Common weeds in New Zealand: An illustrated guide to their identification with a section on noxious plants (Information series / New Zealand Department of Scientific and Industrial Research)

Average customer rating:
Common weeds in New Zealand: An illustrated guide to their identification with a section on noxious plants (Information series / New Zealand Department of Scientific and Industrial Research)
B. E. V Parham
Manufacturer: P.D. Hasselberg, Govt. Printer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Plants | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0477012930

Book Description

Highlights include: Seville, Huelva, Sevilla, Cordoba, Jaen, Cadiz, Malaga, Granada, and Almeria.

Customer Reviews:

To plan yout trip.......2006-07-25

Eyewitness Guides are beautiful, gorgeously illustrated books on glossy paper that are perfect for planning a trip but not so good for carrying along with you. But they don't need to be! I used the guide to Andalusia to plan my 5-city itinerary, including a stop in Ronda which I'd never heard of but ended up being one of the highlights of our travels. This guide gives you a general view of the sights to see, with many photos and maps. But especially in a country like Spain, the wise traveler makes his or her first stop the tourist office--there's one in every city and many towns. That's where you get your map, the info on walking tours, a schedule of museum openings and closings, etc.

I can't resist giving two tips: the tourist office in Seville near Plaza Nueva has FREE internet. And be sure to go to the Alcazar--I thought it outshone the more famous Alhambra, with far less hassle and far fewer people.

I agree with the reviewer who says the hotel info is not good, and the author of this guide could probably eliminate it with no loss except excess weight. These days the internet is by far your best source. And as for restaurants, just wander!

I loved this guide, but no one source is going to have it all for the independent traveler--and in any guide, info on hotels and restaurants is usually out-of-date before it's printed. But use this guide to dream--it's great

Lovely but not so informative.......2006-03-09

As is true of DK's Eyewitness books, this book is full of fantastic pictures. It's great to wet one's appetite, but doesn't really have enough meaty information to help one prepare to visit Andalusia. It's one saving grace: great maps. I recommend this book, but not alone. This is a great companion to The Rough Guide to Andalucia.

Insight Guides-Andalucia.......2005-07-28

I love these books. They give brief informative descriptions along with tantalizing photos in all areas. I like very much the historiccal timeline in the beginning of each book. Although brief, it gives a great sense of what was going on throughout time in the particular location. This book starts with all history from 1000 BC. I love the pictures and cross sections as well as the brief and concise snippets on many interesting towns, sights etc. It gives a very strong visual and overview of many places so you can decide where you may actually want to visit. Of course there areth erequisite reccomendations for restaurants, hotels and travel options. These are also brief and you may want a different book or travel agaent for more suggestions in this area.

put it in your suitcase.......2004-10-07

As always, Eyewitness has the best maps. The coverage of Seville makes it the best guide for that city, period. The coverage of the outlying major areas, such as Granada and Cordoba, should be supplemented with the Cadogan book on Seville, Granada, Cordoba, but the Eyewitness has the best information on eating, shopping, getting around, hotels, and culture survival for Seville. If you are staying in Seville, take this book with you into the streets when you go.

Eyewitness Travel Guide to Seville and Andalusia

Average customer rating:

Nice for the Big Hitters in Andalusia
Put it in your suitcase
Usual excellent standard
A MUST-HAVE for the serious traveler

Eyewitness Travel Guide to Seville and Andalusia

Manufacturer: DK Travel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0789404273

Book Description

The guide that shows you what other travel books only tell you!

In DK's Eyewitness Travel Guide: Seville and Andalusia more than 800 full-color photographs capture the landscape of Spain's southernmost region. Experience the famous bull ring Plaza de Toros la Maestranza and visit the Museo de Belles Artes while in Seville. Encounter the Seville Cathedral and La Giralda in the Old Jewish Quarter of Santa Cruz. A resplendent illustrated aerial overview of Parque Maria Luisa directs you to its pavilions along the Plaza de America. Four sections cover the eight provinces of Andalusia and spotlight its mountains, deserts, beaches, as well as its Moorish palaces and Christian cathedrals. The guide also chronicles the region's history, customs, culture, people, cuisine, and wines. Here is southern Spain in all its glory, exquisitely brought to life in the most comprehensive travel guide available.

