Book Description
In 1774, Richard Bolitho is a newly appointed Third Lieutenant, joining the 28-gun frigate Destiny. Dispatched on a secret mission, Destiny and her company face the hazards of conspiracy, treason, and piracy. It is amidst the broadside battles and clashes of swords that Bolitho learns to accept his new responsibilities as a King's officer.
Customer Reviews:
Historical- Not Nautical Fiction.......2006-07-25
If you like historical fiction, especially fairly light fiction, you'll like this book.
If you are a fan of nautical fiction, you will be disappointed. Alexander Kent goes into very little detail about the mechanics of a ship.
Stand Into Danger.......2006-05-27
I've never written a book review before but this novel has truly inspired me to act.
Stand Into Danger is an imposition on the public.
Mr. Kent uses his fairly extensive knowledge of nautical terms and 18th century british naval life to weave a tale of ever devolving complexity in which every plot twist can be anticipated with a yawn or a scratch of the head.
The 18 year old main character is a junior officer who seemingly succeeds at everything from defeating the captain of rival ships (in single combat) to winning the fair lady despite there being more experienced, successful and senior officers at hand.
The cookie-cutter-stereotype cast of characters exist only to make 3rd Lt. Bolitho have someone to interact with when he's not saving the ship. They seem to have no existence beyond this.
Bolitho faces certain death on several occasions only to be inexplicably rescued by a sailor he befriended, time and time again. The plot makes no sense literally or historically and reads more like some mission of 007, ignoring both nautical tradition and british naval hierachy.
While I enjoy suspending disbelief for the sake of a good adventure, I found it impossible to not guess what would happen next at every turn with this book. Mr. Kent just makes it all too obvious. When I reached the climax of the book,I put it down. I found myself unable to continue or care what happened next. There was no suspense and little adventure.
I recommend that you give this series a miss. It simply isn't worth the time.
Great naval fiction!.......2003-12-07
My family physician brought my attention, in the first place, to Patrick O'Brian's series of books about the adventures of Captain Jack Aubrey of the British Navy in the days of wooden ships and iron men.
I was not new to naval fiction. I cut my teeth on Howard Pease's stories of the merchant marine, which inspired me, directly, to ship out at the age of 16 on an 8,000 ton freighter, in the "black gang," as a fireman. Subsequently, I joined the U.S. Navy on my 17th birthday and eventually I built my own ketch-rigged sailboat, the "Wild Goose," and sailed her on the Pacific with my family.
I am somewhat of a connoisseur of naval fiction, especially as it relates to sailing vessels. The late Patrick O'Brian was a master of the genre, and his details of square riggers sailing rig and of life aboard vessels of the late 18th century were unsurpassed. Many of his actions were taken directly from admiralty records.
Alexander Kent is more of a storyteller, and he does not depend so much on detail of the sailing rig. He is more interested in the story, and his stories are superb! He keeps you reading far into the night to see how it comes out. I would read the books through in one setting, if my schedule allowed. My doctor recommewnded this series, also.
Like O'Brian, Kent (a pseudonym) follows the career of a single extraordinary seaman, Richard Bolitho, from Midshipman on to command. Bolitho began his career at the age of twelve, although the series pick him up at 16, a seasoned midshipman, in the first book of the series (which I have reviewed) "Midshipman Bolitho," in which he is assigned to a 74 gun ship of the line, the Gorgon. "Stand into Danger" picks him up as a third lieutenant on the Destiny, a frigate.
There is plenty of action in both stories. I have the third book in the series, now, and have the fourth on order. That should tell how much I like the series.
Joseph (Joe) Pierre, USN (Ret)
author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance
and other books
One of the better Royal Navy sea yarn series.......2002-10-03
My father introduced me to Horatio Hornblower when I was in junior high and I've been a fan of Napoleonic-era sea yarns ever since. C. S. Forester is still the standard against which I measure later creations, and Alexander Kent stands up very well in that regard. I always try to work out a birthdate for the main character in such a series, so I'll have some idea of the future course of his history and what real events he's likely to bump into. Hornblower was born in 1776, Jack Aubrey around 1770 (I think), and Richard Bolitho in 1756 -- which pretty much takes him out of the later Napoleonic period except as a very senior officer (the last book in the series is set in 1806). Things were quite different at that relatively early period as regards press gangs, construction of ships, international politics, and lots of other factors, which adds to the interest. Specifically, Bolitho is eighteen years old and a newly-appointed Third Lieutenant aboard the Destiny, a frigate armed for war during a time of peace, whose captain is frothing to lay hold of a would-be revolutionary hiding out in the Caribbean. Which provides plenty of room for Bolitho to develop his naval and leadership skills, to become infatuated with another man's wife, and acquire friendships that will last a lifetime -- especially with Stockdale, who will later become his cox'n. The prose is workmanlike and the author spends almost as much time delineating the characters of Captain Dumaresq, First Lieutenant Palliser, and Second Lieutenant Rhodes, all of whom are interesting, and which greatly increases the reader's enjoyment.
