. Which scene was your favorite? Probably the one where Terry get's shot at by about 4 RPG rockets, then gives the shooter the finger and tells him "Fuck you!!! You can't hit shit!!!!" Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? Yes. Any additional comments? All I can say I have said it is my sincere hope that Americans seeking to understand a bit better what their veterans have experienced read this book. great story for the youth of our country. more people would respect their freedoms if they understood the sacrifices made to obtain and preserve it. Honorable service personnel working next to Hell After 3 decades ex Marine Corp. Captain Terry McGowan returns to the Marine Corp. as a police advisor. The story of events had to be much more exciting than the way the story was written.

World War One Audiobook by Norman Stone

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Norman Stone) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:04:14 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: World War One Subtitle: A Short History Author: Norman Stone Narrator: Simon Prebble Format: Unabridged Length: 4 hrs and 30 mins Language: English Release date: 09-15-09 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 155 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: An overwhelming disaster from which the world is still recovering, World War One can seem baffling in its complexity. But now Norman Stone, one of world's greatest military historians, has composed a dazzlingly lucid and succinct history of the conflict. Stone has distilled a lifetime of teaching, arguing, and thinking into this brisk and opinionated account of the fundamental tragedy of the 20th century. Critic Reviews: "Stone is as unconventional as he is brilliant, and this provocative interpretation of the Great War combines impressive command of the literature with a telling eye for relevant facts and a sensitive ear for telling epigrams." (Publishers Weekly) "[Stone] examines the broad canvas of the war, taking us from 1914 to 1918. He describes, often quite vividly, the armies of the Central Powers and the Allies as they slog across the fields of Flanders and northern France, through the morass of the Balkans, across rivers and over mountains in Central Europe, chewing up farms and villages, not to mention millions of lives, in the process....There are lovely images, adroit turns of phrase, flashes of wry British wit, amusing details." (The New York Times Book Review) "Stone is able to pack an enormity of information into the smallest space, and with a remarkable eye for detail....The wonder is that Stone is able to create a narrative of this sweep and brevity while also providing such evocative descriptions." (The American Spectator) "Stone's book is a special pleasure - a concise, pithy mix of fact and judgment." (Dallas Morning News) Members Reviews: Well told, well narrated; needs maps This is a great "read": the reviews that describe it as surprisingly chock full of information, given its narrative grace and its length, are right on target. Simon Prebble does a good job presenting the narrative. You won't find a more comprehensive four-and-a-half hour account anywhere. Overall, very satisfying. The one thing missing are the maps. Maybe it's just me, but I can't read (or listen to) a description of a battle without looking at a map. Fortunately atlases of World War One are easy to come by, and I recommend having one at hand for this. Exactly what I wanted I've read dozens of books about WWII and the Civil War, and still have only scratched the surface of those two great conflicts. There are practically no audiobooks regarding the first World War. I liked that this book was short, and found the narration absolutely perfect. You will not come away from it knowing what Franz Ferdinand's favorite fruit was, but you'll at least understand the basics of this conflict and a bit about all the mistakes everyone made. Don't get this book looking for depth, but you get what you get with 4 hours of audio. This is a great book for exactly what is intended- an overview, a timeline, and the parties involved. Excellent Brief History As a student of history, the First World War is my favorite topic. Norman Stone is an excellent historical scholar on this topic. His book "The Eastern Front" (not available in audio) which discusses the Eastern Front in World War One is a bible for people like me. This book provides an excellent concise overview of the war in a very well written and organized volume.

Crusade Audiobook by Rick Atkinson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Rick Atkinson) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:26:58 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Crusade Subtitle: The Untold Story of the Persian Gulf War Author: Rick Atkinson Narrator: Jeff Riggenbach Format: Unabridged Length: 24 hrs and 36 mins Language: English Release date: 09-07-11 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 108 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Throughout the Gulf War of 1991, unprecedented restrictions on the medias access to the battlefield kept the true story of that brief, brutal conflict from being told. Now, after two years of intensive research, Rick Atkinson has written what will surely come to be recognized as the definitive chronicle of the war. Crusade follows the unfolding battle from the first night to the final day, providing vivid accounts of bombing runs and White House strategy sessions, fire-fights and bitter inter-service conflicts. Weaving individual stories into the larger narrative, Atkinson represents the allied campaign against Saddam Hussein as a wholly new kind of war, one that has transformed the nature of modern warfare. Critic Reviews: "An engrossing account. Rich in pertinent details, the powerful narrative leaps nimbly from Washington to Riyadh." ( Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: A very decent account of the gulf war Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not? Yes. Gives a pretty detailed account of the sequence of events. I am actually a gulf war vet according to Congress' definition (no direct combat for me though), but I learned a lot of things I hadn't known about it from this book. Could you see Crusade being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be? One sub-plot has sort of already been done with "Jarhead", but there are a lot of other things that could probably be turned into a movie. And it would probably be a pretty decent film if they did the whole thing. Any additional comments? One annoying thing is the author's unconcealed political grandstanding at various points. The book would have been a lot better if he could have restrained himself on that point. I found the narrator to be good What about Jeff Riggenbachs performance did you like? I think the narrator is just fine. Ok, the occasional long pause makes me wonder if I'm about to get a phone call, but I'm not going to deducts points for that. To my ear, his pronunciations are correct. I'm mainly writing this because I nearly skipped over this audible book because of the negative comments. I am glad I didn't. Great account of Desert Shield/Storm Would you consider the audio edition of Crusade to be better than the print version? No. In fact, I got most of the way through this, then ordered it in hardcover. What did you like best about this story? Atkinson has a knack for finding a perfect middle-ground between The War as an event run by entire coalitions of governments and massive military units on the one side, and the troops in the proverbial trenches on the other side. It is therefore more readable than a history of politics and policy or of divisional maneuvers and terrain, while being broader in scope than, say, Jarhead. Stylistically, his writing brings things to life while giving the "big picture" history. Have you listened to any of Jeff Riggenbachs other performances before? How does this one compare? This was my first. As other reviewers have doubtlessly pointed out, he mispronounces household names like Dick Cheney and Colin Powell. He also pronounces Arabic place names oddly; though "Sa-OO-di" may well be technically correct, it's not how anyone pronounced it when I was there twice with Operation Southern Watch.

The French and Indian War and the Conquest of New France Audiobook by William R. Nester

biacuaduc@gmail.com (William R. Nester) — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 17:19:43 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The French and Indian War and the Conquest of New France Author: William R. Nester Narrator: Philip Benoit Format: Unabridged Length: 17 hrs and 9 mins Language: English Release date: 11-08-16 Publisher: University Press Audiobooks Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 9 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: The French and Indian War was the world's first truly global conflict. When the French lost to the British in 1763, they lost their North American empire along with most of their colonies in the Caribbean, India, and West Africa. In The French and Indian War and the Conquest of New France, the only comprehensive account from the French perspective, William R. Nester explains how and why the French were defeated. He explores the fascinating personalities and epic events that shaped French diplomacy, strategy, and tactics and determined North America's destiny. What began in 1754 with a French victory - the defeat at Fort Necessity of young Lieutenant Colonel George Washington - quickly became a disaster for France. The cost in soldiers, ships, munitions, provisions, and treasure was staggering. France was deeply in debt when the war began, and that debt grew with each year. Nester describes missed diplomatic and military opportunities as well as military defeats late in the conflict. Nester masterfully weaves his narrative of this complicated war with thorough accounts of the military, economic, technological, social, and cultural forces that affected its outcome. Listeners learn not only how and why the French lost, but how the problems leading up to that loss in 1763 foreshadowed the French Revolution almost 25 years later. One of the problems at Versailles was the king's mistress, the powerful Madame de Pompadour, who encouraged Louis XV to become his own prime minister. The bewildering labyrinth of French bureaucracy combined with court intrigue and financial challenges only made it even more difficult for the French to succeed. Ultimately, France lost the war because Versailles failed to provide enough troops and supplies to fend off the English enemy. Members Reviews: A great narrative of the Real First World War What made the experience of listening to The French and Indian War and the Conquest of New France the most enjoyable? This book is the first I've read that explained how France lost it's hold in the new world. What was one of the most memorable moments of The French and Indian War and the Conquest of New France? It brought to light and life the struggle for power in the 18th century western nations, and showed how the inattentive, capricious leadership of the French royals cost them everything by setting the stage for the revolution. Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Philip Benoit? Anyone who actually speaks French. He murdered the pronunciation of the names and titles to the point of distraction. For me, this was the major flaw in an otherwise well written, thoroughly documented book. Simon Vance would have done much better. If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? How France lost the new world. Interesting topic, terrible narration The narrators inability to pronounce any French names correctly distracts from the content. I would have given it a higher rating if the narration was better. Title is misleading This has almost nothing to do with French and Indian war in America- probably about 1 hr. Takes 5 hrs to get 1750 in France. Most of the story is about Frances war in Europe with about 1/3 of time in Canada. If youre interested in Frances ineptitude this is for you. Execrable narration I wanted to like this audio book.

Six Months in 1945 Audiobook by Michael Dobbs

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Michael Dobbs) — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 14:41:56 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Six Months in 1945 Subtitle: FDR, Stalin, Churchill, and Truman - from World War to Cold War Author: Michael Dobbs Narrator: Bob Walter Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 36 mins Language: English Release date: 10-16-12 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 148 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: From the author of the best-selling One Minute to Midnight, a riveting account of the pivotal six-month period spanning the end of World War II, the dawn of the nuclear age, and the beginning of the Cold War. When Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill met in Yalta in February 1945, Hitler's armies were on the run and victory was imminent. The Big Three wanted to draft a blueprint for a lasting peace - but instead set the stage for a 44-year division of Europe into Soviet and western spheres of influence. After fighting side by side for nearly four years, their political alliance was rapidly fracturing. By the time the leaders met again in Potsdam in July 1945, Russians and Americans were squabbling over the future of Germany and Churchill was warning about an "iron curtain" being drawn down over the Continent. These six months witnessed some of the most dramatic moments of the 20th century: the cataclysmic battle for Berlin, the death of Franklin Roosevelt, the discovery of the Nazi concentration camps, Churchill's electoral defeat, and the dropping of atomic bombs on Japan. While their armies linked up in the heart of Europe, the political leaders maneuvered for leverage: Stalin using his nation's wartime sacrifices to claim spoils, Churchill doing his best to halt Britain's waning influence, FDR trying to charm Stalin, Truman determined to stand up to an increasingly assertive Soviet superpower. Six Months in 1945 brilliantly captures this momentous historical turning point, chronicling the geopolitical twists behind the descent of the iron curtain, while illuminating the aims and personalities of larger-than-life political giants. It is a vividly rendered story of individual and national interests in fierce competition at a seminal moment in history. Members Reviews: Totally Outstanding. Bravo ! This is only the 2nd book Ive given 5 stars to. The author and narrator grab your attention from the opening paragraph and hold it to the very end. Stalin, Roosevelt, Churchill, and Truman literally come to life with each paragraph. You can almost see them as Bob Walter reads this brilliant work. You are transported back to 1945 and you are witnessing these giants of history formulate the next 50 years of anglo-russian relations. The cold war is born and you are there to witness it. I have only 2 minor complaints. The first one is the humanization of Joseph Stalin. For a man that killed more people then Hitler, Stalin is not portrayed in this negative light. The book describes how Stalin sought German reparations to aid in the rebuilding of his country but fails to acknowledge how Stalin caused a lot of this suffering himself. I.E. the great hunger in Ukraine Second is the SLIGHT drop in audio quality during the last hour. These 2 reasons do nothing to detract from the overall appeal of this book. Buy it History comes alive Having read One Minute to Midnight, I was looking forward to Michael Dobb's approach to this momentous half year of history. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the end of WWII through the eyes of those with whom I was not very familiar, specifically Churchill and Stalin. History always seems so much more orderly after it has been massaged by time and culture.

A Shattered Peace Audiobook by David Andelman

biacuaduc@gmail.com (David Andelman) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:38:07 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Shattered Peace Author: David Andelman Narrator: David Andelman Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 42 mins Language: English Release date: 02-16-10 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 14 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: A revealing look at the powerful lessons the Treaty of Versailles has for us today. Veteran correspondent David Andelman offers a compelling new perspective on the origin of many of today's most critical international issues. He turns the spotlight on the many errors committed by World War I peacemakers that ultimately led to crises from Iraq to Kosovo and wars from the Middle East to Vietnam. He focuses, too, on the small nations and minor players at Versailles, including figures such as Ho Chi Minh and Charles de Gaulle, who would later become boldfaced names. With a cautionary message for us today, he shows how world leaders dismissed repeated warnings from their experts and laid the groundwork for a host of catastrophic events. Members Reviews: First Rate! Especially the compelling narrator! What made the experience of listening to A Shattered Peace the most enjoyable? The vivid and exciting narration. What did you like best about this story? The excitement, building to a known, but nevertheless compelling climax. Which scene was your favorite? The opening scene in the study of Woodrow Wilson If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be? Sets the stage for today's world as we know it ! The Thomas Friedman of World War I Like Thomas Friedman, David Andelman is another NY Times "journalist" in search of the single unified theory of something, in this case of all history since 1919 and the Treaty of Versailles. While some of Andelman's analysis is insightful, he stretches his all-encompassing view that the post-war settlement by the Great Powers is the root of all modern evil. Thus, he lays the history of post-1945 Vietnam, Korea, and China to the decisions made and not made in Paris. His belief is that almost every region of the world was affected by Versailles - I'm surprised he left out Latin America. On a minor note, Andelman seems obsessed by "Jews". I lost count of how many people he described as "a Jew from ..." The only other person whose religion he emphasized was the steretype of "Woodrow Wilson and his Calvinist upbringing". I don't know what Andelman's point was in mentioning who was Jewish. He also treats Jews as a nationality in Europe, rather than a religion. Thus he describes Yugoslavia as consisting of 45% Serbs, 20% Croats, 11% Slovenes... and 4% Jews. Yet when he talks about religion in Yugoslavia, he says it was rent by three religions - Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, and Muslim. Lastly, Andelman should have sprung for someone else to narrate his book. Whenever he quotes someone, he speeds up to 45 rpm and goes into a nasal staccato that reminds me of Eddie Murphy doing his imitation of a white doctor. Wrong narrator Sorry big mistake to let the author narrate this book. His voice is so not right for this book that I had to give up listerning to it. I wouldn't even give one star but it appears that is the minimum!

'A' Force Audiobook by Whitney T. Bendeck

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Whitney T. Bendeck) — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 18:33:51 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: 'A' Force Subtitle: The Origins of British Deception During the Second World War Author: Whitney T. Bendeck Narrator: Derek Perkins Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins Language: English Release date: 10-15-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 9 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: "A" Force explores an area of World War II deception history that has often been neglected. While older studies have focused on the D-day deception campaign and Britain's infamous double-agents, this work explores the origins of Britain's deception activities to reveal how the British became such masterful deceivers. This is the first work to focus exclusively on "A" Force and the origins of British deception, examining how and why the British first employed deception in World War II. More specifically, it traces the development of the "A" Force organization - the first British organization to practice both tactical and strategic deception in the field. Formed in Cairo in 1941, "A" Force was headed by an unconventional British colonel named Dudley Wrangel Clarke. Because there was no precedent for Clarke's "A" Force, it truly functioned on a trial-and-error basis. The learning curve was steep, but Clarke was up for the challenge. By the Battle of El Alamein, British deception had reached maturity. Moreover, it was there that the "deceptionists" established the deception blueprint later used by the London planners to plan and execute Operation Bodyguard, the campaign to conceal Allied intentions for the D-Day landing at Normandy. In contrast to earlier deception histories that have tended to focus on Britain's later efforts emphasizing Operation Bodyguard, this work clearly shows that this strategy was forged much earlier in the deserts of Africa under the leadership of Dudley Clarke, not in London. Moreover, it was born not out of opportunity, but out of sheer desperation, when in June 1940 the British found themselves completely unprepared for war. Members Reviews: Not what it could be. This should have been a fascinating exploration of the techniques and methods used in this interesting and important aspect of the second world war, and by extension war more generally. But it isn't. It expends too much effort on who did what and when they did it and not enough on what they did. The narration is OK and the details are vaguely interesting but the trick is missed. A missed opportunity with many details missing If anyone wants to read of some of the most fascinating deceptions in WWII, such as moving an entire city and making the Suez Canal invisible, they should read the "War Magician" which details the efforts of a professional conjurer who was a member of A Force. I was surprised that he was never mentioned in this book which I feel is a serious deficiency. The narration was capable but in concentrating on the head of A Force , the book seems lacking and selective,

A Storm in Flanders Audiobook by Winston Groom

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Winston Groom) — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 17:01:42 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Storm in Flanders Subtitle: The Ypres Salient, 1914-1918: Tragedy and Triumph on the Western Front Author: Winston Groom Narrator: David Baker Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins Language: English Release date: 06-16-15 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 87 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: A Storm in Flanders is novelist and prizewinning historian Winston Groom's gripping history of the four-year battle for Ypres in Belgian Flanders, the pivotal engagement of World War I that would forever change the way the world fought - and thought about - war. This is Groom's account of what would become the most dreaded place on Earth. In 1914, Germany launched an invasion of France through neutral Belgium - and brought the wrath of the world upon itself. Ypres became a place of horror, heroism, and terrifying new tactics and technologies: poison gas, tanks, mines, air strikes, and the unspeakable misery of trench warfare. Drawing on the journals of the men and women who were there, Winston Groom has penned a breathtaking drama of politics, strategy, and the human heart. Members Reviews: I love, love, love this book! What made the experience of listening to A Storm in Flanders the most enjoyable? It is written by an American for Americans who know a little as I knew about WWI, which is to say only what I remember from "The Guns of August." Who was your favorite character and why? Every soldier who left the trenches on leave and returned. When he arrived as a new recruit he may have heard stories about the conditions but when he returned from leave, he knew first hand what he was facing and he returned nevertheless. What does David Baker bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? He knows how to pronounce the French, German and Flemish names...at least I think he does. Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you? When the war is over and Churchill wants to leave the area in ruins as a memorial to the dead and the citizens of Ypres resist. Their lives needed to go on and they wanted a living memorial to the sacrifices that were made. Any additional comments? This book stirred my interest and I visited Ypres in August 2016. Anyone who thinks the solution to a problem is war should read this book and visit this area. The number of dead and missing is breathtaking! This is the area where gas was first used by the Germans and where the Germans first used flamethrowers in the trenches. The British Empire forces vaporized thousands of Germans when they tunneled under the German lines and planted explosives. Winston Groom has performed a public service by writing such a readable/listenable book. Heartbreaking and deeply interesting At times it reads like a body count. Brace yourself. Will give you a deep understanding of the first and perhaps more so, the second world war. Not a another PHD history TEXTBOOK! If you could sum up A Storm in Flanders in three words, what would they be? It was like watching a movie in my head. What was one of the most memorable moments of A Storm in Flanders? The description of the Slaughter of the Innocents: the 17-19 year old German teens and students hooking arms as they charged into the lines of professional, sharpshooting BEF (British Expeditionary Force) solders who fired so fast i.e.over 15 rounds a minute, the Germans thought it was machine guns. Worse, each bullet was directed fire--aimed. What about David Bakers performance did you like? He's fine--a little young. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? Yes, but I resisted because it was so good.

A History of War in 100 Battles Audiobook by Richard Overy

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Richard Overy) — Thu, 06 Oct 2016 16:43:01 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A History of War in 100 Battles Author: Richard Overy Narrator: Steven Crossley Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 22 mins Language: English Release date: 10-06-16 Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 35 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: The object of this audiobook is to introduce listeners to a whole range of military history which has all the drama, dangers, horrors and excitement that we associate with Stalingrad or the Somme. Battles are acute moments of history whenever and wherever they have been fought. Through them we can understand how warfare and world history have evolved. Choosing just 100 battles from recorded human history is a challenge, not just because it is necessary to cover almost 6,000 years of history but because men have fought each other almost continuously for millennia. Anyone who knows anything about the history of war may be disappointed by what has had to be left out. However, each of the 100 memorable battles described shows both how the nature of armed combat has changed over human history and how, despite changes in technology, organisation or ideas, many things have remained the same. It is an old adage that you can win a battle but lose a war. The battles featured here almost always resulted in victory for one side or another, but the victor did not necessarily win the war. Some battles are decisive in that broader historical sense; others are not. The further back in time, the more likely it is that an enemy could be finished off in one blow. The wars of the modern age, between major states, have involved repeated battles until one side was battered into submission. Some of the great generals of the recent past - Napoleon, Robert E Lee, Erich von Manstein - have been on the losing side but are remembered nonetheless for their generalship. Some on the winning side have all but disappeared from the history books or from public memory. Equally, in many battles the issue is not victory or defeat but what the battle can tell us about the history of warfare itself. New weapons, new tactics and new ways of organising armed forces can have a sudden impact on the outcome of a battle. But so, too, can leadership or the effects of a clever deception or raw courage. That is why the audiobook has been divided up into clear themes which apply equally to the battles of the ancient world as they do to the battles of today. As Professor Richard Overy laments, 'Battle is not a game to plug in to a computer but a piece of living history, messy, bloody and real. That, at least, has not changed in 6,000 years.' Critic Reviews: Praise for The Times Complete History of the World: "One of the great works of historical reference in the English language. If you were allowed only one history book in the whole of your life, The Times Complete History of the World would be hard to beat because it conveys a sense not only of time, but also of place." (Niall Ferguson, Professor of History, Harvard University) "Wonderfully told history...comprehensive and utterly accessible." (Jon Snow) Members Reviews: Fascinating perspective o war A fascinating study of 100 key battles in military history. Many well known and many obscure, the author gives a concise account of each one and its significance it he development of warfare. Excellent narration. A must for any armchair military buff. Good overview, a look at history thru battles Gives a great overview of the history of civilization by looking at battles. An interesting window to view history through. I consider myself a history buff but learned a lot from this. One complaint... The reading is slow with some long pauses.