Customer Reviews:

Nice for the Big Hitters in Andalusia.......2001-06-19

My wife and I used this book and Lonely Planet: Spain book for a week in Seville and Cordoba.

We found it to be excellent for the high-points, or must see's, of the area. The photos are excellent in this book. Also, this book is much smaller and easier to carry than either Lonely Planet's or Eyewitness' guides for the entire country.

For non-touristy (or less touristy) things, Lonely Planet has much better depth. We found the two books to complement each other nicely.

By the way, Andalusia is spectacular! Enjoy!

Put it in your suitcase.......2000-12-17

Usual excellent standard.......2000-03-25

As with all Eyewitness Guides, this is beautifully illustrated and informative. I have to admit I read it AFTER I visited Andalusia, but wish it had been on the market when I did go. It is an excellent armchair travel book. It has certainly whetted my appetite to go back. Retrospective reading always reveals gems you wish you had discovered at the time. One real bonus of Eyewitness guides is that they have PROPER maps, with street indexes integrated into them, unlike some guides which rely on sketch maps, and where the scale can be a bit hit and miss. Another advantage is they don;t attempt to list a "Top Ten" for each place, rather they provide comprehensive coverage, and divide their coverage by locale.

A MUST-HAVE for the serious traveler.......1999-03-20

Buy this book. Read it cover to cover. And do it before you leave...

Book Description

Alan Lennox Boyd served as Colonial Secretary from 1954 to 1959--a decisive period in the history of British decolonization. A towering figure both in terms of his place within Conservative Party history and his influence on Imperial history, he represented a particular trend within the Party, flirting with fascism and holding the Empire in high regard. He gained a reputation as an impediment to consitutional reform in the colonies, yet during his period of office he played a key role in a number of major decisions, including the decolonization of Cyprus. Tracing the development of his highly idiosyncratic brand of right wing politics, this biography presents a portrait of a highly complex man and a challenging reinterpretation of British colonial policy at this time.

Customer Reviews:

Get ready to root for the bad guy..........2003-10-12

I bought this book seeking practical knowledge, never thinking that I'd actually be entertained. Skorzeny is best known for starting the infamous ODESSA organization for aiding escaped war crininals. Don't buy the book looking for information about ODESSA though; it's not there. A few secrets followed him to his grave.

It is important not to look upon Skorzeny as simply an escaped prisoner of war asserting his braging rights from a safe harbor. Skorzeny was an extraordinary soldier, a commander of special forces before people knew what special forces were. A captain in a Waffen SS special warfare unit, Skorzeny's career takes off when he is selected by Hitler-- quite possibly the only good strategic decision he ever made-- to lead a raid to rescue Mussolini after his overthrow in 1943. It is clear that by all accounts, the rescue never would have succeeded without Skorzeny's raw leadership skills and ability to chop through political red tape. The book gives a surprisingly honest and often hilarious account of his ability to succeed in spite of the "help" provided by his 'upper management'.

Something that struck me about 'The most dangerous man in Europe' is the lack of ego as he tells his story. There is little embellishment of the facts as he tells of his exploits; if anything the weakness of the book lies in its lack of detail. The tale is, of course, unfinished and in places seems full of holes and half-truths. I am sure this is what he intended, as it leaves speculators to add to his infamous legacy. Those who could fill in the details accurately were either running for their lives or at the end of a rope.

Regardless, a good soldier has a duty and a right to defend his country no matter how wrong. It must be remembered that Skorzeny was a soldier-- a man of action, not of politics. It is for that that he deserves a measure of respect.

an interesting memoir, worth the read.......2002-07-18

While not a great writer, skorzeny provides a very interesting memoir, absent of self-promotion and well worth the read. This is a must-read for anyone interested in elite units. ...

Great, but not the best..........2001-05-17

Unrepentant and loudmouthed is the way Skorzeny lead his life and the men of his SS special forces. If you want to read a revisionist, mealy-mouthed apology by a man who lived his life on the edge, this is NOT the book. On the other hand, if you want to gain perspective into the man and his times AS THEY REALLY WERE, this is the book for you. A great read, but for the full story, read "My Commando Operations." No professional military officer should be without this book.

