Book Description
Boat Docking (Close Quarters Maneuvering for Small Craft) is a book about how to dock a boat!
It contains many concrete examples of boat docking, from the elementary to the advanced, and also has chapters discussing the theory of close quarters maneuvering. The book is comprehensive, yet achieves its depth using language and tone which are accessible and minimally technical.
Although Boat Docking can be read through from start to finish, each of its various sections also stands alone, so items of interest may be referred to individually.
Boat Docking contains an "Overview" section, followed by a chapter describing every basic docking example imaginable, and most of the esoteric ones. Other chapters explain the interactions of the hull with water and air, how a boat steers (it's not completely straightforward!), how to use lines and fenders (there is more to good line work than one would think), and then there is a short section on the psychology and sociology of docking. Don't worry, it's fun to read! The conclusion draws an intriguing parallel between boat docking and affairs of the heart, using an extended metaphor on "close quarters maneuvering"!
If there's anything important to say about close quarters maneuvering, you'll find it in Boat Docking.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book.......2007-06-12
This is a great book with humor in it. Its loaded with information. By admitting that docking is difficult, it sets the stage for the reader to understand the challenges of docking.
Well worth the price.
Lacking Technique.......2007-02-18
I was disappointed with and returned this particular book for a refund. Very little inside concerning twin engine inboard operation.
Boat Docking (Close Quarters Maneuvering for Small Craft).......2007-01-04
Being new to twin engine power boating, I found this book to be very helpful. I have read it three or four times in the first month and keep it as a reference. It is extremely helpful in explaining how to dock and "undock" in differing wind conditions.
Great book.......2006-07-06
Good enough that I have sent a few copies to friend that needed "help" docking
Very Good Content -- Very Poor Binding.......2004-05-04
This book contained what I thought was very good information. It was presented in a clear, concise manner, but a little too brief in some instances. The binding however was so poor that the book completely fell apart before I got through with Chapter 2. The rating is solely for content, not construction.
Book Description
This brilliant and attractive book makes one of the most influential and lavishly-drawn fencing manuals of the Middle Ages available in English for the first time. The authentic fifteenth-century techniques of master of arms Hans Talhoffer are illustrated in detail, presenting not only a unique historic record but also a visual guide for modern practitioners. Talhoffer's professional fencing manual of 1467 illustrates the intricacies of the medieval art of fighting, covering both the 'judicial duel' (an officially sanctioned fight to resolve a legal dispute) and personal combat. Combatants in the Middle Ages used footwork, avoidance, and the ability to judge and manipulate timing and distance to exploit and enhance the sword's inherent cutting and thrusting capabilities. These skills were supplemented with techniques for grappling, wrestling, kicking and throwing the opponent, as well as disarming him by seizing his weapon. Every attack contained a defense and every defense a counter-attack. Talhoffer reveals the techniques for wrestling, unarmored fighting with the long sword, pole-axe, dagger, sword and buckler, and mounted combat. This unparalleled guide to medieval combat, illustrated with 268 contemporary images, provides a glimpse of real people fighting with skill, sophistication and ruthlessness.
Customer Reviews:
Awesome Book!.......2007-06-09
Much of what I feel has already been said...and better stated...by others here.
...nevertheless, I will throw in my two cents worth.
I bought this book little over two years ago. It was the first Fechtbuch I ever saw, and I was simply amazed at what it contained: A first hand look of what Medieval combat really looked like.
I have been a fan of Knights and swordplay since I was a kid, so to see a book that contained actual techniques that Knights used in battle was quite a shock. I had no idea that such a thing could be found in your local Borders bookstore (sorry Amazon). Nor was I aware that Knightly combat was so dirty! (I couldn't help but admire it all the same:)
After spending an hour imitating the movements IN THE STORE (That's right), I decided to purchase the book. It was one of the best purchases I have ever made.
