FirstBookoftheYear

[Hitch]

Ever wonder how a dead Welsh indigent helped cause the defeat of Hitler's Russian Front? Why Rommel was in Greece while Sicily was being invaded? And what does all this have to do with dry ice?

Detailed and carefully crafted Operation Mincemeat is a fine read for any history or WWII buff. Ben Macintyre writes history in a conversational voice that never leaves you anxious but always wanting to know what comes next.

Highly recommended.

 

[Hitch]

Empire of the Summer Moon

Fascinating history of the life and world of Quanah Parker.
Born in the stone age into a warrior culture that makes Sparta look like a Girl Scout camp, Parker lived the life of a Comanche raider, tribal leader and School Board member. An amazing man in an amazing time.
This work is extremely well researched and equally as well balanced , Gwynne does not excuse but explains the savagery of the Indians and the duplicity of the whites. The history includes the first Texas Rangers and the first use in battle of the famous Colt revolver. Actions of the U.S. Cavalry and Army are well documented ,often with first hand accounts of battles from from both sides. The begining though is the story of the Conquistadors and the rivalry between Spain and France.
I dont think there is a parallel of the American Indian Horse Culture any where in history, and the mighty Comanches formed its pinnacle.

Well worth your time, highly recommended.

Empire of the Summer Moon, S G Gwynne,2010.

 

[Hitch]

Covert Worriors

WEB Griffin's latest. If you're a Carlos fan you'll like it. If you dont know who Carlos is you'll like finding out. And it looks to me like a few new seeds were planted in the plot.