Military Uniforms in America, Volume I: Era of the Revolution: 1755-1795 (Military Uniforms in America)

Customer Reviews:

Superb Uniform Study.......2000-07-19

This is one of the best, if not the best, study of uniforms worn during the period of the American Revolution. Prepared by The Company of Military Historians and featuring such reliable and accurate artists as H. Charles McBarron, Frederick Todd, Clyde Risley, Herbert Knotel, and Eugene Leliepvre, it is a sampling of the excellent prints published by the Company, which now number in excess of 600.

Edited by colonel John Elting, with a Foreward by Ann S.K. Brown, it is an accomplished work of scholarship that not only shows the various uniforms of the major combatants of both the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, but the accompanying text for each print is expertly done, and draws mostly on primary sources for its information.

The units covered are a good sampling of the combatants, Gorham's Rangers being an interesting example, as well as British field uniforms for the French and Indian War where they modified them for field service in the heavily wooded North American continent.

The Revolution section features such units as the Queen's Rangers, The Delaware Regiment, both regular British and Loyalist outfits, the 3d Continental Light Dragoons, as well as an excellent sampling of Germans and French, by the masters Knotel and Leliepvre, respectively.

Book Description

This book documents for the first time previously hidden Japanese atrocities in World War II, including cannibalism; the slaughter and starvation of prisoners of war; the rape, enforced prostitution, and murder of noncombatants; and biological warfare experiments. The author describes how desperate Japanese soldiers consumed the flesh of their own comrades killed in fighting as well as that of Australians, Pakistanis, and Indians. Another chapter traces the fate of 65 shipwrecked Australian nurses and British soldiers who were shot or stabbed to death by Japanese soldiers. Thirty-two other nurses, who landed on another island, were captured and sent to Sumatra to become "comfort women"-prostitutes for Japanese soldiers. Tanaka recounts how thousands of Australian and British POWs died in the infamous Sandakan camp in the Borneo jungle in 1945. Those who survived were forced to endure a tortuous 160-mile march on which anyone who dropped out of line was immediately shot. Only six escapees lived to tell the tale. Based on exhaustive research in previously closed archives, this book represents a landmark analysis of Japanese war crimes. The author explores individual atrocities in their broader social, psychological, and institutional milieu and places Japanese behavior during the war in the broader context of the dehumanization of men at war-without denying individual and national responsibility.

Customer Reviews:

why are japanese so evil?.......2006-03-28

Japan has committed some of the world's worst atrocities in history (nanking massacre, unit 731, batton death march, comfort women, pearl harbor, ect..) and they still refuse to apologize, compensate, or make an accurate history in there textbooks. Why is Japan so cowardly and instead try to make their amends to their victims of the horrible crimes against humanity. No wonder people call Japan a "devil" race.

Book Contains Great Facts, but Lame Excuses.......2003-02-24

The most outstanding attribute of this book is its honest depiction of Japan's atrocities. The description of these horrific onslaughts surpasses similar titles in some portions of the book.

But the downside is the author's attempt to explain why the Japanese acted as they did, as if doing so will somehow make us view the Japanese army as something more than the monsters they were. Though Tanaka probaly doesn't mean to, he comes across as making excuses for the Japanese military's barbarism. Nevertheless, when he moves beyond fact description and into analysis, his intentions seem ambiguous at best. But overall, a good read.

OK.......2002-04-09

Interesting info, but author seems to try and make the point the Japanese did nothing worse than others have done thru out history.

Nauseating, shocking, necessary reading about WWII.......2002-01-29

Japanese ex-pat professor (he lives in Austrailia) desribes in stomach turning detail the crimes of Imperial Japanese forces in WWII. While I knew some of the things done, I had no idea the extent and depth of the crimes committed.

Tanaka describes in pages NOT FOR THE TIMID READER the Japanese high command's plan for using cannabalism to feed their troops in the southern arc of their conquest plans. It wasn't just enemy troops who were on the menu, but low-ranking Japanese ground-pounders. I will spare the detail, but Tanaka doesn't, so be warned.