Jaded but informative.......2000-07-08

Being written by 'the man', this is the definitive book on Skorzeny. For those wishing to learn everything about his exploits, this book is unparalleled.

However, I too question what has been omitted- I doubt he was as innocent as he states. I also question his view of history (particularly the importance of the Red Orchestra- the Russian spy network Otto claims provided realtime detailed info on everything the German's did). I also did not like the fact that he gives 2-3 paragraphs to apologize for Nazi/SS acts and several chapters to justify most of their actions. Lastly, this book is full of spelling mistakes, grammar errors, etc.- I guess Otto never got an Editor.

Overall I think Otto was trying to clean-up his legacy before he died. I great soldier, yes, but still a Nazi following Hitler- how great does that make him in the end? He sounds scorned and jaded and a bit deluded- I feel kinda sad for the guy.

chris

Jadded memiorsof a unrepented nazi.......1999-11-05

Skorzeny's special missions are the memoirs of Otto Skorzeny the former head of Germany's commando forces. His motives for writing this book although not formally stated are easily found in the book. His motives are as follows. First and foremost to attempt to rationalize his action and to some extent all of Germanys actions during the second world war. Secondly to attempt to state what he did for his point of view in an attempt to clear up myths and legends about himself. The Book chronicles his adventures in the German army from his beginnings as an artillery Sergeant and latter officer in the "Das Riech" Division of the Waffen SS through his rise to the head of German Special Forces. Skorzeny Includes detailed accounts of his rescue of Mussolini, his seizer of the Main government compound of Hungry when they attempted to create a separate piece with the Soviet Union, the ill fated Ardennes offensive of 1944, as well as a number of other exploits. Notably missing form the book is any mention of ODESSA. ODESSA said to be founded by Skorzeny is the Nazi underground witch is reportably responsible for helping numerous Nazi war criminals escape allied justice. One of the better known people ODESSA is said to have helped is Albert Eichman. Also missing is his escape from a Denazification camp. His first Purpose as stated in the beginning I have chosen a few examples of and out line some of their faults. To justify stubborn German rezitence when it was clear that Germany was doomed to defeat he ask the question would not you do the same for your country? In answer to this question I would say no why should one fight and destroy my own country when I have no chance of victory. It mearly would cause more death and more destruction. His main justification for himself and all other Germans fighting is that they were fighting for their country. This at first sounds like a good argument, but then you must think was he really fighting for his country or was he fighting for Adolf Hitler? That is a question can never truly be answered. His second purpose to dispel myths and legends I find amusing. For instance he was believed to have planned an attack on allied headquarters in Pairs. He completely denies this, but I can not believe this complete becaouse he complete fails to mention his Involvement in ODDESA or his escape form a Denazification camp. In closing I though the book was interesting and worth reading. Though I would not take any of the statements to heart. He failed to mention one thing so he probably failed to mention others. If you read it I suggest you treat it as fiction.

Average customer rating:

Would have liked more substance and less rehash...
Lost focus
Entertaining book on Dawood--one bad man!
A Report With Umpteen Gramatical & Factual Mistakes
Timely and disturbing book. Pakistan won't like it.

The Most Dangerous Man In the World
Gilbert King
Manufacturer: Amazon Remainders Account
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Similar Items:

Confessions of an Economic Hit Man

ASIN: B000ENBSZY

Book Description

This never-before-told story exposes one of the world's most reviled terrorists, Dawood Ibrahim. Several writers, including the late Daniel Pearl, have attempted to write about this mysterious criminal, but they have routinely disappeared. Now, the secrets of Ibrahim's life are finally revealed-from his wild all-night parties with prostitutes and top-shelf liquor, to his Islamic extremism, to his violent and deadly activities-resulting in a true crime account that will both shock and terrify.