Immediately after this, I did a google search on the word "Fechtbuch", and the wider world of Western Martial Arts came alive. I have since discovered the works of Fiore dei Liberi, Filipo Vadi, Joachim Meyer, and of course, many...MANY others too numerous to list here.
Even though, as a stand alone book, only a certain number of techniques can be easily learned (i.e. Murder Stroke, etc.) without a companion text, it is still an excellent tool for learning WMA, and no practicioner should be without this primary source. It is, to say the very least, a big eye-opener.
I would suggest buying The Art of Combat by Joachim Meyer (Jeffrey Forgeng translation) as a companion to this. You might want to wait till Amazon has it on sale (I bought it recently for $41 here), as it retails for $65.
I highly recommend this book to anybody interested in WMA, Fight Choreography (which I do as well, and have used some of Talhoffers moves in), and Medievel/Renaissance military history.
A 'Must Have' for all WMA students... Eventualy.......2007-05-31
This book is what got me started learning WMA. I found it at a book store and was initially captivated by the artful illustrations of genuine medieval sword combat. It was like nothing I had ever seen depicted in Hollywood or elsewhere. I was especially baffled by all of the images of fighters holding the sword blade in their bare hands. I took it home to study, with very little success. Even though I poured through the whole book every night for a week, the only technique I was able to 'unlock' was an arm trapping move illustrated in the Messer plates, and that was because the technique had a before and after plate that I could follow. So I put the book down, found myself an actual instructor, and started learning the basics.
I recently opened up 'Medieval Combat' again after roughly six months of training. Now the Longsword techniques illustrated inside are jumping off the pages at me! It's a very exciting feeling.
That being said, only 1/3 of this book actually addresses Longsword combat. The rest of the book deals with a multitude of other medieval combat methods; many of which could be very useful to today's re-enactor, medievalist, WMA practitioner or fight choreographer. Unfortunately, some of the other documented combat methods are so specialized that their use may have truly been lost to antiquity.
There are 270 illustrated plates. 71 of the plates are dedicated to Longsword. Of that, there are only 36 plates that do not include either gripping an opponent's blade, Half-Swording or the `Murder Stroke' technique. (Holding the sword upside down with the blade in both hands so the heavy crossguard acts as a hammer. The technique is meant to crush the opponent's head or catch their sword and disarm them.)
There are 6 plates concerning a Knightly Duel. They illustrate the display of the Knights' banners, equipment and coffins. There are a few interesting illustrations about deflecting a thrown spear with a sword, and finally a re-hashed Murder Stroke technique that was also shown in the Longsword section.
Then there are 23 illustrations for Pole-Axe. Anyone who participates in mass medieval combat re-enactments (SCA etc...) would probably find this section very helpful.
Then we come to the `interesting' part of the book. Talhoffer dedicates 64 plates to the lost medieval practice of Trial by Combat with Dueling Shield. To quote the book...`It is a slightly concave oblong, approximately six-and-a-half feet tall, with a rectangular coffered boss along the longitudinal axis allowing room for the hand to grip a central pole, which is sharply spiked at both ends.' The illustrations are extremely fascinating to look at but very difficult to gain any useful technique from. I imagine that even back in Talhoffer's time most people would not be used to this type of equipment. Trial by Combat did not occur ever day. These plates were meant to help a person stay alive during a very unfamiliar combat situation. It would take a lot of work and study for someone to unlock the skills in these plates.
After the Dueling Shield there are 19 plates concerning technique with the Rondel Dagger; a tapered spike, almost a foot long, which was held with an Ice Pick grip. Although the figures are in plain clothes, the techniques would most likely be used in an armored combat situation.
31 plates are dedicated to Wrestling. I haven't had much experience with Wrestling, but the moves look very similar to the Greco Roman style. I'm willing to bet that a trained modern Wrestler could examine these moves and decipher them with no problem. They may even pick up a few new tricks!
