The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill, Visions of Glory

Customer Reviews:

The Hobo Philosopher.......2007-09-21

This is William Manchester at his best. This is fascinating reading and fascinating writing. Of course Winston Churchill was quite a character but to be honest I didn't know that fact until I read this book and its companion volume.
After reading this book I put it to my mind that I would read everything that Manchester wrote. I've got a couple more to go. You can't miss with this purchase. A great story, great writing, and good history. What more could you ask for?

Fantastic read.......2007-06-18

I am a little half way through the book, but it already is one of the best books I have ever read. The book deserves all the accolade. Manchester's approach to biography is a little different from many others in that he did not shy away from coloring the narrative with events that were yet to occur. He always hinted the historical significance of events in light of what happened later. I find this extremely helpful. For example: Churchill's fascination with early airplanes, his conception of tanks when dealing with a domestic riot are just two examples. These illuminated Churchill was indeed ahead of his peers in recognizing important trends.

The buildup to WWI is masterful. The book weaves Churchill's struggle with the Irish Home rule question together with the naval arms race with Germany in 1913. Since we know WWI started in 1914, the realization that Churchill and the British government were struggling with a domestic problem (which surely was exploited by the German Kaiser) enhances our understanding of the immediate pre-war times.

I knew the old US of A was not a world player before WWI. This book adds to that impression. Until the outbreak of the war, the US is just not on Churhill's radar: it does not show up much in his writing, travel, and speech. Yes, he did a book tour in the US, but that was before he started his political career.

Can't wait to read the second half of the book.

Never Question Your Sanity ,,, It's not You.......2006-12-22

This book should be read (before, after or with) The End of the World as We Know It. The scenarios are almost interchangable.

.......not a secret anymore.............2006-12-11

Actually it is very sad to mention this blunder against humanity:

When the Ottoman Empire joined the Central Powers in October and November 1914, Britain's communications with India and the East via the Suez canal was immediately placed in jeopardy.
There was a secret agreement with Germany signed in August 1914 by the Young Turks that was troubling the Russians and taken as warning of the forthcoming trouble to The Tsar. The Russians regarded their Caucasian terrirories were also placed in jeopardy.
Consequently, the British and French, in order to protect their future `colonies' and bisect the `sick man of Europe', had to act forcefully. They opened another front in the South with the Gallipoli (1915) and Mesopotamian campaigns.

Anxious to score his first military encounter with `the enemy', Winston Churchill, in his capacity as Lord of Navy, prematurely urged a combined French and British naval incursion into Gallipoli. But the Turks were successful in repelling the British, French, and Australia and New Zealand Army Corps. and pushed their eventual withdrawal and evacuation.

((By contrast, in Mesopotamia - Iraq- after the disastrous Siege of Kut (1915-16), British Empire forces - mainly of Indian troops - reorganized and captured Baghdad (March 1917). Further to the west in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign, initial British failures were overcome when Jerusalem was captured in December 1917, and the Egyptian Expeditionary Force under Field Marshal Edmund Allenby, broke the Ottoman forces at the Battle of Megiddo in September 1918))

Russia, the protector of the Greek Orthothox Armenian population, sent her best troops in the Caucasus. The Turkish, Vice-Generalissimo Enver Pasha, supreme commander of the ex Ottoman Empire armed forces, was a very ambitious man. His aim and everpresent dream was to conquer central Asia. Enver Pasha, like Winston Churchill, was not a practical soldier. He launched an offensive with 100,000 soldiers against the Russians in the Caucasus in December of 1914.
His main enemy was the severe Weather conditions.
Insisting on a frontal attack against Russian positions in the mountains , Enver lost over 80% of his troops at the Battle of Sarikamis, in the heart of the tough winter season.

In 1917, Russian Grand Duke Nicholas assumed senior control over the Caucasus front. Nicholas tried to have a railway built from Russia (Georgia) to the conquered territories with a view to bringing up more supplies for a new offensive. But, in March of 1917 (February in the pre-revolutionary Russian calendar), the Czar was overthrown in the February Revolution and the Russian army began to slowly fall apart.
Hence, the protector of the Armenians was gone.

Winston Churchill blunder in Gallipoli, opened patched over wounds and re-ignited animosities between the Turks and their Armenian neighbors. In 1915, the Armenians were the victims of his cowardice. The Turks committed a HOLOCAUST against the Armenians that immediately started after WC debacle in Gallipolis.
The mass murder of the Armenians was indeed the first Holocaust of the twentieth century.

