Review – The Second World War by Antony Beevor

Beginning in 1939, with the Russian victory over Japan at Khalkin-Gol, and going through the dropping of the atomic bombs and occupation of Japan, “The Second World War” by Antony Beevor is an account of World War II like no other. Whether you are an amateur or professional historian, I guarantee you will learn something new by reading this book. Antony Beevor, being of British Nationality, writes without the American bias, and gives an unfiltered account of the war that engrossed the entire world. To what extent the entire world felt the repercussions of this war was unknown to me until I read this book. The war engulfed all of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

While the battles were long, ferocious, and deadly, Beevor sheds light on the atrocities the civilian non-combatants faced from occupying armies. The huge loss of life throughout the war was not comprised solely of soldiers. Civilians accounted for huge losses, more than any other war. Due to rampant nationalism and propaganda hatred for the enemy led soldiers to do horrible things. They knew what they were doing was wrong too, because we have letters written home, but did it anyway. The prejudices each side had towards each other, especially the Germans and Soviets, led to many terrible losses in battles and human life. The various leader’s egos also contributed to huge loss of life on all sides, both Allied and Axis.

One thing that is especially exciting about this book is the detail given to every battle. No detail is spared in describing each and every battle. From battle formations, to orders from the top, a clear picture is painted on exactly how the battles unfolded. Using journals, letters home, communiques, and official reports, Beevor dives headfirst into firsthand accounts in order to pull every detail possible a provide the clearest account to date.

I will warn you, reading the entire book is quite an undertaking. Weighing it at 783 pages “The Second World War” is not for the casual reader. You’re going to want to block off about a month to read the whole thing, but it’s worth it because the chapters are short enough not to bore you, and at times you might find it difficult to put it down. In order to make it through this meaty book you need to enjoy the topic and want to know everything about it. It’s so comprehensive you could probably use it as a textbook in a college classroom. So if you’re looking for your next World War II book, pick up “The Second World War” by Antony Beevor, because it might just be your last.

Find The Second World War by Antony Beevor at Amazon.com

Eric Hudson

Eric Hudson is a graduate of Indiana University with a B.A. in History. His main interest is 18th and early 19th century American history, but also enjoys ancient Roman and Greek history, as well as the WWI and WWII time period in Europe.

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Review: “The Blood of Heroes” by James Donovan

If you have no interest in history, or have never read or learned about this time period James Donovan’s “The Blood of Heroes” is a must read. If you were inspired by the American revolution, you will definitely feel a connection to these transplanted Americans and their cause. With its short chapters and everyday language “The Blood of Heroes” reads easily. It reminded me of a Dan Brown novel which I couldn’t put down and but never wanted to end.

The story is one we all know, but probably do not know much about, and because of that it can be overwhelming to undertake the task of reading about it. Donovan introduces the reader to each character involved in the inspiring history of the Alamo, intimately and appropriately, so much so you never find yourself lost throughout the book. From the courageous rebel leader William Barret Travis, and his “brave little band” to “His Excellancy,” Mexican General Santa Anna and his Army of Operation, Donovan introduces the reader to all the important people and provides ample background history.
“The Blood of Heroes” begins by introducing the main players, Travis, Bowie, Houston, and the successful siege of Bexar by the unassuming Texian army. That in itself was a huge victory overtaking a superior force to first take hold of the Alamo. My favorite part was the introduction of David Crockett and his group of “Tennessee Mounted Volunteers.” Crockett’s history is interesting and sparked my interest in further readings, and that is only a testament to Donovan’s thorough research and presentation.

After some history on Santa Anna, his Mexican counterparts, and a brief Mexican history lesson, the build up toward a show down at the Alamo begins. Santa Anna positioning his troops to maximize the advantage over the vastly outnumbered Texian volunteers holed up in the Alamo.

Despite numerous pleas for aid and reinforcements Travis’s rebel army would be forced to face a force that outnumbered them about 10 to 1. Santa Anna would only hold his siege for so long before he attacked.

Even for the casual reader of non-fiction “The Blood of Heroes” is a must read. You will definitely come out not only knowing more, but wanting more. Donovan gives all of his sources in the back and I suggest you look through them if you are interested in reading more.

James Donovan’s “The Blood of Heroes; The 13 Day Struggle for the Alamo and the Sacrifice that Forged a Nation” goes on sale today and can be purchased at your local book store or online at Amazon.com.