Good action yarn.......2001-12-27
Now a 3rd Lt. on a small frigate (without our seeing how he stepped up), the attractive Bolitho sails far from the coast of England into the hot and pirate-infested Caribbean of yore, on a secret mission about which his captain is long mum. There's lots of sailing involved, but little hard seamanship evoked in detail. That is one reason I see Kent's novels as pitched to young adult readers. They focus on rip-roaring risks and adventure, and less on development and the texture of naval life under sail. They have an episodic jerky quality to them rather than smooth story-telling. Every now and then Kent will insert into the flow the thoughts of someone besides Bolitho, although the thoughts are about him.
In the course of chasing a variety of pirates, and traitors who have joined them, the story turns into a treasure hunt. Whether or not they find the gold, Bolitho certainly pursues a love on shore and afloat, with all the wonderful hesitations and false starts of a first true love. Bolitho also makes life-long devoted friends and allies among his crew division, although I wish Kent had shown more often how Bolitho accomplishes that rather than often merely announce it as fact. Only his winning of boxer Stockdale--whom Bolitho rescues while serving as the leader of a hated press gang, of all things--is shown in satisfying detail. On the other hand, Bolitho's staunchness, pluck, and luck are clearly shown to win over other officers, and it is enjoyable to see him grow in skill and authority under the fortunate tutelage of his unusually sympathetic superiors. I place Kent's series as wonderful naval adventure books on the third level, after Forester and O'Brian, then others like Pope, Woodman, and Stockwin. These books published by McBooks have a nice look and feel to them.
Book Description
One year. Six continents. Twenty-two countries. Endless stories to tell.In October 2002, Elliott Hester sold his car, abandoned his apartment, and took off alone on a trip around the world, during which he drifted to more than fifty destinations. Elliott's tales about his travels range from the bizarre to the hilarious to the flat-out shocking.Travel with him as he:* Chases off transvestites in the South Pacific* Gets drunk on Estonian moonshine at the maker's eightieth birthday party* Impersonates Samuel L. Jackson at the 38th International Film Festival in the Czech Republic* Ponders the Finnish tradition of sprinting from steamy sauna to plunge into the frigid Baltic Sea---naked!* And much moreOnly an around-the-world excursion could produce such outlandish, hair-raising, hysterical adventures.And only Elliott Hester could make such vivid observations and write such vibrant insights about life---and people---on the road.
Customer Reviews:
great storytelling.......2007-02-28
I really liked this book, it's one of my favorite in the genre of travel writing, with some very funny stories from the author's travels. I do wish he took more of a postive approach though, it seems nine out of ten stories show the negative side of travel, though I guess it's good to tell it like it is. Highly reccomended for a good laugh!
Great fun to read!.......2006-05-03
I LOVE humorous travel books but they are far and few between. I bought this book on sale and was pleasantly surprised. I laughed my way through the whole book. I will be sure to pick up anything else from him now!
Awesome!!!!!!!.......2006-03-06
I can not say enough about this book. I absolutely loved it. I am a Geography teacher and I am ordering a class set for my classroom. I think my students will fall in love with this book the same way I did. You should buy this book without even thinking twice. You will laugh and learn so much about the world from first hand experience. Enjoy and BUY IT!!!!!!!!!!
Stay single, stay liquid, and travel as much as possible.......2006-01-03
Former flight attendent Elliott Hester takes a leave of absence after the events of 9-11 and opts to take his own journey around the world. We are taken along on the trip with him in an assortment of amusing and embarassing anecdotes. He starts in Miami going to Argentina, South Pacific, Australia, SE Asia, India, North Africa, and into the European countries before landing back home. He regals us with stories of topless Scrabble addicts, Dehli Belly, transvestite islanders, the dangers of driving in other countries, sauna in Finland, impersonating Samuel L Jackson in Czech, and other great stories. He runs continual risks of intenstinal problems and is not above humiliating himself. All in all, this is a splendid book showing you how you too can go across the globe on $60 a day. As with most travelogues, it loses a star because the book would have been benefitted by the inclusion of photos he took on the journey. Fast and easy read, I'll be picking up future books of his.
Laughed my butt off.......2005-12-04
I bought this book at an airport bookstore before a fight from Miami to Paris. Unfortunately for the passengers seated near me, I laughed out loud all the way across the Atlantic. And my laughter is kind of obnoxious, or so my friends say. Some of the stories were so funny I almost wet my pants. Thanks, Hester, for making my flight more enjoyable.
Book Description
The Woman in Black
Every intelligence operative in Washington D.C. knows her name ... but little else.
A tough Navy Seal with a reputation for efficiency, Steve McMillan has heard all the stories about the "world's most glamorous assassin." But nothing prepared him for the goddess in tight black leather who now stands before him. Marlena is his new assignment -- his superiors in the shadow world of secret missions want him to get information and then turn her over. McMillan is the consummate professional, but dealing with this beautiful enigma is playing with fire. To trust her would be crazy -- as crazy as following his burning desire for her to its passionate conclusion.
