Discover Legally Popular Titles Full Audiobooks in History, Military

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Title: Soldiers of Reason

Subtitle: The Rand Corporation and the Rise of the American Empire

Author: Alex Abella

Narrator: Peter Larkin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-02-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 34 votes

Genres: History, Military

Publisher's Summary:

The first-ever popular history of the RAND Corporation, written with full access to its archives, Soldiers of Reason is a page-turning chronicle of the rise of the secretive think tank that has been the driving force behind American government for 60 years. Born in the wake of World War II as an idea factory to advise the air force on how to wage and win wars, RAND quickly became the creator of Americas anti-Soviet nuclear strategy

.A magnet for the best and the brightest, its ranks included Cold War luminaries such as Albert Wohlstetter, Bernard Brodie, and Herman Kahn, who arguably saved us from nuclear annihilation and unquestionably created Eisenhowers military-industrial complex.In the Kennedy era, RAND analysts became McNamaras Whiz Kids and their theories of rational warfare steered our conduct in Vietnam. Those same theories drove our invasion of Iraq 45 years later, championed by RAND affiliated actors such as Paul Wolfowitz, Donald Rumsfeld, and Zalmay Khalilzad. But RANDs greatest contribution might be its least known: rational choice theory, a model explaining all human behavior through self-interest. Through it RAND sparked the Reagan-led transformation of our social and economic system but also unleashed a resurgence of precisely the forces whose existence it denied religion, patriotism, tribalism.

With Soldiers of Reason, Alex Abella has rewritten the history of Americas last half century and cast a new light on our problematic present.

Critic Reviews:

"Well-researched... Kudos to Abella." (San Francisco Chronicle)

"[R]evealing and original... Abella does an excellent job ferreting out details... Abella's book is an introduction to the broad range of ideas RAND has espoused." (Chalmers Johnson, Asia Times)

Members Reviews:

The Alliance of Geniuses and Generals

I am SO lucky I rolled the dice on this one. This book hides from us because we don???t really know what it is. To help classify the book, I would describe it as American History since 1940 through the lens of whiz kids at war. To me, this book revealed an American phenomenon. All through history warfare has been mainly the domain of conquerors, of tough guys, of bullies, and bandits???of men of force. But here, in America we brought in the nerds, the guys whose test scores made them carnival freaks or social outcasts. We brought them in on an industrial level and militarized their math. Here, our generals and geniuses made an alliance, and in their efforts to win World War II, they accidentally created an empire. We invented the supersmart superpower. How many bombs will it take to destroy a Nazi stronghold? They???ll tell you. Should the US drop an atomic bomb or invade with ground troops? They???ll tell you, even if the answer is horrifying. The world now has a powerful military, assisted by the cold research of geniuses, and equipped with the highest technology. The book is plain fascinating...

An interesting history of a remarkable institution

A history of the RAND corporation would normally not be at the top of my reading list, but the book title and editor's summaries made it appealing enough to try it, plus all the other audiobooks I had been listening to were political commentary, so I wanted a change to something more factual, as opposed to opinionated and agenda-driven.

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Title: Operation Kronstadt

Subtitle: The Greatest True Tale of Espionage to Come Out of the Early Years of MI6

Author: Harry Ferguson

Narrator: Gideon Emery

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-11-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 83 votes

Genres: History, Military

Publisher's Summary:

The True Story of Honor, Espionage, and the Rescue of Britain's Greatest Spy, The Man with a Hundred Faces

Part Blackhawk Down, part The Riddle of the Sands, former MI6 officer Harry Ferguson has written an extraordinarily gripping non-fiction thriller. Operation Kronstadt not only reveals the early days of intelligence services but also uncovers a truly dramatic story from the Russian Revolution involving a daring rescue attempt and a "mission impossible" against the best defended naval target in Russia.