Why We Lost Audiobook by Daniel Bolger

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Daniel Bolger) — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 18:46:20 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Why We Lost Subtitle: A General's Inside Account of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars Author: Daniel Bolger Narrator: Steve Coulter Format: Unabridged Length: 20 hrs and 41 mins Language: English Release date: 03-17-15 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 102 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: A high-ranking general's gripping insider account of the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and how it all went wrong. Over a 35-year career, Daniel Bolger rose through the army infantry to become a three-star general, commanding in both theaters of the U.S. campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. He participated in meetings with top-level military and civilian players, where strategy was made and managed. At the same time, he regularly carried a rifle alongside rank-and-file soldiers in combat actions - unusual for a general. Now, as a witness to all levels of military command, Bolger offers a unique assessment of these wars, from 9/11 to the final withdrawal from the region. Writing with hard-won experience and unflinching honesty, Bolger makes the firm case that in Iraq and in Afghanistan, we lost - but we didn't have to. Intelligence was garbled. Key decision makers were blinded by spreadsheets or theories. And at the root of our failure, we never really understood our enemy. Why We Lost is a timely, forceful, and compulsively listenable account of these wars from a fresh and authoritative perspective. Members Reviews: An apolitical account of our recent wars. Any additional comments? I had resisted purchasing this book for quite a while. I had seen the author in many media appearances as he promoted it. When I saw an extensive interview with Brian Lamb of CSPAN on the hour-long Q & A program, I realized that I had made wrong assumptions about the work. By way of explanation, before retiring, I worked for the Army in a civilian position in which I recorded and observed many of the Distinguished Visitors (DVs) which came through our post during our nation's involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq. This included a majority of the full Generals and Admirals (four stars) in all of the services (about 24) and most of the Lieutenant Generals (3-star) in the Army (43, according to LTG Bolger). I do not remember encountering the author during his time on active service so I assumed, wrongly, that he might have been a National Guard or Army Reserve general with limited time in either theater. No, quite the opposite, he was deployed extensively. From the title, one would expect this to be a kind of anti-war screed. It is anything but that. Bolger obviously has great admiration for his fellow soldiers and general officers. A very famous general once told me why a retired general (which I had asked about) wouldn't write a memoir. "Because if you do, you must either settle old scores, or gloss-over the inevitable differences." Bolger avoids this trap by writing as a trained historian (which he very much is - PhD in Military History from the University of Chicago). He gives extensive credit to senior officers and their civilian overlords where credit is due, but doesn't hesitate to criticize short-comings, either in policy, strategy, operations or tactics. He includes himself, if not in the praise, in the criticism. His extensive accounts of Operation Anaconda, Roberts Ridge, and other battles in Afghanistan and most of the major battles in Iraq are wonderful -- full of the inherent heroism which occurs, along with realistic depictions of the tedium, dirt, sweat and mundane tasks of war.

Neptune Audiobook by Craig L. Symonds

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Craig L. Symonds) — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 10:02:44 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Neptune Subtitle: The Allied Invasion of Europe and the D-Day Landings Author: Craig L. Symonds Narrator: Craig L. Symonds Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 18 mins Language: English Release date: 11-25-14 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 174 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Seventy years ago, more than 6000 Allied ships carried more than a million soldiers across the English Channel to a 50-mile-wide strip of the Normandy coast in German-occupied France. It was the greatest sea-borne assault in human history. The code names given to the beaches where the ships landed the soldiers have become immortal: Gold, Juno, Sword, Utah, and especially Omaha, the scene of almost unimaginable human tragedy. The sea of crosses in the cemetery sitting today atop a bluff overlooking the beaches recalls to us its cost. Most accounts of this epic story begin with the landings on the morning of June 6, 1944. In fact, however, D-Day was the culmination of months and years of planning and intense debate. In the dark days after the evacuation of Dunkirk in the summer of 1940, British officials and, soon enough, their American counterparts, began to consider how, and, where, and especially when, they could re-enter the European Continent in force. The Americans, led by U.S. Army Chief of Staff General George C. Marshall, wanted to invade as soon as possible; the British, personified by their redoubtable prime minister, Winston Churchill, were convinced that a premature landing would be disastrous. The often-sharp negotiations between the English-speaking allies led them first to North Africa, then into Sicily, then Italy. Only in the spring of 1943, did the Combined Chiefs of Staff commit themselves to an invasion of northern France. The code name for this invasion was Overlord, but everything that came before, including the landings themselves and the supply system that made it possible for the invaders to stay there, was code-named Neptune. Craig L. Symonds now offers the complete story of this Olympian effort, involving transports, escorts, gunfire support ships, and landing craft of every possible size and function. The obstacles to success were many. Members Reviews: The Whys of D-Day This is not another book on the D-Day landings or on the war in Western Europe. Instead it is largely a book on the planning that went into the D-Day landings. Neptune was the part of the concerted effort that included making sure the effort could deliver the troops to the beaches while Overlord was the part of the effort involved once the troops were ashore and this book spends the majority of its time discussing how the plans were drawn up, why specific decisions were made and how the plans expected the effort to be made. As such it covers a part of the war in Western Europe that I have never seen covered in any real detail in any other book. Mr Symonds has written a fascinating account of what happened during this planning and covered material that is generally not even mentioned in other books. For example in this book you will find out about how competition for raw materials had an impact on decisions that were made concerning what was to be built, in what order and in what quantities, the source of the friction between the British and US army soldiers stationed in the UK during the troop buildup, some hardly ever seen information about the African-American soldiers station in the UK, a detailed explanation on landing craft and why they were the determining factor in when and how the landings were made, information on the mine sweeping operations preceding the invasion, an explanation of what went wrong with the Mulberry Harbors and much else rarely covered.

A Curious Madness Audiobook by Eric Jaffe

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Eric Jaffe) — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 13:18:01 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Curious Madness Subtitle: An American Combat Psychiatrist, a Japanese War Crimes Suspect, and an Unsolved Mystery from World War II Author: Eric Jaffe Narrator: Robertson Dean Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins Language: English Release date: 01-20-14 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 12 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: In the wake of World War II, the Allied forces charged 28 Japanese men with crimes against humanity. Correspondents at the Tokyo trial thought the evidence fell most heavily on 10 of the accused. In December 1948, five of these defendants were hanged, while four received sentences of life in prison. The tenth was a brilliant philosopher-patriot named Okawa Shumei. His story proved strangest of all. Among all the political and military leaders on trial, Okawa was the lone civilian. In the years leading up to World War II, he had outlined a divine mission for Japan to lead Asia against the West, prophesized a great clash with the United States, planned coups d'etat with military rebels, and financed the assassination of Japan's prime minister. Beyond "all vestiges of doubt", concluded a classified American intelligence report, "Okawa moved in the best circles of nationalist intrigue."Okawa's guilt as a conspirator appeared straightforward. But on the first day of the Tokyo trial, he made headlines around the world by slapping star defendant and wartime prime minister Tojo Hideki on the head. Had Okawa lost his sanity? Or was he faking madness to avoid a grim punishment? A U.S. Army psychiatrist stationed in occupied Japan, Major Daniel Jaffe - the author's grandfather - was assigned to determine Okawa's ability to stand trial, and thus his fate. Critic Reviews: "A Curious Madness is a powerful proof that true life is stranger, indeed more curious, than fiction." (Eri Hotta, author of Japan 1941) Members Reviews: Fascinaiting Multifaceted Book Eric Jaffe's A Curious Madness (2014) is one of those books that is really several books in one. It is a historical mystery which focuses on the question of whether or not nationalist intellectual Shumei Okawa was faking insanity during the Tokyo tribunals, it is also a personal foray into the life of Jaffe's laconic grandfather Daniel Jaffe, the roots of Japanese nationalism, the development of combat psychiatry during World War II, and postwar justice. The chapters are as follows: 1. "The Slap Heard Round the World" 2. "A Young Philosopher-Patriot 3. "The House on Lyme Avenue" 4. "Heavenly Mission" 5. "Loose Ends" 6. "Showa Restoration" 7. "The Making of a Combat Psychiatrist" 8. "A War for Asian Liberation" 9. "Breakdown" 10. "Unconsciously Conscious" 11. "Judgement" 12. ""The Ghosts of East and West." Jaffe brought to light many interesting observations about both men, the rise of Asian nationalism in Japan, and psychiatry in general. It was interesting to see that Patton's public slapping of two combat fatigued soldier brought the idea of combat psychiatry to the attention of the powers that be. I was also interested to hear that his grandfather's unit, the 97th infantry was one of the most traveled in the war-covering 35,000 miles chasing the Germans toward Czechoslovakia and then raced across Europe to the U.S. to take part in the U.S. occupation of Japan. It is a well-researched and fascinating book for anyone who is interested in WWII. Moving great style of history I have one chapter left to read but it is so good I can already rate it. Two great parallels going on.

Glorious Spitfire Audiobook by Les Perera, Go Entertain

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Les Perera) — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 23:11:55 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Glorious Spitfire Subtitle: A Symbol of Hope in the Dark Days of Conflict Author: Les Perera, Go Entertain Narrator: Valerie Gilbert Format: Unabridged Length: 2 hrs and 33 mins Language: English Release date: 01-27-16 Publisher: Go Entertainment Group Ltd Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 2 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: With its proven pedigree as a fighter, the Spitfire ranks among the greatest aircraft ever built - remembered with affection by those who flew or maintained it, and revered by the British people who regarded it as the "defender of our skies" against Nazi invasion. Featuring vivid narrative, this publication reveals the full extent of the Spitfire's impact on the outcome of the war and the heroic efforts of the pilots who defended Britain at all costs. Narrated by the daughter of Felix Gilbert, a decorated airman with the US Army Air Corps 8th Air Force, stationed for some of the war in England. He was a pilot and Jimmy Stewart's lead navigator. Members Reviews: A Brief History This sort recording covers the inception of the Spitfire and how it evolved over the years. It covers the action that they saw, the various models, and the various adaptations to it.

The Naval War of 1812 Audiobook by Theodore Roosevelt

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Theodore Roosevelt) — Wed, 09 May 2012 01:30:24 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Naval War of 1812 Author: Theodore Roosevelt Narrator: Paul Costanzo Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 52 mins Language: English Release date: 05-09-12 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 16 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Published when Theodore Roosevelt was only 23 years old, The Naval War of 1812 was immediately hailed as a literary and scholarly triumph, and it is still considered the definitive book on the subject. It caused considerable controversy for its bold refutation of earlier accounts of the war, but its brilliant analysis and balanced tone left critics floundering, changed the course of U.S. military history by renewing interest in our obsolete forces, and set the young author and political hopeful on a path to greatness. Roosevelt's inimitable style and robust narrative make The Naval War of 1812 enthralling, illuminating, and utterly essential to every armchair historian. Critic Reviews: "A classic of naval history." (Edmund Morris) Members Reviews: Overall I liked the book The story was very detailed and well written. It was a little hard to follow when reading tables. I did not know much about the War of 1812 but this book peaked my interest especially in the naval captains and Andrew Jackson

Fatal Voyage Audiobook by Dan Kurzman

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Dan Kurzman) — Tue, 31 May 2016 17:10:00 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Fatal Voyage Subtitle: The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis Author: Dan Kurzman Narrator: Mark Bramhall Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 26 mins Language: English Release date: 05-31-16 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 23 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Shortly after midnight on July 30, 1945, the navy cruiser USS Indianapolis was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in the Philippine Sea. The ship had just left the island of Tinian, delivering components of the atomic bomb destined for Hiroshima. As the torpedoes hit, the Indianapolis erupted into a fiery coffin, sinking in less than 15 minutes and leaving 900 crewmen fighting for life in shark-infested waters. They expected a swift, routine rescue, unaware that the navy high command didn't even realize that the Indianapolis was missing. Help would not arrive for another five days. Drawn from definitive interviews with key figures, Fatal Voyage recounts the horrific events endured as the number of water-treading survivors dwindled to just 316. Each gruesome day brought more madness and slow death from explosion-related injuries, dehydration, and, most terrifying of all, shark attacks. But the pain did not end when the men finally returned home: The Indianapolis's commander, Captain Charles B. McVay III, was court-martialed for causing the clearly unavoidable disaster. With a new afterword chronicling the 55-year campaign by Indianapolis survivors and their supporters to win public vindication for Captain McVay, this classic is restored, along with memories of the Indianapolis crew. Critic Reviews: "Mr. Kurzman's description of the Indianapolis...lingers in the memory.... A well-told - and disturbing - disaster story." (New York Times Book Review) "Kurzman's gripping book paints a...horrible scene. The sinking of the Indianapolis was - and remains - perhaps the most shameful naval disaster in American history." (People) Members Reviews: Incredible
Incredible. This story of to Captain McViegh and USS Indianapolis has strong similarities to what happened to the Captain's of HMAS Melbourne and the court marshals regarding Melboures involvement in the sinkings of U.S.S. Frank E Evans and H.M.A.S VOYAGER.

Wellington's Rifles Audiobook by Ray Cusick

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Ray Cusick) — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 02:03:56 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Wellington's Rifles Subtitle: The Origins, Development, and Battles of the Rifle Regiments in the Peninsular War and at Waterloo Author: Ray Cusick Narrator: Matthew Lloyd Davies Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins Language: English Release date: 01-06-15 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 36 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Until now there has not been a serious study of the rifle-armed regiments of the British Army that earned such renown in the Peninsular and Waterloo campaigns. Compiled by a former rifleman, Ray Cusick, who has written extensively on the subject, Wellington's Rifles examines the new rifle regiments, how they came about, their development and their actions. The author also investigates the introduction of rifled muskets into the British Army in the French and Indian wars of the 18th century, where they were shunned by the military establishment, to their transition into a key element in Wellington's extraordinarily successful Peninsular army. The training and tactics of the riflemen are explained and each significant engagement in which they were involved is explored in thrilling detail. It was the riflemen of the 95th Regiment that inspired the series of Sharpe books and films. That was the fiction; this is the reality. The publication will be introduced by the renowned Napoleonic historian Ian Fletcher. Members Reviews: A list of facts that help explain development Would you listen to Wellington's Rifles again? Why? Maybe later, it was interesting, and it put in order some of the facts of the wars and its players What other book might you compare Wellington's Rifles to and why? This book touches on stories in many other books but in a factual way to explain how and why it came about. Have you listened to any of Matthew Lloyd Daviess other performances before? How does this one compare? Mr. Davies is a professional and I enjoyed his performance If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? The book title is good Any additional comments? Enjoyed the order of the history, it was alot of info that was fact not fiction, so it was alittle dry in some places but overall it was great

Overlord Audiobook by Max Hastings

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Max Hastings) — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 17:54:44 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Overlord Subtitle: D-Day and the Battle for Normandy 1944 Author: Max Hastings Narrator: Barnaby Edwards Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 10 mins Language: English Release date: 06-02-14 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 105 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: With an introduction read by Max Hastings. The famous D-Day landings of 6 June, 1944, marked the beginning of Operation Overlord, the battle for the liberation of Europe. Republished as part of the Pan Military Classics series, Max Hastings acclaimed account overturns many traditional legends in this memorable study. Drawing together the eyewitness accounts of survivors from both sides, plus a wealth of previously untapped sources and documents, Overlord provides a brilliant, controversial perspective on the devastating battle for Normandy. Max Hastings, author of over 20 books, was born in 1945. He was a scholar at Charterhouse and University College, Oxford, before working as foreign correspondent for newspapers and BBC television, reporting from over 50 countries. He was editor of the Daily Telegraph for almost a decade, and then for six years edited the Evening Standard. He has won many awards for his journalism, particularly for his dispatches from the South Atlantic in 1982. He was knighted in 2002. Members Reviews: Only for knowledgable listener Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not? I am a big fan of Max Hastings and consider myself very knowledgeable regarding the events of World War II. In retrospect, I must confess that I was not as prepared going into this book as I should have been -- if properly forewarned. Mr Hastings assumes that listener/reader is familiar with the Normandy Campaign. In a very detailed history, he tangentially refers to the development of the campaign only in order to ground his descriptions and analysis of leaders, decisions, and vignettes. Did Overlord inspire you to do anything? Get a fundamental understanding of the Normandy Campaign before revisiting this book. Any additional comments? Enjoyable for the listener/reader who is already familiar with the campaign and seeks details. Good detailed history, but annoying accents Did Barnaby Edwards do a good job differentiating all the characters? How? Barnaby Edwards did differentiate all the characters, but I found his exaggerated American accents very annoying and found that distracting. Good read about the Normandy campaign Would you listen to Overlord again? Why? yes. Excellent narrator and a pretty good history. Any additional comments? The usual complaint with Audible's history books. No supporting pdf file with the maps and images. Crude caricatures of American voices No one writes more riveting military history than Max Hastings. His prose manages to be both authoritative and entertaining, and I'm so addicted to it that I've bought literally everything available of his, sometimes in book form, sometimes in audiobook, often both. But this particular audiobook has been nearly ruined for me by the narrator's tendency, in the middle of ordinary third-person text, to switch into a crude caricature of what he apparently believes is an American accent whenever he comes to a quote by an American. (Oddly enough, German voices are not caricatured -- quite the opposite, in fact. Wehrmacht officers come off sounding not terribly different from educated Brits.) I did a mental double-take the first time the book quoted Gen. Omar Bradley. Suddenly the narrator abandoned his cultured Briish tones and lapsed into a jarring exaggeration of the sort of Southern drawl usually associated with cartoonish Mississippi sheriffs on TV.

War at the End of the World Audiobook by James P. Duffy

biacuaduc@gmail.com (James P. Duffy) — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 12:42:10 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: War at the End of the World Subtitle: Douglas MacArthur and the Forgotten Fight for New Guinea 1942-1945 Author: James P. Duffy Narrator: Joe Barrett Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 6 mins Language: English Release date: 01-05-16 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 45 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: One American soldier called it "a green hell on Earth". Monsoon-soaked wilderness, debilitating heat, impassable mountains, torrential rivers, and disease-infested swamps - New Guinea was a battleground far more deadly than the most fanatical of enemy troops. Japanese forces numbering some 600,000 men began landing in January 1942, determined to seize the island as a cornerstone of the empire's strategy to knock Australia out of the war. Allied commander-in-chief General Douglas MacArthur committed 340,000 Americans, in addition to tens of thousands of Australian, Dutch, and New Guinean troops, to retake New Guinea at all costs. In this gripping narrative, historian James P. Duffy chronicles the most ruthless combat of the Pacific War, a fight complicated by rampant tropical disease, violent rainstorms, and unforgiving terrain that punished both Axis and Allied forces alike. Drawing on primary sources, War at the End of the World fills in a crucial gap in the history of World War II while offering listeners a narrative of the first rank. Critic Reviews: "Beautifully written and carefully researched." (Mark Perry, author of The Most Dangerous Man in America) Members Reviews: A New Fan I don't read a lot of nonfiction these days (and I'm certainly not a military history buff by any means), but War at the End of the World was a great read! Duffy's language is very accessible for an amateur to the genre like myself, which is a godsend if you're feeling a little intimidated. I half expected to be referencing Wikipedia constantly to keep up with this extremely overlooked and obscure side of WWII, but honestly Duffy provides everything you need to know in clear and exciting language. It's obvious that Duffy was very passionate about telling the story of MacArthur's frightening struggle to gain control of New Guinea. The research and drama of this book really show that Duffy has a great reverence for the general's raw tenacity in this tragically under-appreciated aspect of his military career. I approached this book cautiously, knowing virtually nothing about the New Guinea campaign, and even less about what to expect from the military history genre. Now I can't recommend this book enough to friends and family. It was a great feeling to learn so much about a history that I was never properly exposed to in high school or even college. Duffy has made a new fan in me, not only of himself as an author, but of the genre as well. I look forward to reading more from his catalogue! until it is brought back to life by brilliant historians and meticulous research war in far away places one has almost never heard of always seems surreal: until it is brought back to life by brilliant historians and meticulous research. From the brutal and sadistic behavior of the Japanese conquerors to the self sacrifice and bravery of American and Aussie fighters, sometimes ill prepared and always poorly armed, to the intellect and genius of the Great American Caesar: a book that is hard to put down. NOTE: FDR correctly ordered MacArthur to evacuate Luzon and later Bataan. He also sent him to this G-d forsaken corner of the earth to fight a war with limited resources and little hope of adequate support and re-supply.

The Last Days of Stalin Audiobook by Joshua Rubenstein

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Joshua Rubenstein) — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 03:33:51 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Last Days of Stalin Author: Joshua Rubenstein Narrator: Arthur Morey Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins Language: English Release date: 04-28-16 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 145 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: A scholarly, absorbing narrative of Stalin's last days and the turbulent wake of his dictatorship. Joshua Rubenstein's riveting account takes us back to the second half of 1952, when no one could foresee an end to Joseph Stalin's murderous regime. He was poised to challenge the newly elected US president, Dwight Eisenhower, with armed force and was also broadening a vicious campaign against Soviet Jews. Stalin's sudden collapse and death in March 1953 was as dramatic and mysterious as his life. It is no overstatement to say that his passing marked a major turning point in the 20th century. The Last Days of Stalin is an engaging, briskly told account of the dictator's final active months, the vigil at his deathbed, and the unfolding of Soviet and international events in the months after his death. Rubenstein throws fresh light on the devious plotting of Beria, Malenkov, Khrushchev, and other "comrades-in-arms" who well understood the significance of the dictator's impending death; the witness-documented events of his death as compared to official published versions; Stalin's rumored plans to forcibly exile Soviet Jews; the responses of Eisenhower and Secretary of State Dulles to the Kremlin's conciliatory gestures after Stalin's death; and the momentous repercussions when Stalin's regime of terror was cut short. Members Reviews: JUST A LITTLE TOO DULL Any additional comments? Stalin was an amazing character, evil to the bone but still an incredible person in history. This book I thought would reflect on his life by showing what happened after his death & how political polices & relationships would change after he died. It did do that but it is very dry indeed. One does not expect a thriller, & is well researched but all rather bland. So much about one political says this, then another says that, then someone else puts in their two pennies worth. Even the ongoing division of Berlin was rather dull mainly based around what American politicians were thinking. I kept falling asleep. Extremely interesting If you could sum up The Last Days of Stalin in three words, what would they be? Very interesting and easy to listen to. I love it. What did you like best about this story? Additional information; research is obviously well done. Have you listened to any of Arthur Moreys other performances before? How does this one compare? I have not. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? I did not expect to. Any additional comments? I will look for more recordings by Morey and books by Rubenstein. Insightful and enjoyable Filled a gap in my understanding the USSR history and policy. Morey's narration is engaging. Not what I expected Is there anything you would change about this book? This book is not as interesting as I expected. I was anticipating a format closer to the "Killing series" and this one just did not deliver. What was most disappointing about Joshua Rubensteins story? I felt the book was jumping back and forth around Stalin's death.