Because there's something beyond the yearning in her eyes and the inviting softness of her lips. Dark clouds are circling around Marlena Maxwell, drawing Steve along with her into a lethal game of deception and betrayal. And perhaps the deadliest mistake they could both make would be to fall in love ...
Customer Reviews:
Hot Suspense.......2005-07-13
Into Danger is definitely a sexy suspense novel. It starts out primarily as romance and then the suspense part of the story builds. Later comes the action. Followed by even more sex, which I might add is very intense.
If this is any indication of how this new author will write, I can't wait to read her other books. My only recommendation is to approach this novel of it being a romance and not a romantic suspense. It does get suspenseful, but not like you would normally find in the romantic suspense genre. I would compare this author with Cherry Adair's early novels. It has that same feel to it.
Really a three and a half.......2004-06-11
I recently read Ms. Low's book "Facing Fear" and I loved it. So I ordered her first novel "Into Danger", which was a prequel to "Facing Fear". The bad news is I wasn't impressed with it. The good news is that based on her second book she's improved wonderfully!
This book was way too repetitious! Marlena's constant desire to be in control of everyone and everything was way over the top, not to mention annoying! In the real world there is no such thing as control. It's impossible to predict with 100% accuracy how a particular person will react and there are always variables which can change the outcome of any situation. Marlena was way too arrogant and not particularly likeable. I didn't really see a connection between her and Steve beyond the physical. And Steve was just sort of "there".
It's not necessary to read this book in order to get the maximum enjoyment out of "Facing Fear", a book I would highly recommend!
Best Book Ever!.......2003-09-30
This is the best book I have ever read. It had great tension between the two main characters. Usually when I finish a government romance I am disappointed with the ending. Low ended this book with awesome suspense and a lead in to the characters of (hopefully) her next book. I was extremely please with Gennita Low's Into Danger. I can't wait to read her next book.
P.S. The love scenes were hot!!!
Clever, Mysterious, Sexy!.......2003-09-08
Into Danger is a book that is both fresh - and refreshing - all at once. There is nothing ordinary about this debut novel from exciting new author, Gennita Low. From the first page to the last, I found myself completely riveted to the pages, wanting to know what happened next yet afraid to finish the book too soon because I was enjoying it so much! This story has everything a good romance should, but not in a way we are used to reading it. Very strong, yet unquestionably feminine characters are a big part of the reason - and a treat to finally read! The heated tension between the two main characters, Marlena Maxwell and Steve McMillan, begins practically on page one and never diminishes as the story unfolds. Well-developed and interesting secondary characters also add depth and additional mystery to this novel - so much so that I want to read their stories next! I love the new voice this author presents to the romance genre, but would easily recommend that mystery/thriller and espionage readers give this book a try as well. In the tradition of some of the best spy-novel writers, Ms. Low craftily weaves a web of international and homeland intrigue that will keep you guessing to the very end. I rarely ever read a book twice - but I am sure to read this one again, and I am on the edge of my seat for more from this terrific new author! Bravo on a wonderful debut, Ms. Low!
Terrific debut! This one sizzles!.......2003-09-05
...And fair warning: You'll need a sharp mind to enjoy it. If you are used to the same-ol', same-ol' (and boring turns you on)...then step away from this book! Ms. Low takes her readers for quite the wild ride into a new concept of a "black-ops-type" agency. Her style is gritty and unapologetically unique. (Very refreshing). Her love scenes require asbestos gloves for the reader (a welding helmet may help as well), and the story line is charged and exciting.
Ms. Low effortlessly tackles conflicting emotions, making the reader feel all gamuts of the character's personalities.
Well done, exciting and new. I can't wait to see what she has in store for her next novel.
Book Description
You’ve been called adrenaline junkie, thrill seeker, permanently out of the box, difficult, and just plain crazy.
And mostly, it’s true. Whether you show your radical streak in extreme sports, supercharged business ventures, or high risk relationships, you have a full-blown danger habit. As far as you can tell, you were born with it. And honestly, you wouldn’t have it any other way…
Except when your danger habit betrays you. Then your craving for adventure turns into a magnet for disaster. You leave a trail of broken commitments and unwise decisions. You get trapped in stupid addictions. You hurt the ones you love. And you end up feeling like a big mistake.
But what if you were created extreme for a purpose?
What if the radical faith God has in mind for you doesn’t have to come with a dark side? What if it actually turned out to be your ultimate rush?
In his fast-paced book, The Danger Habit, surfer and lifelong adventurer Mike Barrett explores the mindset of born radicals and the promise of what he calls “adventure faith.” He combines personal story telling, raw honesty, and biblical wisdom in a reading experience that will capture your imagination and motivate you to reach for your huge life mission in Christ.