By May 1919, when the power struggle between former Tsarists and Bolsheviks hangs in the balance, the only British agent in Russia is trapped and in mortal danger. Mansfield Cumming (alias "the first C") dreams up an audacious - probably suicidal - plan to rescue him, and a young naval officer is sent with a specially selected team into the jaws of the Soviet fleet. This is the remarkable true story of the spy Paul Dukes (the only MI6 officer to be knighted for work in the field) and Gus Agar, whose extraordinary escapade won him the Victoria Cross.

Critic Reviews:

"Ferguson's account of both sets of operations is exciting and his enthusiasm is infectious." (Sunday Telegraph, London)

"A tale of adventure, honor, and raw courage quite as exciting as anything found in fiction." (The Daily Mail)

Members Reviews:

Gripping Story

Wonderfully written...kept me on the edge of my seat. The best thing is it's a true story. Very well read too.

A hidden gem is discovered...

A great description of a little-known chapter of the times of the Bolshevik revolution. The research is excellent and gave life to the events and characters that not only shaped but also were shaped by them. The pictures of the people, politics and events in London and Russia are matched by vivid descriptions of the challenges of running networks in a hostile and difficult place.

I admit to a special curiosity, having visited the island of Kronstadt in 1992 as so much of the Former Soviet Union changed. Even then, Kronstadt was a "special" place with a proud and special history. This book and the excellent narration are worthy of the actual events.

One of the best

Where does Operation Kronstadt rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

I have read many spy stories and this is one of the best.

What did you like best about this story?

The characters

Have you listened to any of Gideon Emerys other performances before? How does this one compare?

I do not know the answer to this question.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Pretty close.... I could not wait to get back to it.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend to any reader that likes spy thrillers.

Gripping story!

Would you consider the audio edition of Operation Kronstadt to be better than the print version?

Excellent narration. Better than print.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Operation Kronstadt?

The story of Francis Cromie is is little known. My grandfather was one of the embassy staff that witnessed his murder. This event and the incredible story that follows has shed light on this era for me and exposed it to the world.

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Title: Armistice Day

Subtitle: Crime, War & Conflict

Author: iMinds

Narrator: Ellouise Rothwell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-17-09

Publisher: iMinds

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: History, Military

Publisher's Summary:

Learn about Armistice Day with iMinds insightful audio knowledge series. Armistice Day is a day put aside to commemorate the ceasefire which effectively ended the "Great War", as World War One was previously known. It happened at 11 am on 11 November 1918. The Allied Forces - made up of the United Kingdom, the Russian empire, France, Belgium, Canada, Australia, Italy, New Zealand, Japan, Portugal, and the US - were the victorious against the Central Powers. The Central Powers - made up of the German empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Kingdom of Bulgaria - appealed for an armistice as their resources and manpower were being run down by the onslaught of the Allied Forces.

The word "armistice" signifies only a temporary ceasefire. However, the armistice that took place on 11 November 1918 ended the fighting of World War One for good, with the necessary negotiations for peace taking place soon afterwards.

Perfect to listen to while commuting, exercising, shopping or cleaning the house.. iMinds brings knowledge to your MP3 with 8 minute information segments to whet your mental appetite and broaden your mind.

iMinds offers 12 main categories; become a Generalist by increasing your knowledge of Business, Politics, People, History, Pop Culture, Mystery, Crime, Culture, Religion, Concepts, Science and Sport. Clean and concise, crisp and engaging, discover what you never knew you were missing.

iMinds is the knowledge solution for the information age cutting through the white noise to give you quick, accurate knowledge .. Perfect your dinner party conversation, impress your boss - an excellent way to discover topics of interest for the future.

Editorial Reviews:

iMinds instructs listeners on the history of Armistice Day, observed globally on November 11th, though in the United States it is called Veteran's Day while nations in the Commonwealth celebrate Remembrance Day. Armistice Day commemorates the ceasefire of November 11, 1918, which marked the victory of the Allied Forces over the Central Powers that ended the Great War. Elouise Rothwell details the events that led to the armistice agreement, and her respectful tone projects a great dignity that fits this holiday that celebrates the end of the world's first large-scale conflict.