The Mirror Test Audiobook by J. Kael Weston

biacuaduc@gmail.com (J. Kael Weston) — Tue, 24 May 2016 22:32:33 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Mirror Test Subtitle: America at War in Iraq and Afghanistan Author: J. Kael Weston Narrator: J. Kael Weston Format: Unabridged Length: 22 hrs and 24 mins Language: English Release date: 05-24-16 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 39 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: A powerfully written firsthand account of the human costs of conflict. J. Kael Weston spent seven years on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan working for the US State Department in some of the most dangerous frontline locations. Upon his return home, while traveling the country to pay respect to the dead and wounded, he asked himself: When will these wars end? How will they be remembered and memorialized? What lessons can we learn from them? These are questions with no quick answers but perhaps ones that might lead to a shared reckoning worthy of the sacrifices of those - troops and civilians alike - whose lives have been changed by more than a decade and a half of war. Weston takes us from Twentynine Palms in California to Fallujah in Iraq, Khost and Helmand in Afghanistan, Maryland, Colorado, Wyoming, and New York City as well as to out-of-the-way places in Iowa and Texas. We meet generals, corporals and captains, senators and ambassadors, NATO allies, Iraqi truck drivers, city councils, imams and mullahs, Afghan schoolteachers, madrassa and college students, former Taliban fighters and ex-Guantánamo prison detainees, a torture victim, SEAL and Delta Force teams, and many marines. The overall frame for the book, from which the title is taken, centers on soldiers who have received grievous wounds to the face. There is a moment during their recovery when they must look upon their reconstructed appearances for the first time. This is known as "the mirror test". From an intricate tapestry of voices and stories - Iraqi, Afghan, and American - Weston delivers a larger mirror test for our nation in its global role. An unflinching and deep examination of the interplay between warfare and diplomacy, this is an essential book - a crucial look at America now, how it is viewed in the world, and how the nation views itself. Critic Reviews: "Kael Weston is the conscience of our wars. After spending more time in Iraq and Afghanistan than any other American diplomat, he has emerged with a powerful-yet-nuanced story of sacrifice, misadventure, humanity and resilience. This is not another war memoir or a volume of combat reportage, but one of the few truly great and enduring books about America in the post-9/11 world." (Rajiv Chandrasekaran, author of Imperial Life in the Emerald City and Little America) "Kael Weston is an American hero. He has spent more time in Iraq and Afghanistan than any general, diplomat, journalist or grunt. He has seen the wars up close, lived their cultures, watched people die. As a front-line political officer for the State Department, Weston has perhaps seen more of Iraq and Afghanistan than any single American. But what makes this book special - what makes Weston special - is his ability to transcend his own experience and bring it all home, and force us, as Americans, to ask ourselves the larger questions that these wars demand. This is a necessary book, and one that will last." (Dexter Filkins, author of The Forever War) "Few Americans have served their country with greater courage, commitment and lucidity than Kael Weston. As the United States comes to terms with over a decade of war, it needs his values and vision." (Roger Cohen, author of The Girl from Human Street and Soldiers and Slaves)

Charlie Mike Audiobook by Joe Klein

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Joe Klein) — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 10:35:38 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Charlie Mike Subtitle: A True Story of War and Finding the Way Home Author: Joe Klein Narrator: Holter Graham Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins Language: English Release date: 10-20-15 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 36 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: This is the true story of two decorated combat veterans linked by tragedy, who come home from the Middle East and find a new way to save their comrades and heal their country. In Charlie Mike, Joe Klein tells the dramatic story of Eric Greitens and Jake Wood, larger-than-life war heroes who come home and use their military discipline and values to help others. This is a story that hasn't been told before, one of the most hopeful to emerge from Iraq and Afghanistan - a saga of lives saved, not wasted. Greitens, a Navy SEAL and Rhodes scholar, spends years working in refugee camps before he joins the military. He enlists because he believes the innocent of the world need heavily armed, moral protection. Wounded in Iraq, Greitens returns home and finds that his fellow veterans at Bethesda Naval Hospital all want the same thing: They want to continue to serve their country in some way, no matter the extent of their injuries. He founds The Mission Continues to provide paid public service fellowships for wounded veterans. One of the first Mission Continues fellows is charismatic former marine sergeant Jake Wood, a natural leader who began Team Rubicon, organizing 9/11 veterans for dangerous disaster relief projects around the world. "We do chaos," he says. The chaos they face isn't only in the streets of Haiti after the 2011 earthquake or in New York City after Hurricane Sandy - it's also in the lives of their fellow veterans, who've come home from the wars traumatized and looking for a sense of purpose. Greitens and Wood believe that the military virtues of discipline and selflessness, of sacrifice for the greater good, can save lives - and not just the lives of their fellow veterans. They believe that invigorated veterans can lead, by personal example, to stronger communities - and they prove it in Charlie Mike. Members Reviews: Should me mandatory reading Chronicles the struggles of the best of this generation and the definition of the challenges vets face in transitioning. Awesome subjects make awesome reading. Service. veterans helping veterans Great to hear that there are people doing right by veterans and inspiring others to help. Loved listening to this book Having been close to a family with a son who took his life I feel more informed having listened to this book and more informed if I have a chance to help someone else.

The Air Force Way of War Audiobook by Brian Laslie

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Brian Laslie) — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 06:57:26 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Air Force Way of War Subtitle: US Tactics and Training after Vietnam Author: Brian Laslie Narrator: Robert J. Eckrich Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins Language: English Release date: 08-13-15 Publisher: University Press Audiobooks Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 24 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: On December 18, 1972, more than 100 US B-52 bombers flew over North Vietnam to initiate Operation Linebacker II. During the next 11 days, 16 of these planes were shot down and another four suffered heavy damage. These losses soon proved so devastating that Strategic Air Command was ordered to halt the bombing. The US Air Force's poor performance in this and other operations during Vietnam was partly due to the fact that they had trained their pilots according to methods devised during World War II and the Korean War, when strategic bombers attacking targets were expected to take heavy losses. Warfare had changed by the 1960s, but the USAF had not adapted. Between 1972 and 1991, however, the Air Force dramatically changed its doctrines and began to overhaul the way it trained pilots through the introduction of a groundbreaking new training program called "Red Flag." In The Air Force Way of War, Brian D. Laslie examines the revolution in pilot instruction that Red Flag brought about after Vietnam. The program's new instruction methods were dubbed "realistic" because they prepared pilots for real-life situations better than the simple cockpit simulations of the past. In addition to discussing the program's methods, Laslie analyzes the way its graduates actually functioned in combat during the 1980s and '90s in places such as Grenada, Panama, Libya, and Iraq. Members Reviews: Enlightening! As as n Air Force Flight Nurse, I knew of Red Flag but it was so interesting to hear the history of it's beginnings and how it changed and expanded to meet new and potential war scenarios good history review, strange speaking pace narrator had very awkward pacing. tone wasn't bad but never varied, making it monotone. highly recommend listening at 1.25x speed

Commander Audiobook by Stephen Taylor

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Stephen Taylor) — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 01:53:18 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Commander Subtitle: The Life and Exploits of Britain's Greatest Frigate Captain Author: Stephen Taylor Narrator: Derek Perkins Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins Language: English Release date: 06-21-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 54 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: An incomparable seaman, ferociously combative yet chivalrous, Edward Pellew might have served as the model for Patrick OBrians Jack Aubrey. Edward Pellew, captain of the legendary Indefatigable, was quite simply the greatest British frigate captain in the age of sail. Left fatherless at age eight, with a penniless mother and five siblings, Pellew fought his way from the very bottom of the navy to fleet command. Victories and eye-catching feats won him a public following. Yet he had a gift for antagonizing his better-born peers, and he made powerful enemies. Redemption came with his last command, when he set off to do battle with the Barbary States and free thousands of European slaves. Opinion held this to be an impossible mission, and Pellew himself, leading from the front in the style of his contemporary Nelson, did not expect to survive. Pellews humanity, fondness for subordinates, and blind love for his family, and the warmth and intimacy of his letters, make him a hugely engaging figure. Stephen Taylor gives him at last the biography he deserves. Members Reviews: Well done If you enjoy the history of the Royal Navy, you'll enjoy this book on Edward Pellew. What an amazing life and more amazing that he was comparable to Nelson at the same time in history though without all the fanfare. For readers, I think the most exciting part was his leadership at the Battle of Algiers - well written that I could picture the actions in my minds eye. The Facts are just as interesting as fiction Would you listen to Commander again? Why? After awhile yes, it had alot of real information Facts that are interesting What was one of the most memorable moments of Commander? The battle for Algiers a real slug fest Have you listened to any of Derek Perkinss other performances before? How does this one compare? My first one and he did a great job Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? Some of the incidents were very moving Any additional comments? I enjoyed hearing what the real RN captains did and how they had to overcome the war at sea and at home Better than Patrick OBrian . . . Because its real! The real Aubrey; and the narration is superb! I was engaged throughout. Well worth the price and time if you appreciate naval history.

D-Day with the Screaming Eagles Audiobook by George Koskimaki

biacuaduc@gmail.com (George Koskimaki) — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 21:25:18 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: D-Day with the Screaming Eagles Author: George Koskimaki Narrator: Sean Runnette Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins Language: English Release date: 11-24-15 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 43 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: In the predawn darkness of D-Day, an elite fighting force struck the first blows against Hitler's Fortress Europe. Braving a hail of enemy gunfire and mortars, bold invaders from the sky descended into the hedgerow country and swarmed the meadows of Normandy. Some would live, some would die, but all would fight with the guts and determination that made them the most famous US Army division in World War II: the 101st Airborne "Screaming Eagles". George Koskimaki was part of the 101st Airborne's daring parachute landing into occupied France that day. Now, drawing on more than 500 firsthand accounts, Koskimaki re-creates those critical hours in all their ferocity and terror. Told by those who ultimately prevailed - ordinary Americans who faced an extraordinary challenge - D-Day with the Screaming Eagles is the real history of that climactic struggle beyond the beachhead. Members Reviews: Very long and mostly boring for audiobook Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not? No. The book really needed much tighter editing, especially for audio. Without any maps, it is very hard to keep track of what is going on where (much like the problem the paras had that first night and day). IT jumps so much from one person's story to the next that it is very jumbling. I finally gave up and returned it about 1/4 through. In some ways it is great to hear the personal accounts of all these men, but it does not make for an interesting audio book since the narrator's voice never changes whether in a firefight or eating rations.This could be a good nightstand hard copy book, as you could easily read a few or dozen pages, follow that on a map, then pick it up later. There are just too many short experiences for an audiobook this long. What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!) n/a Would you be willing to try another one of Sean Runnettes performances? NO! Could you see D-Day with the Screaming Eagles being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be? Actually it could be an interesting film or TV series like "Band of Brothers" which it actually is. Lt. Winters pops up several times in early events. Any additional comments? A better audio production and perhaps a companion file of maps could make this much more interesting. The narrator really needs to put more "moment by moment" life-death tension and excitement in the words. A day to never forget in History. My great grandfather faught in WWII and to hear this story makes me think about him. I loved it and reccommend it to others who want to listen about a day that the world wont forget. CHIMO Stunning This book kept me up nights listening...a tremendous piece of work, very well read by the narrator, it gives you a fly on the wall perspective of the subject. If this subject matter, being on the ground with the valiant men, interests you, look no further than this incredible book.. Brilliant true account. A must to hear. That informative and entertaining you will want to play it over and over. GO EAGLES.

The Volunteers Audiobook by Douglas Reeman

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Douglas Reeman) — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 09:59:46 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Volunteers Author: Douglas Reeman Narrator: David Rintoul Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins Language: English Release date: 07-01-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 13 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: They were the men and women of the Royal Navy's Special Operations units. Carrying out lightning raids on hostile coasts, they became a navy within a navy - each handpicked for their individual skills, and all of them courageous. Against the mighty backdrop of World War II they performed their small but deadly operations - living often beyond hope, sometimes beyond mercy. This is the dramatic story of a handful of such people. The Volunteers. Members Reviews: Great Author and Great Book Reeman is a top notch writer. I have enjoyed every one of his books I have read and continue to build my collection. This is another excellent story set in WW II. THE QUINTESSENTIAL NAVAL STORY-TELLER I am amazed at the quality of the writing of Reeman at this stage of his life. I have read all of his contemporary naval stories and most of his Alexander Kent series. He is an extraordinary story teller and his research and naval lore and history are exhaustive. He served as a youthful officer in MGBs in the Channel during the war, and after all of these years his writing is lucid and engaging. Excellent WWII Adventure Reeman does it again, with a riveting action adventure WW II story. This time he stages the action with a special boat operations section --meant to be SBS though not so titled I suspect-- and follows three volunteers thorough a series of adventures concentrated upon coastal forces. Well done, and with his trademark authenticity; the story is as informative as it is exciting. Good pairing with Dudley Pope's "Flag Five" --a factual history of coastal forces in the Mediterranean and Adriatic during the war. Great read. This was a successful attempt to tell a story. What one could tell is that this author served on one of these babies. Dangerous work surely. But one hell of a ride. motor torpedo boats a wonderful story with plenty of action , and the lives of the men who manned these boats and witnessed close action and sudden death when in action!

Forgotten Voices of the Blitz and the Battle for Britain Audiobook

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Joshua Levine) — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 06:33:31 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Forgotten Voices of the Blitz and the Battle for Britain Subtitle: The Blitz Author: Joshua Levine, The Imperial War Museum Narrator: Simon MacCorkindale Format: Abridged Length: 3 hrs and 4 mins Language: English Release date: 12-12-06 Publisher: Random House AudioBooks Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 13 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: From July to September 1940, the British people watched the Battle of Britain play out in the skies above them, aware that the eventual outcome would decide their fate. From September through to the following May, Hitler attempted to "blitz" London and other major cities into submission. For a year, the citizens of Britain were effectively front-line soldiers in a battle that united the country against a hated enemy. Despite the terror, destruction, and heavy casualties, the British people survived the onslaught, until May 1941, when Hitler re-directed his attention, and that of the Luftwaffe, to the campaign in Russia. © Joshua Levine and the Imperial War Museum; (P) Random House Members Reviews: Nothing like it! I never knew what the brave men and women of Britain went through during the war. This was an aspect of history that was totally unknown to me. I am so inspired by these stories and these people. I especially loved hearing the voices of those who experienced the war, and not just a narrative. Wonderful! Captivating book Featuring testimonies from the people who were there plus a wonderful narration from Simon MacCorkindale, this was a really stunning listen. I will listen to it again I'm sure. Wonderful.

For Crew and Country Audiobook by John Wukovits

biacuaduc@gmail.com (John Wukovits) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 09:37:12 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: For Crew and Country Subtitle: The Inspirational True Story of Bravery and Sacrifice Aboard the USS Samuel B. Roberts Author: John Wukovits Narrator: Robertson Dean Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins Language: English Release date: 01-29-13 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 142 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: John Wukovits tells of the most dramatic naval battle of the Pacific War and the incredible sacrifice of the USS Samuel B. Roberts. On October 25, 1944, the Samuel B. Roberts, along with the other 12 vessels comprising its unit, stood between Japans largest battleship force ever sent to sea and MacArthurs transports inside Leyte Gulf. Faced with the surprise appearance of more than 20 Japanese battleships, cruisers, and destroyers - including the Yamato, at 70,000 tons the most potent battlewagon in the world - the 1,200-ton Samuel B. Roberts turned immediately to action with six other ships. Captain Copeland marked the occasion with one of the most poignant addresses ever given to men on the edge of battle: "Men," he said over the intercom, "we are about to go into a fight against overwhelming odds from which survival cannot be expected." The ship churned straight at the enemy in a near-suicidal attempt to deflect the more potent foe, allow the small aircraft carriers to escape, and buy time for MacArthurs forces. Of 563 destroyers constructed during World War II, the Samuel B. Roberts was the only one sunk, going down with guns blazing in a duel reminiscent of the Spartans at Thermopylae or Davy Crocketts Alamo defenders. The men who survived faced a horrifying three-day nightmare in the sea, where they battled a lack of food and water, scorching sun and numbing nighttime cold, and natures most feared adversary - sharks. The battle would go down as historys greatest sea clash, the Battle of Samar - the dramatic climax of the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Critic Reviews: "On October 25, 1944, the USS Samuel B. Roberts took part in one of the most doomed naval battles in US history. Wukovits recounts the battle in harrowing detail, while providing intimate glimpses into the lives of the men on board." ( Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: Amazing Story, Heart Rending and Brave What did you love best about For Crew and Country? The story of ordinary men and their extreme, selfless acts of bravery. You get to know the crew, their lives, their loves and hopes, and you see how that affects them in the time of greatest crisis. Have you listened to any of Robertson Deans other performances before? How does this one compare? I have not, but this one was pretty good. I'd definitely give him another listen without hesitation. If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be? The Ship That Fought Like A Battleship Any additional comments? This is not a rather happy book by the end, and many times while listening to it on my lunch break or driving around I had to switch to something more upbeat. Be prepared for that when you give a listen. Despite that (or maybe because of it) I feel that this should be essential reading for anyone interested in WWII, or history at all. It feels like the quintessential story of American heroism, and what we want to be. Well Done Naval Story of the Samuel B. Roberts This is one of the better written and read WWII naval stories I have listened to and I have listened to about 100 and read over 300 WWII histories and memoirs. I would rank it in the top 20. The author does a good job of explaining the big picture but mostly concentrates on the individual sailors stories who served on the Sammie B. which I prefer.

Compassionate Soldier Audiobook by Jerry Borrowman

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jerry Borrowman) — Tue, 02 May 2017 04:01:05 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Compassionate Soldier Subtitle: Remarkable True Stories of Mercy, Heroism, and Honor from the Battlefield Author: Jerry Borrowman Narrator: Traber Burns Format: Unabridged Length: 5 hrs and 43 mins Language: English Release date: 05-02-17 Publisher: Shadow Mountain Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 4 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Compassionate Soldier illuminates some of the most fascinating and yet largely unknown stories of men and women whose humanity led them to perform courageous acts of mercy and compassion amid the chaos and carnage of war. Arranged by war from the American Revolution to the Iraq War and global in perspective, it features extraordinary stories of grace under fire from valiant soldiers and noncombatants who rose above the inhumanity of lethal conflict and chose compassion, even knowing their actions could put their lives and liberty at risk. Included in this collection are the stories of Richard Kirkland, a Confederate soldier during the Civil War who disobeyed orders and brought blankets and water to the wounded from both North and South during the Battle of Fredericksburg; Patrick Ferguson, a British soldier during the American Revolution who had the chance to kill George Washington, but refused to shoot a man in the back; and Oswald Böelcke, a German World War I flying ace who was one of the most influential tacticians of early air combat but was known for making sure the airmen he shot down made it to the ground alive. These inspirational stories illustrate that even in the midst of unspeakable horrors of war, acts of kindness, mercy, compassion, and humanity can prevail and, in doing so, expand our conventional thinking of honor and battlefield glory. Members Reviews: Well written and inspiring This book was an excellent mix of compassionate war stories from a number of epochs. The background material that led in to and supported the stories brought greater meaning and helps the read better understand the impact of the actions taken. I found the stories well written and inspiring. Humanity will always turn the hearts! Every short story in this novel is a story of it's own. It reminded me of Paul Harvey's " the rest of the story". I teared up a lot at each new revelation I learned. Don't miss this one! Hope for Humanity I have long been a fan of Borrowman's writings and this is no exception. As a student of military history, this was a great book highlighting the good that can surface during some of the worst conflicts. It is a quick read, loaded with information and stories that you will want to share to attest to others that there are always outstanding individuals who provide hope for humanity. I would recommend this book to anyone. Heroes!!! A great book to remind you that there is good in the world! Thanks to all who serve others and their country. Inspiring! Great book. Very inspiring! Makes one want to serve fellow men.