8 illustrations are devoted to the Messer. The Messer was a long knife that nearly all commoners carried with them. It was used as an every day tool but could also function as a formidable weapon. The modern equivalent of a Messer can be found in the Machete.
Next, there are 11 pages concerning Sword and Buckler. There are even a few pages on facing multiple opponents. In these images the person is holding the buckler as well as a dagger in one fist. Un-inspired Hollywood fight choreographers take note!
Talhoffer takes 9 pages of his book to address the bizarre ritual of Trial by Combat between a Man and Woman. To even the playing field the man is equipped with a wooden cudgel and placed in a pit up to his waist. The Woman places a heavy rock in a cloth sash to strangle the man or crush his head. She must either kill her opponent or pull him out of the pit, at which point the man would be executed. Likewise, the man must either dispatch the woman or drag her down into the pit and doom her to execution. If my description of this event sounds absurd, just imagine what the illustrations must look like! It is quite easy to find amusement in this scenario, but the truth is that it was a dead-serious affair. Imagine what it would have been like if a woman was raped and had no male family member who was willing to stand up and defend her honor. It would be her word against her assailant. She would most likely be forced to confront her rapist in a trial to the death. Considering the fact that women were sub-class citizens in Medieval Europe, I find it fascinating that half of Talhoffer's illustrations on this subject show techniques a woman could use to win the fight. Did Talhoffer ever offer his services to prepare a woman for her Trial by Combat?
Finally we have 20 pages devoted to combat while mounted on a horse. Most of the images show two men sword fighting next to each other, although there are a few fascinating plates devoted to how a man on horseback should hold a crossbow to fire back at someone pursuing him and how to prepare for a charging lance attack. It's a pretty sweet technique that includes discharging the crossbow bolt into the charging adversary, deflecting the lance with the arms of the crossbow and then grappling the enemy to the ground as his horse passes by. Again... why hasn't Hollywood borrowed any of these awesome, historically accurate combat techniques to use in their productions?
As I alluded to in the title of this review, I feel that `Medieval Combat' is a book that every WMA enthusiast should eventually get. The reason for my exhaustive explanation of each section was to help a potential customer understand what they are really getting with their purchase. For example, if you are only interested in Longsword combat, you may want to look at some other books first. Since most WMA and SCA organizations outlaw use of the `Mordhau' and have strict limits concerning when and how Half-Swording is allowed in a sparring situation, the amount of immediately applicable Longsword techniques in `Medieval Combat' is actually quite slim. Even so, I would still recommend Medieval Combat as a smart purchase to help expand your WMA library.
A Worthwhile Challenge.......2007-01-11
This reproduction of Hans Talhoffer's Close-Quarter Combat manual is an exquisite addition to a martial arts practitioner's collection or historian's library. It is composed mainly of black and white reproductions of the original fifteenth century coloured illustrations depicting several armed and unarmed fighting techniques; each of which is accompanied by a translation of the original succinct commentary on the technique by the author. By its very nature, it is not a self explanatory guide, and is not a manual for a novice, self taught practitioner of medieval martial arts. Even so, it illustrates specific instances of combat quite vividly, and can be decrypted by a more experienced martial artist to yield priceless information useful in perfecting one's technique. It should not be your first book on the subject, but it will likely be among the best. Truly a worthwhile challenge.
Medieval Martial Arts.......2006-12-17
Medieval scholars, martial artists, and historians will find this book to be very interesting. Usually, we associate martial arts with eastern cultures. Sometimes, we forget that the world only became orderly and civilized quite recently. Some may argue that parts of the world are still lawless today. But the important concept to remember is that during times when the rule of law is weak, or non-existent, people had to be able to defend themselves and their property. It would then make sense that part of one's education is to learn how to fight. Granted that formal training in the fighting arts were reserved for those classes of people who were selected to uphold the law and maintain peace, as well as those in the military. This book was written by a medieval military instructor, Hans Talhoffer. It reads almost like a manual, despite the lack of explanations and clarifications.
