History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Modern Military Dictionary: English, Arabic/Arabic, English

Average customer rating:

Excellent dictionary
Mod. Mil. Dictionary
Excellent Resource for Military Terms
A very good dictionary
Sucker bait!

Modern Military Dictionary: English, Arabic/Arabic, English
Maher S. Kayyali
Manufacturer: Hippocrene Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0870529870

Customer Reviews:

Excellent dictionary.......2007-01-20

Great source for military terms in Arabic,very accurate recently used and very complicated military names and terms,comprehesive dictionary for military purposes
just to mention that this dictionary is useful for Arabic speakers , not a source for learning Arabic, having this understanding everyone would find it very helpful

Mod. Mil. Dictionary.......2006-06-02

Good comphrehensive list of different terms. One thing it is lacking is short vowels, so it is NOT for beginners........but Intermediate to Advanced unless you are able to get correct pronounciations of the words.

Excellent Resource for Military Terms.......2005-08-02

I originally bought this book as I was learning arabic and working with several Arab military officers. One advantage is that this book appears to be based on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) resources which means that the terms have been reviewed by several Arab-speaking nations.

The Arab military personnel, with whom I have shared this book, unanimously like it. As a result, they have requested several copies for their own use. (since the dictionary translates both ways)

The only limitation of the dictionary is that is is far from complete and lacks some of the more basic tactical terms.

A very good dictionary.......2004-03-17

This is probably the pre-eminent Arabic-English/English-Arabic Military Dictionary in the world. The terms are very well researched. Many dictionaries misuse military terms just in the source language, which means the translation will never be accurate. This dictionary uses terms which are standard or recognizable throughout the English-speaking military world, and standard Arabic terms that are at least understood in most or all of the widely varied Arabic dialects. It is much better - more accurate, better organized, more comprehensive - than just about any other Arabic dictionary for military purposes, including the Hans Wehr, Oxford, and the Mawrid. The dictionaries produced and issued by the US, Egyptian and Iraqi militaries are also inferior.

I got my copy in Cairo, at Madbuli Bookstore in Talat Harb Square for a better price. Otherwise, this is a good price, especially compared to US prices for most Arabic dictionaries.

As to the other (1-star) rating, that's what he gets for buying a dictionary when he wanted a tourist guidebook.

The only reason I hesitate to give the book five stars is that it doesn't address at all any regional considerations, which are as important as anything in Arabic translation.

Sucker bait!.......2004-02-20

I ordered this book as a gift for an army reservist who has been called up and ordered to Iraq. Maybe he could learn a few words and phrases that just might be invaluable. (When travelling to any foreign country, a little language is like a little money; much better than none at all.)

The content of the book is divided into three columns on each page. The first column has a military acronym such as PX. The second column translates the aconym into English words, Post Exchange. The third column translates the English words into Arabic, which I cannot understand nor reproduce here.

In someone spoke English and Arabic and was mystified by American military acronyms, this book could possibly be useful.

Book Description

A detailed account of the most interesting and important figures in military history from 1450 to the present day. A series of maps shows the main theatres of war. Who's Who in Military History looks at those men and women who have shaped the course of war. It concentrates on all the periods and conflicts about which the reader is likely to want information, up to and including the Gulf War. It provides detailed biographies of the most interesting and important figures in military history from 1450 to the present day, such as General Norman Schwarzkopf, Fernandez de Cordoba, Rommel, Napoleon, Che Guevara, Frederick the Great, and George Washington. A series of maps shows the main theatres of war.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent fast reference........1997-07-21

From Abbas (Persian conqueror), to Zhukov (World War II Marshal of the Soviet Union), the authors have listed all the significant military figures, not only the famous combat commanders, but also the great organizers of victories, thinkers and theorists, and military technocrats, and not forgetting the heroes, "symbols of daring and romance".
Each entry is succinct but comprehensive, and the authors are refreshingly not reluctant to evaluate the historical reputations of the great.
Very readable, and with helpful glossary and maps, this work will find a place on the shelf of the most experienced reader of military history, as well as the more casual reader.
(The numerical rating above is a default setting within Amazon's format. This reviewer does not employ numerical ratings.)