The Price of Valor Audiobook by David Smith

biacuaduc@gmail.com (David Smith) — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 08:10:35 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Price of Valor Subtitle: The Life of Audie Murphy, America's Most Decorated Hero of World War II Author: David Smith Narrator: Tom Perkins Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs Language: English Release date: 04-20-15 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 41 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: When he was 17 years old, Audie Murphy falsified his birth records so that he could enlist in the army and help defeat the Nazis. When he was 19, he single-handedly turned back the German army at the Battle of Colmar Pocket by climbing on top of a tank with a machine gun, a moment immortalized in the classic film To Hell and Back, starring Audie himself. In the first biography covering his entire life - including his severe PTSD and his tragic death at age 45 - the unusual story of Audie Murphy, the most decorated hero of World War II, is brought to life for a new generation. Members Reviews: The Price of Valor Really gives you a inside look in the public and private life of Audie L. Murphy Very good book Horrible, Simplistic Any additional comments? The shame of this book is that Audie Murphy could offer an intense understanding of a valiant and tortured man. This isn't even on a Life magazine reporting level: this is TV Guide at its worst. The prose oohs and aahs, and the narrator sounds like a souped up TV entertainment talk show. Nope, nope, nope. Save your credit, your money, your time. I gave it two stars across the board only because when Murphy WAS quoted it did indeed sound like him. Bleah. Great little book, Great Big Man If you could sum up The Price of Valor in three words, what would they be? An honest appraisal. Who was your favorite character and why? That would have to be Audie. Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? The book made me think about a different time when people were certainly different, notice I didnt necessarily say better, but very different.I was born in 1965 and even I feel that our country and people changed has much in that decade as in the 100 years before this time. Audie was definitely a man from the pre 1965 era, who never quite fit in after the war, and like so many warriors, was never comfortable with the fame his service earned for him. I often wonder what would happen in America if we were faced by an enemy such as Japan or Germany. I wonder how todays soldier would react to three qaurters of his or her unit being wiped out in a few minutes, or how the general public would react to the sacrifices required of it in such a conflict. And then I think the soldiers , sailors and airman would eventually adapt and overcome, and as for the public...well...still I wonder. Any additional comments? BEST NARRATOR EVER!!!!!!!....hour after hour of proper pronunciation and no fake drama or imitations...very encouraging!!!!! interesting interesting, never knew this about that crazy kid from texas. what a true American hero

Bismarck Audiobook by Niklas Zetterling, Michael Tamelander

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Niklas Zetterling) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:23:00 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Bismarck Subtitle: The Final Days of Germany's Greatest Battleship Author: Niklas Zetterling, Michael Tamelander Narrator: Charles Constant Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins Language: English Release date: 03-29-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 94 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: A gripping tale of heroism - and doom - on the high seas.... The sinking of the German battleship Bismarck - a masterpiece of engineering, well-armored with a main artillery of eight 15-inch guns - was one of the most dramatic events of World War II. She left the port of Gotenhafen for her first operation on the night of 18 May 1941, yet was almost immediately discovered by Norwegian resistance and Allied air reconnaissance. British battlecruiser Hood was quickly dispatched from Scapa Flow to intercept the Bismarck, together with new battleship Prince of Wales. They were ordered to find the ship quickly because, on their way from the USA, several large convoys were heading for Britain. On 24 May, Bismarck was found off the coast of Greenland, but the ensuing battle was disastrous for the British. The Hood was totally destroyed within minutes (with only three crewmen surviving), and Prince of Wales was badly damaged. The chase resumed until the German behemoth was finally caught, this time by four British capital ships supported by torpedo-bombers from the carrier Ark Royal. The icy North Atlantic roiled from the crash of shellfire and bursting explosions until finally the Bismarck collapsed, sending nearly 2,000 German sailors to a watery grave. Tamelander and Zetterling's work rests on stories from survivors and the latest historical discoveries. The book starts with a thorough account of maritime developments from 1871 up to the era of the giant battleship, and ends with a vivid account, hour by hour, of the dramatic and fateful hunt for the mighty Bismarck, Nazi-Germany's last hope to pose a powerful surface threat to Allied convoys. Members Reviews: A must read for any WWII Naval Historian! This was an excellent book! I love reading about naval history and the battles from WWII. Though the days of the surface to surface warfare on the high seas are all but gone, there is something exciting about steel vessels hunting for one another in the North Atlantic that had my attention from the first chapter. It's 1941 so the regular use of radar and sonar for that matter cannot be relied upon so navies from both the Axis and Allies had to rely on intercepted radio transmissions, last known positions, and the human eye to track and hunt the opposition. And now it is up to the Royal Navy to hunt and destroy one of the worlds most powerful battleships even after they have been beaten with the sinking of the HMS Hood. The writer does an excellent job conveying this well-known story from both the German and British perspectives. Never getting ahead of either, Zetterling effectively goes back and forth between the two navies to explain what each was doing, thinking, and attempting to do while integrating countless anecdotes from those who were there. Thoroughly enjoyable! I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in WWII history, anyone interested in naval strategy, and anyone looking to add a volume to their collection like no other book. Two thumbs up! Very good history, excellently narrated What did you love best about Bismarck? This is a serious maritime history, which is hard to find these days. It is excellently narrated by Charles Constant, who has the voice for it, and the intuitive feel for this type of material. Some of the sentences in the book are long and complex.

The Kill Switch Audiobook by Phil Zabriskie

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Phil Zabriskie) — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 11:36:00 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Kill Switch Author: Phil Zabriskie Narrator: Brian Sutherland Format: Unabridged Length: 3 hrs and 30 mins Language: English Release date: 08-03-15 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 10 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: What does it mean to kill for your country? How do you learn how to do it? What does it feel like in the moment? Once the killing starts, how do you control it? And what happens when you kill the wrong person or dont kill someone you wish you had or look back, years later, at the people you killed? America has been at war in two countries for more than a decade. The killing that has been done and is being done is a crucial aspect of war and an integral part of the memories servicemen bring home with them. And yet, with few exceptions, its only rarely discussed in public and largely left to the veterans themselves to process, wrestle with, and carry. This is unfortunate because to understand what war is and what war does, it is necessary to understand what killing is and what killing does. In The Kill Switch, writer Phil Zabriskie, who covered both Iraq and Afghanistan for Time and other magazines, reconnects with two marines and other veterans he met in Iraq and finds them ready to talk about it and willing to examine soberly and honestly what theyve done and were asked to do. From boot camp through the initial invasion to the crucible of Ramadi, the siege of Fallujah, and beyond, they recount firefights, ambushes, suicide car bombers, hand-to-hand combat, and the life-and-death decisions they made about Saddams soldiers, battle-hardened insurgents, and people, even children, who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Members Reviews: Prepare to think hard and be challanged Any additional comments? This was an excellent, non-judgmental exploration of the experiences and feelings of a few subjects who have killed in combat and have talked about it many years later. The subject is handled carefully and with tact and sensitivity. This should be required material for EVERYONE in the military to better help them understand the possibilities and implications of killing for your country. It was also a great performance by Brian Sutherland. Outstanding Would you listen to The Kill Switch again? Why? Yes, You get more out of it the second time around What other book might you compare The Kill Switch to and why? not sure Have you listened to any of Brian Sutherlands other performances before? How does this one compare? no Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? I read it in one sitting Any additional comments? This book has a great outlook on what Combat Veterans deal with after they get home. I am a disabled Marine veteran that suffers from PTSD and this book showed me that a lot of us deal with the same problems we are not alone. Brian Bergman

Hell on Ice Audiobook by Edward Ellsberg

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Edward Ellsberg) — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 20:42:60 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Hell on Ice Subtitle: The Saga of the Jeannette Author: Edward Ellsberg Narrator: Stephen Hoye Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 40 mins Language: English Release date: 08-13-14 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 16 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: The thrilling adventure of one crew's harrowing journey back from the Earth's most foreboding frozen hell In the 1870s, newspaperman James Gordon Bennett of the New York Herald drummed up excitement and publicity for his paper through highly publicized missions of exploration. In 1879, Bennett's idea for a voyage was his most audacious to date: the North Pole. To do this, he hired a team of naval veterans in addition to a smattering of civilians with specialized knowledge in meteorology, whaling, and naturalism. The men on board the Jeannette set off in September of 1879. This would be the last time anyone saw them for two years. The product of devoted research into personal histories, memoirs, and classified congressional investigation records, Hell on Ice is a remarkable document: a novelization of history, turning the horrible ordeal of the brave men of the Jeannette into a riveting narrative. Written with a weathered seaman's familiarity, the story brilliantly captures a most perilous voyage from the perspective of the ship's chief engineer. The men of the Jeannette endure months trapped in an Arctic ice pack, and then begin a desperate trek for home. Members Reviews: Great Historical Novel of Actual Trek into Unknown Fascinating tale of exploration team searching for a passage to the North Pole from the West. I enjoyed the descriptions of the machinery on the ship. You can tell this was written by an engineer. He captures well the interactions between officers and crew and their diverse personalities. Their impossible journey could have been a noir setting, but Admiral Ellsberg shows the faith, heroism and dignity in the struggle for survival. If you read it in the winter, be sure to dress warmly. A blanket would help. Great story, and great way to approach the telling I had already purchased "In the Kingdom of Ice" and thought I would be comparing these. But the truth is, this has been a magnificent counterpart. This focuses on the dialogue between the characters in the same way that many of the Shackleton books do, where as "In the Kingdom of Ice" focused more on facts, geographic locations, etc. For example, "In the Kingdom of Ice" speaks of the bad puns of the crew member Collins, but this book explains some of the puns in detail. They were horrible. A brutal tale of survival and struggle I enjoyed the authors book, On the bottom, so I tried his other books. I enjoy his writing, it is captivating and interesting. I listen to audiobooks on my daily commute, so a good book can make the ride better or worse. Ellsbergs books have me slowing down before I get home so I can hear just a little more before I am home. The narrarator whom I have associated with 2 of his books, Stephen Hoye, is good to listen to and brings the stories to life. it's harder listening to the other books available on Audible by Ellsberg because you want to hear it as Stephen Hoye. But still, the stories are very good in the end.. you will enjoy them.

Valor in Vietnam Audiobook by Allen B. Clark

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Allen B. Clark) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 13:42:33 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Valor in Vietnam Subtitle: Chronicles of Honor, Courage and Sacrifice: 1963 - 1977 Author: Allen B. Clark Narrator: Corey Snow Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins Language: English Release date: 03-29-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 24 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Every war continues to dwell in the lives it touched, in the lives of those living through that time, and in those absorbed by its historical significance. The Vietnam War lives on - famously or infamously, depending on political points of view - but those who have been there, done that have a highly personalized window on their time of that history. Valor in Vietnam focuses on nineteen stories of Vietnam, stories of celebrated figures in the veteran community, compelling war narratives, vignettes of battles, and the emotional impact on the combatants. It is replete with leadership lessons and valuable insights that are just as applicable today as they were forty years ago. This is an anecdotal history of Americas war in Vietnam composed of firsthand narratives by Vietnam War veterans presented in chronological order. They are intense, emotional, and highly personal stories. Connecting each of them is a brief historical commentary of that period of the war, the geography of the story, and the contemporary strategy written by Lewis Sorley, West Point class of 1956, and author of A Better War and Westmoreland. With a foreword by Lt. Gen. Dave R. Palmer, US Army (Ret.), Valor in Vietnam presents an overview of the war through the eyes of participants in each branch of service and throughout the entire course of the war. Simply put, their stories serve to reflect the commitment, honor, and dedication with which Americas veterans performed their service. Members Reviews: Valor on display I must say at first this book didn't really grab my attention. It seemed as though the first portion was focused on facts and knowledge of the war. What LBJ knew or didn't, Tonkin incident, etc. it all seemed to blend together and my mind tended to wander while listening. However, the second part of the book captured my attention with stories of prison camps, medics, pilots, basically a more true to the title way of writing. Overall, I finished the book questioning what I missed in the first section. I'll have to give it another listen because I remember a lot more stories from the second part rather than first. Not a bad read for military buffs and veterans. You won't walk away from this book without remembering at least a few of the stories for a long while, and perhaps grateful for what some unknown Americans did during that war. Only one word comes to mind....Valor. Another good first-person view of war Where does Valor in Vietnam rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? I've listened to just a few, usually books I know are good, so the competition is tough.

Operation Damocles Audiobook by Roger Howard

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Roger Howard) — Tue, 24 Sep 2013 23:48:11 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Operation Damocles Subtitle: Israel's Secret War Against Hitler's Scientists, 1951-1967 Author: Roger Howard Narrator: Ray Chase Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 56 mins Language: English Release date: 09-24-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 13 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: The forgotten cloak-and-dagger history of the former Nazi scientists who were recruited by Egypt to develop long-range missiles capable of striking Israel. From 1951 to 1967 Egypt pursued a secret program to build military rockets that could have conceivably posed a threat to neighboring Israel. Because such an ambitious project required Western expertise, the Egyptian leader President Nasser hired West German scientists, many of them veterans of the Nazi rocket program at Peenemünde and elsewhere. These covert plans soon came to the attention of Israels legendary secret service, Mossad, and caused deep alarm in Tel Aviv. Would Israel fall under the shadow of long-range missiles held by a ruler who was sworn to destroy the Jewish state? Could the missiles be fitted with warheads filled with radiological, chemical, or even nuclear materials? Israel responded by using threats, intimidation, and brutal assassination squads to deter the German scientists from working on Nassers behalf. Exactly half a century later, this book tells the gripping story of the mysterious arms dealers, Mossad assassins, scientific genii, and leading figures who all played their part in Operation Damocles. Editorial Reviews: Journalist Roger Howard put together this account of the fascinating true story of Operation Damocles, Israels clandestine efforts to end Egypts missile program. Through arms dealers Gamel Abdel Nasser, Egypt hired West German scientists to develop its long-range missiles program in the late '50s, early '60s. Israels secret service, the Mossad, took out a policy of intimidation and assassination attempts against the scientists with former Nazi ties that cost Israel face but in all likelihood ended the program. Ray Chase, in a biting baritone, gives a hard-hitting performance of this material that tells a shocking and intriguing piece of historical espionage. Members Reviews: Exciting and useful for today Stranger than fiction. Better than any spy novel. Helps assess Israeli and Egyptian mentality. Would recommend to any one interested in Mideast.

The Influence of Seapower Upon History Audiobook by Alfred T. Mahan

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alfred T. Mahan) — Thu, 16 Dec 1999 17:41:33 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Influence of Seapower Upon History Author: Alfred T. Mahan Narrator: Jonathan Reese Format: Unabridged Length: 20 hrs and 22 mins Language: English Release date: 12-16-99 Publisher: Books on Tape Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 63 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: In 1886, the U.S. had no navy to speak of. But it did have Alfred T. Mahan, a captain of the U.S. Navy who had spent much of his career observing the exemplary fleets of the British Empire. At age 46, Mahan was just 10 years short of retirement age when the newly formed Naval and War College at Newport, Rhode Island, asked him to lecture on naval history and tactics. Out of these lectures grew a book that would change the world. It's no exaggeration that The Influence of Seapower Upon History affected the outcome of both great world wars. When it was first published in 1890, prime ministers, kings, admirals, and chancellors eagerly studied its strategies, which England first employed to rule the seas. Likewise, all the major powers have used it to shape imperial policies. (P) Books on Tape, Inc. Members Reviews: Great book, poor quality recording I needed an audio copy of this book so I could read it for class during a long drive. I was psyched to find it on Audible unabridged. Unfortunately, the recording sounded like it was a hissing copy of an old cassette tape. And the reader was slow and had no dynamism in his voice. A must read for history majors, but a better copy should be found. Great book spoiled by reader For nearly a century this book has been a "must read" for anyone interested in naval history. Unfortunately the narrator's technique of ending almost every sentence on a rising note, as if a question was being asked made listening impossible. It broke my heart but I had to put the tape away after an hour of teeth-gritting struggle. good book, terrible narrator While a great book, I could not stand the narrator. His sing-songy approach to the reading was very very distracting, so regrettably, I had to stop listening. Hope I?ll find the same title sans this narrator! Great book Would you consider the audio edition of The Influence of Seapower Upon History to be better than the print version? The audio edition is easier to start with. The original book is good if you like to study the details on seabattles in the 1700's. Any additional comments? This book covers most of the reasons why the worldmap looks like it does today. This book is essential reading for presidents and prime ministers. Turgid prose And editorial cloaked as history and written in a painful manner. Only covers history until the end of the American Revolution

Project Azorian Audiobook by Norman Polmar, Michael White

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Norman Polmar) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:36:33 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Project Azorian Subtitle: The CIA and the Raising of the K-129 Author: Norman Polmar, Michael White Narrator: James Lurie Format: Unabridged Length: 5 hrs and 59 mins Language: English Release date: 04-05-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 49 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Despite incredible political, military, and intelligence risks, and after six years of secret preparations, the CIA attempted to salvage the sunken Soviet ballistic missile submarine K-129 from the depths of the North Pacific Ocean in early August 1974. This audacious effort was carried out under the cover of an undersea mining operation sponsored by eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes. Azorian, incorrectly identified as Project Jennifer by the press, was the most ambitious ocean engineering endeavor ever attempted and can be compared to the 1969 moon landing for its level of technological achievement. Following the sinking of a Soviet missile submarine in March 1968, U.S. intelligence agencies were able to determine the precise location and to develop a means of raising the submarine from a depth of more than 16,000 feet. Previously, the deepest salvage attempt of a submarine had been accomplished at 245 feet. The remarkable effort to reach the K-129, which contained nuclear-armed torpedoes and missiles as well as cryptographic equipment, was conducted with Soviet naval ships a few hundred yards from the lift ship, the Hughes Glomar Explorer. While other books have been published about this secret project, none has provided an accurate and detailed account of this remarkable undertaking. To fully document the story, the authors conducted extensive interviews with men who were on board the Glomar Explorer and the USS Halibut, the submarine that found the wreckage, as well as with U.S. naval intelligence officers and with Soviet naval officers and scientists. The authors had access to the Glomar Explorers logs and to other documents from U.S. and Soviet sources. The book is based, in part, on the research for Michael White's ground-breaking documentary film, Azorian: The Raising of the K-129, released in late 2009. As a result of the research for the book and the documentary film, the CIA reluctantly issued a report on Project Azorian in early 2010, even though they tried to withhold details that were in that brief document from the public record by redacting one-third of it. In this book, the story of the CIAs Project Azorian is finally revealed after decades of secrecy. Members Reviews: How did the Russians not know at the time? Any additional comments? I work in the maritime industry as well as touching the outskirts of the U.S. Navy now and again and recently met a couple of guys that had been on the heavy lift ship and indeed talked briefly about it but were not very descriptive. Another good book to read that touches on this is called Red November. The details of how all this came about is very fascinating, Norman Polmar in his style always creates and atmosphere of interest, excitement to keep you interested, and also a style that leaves you without a lot of questions. I think most Americans of my generation, baby boomers, have a fascination of Howard Hughes and as we look back on those decades of the 1950s and 1960s we wonder what else was going on back then that we have yet to hear about. Its like something out of a Bond film!!!!!!!! Although the book is short, it is packed with information not previously accessible to the public. As a fan of Cold War history I had read much about Azorian or "Project Jennifer" as it was known prior to 2010. Never in my dreams had I thought that my kids would eventualy see pictures of K-129's wreckage, much less myself.

Nazi Germanys Best Generals Audiobook by Charles River Editors

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Charles River Editors) — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 05:00:40 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Nazi Germanys Best Generals Subtitle: The Lives and Careers of Erwin Rommel, Heinz Guderian, and Albert Kesselring Author: Charles River Editors Narrator: Colin Fluxman Format: Unabridged Length: 4 hrs and 8 mins Language: English Release date: 01-04-18 Publisher: Charles River Editors Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: One of his biographers called him "a complex man: a born leader, a brilliant soldier, a devoted husband, a proud father; intelligent, instinctive, brave, compassionate, vain, egotistical, and arrogant." As that description suggests, every account of Erwin Rommels life must address what appears to be its inherent contradictions. Fittingly, and in the same vein, he remains one of the best remembered generals of World War II and history at large, despite the fact he was on the losing side, and he was defeated at the most famous battle of his career, the decisive Battle of El Alamein. Heinz Wilhelm Guderian was one of the most respected commanders and theoreticians of World War II. An innovative tank commander, he was a pioneer of German Blitzkrieg tactics and therefore, a hugely influential figure in the way the war was fought. Guderian's profile was not always what might have been expected for a man of his abilities and influence warrant due to the shape of his career. Albert Kesselring holds a strange place in the history of World War II. A commander in the Luftwaffe, he is remembered as much for the skill with which he oversaw the German armies as for his mastery of the air fleets. Called "Uncle Albert" by many of his men and "Smiling Albert" by the Allies, he was widely respected by men on both sides of the war and loved by many of his troops, yet he was responsible for massacres in occupied Italy for which he was condemned to death during the post-war trials. He was undoubtedly a gifted commander, but one who served at a time when the German military was tainted with the evils of Nazism. Members Reviews: Very nice history book Great information on Germany's top generals. Lots of great details. It stays interesting throughout. Recommend this to you. Great read.

A History of the Peninsular War, Volume 4 Audiobook by Charles Oman

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Charles Oman) — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 11:49:26 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A History of the Peninsular War, Volume 4 Subtitle: December 1810-December 1811 Author: Charles Oman Narrator: Felbrigg Napoleon Herriot Format: Abridged Length: 26 hrs and 17 mins Language: English Release date: 01-11-18 Publisher: FNH Audio Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: FNH Audio presents a slightly abridged performance of this fourth volume of Charles Oman's military history classic. In this fourth volume, a detailed examination is made of the period from December 1810 to December 1811. This volume covers the battles of Gebora, Barrosa, Fuentes de Ornon, Albuera and the seiges of Badajoz and Tarragona. This history, written many years after Napier's, draws its information from more firsthand accounts and corrects some of the more glaring mistakes and biases of Napier. Although this audiobook is abridged, the only text removed is that in French or Spanish, namely Appendix 13. A small number of footnotes scattered throughout the book in those languages have also been omitted. All English text from the appendices and footnotes is present. Volume one of this set is available under the title A History of the Peninsular War 1807-1809. Volume two of this set is available under the title A History of the Peninsular War Volume 2: January-September 1809. Volume three of this set is available under the title A History of the Peninsular War Volume 3: September 1809-December 1810. Members Reviews: A Truly Great Read! Really enjoyed this volume. Have read the first books in the series and have only one request. This series needs a few maps for those of us who may not be familiar with Spain. Otherwise, it's easy to read and understand. Brilliant, thorough and despite being written over a hundred ... Brilliant, thorough and despite being written over a hundred years ago, very readable although I preferred the audible editions which are only available for Vol.s I to III.

The Conquest of Constantinople Audiobook by Geoffroy de Villehardouin

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Geoffroy de Villehardouin) — Thu, 16 Dec 1999 09:45:44 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Conquest of Constantinople Author: Geoffroy de Villehardouin Narrator: John Franklyn-Robbins Format: Unabridged Length: 4 hrs and 13 mins Language: English Release date: 12-16-99 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 16 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: This first-hand account of the noble, barbaric Fourth Crusade was written by Geoffroy de Villehardouin, a French nobleman who played a leading role in the war. The First, Second, and Third Crusades were an effort by Christians to free the Holy Land from the Turks, but the Fourth Crusade degenerated into a war of conquest amongst fellow Christians. Villehardouin's account provides important insights into the motivations of the crusaders in this most famous of campaigns, launched at the dawn of the 13th century. Editorial Reviews: On April 13, 1204, western Christians successfully toppled Constantinople, the capital city of the Byzantine Empire and arguably the most important port town of its day. The great library was destroyed, art works were stolen and defaced, and blood ran in the streets. The war was the Fourth - and final - Crusade, one of the most decisive and world-changing battles in history. While it is tempting to think of the Crusades as simply the stuff of history, one living, breathing man was there taking notes. He was Geoffrey de Villehardouin, Marshal of Champagne and Romania, and his eyewitness account of the conquest of Constantinople remains the earliest surviving historical prose narrative in French. John Franklyn-Robbins performs the text in a mature and spritely British tone. Members Reviews: A too often forgotten time in History Too often we think the Crusades were battles between Christians and Moslems over the so called "Holy Land". That was only a part of it. It was motivated by religious, political and economic factors and enhanced with a promise of an eternity in paradise. While the book presents the European warriors as saviors, the similarities to Al Quida are there. This book concentrates not on the battles over Jerusalem but rather on the conquest of Christian Constantinople by the European Christians. It sanitizes the events and presents Europe as the hero, to which I disagree, but it is still an important book to read, as too few understand the Crusades, and an understanding of the Crusades is an integral part of today's conflict in the Middle East.