I give this book only 4 stars because it has one serious flaw. Tanaka makes the laughable, morally unsustainable claim that the atomic bombings are morally equivalent to Japanese crimes. This will rightly outrage every American, but it doesn't tarnish the overall effort.

Professor Tanaka is to be congratulated for his courage in revealing the worst things committed by his people. Things that many in Japan, especially school textbooks, refuse to admit. I don't think it coincidence that the good professor lives in the Land Down Under.

Important Book to Read even if Author is Lightweight.......2001-01-05

This is an important book to read to further an understanding of the magnitude of Japanese war crimes in WWII. The author touches on the fact that these war crimes were part of a pattern of inhumanity; not simply isolated incidents of criminality, but an artifact of Japanese culture which demanded subservience of the individual for the sake of "social harmony". Individual morality or even a desire for morality can play no role in such a regime. Interestingly, even the author provides names of officers , but for the most part treats the enlisted men who carried out the barbarous orders not as men but as mere cogs.

Customer Reviews:

cumbersom reading.......2006-06-16

For those currently playing soldier with these weapons this is a good book to have but for the historian it has little real value.

Cumbersom and difficult in reading.

Excellent work on Civil War arms.......2001-03-08

Jo Bilby's work on Civil War Firearms is invaluable. I have referred to my copy numerous times and it has become dogeared with use. Mr. Bilby is a kind and highly intelligent man who has done history buffs a great service by providing this book. If you enjoy this book also check out his other works: "Mr. Bilby is the author of Three Rousing Cheers: A History of the 15th New Jersey Infantry from Flemington to Appomattox, Forgotten Warriors: New Jersey's African-American Civil War Soldiers, Remember Fontenoy: The 69th New York and the Irish Brigade In the Civil War and co-editor, with Steven O'Neill, of My Sons Were Faithful and They Fought: The Irish Brigade At Antietam...

A great book for collectors and historians.......2000-08-13

The book covers the history of and tactics used for several Civil War firearms. These guns include smoothbores, sharpshooters, repeaters, and several others. Joseph Bilby's research into the historical aspect of each weapon is excellent and worthy of praise. Bilby also provides an invaluable supply and information list near the end of the book. Collectors will find this part of the book very helpful for locating pieces to add to their collection.

Planting the American Flag: Twelve Men Who Expanded the United States Overseas

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Planting the American Flag: Twelve Men Who Expanded the United States Overseas
Peter C. Stuart
Manufacturer: McFarland & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0786429836
Release Date: 2007-02-09

Product Description

A few sea captains, a couple of college professors, a battle-hardened general, a senator, a congressman, and a knavish adventurer: What could such men have in common? In addition to an eye upon the broader world and a streak of independence, each had a vision of the United States as a model sovereign. All were part of an American effort to create an overseas empire--one that would avoid the mistakes of the European powers and redefine the face of imperialism. Beginning with the 1839 voyage of Captain Charles Wilkes that opened American relations with Samoa, here are biographies of 12 men instrumental in the incorporation of America's five island dependencies. Besides Wilkes, it covers Richard W. Meade III, who negotiated a treaty with Samoa; Albert B. Steinberger, premier of Samoa; Henry Glass, who took Guam for America; Nelson A. Miles, who led the 1898 conquest of Puerto Rico; B. F. Tilley, first governor of American Samoa; Joseph B. Foraker, first congressional overseer of the possessions; William A. Jones, anti-imperialist and reformer; Frank McIntyre, military administrator of America's holdings; Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., governor of Puerto Rico; Paul M. Pearson, first civilian governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands; and Anthony M. Solomon, who inaugurated the acquisition of the Northern Mariana Islands in 1963.

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Deeper than you ever thought...
Factually Honest and Well Researched

Guatemala: Never Again!