Customer Reviews:

Would have liked more substance and less rehash..........2006-10-18

In this hastily prepared book it doesn't take long to discover that you are reading a manuscript written for those unfamiliar with Dawood Ibrahim and his operation. What I hoped to find was a detailed explanation of the inner-workings of the D-Company and the powerful hand which guides it from behind the intelligence cloak. Without a detailed knowledge of India and its history of strife between the Muslim and Hindu communities, it is difficult to understand where Ibrahim fits into the picuture. You're not going to get a clear understanding of the dealings of where Ibrahim's D-Company activities end and Intelligence groups like Pakistan's ISI begin. No elumination on the shadowy connections between the D-Company, ISI, Al-Qaeda and the CIA. These confusing alliances remain unresolved. In painting a picture of Ibrahim as a ruthless drug smuggling foreign mob boss with ties to terror organizations and foreign intelligence operatives, the average American citizens worst fears post 9-11 are realized.

Most irritating about this title is the lack of new information. The book is filled with information you can find in the archives of the Mumbai newspapers. The information on Al-Qaeda and Ibrahim is purely speculative and no information has been produced since this book hit the shelves to explain the alledged ties between the two groups. Most disturbing is the failure of the author to examine the true nature of the D-Company. Is it indeed a criminal organization or is it a wing of the Pakistani ISI operating within India? Are the battles between Dawood Ibrahim's followers and Chhota Rajan's hindu mob truely based along religous lines or are there factors pushing both groups which remain hidden from the public?

Lost focus.......2005-03-10

The book's name is a misnomer. Initially, it talks about how Dawood made his way upto the top in the shady underworld, but then the focus shifts from Dawood to Afganistan, Pakistan, CIA, ISI etc, and ends up in establishing the relationships between these entities. What role Dawood plays or is playing in these tie ups is not mentioned. Only few pages do justice to the book title.

Entertaining book on Dawood--one bad man! .......2004-08-07

Fascinating read. Initially, I thought some of the author's claims about Dawood Ibrahim were purely speculative--especially the nuclear black market chapter. But the Times of India recently did a story about this book and intelligence sources confirmed Dawood's involvement. This is frightening.

Some of the book is hard to follow since the major figures all have aliases, and the Indian press is notorious for getting stories wrong. (I especially love the chapter where Rajan is reported dead for days, then gives an interview from his yacht in Europe!) Indian journalism is as entertaining as Bollywood itself!

The connections between Ibrahim and Osama Bin Ladin/al Queda are very interesting too, and it's a good thing the US is finally taking Ibrahim seriously as a terrorist. I would have liked to know more about how Ibrahim's D Company really gained its power in Bombay, but it is understandable how no journalists have had success penetrating Dawood's world. After reading this not very long book, it's clear that Dawood Ibrahim really is very bad man!

A Report With Umpteen Gramatical & Factual Mistakes.......2004-07-20

Yes it is true. This book is nothing but a collection of various stories which I read on the net, magazines and heard on the news. The only new part is the Osama & Ibrahim connection.

Being a journalist myself, I find this book a shocker.
Spelling mistakes are galore (Confidante is spelt confident, Hit is spelt Him etc.) which even a Grade 5 student will pick up. Facts have not been researched into at all and they just pile up according to King's whims and fancy.

As a journalist, I have done a lot of research in this field, not for publishing but just as part of my curiousity, and Gilbert King is lacking in every aspect.

Factual mistakes:
1. Babri masjid is claimed to be in Bombay (It is in Ayodhya)
2. Sharad Shetty clamied to be shot in his office (He was shot in India Club, Dubai, UAE)
3. Rohit Verma claimed to be informer and a.k.a Michael. (In fact Michael D'Souza was a different person all together). Jagdish Shetty(India) was the informer not Verma. Why would Verma call the assassins and have himself killed ???? Hello Gilbert King ???Verma was Rajan's closest friends who did his dirty job. Sarita was not Verma's wife but his mistress.

There is absolutey nothing about Dawood's early Bombay days. Just a para about the Pathan gang. In fact his early days are more interesting than everything else. His split from the Pathan Gang was the major move in his life. And how from 1983-1987 he eliminated each and every rival by sitting in Dubai.

This book needs a lot to be desired. I give it One star for the nice cover and the other star because it did induce me to buy it !!!!!

