"The Fall of Fortresses" by Elmer Bendiner, G.P. Putnam' Sons, New York, 1980.

There are three themes to this book: (1) Personal Memoir (2) Refutation of Strategic Bombing and (3) Experiences of Anti-Semitism. On the first level, this is the personal story of Elmer Bendiner as a navigator in a B17 during the crucial campaign year of 1943. Mr. Bendiner relates how he became a navigator, the inconsistencies of life in the Army Air Corps and the difficulties of flying to bomb an enemy target. His writing has a light tone, almost forgiving, even when he discusses critical incidents, such as his pilot aborting too many times.

The second theme begins the book, as E. Bendiner recounts the mission against Schweinfurt, August 17, 1943. Then, throughout the book, Mr. Bendiner develops a case against strategic bombing, even though, at the time, it appeared logical to strike the ball bearing factories at Schweinfurt ...and all the other targets that were indispensable for the German war effort. He even quotes Albert Speer, Hitler's Minister for Production, to show that strategic bombing was not as effective as the generals were claiming.

Finally, the third theme, Anti-Semitism, is implicit through out the book. Bendiner first became aware of it when, as young boy, he lived in the "...Appalachian isolation of ...Pennsylvania" and the Ku Klux Klan had as ritualistic enemies a "...handful of Jews, Catholics and very few blacks." (P. 30). You slowly become aware that Mr. Bendiner is Jewish. He even makes light of this when he relates that his "...Armenian friend, the son of a Christian minister but blessed with an aquiline nose of majestic proportions" bore the brunt of the anti-Semite jokes. (P. 37) It is only at the end of the book that you realize how important being Jewish was to E. Bendiner, as he describes walking away from an officer who had insulted "your people".

This is an excellent book, well written and a worthy personal story that documents the experiences of one man in the Army Air Corps of World War II.

As a writer and historian who is currently reading one book after another on the air war waged by the 8th and 15th Air Forces over Europe, I am amazed at how each book brings something new and valuable to the rich literature on the topic. Elmer Bendiner brings several unique angles to the literature, and this makes his book well worth reading. First, he brings the prose style of a writer and poet, content not to merely tell the story by stringing words together. This may make the book a little less accessable to some who look only for a good story, but for those willing to contemplate the subtleties of language, the reward is great. Second, though the book follows Bendiner's whole tour, it focuses on Second Schweinfurt, a particularly brutal mission, and Bendiner is not content to tell the story of Second Schweinfurt or any of his other missions merely from his viewpoint at the time, limited as it had to be. He has researched the motivations for the strategy of daylight precision bombing, delved into the personalities of the leaders, both political and military, and, where he feels necessary, he voices his own thoughts on the wisdom or errors made by the men at the top who made the decisions that, one way or another, ended up sending men to their deaths. Third, Bendiner spends time developing the characters of his crewmates, in particular his pilot and bombadier (Bendiner was a navigator). These character studies are well-drawn and fascinating. Bendiner flew in '43, a year when the Luftwaffe still ruled the skies. Fighter escort was primitive and extremely limited. Unescorted, the B-17's and B-24's were no match for the fighters of the Luftwaffe. Bendiner's crew had its share of hairy missions. On one, they are forced to ditch in the Channel and float, seasick and with diminishing hopes, for hours hoping for rescue. Bendiner has just found out he is a father, and his crewmates vote to try for England even though it would be safer to bail out or fly to Switzerland--the decision made by the crew is an unselfish one made so that Bendiner can see his new child sooner. A touching scene in the book, and a frightening one, for survival was by no means assured and all the men knew it. Unfortunately, this book is out of print at present. I found the copy at the public library, and I imagine any larger library would have access to it. Also, used copies are available through Amazon.com. I highly recommend this book and feel it is well worth the effort to track it down.

As someone who knew the late Adolf Galland and the authors, this book is a most honest representation of his life in both war and peace. The importance of his strife, both in the air and on the ground with Hitler and Goering, as well as his post war success are inspiring. A book that should be read by all who enjoy reading about the human experience.

A very fascinating and interesting book. From the time he grew up in Westerholt, Germany and entered the Luftwaffe, and his activities after the war, was very descriptive and very easy to read. It did not become bogged down with non essential details that tend to make biographies difficult to read. I would recommend this book to anyone

My whole family loved this very special and heartwarming version of A Fisherman and His Wife. The illustrations are a joy to look at again and again. They are filled with color, humor, spendid detail, and are literally spilling out of the pages. We especially Love the rainbow lobsters and, of course, the cats, as the main characters. A book full of energy, wisedom and integrity-one of my all time favorite picture books!

A well written book. It reminds you what is important in life. The drawings are vivid and full of life. I especially liked the drawings of the brown tiger striped cat, Ragnar. He reminds me of my own cat. Excellent reading for childen of all ages.