Manufacturer: Orbis Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

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Terrorism | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 157075294X

Customer Reviews:

Deeper than you ever thought..........2005-04-16

I highly recommend this book for a number of reasons.
If you are just starting to delve into the knowledge about Guatemala's tragic civil war this is the place to start. What this is is an abridged version of the Human Rights report on the atrocities committed by the Guatemalan army. This book is made up of two things: analysis and then personal testimonies from the victims.

What it does for you is reveal that these crimes committed against the indigenous population went far beyond simply stated genocide and ethnic cleansing. There was far more to the army's tactics than massacre and physical torture.

The crimes against the Mayas were highly psychological and I think that this report reveals that and puts it clearly. This book takes what you might already know about the horror and brings you in deeper. By the time you're done you will have a more clear, more concise, more accurate picture of what was done by the army to not only affect these people but to also keep them in silence about a war that not too many people know about.

It also shows why Guatemala is still so devastated by this war, and what it's going to take to ensure that this history doesn't repeat itself. It's difficult in some places to read, but I think you need to. As you sit in your comfortable house reading it, I think it will change your perception on life. It did mine anyway.

Factually Honest and Well Researched.......2000-08-30

This book is a summarization of a human rights report presented in Guatemala in 1998. Through eye-witness testimony, it outlines the military atrocities committed during Guatemala's Civil War and the effect the war has had on Guatemala's indigenous population.

This edition has been edited from the original lengthy report but retains important testimony in smaller quotes where relevant and offers the reader stark evidence of the massive violence as well as the psychological warfare that was perpetrated on the citizens of Guatemala.

Book Description

The African-American contribution to winning World War II has never been celebrated as profoundly as in Fighting for America. In this inspirational and uniquely personal tribute, the essential part played by black servicemen and -women in that cataclysmic conflict is brought home.

Here are letters, photographs, oral histories, and rare documents, collected by historian Christopher Moore, the son of two black WWII veterans. Weaving his family history with that of his people and nation, Moore has created an unforgettable tapestry of sacrifice, fortitude, and courage. From the 1,800 black soldiers who landed at Normandy Beach on D-Day, and the legendary Tuskegee Airmen who won ninety-five Distinguished Flying Crosses, to the 761st Tank Battalion who, under General Patton, helped liberate Nazi death camps, the invaluable effort of black Americans to defend democracy is captured in word and image.

Readers will be introduced to many unheralded heroes who helped America win the war, including Dorie Miller, the messman who manned a machine gun and downed four Japanese planes; Robert Brooks, the first American to die in armored battle; Lt. Jackie Robinson, the future baseball legend who faced court-martial for refusing to sit in the back of a military bus; an until now forgotten African-American philosopher who helped save many lives at a Japanese POW camp; even the author’s own parents: his mother, Kay, a WAC when she met his father, Bill, who was part of the celebrated Red Ball Express.

Yet Fighting for America is more than a testimonial; it is also a troubling story of profound contradictions, of a country still in the throes of segregation, of a domestic battleground where arrests and riots occurred simultaneously with foreign service–and of how the war helped spotlight this disparity and galvanize the need for civil rights. Featuring a unique perspective on black soldiers, Fighting for America will move any reader: all who, like the author, owe their lives to those who served.

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

Nothing short of an excellent walk through history.......2005-07-23

Chris Moore's chronicle of black patriotism from Colonial times through World War II is nothing short of an excellent walk through history. As a history buff I found myself eager to turn each page. I would sit with highlighter in hand marking special passages as though I was still a college student studying for an exam. Moore has a special way of transporting the reader back in time, allowing one to almost hear the voices of those who wrote the letters featured in the book. I never realized just how much we as a people contributed to the early Colonial battles that set America as a country free.