Spare yourself the change, more accurate info with photos can be had on the net for free. There are no photos as well in this book!

Timely and disturbing book. Pakistan won't like it........2004-06-14

Perhaps now western media will begin to understand the power and influence of Dawood Ibrahim. Pakistan gladly hosts this dangerous terrorist and he pays off the Pakistani government with billions reaped from opium and other illegal businesses. Most Dangerous Man in the World presents an accurate and horrifying picture of the man who has the power to corrupt governments, advance his terrorist agenda and make himself and his D Company bhais rich.

As the author points out, it is probably just a matter of time until the world learns the name of Dawood Ibrahim. This book also paints a disturbing picture of Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence and its involvement with Dawood. Pakistan will not like this book because there is a great deal to answer to. I highly recommend anyone interested in current events, especially concerning terrorism to read this paperback. It is timely and up to date and a solid investigation into the inner workings of a true global terrorist.

Average customer rating:
Comrade Valentine: The True Story of Azef the Spy-The Most Dangerous Man in Russia at the Time of the Last Czars
Richard E. Rubenstein
Manufacturer: Diane Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Russia | History | Subjects | Books
General | World | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0788156330

Average customer rating:
Most Dangerous Man in the World
Dan Betzer
Manufacturer: Revivaltime Media
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Pamphlet
ASIN: B000K3OX4G

Average customer rating:
The Most Dangerous Man in the World
Jay Richard Kennedy
Manufacturer: M.Joseph
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | Classics | Comic | Contemporary | Literary
ASIN: 0718106679

Average customer rating:
The Nuclear Jihadist: The True Story of the Man Who Sold the World's Most Dangerous Secrets...And How We Could Have Stopped Him
Douglas Frantz , and Catherine Collins
Manufacturer: Twelve
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books
General | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Nuclear | Weapons & Warfare | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Arms Control | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Terrorism | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Espionage | True Accounts | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
True Crime | True Accounts | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0446199575

Book Description

The world has entered a second nuclear age.For the first time since the end of the Cold War, the threat of nuclear annihilation is on the rise.Should such an assault occur, there is a strong likelihood that the trail of devastation will lead back to Abdul Qadeer Khan, the Pakistani father of the Islamic bomb and the mastermind behind a vast clandestine enterprise that has sold nuclear secrets to Iran, North Korea, and Libya. Khan's loose-knit organization was and still may be a nuclear Wal-Mart, selling weapons blueprints, parts, and the expertise to assemble the works into a do-it-yourself bomb kit. Amazingly, American authorities could have halted his operation, but they chose instead to watch and wait.Khan proved that the international safeguards the world relied on no longer worked.Journalists Douglas Frantz and Catherine Collins tell this alarming tale of international intrigue through the eyes of the European and American officials who suspected Khan, tracked him, and ultimately shut him down, but only after the nuclear genie was long out of the bottle.

Skorzeny's secret missions; war memoirs of the most dangerous man in Europe

Average customer rating:

Skorzeny's secret missions; war memoirs of the most dangerous man in Europe
Otto Skorzeny
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B00005XWIS

Skorzeny: 'The Most Dangerous Man in Europe'

Average customer rating:

EXCELLENT INTRODUCTION
Terribly Written, Edited
The war years and after

Skorzeny: 'The Most Dangerous Man in Europe'
Charles Whiting
Manufacturer: Combined Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Military & Spies | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

EXCELLENT INTRODUCTION .......2007-03-09

This book by Charles Whiting had its beginning as a Ballantine trade paperback in the Illustrated History Of World War II, a series of books issued in the 1960's and early 1970's. I have a volume from this series, The Luftwaffe by Alfred Price, in my library. This particular book by Whiting was number 11 in the Leader's series. The 145 hardcover book in my library states it is a "revised and expanded" edition, but since the paperback books from Ballantine contained approximately 160 pages, I'm unsure just what that means.

But since I have a total of 2 dozen books on my shelf by Mr. Whiting, it is safe to say I very much enjoy his life's work of study and writing of WWII subjects. Taken altogether his books represent a small encyclopedia on that subject.