A History of the Peninsular War: The Biographical Dictionary of British Officers Killed and Wounded, 1808-1814 (Vol 8)

Average customer rating:

The Complete Story - The Last Voulme
Great Value to Military Students of the period.

A History of the Peninsular War: The Biographical Dictionary of British Officers Killed and Wounded, 1808-1814 (Vol 8)
John A. Hall , and Charles Oman
Manufacturer: Greenhill Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1853673153

Customer Reviews:

The Complete Story - The Last Voulme.......2005-05-24

Sir Charles Oman's comprehensive seven volume history of the Peninsular War is the yardstick by which any other history of this theatre must be measured. However, this eighth volume is only for the hard core. If it happened, it is in one of these volumes.

Great Value to Military Students of the period........1999-09-26

John Hall has written perhaps the most complete record of casualties of British and Allied Officers caused by actions in the Iberian Peninsula during the "period". His sources are impeccably presented and must be of great value to military students of the war in that theatre. Being given permission to attach this work to the definitive overall history by Charles Oman is sufficient acceptance in itself to guarantee its place on the shelves of the most august military libraries, however, it must be said that a similar work coming from the "enemy" of the time, "Listes des officers tues et blesses pendant les Guerres de l'Empire" by M Martinien, was in continuous use by Sir Charles throughout his own mammoth compilation, and , although often remarked upon by that author as being "invaluable" was never elevated beyond that rather minor appellation. That criticism apart this work has such a wealth of hitherto "hard to find" information, so easily made accessible, that it would be churlish to deny the author his laurels. The collective history of the war in the Peninsula then has just made a modest leap foward through this publication.

Historical Dictionary of Cold War Counterintelligence (Historical Dictionaries of Intelligence and Counterintelligence)

Average customer rating:

'All in one' assessment of events
Highly informative, if not, just fun bed-time reading

Historical Dictionary of Cold War Counterintelligence (Historical Dictionaries of Intelligence and Counterintelligence)
Nigel West
Manufacturer: The Scarecrow Press, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0810857707

Customer Reviews:

'All in one' assessment of events.......2007-06-17

College-level libraries strong in Cold War history and culture must have the reference Historical Dictionary of Cold War Counterintelligence: far from being your usual overview survey, it packs in a timeline of events, appendixes, bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries to follow the events on all sides. From spies and double agents to code names and intelligence agency subsets, this dictionary provides an important 'all in one' assessment of events, peoples, and philosophies key to understanding Cold War sentiments and politics.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Highly informative, if not, just fun bed-time reading.......2007-03-08

I decided to purchase this book after it was recommended to me by a friend (a former officier in MI5). I found it really rather well-done. It truly is a historical dictionary of Cold War espionage bar none. Exhaustively researched, written very crisply, this book was a joy to read and well-worth the price. I encourage all and sundry to read it, especially, students of 'this stranger than fiction struggle between the West and the East'. GREAT.

Average customer rating:

Well Researched
A Useful Reference

A dictionary of modern war
Edward Luttwak
Manufacturer: Harper & Row
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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ASIN: 0060127325

Customer Reviews:

Well Researched.......2004-05-10

This book is a good refference for subjects pertaining to modern warfare, whether they be equipment, tactics, specifications, etc. Even though the book was written in 1990 the vast majority of the topics discussed play an active role around the world today. Very useful and descriptive.

A Useful Reference.......2001-10-20

In the introduction, Luttwak states that 'The Dictionary of Modern War' is really more of an encyclopedia. This book is full of definitions and short discussions of thousands of military platforms and tactical/strategic concepts.
For readers unfamiliar with the military this book will provide a wealth of information. A more knowledgeable reader will probably know the concepts and terms discussed(Airland Battle, Screening, etc.), but will still find this book useful for information about weapons platforms, which are discussed thoroughly, including many obscure/unusual weapons of war.
This book is not without fault; its nomenclature is inconsistent, referring to weapons sometimes by number(M60, aka the Patton) and sometimes by name(Abrams, aka the M1). This book has a highly extensive section on nuclear weapons and terminology.
Overall this is a good reference work, with valuable information for dilettantes and serious students of war alike.