Even though black Americans have fought and died in every war this country has faced, only the heroes of recent history get recognition. Yes, we grew up with a knowledge of Crispus Attucks, but what about heroes like Seaman Doris 'Dorrie' Miller and Pfc Robert H. Brooks. Miller was aboard the USS West Virginia, when she was attacked December 7, 1941 by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor. Miller, a naval messman, managed to save several lives when he shot down four enemy planes with a .50-caliber anti-aircraft gun he'd never been trained to use. Miller was later presented the Navy Cross for his efforts. I was never taught in school about Pfc Robert H. Brooks was the first soldier to die at Fort Stotenbugh in the Phillipines, when the Japanese attacked December 8, 1941.

There was also airmen Eugene Bullard, who was not allowed to fly combat missions for America. Bullard was however, welcomed by the French army and became an ace pilot during World War I. Bullard flew more than twenty missions against the Germans and was credited with shooting down at least five enemy aircraft. Moore introduces us to black female heroes like pilot Willa Beatrice Brown. In 1941 Lieutenant Brown became the first woman officer in the U.S. Civil Air Patrol. Throughout WWII Brown served as an instructor in the Civilian Pilot Training Program.

Moore's research on the Red Ball Express, the 320th Barrage Ballon Brigade, the 161st Chemical Smoke Generating Company and the countless Engineer Aviation Battalions such as the 810th and the 811th paved the way for Allied victory. Moore allows the reader to feel the shear determination of black enlisted men and women who fought a duel war. One war was against the Germans and Japanese and the other war was against the prejudice they faced daily from their fellow American service men and women. Although this book began as a tribute to Moore's parents S.Sgt. Bill Moore and Pfc Norma K. DeFreese Moore his four year journey turned out to be so much more. Though not written as a text book, this book should be incorportated into the half written history books our children are taught from. It is a book that my family will read again and again.

Reviewed by Felecia R. Ellis Memphis RAWSISTAZ

Interesting.......2005-05-25

What an interesting subject, presented with historical perspective in Fighting for America, written by Moore to honor his GI Joe Mom and Dad.

I found myself saying out loud, "I didn't know that" as I got a history lesson about the role African-Americans played in fighting for America since they became "Americans."

Even in a movie like "Saving Private Ryan," the important role of several hundred black soldiers at Utah and Omaha Beach on D-Day was not shown. Throughout the book that focuses on World War II, we learn about heroism, camaraderie, segregation, exclusion, demoralization, prejudice -- and patriotism.

Often black men were sent on the most difficult missions - ands then their efforts were greatly downplayed or excluded from history (both when it happened) and in written-down history.

Black women also served as nurses and with other support units. The 6,888th Central Postal Direction Battalion, an all-black unit, assigned some 80 black women to handle mail sorting at a base in Birmingham, England. Those women were the first black people many English had seen, and they helped to shatter stereotypes.

Many of us have heard of the Tuskegee Airmen and all they accomplished. Other black soldiers, trained as paratroopers, were sent to the West Coast of the United States and became firefighters. Their job was to jump into remote forested area and put out fires caused by airborne incendiary bombs sent aloft by the Japanese.

Also, a third of the 10,500 soldiers who built the Alcan Highway (from Canada through roughest Alaska) were black. This major construction project was rushed to ensure that America had a way to get supplies to northward to defend our borders if the enemy blocked our supply ships.

The book was filled with such interesting facts that any history buff will love it. And if you just like to read good stories about good people, it will meet that requirement.

A special piece of history.......2005-01-09

If you are a fan of history or not this is wonderful book. Having read a several other history books on WWII in college, this is the first book that has captured me. The journey the reader takes through the life of the author's family and through other soldier's personal experiences allows the reader to relate to the war rather then simply read about it. If history books in school were written like this one, history class would not have been dreaded.

AFRICAN AMERICAN HEROES!.......2004-12-29

To anyone with any common sense, it should come as no surprise that African American soldiers carried the load, literally, during the Second World War. FIGHTING FOR AMERICA does a superb and meticulous job in detailing all of the many ways which black soldiers helped to win the war. It is simply a national shame that most black soldiers who fought in WWII have gone to their graves without any recognition for their bravery and heroism. This book is loaded with bonafide heroes who are worthy of our applause and any monument which can be erected in their honor. I recommend this book highly.