Critic Reviews:

"I'm learning all sorts of stuff about stuff I didn't even know I didn't know. And it sticks. In a nutshell: wonderful." (Jonathon Margolis, Financial Times)

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Title: Shadows in the Jungle

Subtitle: The Alamo Scouts Behind Japanese Lines in World War II

Author: Larry Alexander

Narrator: Norman Dietz

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-10-09

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 57 votes

Genres: History, Military

Publisher's Summary:

Throughout the years 1944 and 1945, the Scouts performed a wide array of special operations, many of them classified for decades after the war. More than just a recon and intelligence outfit, the Scouts also conducted rescue missions to recover captured military and civilian prisoners from Japanese camps, organized and supplied guerrilla freedom fighters, and provided protection for General MacArthur himself. They completed at least 107 known missions against superior numbers of enemy troops, but not a single Scout was killed or captured.

Writing with the narrative power usually found in a novel, Larry Alexander takes listeners in the footsteps of the men who made up the elite reconnaissance unit that served as General MacArthur's eyes and ears in the Pacific War. Drawing from personal interviews and testimonies from Scout veterans, Alexander weaves together the tales of the individual Scouts, who often spent weeks behind enemy lines to complete their missions. Now, more than 60 years after the war, the story of the Alamo Scouts has finally been told.

Editorial Reviews:

Shadows in the Jungle: The Alamo Scouts Behind Japanese Lines in World War II

is yet another incredible story of All-American derring-do by the fabled "greatest generation". The Alamo Scouts completed the kind of improbable, perfectly executed reconnoitering now reserved for the Navy Seals. The difference? Like so many heroes of that time, the scouts were hardly bulked up, ultra-elite supermen - they were a somewhat ragtag group of volunteers who would go on to live ordinary lives as workaday American family men. Narrator Norman Dietz brings a sepia-toned warmth to this story of American heroism.

Critic Reviews:

"One of those rare works of nonfiction that does indeed read like a novel and also sheds light on a heroic and almost unknown group of men." (Michael Korda)

Members Reviews:

Vividly Written and Enjoyable

Larry Alexander does a great job taking the reader into the jungle along with these Alamo Scouts. The stories are vivid and many of the accounts are riveting page turners. The narration by Norman Dietz is very solid and adds to the enjoyability of this book. Where the book goes wrong is that it takes the shape of a public relations effort. Everyone is heroic and everyone is mentioned. Many of the accounts, especially early in the book, could have been ommitted but the author appears to want to make sure to include everyone no matter how inconsequential. With some editing this would have been a great book, but it is still very good reading.

Shadows In The Jungle.

I found this to be an interesting book. You could say this is where the Seals, Recon Teams and other units got their start. I would recomend this book to others.

A Tale of Grand Heroism Too Long Neglected

Although the legendary Alamo Scouts didn't suffer a single combat-related fatality as they slogged through the unforgiving and inhospitable islands of the South Pacific, time is now doing what the Japanese army and the dangers of the jungle were unable to do, and the few Alamo Scouts remaining are old men. It's fitting then, that in the twilight of their years (much of the information about the Scouts wasn't declassified until the late 1980s), these brave men are finally getting some of the recognition they deserve.

This is a great story about ordinary men who push themselves to do great things.

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Title: We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land

Author: Jimmy Carter

Narrator: Jimmy Carter

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-20-09

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 17 votes

Genres: History, Military

Publisher's Summary:

Carter describes the history of previous peace efforts and why they fell short. He argues persuasively that the road to a peace agreement is now open and that it has broad international and regional support. Most of all, since there will be no progress without courageous and sustained U.S. leadership, he says the time for progress is now. President Barack Obama is committed to a personal effort to exert that leadership, starting early in his administration.

This is President Carter's call for action, and he lays out a practical and doable path to peace.