American Military Aviation: The Indispensable Arm Audiobook by Charles J. Gross

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Charles J. Gross) — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 18:38:05 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: American Military Aviation: The Indispensable Arm Subtitle: Centennial of Flight Series Author: Charles J. Gross Narrator: Jim Woods Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 23 mins Language: English Release date: 08-03-16 Publisher: University Press Audiobooks Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Since the Wright brothers made their famed flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903, aviation has emerged as the indispensable arm of American military power. In this detailed and informative history, Charles J. Gross traces its development from the technological antecedents of the Wright brothers' triumph through the air war for Kosovo. Drawing on examples from all periods and all service branches, he explains the roles of politics, economics, and technology in shaping air power in the US armed forces and assesses the actual impact of military aviation on warfare. Gross discusses major developments in aircraft, doctrine, training, and operations. He also provides discussions of airlift, in-flight refueling, military budgets, industry, and interservice squabbling. He provides assessments of Eisenhower's New Look and MAD (mutually assured destruction); of McNamara's effort to use commonality of equipment to cut costs and Kennedy's buildup of the military; of the Nixon Doctrine and the failure of air power to resolve the long, drawn-out conflict in Southeast Asia; and of the growing reliance on American airpower in the post-Cold War world. Military professionals, scholars, civilian government policy makers and planners, members of the media who concentrate on defense matters, and interested members of the general public will all rely on this book as an invaluable guide. The book is published by Texas A&M University Press. Critic Reviews: "Those who study air power will want to have American Military Aviation on their bookshelf for ready reference." ( Parameters) "Provides a well-organized, fast-paced, clear narrative for the general reader and military historian...a unique, up-to-date scholarly study on the subject." ( Journal of Military History) "This fine history provides a balanced perspective on 'military' aviation." ( Almanac of Seapower) Members Reviews: Four Stars âTwas very good The Best Overall History of American Air Power Dr. Charles Gross, the official Air National Guard Historian, has written a history of American air power that will stand as the definitive synthesis for many years to come. Scholars will find this book to be an invaluable one-volume guide to the field; military personnel involved in aviation will revere the book as essential professional reading; and general readers, looking for a critical history of the subject, will find everything they need and more between its covers. American Military Aviation's thesis, as its subtitle implies, is that air power has emerged as "indispensable" for each of America's armed services. No branch can dare ignore its impact on all levels of conflict, ranging from logistics and intelligence to combat operations on land, sea, in the air, and even space. On the other hand, Gross is quick to point out that air power is not the panacea for all of the United States's military problems. Air power can be limited by geography as well as political constraints. It also cannot always defend the country against asymmetrical threats, as the 9-11 terrorist attacks so vividly illustrated.

Burn Pits Audiobook by Joseph Hickman

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Joseph Hickman) — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 02:11:18 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Burn Pits Subtitle: The Poisoning of America's Soldiers Author: Joseph Hickman Narrator: Noah Michael Levine Format: Unabridged Length: 3 hrs and 22 mins Language: English Release date: 04-13-16 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 8 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Thousands of American soldiers are returning from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan with severe wounds from chemical war. They are not the victims of ruthless enemy warfare, but of their own military commanders. These soldiers, afflicted with rare cancers and respiratory diseases, were sickened from the smoke and ash swirling out of the "burn pits" where military contractors incinerated mountains of trash, including old stockpiles of mustard and sarin gas, medical waste, and other toxic material. Based on thousands of government documents, over 500 in-depth medical case studies, and interviews with more than 1,000 veterans and active-duty GIs, The Burn Pits will shock the nation. The book is more than an explosive work of investigative journalism - it is the deeply moving chronicle of the many young men and women who signed up to serve their country in the wake of 9/11, only to return home permanently damaged, the victims of their own armed forces' criminal negligence. Members Reviews: Terrifying story, all too true. Americans need to know what is being done to our Armed Service members in their name, but without their knowledge or permission... and all in the name of military contractor profits. The book is read rathet robotically though, as if designed to be absorbed by veterans rather than the typical reader.

Recollections and Letters of General Robert E. Lee Audiobook by Robert E. Lee

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Robert E. Lee) — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 11:01:18 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Recollections and Letters of General Robert E. Lee Subtitle: As Recorded by His Son Author: Robert E. Lee Narrator: John Pruden Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 48 mins Language: English Release date: 02-04-15 Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 8 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Robert E. Lee is one of the most famous and decorated American generals in history. The son of Revolutionary War hero Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee III, General Lee was a native of Virginia and a top graduate at West Point. So distinguished was Lee that President Abraham Lincoln offered him command of the entire Union army before the onset of the Civil War. Lee famously declined the offer and instead served his home state of Virginia after it seceded. His closeness with his soldiers as well as his leadership came to personify the South. Here, in a collection of personal correspondence compiled by his son, Captain Robert E. Lee, the man behind the uniform, is revealed. Members Reviews: Not a greater man has lived in our time. I knew almost nothing of General Lee prior to this well put together compilation. Well narrated and very thought and emotion evoking. Not another person through character alone could have persuaded the South to lay down arms peacefully after years of suffering and bloody conflict which had hardened the southern soul in its cause against a ruthless oppressor. About as close as you'll get to knowing Lee In my humble opinion there is no better source of information on the personal life of a person than his correspondence and the recollections of his family. R.E. Lee's son paints a portrait of a gentle man who loved his children dearly. Was a mentor to his sons and held family and honor above even his own feelings. His treatment of his pets surprised me. I think the way in which he loved and treated them as people almost modernized him for me. On slave issues and even his feelings about freedman, he was a product of his times and environment. Yet even in this he seems softer than many, if not most, of his contemporaries. If you, like some of my southern acquaintances, are looking for a progressive southerner, you'll find it only by relative comparisons. He freed his slaves during the war to honor a Will. Later he eschewed employing freed blacks on his son's farm. And yet you still come away respecting this great general who not only fought well in war, but fought well to encourage peace when it was over. Excellent This book provides wonderful insight, from personal letters, and intimate relationships with General R. E. Lee.

North Koreas Nuclear Program: The History of the Hermit Kingdoms Development of Nuclear Weapons

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Charles River Editors) — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 12:55:43 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: North Koreas Nuclear Program: The History of the Hermit Kingdoms Development of Nuclear Weapons Author: Charles River Editors Narrator: Dan Gallagher Format: Unabridged Length: 1 hr and 33 mins Language: English Release date: 12-05-17 Publisher: Charles River Editors Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: "There is no force in the world that can block the powerful march of our army and people, who are holding high the banner of the suns of great Comrade Kim Il-sung and great Comrade Kim Jong-il and continuing to advance under the leadership of the party and with strong faith in sure victory." - Kim Jong-un North Korea would be horrific enough if it was a fictional place, but its nuclear weapons program is all too real. On September 17, 2017, President Donald Trump, whose use of Twitter may be what hes best known for, tweeted another nickname of the type he has infamously coined for his opponents: "I spoke with President Moon of South Korea last night. Asked him how Rocket Man is doing. Long gas lines forming in North Korea. Too bad!" The Rocket Man in question, of course, was none other than the notoriously brutal and wildly erratic North Korean dictator, Kim Jong-Un. In less than 24 hours, the viral tweet had not only racked up tens of thousands of retweets and triple the likes, it had spawned countless Elton John-themed memes and inspired headlines from just about every news source around the world. Capitalizing on the viral nature of the controversial tweet, Trump repeated the nickname just a few days later in his speech before the UN General Assembly. He warned the congregation of fidgety ambassadors about the grave threats posed by North Korea's depraved regime: "The United States had great strength and patience, but if forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea.... Rocket Man is on a suicide mission for himself and for his regime." Less than a week later came Kim Jong-Un's scathing response. "Action is the best option in treating the dotard who, hard of hearing, is uttering only what he wants to say.... I will surely and definitely tame the mentally deranged U.S. dotard with fire." The usage of the archaic insult had even those well-versed in the English language whipping out their phones in unison to look up the term ("an old person, especially one who has become weak or senile," courtesy of the Oxford English dictionary). Apart from the avalanche of memes and comedic jabs from the usual array of late-night hosts that ensued, a quick search of the word "dotard" now brings up unflattering pictures of the president. North Korea's bizarre feuds with the rest of the world have been turned into comedy gold time and time again, perhaps because their endless threats seem so far removed from reality. But just how serious is the threat of nuclear war against North Korea? North Koreas Nuclear Program: The History of the Hermit Kingdoms Development of Nuclear Weapons looks at how North Korea has developed and tested destructive nuclear weapons over the past several decades. Members Reviews: Four Stars Very interesting. Worth reading

Eleventh Month, Eleventh Day, Eleventh Hour Audiobook by Joseph E. Persico

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Joseph E. Persico) — Mon, 08 Nov 2004 05:58:25 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Eleventh Month, Eleventh Day, Eleventh Hour Subtitle: Armistice Day, 1918: WWI and Its Violent Climax Author: Joseph E. Persico Narrator: Jonathan Marosz Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 55 mins Language: English Release date: 11-08-04 Publisher: Books on Tape Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 73 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: With peace talks underway, the beaten Germans proposed an interim cease-fire to spare lives, but the French Allied commander, General Ferdinand Foch, refused. Hostilities would not cease, Foch insisted, before the appointed hour of the Armistice. Thus, even on the last day, the Allies were still launching full scale offenses, and both sides bombarded each other until the final minute of the agreed upon cease fire: 11 a.m., November 11, 1918. The last hours pulsated with unbearable tension as men in trenches, airmen in the sky, and sailors at sea hoped to escape the distinction of being the last to die in the War. Critic Reviews: "Effectively marshaling his source material, Persico powerfully reconstructs Armistice Day as an emblem of the war." (Booklist) Members Reviews: Beauty amidst savagery Mr Persico tells the story of the Great War (as WWI was called until Sep 1, 1939). He begins with the last day of the war and then takes us back to the war's start in 1914; each chapter begins with Nov 11, 1918 and we are horrified to learn that even though the armistice has been set, Allied commanders are bent on carrying out offensives in which thousands more die on that last day. He provides a structure for the book by telling us of the military strategy used by both sides (largely throwing wave upon wave of men over the tops of the trenches into the thresher of machine guns), the military commanders and political personalities. But Persico's gift is in telling the story of the trenches from interviews and diaries of the men. He tells of the first use of precision artillery that killed so many and made more crazy from the sound and earthquake tremors of hours long barrages. There is such beauty to this story-in spite of the horrible loss of life and injury. Opt for the Abridged Version A personalized account of life on the front and battles in World War I, told largely from the documented record of those who were there. While very insightful, the unabridged version finds itself repetitive and at times tedious. I would therefore recommend the ABRIDGED version instead. Not for History Buffs This is a good book for anyone not familiar with the war. However, for those that know the war well, the book is repetitive and does not offer new or interesting insights. Excellent description of the scale of WWI I thought this title did a wonderful job of describing the feeling of the times, the haughty arrogance of the commanders, the willingness to send masses of troops against the newly imployed machine gun, and the scale of battles with the troop losses are astounding. The book does a good job of describing battle, human feelings, and political atmosphere. It was very easy to listen to and one of those titles that I truly looked forward to. It also helped that the same person who narrated T-Rex (Jonathan Marosz). Up close and personal I enjoyed this book especially the author's strategy to start each chapter from the last day of the war. It is indeed horrifying to learn of the thousands of soldiers on all sides that lost their lives on 11-11-18.

1962: The War That Wasn't Audiobook by Shiv Kunal Verma

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Shiv Kunal Verma) — Sun, 01 Jan 2017 04:36:38 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: 1962: The War That Wasn't Subtitle: The Definitive Account of the Clash Between India and China Author: Shiv Kunal Verma Narrator: Manish Dongardive Format: Unabridged Length: 19 hrs and 23 mins Language: English Release date: 01-01-17 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 6 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: On 20 October 1962, high in the Himalayas, on the banks of the fast-flowing Nam Ka Chu, over 400 Indian soldiers were massacred, and the valley was overrun by soldiers of China's People's Liberation Army. Over the course of the next month, nearly 4,000 soldiers were killed on both sides, and the Indian army experienced its worst defeat ever. The conflict (war was never formally declared) ended because China announced a unilateral ceasefire on 21 November and halted its hitherto unhindered advance across NEFA and Ladakh. To add to India's lasting shame, neither Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru nor the Indian army was even aware that the 'war' had ended until they heard the announcement on the radio - despite the Indian embassy having been given the information two days earlier. This conflict continues to be one of our least understood episodes. Many books have been written on the events of the time, usually by those who were involved in some way, anxious to provide justification for their actions. These accounts have succeeded only in muddying the picture further. What is clear is that 1962 was an unmitigated disaster. The terrain on which most of the battles were fought (or not fought) was remote and inaccessible; the troops were sorely underequipped, lacking even warm clothing; and the men and officers who tried to make a stand were repeatedly let down by their political and military superiors. Time and again, in Nam Ka Chu, Bum-la, Tawang, Se-la, Thembang, Bomdila - all in the Kameng Frontier Division of NEFA in the Eastern Sector - and in Ladakh and Chusul in the Western Sector, our forces were mismanaged, misdirected or left to fend for themselves. If the Chinese army hadn't decided to stop its victorious campaign, the damage would have been far worse. In this definitive account of the conflict, based on dozens of interviews with soldiers and numerous others who had a firsthand view of what actually happened in 1962, Shiv Kunal Verma takes us on an uncomfortable journey through one of the most disastrous episodes of independent India's history. Members Reviews: Excellent to read, but difficult to listen Excellent narration, excellent book but it is difficult to listen as the book has a lot of specific details related to armed forces and as well as locations of the war. Difficult to keep track, without a map.

The First Heroes Audiobook by Craig Nelson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Craig Nelson) — Thu, 06 May 2004 04:25:32 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The First Heroes Subtitle: The Extraordinary Story of the Doolittle Raid Author: Craig Nelson Narrator: Raymond Todd Format: Unabridged Length: 17 hrs and 25 mins Language: English Release date: 05-06-04 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 147 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: The First Heroes is the story of this extraordinary mission, a moment in history that is surprisingly unfamiliar today. To give these heroes their due, Craig Nelson interviewed 20 of the surviving participants and researched more than 40,000 pages of archival documents. Here is a true account of great personal courage and a powerful reminder that ordinary people, when faced with extraordinary circumstances, can rise to the challenge of history. Members Reviews: Heroic Attempt This was an heroic attempt by the author to present a detailed recounting of what at the time was an heroic effort by the fledgling AAF to retaliate for Pearl Harbor and give the United States a psychological lift at the beginning of World War II after the U.S. had suffered defeat after defeat. It is long, it is detailed, it is tedious, yet most of it is good listening, but you have to want to hear it. But, where do they get readers who pronounce "ensign" as "en sign" rather than "N-sn", or "cpl", the abbreviation for corporal as "c.p.l."? Would you believe "boatswain"? I can't recommend this book to anyone unless they have an abiding interest in hearing the details of this mission, and what happened to each of the eighty crewmen who took part in the raid. Sloppy naval research I really, really wanted to like this book. I'd just finished Hornfischer's outstanding "Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors" and wanted some more inspirational reading. Unfortunately, the author has no - and I repeat no - required knowledge of the US Navy. There are many, many small, factual errors that are really annoying - referring to the HMS Repulse as a "cruiser", describing the Japanese torpedoes as "two feet long", etc, etc. Anyone with even a basic knowledge of the US Navy in WW2 should have been given an opportunity to preview this book before publication. Additionally, his overuse of military jargon - bombs referred to as "cabbages", torpedoes as "eels" by such a rank amateur was just too much. The narrator has no idea regarding correct pronunciation of naval terms - (en-sine, indeed.) I find that when there are so many factual errors in an area that I'm familiar with, I have a tough time accepting the new - often interesting on its face - data that an author brings up. It's too bad that such a terrific topic couldn't have been treated more professionally. I read "Thirty Seconds over Tokyo" as a kid and really was looking for some new information. I blame the editors completely for this second rate attempt. Good book, questionable narrator This book satisfied my desire to know more about the Doolittle raid, and it was interesting to learn so much more about the aftermath than you normally encounter in books dealing with military actions. However, I gave the book only three stars because it is, indeed, distracting to hear "ensign" mispronounced literally dozens of times. Other mispronunciations reveal that the narrator has no familiarity with the subject matter, or military knowledge in general.

The Battle for Hell's Island Audiobook by Stephen L. Moore

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Stephen L. Moore) — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 00:02:07 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Battle for Hell's Island Subtitle: How a Small Band of Carrier Dive Bombers Helped Save Guadalcanal Author: Stephen L. Moore Narrator: Pete Bradbury Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 53 mins Language: English Release date: 11-03-15 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 54 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: From the author of Pacific Payback comes the gripping true story of the Cactus Air Force and how this rugged crew of dive bombers helped save Guadalcanal and won the war. November 1942: Japanese and American forces have been fighting for control of Guadalcanal, a small but pivotal island in Japan's expansion through the South Pacific. Both sides have endured months of grueling battle under the worst circumstances: hellish jungles, meager rations, and tropical diseases, which have taken a severe mental and physical toll on the combatants. The Japanese call Guadalcanal Jigoku no Jima - Hell's Island. Amid a seeming stalemate, a small group of US Navy dive bombers are called upon to help determine the island's fate. The men have until recently been serving in their respective squadrons aboard the USS Lexington and the USS Yorktown, fighting in the thick of the Pacific War's aerial battles. Their skills have been honed to a fine edge, even as injury and death inexorably have depleted their ranks. When their carriers are lost, many of the men end up on the USS Enterprise. Battle damage to that carrier then forces them from their home at sea to operating from Henderson Field, a small dirt-and-gravel airstrip on Guadalcanal. With some Marine and Army Air Force planes, they help form the Cactus Air Force, a motley assemblage of fliers tasked with holding the line while making dangerous flights from their jungle airfield. Pounded by daily Japanese air assaults, nightly warship bombardments, and sniper attacks from the jungle, pilots and gunners rarely last more than a few weeks before succumbing to tropical ailments, injury, exhaustion, and death. But when the Japanese launch a final offensive to take the island once and for all, these dive bomber jocks answer the call of duty - and try to perform miracles in turning back an enemy warship armada, a host of fighter planes, and a convoy of troop transports. A remarkable story of grit, guts, and heroism, The Battle for Hell's Island reveals how command of the South Pacific, and the outcome of the Pacific War, depended on control of a single dirt airstrip-and the small group of battle-weary aviators sent to protect it with their lives. Members Reviews: agonizing audiobook full of facts I really enjoyed World War II history and I've read many books on the Pacific the Navy and Aviation this is the worst audiobook I've ever listened to on the subject. the great part about audio books is the story of the aviators this book just list endless extra facts time names ship names all irrelevant data that doesn't let you get into the story. Probably a great historical reference but a horrible audiobook Definitely a different angle on the battle Yes, this is a different angle on the battle, but it should be required reading as well. A Wanderting Tale that Eventually Finds it's Title Supposedly the story of the battle for Guadalcanal this book covers a large swath of the Pacific War before getting to the subject of the story and in the process loses the reader. This is a not going to be among your favorite reads on Guadalcanal, WWII carrier aviation or the war in the Pacific. Too Much Filler The prime story was well done and informative. This would take about 75% of the book. The remaining content was extraneous to the air battles of 1942.

At the Edge of the World Audiobook by Jean-Vincent Blanchard

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jean-Vincent Blanchard) — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 03:06:42 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: At the Edge of the World Subtitle: The Heroic Century of the French Foreign Legion Author: Jean-Vincent Blanchard Narrator: Julian Elfer Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins Language: English Release date: 06-14-17 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 7 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: An aura of mystery, romance, and danger surrounds the French Foreign Legion, the all-volunteer corps of the French Army, founded in 1831. Famous for its physically grueling training in harsh climates, the legion fought in French wars from Mexico to Madagascar, Southeast Asia to North Africa. In At the Edge of the World, historian Jean-Vincent Blanchard follows the legion's rise to fame during the 19th century - focusing on its campaigns in Indochina and especially in Africa - when the corps played a central role in expanding and protecting the French Empire. As France struggled to be a power capable of rivaling the British, the figure of the legionnaire came to represent the might and morale that would secure a greater, stronger nation. Drawing from rare archival memoirs and testimonies of legionnaires from the period, and tracing the fascinating career of Hubert Lyautey, France's first resident-general in Morocco and a hero to many a legionnaire, At the Edge of the World chronicles the Foreign Legion at the height of its renown, when the corps and its archetypically handsome, moody, and marginalized recruits became both the symbols of a triumphant colonialism and the stuff of legend. Critic Reviews: "A detailed and fascinating book of French history." (Kirkus) Members Reviews: Received item quickly and in good order. Very happy!! Received item quickly and in good order. Very happy!! Reality of the French Foregin Legion Good read, and historically accurate. Worth a look! "You men are soldiers in order to die, and I am going to send you where you can die".... First of all, what a wonderful title. "At The Edge Of The World". It sums up completely the lives of the men of La Legion Etrangere. While there are many books over the years telling the story of the Legion, (with many of the more recent ones, especially the memoirs, of much less interest and value) I think this one adds a little to the mystique of this famous band of men, having a feel of the more traditional memoir or history about it, and is told in simple language almost urging the reader to read on.... I should point out that looming throughout this book like a giant spiritual shadow is the presence of Marechal Lyautey. So it should be, he being one of the giants of the colonial years, and closely connected to French Foreign Legion activities during this era. So this book sits comfortably alongside Martyn, Mannington, Le Poer, Aage, Rosen, Pechkoff, Cooper, Wren, Price, Donovan, Lohndorff, Doty, Kanitz, Bocca, Mc Leave, etc. and of course those giants of recent years Porch and Windrow..... A Moi La Legion.... Good Introduction to the Reality of the Legion Everyone knows about the French Foreign Legion. Mostly, though, our knowledge ranges from impressionistic to false, derived largely from movies and with an overlay of the kneejerk odium that attends colonialism.