Story Behind the Book
“I caused significant pain to my own wife and kids while struggling with an addiction to risk, the pursuit of extreme sports, and an overwhelming feeling of being bored with many Christians and standard church life. My epiphany came a number of years ago when God broke through it all and showed me how ‘propped up’ my life was without His real presence and power. In the end, we sold our suburban home, moved to the Oregon Coast , and started a ministry to surfers. Countless lives were changed; my wife and I even became pastors. Once dead to the life I had pursued, God gave me back an adventure I could never have previously dared hope for.” –Mike Barrett
Customer Reviews:
Read The Danger Habit If You Are Radical.......2007-07-05
If you are a risk taker and adrenaline junkie (the author is a surfer and rock climber) and could use some soul food, this book is for you. Mike Barrett has done a great job of sharing his Christian faith with the reader in a unique and refreshing way. The book's message is based on the idea that many people (like this reader) live their lives in ways that don't realize their incredible potential to serve the Lord. It's essentially a calling to the unconventional Christian. In his book, Barrett calls on us to take our "radical" energy and put it towards spiritual fuilfillment instead of destructive behaviour that often leads risk takers to personal trouble.
Barrett reveals much about his personal life experiences and his own struggles with his radical tendencies. And unlike evangelical preachers of whom he is suspicious, his approach is one of encouragement stressing that God wants for us to do well with our lives and to make them meaningful. Many of his stories are wonderful accounts that are entertaining, humorous, even sad, but mostly inspirational. The bottom line is that this book is powerful due to Barret's down-to-earth approach to Christianity and the ovearll tone of his message.
Excellent Gift Book.......2007-04-16
The sheer transparency of the author created an atmosphere where I could be honest with myself and evaluate the fights I pick.
This is a great book whether you consider yourself to be radical or not. Each of us has a little bit of "RADICALNESS" inside, though it expresses itself differently. A good reminder that this is in us for a purpose.
This book makes an excellent gift. Easy to read, thought provoking and even ADD people will love it!
Good Book.......2007-03-21
I thought it might be cheezy. It wasn't.
I found it insightful, encouraging and humbling. The author did a great job of explaining both the adrenaline junkie personality as well as the pitfalls and potential traps we often find ourselves in.
I especially liked the author's strategy for redirecting one's need to fight, by showing how the most important things worth fighting for are faith, family, and one's "neighbor".
The section on "falling down" was a good addition. This personality type tends to make a lot of mistakes which can often cause self defeatism. We get our image wrapped up in what we think God thinks about our failures. By understanding that God isn't surprised by our outcomes, it helps us get back up again, minus the self loathing.
The chapters on "realistic expectations" and "finishing well" were also well done and ended the book with encouragement.
At times the author seemed to jump around a bit and his intense personality comes through. However, that's what allowed me to read the whole thing in one sitting. His ADD and my ADD fit like a chain and sprocket.
I was pleasantly surprised and recommend the book to anyone who is an adrenaline junkie, lives with one, is on a team with one, or simply wants to understand one.
Christianity is not tame.......2007-03-20
There's nothing safe about Christianity, and the history of the faith is riddled with people who gambled everything on the Gospel. Of the twelve apostles, only one died of natural causes, annd he had a long and terrifying road beforehand. All the others died unpleasant deaths in faraway countries. Church history is full of men and women like Joan of Arc, Francis of Assisi, and Fr. Damien of Molokai. While I'm no huge fan of the Protestant Reformation, the men who sparked it were anything but staid. Martin Luther was a walking ball of fire with a loud mouth and a short fuse, and John Calvin stood stern and immovable like a rock at the top of a waterfall.
Sure, there's a place for the stolid, traditional Christian who plugs away at a life of faith, but in our time, we've made not rocking the boat into a virtue. We tend to look at Christian radicals as Kool-aid guzzlers or snake-oil salesmen. We are distrustful of anybody who wants to color outside the lines, figuring that extremism probably equals faulty theology, and certainly makes one dangerous.
In this book, Mike Barrett dispels the myth that there's no place in the Body of Christ for the extreme. Mike is no stranger to risky behavior, and makes no bones about the damage that adrenaline addiction can do to not only the junkie but his friends and family. With the experience to back it up, Mike shows how that same love of danger can be a powerful instrument in the Lord's toolbox. The Church would be a much lesser body had it not been fueled by the men and women whose call was to go beyond the traditional and the safe. To carry the Gospel into distant places, to speak up against the principalities and powers, or just to reach out to the sort of undesirables that Jesus sought out, requires the same spirit of fearlessness that drives one to climb mountains or ride waves.
For Christians who want to turn their love of danger into service to the Lord, The Danger Habit is like a breath of fresh air. It's a call to turn what could be a liability to an individual into an asset for God. If you're the sort of person who wants to walk with God on the wild side, this book may change your whole perspective on your faith.
BuckNakedFaith guy.......2007-03-02
I spent my college and early marital years rock climbing, extreme skiing and spelunking... I totally resonated with Mike Barrett's experiences and stories. More profoundly-- he gave folks like us permission to be who we are, take it to a Godward level, and be responsible for the risks of such lifestyles. Thanks for being real Mike.