Members Reviews:

Wisdom Literature

Here Jimmy Carter provides a useful and succinct survey of the Israeli Palestinian conflict, with a a review of efforts that have been made to achieve peace, and a list of practical proposals for future realization.

His book, appeared just as the Gaza assault, "Cast Lead" was concluding. At the time the title of this book appeared to be unrealistic, given that the outbreak of violence made peace seem ever more remote.

The title "We Can Have Peace.." in this context is an expression of defiance; it defies the ill will of those who would obviate the prospects for peace. Carter is convinced that an informed and determined American leadership can make a positive difference, even as the horizon seems unremittingly bleak. Thus the book is, both a guide for the perplexed, and a briefing for the new President.

His advice conforms closely to those who have anonymously toiled for the cause of peace. Carter endorsed and encouraged the Geneva Accords, the agreement that was the outcome of a tough negotiating process between seasoned Israeli and Palestinian representatives, which aimed to create an agreement that respected the security requirements of all concerned. No American leader has demonstrated such commitment to this vital cause.

Jimmy Carter is not a professional reader, but this reading was clear. I appreciated that it was his voice speaking. It gave the sense of being directly addressed by an eminent personage who is both earnest and brilliant, who has been fastidious in taking detailed notes of pertinent information that he is determined to share with you.

I would recommend this book to those least likely to think it is for them, but have an avid interest in the middle east and are seriously concerned about peace and the practical measures that have to be taken for its achievement.

Jimmy should NOT have read this

I'd probably get the 'book' rather than the audio version. Jimmy is starting to slur his words too much and it makes listening a little less enticing. The content is pretty good, and the maps are available on Audible it says [although I haven't seen them, nor looked yet], but like Peace or Apartheid it probably makes more sense to get the 'book' with the appendixes to refer to, especially since they are both quick reads.

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Title: The Bitter Road to Freedom

Subtitle: A New History of the Liberation of Europe

Author: William I. Hitchcock

Narrator: Mel Foster

Format: Unabridged

Length: 18 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-07-09

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 29 votes

Genres: History, Military

Publisher's Summary:

In this brilliant new book, historian William I. Hitchcock surveys the European continent from D-Day to the final battles of the war and the first few months of the peace. Based on exhaustive research in five nations and dozens of archives, Hitchcock's groundbreaking account shows that the liberation of Europe was both a military triumph and a human tragedy of epic proportions.

Hitchcock gives voice to those who were on the receiving end of liberation, moving them from the edge of the story to the center. From France to Poland to Germany, from concentration camp internees to refugees, farmers to shopkeepers, husbands and wives to children, the experience of liberation was often difficult and dangerous. Their gratitude was mixed with guilt or resentment. Their lives were difficult to reassemble.

This strikingly original, multinational history of liberation brings to light the interactions of soldiers and civilians, the experiences of noncombatants, and the trauma of displacement and loss amid unprecedented destruction. This book recounts a surprising story, often jarring and uncomfortable, and one that has never been told with such richness and depth.

Today, with American soldiers once again waging wars of liberation in faraway lands, this book serves as a timely and sharp reminder of the terrible human toll exacted by even the most righteous of wars.

Editorial Reviews:

In a story about the liberation of Europe during WWII, the author places a sad and shocking focus on the suffering of civilians caught among the warring armies. Instead of concentrating on the movement of troops or war strategy, Hitchcock investigates such subjects as hunger, rape, and postwar internment. At first, narrator Mel Foster sounds stilted and emotionless. However, in a short while, his voice moves to the background as the author's appealing knack for prose takes the limelight in a story filled with eloquent word pictures. Foster's French far exceeds his skill with German. His narration on the writings of Ernie Pyle, the most famous war correspondent, may be the best part of his performance.