Be that as it may, if a reader is unfamiliar with Otto Skorzeny this book will provide adequate introduction to the soldier and man. It is surprising, at least to me, that this SS colonel-major general not only won so many awards (Oak Leafs to the Knight's Cross), one of very few having direct access to Adolph Hitler, and was significant in so many key battle situations: from rescuing Mussolini, to kidnapping Horthy's son to keep Hungary on the side of Germany, to the Battle of the Bulge, to being appointed prime commander to defend central Germany from the final Russian onslaught. I know I've left many elements out but this guy was a wonder concering bravery and being in key areas throughout WWII. He had a bit of a hand in channeling gold and valuables out of Germany, working with Bormann and the Odessa, and later spent much time in Argentina with the Perons. To the extent of becoming the main paramour of Evita, eventually ensuring her a safe burial, and getting Juan out of the country in one piece, alive. He also indirectly worked for the CIA and the General Gehlen network. This guy was not only very brave but was destined to be a man of history. Among the Nazis he seemed to be not only a man of ethics but one also of great reality. And while he certainly could be a man of great violence he was also a man respected by those he had fought against.

A couple other episodes included in this study are the subjects of whether or not he actually had a part in the talked about assassination attemps during the Bulge on Eisenhower and Churchill's communications with the Duce. Whether Eisenhower was ever truly a target or whether Churchill had a hand in the murder of the Duce are two subjects not given a satisfactory answer in this book.

But from a WWII reader standpoint, this small volume of 145 pages with maps and photos is well worth the reading.

Semper Fi.

Terribly Written, Edited.......2003-06-09

I'm really surprised that such a terribly written and edited book could make it past an editor or publisher and into print. Much of the information and history presented was interesting, I'll grant, but the prose are terrible, awkward and disjointed and I found myself getting angry at the author for his constant blunders. For instance, one is constantly forced to reread sentances to figure out who is saying what. I even found myself rearranging paragraphs in my head that seem presented in the wrong order or out of place. Whiting also seems as though he has never read any other history authors as he ignores standard conventions. A fan of WWII history and biographies is accustomed to certain standards in translations of certain words, phrases and the like. So, a given general in conversation with Hitler will of course have his sentance translated into english for the reader, but the author will leave the "..., mein Fuhrer" untranslated at the end. Whiting tediously ends the translations instead with phrasing such as "..., my Leader" or "The Leader", instead of the usual Der Fuhrer. However, he is inconsistant in almost every other way, using German or English ranks interchangeably; writing Gruppenfuhrer or major general for the same person at different places.

Whiting also misses a great deal of the drama in his subject matter. A good author can take a few facts and subtly draw out some of the passions or motives of the people he's talking about. Whiting just states simple facts in a colorless way. He leaves interesting tidbits unexplored. He doesnt follow up some of his themes so we know what happens to interesting characters. I really should stop writing. I could go on and on. I would steer readers away from anything this author has written. This book reads like a long junior high school history essay; clunky and distracting. Horrible

The war years and after.......2000-03-17

Another well researched and fair evaluation of one of WWII's most notorious charcters. Otto Skorzeny once again had a certain amount of influence over the content, giving his last interview before his death from a war wound in 1976. The book provides an entertaining and intriguing perspective on the development of German special forces, as well as Skorzeny's own colourful personal life. Whilst Charles Foley's book 'Commando Extraordinary' goes into the German commando exploits of the war in far greater detail, this book reviews most of Skorzeny's postwar activites, a field previously not written about. Not only does it reveal several key examples of allied treachery and wrongdoing towards the end of the war years, but also a slightly lighter and poignant side to Skorzeny, demonstrating his loyalty to his country and comrades, not it's regime. Essential for anyone interested in the man himself, but not one to start with.