The book illustrates attacks, defenses, and counters. After reading the book, you will realize what should have been obvious: European states had a very developed martial arts during the medieval times. After all, they had a class of people who were devoted to fighting. The knights were not simple men in armor who simply hacked and slashed.
The book is a fighting manual. Therefore, a modern-day couch potato such as myself would have some difficulty understanding a lot of the concepts. Talhoffer intended his book to be read by fighting men, after all. He never could have anticipated that his book would survive hundreds of years later, to be read by people who have never had to engage in combat. The book must be evaluated with respects to the time, and the audience, for whom it was written.
This book should be a part of a medieval historian's collection. I also recommend this to anyone who is interested in the martial arts. Reading this book reminded me of the fictional character from Highlander, Connor McLeod. Surely, some of the Highlander's moves must have come from Talhoffer!
Astounding insight into Medieval martial arts!.......2006-08-18
For years, I have searched for a book like this. In my studies, I had read that Medieval combat guilds recorded their knowledge in manuals. Finally, someone has published a translation! I have studied Japanese and Korean martial-arts since I was young, and through my various readings on the subject of martial-arts in general, I became aware that Europe also had a complex and varied heritage of combat arts. Sadly, these went into neglect with the changes in warfare and society, but were never completely forgotten.
Inside you will see graphic demonstrations of fighting skills, both basic and advanced, for a variety of common Medieval weapons. You will see some truly unconventional uses of the sword, such as using a hand to grip the blade in order to wield it like a spear, gripping the blade with both hands to wield it like a warhammer, the quillions and pommel being used as the hammer. I am certain that heavy gloves or gauntlets were worn when utilizing a sword in this manner. There is also an extensive section on grappling, many of the techniques portrayed are identical to throws and joint-locks you will learn in Jujutsu or Judo.
One of the most interesting sections features skills for fighting judicial-duels, a concept that should be revived! Certainly this would dissuade a vast majority of insolent litigious knaves from making a mockery of our modern courts!Some of these formalized duels utilized weapons unique to the event, such as duelling shields. There is a section on judicial duels between man and woman, that must have been quite hilarious to see, that is, if no one were actually a fatality. Within this book, you will also find a section on skills for mounted combat.
In general, this book is more evidence that Medieval people were far more complex than our vapid pop-culture would have you believe. I hope and pray more Medieval and Renaissance texts like this will be translated and made available for our study. Much glory to the translator!
Book Description
From the moment his first novel was published, Larry Heinemann joined the ranks of the great chroniclers of the Vietnam conflict--Philip Caputo, Tim O’Brien, and Gustav Hasford.
In the stripped-down, unsullied patois of an ordinary soldier, draftee Philip Dosier tells the story of his war. Straight from high school, too young to vote or buy himself a drink, he enters a world of mud and heat, blood and body counts, ambushes and firefights. It is here that he embarks on the brutal downward path to wisdom that awaits every soldier. In the tradition of
Naked and the Dead and
The Thin Red Line,
Close Quarters is the harrowing story of how a decent kid from Chicago endures an extraordinary trial-- and returns profoundly altered to a world on the threshold of change.
Customer Reviews:
THE Definitive Classic from a Combat Vet's Viewpoint of War in Vietnam.......2006-07-08
This is a review of the CD. Heinemann does a first-rate job of pulling you into the dirt and grime of everyday life on the front lines in Vietnam. Using the soldier's raw lingo, known only to those who were there, he rubs your face in the heat, pain, and futility of Washington's hopeless little war. It doesn't take long before you can smell the cordite, hear the screams and ache for some rest, smokes and booze. As a HouseCat in artillery at Ft. Sill from '63 till '65 I saw first hand the military's transition from a peace-time, good ole boys club, to the rat-hole where draftees were hustled off to the jungle to be forever corrupted emotionally and physically. I always wondered what it was like to be caught up in that kind of nightmare. What it was like to be one of the 10% who did 90% of the dying. Now I know. Vets have always been reluctant to discuss the war with anyone who hasn't seen the elephant. It's just too difficult to try to make the uninitiated understand, so why the f**k try? Heinemann's book makes that leap and bridges the gap. Richard Ferrone does a masterful job of reading the difficult prose. His tired, cynical, knowing voice puts you directly on the front line, right inside the stinking, rattling APC named the Cowcatcher that was Deadeye's home for a year. If you were ever curious about Vietnam, listen to this book.