Members Reviews:

Revisionist History in the GOOD sense of the word

There are audiobooks that make you laugh out loud in public but this one had me in tears on the subway more than once. Fortunately, the reader had an academic style, which kept the book from being even more difficult to bear. The book is also academic in nature with distinct chapters devoted to various populations. In addition to actually learning a lot of history, what I got from the book was a sense that I (and a lot of other people who grew up in the '50s) had been effectively brainwashed - the book contrasts press presentations such as those of The Allies entering Paris with the lack of information on the misery and devastation on the Normandy front, the starvation of Holland, and a number of other situations in which 'the little people' felt the pain of the efforts underway to free them from Nazi rule ranging from actual bombing to misplaced political and military decisions. Not an easy read, but a must read for anyone attempting to understand WWII and the years that followed (up to the future for that matter).

Illunminating

Any additional comments?

Wonderful listen and gripping account of WWII through a western lens.

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Title: A Dawn Like Thunder

Subtitle: The True Story of Torpedo Squadron Eight

Author: Robert J. Mrazek

Narrator: Dick Hill

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-02-08

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 102 votes

Genres: History, Military

Publisher's Summary:

Robert J. Mrazek paints moving portraits of the men in the squadron and exposes a shocking cover-up that cost many lives. Filled with thrilling scenes of battle, betrayal, and sacrifice, A Dawn Like Thunder is destined to become a classic in the literature of World War II.

Critic Reviews:

"[Mazrek's] massive original research has produced a richly detailed story that never flags.... An admirable addition to the histories of air battles that turned the tide against the Japanese." (Kirkus)

Members Reviews:

Excellent story well told

I really enjoyed this book detailing the incredible story and sacrifice of "Torpedo 8" at Midway and Guadacanal. The story is told from the point of view of the men who lived it, in the style of a Stephen Ambrose book. I much preferred this to anything by Ambrose, who is just OK as a story teller. This book, together with The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailor, are my two favorite books on the War in the Pacific. If you enjoy the day to day, play by play, tale of the men who fought and died in that theater, you will love this book. 5 stars.

A good account

I listen to a lot of military history, and this stands out as one of the more enjoyably written books I've listened to in a while. The author strikes a decent balance between his narrative and the historical events, and, importantly, continually interjects personal details and minutia that make the men of Torpedo 8 come alive.

I finished the book feeling like I knew some of these guys, and wanted to hear more about them. Well done. I'll seek out other books by this author in the future. And I'll be heading to the war museum in nearby Fredricksburg to get a good close-up look at the Avenger they have there.

Fine Reading and Listening Pleasure

From the first page to the last Robert Mrazek brings to life this small group of fliers and support sailors of Torpedo 8 who lived and died through the early key naval campaigns in WWII. The author's rich narrative and narrator Dick Hill's sympathetic voice weaves the listener into the action in a way not often accomplished by historical works. Hill's reading of the material is exactly right in tone from carrier ready room to fierce combat action and his use of dialect for the various sailors seems perfect throughout. For the history reader, this is a wonderful work that informs as well as entertains while at the same time being a fitting tribute to the men who gave their lives and years in their historic struggle in the Pacific.

Perfect

Well written, great story and very deeply researched. This is a must read for WW2 aviation buffs.

Best historical testament of VT 8 and command

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Best historical testament of VT 8 and command performance. Details the average american turned warrior. Not the best equipment, training or leadership. The squadron leaders at the spear end lead by example and combined with the individual warrior won the day.

What other book might you compare A Dawn Like Thunder to and why?

Kokada

Which scene was your favorite?

Bert Ernest return to base after the battle of Midway

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Only the brave showed up

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Title: Danger's Hour

Subtitle: The Story of the USS Bunker Hill and the Kamikaze Pilot Who Crippled Her

Author: Maxwell Taylor Kennedy

Narrator: Michael Prichard

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 18 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-01-08

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 42 votes

Genres: History, Military

Publisher's Summary:

The book details the story of the ship herself (a technological marvel), her crew, and her kamikaze adversaries. Maxwell Taylor Kennedy shows how crucial this battle was to victory in the Pacific, even though it was overshadowed by the almost simultaneous surrender of the Nazis in Europe. With this extensive research, Kennedy tells the human story on both sides of the battle.