The Ship That Wouldn't Die Audiobook by Don Keith

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Don Keith) — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 02:17:46 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Ship That Wouldn't Die Subtitle: The Saga of the USS Neosho - A World War II Story of Courage and Survival at Sea Author: Don Keith Narrator: Arthur Morey Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins Language: English Release date: 04-07-15 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 8 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: In May 1942, Admiral Jack Fletcher's Task Force 17 closed in for the war's first major clash with the Japanese Navy. The Neosho, a vitally important tanker, was escorted by a destroyer, the Sims. The ships were attacked by Japanese dive bombers, and when the smoke cleared, the Sims had slipped beneath the waves. Scores of sailors were killed or wounded while hundreds bobbed in shark-infested waters. It was the beginning of a hellish four-day ordeal as the crew struggled to stay alive and keep their ship afloat, while almost 200 men in life rafts drifted away without water, food, or shelter. Only four of them would survive to be rescued after nine days. A tale of a ship as tough and resilient as its crew, The Ship That Wouldn't Die captures the indomitable spirit of the American sailor - and finally brings to the surface one of the great untold sagas of the Pacific War. Members Reviews: frank Test back to you and your family a happy to see the new one of the best way to

Kill Chain Audiobook by Andrew Cockburn

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Andrew Cockburn) — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 00:42:15 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Kill Chain Subtitle: The Rise of the High-Tech Assassins Author: Andrew Cockburn Narrator: Malcolm Hillgartner Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins Language: English Release date: 03-10-15 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 98 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: This essential, pause-resister narrative on the history of drone warfare by the acclaimed author of Rumsfeld explores how this practice emerged, who made it happen, and the real consequences of targeted killing. Assassination by drone is a subject of deep and enduring fascination, yet few understand how and why it has become our principal way of waging war. Kill Chain uncovers the real and extraordinary story of drone warfare - its origins in long-buried secret programs, the breakthroughs that made drone operations possible, and the ways in which the technology works and, despite official claims, does not work. Taking the listener inside the well-guarded world of national security, the audiobook reveals the powerful interests - military, CIA, and corporate - that have led the drive to kill individuals by remote control. Most importantly of all, the book describes what has really happened when the theories underpinning the strategy - and the multibillion-dollar contracts they spawn - have been put to the test. Drawing on sources deep within the military and intelligence establishments, Andrew Cockburn's Kill Chain unveils the true effects, as demonstrated by bloody experience, of assassination warfare - a revelation that listeners will find surprising and shocking. Members Reviews: Very well done A great book for understanding the history and future of automated and long distance warfare. outstanding Tells a well ducunentwd and chilling tale of US government's counterproductive drone war and the powerful forces in government and business that are pressing it relentlessly forward. Introduction Good topic but too short. Starts you thinking but needs more. No real discussion of opposing views. A thorough review of the drones A great blend of history and the Present. I learned a lot about the rationale behind the origin of drones, and its absolutely astounding longevity despite their ineffectiveness. The American military machine and its wealthy lobbiests are making the world unsafe as defense contractors' main goal is to make money -- money coming from tax payers. Ethics never seems to be an issue, all the while innocent people die from being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It is a great read to view drone warfare from the perspective of an insider, away from conventional news clips and journalistic sensationalism. Great read What other book might you compare Kill Chain to and why? For further reading I would highly recomend Black Flags by Joby Warrick and ISIS by Hassan Hassan Any additional comments? Theres a lot of books about this subject but this book focuses on key points in tech warfare on the path to where we are now.

World War II Leningrad: A History from Beginning to End Audiobook by Hourly History

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Hourly History) — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 10:15:46 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: World War II Leningrad: A History from Beginning to End Author: Hourly History Narrator: Stephen Paul Aulridge Jr. Format: Unabridged Length: 1 hr and 3 mins Language: English Release date: 01-04-18 Publisher: Hourly History Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: History describes the 872-day Siege of Leningrad as the most devastating siege in history. The German army had made its way to Leningrad before the city had the opportunity to prepare for an assault, and the consequences were lethal. Accompanied by one of the worst famines in history, as well as a brutally cold winter in 1941-1942, the civilians were doomed. Of the three million people living in Leningrad at the start of the siege, more than a million would be evacuated and approximately another million would die before the assault ended in 1944. Inside you will hear about.... During those 872 days, Leningrad was rendered numb as people fell dead in the streets and were not placed in coffins because no one had the strength to bury them. People ate their pets and boiled leather for food; they committed murder to obtain ration cards for the meager provisions that the city could provide; some resorted to cannibalism. Kept alive by their fervent patriotism and an astonishing will to survive, the citizens of Leningrad greeted the end of the siege with jubilation. Although they outlasted the Nazis, they could not defeat Josef Stalin as the paranoid leader punished Leningrad and its prominent Party members and stilled the voices of the heroes who lived. But Leningrad did not remain silenced, and the truth finally emerged. Its a harrowing saga of bravery and brutality, but one that must be told. Members Reviews: The horrors of war War is so devastating, not only in the direct lives of the military personnel, but in the loss of human life of the innocent public. The memories of the Leningrad survivors are devastating. Unbearable Sacrifices By So Many The definitions of self sacrifice, deprivation, and loss of personal expression, which are taken for granted by so many, are defined in this hourly read. This a great read, yet it is not for the weak minded. This aphorism canât have a better example than the German invasion of the Soviet Union ... It has often been stated that history repeats itself. This aphorism canât have a better example than the German invasion of the Soviet Union (codename: Operation Barbarossa) on June 22, 1941. Napoleon Bonaparteâs invasion in 1812 should have warned the Germanâs about the risks involved in invading a country that spans two continents. The initial thrust went even better than expected, with vast miles of territory being conquered and tens of thousands of ill-equipped, under-trained, and poorly fed Soviet troops were either captured or killed by advancing Wehrmacht forces. History should have told them that this could not last. Mother Russia has two undefeatable allies, distance, and the unforgiving winter. Thanks to Catherine the Great, St Petersburg (Petrograd) became a jewel in the Romanov crown. Architectural masterpieces were erected to spotlight the grandeur of the Russian Empire. As the capital of Russia, St Petersburg rivaled any European capital city. With the fall of the Romanov dynasty in 1918, the capital was moved by the new Soviet government to Moscow. In 1924 the city was renamed Leningrad. Before the siege of Leningrad, the city boasted a population of just over three million. Eight hundred and seventy-two days later, a mere seventy thousand survived. The horrors experienced by the population canât be accurately described as it is too horrible for human comprehension.

Signature Wound Audiobook by Bob Drury

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Bob Drury) — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 09:20:30 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Signature Wound Subtitle: Hidden Bombs, Heroic Soldiers, and the Shocking, Secret Story of the Afghanistan War Author: Bob Drury Narrator: Stephen Graybill Format: Unabridged Length: 1 hr and 45 mins Language: English Release date: 12-03-14 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 8 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Every war has its "signature wounds", injuries inflicted by frightening new weapons and tactics the U.S. military has never faced before. Blistered flesh from mustard gas in World War I. Petroleum burns from oil and gas igniting on the surface of the Pacific in World War II. And now, lost legs, hands, and most devastating of all, genitals, as a result of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in today's war in Afghanistan. Men's Health contributing editor Bob Drury, a veteran reporter of both the Afghan and Iraq wars, delivers his most hard-hitting and important dispatch yet - the unforgettable accounts of U.S. soldiers who have suffered these very personal wounds. Their intense tales of battlefield survival are just a prologue to the unimaginable fights they face once they're stateside. This is essential listening for truly understanding what our fighting forces put on the line - and lose - every single day. Members Reviews: Great book One never thinks about a man going over seas and not to have him come back with his penis damaged or gone How many wives or girlfriend 20 to 30 years want to live a life with NOT being able to have real sex again. Forget having a baby They did not talk about women who may suffer a massive injury to there vagina and for them to come home with such an important part of both a man and a woman's life. No one goes from the Army to being a nun or priest as soon as they get home We need to do everything a country can do to help a soldier coming home deformed that way Have your eyes opened like you never have before

SAS Ghost Patrol Audiobook by Damien Lewis

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Damien Lewis) — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 14:58:27 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: SAS Ghost Patrol Subtitle: The Ultra-Secret Unit That Posed as Nazi Stormtroopers Author: Damien Lewis Narrator: Leighton Pugh Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins Language: English Release date: 10-19-17 Publisher: Quercus Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 4 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: The Ultra-Secret Unit That Posed As Nazi Stormtroopers The Most Daring Mission Ever Undertaken SAS Ghost Patrol is the explosive true story of the day in 1942 when the SAS donned Nazi uniforms to perpetrate the most audacious and daring mission of the war. Beyond top secret, deniable in the extreme (and of course enjoying Churchill's enthusiastic blessing), this is one of the most remarkable stories of wartime lawlessness, eccentricity and raw courage in the face of impossible odds - a thoroughly British undertaking. What unfolded - the longest mission ever undertaken by Allied special forces - was an epic of daring, courage, tragedy and survival that remains unrivalled to this day, and which rightly became a foundation stone of Special Forces legend. Written with Lewis's signature authenticity and dramatic verve, SAS Ghost Patrol is peopled by a cast of the utterly maverick and the extraordinary. In its quirky eccentricities and outrageous rule-breaking, this is a story that only the British could have authored, and with such panache and aplomb. It may read like the stuff of impossible myth or folklore, but every single word is true. Members Reviews: Epic Story of Desert War Operations Words are simply not enough to express the quality and performance of this publication in audio form. Well written, very well performed it portrays actual events with exceptional clarity and prose to enable to listener (reader) to be part of the special operations that took place in 1942. Must have in any war history audible library. Courage and Adversity in The Desert War It's more than likely that this is not your first Damien Lewis book. You will, therefore know what to expect by now; a well-told tale of daring, courage and bravery amongst seemingly hopeless odds and Ghost Patrol certainly doesn't disappoint here. But although the incredible true story of the commando raids on the North African coast provide an almost unbelieveably exciting read/listen, their authenticity is beyond doubt. There is no need to embelish any word of their stories with novel-esque adrenaline; it's all true and that's what makes the book such a gripping and important piece of history-writing. Another masterpiece from Damien. Ben Waddams exceptional story more dynamics than one straight listen can take in, a tale of extreme courage, tenacity and moral fortitude, well done A good read, and not what I expected. I wasnt familiar with the Tobruk raid, so it kept me guessing till it became obvious. I enjoyed the narrators delivery, which I found exciting. The only gripe I had was the repeated use of the unleash hell phrase, which started to irritate a bit. But that was certainly not enough to detract from a good yarn. As usual Damien Lewis at his best needs 2 b read at least twice. unbelievable story, sad one 2 many dead for nothing substantial

Shanghai 1937 Audiobook by Peter Harmsen

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Peter Harmsen) — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 03:54:15 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Shanghai 1937 Subtitle: Stalingrad on the Yangtze Author: Peter Harmsen Narrator: George Backman Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins Language: English Release date: 04-23-14 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 45 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: This deeply researched book describes one of the great forgotten battles of the 20th century. At its height it involved nearly a million Chinese and Japanese soldiers, while sucking in three million civilians as unwilling spectators and, often, victims. It turned what had been a Japanese adventure in China into a general war between the two oldest and proudest civilizations of the Far East. Ultimately, it led to Pearl Harbor and to seven decades of tumultuous history in Asia. The Battle of Shanghai was a pivotal event that helped define and shape the modern world. In its sheer scale, the struggle for Chinas largest city was a sinister forewarning of what was in store for the rest of mankind only a few years hence, in theaters around the world. It demonstrated how technology had given rise to new forms of warfare, or had made old forms even more lethal. Amphibious landings, tank assaults, aerial dogfights and most importantly, urban combat, all happened in Shanghai in 1937. It was a dress rehearsal for World War II - or perhaps more correctly it was the inaugural act in the war - the first major battle in the global conflict. Actors from a variety of nations were present in Shanghai during the three fateful autumn months when the battle raged. The rich cast included China's ascetic Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek and his Japanese adversary, General Matsui Iwane, who wanted Asia to rise from disunity, but ultimately pushed the continent toward its deadliest conflict ever. Claire Chennault, later of Flying Tiger fame, was among the figures emerging in the course of the campaign, as was First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. In an ironic twist, Alexander von Falkenhausen, a stern German veteran of the Great War, abandoned his role as a mere advisor to the Chinese army and led it into battle against the Japanese invaders. Members Reviews: Excellent in every way Well researched and written, a great feat by the author to combine the two skills. The narration is top notch. Note: This is a factual account that includes occasional descriptions of wartime atrocities against combatants and civilians. It is not for the squeamish or easily traumatized. The Curtain to World War Two Much isn't known about the Jappo Sino war of 1937. The Japanese don't talk much about it and China has been in Communist naughty boys club. The Eastern Front of WWII was known for it lack of clarity but this theatre took the prize. I am trying to work out why the Japanese military was so evil to POWs and civilian of occupied territory and I think the story really starts in Shanghai. George Backman is a little dry to listen to and the Chinese names a little hard to separate from each other but the book does show how Shanghai was very much like the Stalingrad on the Yangtze. A good book but not a great book.

Meeting the Enemy Audiobook by Richard van Emden

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Richard van Emden) — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 18:51:52 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Meeting the Enemy Subtitle: The Human Face of the Great War Author: Richard van Emden Narrator: Derek Perkins Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 51 mins Language: English Release date: 01-10-14 Publisher: Audible Studios for Bloomsbury Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 4 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: A British soldier walked over to the German front line to deliver newspapers; British women married to Germans became enemy aliens in their own country; a high-ranking British POW discussed his own troops heroism with the Kaiser on the battlefield. Just three amazing stories of contact between the opposing sides in the Great War that eminent historian Richard van Emden has unearthed - incidents that show brutality, great humanity, and above all the bizarre nature of a conflict between two nations with long-standing ties of kinship and friendship. Meeting the Enemy reveals for the first time how contact was maintained on many levels throughout the War, and its stories, sometimes funny, often moving, give us a new perspective on the lives of ordinary men and women caught up in extraordinary events. Members Reviews: God book but bit misleading. This book has some great chapters about interactions on the front, however a few things must pointed out. 1. A large chunk of this book is about the plight of "enemy aliens" in British. 2. This is a book about the human face of the BRITISH in the First World War with a smattering of German accounts. All and all a interesting book. I did learn much, but it's content is a bit lopsided and the title is a bit misleading.

So Close to Home Audiobook by Michael J. Tougias, Alison OLeary

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Michael J. Tougias) — Tue, 03 May 2016 01:26:47 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: So Close to Home Subtitle: A True Story of an American Familys Fight for Survival During World War II Author: Michael J. Tougias, Alison OLeary Narrator: Elijah Alexander Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins Language: English Release date: 05-03-16 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 9 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: A true story of men and women pitted against the sea during World War II - and an unforgettable portrait of the determination of the human spirit. On May 19, 1942, a U-boat in the Gulf of Mexico stalked its prey 50 miles away from New Orleans. Captained by 29-year-old Iron Cross recipient Erich Würdemann, the submarine set its sights on the freighter Heredia with 59 souls onboard. Most of the crew were merchant seamen, but there were also a handful of civilians, including the Downs family, consisting of the parents, Ray Sr. and Ina; along with their two children, eight-year-old Ray Jr., nicknamed "Sonny", and 11-year-old Lucille. Fast asleep in their berths, the Downs family had no notice that two torpedoes were heading their way. When the ship exploded, Ina and Lucille became separated from Ray Sr. and Sonny. An inspiring historical narrative, So Close to Home tells the story of the Downs family as they struggled against sharks, hypothermia, drowning, and dehydration in their effort to survive the aftermath of this deadly attack off the American coast. Members Reviews: A True Adventure.......... Very well-researched and written book. The reader gains a real-life perspective on US Coastline-German Sub warfare in 1942-1943 and just how pervasive, horrifying, and costly it was in lives and shipping assets. The real-life insights into the lives of German Sub crewmen were a major added plus. My late Dad was Thomas Burke, the third officer of the Heredia when it was torpedoed and sunk. He passed at 91, on December 30, 2009. Many of the book's details and high spots were related to me over the years, especially those involving Lucille and Roy Sorli. I actually provided Sonny Downs some news articles used for the book. I'd located Sonny in 2002, and in fact, re-connected him and my Dad. They were only 15 miles away from each other in Eastern Massachusetts when they talked by phone. I've maintained some communication with Sonny since 2002. His recollection of the events before, during, and after May 19, 1942, is just short of amazing, so I can further attest to the veracity of so many facts provided by Sonny and included in the book. I also located Sorli's son, who re-confirmed certain facts shared by my Dad. My Dad went on to become a Captain with United Fruit. He came ashore in late-1947, after sailing since mid-1939, and then maintaining a connection with the Merchant Marine Industry for the next 50 years. In May, 1943, as Chief Officer, he was again torpedoed off The Cape of Good Hope, aboard the SS Cape Neddick. Despite serious damage, the vessel did not sink, and made its way to Cape Town and then New York for temporary and permanent repairs. Kudos to Michael, Allison, and Sonny for a job well-done and a great read, despite Sonny's schoolteacher claiming his written story must be fiction. WHAT A STORY!!! WOW! We've read almost every book about U-boats that have been published so far, and they've pretty much all been written by the German captains and crews.

The Gun Audiobook by C. J. Chivers

biacuaduc@gmail.com (C. J. Chivers) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:28:22 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Gun Author: C. J. Chivers Narrator: Michael Prichard Format: Unabridged Length: 18 hrs and 50 mins Language: English Release date: 10-12-10 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 290 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: It is the world's most widely recognized weapon, the most profuse tool for killing ever made. More than 50 national armies carry the automatic Kalashnikov, as do an array of police, intelligence, and security agencies all over the world. In this tour de force, prizewinning New York Times reporter C. J. Chivers traces the invention of the assault rifle, following the miniaturization of rapid-fire arms from the American Civil War, through World War I and Vietnam, to present-day Afghanistan, when Kalashnikovs and their knockoffs number as many as 100 million, one for every 70 persons on earth. It is the weapon of state repression, as well as revolution, civil war, genocide, drug wars, and religious wars; and it is the arms of terrorists, guerrillas, boy soldiers, and thugs. It was the weapon used to crush the uprising in Hungary in 1956. American Marines discovered in Vietnam that the weapon in the hands of the enemy was superior to their M16s. Fidel Castro amassed them. Yasir Arafat procured them for the P.L.O. A Kalashnikov was used to assassinate Anwar Sadat. As Osama bin Laden told the world that "the winds of faith and change have blown," a Kalashnikov was by his side. Pulled from a hole, Saddam Hussein had two Kalashnikovs. It is the world's most widely recognized weapon - cheap, easy to conceal, durable, deadly. But where did it come from? And what does it mean? Chivers, using a host of exclusive sources and declassified documents in the east and west, as well as interviews with and the personal accounts of insurgents, terrorists, child soldiers, and conventional grunts, reconstructs through the Kalashnikov the evolution of modern war. Along the way, he documents the experience and folly of war and challenges both the enduring Soviet propaganda surrounding the AK-47 and many of its myths. Critic Reviews: "Eye-opening.... An entertaining work that combines technical details, biographies, political maneuvering and insightful military history." (Kirkus) Members Reviews: A compelling book about much more than guns! This book is a compelling review of how man's technology for killing each other has shaped history over the last 140 years, and how entrenched thinking has been far more deadly than the weapons of war. As a hardcore firearms enthusiast, I hoped the book would be a history of the most influential gun of all time, the AK-47 family of shoulder-fired military arms. What I found was much, much more, including a commentary on how the development and deployment of the weapons of war reflect the best and worst of human nature and our institutions of government. Has there ever been anything so deadly as short-term thinking, greed, and manipulative self-interest? Not according to this book, which weaves history, biography, political commentary, and philosophy into a single retrospective on political history over the last 140 years. Always thought-provoking and even-handed, the author neither glorifies nor villifies the guns in question. Rather, he examines the development, use and deployment of guns as the tangible extension of political and economic influences that shape the course of history. This book was certainly not what I expected. It was much, much more. I was unable to put it down.

Inside the Nazi War Machine Audiobook by Bevin Alexander

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Bevin Alexander) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:04:11 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Inside the Nazi War Machine Subtitle: How Three Generals Unleashed Hitler's Blitzkrieg Upon the World Author: Bevin Alexander Narrator: Ray Porter Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 33 mins Language: English Release date: 09-07-10 Publisher: Oasis Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 47 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: In January of 1940, France possessed the most powerful army in Europe. Under orders of the Fuhrer, the German General Staff reluctantly drew up a lackluster plan of invasion. Yet it was the audacious scheme of three of Hitlers top generals that brought down Frances military force, Rather than simply move troops to engage the enemy, for the first time they would unleash the tank and drive straight into the heart of their foe. Inside the Nazi War Machine explores how this new tactic the blitzkrieg gave control of Europe to the brutal Nazi regime and set the stage for World War II. Members Reviews: Good listen ..... however... Before you listen to this audiobook, spend 15 minutes and print out a few maps of France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. THEN sit down and listen to this book. Great listen for the history buff. Highly recommended. So good. Need to listen to it again. An excellent, lively book narrated by the best narrator Audible has! What more do you want? The drawbacks of Charbis tanks, Rommel's blasting away a hole in the Maginot line and driving his tanks through by firing at both flanks non-stop. The bravery of British betrayed by the French surrender, and the shock of the British ambush that forced Hitler to avoid attacking Dunkirk. As the author says: For want of a nail, the ship was lost. If Hitler had listened to his Generals and let them loose on Dunkirk instead of depending on Goering, the history would be different and we would all be typing this out in German. I play the Company of Heroes RTG, and I have learnt a lot of how to utilize the strategies outlined here. The book would have been spoiled if not for Ray Porter. He brings out the urgency, the panache, the chutzpah and the anger well. May he live long and prosper. LOVE THIS BOOK If you could sum up Inside the Nazi War Machine in three words, what would they be? Detailed, Clear and Concise....I personally love books like this as the military thought going into campaigns to me is interesting. What did you like best about this story? Both French and German commanders are discussed as well as the processes they followed to either achieve their goals or fall short of them. Which character as performed by Ray Porter was your favorite? Great steady pace not too slow or too fast. Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you? The battle for Stonne was covered well. Any additional comments? Highly praise this book and encourage others to listen to it. Brilliant Description of why France Fell in 1940 I have read dozens of Military books on the May 1940 Fall of the Low Countries and this book is without a doubt the BEST dissertation on this subject I have ever read. (Or Listened to!) With the fantastic descriptions of the brilliance of Guderian (and mostly the outrageous personal courage of Erwin Rommel) AND the added bonus of having the KING of audio reads, Ray Porter, doing the reading, this book was so fascinating that I kept re-listening to some chapters just for the historical knowledge that was being disseminated. Well done! I would love to have the author do a similar book on why The British lost Singapore so disastrously. Thank you Bevin Alexander and Ray Porter! Great book!!