Average customer rating:

How does it end? He dies.
narrow
Don't expect too much
Interesting but Flawed
VIB: Very Important Book

Guerrilla Warfare
Ernesto "Che" Guevara
Manufacturer: University of Nebraska Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Strategy | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Terrorism | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0803221169

Book Description

This indispensable book includes three of Che Guevara’s most influential essays describing his tactical philosophy of fighting a guerrilla war in Latin America. Guerrilla Warfare, written in 1960, outlines Guevara’s doctrine for guerrilla fighters, especially against Caribbean-style dictatorships. In Guerrilla Warfare: A Method (1963) and Message to the Tricontinental (1967), Guevara modified some of his earlier tenets. These latter two works move away from his earlier dogmatism, suggesting that Marxist revolution was possible even in purportedly democratic regimes. All three essays reflect his deeply held belief that a small, rural-based guerrilla army could trigger a revolution.

Customer Reviews:

How does it end? He dies........2007-09-04

This guy was educated, but not smart enough to follow his own preaching. He separated himself from his popular base, communist/leftist college students, and went out to help aid the people. If he had paid attention in Guerilla Warfare 101 (read: On Guerilla Warfare by Mao Tse Tung) he would done more than fight in the wilderness.

Guerilla tactics involve (as most everyone knows now) convincing as many civilians, proletariat or not, to fight by your standard. Che only became a martyr when photos of his corpse, incidentally posed Christ-like, were released to a largely Catholic public.

narrow.......2007-08-07

narrow-mined, outdated. would have been a great read in the early 50's. Please forward an edition to all of our "un-friendlies".

Don't expect too much.......2007-06-27

The introduction to this book nails it when describing the text as more of a historical document and less of a manual to guerilla warfare.

I understand the iconic stature that Che holds, and that this was brought about through martyrdom, but Guerilla Warfare wholly reinforces the adage of 'actions speak louder than words'; this book is dull and simple. It reads as if it was written by a stoned 10th grader doing a book report on the book I expected this to be, and it seems that 'revolutionary' and 'author/writer' are not interchangeable terms.

Interesting but Flawed.......2007-03-14

"Guerilla Warfare" explains well the method by which guerilla armies obtain their arms, using their enemy as their suppliers through hit and run captures of armaments. An overview of guerilla organization and methodology is provided. However, Che's personal experience seems to be his only source. The book lacks insights from the experiences of others in similar but culturally different and technologically different circumstances. Che makes universal inferences from his narrow experience. When he himself applied this theory, later in his life, to other circumstances, he failed. For example, he seems to believe that the will to fight a guerilla war can, in all cases, be created by the guerillas themselves. While it certainly would be inspirational to hear of a guerilla movement in one's own country fighting the forces of oppression, it is a mistake to believe that this will inevitably lead to a growing movement towards general insurrection. When Che tried this in Bolivia, he failed (fatally so).

I would recommend this book as a summary of Che's insights into guerilla warfare but would caution the reader to avoid accepting Che's conclusions as well founded. Avoid his mistake and read the works of Mao and others before drawing universal conclusions on guerilla warfare.

VIB: Very Important Book.......2006-06-20

WARNING!

Some people are afraid of reality. Please read this book.

America's Armed Forces: A History (2nd Edition)

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Great content, poor organization; Needs review
Excellent US military history book
Great Military History
Military History

America's Armed Forces: A History (2nd Edition)
James M. Morris
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

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All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0133107809

Book Description

Well-received in its first edition, this candid and popular study provides an interesting, readable account of American military history from the late fifteenth-century British-French Wars in Colonial America to the recent Gulf War. Written in an easy-to-understand manner void of extraneous detail, the book integrates innovative and fascinating mini-biographies of key figures in U.S. military history, giving readers added insight and the opportunity to gain an appreciation of these remarkable people throughout their careers. It examines the impact of technology on warfare with descriptions and photographs of weapons of war from earliest times to the present; adds a final chapter to update coverage of American military developments; reflects the changes that have taken place in the world, the nation, and the military services since 1990; and supplements material with approximately 50 quality illustrations and 20 informative maps. For service academy historians; military history departments.