Eric Sandras
author of "Buck Naked Faith" and "Plastic Jesus"
Average customer rating:
- Mom of 10 year old autistic boy
- Wonderful adventure story!
- Getting Boys Excited about Reading
|
Dangers of the Core (Step into Reading, Step 3, paper)
Jim Thomas , and
Boris Vallejo
Manufacturer: LucasBooks for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Popular Culture | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Episode 1 | Star Wars | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
-
Anakin to the Rescue (Step into Reading, Step 2, paper)
-
Anakin's Fate: Star Wars Episode I (A Step into Reading Jedi Reader, Step 4)
-
Star Wars Episode I: Jar Jar's Mistake (Step into Reading Jedi Readers, Step 1)
-
Anakin's Pit Droid (Step into Reading, Step 2, paper)
-
Anakin: Apprentice (Star Wars: Jedi Readers--Step into Reading, Step 4 Book)
ASIN: 0375800026
Release Date: 1999-04-25 |
Book Description
The planet Naboo is being invaded! Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan have to get to Theed and warn the Queen.Jar Jar Binks knows the best way, but it's underwater! Will they make it through the core without being gobbled up by undersea monsters? Read this colorful fully-illustrated beginner reader and find out!
Customer Reviews:
Mom of 10 year old autistic boy.......2002-04-12
As the mother of an autistic son, we have had a great deal of difficulty in getting him to enjoy reading. He doesn't understand a great many words, but has a few "subjects" he really enjoys. Star Wars,Episode 1 is one of them. This book has been a real find that he loves! I am getting more of them, as they don't "talk down" to kids, really explain the movie in detail, and help kids understand many things (in life, as well as the movie!) better. We are really looking forward to the next Star Wars movie this summer- as well as the books that will follow it!
Wonderful adventure story!.......2002-01-02
DANGERS OF THE CORE takes a section of the movie 'Phantom Menace' and, step by step, breaks down the action that flies by so quickly on the big screen. This makes it easy for children to follow. The excitement starts with the first sentence and never lets up!
The illustrations are expressive and dramatic; nicely done.
DANGERS teaches children to respect all living beings. Qui-Gon Jinn is the epitome of patience (especially with Jar Jar!), and remains calm, steady and in control even in the midst of danger. Excellent life lessons for children!
Another plus: The story doesn't 'talk down' to children. It assumes an appropriate level of maturity and intelligence.
I'd take off half a star because Jar Jar's speech is impossible for some children to understand when reading the book on their own.
Nevertheless, all the children to whom I read DANGERS OF THE CORE just loved it! And with such a variety of characters and emotions, it's fun to read out loud, too.
Highly recommended for children as well as old fogeys who are young at heart!
Getting Boys Excited about Reading.......2000-04-19
"Dangers of the Core" is a great beginning reader, especially for a boy. The book carefully summarizes the underwater chase from the Episode 1 movie into easy-to-read language that captures a boy's attention. I have had trouble finding interesting early readers that my son will read; but when we found this book, he would not put it down. He read it TWICE in the first day--without prompting! Thank you for sparking his interest in reading!
Book Description
There is, in a post-Cold War climate, a great need for an active, engaged U.S. foreign policy. Isolationism is not a viable solution. Yet given the limits of American power and wisdom, an engaged policy has to be conducted in a multilateral framework, informed by criticisms as well as agreement from other countries, and carried out with their active cooperation in multilateral institutions. Published at the height of the Vietnam War, No Clear and Present Danger argues that if the Vietnam War derived in substantial part from an overconfident and unilateral interpretation of history, that is a mistake from which we can still learn.
Customer Reviews:
Maybe Andrew Bacevich should have read this book.......2006-08-29
Yale University Political Scientist Bruce Russett's thesis can be summarised with the following quote from his book.
"American participation in World War II had very little effect on the essential structure of international politics thereafter, and probablt did little either to advance the material welfare of most Americans or to make the nation secure from foreign military threats (the presumed goals of advocates of a "realist" foreign policy). (By structure I mean the basic balance of forces in the world, regardless of which particular nations are powerful vis-a-vis the United States.) In fact, most Americans probably would have been no worse off, and probably a little better, if the United States had never become a belligerent. Russia replaced Germany as the great threat to European security, and Japan, despite it's territorial losses, is once more a great power."
It's natural when paradigms are failing for investigators to return to their origins and seek out the views of their critics. Ronald Radosh did this when he was a member of the New Left and America's then quagmire was in rice paddies not quick sand. Radosh interrogated the writings of five isolationist critics of America's path to WWII and the Cold War. Other investigators sift through the fine detail, revisit the archives and engage in revisionist history. With the new quagmire we are seeing this deju vu all over again.