Critic Reviews:

"A spellbinding account showing that much more than geopolitics was at stake in the Pacific war." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Great Story - but difficult to listen to...

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes - - The story of Bunker Hill and all the background is well-worth knowing, especially for fans of the US Navy during WW II

What other book might you compare Danger's Hour to and why?

The First Team - - Another view of the pilots and the Air Wing that accomplished so much in 1944/45 in the Pacific.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

- Irritating mis-pronunciations of words that Naval Aviators would know.

- A very strange sing-song delivery that detracted greatly from the well-crafted words.

Was Danger's Hour worth the listening time?

Maybe - I would have preferred to read it myself.

Lots of Potential

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

The book had a lot of potential. The premise was good and there is certainly a wealth of information available to make this a great read. Unfortunately the book falls down because the author does not know his subject.

What was most disappointing about Maxwell Taylor Kennedys story?

While the book appears to be decently researched, the author lacks familiarity with his core subject, aircraft carrier operations. I only listened to the first three or so hours of the book, and there were so many historical and factual errors that it was too painful to go on. For example, in describing the battle of Midway he describes how the US carrier torpedo bombers were all shot down, and goes on a little later to describe how the torpedo bombers bombed the Japanese carriers (it was American dive bombers). The errors like this went on and on. It was clear he did not understand the subject.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narration seemed to be at a slow pace, but this may have been because of the writing pace of the book.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment and anger. I have studied the War in the Pacific for over 40 years, and this was my area of concentration for my degree. I was very disappointed that the book was so poorly written. It made me angry that I wasted a credit to purchase it.

Any additional comments?

I wanted to like this book. It was of a subject I like to read (or listen), and I kept hoping it would get better. Instead I just want those hours of my life back.

Danger's Hour.

I liked this Book. I found it very interesting and kept my interest. I would recommend it to anyone.

Outstanding research

Would you listen to Danger's Hour again? Why?

Yes. I enjoyed the presentation and information contained in this book. Outstanding research on a ship, its crew and the opposing kamikaze pilots who attacked their ship.

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Title: Hard Tack and Coffee

Subtitle: Or, The Unwritten Story of Army Life

Author: John D. Billings

Narrator: Edward Lewis

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-14-08

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 14 votes

Genres: History, Military

Publisher's Summary:

Originally published in 1888, Hard Tack and Coffee is the fascinating account of the everyday life of a foot soldier in the U.S. Army of 100 years ago. John Billings describes all aspects of a soldier's life, including living quarters, foraging, wagon trains, offenses and punishments, equipment, transportation, food, hospitals, and much more. This is a detailed, comprehensive, and highly absorbing resource on the common soldier's life in the Civil War army.

Critic Reviews:

"Billings not only presents his own experiences but also describes what he learns from other soldiers. His account is often full of humor as he describes soldiers' rations, fights with lice, and camp songs." (

AudioFile)"One of the most entertaining of all Civil War books." (

Henry Steele Commager)

Members Reviews:

A must for Civil War fans and reenactors doing 1st Person

Back years past this book was suggested reading for members of the reenacting unit of the 3rd Michigan, Company A. I miss those guys and that unit.

Everybody in the unit did read this book and it was indeed a pleasure to read, at a few campfires for the reenactors the book was a topic of discussion. Hard Tack and Coffee was written about 23 years after the events in the Civil War. Some people think you forget things. No, this reviewer did active duty tours and can say he remembers some things that happened in the military like they were from yesterday. So, the typical reader will just enjoy the narriation of the author. The typical reader will be transported back to muddy camps, bad coffee, dusty marches, and bad food.

What will strike a person is basically how "mob like" both sides were in the Civil War. This isn't like the modern military that has an excess of rules and regulations with an additional Army of inspectors to make this true. These were mostly country folks organized into a military with officers who were learning how to do it on the job.