Todo lo que debe saber sobre la Segunda Guerra Mundial Audio Libro por Jesús Hernández

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jesús Hernández) — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 07:25:47 GMT

Escuche este audio libro completo gratis en https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> Título: Todo lo que debe saber sobre la Segunda Guerra Mundial Autor: Jesús Hernández Narrador: Eladio J. Ramos Formato: Unabridged Duración: 15 hrs and 36 mins Idioma: Español Fecha de publicación: 07-22-14 Editor: Audible Studios Calificaciones: 4.5 de 5 de 30 votos Categorías: History, Military Resumen del editor: Stalingrado, Tobruk, El Alamein, Pearl Harbor, Normandía, Midway, las Ardenas: la Segunda Guerra Mundial presentada de un modo innovador y tremendamente didáctico. Ningún episodio en la historia del mundo ha sido tan estudiado como la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Todo lo que se debe saber sobre la Segunda Guerra Mundial es presentado de una forma novedosa como el capítulo más trascendental del S. XX cuya memoria continúa plenamente vigente más de setenta años después. El autor nos presentará fielmente las espectaculares batallas de Stalingrado, la batalla de Midway, la derrota del astuto Rommel en El Alamein, y el espectacular duelo aéreo de la Luftwaffe contra la RAF en la Batalla de Inglaterra. Patton, Montgomery, Yamamoto, Hitler y Churchill revivirán ante nosotros presentados con todo el rigor de los mejores manuales y descubriremos a héroes menos célebres como Hugh Dowding, el artífice del milagro de la RAF en la Batalla de Inglaterra. Pero además, veremos los nuevos artilugios bélicos que revolucionaron la contienda como el inexpugnable Pánzer, el Jeep, los legendarios cazas Spitfire o las bombas volantes. Jesús Hernández cubre en este trabajo un espectro histórico completo que no se detiene en la rendición del Japón en el acorazado Missouri tras la hecatombe atómica de Hiroshima y Nagasaki, sino que en sucesivos epígrafes nos desgrana los hechos que marcaron la inmediata postguerra. Asistimos de este modo a los juicios de Núremberg, al reparto de Alemania con el icónico Muro de Berlín y al Proceso de Tokio en el que no se juzgó al emperador Hirohito pero se condenó a la horca a Hideki Tojo, Primer Ministro del Japón. Please note: This audiobook is in Spanish. Opiniones de los miembros: Excellent book! thanks Es un libro excelente con muchos detalles claros y precisos sobre la historia de este suceso. Awesome!!! Now I want to learn more about history. Now I understand more about our current days ¡Excelente libro! Su contenido ameno y redacción interesante harán que no quieras dejar de escucharlo. Además, el narrador contribuye también con un excelente trabajo. Electrizante síntesis de la segunda guerra mundial Guauuu! que sorpresa tan agradable. El haber escuchado una síntesis histórica de la segunda guerra mundial, en tan sólo 15 horas. Su integración y ritmo de presentación de los eventos, personajes y lugares es excelente. Ofrece, dos valores agregados (inesperados), al finalizar cada uno de los 46 capítulos se proporciona información biográfica de los personajes más relevantes y de los sitios históricos que actualmente se pueden visitar con sus atracciones históricas (museos, monumentos o placas conmemorativas). La síntesis histórica se siente como si fuera una novela. Además, el trabajo de narración es muy bueno. Quiero aprovechar para felicitar a Audible Estudios por publicar estos trabajos históricos en idioma español. Mi primera impresión, es que si así de bien hechos están los demás, voy a tratar de escuchar los más que pueda.

Spain and the Independence of the United States: An Intrinsic Gift Audiobook by Thomas E. Chavez

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Thomas E. Chavez) — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 14:23:44 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Spain and the Independence of the United States: An Intrinsic Gift Author: Thomas E. Chavez Narrator: J. D. Rowlett Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 40 mins Language: English Release date: 12-19-13 Publisher: University Press Audiobooks Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 7 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: The role of Spain in the birth of the United States is a little known and little understood aspect of U.S. independence. Through actual fighting, provision of supplies, and money, Spain helped the young British colonies succeed in becoming an independent nation. Soldiers were recruited from all over the Spanish empire, from Spain itself and from throughout Spanish America. Many died fighting British soldiers and their allies in Central America, the Caribbean, along the Mississippi River from New Orleans to St. Louis and as far north as Michigan, along the Gulf Coast to Mobile and Pensacola, as well as in Europe. Based on primary research in the archives of Spain, this book is about United States history at its very inception, placing the war in its broadest international context. In short, the information in this book should provide a clearer understanding of the independence of the United States, correct a longstanding omission in its history, and enrich its patrimony. It will appeal to anyone interested in the history of the Revolutionary War and in Spain's role in the development of the Americas. The book is published by University of New Mexico Press. "Chavez's book will become the launching point for most future research about his subject. . . it is a worthy contribution to the field." (Journal of American History) "The sweep of this book and the depth of secondary and archival research on which it rests are impressive. Chavez succeeds in his goal of placing the North American aspects of the war into their full Atlantic-Caribbean context." (The Journal of Military History) "The text is beautifully composed and highly exciting as a wide cast of fascinating historic figures spans the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, and even North Africa in a high-stakes game that resulted in events that literally changed the face of the world. This is one of the most engaging and compelling historical works to come along in many years." (New York Resident) "Chavez's excellent book adds a new dimension to the history of the American Revolution, one that gives Spain long overdue credit for its manifold contributions to American independece." (Southwestern Historical Quarterly) Members Reviews: Great book, poor (really poor) performance Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? Yes. Really interesting subject. It is amazing how US History books don't mention Galvez and any american kid knows about Lafayette, who didn't do a tenth of what Galvez did for US independence How could the performance have been better? The reader constantly butchered Spanish names. It is quite difficult to understand him when he mention any Spanish name. Buy the hard copy The information in this book is very interesting and gives a new perspective and depth on Spain's involvement in the American revolution. However, it is not an easy book to listen to. I wish I had bought the hardcopy and think I will have to do so in the end anyway. I need to be able to go back to reread certain details. Moreover, the narrator's pronunciation of Spanish names is so poor that I cannot even understand them. Then it becomes confusing as to who he is actually talking about. A narrator should be able to pronounce the names either in the language of origin or in the common pronunciation of the book.

Area 51 Audiobook by Annie Jacobsen

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Annie Jacobsen) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 20:55:38 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Area 51 Author: Annie Jacobsen Narrator: Annie Jacobsen Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 15 mins Language: English Release date: 08-26-11 Publisher: Orion Publishing Group Limited Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 20 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: It is the most famous military installation in the world. And no credible insider has ever divulged the truth about his time inside of it. Until now. This is the first book based on interviews with scientists, pilots, and engineers - 58 in total - who provide an unprecedented look into the mysterious activities of a top-secret base, from the Cold War to today. With a jaw-dropping ending, it proves that facts are often more fantastic than fiction, especially when the distinction is almost impossible to make. Members Reviews: Brilliant A Very detailed historical anatomy of the Area 51 subject, highly recommended. No stone has been left unturned in this book. great yarn Where does Area 51 rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? One of the top ten books I have listened to in the last two years. well researched, does not sensationalize the facts, well read What did you like best about this story? well researched What does Annie Jacobsen bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? cant read when i'm driving! Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? no Any additional comments? well worth getting fascinating listen - great narration Brilliant listen. I couldn't put this down- well my ipod anyway! Interesting and informaive content without all the BS that you often hear about Area 51. The narrating is fantastic - easily listenable for long length of times without your concentration wandering. The' truth' about the Roswell crash is hard to believe but makes sense. But this is only a small part of the book. This really is an insight into the history of Area 51. If you're into conspiracy UFO stories then move on as this will disappoint you- this is about reality! Area 51 without the aliens. Jacobsen's history of Area 51 provides something fresh to the mythology of the most well-known secret site in the world - historical research and testimony. Brushing aside talk of alien spacecraft and the conspiracy theories of adolescent fanboys, the book gives the first published accounts of the rather more mundane history of the founding and early days of Area 51. Jacobsen's sources are the people, almost exclusively men, who lived and worked at the Nevada Weapons Testing location and the base often referred to as the "Skunkworks". These stories are of the creation and testing of spy planes such as the U2 and the A12 (more popularly known by its military version the SR71 Blackbird). The development of these unique aircraft and the men who flew them are the main thrust of this history. There are secrets about nuclear powered spacecraft and fatal accidents, but the darkest secret, never revealed fully, seems far fetched due to its seemingly comical pointlessness. After having come so far at the outset, to have the big reveal be shortened to the interviewees shaking their heads and giving the excuse that it's too terrible to talk about, just leaves the reader feeling like this stuff has been made up. Surely after over 60 years Stalin-era technology can't be so advanced that it has never been revealed - even by later Russian engineers. In the end, Jacobsen's history of Area 51 is a great addition to other military histories but her Roswell seems just as absurd as that of the UFO conspiracists, but less interesting. Superb but terrible narration I was fascinated by this book and it's superb content.

The Siege of Vienna Audiobook by John Stoye

biacuaduc@gmail.com (John Stoye) — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 10:56:25 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Siege of Vienna Subtitle: The Last Great Trial Between Cross & Crescent Author: John Stoye Narrator: Robert Feifar Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 42 mins Language: English Release date: 11-05-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 20 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: The siege of Vienna in 1683 was one of the turning points in European history. So great was its impact that countries normally jealous and hostile sank their differences to throw back the armies of Islam and their savage Tartar allies.The consequences of defeat were momentous: The Ottomans lost half of their European territories, which led to the final collapse of their empire, and the Habsburgs turned their attention from France and the Rhine frontier to the rich pickings of the Balkans. That hot September day in 1683 witnessed the last great trial of strength between the East and the West-and opened an epoch in European history that lasted until the First World War. Editorial Reviews: In this 11-hour-and-42-minute audiobook, master historian John Stoye, of Oxford, chronicles the fighting between the Hapsburgs and Ottomans in the 1683 Siege of Vienna. History buffs and aspiring history buffs alike will be struck by how richly detailed and narratively engaging the prose of this audiobook is. Robert Feifar's narration is clear, if a bit bland - sort of like an NPR radio announcer - but the prose itself is an immense treasure trove, filled with historical detail, never boring, not to be missed. Critic Reviews: "In his splendid study The Siege of Vienna, the Oxford historian John Stoye provides a detailed account of the intricate machinations between the Habsburgs and the Ottomans. Mr. Stoye's description of the siege itself is masterly. He seems to know every inch of ground, every earthwork and fortification around the Imperial City, and he follows the action meticulously." (The Wall Street Journal) "Worthy of the pen of Herodotus. . . . It is a measure of the fascination of Mr. Stoye's subject that one should think of comparing his treatment of it with the work of the greatest historians." (The Times Literary Supplement) "John Stoye is the master of every aspect of his subject." (Daily Telegraph) Members Reviews: A partial review Would you try another book from John Stoye and/or Robert Feifar? I would. How could the performance have been better? The narrator isn't bad, but for Gods sake, the man can't for the life of him say the word "cavalry". It sounds ridiculous I know, but he constantly says "calvary" and it started off ok, then I started to wince every time and now I just get mad. Why didn't anyone tell him? Other than that he's not a bad narrator at all and I would listen to more of his books so long as they don't involve cavalry... Could you see The Siege of Vienna being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be? It should be, but it won't. Any additional comments? The first half is very very dry. Send in the CAVALRY! This book wasnt for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more? Some one who is untroubled by terrible narration. Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Robert Feifar? Almost anyone. You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities? The history of the Siege and events leading up to it. Any additional comments? I have listened to hundreds of audiobooks and I have to say that this was probably the worst narration I have experienced.

Never Surrender Audiobook by John Kelly

biacuaduc@gmail.com (John Kelly) — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 20:31:18 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Never Surrender Subtitle: Winston Churchill and Britain's Decision to Fight Nazi Germany in the Fateful Summer of 1940 Author: John Kelly Narrator: Gordon Greenhill Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 56 mins Language: English Release date: 10-20-15 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 27 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: A remarkably vivid account of a key moment in Western history: The critical six months in 1940 when Winston Churchill debated whether the British would fight Hitler. London in April, 1940, was a place of great fear and conflict. Everyone was on edge; civilization itself seemed imperiled. The Germans are marching. They have taken Poland, France, Holland, Belgium, and Czechoslovakia. They now menace Britain. Should Britain negotiate with Germany? The members of the War Cabinet bicker, yell, lose their control, and are divided. Churchill, leading the faction to fight, and Lord Halifax, cautioning that prudence is the way to survive, attempt to usurp one another by any means possible. Their country is on the line. And, in Never Surrender, we feel we are alongside these complex and imperfect men, determining the fate of the British Empire. Drawing on the War Cabinet papers, other government documents, private diaries, newspaper accounts, and memoirs, historian John Kelly tells the story of the summer of 1940 - the months of the "Supreme Question" of whether or not the British were to surrender. Impressive in scope and attentive to detail, Kelly takes listeners from the battlefield to Parliament, to the government ministries, to the British high command, to the desperate Anglo-French conference in Paris and London, to the American embassy in London, and to life with the ordinary Britons. He brings to life one of the most heroic moments of the twentieth century and intimately portrays some of its largest players - Churchill, Lord Halifax, FDR, Joe Kennedy, Hitler, Stalin, and others. Never Surrender is a fabulous, grand narrative of a crucial period in World War II history and the men and women who shaped it. Members Reviews: A Vivid Account The book begins in 1919 with Britains strong resolve of never again to go to war; with three million dead no one wanted to think of war again. Kelly writes a careful and detailed story; Churchill is rarely mentioned in the first one hundred pages of this 384 page book. Once WC appears in the story, he becomes dominate and a colorful figure in the narrations. Kelly is a narrative historian who is meticulous with a detailed history. Kelly covers not only pre-war attempts to maintain peace but the evolution of how WC eventually came to be Prime Minister and his own Minister of Defense. Kelly covers every twist and turn of infighting and partisan politics in the United Kingdom of the 1920s and 30s. I read about this period in Winston Churchills own book entitled The Wilderness Years. Kelly describes the behind-the-scenes action of the decisions made by Churchill to motivate and lead the British people. The book is well written and a meticulously researched political history of the pre-World war II period. The book in the words of John F. Kennedy is a "profile in courage" of Winston Churchill. Gordon Greenhill does a good job narrating the book. Churchill against the appeasers One of the facts that keeps shining through in all of the books on the European Theater of World War II is how much we have to be thankful to the British in general and Winston Churchill in particular. Anyone who spends any time reading about the start of the war knows that it was Churchill who led the British away from surrender and into what became one of the great victories in the history of warfare.

Hell from the Heavens Audiobook by John Wukovits

biacuaduc@gmail.com (John Wukovits) — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 21:51:51 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Hell from the Heavens Subtitle: The Epic Story of the USS Laffey and World War II's Greatest Kamikaze Attack Author: John Wukovits Narrator: Joe Barrett Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins Language: English Release date: 04-07-15 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 30 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: On the morning of April 16, 1945, the crewmen of the USS Laffey saw what seemed to be the entire Japanese air force assembled directly above. They were about to become the targets of the largest single-ship kamikaze attack of World War II. By the time the unprecedented assault was finished, 32 sailors were dead and more than 70 wounded. Although she lay shrouded in smoke and fire for hours, the Laffey somehow survived. The gutted American warship limped from Okinawa's shore for home, where the ship and crew would be celebrated as heroes. Using personal interviews with survivors, the memoirs of crew members, and their wartime correspondence, John Wukovits breathes life into the story of this forgotten historic event. Critic Reviews: "For WWII buffs, surely, but also for general readers looking to understand the damage inflicted and the terror inspired by the Japanese suicide squadrons." (Kirkus) Members Reviews: Awesome book! Everyone needs to hear this story of heroism under fire...this is why we honor our beautiful flag! Compelling story worth the effort I had never heard of the USS Laffey until I read this book. I began listening to it before visiting the ship at patriots point museum in South Carolina, and was glad that I did. It made the ship much more of a museum and memorial to those who served aboard her. This was a very compelling story, and one I'll be sure to tell others about. A story of Americans that loved America We are losing the stories of the greatest generation of Americans to revisionist historians. Books like this of great Americans and their selfless actions are important for future generations. I recommend this book as a reminder of people who did what was needed when it was needed without regret or second thought. Thank-you to all that serve. May your story be preserved like the crew of the Laffy.

Hell and Good Company Audiobook by Richard Rhodes

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Richard Rhodes) — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 04:27:00 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Hell and Good Company Subtitle: The Spanish Civil War and the World It Made Author: Richard Rhodes Narrator: Christian Coulson Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins Language: English Release date: 02-03-15 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 65 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: From the Pulitzer Prize-winning and best-selling author of The Making of the Atomic Bomb, the remarkable story of the Spanish Civil War through the eyes of the reporters, writers, artists, doctors, and nurses who witnessed it. The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) inspired and haunted an extraordinary number of exceptional artists and writers, including Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Martha Gellhorn, Ernest Hemingway, George Orwell, and John Dos Passos. The idealism of the cause--defending democracy from fascism at a time when Europe was darkening toward another world war--and the brutality of the conflict drew from them some of their best work: Guernica, For Whom the Bell Tolls, Homage to Catalonia, The Spanish Earth. The war spurred breakthroughs in military and medical technology as well. New aircraft, new weapons, new tactics and strategy all emerged in the intense Spanish conflict. Indiscriminate destruction raining from the sky became a dreaded reality for the first time. Progress also arose from the horror: The doctors and nurses who volunteered to serve with the Spanish defenders devised major advances in battlefield surgery and front-line blood transfusion. In those ways, and in many others, the Spanish Civil War served as a test bed for World War II and for the entire twentieth century. From the life of John James Audubon to the invention of the atomic bomb, listeners have long relied on Richard Rhodes to explain, distill, and dramatize crucial moments in history. Now he takes us onto battlefields and into bomb shelters, into the studios of artists, into the crowded wards of war hospitals, and into the hearts and minds of a rich cast of characters to show how the ideological, aesthetic, and technological developments that emerged in Spain changed the world forever. Members Reviews: Fascinating history lesson Enjoyed the story, performance and learned much about a period that I knew very little about before selecting this title. Recommended by a friend and five star worthy! Awkward approach to a civil war What was most disappointing about Richard Rhodess story? I found shocking how Spaniards are describe as mere passive figures in this story. No one can deny the huge influence of external actors in the Spanish conflict, but in the end it was a civil war. This fact doesn't come across at all in this book. What three words best describe Christian Coulsons performance? I wonder why the producer didn't choose a reader fluent in Spanish, since the book is full of names and expressions in this language. Christian Coulson is not even able to mispronounce Spanish words consistently throughout his reading. Spanish Civil War. ...texture and context A book about the texture and context of the war, not events.

A Fiery Peace in a Cold War Audiobook by Neil Sheehan

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Neil Sheehan) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:23:22 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Fiery Peace in a Cold War Subtitle: Bernard Schriever and the Ultimate Weapon Author: Neil Sheehan Narrator: Robertson Dean Format: Unabridged Length: 19 hrs and 13 mins Language: English Release date: 09-22-09 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 64 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Sheehan melds biography and history, politics and science, to create a sweeping narrative that transports the reader back and forth from individual drama to world stage. The narrative takes us from Schriever's boyhood in Texas as a six-year-old immigrant from Germany in 1917 through his apprenticeship in the open-cockpit biplanes of the Army Air Corps in the 1930s and his participation in battles against the Japanese in the South Pacific during the Second World War. On his return, he finds a new postwar bipolar universe dominated by the antagonism between the United States and the Soviet Union. Members Reviews: Fantastic Excellent discussion of the life, times, and impact of Gen Schriever on the US Air Force and the delicate strategic balance of the 20th century's superpower standoff. A lesser known story Interesting twists and turns in the lives of those who founded the US nuclear rocket program. Slow and tedious at times, even a bit long. Excellent information and good historical references. I recommend this to other AF officers who think innovation is dead. Great story, okay delivery Any additional comments? The story is masterful and fascinating. The production of the performance has numerous mispronounciations of names and locations. Further, the organization central to the Air Force's nuclear force, the Strategic Air Command, was known quite widely as SAC ("sack") for short. The reader constantly refers to it as ESS-AY-CEE, which was very distracting. He is an excellent reader...this is a production issue. Schriever rhymes with beaver. This is a good book. I'm not disappointed I bought it, and I recognize that I am a perfectionist when it comes to pronunciation. But of all things, you would think that the name of the central figure would be pronounced correctly. His name is General Bernard Adolph Schriever, mispronounced throughout as Shriver, rhyming with diver. As in Sergeant Shriver. Be prepared to hear it mispronounced at least 600 times.

Infamy Audiobook by Richard Reeves

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Richard Reeves) — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 11:14:16 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Infamy Subtitle: The Shocking Story of the Japanese American Internment in World War II Author: Richard Reeves Narrator: James Yaegashi Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 11 mins Language: English Release date: 04-23-15 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 39 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Best-selling author Richard Reeves provides an authoritative account of the internment of more than 120,000 Japanese-Americans and Japanese aliens during World War II. Less than three months after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and inflamed the nation, President Roosevelt signed an executive order declaring parts of four western states to be a war zone operating under military rule. The US Army immediately began rounding up thousands of Japanese-Americans, sometimes giving them less than 24 hours to vacate their houses and farms. For the rest of the war, these victims of war hysteria were imprisoned in primitive camps. In Infamy, the story of this appalling chapter in American history is told more powerfully than ever before. Acclaimed historian Richard Reeves has interviewed survivors, read numerous private letters and memoirs, and combed through archives to deliver a sweeping narrative of this atrocity. Men we usually consider heroes - FDR, Earl Warren, Edward R. Murrow - were in this case villains, but we also learn of many Americans who took great risks to defend the rights of the internees. Most especially, we hear the poignant stories of those who spent years in "war relocation camps", many of whom suffered this terrible injustice with remarkable grace. Racism, greed, xenophobia, and a thirst for revenge: a dark strand in the American character underlies this story of one of the most shameful episodes in our history. But by recovering the past, Infamy has given voice to those who ultimately helped the nation better understand the true meaning of patriotism. Members Reviews: Disjointed, disconnected narrative What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you? A more articulate narrator would have made this a better listening experience. He pronounced "February" and "secretary" as if the first 'r' was missing. What was most disappointing about Richard Reevess story? There was no real flow to the book. The book proceeded somewhat chronologically, but Reeves jumped about from experience to experience. The book flowed as if he had not quite organized his notes. How could the performance have been better? See above What character would you cut from Infamy? There were too many to keep track of. Cutting one would have made no difference. On the other hand, a more detailed following of just a few characters or a few families may have caused the book to flow better. Any additional comments? I'll avoid this narrator in the future. important book poorly narrated Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not? It is important to understand the excesses which follow attacks. I was reminded that the 9/11 attack on the U.S. led to passage of the Patriot Act, not one of the finest moments in U.S. history just as the internment, of Japanese is a blot on our history. What was one of the most memorable moments of Infamy? The entire story is fascinating. Reeves personalized this lingering national embarrassment, taking it from the abstract and making and making it real. What didnt you like about James Yaegashis performance? By telling the story through the those who were imprisoned, Reeves puts the reader in their shoes.