But Russett eschews both those paths. He neither unburies forgotten prophets or trawls for lost telegrams, instead he turns the fine focus to blurr and looks for the big picture. In his final chapters we get a taste of his 'macroscopic" methodology. Russett's macroscope sees Japan as being pushed into war, not so much by any Rooseveltian chicanery or home grown militaristic mania, but by the disappearance of options making either withdrawl from China or negotiation with the Anglo-Americans impossible. The Pearl Harbor attack was in a sense a desperate gamble by a power with a GDP perhaps a tenth of America's. In Europe Russett saw a stalemate emerging as Hitler fails to defeat the RAF and the war with Stalin erupts.
Russett warns us that the usual portraits of Nazi evil are true but as the true depths of their depravity were not really appreciated until after WWII so these arguments are not available for retrospective justification. This is not a rule Russett applies consistently. He relies on much data gathered post WWII that shows that Axis war preparations and production capabilities were consistently exaggerated by Allied leaders.
Russett argues the hypothetical case for a middle path between isolationism and interventionism, essentially it's the path of 'limited war', a phrase that only became common in the cold war era. Russett correctly points out that in fact the division between "isolationists" and "interventionists" was more of a shifting and over-lapping spectrum, rival strategies rather than a Berlin Wall ideological split. Many "isolationists" urged America to be armed to the teeth and FDR's pre-Pearl Harbor strategy of "all aid short of war" had numerous "isolationist" supporters, not all of whom were pacifists or even neutralists. There were interventionists in FDR's administration, but it is, at least, possible that their number did not include FDR himself until virtually the dawn of Pearl Harbor. Russett believes a continuation of the "all aid short of war" strategy pioneered in Lend Lease, convoy protection etc would have been sufficient to keep Britain afloat as a viable western counter to any German european hegemony. Such an 'isolationist' strategy would also be 'realist', providing America with a potential base and ally as an insurance policy in the unlikely event that the new Nazi empire, would grow into a true global power with trans-Atlantic reach.
The actual "All aid short of war" phase of FDR's actual strategy was as Russett informs us itself really the first, if unheralded, chapter of American 'limited war'. Russett takes FDR to task, as do most of the revisionists, for the secrecy that cloaked this limited war. These were the first steps to the Imperial Presidency. Russett's defence of this limited war is of course somewhat ironic, considering his status as a critic of the Vietnam adventure.
Russett's book is in a sense the book Andrew Bacevich should read .Bacevich is a modern critic of "The New American Militarism" and America's latest quicksand quagmire. Bacevich's analysis has it's roots in the work of revisionist historian and liberal isolationist Charles Beard. Yet Bacevich has argued that modern opponents of the new militarism are wasting their breath by taking a revisionist line on WWII and questioning FDR. Maybe he was thinking too much about Beard, perhaps Russett's approach would give Bacevich the middle path he was after.
In any event this compact, well written volume of a mere 108 pages punches above it's weight. For my money the chapters dealing wit the Pacific War were excellent as was his overview of the European theatre pre-Pearl Harbour. The later chapters exploring his analytical methodology are interesting and provide a strong empirical case for focusing on national fundamentals (ie GDP, demography, cultural traditions) rather than the latest scare headlines from some corner of the globe, an approach that guarantees a constant chase of phantoms. These chapters are not as well written as the earlier ones which is a pity, as they suggest a realist alternative to nostrums of which the neocons are merely the latest peddlars.
Accurate in the local sense, inaccurate in the global.......2001-07-14
There are few more controversial premises for a book than the one that motivated the writing of this one. The author argues that the United States was under no severe threat from either Germany or Japan in the period of the late 1930's until the attack at Pearl Harbor. His first premise is that Germany had not been able to subdue Britain and was stalemated on the Soviet front in 1941, which would have eventually led to some form of negotiated truce. Germany then and in the near future would have possessed no capability to directly attack the United States. Japan was also bogged down in China and overextended in other areas, such as Southeast Asia. While an initial attack would be damaging, there was little chance that Japan could defeat the U.S. With these "facts" as a basis, Russett argues that Roosevelt's tactics of engaging in a naval shooting war with Germany in the Atlantic and embargoing goods essential to Japan, unnecessarily goaded them into a war that could have been avoided. He considers the goading unnecessary because neither nation presented any clear and present danger to the United States.
This is a case where the author is correct in the technical sense but wrong in the practical, and the degree to which he is correct is dependent on your definition of the phrase, `clear and present danger." It is true that neither nation had the capability to do significant material damage to the territory of the United States. However, the invasion and/or wholesale killing of a nation's citizens is not the only danger that can exist.
Russett has the benefit of hindsight in knowing a great deal about the resources that Germany possessed in the period where Roosevelt was inching the nation toward war. At that time, Germany was still a very real threat to invade and conquer the British Isles, an event far more serious than the fall of the rest of Europe. No one in America at that time knew that Germany simply could not launch an invasion. One point he used as justification was that it took the US and Britain many years to complete the build up so that the cross channel invasion could be launched. While true it also misses the point. When the allies carried out the D-Day invasion, it was against a well-equipped enemy with years to prepare set defenses. After Dunkirk, there were many soldiers in Britain but they had almost no equipment or set defenses. Had the Germans been able to establish a solid beachhead, there really was very little to stop them.