Customer Reviews:

Great content, poor organization; Needs review.......2007-04-23

Lets be frank here. While I agree with some of what other readers have posted here, I must say that I am most disapointed with Morris' index and bibliography. However, the content is thorough and sucinct. I might add that this text is better organized then his other text "Readings in Military History" (Pearson Education Inc. (C) 2004). That book has no index to speak of.

The problem, I think, with the in-chapter "suggested readings" bibs is that they refer to outdated texts. History is a dynamic and ever changing subject as new research and discoveries prove or contradict popular thinking. I would agree that some of the maps are in need of "clarity" in order to present a better picture of battlefield events.

However, it goes without question that Morris is fully versed and a thoughtful writer.

I recommend as either additional or alternative reading:For the Common Defense

Excellent US military history book.......2007-01-05

This is a must read for any beginner military history buff, and more specifically it should be required reading for every military member as part of PME. While it does not go into details for all the major US battles, it does a very good job of covering the US military history from colonization all the way to the Gulf War (1991).
JEC

Great Military History .......2006-12-17

For those looking for a general overview of the strategy and tactics that are armed forces have employed over its history than look no further. This book is very well written and organized allowing you to reference parts of military history. There are miniature biographies of various generals that will spark your interest and make you want to read more. If you are doing a survey of American Military history this is an essential book to have. It is very easily readable and Morris does an excellent job of defining the difference between strategy and tactics and then going over both throughout our history. It goes up through the first gulf war and gives a suggestion as to what the future will bring.

Military History.......2006-02-18

The book gives a good overview of the Military development of the Armed Forces of the United States. Main parts, like the Civil War offer some detail, but certainly not as much as a book primarily on the subjets.
There a minor mistakes in the maps.
My teacher calls the book the best overview for Military History, since there are many books that lack important parts or get things wrong.

Hidden Heroism: Black Soldiers in America's Wars

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Edgerton inexcusably omits the Army's 452nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, among the most storied black combat units in WWII
Great Book on Military History and American Culture

Hidden Heroism: Black Soldiers in America's Wars
Robert B. Edgerton
Manufacturer: Westview Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 081334025X

Book Description

An accessible and well-informed tour through a little-known, important aspect of race in American history.

In Hidden Heroism, Robert Edgerton investigates the history of Afro-American participation in American wars, from the French and Indian War to the present. He argues that blacks in American society have long-suffered from a "natural coward" stereotype that is implicit in the racism propagated from America's earliest days, and often intensified as blacks slowly received freedom in American society. For instance, blacks served admirably in various wars, returned home after their service to short-term recognition, and then soon found themselves even more seriously entrenched in a racist system because they were perceived as a threat to whites. This was true, Edgerton argues, until the Civil Rights movement and Vietnam, though the stereotypes have not been fully eradicated. In this book, Edgerton provides an accessible and well-informed tour through this little-known, but significant aspect of race in American military history.

Customer Reviews:

Edgerton inexcusably omits the Army's 452nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, among the most storied black combat units in WWII.......2006-08-17

In writing a book which attempts to cover all of the history of black soldiers in "America's Wars", obviously not every black combat unit can be mentioned much less discussed. But here, Edgerton purports to recognize the "hidden heroism" of America's black soldiers. That he has failed in his book to uncover the astounding WWII combat accomplishments of the US Army's 452nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA)(colored[sic]) Battalion provides evidence that even now, where the combat record of a combat-specialized all-black Battalion surpassed the record of comparable white units, those records remain "hidden" -- very deeply hidden. But even the fact that the number of attacking German warplanes which the 452nd shot down as confirmed "kills" - 68 -- exceeds that of any white AAA Battalion operating in the European Theater is just the tip of the "hidden" iceberg.