Disappointing.......2006-04-28
"The best work of fiction to come out of the Vietnam War"? "This is the way it was"? Due to the tremendous reviews, I sought long and hard for this book. I was truly disappointed. I found the book hard to read and had to force myself to finish the book. Fortunately, the latter part of the book dealing with the return home was more captivating. There are many, many more worthwhile works of fiction on the Vietnam War. I would not recommend this one. Try James Webb's "Fields of Fire". I also liked his post-war fiction "Lost Soldiers".
Greatest war novel ever.......2005-03-05
Larry Heinemann is one of our greatest writers and this book is an intense and painful trip into the hell of war. I could not put it down. Heinemann made me feel fear, anger and desperation at the insanity of war. He uses words like paint, piling detail upon detail until you are inside the story with him feeling rage at the waste of people's lives. Read it and weep. But read it if you love good writing.
Exceptional Writing Effort.......2000-08-28
In my opinion, this is simply a first class story written by an extremely gifted writer. If you have any interest in reading about Vietnam, about war in general, about men in extraordinary conditions you should enjoy this novel. I was sorry to finish it and look forward to reading more work by the author.
Close Quarters... One of the 10 great books about Vietnam..........2000-04-10
I first read Mr. Heinemann's 'Close Quarters' in 1975, while on active duty with the USAF. It grabbed me by the throat with its first paragraph and didn't let go until the last sentence. The language, mood, and sense of no time but the present are dead on. From the hero's entrance as a 'Cherry' or 'FNG' to the time he's 'Short'. The story rolls like a tank and doesn't slow down. The one chapter dedicated to the New Year's Eve attack on Deadeye's firebase is one of the finest, most descriptive and detailed ever put to paper. Keeping up tension with each frightful second. Few writers have this ability. And though I've never experienced one, I experienced viscerally the chaos, tension, and stink of fear that a 'No S**t Firefight' encomapsses. I've many friends who went to South East Asia and can easily understand their reluctance to speak about their time there. I am forever grateful that Mr. Heinemann did. The stink, the heat and humidity, the fear and helplessness are all there. Wrapped in the confines of a fire base or M-113 APC. Martin Scorcese should do this as a film, since the screenplay would be the book and reader would become one of the the team. With Deadeye, Dewey, Whiskey J, Quinn, and the Lt. A voyeur, overhearing flawless, raw, pure from the gut dialog. Few books have such power. John Del Vecchio's '13th Valley', Dale A. Dye's 'Run Between the Raindrops', James Webb's 'Fields of Fire', and Gus Hasford's "Short Timers' are close. This is the real deal! Science fiction writer David Drake could take lessons from Mr. Heinemann, since they shared the same MOS. Infinitely readable. And re-readable. If you know anyone who experienced the war in Vietnam, or any war; buy and read this book! It might give you an idea of where that person is coming from.
Customer Reviews:
good book but seen better.......2006-04-16
It explains the basic of close quarter battles but is lacking on details
The Best Open souce CQB book on the market.......2006-03-23
Mr. Lonsdale has compiled some of the best CQB techniques being used on the street today. Many techniques are still in the classified realm. This book is a fine text book to use with any local police, or sheriffs. Lonsdale has compiled some of the best CQB techniques being used on the street today. Many techniques are still in the classified realm. This book is a fine text book to use with any local police, or sheriffs department in order to use as a class book for ramping up a special applications team.