Russett also seems to ignore the long-term dangers. If Japan had been able to execute their real plan, which was to control the resources of Indochina and the Dutch West Indies, the long-term consequences to the U.S. would have been severe. Japan would have controlled a strategic set of resources that would have made them a superpower, and given their militaristic nature at that time, a continuing threat to expand. The fall of the Phillipines into that set would have also been inevitable as they simply could not have been defended.
The same neglect also applies to the threat of Germany. Even if you ignore the appalling nature of the regime, a Europe controlled by Germany from Gibralter to the Soviet border would have been the most powerful "nation" in the world. At the time of Roosevelt's moves no one understood the power of resistance movements and he could only see a powerful empire that would be expansionist and ideologically incompatible with the United States. One only has to look at how the Soviet Union ruthlessly exploited the nations of Eastern Europe after the war to understand how valuable an asset they were.
Finally, Russett argues that the global power of the United States was not significantly altered by participation in the war. Which is nonsense. Before the war, Britain was the only global superpower and after it ended, the United States filled that role. Granted, it thrust the U.S. into situations where military force was inappropriately applied, but that is different in that is the application of power rather than the existence.
The premise of this book is one that must be presented for the sake of historical completeness. While true if you suffer from a lack of extended thought, it simply does not hold up if you consider the situation as it appeared to Roosevelt in 1940 when he faced two mighty empires allied with each other.
Good revisionist account of pre-ww2 events.......1999-03-20
This is a very moderate book in regard to conjectures made by the author; Russett is not even an isolationist. He still points out very compelling reasons why US entry was forced by bad choices made by American leaders.
Average customer rating:
|
Flight into Danger
John Castle , and
Arthur Hailey
Manufacturer: Pan Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0330020765 |
Average customer rating:
- FLIGHT INTO DANGER - BEST READ OF THE SUMMER
- a little bit of both
- WOW!
- Great Read!
- Flight Into Danger
|
Flight into Danger
E. K. Barber
Manufacturer: PublishAmerica
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Action & Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
General | Romance | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
-
Flight into Terror
-
Flight into Fate and Flight into Destiny
ASIN: 1413709729 |
Book Description
Captain Skyler Madison is a seasoned airline pilot. Alexander Springfield is a wealthy investor. Both are highly successful professionals…both have a secret. They spend a part of their lives in the shadows as highly trained Special Agents for the intelligence gathering division of the Justice Department. Skye heads a team sent to stop the flow of high grade cocaine being distributed among London's elite. When evidence indicates she might have turned, Alex is sent in to covertly uncover the truth. It becomes apparent someone wants her off the case…someone wants her dead. Alex is determined to cover her back even after she discovers his deception and sparks fly. What starts out as a test of skill sizzles into a romance as Alex melts the steel and ice early trauma has placed around Skye's heart. All the friction only makes her eventual surrender hotter, sweeter, and incredibly more satisfying. Their passion wins out as they come together both personally and professionally to resolve a case involving drug deals, murder, betrayal, and near tragedy.
Customer Reviews:
FLIGHT INTO DANGER - BEST READ OF THE SUMMER.......2005-09-14
FROM LEESBURG FLORIDA: BIG FIVE STAR RATING FOR THIS BOOK!!!Just received my autographed copy of E.K. Barber's "Flight Into Danger" and I am recommending it to all my friends. It's chuck full of action and suspense. I can't wait to get to the end...and get her other books...YES the author is a woman of great talent!! She owns her own business, writes books, and is a professor at Edgewood College in Madison Wisconsin, to mention just a few of her talents. BUY THIS BOOK! The character of Skye Madison truly is E.K. Barber's alter ego: everything that the author is and some of what she is not and what Barber imagines and probably wishes to be is strung into the development of Skye Madison and the story of "Fight Into Danger". While Skye Madison may have some of E.K. Barber's heart and mind and soul, the character is totally imaginary, just as E.K. Barber is a pen name. Writing beyond themselves is something that only a few authors can do this well. I will leave it to others to research the real name of E.K. Barber. Let me just say that people who know the real E.K. Barber are delighted that she has taken a change in her multi-facited career to pen this book. WAY TO GO!
a little bit of both.......2004-09-29
If you've ever thought there wasn't enough adventure in a romance novel and not enough romance in an adventure novel then you should enjoy Flight into Danger. The main character is brainy , beautiful and accomplished, but still human, and finds a match worthy of her in Alex. The plot has enough twists to maintain interest, but not so convoluted, as with some spy novels, that it's tiring to keep track of and the ending has enough surprise to be fun but still within the realm of possibility. This novel is the perfect read to have on one's bedside table, to look forward to adding a new chapter each night, or to tuck into a beach bag for a pleasant escape from reality.