I plan on going to Europe soon, and hopefully, this guide will make it a smoother trip than the one I made to the eastern bloc some years ago.

This is a true story. During this trip I drove all the way from Germany to Bulgaria and Romania on the Black Sea back in 1981, which was interesting, because I got to see all the eastern bloc countries before the wall came down 10 years later.

I was in Sophia trying to ask a Bulgarian policemen where I could buy a map, which in Russian sounds like "Gedzye ya pokupaiyu carteeriye? and instead I pointed to the phrase in the Russian phrasebook which said, "Where can I find a mild laxative?" He gave me a look that indicated I hadn't quite communicated my real intent, and then I noticed where I was pointing in the phrasebook, and I guess the expression on my face did the rest, because at that point he basically realized I didn't know what the hell I was doing.

Anyway, hopefully my next trip will go smoother in the cross-cultural communication department.

This phrasebook should see you through most encounters you are likely to have as a tourist in the German speaking world. Easy to follow and well laid out, it certainly helped me through a recent trip to Germany. Apart from a minor misunderstanding with a Stuttgart hotel clerk whom I mysteriously told "I am not normally flaccid" in response to a routine credit card inquiry, I coped marvellously.

A superbly written guide for students and historians on a little covered subject. Highly reccomended for anyone that has an interest in the more obscure Wehrmacht subjects. RFM

This book has information and pictures of volunters of the German Army in World War II. Members of the 3,000,000 man Russian volunters, the Indian volunters, the Arab volunters, etc... This book can open up new areas of research for you that are not commenly known with WWII buffs..

The "Forgotten Legions" by Antonio J. Munoz appears to be a very-well researched book on obscure units of the Waffen SS. My father fought against the 30th Waffen SS division during the Battle of the Bulge. It was another bulge known as the Colmar Pocket. Munoz shows the divisions formation, training, and problems coming together as a unit of the SS. His documentation and maps are good and you get a real feel for the introduction of the unit into combat. It is interesting to see the fanatacism of the Russian SS troops jumping into and onto the allies tanks. For further information on the unit and the Battle of the Colmar Pocket refer to the website of the ... 36th Infantry Division. I would appreciate the author's e-mail. Mine is GregColmar@hotmail.com

The Forgotten Legions by Antonio J. Munoz appears to be a very-well researched book on obscure units of the Waffen SS. My father fought against the 30th Waffen SS division during the Battle of the Bulge. It was another bulge known as the Colmar Pocket. Munoz shows the divisions formation, training, and problems coming together as a unit of the SS. His documentation and maps are good and you get a real feel for the introduction of the unit into combat. It is interesting to see the fanatacism of the Russian SS troops jumping into and onto the allies tanks. For further information on the unit and the Battle of the Colmar Pocket refer to the website of the ... 36th Infantry Division. I would appreciate the author's e-mail. Mine is GregColmar@hotmail.com

First, I must warn everyone that I have not read the entire book, but was extremely impressed with it after only reading one chapter! I had the pleasure of taking Prof. Neuhouser's class on social and political philosophy; Chapter 2 was cited as secondary reading as a supplement to Rousseau's Second Discourse and Social Contract. Prof. Neuhouser has an uncommon ability in both lecture and print to elucidate the material in such a way as to make it accessible without dumbing it down -- very helpful for someone who has no phil. background (like me!). I couldn't afford to buy a copy of this book right now, but I would if for just the deeper understanding of Rousseau it affords me. I'm sure anyone who has some familiarity with Hegel would be able to appreciate this book all the more!

Frederick Neuhouser has a great talent for bringing out Hegel's meaning. Although he claims only to elucidate Hegel, this work is tantamount to an original contribution to social theory. Specifically, he contributes strongly to understanding the way that state and society can serve as positive conditions for freedom or as parts of freedom itself. Neuhouser does not intentionally take on the claims of the opposing view held by conservative political theorists, but his work indirectly provides one of the most compelling refutations of the subjectivist approach of contemporary conservative political theory that I have ever read. Contemporary political and economic theory are, in my view, in Neuhouser's debt for this enlightening treatment of the social and political realms. Readers will appreciate the fact that he conveys these ideas through graceful prose unmarred by impenetrable jargon.

The Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71 was a dark page in French history, and ended with the destruction of the Second Empire,But even after the surrender and abdication of Napoleon III, the french army continued to battle in the ranks of the Republican armies. The Turcos,The chasseur's d'Afrique,The foreign Legion, The infanterie Legere d'Afrique and the Spahis with a detachment of Papal Zouaves which was dispatched by Pius IX to aid France in the conflict were ready to continue the fighting. Despite the disastrous result of the war, the republican troops took the arms and decide not to surrender but The newly raised republican armys had no chance against the german troops.In January Paris surrendered. This Book covers the last part of the Second Empire with information on the uniforms,eigth full color plates with black and white photos. If you are interesting in the FRANCO-PRUSSIAN WAR you can also consider the Next Titles The Debacle by Emile Zola, Art, War and Revolution in France, 1870-1871, and a Beautiful title from the master of illustration L'Armee Francaise : An Illustrated History of the French Army, 1790-1885(Edoaurd Detaille)

The Second Empire has become a more and more popular period of study for many uniform and military historians. This is the first of two books depicting uniforms of Napoleon III's Imperial Guard troops. the Zouaves,Voltigeurs of the Imperial Guard and many more plates from the Imperial troops

In July 1870, France declared war on Prussia in part over a disagreement about a Prussian prince accepting the crown of Spain. By September 1870, a French army had been defeated, Emperor Napoleon III captured at Sedan, France declared a republic, and Paris under siege. In January 1871, Wilhelm I of Prussia was crowned Kaiser Wilhelm I of a unified Germany at Versailles, Paris fell, and France surrendered, losing Alsace and Lorraine and forced to pay huge reparations. Otto von Bismarck, Chancellor of Prussia since 1862, and now Germany, subsequently sought to keep France isolated to prevent the recovery of Alsace and Lorraine.

The Second Empire, under Napoleon III, was a reaction against the bourgeois age of the previous ruler King Louis Philippe in spirit as well as in deed. The army, elevated from tactful obscurity, was re-modelled on Napoleonic lines, and its neglected iconography revived in the form of the eagle, the crowned 'N' and the Imperial bee. What was needed to complete the resurrection was victory in the field. It is hardly surprising that Napoleon and the army were mindful of the great Napoleonic traditions and were anxious to emulate them. Their first real opportunity came with the Crimean War, in which, despite a muddled campaign, the army acquitted itself well. In 1859 it was again successful, against the Austrians this time, with costly victories at Magenta and Solferino. Their next adventure, unfortunately, ended in a humiliating withdrawal, after a protracted anti-guerrilla struggle in Mexico. Meanwhile, back in Europe, Prussia was fast emerging as a challenge to France's military pre-eminence. In concert with Austria, Bismarck first crushed Denmark before turning on Austria herself. The victory at Sadowa in 1866 stunned Europe, and in Paris Napoleon and his advisers set to thinking of a way to counter this new threat. In this first of two volumes looking at the French Army of the Franco-Prussian War, Stephen Shann and Louis Delperier examine the history, organisation and weapons of the French Imperial troops.

Remember there are two volumes this is the Imperial troops there is also the republican troops

This book was orignially a doctoral dissertation that investigates the processes the Bundeswehr developed to assimilate the National VolksArmee (NVA) when Germany was reunited in 1990. That the plan was an outstanding success is attributed to Auftragstaktik (Mission Oriented Orders) and the idea that equals work with equals. There is a wealth of detail on the mindset of the NVA and what education needed to be in place to assist their transition to a western democracy and market economy, plus one of the best definitions of Auftragstaktik I've ever seen in military literature. Also, the rationale behind disposing of an immense amount of NVA equipment is illustrated. Interestingly, the author makes the point that the former NVA absorbed into the Bundeswehr have probably made that organization more mentally prepared for out-of-area operations than it would otherwise be. Anyone working with the new NATO or PfP countries, and especially those on a Joint Contact Team will benefit from the insights the author gleans from the Bundeswehr participants in the "Take Over". I would highly recommend that members of the S. Korean military read this book, as they may well be dealing with these issues in the coming decade. The work would, however, benefit from an update-it's been 10 years since reunification: has the Take Over worked well, or are there "two Bundeswehrs"? Given the Bundeswehr's draw-down is the influence of the former NVA correspondingly greater? Or, were former NVA targeted for separation/retirement under the current reduction? These questions would make an already superb resource even more relevant to the socio-political events in Germany and Europe. Highly recommended for military analysts and students of international relations.

This is an excellent book. While the subject matter may not whet the every intellectual appetite, if you're interested in European politics (specifically German affairs), the Cold War, and military history, this book is a must read. There's no Clancy-esque story line, however the principled academic path followed by the author thoroughly explores all aspects of German military integration. The copious number of interviews only add credibility to Zilian's conclusions. Interestingly, as today's business environment is dominated by mergers and acquisitions, the book's wisdom can be appreciated by an aspiring CEO.

This book is a beautiful book about German photographer Germain Krull. Her career spanned the 20th century and several continents. Her work during the 1920s in Paris helped shape the modern photographic style, and Kim Sichel's writing about this photographer is clear and insightful. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in influential women or in photography.

I was on the Maine Photographic Workshop's 1999 Golden Light Award committee (with photographers Slyvia Plachy and Len Jenshel, in April 2000), and we voted this best retrosepctive photography book of 1999. It's a comprehensive, lively, and engagingly designed overview of this intriguiing but little-known artist's work. Our critieria: books we'd want to have on our shelves at home. Coming from a photo book publisher, 'nuff said.