A BRILLIANT BIOGRAPHY - WELL DONE!.......2006-07-27

This is a brilliantly written biography of one of the most fascinating characters in history. Like most of Mnchester's work (I must admit to being a big fan), this is a very readable biography, well researched and holds the reader's interest from page to page. We see so much of Churchhill in his role as a WWII leader that we tend to forget there was a young man, living, learning and growing before the back and white films we see today. It is good to be reminded of this from time to time. It is also, for those interested, to learn how a world leader of Churchill's calibre came into being, how he developed and why he was the way he was. This work gives us great insight to those questions. Cannot recommend this work highly enough.

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Average customer rating:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers
Pants on fire?
Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
Very Interesting
History as Science Fiction

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Mithec
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Chinese | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Irish | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Japanese | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Doctors & Medicine | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Lawyers & Criminals | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Love, Sex & Marriage | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Assyria, Babylonia & Sumer | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

Early Civilization | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

General | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

Historiography | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

French | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Victorian | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Epic | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

German | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Russian | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Chinese | Classics | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Conspiracy Theories | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

War on Drugs | Crime & Criminals | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

English (All) | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books

Science | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books

Online Research | Genealogy | Reference | Subjects | Books

Native American | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books

History of Science | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books

Magic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Sailor Moon | Popular Characters | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Pilates | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

History | Fashion | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 2913621058

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill, Alone 1932-1940

Average customer rating:

Brilliantly Written European History - 1932 to 1940
Grab a bottle of Scotch and have at this book!
Churchill was begging....
absolutely a delight to read
solitary courage

The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill, Alone 1932-1940
William Manchester
Manufacturer: Little, Brown and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Irish | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Political | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0316545120

Customer Reviews:

Brilliantly Written European History - 1932 to 1940.......2007-09-16

The Last Lion, Alone covers the history of Europe from the time Hitler first came to power in Germany to the time that Hitler invaded the Low Countries and World War II began. During this period Churchill, who continually fought against the appeasement policies of Chamberlain, rose from Back Bench irrelevance to become Brittan's Prime Minister.

The history of this period is a gripping saga of one man's malicious attempt to dominate Europe and another man's noble efforts to stop him - a classical case of good vs evil - told as an almost unbelievable story in the words of a master story teller.

Grab a bottle of Scotch and have at this book!.......2007-07-03

William Manchester informs and entertains in this excellent historical account of the critical years leading up to WWII, juxtaposing the appeasement practices of predecessors Baldwin and Chamberlain with the unwavering belief in the principles of freedom held by Churchill. The book (along with Manchester's first volume) gives terrific insight into the transition from the glory days of the British Empire to the Post WWI apathy that beset the British public. As well, the work provides delightful commentary on the characters surrounding Churhill's life including his colorful mother Jennie, his wife Clementine and his nemesis Adolf Hitler.

Churchill was begging...........2006-10-06

After the fall of France in June 1940, Winston Churchill was begging USA President Roosevelt for military aid (in fact, all sorts of support was then needed) as no one knew what would the 'fate' of the French fleet was going to be.
Churchill kept reminding the American president that Britain would not surrender even if left alone.
Churchill was defiant despite the fact that the two 'key' American ambassadors, in France and Great Britain, were pro Hitler (or at least they were not anti-Nazi).
Joseph Kennedy (USA Ambassador to GB) openly cautioned his fellow Americans against entering the war because the 'allies' would soon be beaten.
However, I would have liked to see more comments about the position and reaction of the king - king George VI.
Was he indifferent?
We should remember that Hitler had been addressing the King as the man whom the British Government circles have loathed, and as the only 'hope' for a reconciliation between the Third Reich and GB.
In this context it is true that Churchill was indeed ALONE

absolutely a delight to read.......2006-01-26

I was adrift when I finished this volume.
grasping at pathetic things to read for a while - nothing satisfied - Manchester can set the stage, his historical background is so rich that you'll find yourself spouting about it to your friends.

You'll learn more from this book than a two semester course in 20th century history.

Churchill himself is the lead player in a panapoly of exciting elements. But manchester never lets the reader forget the place in history - the man was a masterful writer.

solitary courage.......2005-12-29

No better profile of Churchill 1932-40 exists. Whetted with acrimony and disdain, Churchill is ultimately proved right (and his real task commences).