Skorzeny's Special Missions: The Memoirs of "The Most Dangerous Man in Europe"

Average customer rating:

Pretty good for an Autobiography

Skorzeny's Special Missions: The Memoirs of "The Most Dangerous Man in Europe"
Otto Skorzeny
Manufacturer: Greenhill Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Military & Spies | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Aviation | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1853676845

Book Description

Otto Skorzeny, Germany's top commando in World War II, is one of the most famous men in the history of special forces. His extraordinary wartime career was one of high risk and adventure and in this book he tells the full story. Skorzeny quickly proved his worth in Yugoslavia and then Russia. In 1942 he was awarded the Iron Cross, and in April 1943 he was promoted to captain and named 'Chief of Germany's Special Troops, Existing or to be Created in the Future'. When Mussolini was imprisoned in Italy in 1943, it was Skorzeny who successfully led the daring glider rescue, winning the Knight's Cross and promotion as a result. Skorzeny's talents were brought into play again when he was sent to Budapest to stop the Hungarian regent Admiral Horthy from signing a peace with Stalin in 1944. Now dubbed 'the most dangerous man in Europe' by the Allies he was awarded the German Cross in Gold. A few months later he took a critical role in the Ardennes offensive with a controversial plan to raise a brigade disguised as Americans with captured Sherman tanks. His captured colleagues spread a false rumor that he was planning to assassinate Eisenhower, who was consequently confined to his headquarters for weeks. Skorzeny's memoirs vividly depict commando action and are a key addition to special forces literature.

Customer Reviews:

Pretty good for an Autobiography.......2007-01-10

A decent account of WWII seen through the eyes of the elite Spec Ops German commander. A few bits are lost here and there with the translastion from German to English but overall the feel of the book is kept pretty close to the original. The account begins with the early life of Skorzeny and is pretty light until he begins the accounts of his military career. He is very detailed and his antidotes are fairly amusing. He goes into great detail of the raid to free Mussolini, his challenges to raise a special force inside the German Army, his exploits in dealing with the Hungarian government, his plans during Ardennes offensive, and his captivity after the war. His exploits are very factually presented and although history tells of his gigantic ego he seems to have it in check throughout the book. He does not toot his own horn much but does give the credit where credit deserves: to his men and subcommanders. Those who are interested in the workings of a Spec Ops operational commander should read this book. It is not filled with an inkling of Nazi propaganda or rhetoric. It is an account of what a German Officer did during the war. It appears he did like Hitler but there also seems to be a slight undertone that the German High command messed up the war, although he does not specifically state that. It is interesting to read his accounts of dealing with the German High Command and Hitler himself and it does show a more strategic and tactical side of the war. Sadly the book ends with his escape from prison after the Nuremberg trials,and does not go into any of his underground activities and post war exploits (to include a stint working for Eva Peron in Argentina!) nor does it mention his involvement with "Der Spinne" or ODESSA. I was reluctant to read this book in fear that is might contain pro-nazi viewpoints and/or support for the Holocaust but was pleasently suprised that it was what it was, an autobiography. I would give it 4 stars but parts were difficult to understand (and had to be re-read even for a post-college level reader) and the translations lacking in rhythm in some areas. I recommend this for Spec Ops soldiers, WW II History buffs, and those interested in operational strategy. I do not recommend this for High School Students, casual College History students, or those wishing to read about World War II. This is a very specific account of very small bits of the War told through the skewed eyes of a German Officer who had his microscope solidly fixed on only one operational area: Special Warfare.

Ultimate Fighting Championship Techniques: Top Mixed Martial Arts Moves from "The World's Most Dangerous Man"

Average customer rating:

Ultimate Fighting Championship Techniques: Top Mixed Martial Arts Moves from "The World's Most Dangerous Man"
Ken Shamrock , and Rodney Donahoo
Manufacturer: Ulysses Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1569755922

Book Description

To exit "The Octagon" as the Ultimate Fighting champion, one must enter as a master of martial arts, boxing, and wrestling. Now, famed fighter Ken Shamrock shows readers the most important techniques for each discipline. From uppercut punches and roundhouse kicks to double-legged take-downs and the Guillotine choke, each move is explained in detail and illustrated with step-by-step photographs. This book is the ultimate source for tips, techniques and insights into the explosively popular world of Mixed Martial Arts fighting. It will educate and improve the skills of fighters at all levels and show them how to succeed in the hyper-competitive world of Ultimate Fighting. Nothing can match the lessons learned from his many fights, so Ken relates the personal experiences he has had while competing at the highest level of this sport of modern-day gladiators.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books