He uses step by step pictures to help the reader in understanding some of the more difficult department in order to use as a class book for ramping up a special applications team.
He uses step by step pictures to help the reader in understanding some of the more complicated techniques. The book is written from an operator's point of view. Mr. Lonsdale's years of experience shine through in all of his writings.
Review of CQB.......2006-03-04
I found the book to be an accurate outline of the basic theory of CQB. It touches on all the major considerations without going into any one subject in-depth. If you are looking for a point of reference to get a serious study underway, then this is a good place to start.
It seems to be a book written in such a fashion as to promote the other books in the series, which sort of turned me off because there wasn't as much "meat on the bones" as there could have been. The book continually refers to other titles by the same author which cover the topics at greater length.
If you have a good knowledge base in CQB, I would recommend skipping this title and moving directly to the more focused titles from this author.
Unrealistic and vague.......2003-12-10
The best thing in this book is the paper it is printed on; it's semi-glossy and heavy, giving some expectation of quality. The second best thing is that there is surprisingly little text, because some 1/3 of the pages are filled with photos. The fact that this is good news, tells something about the quality of the text.
To start with, the entire idea of presenting the "fighting secrets" of special operations forces in a 200-page book is somewhat absurd, especially considering that the author assumes that the reader does not know virtually nothing about the subject. The techniques presented here are unrealistic in the real world, to a large extent. And finally, the author speaks way too vaguely of the issues he presents, so that you really don't have a chance to learn anything.
The main part of the book concentrates on close combat. Significant amount of these pages is devoted to series of photographs. The photos are supposed to present several unarmed and armed close combat techniques, but they are so small and unclear that you are hard-pressed to figure out what they are depicting. But that's good, because you don't want to learn these techniques, anyway. One amusing thing caught my eye: The author stresses that it is imperative to train in full gear, and carry all the equipment you would be carrying in a real situatoin (that is true, but it is also self-evident). But in about half of the pictures, the guys are wearing karate uniforms!
The reason I bought this book was that I expected to find something on close-quarters shooting. Granted, about the last third of the book is devoted to the subject, but there really is not anything, exept for a total beginner. And for a beginner, there are far better books around.
One thing that especially annoyed me was that the author uses military jargon, apparently to get some credibility. That is the only justification for most of the jargon, as the book is filled with examples like "Any operation in the continental United States (CONUS), that ends in a shooting...", that being the only use of term CONUS in the text. The reason people use abbrevations is to save time and space with frequently used terms, which is not the case with examples like these.
I would recommend this book to a pre-adolescent boy, who wants to impress his pals by how much he knows about guns and real-life combat. If that description does not fit you, stay away from this book.
Need supplement.......2001-11-17
In depth study of individual CQB skills. Good info and training on firearms, but not detailed enough on CQB movements and searching skills .Best to be read with another STTU books in hand.
Book Description
Foreword by President John F. Kennedy. Small though they were, PT boats played a key role in World War II, carrying out an astonishing variety of missions where fast, versatile, and strongly armed vessels were needed. Called "weapons of opportunity," they met the enemy at closer quarters and with greater frequency than any other type of surface craft. Among the most famous PT commanders was John F. Kennedy, whose courageous actions in the Pacific are now well known to the American public. The author of the book, another distinguished PT boat commander in the Pacific, compiled this history of PT-boat operations in World War II for the U.S. Navy shortly after V-J Day, when memories were fresh and records easily assessable. The book was first made available to the public in 1962 after Kennedy's inauguration as president of the United States interest in PTs was at a peak.