I liked the narriation on the food, marching, and what general camp life was like. Additionally, the writer is very verbose and it sort of reminds me of the speaking of the characters in the mini-series,Deadwood: The Complete Series.

With the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War a typical reader of this book will be transported back to a soldier's life in an Union Army Camp.

Re-enactor Must Read

If you are a civil war re-enactor, this needs to be the first book you read. A must read. And it's fun! While many books take the big view of major battles and strategies, this guy talks about camp life where soldiers spent most of their time. Covers everything from coffee rations, lice, punishment detail, tents, etc.

Great Buy

Great value and exceptional service!

Suggested reading for Civil War Buffs.

Anybody interested in the Civil War should have a copy of this book. It provides more insight into those times than any other book I've read, and I've read a lot. Most authors only deal with the senior officers, and various strategies. This one deals with the life of a common soldier.

Five Stars

A must-read for any Civil War re-enactor.

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Title: The Modern Scholar: High Seas, High Stakes: Naval Battles That Changed History

Author: Timothy B. Shutt

Narrator: Timothy B. Shutt

Format: Original Recording

Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-14-08

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 35 votes

Genres: History, Military

Publisher's Summary:

Naval battles have long captured the popular imagination, from confrontations between Athens and Sparta in the ancient world to the epic conflicts that took place during the World Wars and beyond.

In this riveting series of lectures, Professor Timothy B. Shutt of Kenyon College explores the naval battles that have helped to establish empires and have changed history.

Throughout the course of world events, as trade and commerce grew in importance and nations became ever more dependent on the import and export of all manner of goods, control of the world's waterways and shipping lanes became a key determinant in which nations reigned supreme. As demonstrated so aptly in the World Wars, blockades at sea can strangle a nation as effectively as sieges laid against walled cities of old. With studied insight into the events that have shaped the world over the millennia, Professor Shutt imparts an understanding and appreciation for the importance of naval warfare in world history - and of the grandeur and daring that define these awe-inspiring clashes.

Members Reviews:

I Agree with Chris and Matthew...to a Point

"Intellectually sloppy". "Lacking insights". Very true.

Unlike Professor Shutt's lectures on Hebrews, Greeks and Romans or his masterful guided tour through Dante's Hell, Purgatory and Heaven, these talks meander. The particular engagements are never placed solidly in their larger military, social or economic contexts. After reviewing the main characteristics of typical naval powers in lecture one, those criteria are seldom referred to again.

Things get better with the lecture on Trafalgar and after--but then I know that period pretty well and may have been filling in the blanks for myself. The section on the Russo-Japanese War was all new material to me and a good grounding for someone who will probably never pick up a book on the subject.

But only once do I recall getting a classic Shutt-like insight: near the end of the lecture on Midway he illustrates the American Way of War (high tech/low casualty) by observing that the winning blow was struck by fewer than 100 men--and that the cutting edge of that force may have numbered only 30. A stunning point that rivets the attention--as Professor Shutt at his best does all the time--and puts the victory in a wholly new light.

But while I agree with Chris and Matthew on all this, I have a confession: I like Professor Shutt. I enjoy his enthusiasm, his delivery, his personality as it comes through the headphones. Sometimes I think if Audible sold a recording of him reading the phone book I'd put it on my Wish List. While I learned very little that was really new, I got a good, solid review of naval history that made the train ride home every night far more enjoyable.

Intellectually and technically sloppy

I expected a survey course, some direction for additional reading. What Shutt delivered was often intellectually slipshod and technically amateurish.

As for the mental laziness on display here: Even in a survey course, I expect a lecturer to know how to pronounce the names of the people and places under discussion, not to guess at them, as Shutt repeatedly does.

In the opening lecture, Shutt suggested that he would explore themes such as the relationship between merchant oligarchies and naval power. Instead, the lectures often delivered score-keeping.