This is a work of the first order. `The Last Lion' (1874-1932) is also worthy.

Gilbert (worth reading) pales in comparison.

The Lion's Share: Short History of British Imperialism 1850-1995 (3rd Edition)

Average customer rating:

Well-written, succinct, and full of insight
Good to see an old friend updated!
Big subject is well compressed!
An excellent survey and a great read.
A good introduction to British colonial history

The Lion's Share: Short History of British Imperialism 1850-1995 (3rd Edition)
Bernard Porter
Manufacturer: Longman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Nonfiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0582089433

Customer Reviews:

Well-written, succinct, and full of insight.......2007-01-02

After laboring through several other books on the same subject for an essay at Oxford University, I was delighted when I found this brilliantly-written work. The reports are true: it is an excellent academic overview of the subject, and as a professor-in-the-making, this work will be my recommended starting point for all students of nineteenth-century British imperial history.

Good to see an old friend updated!.......2003-10-15

I first read Lion's Share, when I was doing my Honours History at Stirling Unversity. I really enjoyed this book, it was a good read, as well as giving a good coverage of this very important period of history and its legacy. It helped to put the history of the British Empire in context, to see its both good and bad aspects, as part of the larger picture of European Imperialism.

Big subject is well compressed!.......2000-12-06

British imperialism is too big a subject for a 400 odd page book. But Bernard Porter compressed it into this small book, which looks successful to me. This book would be very helpful to those who would study modern history from now on. But it would be also helpful to those who already have some knowledge about modern history in that the author closely examined the relationship between British Imperialism and British Economy. Because my country Korea was once a victim of Japanese Imperialism, I never doubted before that imperialism is just a method of red-in-tooth-and-claw capitalism. Now I learned that things are not that simple. The author says late 19th-century British Imperialism was both capitalist and anti-capitalist at one and the same time, which broadened my scope of understanding. Though imperialism contributed to British economic decline, it also protected its citizens from red-in-tooth-and-claw capitalism.

An excellent survey and a great read........2000-06-28

I have read more than a few books about the British Empire, and this is one of the best. The genre's more readable books, like James Morris's Pax Britannica trilogy and Denis Judd's Empire, tend to be too episodic for a good academic survey. Bernard Porter's The Lion's Share, however, presents a comprehensive, linear narrative that still manages to be consistently readable. I return to this book frequently for both reference and leisure-reading. My only complaint is that the recent edition's cover looks too much like a textbook's, and will probably discourage bookstore browsers from discovering its pleasures.

A good introduction to British colonial history.......1999-05-26

"The Lion's Share" is one of the books which enabled me best to acquire the necessary background knowledge for the writing of my Master's dissertation (the subject was: The Failure of the Integration Process of Malta within the United Kingdom: 1955-1958)

The Lion and the Tiger: The Rise and Fall of the British Raj, 1600-1947

Average customer rating:

Excellent author, excellent book
A Good Overview, But Nothing Spectacular

The Lion and the Tiger: The Rise and Fall of the British Raj, 1600-1947
Denis Judd
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0192803581

Book Description

An authoritative and lively account of the long and controversial history of the British in India, from the foundation of the East India Company in 1600; to Ghandi's innovative leadership of the increasingly militant Indian Nationalist movement: and finally to Lord Mountbatten's 'swift surgery of partition', leaving behind the Independent states of India and Pakistan. Against this epic backdrop, Judd explores the consequences of British control for both Indians and the British in India.What was the effect on their daily lives, and on the lives they were effectively controlling? Were the British intent on development or exploitation? Were they a 'civilizing' force? Easy answers are avoided, and difficult questions provoked in this fascinating book.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent author, excellent book.......2007-07-06

Great book, every page of it. If you are not very acquainted with India history and if you are seeking for a concise history of British Rule in this country, this is for sure a good choice. The reading is absorbing, in particular on how the author explain the most important aspects of the 350 years of interaction, using lots of real notes and letters of those who lived there -- accounts that help you grasp, and understand better, how was it to live in India in those years, both for Britons and Indians. The relationship was difficult and left some sensibilities in the Indians that last to this day, but I think it was meant to be since both rulers and ruled were so different in almost every aspect.

One corollary from the partition of India is that is not good to have two strong religions in a country, for that meaning rivalry and violence. You can see that also in the ex-Yugoslavia and even in today Iraq (shia and sunni muslims).