Average customer rating:

Historical Dictionary of the Cold War
Davis Simon
Manufacturer: The Scarecrow Press, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0810837099

Book Description

Covering an extensive period and much of the globe, this dictionary presents a year-by-year chronology and alphabetical entries on civilian and military leaders, crucial countries and peripheral conflicts, the increasingly lethal weapons systems, and the various political and military strategies.

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Brassey's Companion to the British Army
Antony Makepeace-Warne
Manufacturer: Brassey's UK
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

This one-volume reference book meets the long-standing demand for a point of first reference on questions concerning the British Army, from its creation in 1660 to the present day. The concise and accurate entries, placed in alphabetical order for ease of reference, will quickly, easily and clearly satisfy the immediate needs of the reader. In addition to historical detail the entries reflect all the post Cold-war changes to the regiments and corps of the Army, and will continue to be a valuable reference source for many years. The book offers definitions of all the terms which are, or have been, in common usage in the Army, and covers every aspect of the campaigns, battles, dress, weapons, equipment and histories of the regiments and corps of the British Army

The Russian Officer Corps in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, 1792-1815

Average customer rating:

The first liberators
The Unknown Soldiers
Consumate reference material for Napoleonic buffs
The Russian Juggernaut
A superb work of scholarship

The Russian Officer Corps in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, 1792-1815
Alexander Mikaberidze
Manufacturer: Savas Beatie
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1932714022

Book Description

Presented here, for the first time in any language, are more than 800 detailed biographies of the senior Russian officers who commanded troops in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, together with 440 bandx portraits. This amazing study spans the critical years of 1792 to 1815, but also includes those officers whose service fell before and after this period.

Dr. Mikaberidze's The Russian Officer Corps is based upon years of research in Russian archives. Each biography includes the subject's place of birth, family history, educational background, a detailed description of his military service, his awards and promotions, wounds, transfers, commands, and other related information, including the date and place of his death and internment, if known.

In addition to the biographies is an introductory chapter setting forth in meticulous detail the organization of the Russian military, how it was trained, the educational and cultural background of the officer corps, its awards and their history and meaning, and much more. This outstanding overview is supported and enhanced by three dozen charts, tables, and graphics that illustrate the rich history of the Russian officer corps.

This study also includes a Foreword by Dr. Donald H. Horward, and an annotated bibliography to help guide students of the period through the available Russian sources.

Stunning in its scope and depth of coverage, The Russian Officer Corps will be of tremendous use to historians, scholars, genealogists, hobbyists, wargamers, and anyone working or studying late 18th and early 19th-century European history. Every student of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, as well as every academic library, will find this impressive reference work absolutely indispensable.

Serious readers of this momentous period of history cannot afford to be without this exceptional reference work.

About the Author: Alexander Mikaberidze is an assistant professor of history at Mississippi State University. He holds a law degree from the Republic of Georgia and a Ph.D. in history from Florida State University, where he worked at the Institute on Napoleon and the French Revolution. He serves as president of the Napoleonic Society of Georgia. In addition to his numerous articles on various Napoleonic-related topics, Dr. Mikaberidze's publications include a biography of Napoleon in Georgian, two volumes on the Russo-Turkish War of 1806-1812, and the forthcoming Lion of the Russian Army: Life and Career of General Peter Bagration

Customer Reviews:

The first liberators.......2005-12-01

This is a book about a very unique officer corps written using a wealth of research not seen on the subject before. Far more then just a dictionary of names, it seeks to give something of a feel for what it was that eventually led the Imperial Russian Army of Tzar Alexander 1st (the Blessed) to eventually enter Paris in 1814. For the first time it becomes evident that the Russian officer corps was far from lacking in sophistication, and far less xenophobic then is often supposed. The many foreign officers who served in its ranks attest to the fact that almost anyone was accepted if they could show good will and contribute skill to the evolving force which was at the time but a century into its modern history after Peter the Great's reforms.
Apparently due to publisher's editing the bibliography was greatly reduced, but this takes nothing away from the contents. Anyone who wants to understand the leadership that made the Russian Army of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars must have this volume on their bookshelf.