But little can be totally "hidden" in these days of online research, and Edgerton would have found the 452nd's record in bits and pieces throughout the Internet if he had bothered to try. Maybe he will next time.

Great Book on Military History and American Culture.......2001-11-09

I highly recommend this book if you are interested in understanding the contribution of African-American in U.S. wars. I am a former Army officer and an African-American. Until I read this book I never knew the extent that African-American's heroism despite being oppressed by their fellow soldiers and civilians. I appreciate Mr. Edgerton's efforts in researching facts that where previously forgotten or otherwise went untold for many year.

Soldaderas in the Mexican Military: Myth and History

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Great Research tool!
this book represents an important and overlooked topic
the book told the truth about women's contribution in the

Soldaderas in the Mexican Military: Myth and History
Elizabeth Salas
Manufacturer: University of Texas Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Mexico | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0292776381

Book Description

"A historical account like this can be appreciated by scholars of all disciplines who are interested in providing a framework for the discussion of the patriarchal conception of 'woman.' It opens the door to the consideration of the history of women as one of resistance, assertiveness, and creativity."

—Hispanic American Historical Review

Since pre-Columbian times, soldiering has been a traditional life experience for innumerable women in Mexico. Yet the many names given these women warriors—heroines, camp followers, Amazons, coronelas, soldadas, soldaderas, and Adelitas—indicate their ambivalent position within Mexican society. In this original study, Elizabeth Salas explores the changing role of the soldadera, both in reality and as a cultural symbol, from pre-Columbian times up to the present day.

Drawing on military archival data, anthropological studies, and oral history interviews, Salas first explores the real roles played by Mexican women in armed conflicts. She finds that most of the functions performed by women easily equate to those performed by revolutionaries and male soldiers in the quartermaster corps and regular ranks. She then turns her attention to the soldadera as a continuing symbol in Mexican and Chicano culture, examining the image of the soldadera in literature, corridos, art, music, and film.

Challenging many traditional stereotypes, Salas finds that the fundamental realities of war link all Mexican women, regardless of time period, social class, or nom de guerre.

Customer Reviews:

Great Research tool!.......2004-08-30

I bought this book to do research on the soldaderas and was amazed by the information I found. I had been searching everywhere for information about this topic and everywhere I looked, this book was referenced. I found everything I needed and more. There should be more books like this and about this topic. This is a must read!

this book represents an important and overlooked topic.......2001-02-12

This book does a lot to shed light on this very important topic. Soldaderas played a very important role in the Mexican Revolution and in the Mexican military from the time of the MesoAmerican Indians up though the period of the Revolution and even afterwards. Their role has, unfortunately, been overlooked, except in some of the songs of the period of the Mexican Revolution, which focus on certain almost mythical soldaderas, such as "La Cucaracha" and "La Adelita". The author of this book, Ms. Salas, whom one gets the impression is a sort of a chicana activist, does not mix chicano politics with the historical treatment of this book, much to her credit, but rather she gives a very serious treatment to the subject, and the whole account is moving and interesting. It is both historically relevant and easy to read, and in my opinion, it is a really important book for anyone who is interested in history of Latin America - specifically of Mexico. Whereas it has been demonstrated that Pancho Villa is the most famous Mexican of all time, and the most intriguing considering the amount of attention he has gotten in print, then the background of the Mexican Revolution is indispensable for understanding his own saga. However, the other characters are almost of equal importance - at least - and the most overlooked but deserving of the same kind of attention that Villa and otehrs have gotten are the soldaderas, who were, frankly, in my own opinion, fascinating. The one soldadera that I am most intrigued with is "La Generala" Petra Herrera, who was actually a general, and she had an all woman troop, and had any men caught sneaking into her camp at night summarily shot! I recommend this book! I read it, and I loved it.

the book told the truth about women's contribution in the.......1998-08-23

i feel that the book gives readers the ability to learn the history about the soldaderas.

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