A Good Overview, But Nothing Spectacular.......2004-04-07

My father grew up in India as a British schoolboy (3rd or 4th generation in India), and left with his family when the British pulled out. I wanted a relatively short overview of the British experience in India, and the book delivered. It provided a good understanding of how the British started trading in India and slowly established rule over the subcontinent, and then nicely covered the move for independence. Many of my father's stories and recollections rang true in the book, from going off to boarding school in the mountains to calls to "quit India" screamed at the British.

However, the book read like a textbook and had no drive or excitement. It relied heavily on quotes, which would be fine for a longer book, but at only 200 pages in a small format with wide spacing, it made the limited text even shorter. The conclusion is almost completely quotes, with no real analysis provided by the author.

Overall, the book provided a good overview, but more engaging writing and in-depth analysis would have improved the book.

Average customer rating:

The 'what if' is a waste of time.

Wishful thinking on the part of the British

If you really want to understand if.

Britain Alone

Dunked

Invasion!: Operation Sea Lion, 1940
Martin Marix Evans
Manufacturer: Longman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | World | History | Subjects | Books
General | England | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
General | Germany | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
General | World War II | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Lion is Humbled: What If Germany Defeated Britain in 1940?

Luftwaffe Victorious

Battle of the Bulge: Hitler's Alternate Scenarios

1862: A Novel

Invasion: The Alternate History of the German Invasion of England, July 1940

ASIN: 058277294X

Customer Reviews:

The 'what if' is a waste of time........2007-09-19

Marix Evans book "Invasion! Operation Sealion 1940", starts out with potential but falls short of expectation. The second half of this book is wasted on a 'what if' scenario that reminded me more of a NATO 'What if' exercise, than any WW-II battle report. The first half of Marix Evans book does do a fairly good job summarizing the essential elements of the forces involved and the problems facing each side in the conflict, however the analysis is unbalanced.

For example the book details the British 'anti invasion' fleet down to the armed trawler level, but fails to do the same for the German fleet. This gives an mistaken perception that the RN fleet outnumbered the German fleet 10:1. According to Peter Schenk , 320 German naval vessels were to escort the German invasion fleet of 4000 vessels. Marix Evans information points to an anti invasion fleet of about 1000 British warships and auxiliary vessels , including ~ 100 warships [Destroyers/Cruisers etc]. Of this total maybe 500 would have been readily available, near the channel to fight. This suggests the naval superiority was much more in question than the quoted 10:1 superiority in Destroyers suggests. Since the book instead clings to the implied 'absolute naval superiority' vision of Operation Sealion , the conclusion appears to be completely arbitrary and thus falls short.

Wishful thinking on the part of the British.......2007-03-15

The best part of this book is the lead-up to its main subject, a hypothetical invasion of Britain in 1940. The author provides a very concise, yet dramatic and readable, summary of the events of WWII from September 1939 through the fall of 1940. He also does a creditable job in outlining the known planning that went into Operation Sealion, but he goes way overboard in reproducing page after page of actual orders issued to specific units, which flesh out what might have been a very short book, but which would have been better put into an annex or footnotes. The key to a "what if?" scenario is to change just one thing and try to objectively play out history from that point. The operative change would have been a German decision to go after the RAF instead of London, seize control of the air, and launch the invasion. The author does that but then, apparently in order to let the British win, changes some British policies in very unhistoric ways, such as employing their excellent 90mm AA gun in an anti-tank role, just as the Germans did with their famous 88s. The British never did this despite plenty of motivation to do so. He also assumes a steady string of bad luck for the Germans and a world where over-age Home Guard militia outperforms German paratroopers. Since this is really just for fun anyway, a more exciting style in covering the supposed battles on British soil might have helped, but the overall rating for the book is marginal at best.

If you really want to understand if........2006-07-21

There are many myths about the possible invasion of England. There are several books that try to place scenarios of what would have happened. This book merely takes you into the facts so that you have an understanding of what the capabilities are of both sides. It is the only book I found that leaves the hype, myth, infighting and intrigue in the German High command behind. It presents the facts about the landing zones with a study of the both defensive and offensive capabilities.

It has one serious flaw in the final chapters it plays out a scenario of the attack and defense as the author sees it. While I wish this was left out it does allow the reader to see one idea on how the invasion would have played out. The reader can then use the informative front of the book to decide if the author is correct. I personally think he is a little to biased toward the British. I also wish he would have spent a little more time on the Battle of France.