Bulkley provides a wealth of facts about these motor torpedo boats, whose vast range of operation covered two oceans as well as the Mediterranean and the English Channel. Although their primary mission was to attack surface ships and craft close to shore, they were also used effectively to lay mines and smoke screens, to rescue downed aviators, and to carry out intelligence and raider operations. The author gives special attention to the crews, paying well-deserved tribute to their heroism, skill, and sacrifice that helped to win the war. 604 pages. 109 photographs. 7 maps. Appendixes. Notes. Index. Paperback. 6 x 9 inches.
Customer Reviews:
Reprint of a Classic.......2007-07-15
As the son of a WWII veteran who served on PT boats in the Mediterranean, I am learning the history of the service, and this is the earliest of several excellent books which describe the history and times of the PTs.
A cornerstone.......2006-10-28
My father was a PT sailor during World War II in the Solomon Islands, then stateside for the last 2 years of the war. He gave me this book when it first published in the 1960's. It is the cornerstone of my library of PT boat books.
It is not the easiest book to read, but it is simply loaded with information about all PT's during the war. This book and PT 105 will give you an excellent overview of both history, and what it was like to be there.
Thorough but a little dry .......2005-10-06
This book is a thorough history of American PT boat operations in World War Two. It covers all battle actions of the boats and what they accomplished in all theaters that the boats operated in -- the South Pacific, the Aleutians, and in Europe and the Mediterranean, an area of the PT boat war that, for some reaon, has had much less coverage than what these boats did in the Pacific. It also details the origins and developements of the boats, and the vastly complicated logistical problems covering huge distances that often bedeviled the boats and their crews. The book features many photographs of the boats and their crews and how they lived, as well as a complete list of every man killed or wounded on a PT boat during the war, as well as the numerous medals awarded to pt boat crews. It is a great record of these versatile boats and their courageous sailors.
Yet, it is a dry history. There is little or nothing about the men that sailed these boats into harm's way. Where did they come from? Why did they choose the dangers of a PT boat? What led them to go up against destroyers in plywood/mahongeny boats? A little bit of that and it would have been a fantastic account of the pt boats. Still, for anyone that loves naval history this is an incredible book.
Definitive.......2003-08-04
Anyone who genuinely wishes to understand PT combat tactics and operations must read this book. It may not be the easiest to read at first, but it gains its own rhythm.
Bulkley was the man who was at the center of the development of the PT as a useful combat platform. At first underarmed and under-appreciated, it became the workhorse of the patrol mission and was greatly feared by the Japanese navy.
Pay attention as the nature of the role of the PT changes from the beginning of the war to the end. Bulkley was an Admiral (an Lt. during the war) and is certainly subtle in his finger waving, but it is there.
Even though some Japanese destroyers could actually outrun the PT in straight flight (a highly classified secret), the manuevering characteristics of the PT and the tremendous boldness of the crews were enough to make Japanese officers decline combat with the much smaller craft.
In one case (told by my grandfather, a PT veteran) a PT patrol encountered a Japanese destroyer patrol during the day (marked Japanese advantage). The PT's scrambled accidentally into a closed lagoon.
Fearing a bombardment if they stayed and attack upon leaving, they geared up and flew out through the inlet. To their surprise, they only saw a group of ships in flight at flank (pouring smoke).
Any patrol of wooden boats that can make a destroyer patrol do this has got to be studied.
A PT man might experience as many as 80 or 90 armed engagements. Only 3 of the 18 original crew on my grandfathers boat actually walked off. These were dramatic conflicts and tremendously brave men.
I encourage all who are interested in naval military history to understand this piece of the puzzle. Those who don't will have a notable void. This book is a good place to start for it will eventually be essential in that pursuit.
Book Description
In the 17th volume of the beloved Barsetshire series, widowed Margot (Phelps) Macfadyen is in search of a house. As she calls on her numerous friends, readers find themselves in the midst of another Thirkellian social whirl. When the dust settles, Teddy Parkinson is installed in his new vicarship, Mavis owns a washing machine, and Tubby Fewling has regained Margot's heart.