Eric Hudson

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Review – Detroit: A Biography by Scott Martelle

Right now no other city is as emblematic of the economic struggles in the United States as Detroit, Michigan. Once the heart of American auto manufacturing and the great booming metal heart of the Midwest, Detroit is a city much reduced, both in population and in cultural standing. Scott Martelle’s new book, Detroit, A Biography is a love letter to the land and its former inhabitants. The city is a rich subject for biography, having as many tragedies and triumphs as any great historical figure.

In recent years many of the stories coming out of Detroit have focused on the ridiculously inexpensive housing, once-grand buildings falling into ruin, and stories of abandoned neighborhoods turned into urban meadows, a bit of a full circle since it was the rich land and wildlife that originally attracted Antoine Laumet de la Mothe sieur de Cadillac to choose the area. The first French settlers tangled with local tribes including the Ottawa before leaving the settlement in the hands of the British. The British were harsh with the local tribes, driving up the exchange rates for fur pelts and treating them with disdain. The Revolutionary War brought Detroit under United States control but it was nearly obliterated by fire in 1805. The city, then part of the Michigan territory was rebuilt along a plan similar to L’Enfant’s spoke and hub design for the District of Columbia. The city was briefly under British control during the War of 1812 but by 1825 with the opening if the Erie Canal, Detroit was poised for greatness. Positioned with access to Lake Erie and the Erie canal but also within striking distance of Chicago, the gateway to the West, Detroit grew rapidly and, by 1860 become the country’s nineteenth largest city.

The book chronicles the city’s early racial conflicts culminating in a race riot in 1863, the first of several in a city where different racial groups have often lived in an uneasy truce. In the post Civil War era, the city grew rapidly with the pace of manufacturing as Michigan produced steel, iron ore, and timber. The Paris of the West was born but it wasn’t until the rise of car production in the area that Detroit really took off in the early 1900s. The prospect of good jobs with high pay lured workers from around the nation. Managing workers with varying backgrounds and ethnicities was no small challenge for the burgeoning city and its leading industrialists. In the 1920s, Detroit reached full flower. Many of the buildings built during that time are the ones that are part of Detroit’s current export of “ruin porn”– photos and videos of buildings in a state of poignant decay.

The question of real estate in Detroit has always been a particularly heated one and neighborhood divisions sit at the heart of many conflicts. The story of Detroit is defined by racial tension which erupted in 1943 and again in 1967. The author, a journalist who has written several other books, illuminates the various forces at work that lead to these cataclysmic events and chronicles their lasting impact on the city.

The statistics for Detroit’s current state of affairs are startling. Nearly 250,000 people left the city in the decade ending in 2010. In 2008, Detroit had over 100,000 vacant housing units. Many of Detroit’s problems seem insoluble but there is also hope in the city both from young, artsy people moving back into the area and from some companies willing to invest money and create jobs. Martelle intersperses stories of modern Detroiters who are related to some of the city’s older families among the chapters of the mostly chronological narrative. These stories add richness and character to what is a thorough look at the changing tides of an American city.

Deidre Woollard

Deidre Woollard has been writing both fiction and nonfiction for years. She has a Master of Fine Arts from Spalding University and her short fiction has been published in literary magazines and anthologies. She served as the lead editor on Luxist.com for six years writing about real estate, auctions, jewelry and luxury goods and currently writes for Pursuitist.com and JustLuxe.com.

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Review – Tower: An Epic History of the Tower of London by Nigel Jones

Tower: An Epic History of the Tower of London by Nigel Jones: review

The Tower of London’s manifestation as an exit-through-the-gift-shop tourist attraction is nothing new. In the early 17th century, crowds gathered on the wharf to catch a glimpse of imprisoned national hero Sir Walter Raleigh taking his constitutional on the terrace still known as Raleigh’s walk.

Long before it was famed as a prison, the Tower was known as a public menagerie, though medieval standards of care left much to be desired. It was the best available in animal welfare when Henry VII complained at seeing two mastiffs set loose on a lion. He ordered the dogs to be hanged for having the effrontery to “with such villainy assault the lion, the king of all beasts”.

Read the rest of the review at Tower: An Epic History of the Tower of London by Nigel Jones: review – Telegraph.

Review by Jad Adams – Telegraph
Tower: An Epic History of the Tower of London by Nigel Jones on Amazon.com

Chris Rivait

Chris loves history and hopes that Yesteeyear becomes a place where everyone can share their history knowledge. Chris owns an Internet Marketing company, Arrivait Marketing. He has a wonderful wife and four great children.