WOW!.......2004-09-16
This book is so packed with action, and the characters are so engaging, you won't be able to put it down! The dialogue is truly laugh-out-loud funny. I loved it!
I had the pleasure of meeting E.K. in person at a booksigning. Her energy is amazing and I treasure my autographed copy. Keep up the good work, E.K., and keep these books coming. I can't wait to see what happens with Skye and Alex next. Count me among your biggest fans!
Great Read!.......2004-09-15
I couldn't put it down until it was finished! Flight Into Danger left me wanting there to be more pages in the book! I found the characters and the plot to be interesting and intelligent. In my opinion, E.K. Barber has written a truly enjoyable first book. I look forward to reading her upcoming books in this new series. I can't wait to find out more about these wonderful, sexy characters! I will continue to recommend this book to all of my friends.
Flight Into Danger.......2004-04-28
This book gets my recommendation to everyone who seeks a book of fun, romance, suspense and adventure.
From the turn of the first page I found myself off on an adventure that I couldn't ignore. Packed with action, details, intrigue and, oh yes, romance! What a wonderful combination of thoughts and action. E.K. truly brings the reader right into the thick of the plot. Just when you think you have it all figured out, there is another twist and someone else is the "bad guy."
A wonderful read and I am anxious to see what happens next in the land of romance, for surely that will continue; but also, what action filled assignment will Skye find herself on and can Alex keep up without falling apart worrying about this beautiful woman. Each of the characters has a uniqueness about them. They are all such interesting people. Keep the story line rolling.
Average customer rating:
- Good Mystery
- Interesting tidbit about this book...
- A can't- put- down book!
- Flight Into Danger is captivating with lots of action!!!
|
FLIGHT INTO DANGER (HARDY BOYS CASE FILE 47): FLIGHT INTO DANGER (Hardy Boys Casefiles)
Franklin W Dixon
Manufacturer: Simon Pulse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Mysteries, Espionage, & Detectives | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Hardy Boys | Mystery & Detective | Series | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Dixon, Franklin W. | ( D ) | Authors & Illustrators, A-Z | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Mysteries | Teens | Subjects | Books
Hardy Boys | Series | Teens | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0671700448 |
Customer Reviews:
Good Mystery.......2002-01-28
I really liked this book because you really did not know what was going to happen next. The beginning was a bit slow but the end was very fast moving. The beginning was as fast as a bullet, the middle was as fast as sound and the end was fast as the speed of light. I especially liked the part when they were flying the jets and chasing the Max-1.
H. Gregory Moore IV.
Interesting tidbit about this book..........2000-08-14
Not many people realize that this is the story that the popular comedy classic film Airplane! parodied. So if you loved Airplane! you should read the original story.
A can't- put- down book!.......2000-04-11
The book, Flight into Danger,is the perfect book for those who love adventure stories and have extra time on their hands... because you won't be able to stop reading it!
Flight Into Danger is captivating with lots of action!!!.......1998-06-17
Flight Into danger is captivating and has a lot of action capable of capturing even the most reluctent readers.
Books:
- Stop Sitting on Your Assets: How to Safely Leverage the Equity Trapped in Your Home and Transform It Into a Constant Flow of Wealth and Security
- The Adventures of Tintin: The Crab With the Golden Claws / The Shooting Star / The Secret of the Unicorn (3 Complete Adventures in 1 Volume, Vol. 3)
- The Bourne Ultimatum
- The Duke And I (Bridgerton Series, Bk. 1)
- The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists
- The Sneaky Chef: Simple Strategies for Hiding Healthy Foods in Kids Favorite Meals
- The Spiderwick Chronicles (Boxed Set): The Field Guide; The Seeing Stone; Lucinda's Secret; The Ironwood Tree; The Wrath of Mulgrath
- The Star Witch (Fyne Witches, Book 3)
- The Trouble With Harry
- The Truth About Love: The Highs, the Lows, and How You Can Make It Last Forever
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Peach Girl: Change of Heart, Vol. 1
- Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream
- Therapeutic Potential of Melatonin: 2nd Locarno Meeting on Neuroendocrinoimmunology, Locarno, May 5-
- Adsorption and Catalysis on Transition Metals and Their Oxides
- Bulletproof Web Design: Improving flexibility and protecting against worst-case scenarios with XHTML
- Distressed Debt Analysis: Strategies for Speculative Investors
- Bichon Frise, an Owners Companion
- A Humument: A Treated Victorian Novel, Fourth Edition
- Why Architecture Matters: Lessons from Chicago
- 100 DESERT WILDFLOWERS IN NATURAL COLOR
In Gallant Company (Richard Bolitho Novels, No. 3) (The Bolitho Novels)
Sloop of War (The Bolitho Novels)
To Glory We Steer (The Bolitho Novels)
Midshipman Bolitho (Richard Bolitho Novels/Alexander Kent, No 1)
Command a King's Ship (The Bolitho Novels)