Product Description
6th Printing
Book Description
This shocking manual takes you through the army's close-quarter combat system as taught by its master instructor. Find out how to break a man's arm after disarming him, do a bad guy with a bayonet or entrenching tool and many more battlefield techniques. For academic study only.
Customer Reviews:
Don't Believe the Hype.......2006-10-05
While this book is a good general overview of unarmed combat techniques, it lacks specificity and the illustrated techniques can be learned in any credible martial arts dojo. The author's credibility is also questionable, as the U.S. Army Combatives School at Fort Benning, Georgia does not teach any of what he espouses here. Also,his claims of having been the chief instructor for the U.S. Army and for the 2d Infantry Division and 8th Army in the ROK and other areas is not what I remember nor do any of my service compatriots. What is in the book is not what Special Operators or infantrymen are taught. While Mr. Holifield may be an accomplished fighter by his own account,the book raises many doubts as to the usefulness of its content.I would recommend it to beginners only as a reference.
Superb - A wide variety of essential techniques........2006-01-13
I've studied several martial arts for a little over six years. Not too long compared to most, but enough to get a pretty decent standing in the world of martial arts. This book takes very simple techniques, and breaks them down so simply that a beginner could almost pick them up immediately.
This book covers knife defenses, handgun defenses, defense using objects you'll find around your camp/in your rucksack, as well as offensive and defensive tactics using your M-16 as well as the M-16 with a bayonet. This is perfect for all military personnel looking for combat effective techniques that you can pickup quickly, and do not rely on strength, nor require loose clothing to execute them. (Full combat gear, BDU's, kevlar, LBE's will work fine with nearly all of them)
It also talks about philosophies on various aspects of combat, relating the military and martial arts as almost a single unit. I'd recommend this book to ANYONE looking for direct, useful material.
Outstanding Book!.......2005-03-10
I just came off a 9 month tour in Iraq and decided to look into some training material on hand to hand combat to share with my men when I return to Iraq. Holifield's name had come up in previous discussions regarding close combat training so I decided to purchase his book and videos upon my return. For those of you who may be unsure about purchasing this book due to some negative reviews, don't be swayed! From my point of view, the book was written as a basic guide to close quarter combat, and targeted for the average foot soldier (not so much spec ops). In that regard the book is perfect! It breaks down each move and is laid out in a easy to understand format. His video series on the other hand is unreal! He is a dangerous man and knows what the hell he's talking about. If you go to war and meet the enemy face-to-face, you want Holifield with you for sure!!! Buy the book for the basics and the video to finish the job!
Fantastic.......2005-02-25
Believe it or not, this book is all you need. It's helped me out in many situations including aprehending suspects, hostage situations, and much more actually. I wasn't expecting something this good. The pictures add to the easiness of understanding it and applying it to real life. This book was definitely WELL worth the buy.
CQC.......2005-02-15
I think it is important to point out that while gnerally speaking most special forces soldiers and others of the like who have been trained in cqc utilize these techniques with knives, bayonets etc, very rarely does one need to use hands exclusively, even sentry stalking is done with a knife.
Overall I have to agree with the seemingly uneducated and poorly spelled reviews here. From the perspective of someone who trains hand to hanb combat exclusively, this book will appear quite remedial, remember this is written for soldiers who are not in special forces and do not have acess to a cqc course, general army is not taught hand to hand, except for basic rifle bayonet drills and knife drills. If you want to get skilled as a fighter I suggest you read Rex applegates books on knife fighting and shooting, and for purely hand to hand read Jack Dempsey's how to fight tough, look Professor Hollifield may be known throughout the army but in my experience it is usually the most famous guy who sucks the most, remember Jack Dempsey was once the world heavyweight champion he is the man mike tyson based his fighting style on, you telling me this Professor hollifield could take jack dempsey, me thinks not.
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Boating
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The Practical Mariner's Book of Knowledge: 420 Sea-Tested Rules of Thumb for Almost Every Boating Situation
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