Britain Alone .......2006-03-10

The book raised some interesting points and worth a read. However I don't believe that the German invasion would have made it much further inland than 10 miles after the landings. The RN would have destroyed the majority or the landing craft, the RAF could have pulled back to its Northern bases and been out of reach of the Bomber whilst still providing cover for the ground forces. The defences and Home guard would of been enough to have seen off the para drops, remember it was luck and spirit in Normandy that got the para through. The germans would have been starved of ammo and food, the RN was at least 10-1 advantage in terms of destroyers and battleships. For the invasion to have worked the build up would have been much earlier and would have been obvious to the British and French what was coming, and in 1937 we could of started to get ready.

Dunked.......2005-04-08

Anyone who knows me will know my fascination with the German plans to invade Britain and why.

I have read many books on the subject including Peter Fleming's Operation Sea Lion.

This book is not as well researched as most. And the conclusions are hard to accept since Britain was demoralized from France and very low on ammunition and the Germans were very good. Once the Krauts are across, they live off the land and can be supported by air. Once the panzers are across and first armored division done in it's over. It would have been as messy as Crete, but the result would still be the same.

Personally, I doubt Hitler really planned to do it. Though the plans were elaborate, the details and praparations were very shallow. I believe he was trying to bluff the Brits into a peace deal.

Cassell Military Classics: Operation Sea Lion: The German Plan To Invade Britain, 1940

Average customer rating:

Like they say, don't judge a book by its cover
Operation Sea Lion, NOT!
Great Multi-Perspective View

Cassell Military Classics: Operation Sea Lion: The German Plan To Invade Britain, 1940
Egbert Kieser
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Strategy | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Book Description

In the summer of 1940--after the Nazis crushed France and defeated Belgium--all Britain prepared for a German invasion. English forces stood on the Channel coast, waiting, but though the Luftwaffe bombarded Britain day and night, occupying forces never arrived. Why did they never attack this nearly defenseless island? Look through German eyes and get to bottom of the indecision that in the end may have cost them the war.

Customer Reviews:

Like they say, don't judge a book by its cover.......2007-08-30

I was very disappointed in this book. I was looking for an analysis of the proposed invasion of England (Operation Sea Lion) from the German perspective. Much to my dismay, while the book is from a German perspective, this is little analysis of the invasion plans. There is some sparse information concerning the logistics involved, but not much else. The author gives you the feeling that the Germans could have succeded with such an endeavor, which is contrary to all the research I've done on the subject. One glaring omission is hardly any reference to the Royal Navy and the role it would have played in defending Great Britain. All in all, a disappointing book.

Operation Sea Lion, NOT!.......2005-03-28

One of the best things this book has going for it is being included in the Cassell Military classic paperbacks. It is one of 3 dozen I've purchased. As with the others this one is of interest.

It is well written and though it is translated from the German, hold ups well. It was originally published as OPERATION SEALOWE in 1987.

As an in depth look into Operation Sea Lion or, Sealowe in the German, it bombs out. It is, however, a very excellent recapitulation of the early years of World War II, from 1940 onward. Out of 26 chapters, in Chapter 24 we get to the occupation of the Channel Islands. Chapter 23 ends the battle of Britain, with Chapter 20 being the big day, "Adler Tag" or Eagle Day.

I'm not knocking the book as being a bad book because it isn't. On the contrary, it is a very interesting book. A very good book.

It is NOT however a book about Operation Sea Lion. Since it covers the war inside and outside Britain in general, it is a misnomer of sorts. The sub-title, "The German Plan To Invade Britain, 1940" gets worked into the narrative, eventually. But silly me, with a title such as OPERATION SEA LION I expected the total focus to be exactly that, the operation itself. And it most certainly is not.

I spent a good year or more tracking a copy of this book down. It is only one of three of World War II I have concerning Operation Sea Lion. While I would recommend it as a good World War II book could not,however, recommend it as a good book focusing on OPERATION SEA LION.

Semper Fi.