The Unknown Soldiers.......2005-09-10

With but a handful of exceptions, the Russian officer corps is the least known of those who served and led in the wars of the Napoleonic era. While careful readers and hobbyists might be able to name most of Napoleon's marshals, they might be hard-pressed to identify even a fraction of as many Russian generals. Georges Six's Dictionnaire of French officers or Mullié's Biographie of early nineteenth century military men, as well as any number of English-language reference tools on the Napoleonic era military have been available to students of history, but no comparable biographical work on the Russian military has been available to the non-Russophone reader. The Russian language, the Cyrillic alphabet and the relative unavailability of Russian sources has presented a barrier to those seeking more information on the Russians who fought Napoleon's armies.

Dr. Mikaberidze has written what will undoubtedly be the essential work of reference on the Russian officer corps. He begins with an overview of the Russian officer corps, giving a brief history from its beginnings under Peter the Great through to the Napoleonic era. We learn how Russia's military was trained, as well as the cultural milieu of the officer corps. Mikaberidze manages to pack a great deal of information into this introduction, supplementing the text with numerous tables and graphs. Included is a discussion of the ranks in the Russian military, with a number of tables marking their evolution over time. Finally Russian military orders are detailed with illustrations of their use.

Dr. Alexander Mikaberidze, an assistant professor of history at Mississippi State University, holds a law degree from the Republic of Georgia and a Ph.D. in history from Florida State University, where he was a member of the Institute on Napoleon and the French Revolution. He serves as president of the Napoleonic Society of Georgia. Mikaberidze is also the author of the forthcoming Lion of the Russian Army: Life and Career of General Peter Bagration.

The Russian officer corps was made up almost exclusively of nobles (86.5 % in 1812), and many had entered the service at the age of sixteen or younger (nearly 500 of the officers serving in 1812 were sixteen or younger at their enlistment-13 had been five years of age or younger). Promotion for the nobility could be relatively quick if the officer had the right connections, while soldiers from the ranks might have to wait a quarter of a century to advance from the ranks of NCOs to commission officer status.

The meat of the books is the 800 biographies of Russian officers who fought against the French, Turks, Swedes, and Russia's other enemies during "our" era (naval officers are included as well). These biographies generally include dates of birth and death, family and educational history, military and civil service including notable battles and events, promotions and awards (including foreign orders) as well as other details of the subject's professional history. More than half the biographies are accompanied by black-and-white portraits. The biographies are arranged alphabetically, in an attractive double-column format. Individual entries run from a single paragraph to a couple of pages.

Dr. Mikaberidze has consulted a small library of archival, primary and secondary sources in compiling this unique and solid dictionary. These biographies will be a boon for historians wishing to distinguish, for instance, officers of the same surnames who are frequently identified by numbers (Mikaberidze points out that there were eighteen officers named Grekov, of whom six are detailed here). The volume also includes foreign-born officers serving in the Russian service, including British, Irish, German, Austrian, Polish, Italian, French, Spanish, Greek, Danish Dutch, Serb, and Armenian officers in the Russian military, demonstrating the cosmopolitan nature of war in the Napoleonic era.

Attractively produced, well-bound (though it will undoubtedly get heavy use), this work should be in libraries everyone with a keen interest in the Napoleonic wars and Russian history. The Russian Officer Corps is certain to be a standard reference source for years to come. Though I can't recommend this book more highly, I would have liked to have seen an index. An index, for example, would have allowed the reader the reader to locate all the officers who participated in a particular battle. A glossary of Russian military terms might also have been useful.

Consumate reference material for Napoleonic buffs.......2005-03-27

Name any Russian staff officer of the Napoleonic Wars and he's almost certain to be in here. You get a full treatment for each officer with their medals and awards and a brief social and military history. I haven't yet found an officer I wanted to look up not listed in this comprehensive guide.
An essential work of reference for all scholars of Russian Napoleonic history and also for fanatical followers of the Emperor who want to know more about their adversaries.

The Russian Juggernaut.......2005-03-26

This superb volume is a must for any student of the Napoleonic Wars whether or not you are interested in the Russian Army, its campaigns, its organization and equipment. Books such as these, at the level of scholarship with which it is written, seldom come along. In short, this volume is indispensable for any student, enthusiast, or historian of the period.