Loran Man: One American Military Engineers Secret World War II Missions Audiobook

biacuaduc@gmail.com (R. A. Schwartzman) — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 07:00:46 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Loran Man: One American Military Engineers Secret World War II Missions Author: R. A. Schwartzman Narrator: Karen-Eileen Gordon Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins Language: English Release date: 01-08-18 Publisher: R. A. Schwartzman Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: In 1939, just prior to the start of World War II, the US Lighthouse Service was merged with the United States Coast Guard. After the start of the war, a small group of former lighthouse engineers were instrumental in completing a Top Secret mission to develop, along with M.I.T's Radiation Lab, a brand new technology that would radically improve a ship or plane's ability to navigate with accuracy, called LORAN (Long Range Navigation). This technology is largely credited with turning the tides of battle, and helping secure an Allied victory. This audiobook is a walk, with commentary, through the military records (from 1938 through 1965) of one of the main former-Lighthouse Service engineers involved, Captain Ellis S. Gordon, who was stationed in Alaska from 1943...and was instrumental in developing and activating Loran all over the map, and in particular in the Aleutians.

Fighting Them on the Beaches Audiobook by Nigel Cawthorne

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Nigel Cawthorne) — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 02:20:46 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Fighting Them on the Beaches Author: Nigel Cawthorne Narrator: Richard Trinder Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins Language: English Release date: 11-22-17 Publisher: Arcturus Digital Limited Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Fighting Them on the Beaches tells the story of one of the largest and most meticulously organized seaborne invasions in the history of warfare - the Allied Landings of June Sixth, 1944: D-Day. As the parachutists and glider troops of the US and British airborne divisions went in on the night of June Fifth, Allied shipping began massing out in the Channel. As dawn broke on June Sixth, waves of assault craft hit the Normandy beaches. British, American, Canadian, Polish, and free French troops began to stream ashore to storm the defenses of the Atlantic Wall in the teeth of overwhelming enemy firepower. By midnight on D-Day 150,000 Allied troops were ashore and the process of consolidating the beachheads and pushing inland had begun. Members Reviews: Great Book I have read many books about D-Day and this was one of the better books. I found it easy to follow and there were many pieces of information that I had never heard or read about. I would recommend it to first time readers of a D-Day book because it was easy to follow. Excellent detail and insight In depth analysis of British intelligence and false trails. Enigma mentioned but not Tunny. Good blow by blow account of the landings. Enjoyable read.

Supreme Commander Audiobook by Seymour Morris

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Seymour Morris) — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 11:50:56 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Supreme Commander Subtitle: MacArthur's Triumph in Japan Author: Seymour Morris Narrator: Charles Constant Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins Language: English Release date: 04-15-14 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 41 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Seymour Morris, Jr., combines political history, military biography, and business management to tell the story of General Douglas MacArthurs tremendous success in rebuilding Japan after World War II in Supreme Commander, a lively, in-depth work of biographical history complementary to The Generals, The Storm of War, and Truman. He is the most-decorated general in American history - and the only five-star general to receive the Medal of Honor. Yet Douglas MacArthurs greatest victory was not in war but in peace. As the uniquely titled Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, he was charged with transforming a defeated, militarist empire into a beacon of peace and democracy - "the greatest gamble ever attempted", he called it. A career military man, MacArthur had no experience in politics, diplomacy, or economics. A vain, reclusive, and self-centered man, his many enemies in Washington thought he was a flaming peacock, and few, including President Harry Trumans closest advisors, gave him a chance of succeeding. Yet MacArthur did so brilliantly, defying timetables and expectations. Supreme Commander tells for the first time, the story of how MacArthurs leadership achieved a nation-building success that had never been attempted before - and never replicated since. Seymour Morris, Jr., reveals this flawed man at his best who treated a defeated enemy with respect; who made informed and thoughtful decisions yet could be brash and stubborn when necessary, and who lead the Occupation with intelligence, class, and compassion. Morris analyzes MacArthurs key tactical choices, explaining how each contributed to his accomplishment, and paints a detailed picture of a true patriot - a man of conviction who proved to be an outstanding and effective leader in the most extraordinary circumstances. Members Reviews: Compelling book in an pleasant voice What made the experience of listening to Supreme Commander the most enjoyable? Even if not all the facts are correct, as stated by a reviewer on Amazon.com, this is a compelling read. It is an evenly paced, extremely well written story that obviously needed (re)telling, as MacArthur's astounding achievements in Japan are today largely forgotten. My knowledge about MacArthur, gleaned from reading about the Pacific theater, was of an accomplished general, but a flawed, vain and self-centered man. This book changed my perception about him completely. I certainly am going to read more about MacArthur and I hope I can find more biographers like Mr. Morris, who give MacArthur the credit he is due. What about Charles Constants performance did you like? The reader did his job very well. He has a very pleasant voice, not much of an accent and a tempo that suited me fine. I hate overbearing, brass voices, with heavy American accents. Balanced and Well Researched This was an excellent book; well researched and was written in a very balanced manner. With General Mac, from my previous research, the authors either loved him or hated him and texts were written accordingly. This book has to go down as the most balanced I have read to date. Factual mistakes make me question his conclusions Is there anything you would change about this book? MacArthur never lived near the sea, we are told by Morris, even though he lived in Manilla (a port city).

Without Remorse Audiobook by Tom Clancy

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Tom Clancy) — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 04:56:35 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Without Remorse Author: Tom Clancy Narrator: Michael Prichard Format: Unabridged Length: 27 hrs and 9 mins Language: English Release date: 03-04-14 Publisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 42 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: His code name is Mr Clark. And his work for the CIA is brilliant, cold-blooded, and efficient...but who is he really? In a harrowing tour de force, Tom Clancy shows how an ordinary man named John Kelly crossed the lines of justice and morality - to become the CIA legend, Mr Clark. This is an unforgettable journey into the heart of darkness. Without mercy. Without guilt. Without remorse. Critic Reviews: The dean of techno-thrillers demonstrates once again his mastery of the genre.' (Publishers Weekly) 'Highly entertaining' (The Wall Street Journal) For sheer narrative punch and emotional impact, Without Remorse is Clancy's best.' - Dallas Morning News Members Reviews: could not get past chapter 4 Would you ever listen to anything by Tom Clancy again? not sure Would you be willing to try another one of Michael Prichards performances? no Any additional comments? sorry but i was falling asleep while driving listing to this and the narrator I thought poor in comparison to other books I've had My First Tom Clancy Book What did you like best about Without Remorse? What did you like least? Without Remorse was the first Tom Clancy book I've ready. It was very refreshing to read a new style and type of story line. The audio quality was easily the worst I've heard though. Very unclear and little or no expression from the narrator. How could the performance have been better? The voice was unclear and rather expressionless when compared to all the other Audible books I've listened to. John Clark before CIA What did you love best about Without Remorse? The creation of CIA agent John Kelly AKA John Clark and the drug dealers and sex slavers getting what they deserve. Have you listened to any of Michael Prichards other performances before? How does this one compare? Yes I have but I will not rate his performance as one of the best as he is just to monotonous. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? Yes as you just want to know how John Kelly will make the Dealers and slavers pay. Listen to sample before deciding to purchased First audible purchase ever returned ,the reason being poor sound quality and dull narration. I do realise that like or dislike of a narrators style can be highly subjective though so I would urge all would be purchasers to listen to a sample before deciding to buy but as for for me the dull monotone style in which this title was read coupled with muffled sound quality made, what should have been a fast paced thriller, into an incredibly dull experience . Superb story from a master author Took a while to get going, but the action and suspense is excellent. In the beginning I found the reader a bit monotonous and lacking the acting ability of say Robert Glenister or Colin Mace. However he seems to relax into the story too, or my own empathy with the characters provides a subconscious infill to round off the tale. But a brilliant story nonetheless with a fitting finale. I'm intending to read all the Jack Ryan novels in order so watch this space.

The Phantom Major Audiobook by Virginia Cowles

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Virginia Cowles) — Fri, 25 Feb 2005 17:09:44 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Phantom Major Author: Virginia Cowles Narrator: Robert Whitfield Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins Language: English Release date: 02-25-05 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 215 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: These were the SAS, Stirling's desert raiders, the brainchild of a deceptively mild-mannered man with a brilliant idea. Small teams of resourceful, highly trained men would penetrate beyond the front lines of the opposing armies and wreak havoc where the Germans least expected it. The Phantom Major is the classic account of these desert raids, an amazing tale of courage, impudence, and daring, packed with action and high adventure. An intimate record based on eyewitness accounts, this book still stands as the definitive history of the early years of the SAS. Critic Reviews: "This military story is ideally suited to audio: maps aren't necessary to follow its excitement, and the reader adds a pleasing dimension with his skill at accents, reminding us of whom the story is about." (AudioFile) Members Reviews: Makes you feel like you're there Stories of the SAS are of course intruiging, and hearing about impossible exploits are super thrilling. This book has kept me in ear phones solidly over two and a half days, I could not get enough of it. In typical "old boys" style, like reading a Boys Own book, you can see the images. The reading is fast and VERY accurate so your heart is racing. There is action EVERY minute, great explanations, "wowing" incidents, and a great incite into the actions of the SAS, SBS and most special forces groups of that era. I am not a military buff as such, but I challenge anyone to put this book down once started. Its brilliant, and I hope I have done it justice in these few words. And to those soldiers who took part, my hat is off to you!! Will Hook You Before Page 2 This book starts out with a humorous account of a Scot sneaking into a general's office to finally get past the red tape and get an audience for his brilliant idea to sabotage Rommel's war in North Africa. There are other fun stories, such as the one where the unit (short on supplies) boldly enters the New Zealand camp in broad daylight and packs up their supplies including a grand piano. They justify this in their minds by saying the New Zealand Government takes better care of their soldiers and will replace all of the stolen property with better stuff. This book is one of my favorites on WWII. Not just for military wonks This is a very listenable book about a subject which should be of interest to history buffs and students of human nature alike. The reading is superbly done and the content is pacy and enjoyable. I suspect that this will get many listens in the future. Well written, superbly narrated This book is by far my favorite Audio Book. It is well-paced, and moves the reader along without bogging down. One gets a very good feel for what it was like to be an SAS officer in WW2. Robert Whitfield's narration is masterful - the voice is clear and lively. Whitfield's Scottish and British accents are quite believable, and the narration pace matches the action in the book very well. I've listened to this book twice already. By far the most entertaining read I've downloaded from Audible. Great story about the SAS I looked this up after listening to "The History of World War Two Podcast" by Ray Harris Jr. His members area had a multi part story about the regiment and I had to know more. This book detailed the group from start to finish and was very well written and read.

No Banners, No Bugles Audiobook by Edward Ellsberg

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Edward Ellsberg) — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 06:20:02 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: No Banners, No Bugles Author: Edward Ellsberg Narrator: Stephen McLaughlin Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 12 mins Language: English Release date: 09-03-14 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 15 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: The unheralded story of how salvage helped the Allies win back North Africa. By the time America joined World War II, Edward Ellsberg had already earned his place as one of the worlds great marine salvage engineers, and his best-selling accounts of raising doomed submarines and histories of classic diving operations had made him a literary star. With Americas entry into the war, Ellsberg returned to active duty with no easy assignment: clearing the vital port at Massawa, Eritrea, with no men, no equipment, and no budget. No Banners, No Bugles picks up with Ellsberg stationed at Oran, Algeria, an important Mediterranean harbor as the Allies prepare for Operation Torch, the fight to reclaim North Africa from the Axis powers. Following his success at Massawa, Ellsberg must sort out the disorganized mess left by the Vichy French and find a way to open the port, though his flagging health proves to be a dangerous obstacle. As General Eisenhowers chief of salvage in the Mediterranean, Ellsberg needs to clear harbors all across North Africa. No Banners, No Bugles is the riveting story of how Ellsberg the miracle worker tackled his greatest mission yet. Members Reviews: Great story, horrible narration. I really enjoyed the story of the previous two books I've listened to from Edward Ellsberg and enjoyed the narrators with both those books. This book I enjoyed the story but can't stand the narrator. He sounds like a Monotoned Forrest Gump who smoked to much weed before recording the book. A classic - things you never knew about D-Day A great read with fantastic technical descriptions. I have read it several times and get something new from it each time. If you like history this book is a must read. A little acknowledged part of the war Good story. However the narrator has the speed and conveys emotion with speech like I imagine the cartoon character Droopy would. I also think from listening to Ellsberg's books, in the forties or fifties we lost every thesaurus to the war effort. If we didn't he should have "turned to" on one. War is hell. Hell on using variable phrases and words.

The Shining Sea Audiobook by George C. Daughan

biacuaduc@gmail.com (George C. Daughan) — Tue, 08 Oct 2013 22:05:13 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Shining Sea Subtitle: David Porter and the Epic Voyage of the U.S.S. Essex during the War of 1812 Author: George C. Daughan Narrator: Christian Baskous Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 24 mins Language: English Release date: 10-08-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 15 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: A few months after the outbreak of the War of 1812, Captain David Porter set out in the USS Essex on an epic, 17-month cruise to the South Seas. Porter was pursuing fame and riches, and by most accounts his odyssey was a stunning success: it brought glory to the fledgling American navy, cemented Porter's reputation as a daring and talented commander, and has long been celebrated as one of the greatest maritime adventures in U.S. history. Less well known, however, is the terrible price that the crew of the Essex paid for their captain's outsized ambitions. In The Shining Sea, award-winning historian George C. Daughan tells the full story of Porter's thrilling, action-packed voyage, revealing the heights of Porter's hubris and the true depths of his failure on this fateful cruise. Intent on achieving personal glory, Porter made the treacherous journey around Cape Horn and into the Pacific Ocean, where he planned to capture a British man-of-war. From Valparaiso to the Galapagos to the Marquesas, the Essex roamed the South Seas, seizing British whaling and merchant ships, wreaking havoc on British commerce, and earning Porter and his men wealth and acclaim. Flush with his victories, Porter welcomed the news that a British frigate the HMS Phoebe was on his tail, and he resolved to capture her. But Porter could not overcome the Phoebe's superior firepower. Over the course of a desperate, bloody battle, he lost the Essex and over two-thirds of her crew a shocking end to a daring journey. A swashbuckling tale of risk and ruin on the high seas, The Shining Sea brings to life the monomaniacal quest of one of the most misunderstood commanders of the War of 1812. Porter's singular voyage, Daughan shows, stands as a cautionary tale for any leader who would put personal glory and ambition ahead of cause and countrymen. Members Reviews: A fantastic read for lovers of American History and navel adventure A fantastic read for lovers of American History and navel adventure. I enjoyed it so much that I bought a copy for my father. An excellent and well written story of the U An excellent and well written story of the U.S.S. Essex and her captain. To those who find history boring they will be surprised by Dr. Daughan's ability to tell the tale in an exciting way making it read more like a novel. Well, If 'Epic' Means LONG, Then OK. Otherwise, Not So Much Rigorous editing would have improved and shortened this tale considerably, but would also have emphasized its biggest problem: not much happens. The 'epic' voyage was a mere 17 months at a time when whaleships routinely voyages literally for years, and not very much happens. Most of Porter's 'battles' are with lightly armed and quick-to-surrender British whalers, and even the culminating battle with the Royal Navy is a foregone conclusion, for Porter's Essex was outnumbered and heavily outgunned. Daughan does a good job on the historical background of the War of 1812 and America's campaign against the Barbary pirates, and he's honest about Porter's hubris, which brought him low, and about America's thirst for a hero (the Brits, after all, had just burned Washington, the White House included), which allowed the public to ignore the tarnish that clung to Porter.

1967 Audiobook by Tom Segev

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Tom Segev) — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:17:23 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: 1967 Subtitle: Israel, the War, and the Year That Transformed the Middle East Author: Tom Segev Narrator: James Boles Format: Unabridged Length: 28 hrs and 14 mins Language: English Release date: 09-17-07 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 60 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Going far beyond a military account, Segev re-creates the crisis in Israel before 1967, showing how economic recession, a full grasp of the Holocaust's horrors, and the dire threats made by neighbor states combined to produce a climate of apocalypse. He depicts the country's bravado after its victory and the mood revealed in a popular joke in which one soldier says to his friend, "Let's take over Cairo". The friend replies, "Then what shall we do in the afternoon?" Drawing on unpublished letters and diaries, as well as government memos and military records, Segev reconstructs an era of new possibilities and tragic missteps. He introduces the legendary figures Moshe Dayan, Golda Meir, Gamal Abdul Nasser, and Lyndon Johnson, and an epic cast of soldiers, lobbyists, refugees, and settlers. He reveals as never before Israel's intimacy with the White House as well as the political rivalries that sabotaged any chance of peace. Above all, he challenges the view that the war was inevitable, showing that a series of disastrous miscalculations lay behind the bloodshed. A vibrant and original history, 1967 is sure to stand as the definitive account of that pivotal year. Critic Reviews: "A lucid history of a year that began in agony and self-doubt and ended with a nation made powerful and purposeful." ( Kirkus) Members Reviews: Awesome book, atrocious pronounciation Tom Segev is a controversial writer ... who writes great books. The only think both Segev's supporters (on the left) and detractors (on the right) will agree on is that the Hebrew pronounciation of James Boles is atrocious. The book is really interesting ... you should also read/listen to Michael Oren's Six Days of War on this topic. (And Segev's One Palestine Complete) Slow gooing. History can be presented for the general reader of for professional historians; this book is definitely NOT for the general reader. Even for me, a professional historian, I found it tedious and seemingly intermiable. Much of the focus is on the political machinations inside the Israeli cabinet,very little on the actual combat. There is no information on the Arab perspective at all. horrible pronounciation errors I am enjoying this book but am shocked at how terrible the narrator's pronounciation of common Hebrew words is. This can be extremely distracting for anyone who knows any Hebrew. He totally butchers most Hebrew words and they occur fairly frequently in the narrative. I am really surprised that he did not have more training before recording the book- I thought that this was a prerequisite for readers recording books with foreign words in it. Superb Historical Reference Well written and thoroughly researched using mostly primary resources, this book gives a detailed account of the year 1967 from the Israeli perspective. Not restricting himself solely to the 6 Day War but socieo-economic, cultural, historical, as well as military aspects of that pivotal year. The book seems to be objective citing the good and the bad of the decisions of the Israeli government and military during 1967.

D-Days in the Pacific Audiobook by Donald L. Miller

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Donald L. Miller) — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 10:51:37 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/552/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: D-Days in the Pacific Author: Donald L. Miller Narrator: Gary Dikeos Format: Unabridged Length: 17 hrs and 51 mins Language: English Release date: 12-01-12 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 56 votes Genres: History, Military Publisher's Summary: Although most people associate the term D-day with the Normandy invasion on June 6, 1944, it is military code for the beginning of any offensive operation. In the Pacific theater during World War II there were more than one hundred D-days. The largest - and last - was the invasion of Okinawa on April 1, 1945, which brought together the biggest invasion fleet ever assembled, far larger than that engaged in the Normandy invasion. D-Days in the Pacific tells the epic story of the campaign waged by American forces to win back the Pacific islands from Japan. Based on eyewitness accounts by the combatants, it covers the entire Pacific struggle from the attack on Pearl Harbor to the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Pacific war was largely a seaborne offensive fought over immense distances. Many of the amphibious assaults on Japanese-held islands were among the most savagely fought battles in American history: Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, New Guinea, Peleliu, Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, Okinawa. D-Days in the Pacific is the finest one-volume account of this titanic struggle. Donald L. Miller is the John Henry MacCracken Professor of History at Lafayette College. He is author of City of the Century and has been involved with HBO and PBS productions. Critic Reviews: "Thisis a major publishing event. The total effect is one few readers will ever forget." (David McCullough, nbumber-one New York Times best-selling author) "Thisaccount of World War II is likely to remain a classic for generations to come. (Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize-winning and New York Times best-selling author) "Every book written about the Pacific campaign must struggle with the shadow of the mushroom clouds that loom at its end. Unlike many others, D-Days in the Pacific succeeds in making that ending a part of the entire narrative, so that when it finally arrives, its entrance is not just understandable but inevitable and obvious - as inevitable and obvious as the decision to employ the atomic bombs seemed to President Truman." ( Washington Post) Members Reviews: Terrific one volume history of the Pacific war. What made the experience of listening to D-Days in the Pacific the most enjoyable? Puts you in the middle of the action, as though you are in the boots of the soldiers. Personal anecdotes are relevant and uncensored. What was one of the most memorable moments of D-Days in the Pacific? Tarawa. Did Gary Dikeos do a good job differentiating all the characters? How? Narration was not great. Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? Some battle scenes were horrific. Any additional comments? Excellent listen. Well written and riveting. Recommended as are the author's other titles available on Audio. Misleading title This is a not chronicle of the amphibious landings in the Pacific during WW II. It is, instead, the story of the war in the Pacific. Several rabbits are also chased. The author does a decent job, it just isn't what I expected. Well written book handicapped by poor narration What did you like best about D-Days in the Pacific? What did you like least? Provided a reasonable mix of smaller details and overarching strategic situation. It did feel like it took awhile to get to the "D-Days".