Great Multi-Perspective View.......2001-04-08

For anyone interested in a well-written, informative but not blanketing read describing the period between the conquest of France by the Wehrmacht and the beginning of Barbarossa, this would make a fine choice. Describing the events, occurrences and plans relating to Operation Sea Lion, the German plan for the invasion of England, the author does a commendable job at outlining period in a way that is effieicent and informative but not so in depth that the substance of the material is masked by superflous idoltry. Focused on a period that is less known overall, I found this selection to be one of the more interesting at describing the period of late summer and fall 1940 and explaining all of the information that is needed to understand not only the military and political facts of the period, but also the mindset of the people on both sides of the channel during the time. One cannot hold a full appreciation for the magnitude of WWII in Europe without an understanding of the fear evoked in this period, and this book will fill that need certifiably.

Average customer rating:

Lions, Donkeys and Dinosaurs
Lewis Page
Manufacturer: William Heinemann
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Military Science | History | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Author Lewis Page set off a firestorm of controversy and accusations when he wrote an explosive story on the British military’s most useless and expensive hardware. In this puckish and provocative book, he tells the full story.

Ant Lions, Wasps & Other Insects (Animal Kingdom Classification)

Average customer rating:

Ant Lions, Wasps & Other Insects (Animal Kingdom Classification)
Steve Parker
Manufacturer: Compass Point Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

Zoology | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0756512506

Average customer rating:

A series well worth any young reader's time
A wonderful book

The Lion Hunter (The Mark of Solomon)
Elizabeth Wein
Manufacturer: Viking Juvenile
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Adventure & Thrillers | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

Historical Fiction | History & Historical Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0670061638
Release Date: 2007-06-14

Book Description

It is the sixth century in Aksum, Africa. Young TelemakosÂ—King ArthurÂ's half-Ethiopian grandsonÂ—is still recovering from his ordeal as a government spy in the far desert, trying to learn who was breaking the EmperorÂ's plague quarantine. Before he is fully himself again, tragedy and menace strike, and he finds himself sent, with his baby sister, Athena, to live with Abreha, the ruler of HimyarÂ—a longtime enemy of the Aksumites, now perhaps a friend. His aunt Goewin, ArthurÂ's daughter, warns him that Abreha is a man to be wary of, someone to watch carefully. Telemakos promises he will be mindfulÂ—but he does not realize that GoewinÂ's warnings are not enough to protect him.

The Sunbird (Â“Intense, absorbing, and luminously written,Â” Kirkus Reviews, starred review) was the first book about Telemakos. The Lion Hunter continues his story, to be quickly followed by The Empty KingdomÂ—a two-book sequence called The Mark of Solomon.

Customer Reviews:

A series well worth any young reader's time.......2007-09-12

The second book in the historical fantasy series is called The Empty Kingdom. Wein's other books, The Sunbird, The Winter Palace and A Coalition of Lions all feature the same characters from ancient Arthurian Britain and Ethiopia (Aksum) and Yemen (Himyar).

This is the first in a series about twelve-year-old Telemakos, a noble of ancient Ethiopia. His father is Medraut, a physician and wise man. Telemakos has recovered from his recent exploit (The Sunbird), and is overjoyed to hear of the birth of his sister. His father comes to tell him while Telemakos is playing with the pet lions of Emperor Gebre Meskal, and when he runs to his father the lions sense "prey" and attack him. It is a terrible mistake, and it leaves him changed for life. His injury and recuperation are so horrible that his parents despair of losing him, and they neglect the new baby--but Telemakos becomes close to little Athena, as he names her. They become inseparable. But dark times lay ahead--his aunt Goewin, the ambassador from Britain, and advisor to the Emperor, has been receiving death threats, as has the whole household. His parents discuss sending him away, and his life changes completely.

The settings, characters, and adventure are all dazzling. This is a series to pursue.

Note: Publisher said for middle reader, age 10 & up, however some of the violence would lead me to recommend this to an older child.

Armchair Interviews says: Read her other book, A Coalition of Lions--a young adult read.

A wonderful book.......2007-07-19

I am a tough reader. My critical antennae are so twitchy that it's hard for me to be completely immersed in a book--I'm easily distracted by clunky writing, or obvious plot machinations, or by characters that seem unreal.

This book, though--wow. I read it straight through and loved every word. The bond between Telemakos and his baby sister Athena is so beautifully developed. I loved that, even as a baby, Athena is a force to be reckoned with. I loved Telemakos's courage and gentleness and intelligence. The recovery of Telemakos from injury and terrible memories is well handled as the story moves into new adventures and intrigues without forgetting about those old pains. The writing itself is fluid and clear, great storytelling.

This book makes me want to go read everything Elizabeith Wein has written. It's one of my favorite books of the year so far.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books