The author has compiled an unrivaled source of material on the Russian officer corps of the period and in doing so has written biographical data on hundreds of Russian officers, many having a portrait of the officer concerned with the biography.

The volume is thoroughly sourced and documented, and the endnotes, where appropriate, are most helpful. The foreward for the volume is by Don Horward, one of the best Napoleonic historians in the United States and in the Napoleonic community as a whole. His endorsement of this fine effort speaks volumes for its accuracy and worth.

The best portion of the book, however, is the excellent opening chapter on the history of the Russian Officer Corps. It is chock full of data, tables, and information that covers the Russians officer corps from 'muzzle to butt plate.' It is the most valuable portion of the book and a great introduction to the biographies.

Seldom does one come across a book of this value, scholarship, and scope. It is the definitive volume for the subject in English, and the author and publisher have done all of us a great service in presenting this outstanding volume to the public.

A superb work of scholarship.......2005-01-18

With a few exceptions, Western books on the Napoleonic Wars tend to deal with the Russian officers who fought in those wars in a rather cavalier fashion (if at all). Inaccuracies abound, even in descriptions of such prominent figures as Kutuzov, Bagration and Barclay de Tolly, while the lesser-known members of the Russian officer corps are often dismissed as being of little account. There is the added factor that all too may English-speaking writers (and this includes some historians who ought to know better) are so in awe of Tolstoy that they forget that War and Peace, while based on extensive research, is a work of fiction, and take it literally as a source of information about the Russian army. While his account of events is accurate in many respects, Tolstoy frequently bent facts or omitted them altogether if they did not fit in with his view of events.

Aleko Mikaberidze's monumental work sets out to change this state of affairs. Based as far as possible on primary sources, it contains biographies of more than 800 officers, both junior and senior, who served in the Russian army during the period of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. I was particularly pleased that it includes the enigmatic figure of Nadezhda Durova, who enlisted in an Uhlan regiment disguised as a man, and took part in several campaigns, reaching the rank of Staff Captain (Staff Rotmistr) in the cavalry. Wherever possible the biographies are illustrated by a portrait of the subject, making the accounts truly three-dimensional.

As well as the biographies themselves, the book includes much valuable information on the history, character and composition of the Russian officer corps. I am already familiar with Dr Mikaberidze's work through his Internet-published articles and his Ph.D. thesis on the most charismatic of the Russian generals, Petr Bagration. Like his previous writings, Dr Mikaberidze's book is meticulously researched and extremely well written, in a style that is informative yet very readable; it is handsomely produced and well laid out.

This will prove an extremely valuable source book for historians, war-gamers, historical researchers and novelists, as well as non-professionals like me who are simply fascinated by that period of history, especially as it pertains to Russia. Thoroughly recommended!

Encyclopedia of American War Heroes (Facts on File Library of American History)

Average customer rating:

Our Debt to Our Heroes
A "wake-up" call for American youth!
At a Time When We Need to Learn About Heroes!
A tribute to those that gave all
A "Must Have" for every American Veteran!

Encyclopedia of American War Heroes (Facts on File Library of American History)

Manufacturer: Checkmark Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0816046379

Customer Reviews:

Our Debt to Our Heroes.......2003-08-25

It is frustrating at times to mention the names of men like "Manila John" Basilone or "Silent Lew" Walt in conversation, only to be met with blank stares. Sadly, America all too often forgets her heroes.
The Encyclopedia of American Heroes is an excellent source for rectifying that situation. Author Bruce H. Norton, who has seen the face of battle, has put together a fine book describing the
deeds of men our nation owes a debt of gratitude to.
Clearly written, this book is an ideal gift for young people and adults.
Heroes are not only to be honored from afar, but are examples of courage, loyalty, dedication, honor and leadership, to name a few. This book is a fine resource for learning those lessons.

A "wake-up" call for American youth!.......2002-11-11

There is little doubt that the United States will soon be engaged in a land, sea and air war with Iraq. The current operational information given to us civilians will have a "green light" for action by mid-March. I would hope that anyone giving serious thought to serving in our Armed Forces would take the time to read what it takes, in the form of personal courage to being an infantry-man or Marine.
This encyclopedia is full of the descriptive citations which detail hazardous situations. The thought of having to sacrifice
one's life to save fellow soldiers is vividly described in this fine work.
I would hope that this book is bought and circulated through every high-school library in the USA. It not only describes what it takes to become a "war hero," but it transcends four hundred years of American guts and glory on the battlefield.
There are numerous accounts of individual heroism that literally bring tears to my eyes. The price these men and women have paid is unbelievable.
I, for one, am glad the Major Norton has taken the time to remind us of exactly what it takes to become an American war hero.
I highly recommend this book.

At a Time When We Need to Learn About Heroes!.......2002-10-10

I have just finished re-reading Encyclopedia of American War Heroes, by Major Bruce Norton, USMC, (Ret.), and I must say that I will read it again and again. This book describes the heroic deeds of American men and women in mortal combat from 1600- to present. Some names will not be new, but there are many individuals cited who are not generally known to the American public. This is the kind of book that will be on every American veteran's coffee-table for years to come. While we have been inundated, lately, with images of "heroes" (police and fire-fighters) surrounding the 9/11 trajedy, this work covers 300 years of heroic achievement by our Nation's military. Many of the citations will make the reader pause and think about what it takes to be a "real" hero. The incredible exploits of men such as Chamberlain, Coffman, Day, Fox, Millett, Paige and Williams will bring tears to eyes of any proud American veteran. Major Norton has done a valuable service in creating this marvelous book. I hope that there will be additional volumes to come. A great and valuable book.

A tribute to those that gave all.......2002-09-23

This book should be in every school library. Honoring war heroics doesn't glorify war but pays respect to those who do the most to bring war to a just end. Reading this book is like going to a party and finding all your favorite people are there, you also meet people that you didn't know, but find that you like. And there are a few ladies there too. All the legends are there, there's John Paul Jones, U.S. Grant, Sgt. York, Audie Murphy, Chesty Puller, and Roger H.C. Donlon. There are also plenty of unknown legends, heroes that are known to their peers but not well known to the public. This book includes the stories of highly decorated men like Lloyd "Scooter" Burke, Ola Mize, Lewis Millett and Matt Urban. These men survivied a sustained record of valor beyond the glow of the public's praise. Like any party there are no shows. Any military buff will note ommissions that they feel should be included in this book. Men that I felt should have been included are Tony Herbert, the Korean War's most decorated soldier, and Vietnam's most decorated heroes Robert Howard and Joe Hooper. These tough as nails NCOs gave it all to win and then gave care to their captured enemy. Another no show at this party is Mike Thornton. Mike Thornton is the only enlisted Navy Seal to recieve the Medal of Honor and it is because of him that the Seals can claim to have never left a man behind. No Seal walks taller than Mike Thornton, I suppose. Another no show is Doc Bruce Norton, the only Navy Corpsman to be a team leader of a USMC Force Recon Team. This book is a national treasure.

A "Must Have" for every American Veteran!.......2002-09-12

I have just finished reading Encyclopedia of American War Heroes and I'm very pleased to have bought it. Major Norton has done a great job in presenting a "historic sampling" of many of our Nation's military heroes. With approximately 400 entires and numerous photographs to support the work, this reference book will be a welcomed addition to any military reader's library. The names and faces of many selected heroes are new and interesting. Major Norton has produced a "fair-share" of soldiers, sailors, Marines and Airman. The work covers entries from as early as 1650 through 2001. Additionally, those entries include, female Union/Confederate spies, Native Americans, Mexican-Americans, Hispanics and African-Americans.
While we have been inundated, lately, by media coverage of recent "heroes;" those NYPD, FDNY and Emergency Medical Technicians who were killed on 9/11, this encyclopedia is a refreshing addition and a historical tribute to those brave men and women who dared to do great things on our Nation's battlefields during the last 400 years. These military men and women are the real "role models" that the youth of America should recognize and salute.
I know that this reference book will be well-received, as it should make every veteran proud of his or her military heritage. Another well-written and well-researched book by Major 'Doc' Norton, USMC. Well done!

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