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.

The Western Perspective: The Middle Ages to World War I, Volume B: 1300 to 1815 (with InfoTrac®)

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The Western Perspective: The Middle Ages to World War I, Volume B: 1300 to 1815 (with InfoTrac®)
Philip V. Cannistraro , and John J. Reich
Manufacturer: Wadsworth Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

General | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0534610706

Book Description

This is Volume B of THE WESTERN CIVILIZATION, Second Edition. True to its title, THE WESTERN PERSPECTIVE focuses on the Western experience, while also placing that experience in the wider context of developments in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Pacific. Accessible and clearly written, Cannistraro and Reich's text illustrates the causal connections across cultures and historical periods, conveying the record of human struggle and achievement, of conflict and community, of cultural diversity, of economic and technological developments, and of social change. The text's unique cultural perspective and theme and its unusually rich coverage of cultural history offer vivid images that communicate the full range of human experience. The "Perspectives" theme, which appears in every part and topic opener and in features, gives the book its unifying motif. Meanwhile, the book's flexible, modular structure ensures that you can easily adapt the text to your syllabus. THE WESTERN PERSPECTIVE is also available in the following split options: THE WESTERN PERSPECTIVE, Complete Volume, Second Edition (Contains Parts I-VIII) ISBN: 053461065X; THE WESTERN PERSPECTIVE, Volume I: To 1715, Second Edition (Contains Parts I-VI) ISBN: 0534610668; THE WESTERN PERSPECTIVE, Volume II: Since 1500, Second Edition (Contains Parts IV-VIII) ISBN: 0534610676; THE WESTERN PERSPECTIVE, Volume A: To 1500, Second Edition (Contains Parts I-IV) ISBN: 0534610692; THE WESTERN PERSPECTIVE, Volume B: 1300-1815, Second Edition (Contains Parts III-VII) ISBN: 0534610706; THE WESTERN PERSPECTIVE, Volume C: 1789-Present, Second Edition (Contains Parts VI-VIII) ISBN: 0534610714; THE WESTERN PERSPECTIVE, Alternative Volume: Since 1300, Second Edition (Parts III-VIII, Topics 20-95) ISBN: 0534610684.

Reform and Conflict: From the Medieval World to the Wars of Religion, AD 1350-1648 (Baker History of the Church)

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Authoritative, yet readable and fun

Reform and Conflict: From the Medieval World to the Wars of Religion, AD 1350-1648 (Baker History of the Church)
Rudolph W. Heinze
Manufacturer: Baker Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0801012775
Release Date: 2005-11-01

Book Description

The Baker History of the Church series is an accessible and authoritative series that has shed light on the roots of the Christian faith and the foundations of the church. Reform and Conflict, the fourth volume in the series, covers AD 1350-1648. An era of dramatic change in church and state, this time period saw significant administrative, moral, and doctrinal reforms that led to both theological and military conflict. Evaluating and interpreting the most recent biblical research and historical scholarship, Reform and Conflict examines the era's lasting impact on the arts, science, economics, political thought, and education. In investigating how the period affected the religious beliefs of every believer, Rudolph W. Heinze shows how this period greatly influenced what Christians believe and practice today.

Customer Reviews:

Authoritative, yet readable and fun.......2006-02-11

In the opening pages of this book Professor Heinze tells the story of Johann Sleidan (1506-1556), who wrote one of the earliest histories of the Reformation. What is notable about Sleidan is that he made a conscious effort to be fair to all parties at a time when impartiality in history writing was nearly unheard of. Prof Heinze has clearly made every effort to follow in Sleidan's noble footsteps, and the result is a work which is a joy to read.

It is abundantly evident that Prof Heinze is on top of all the latest research and schools of thought; in fact, it is amazing to learn that you could arrive at a somewhat warped understanding of the Reformation (which occurred nearly 500 years ago) if you neglected to consider research done since 1980! But for all that Prof Heinze doesn't let his erudition get in the way of good storytelling.

The section on the English Reformation has been most interesting to me; it has helped me to understand how the Puritans came to be who they were and how they fit into the larger society. And if you think your family is dysfunctional, just read about Henry VIII and his extended family. You couldn't make this stuff up!

The format of the book is superb. As with all Baker books, the typography is attractive and legible. One of the best features is a "Suggestions for Further Reading" section at the back that gives annotated suggestions for each chapter with separate sublists for primary and secondary works.

The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq

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Will Touch Any Bibliophile's Heart
PLEASE!
Agree to disagree
A rare portrayal of a strong Muslim woman
4 1/2 The Woman Who Saved a Library

The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq
Jeanette Winter
Manufacturer: Harcourt Children's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Military & Wars | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0152054456

Book Description

"In the Koran, the first thing God said to Muhammad was 'Read.'"*
--Alia Muhammad Baker

Alia Muhammad Baker is a librarian in Basra, Iraq. For fourteen years, her library has been a meeting place for those who love books. Until now. Now war has come, and Alia fears that the library--along with the thirty thousand books within it--will be destroyed forever.

In a war-stricken country where civilians--especially women--have little power, this true story about a librarian's struggle to save her community's priceless collection of books reminds us all how, throughout the world, the love of literature and the respect for knowledge know no boundaries.

Includes an author's note.
*From the New York Times, July 27, 2003

Customer Reviews:

Will Touch Any Bibliophile's Heart.......2007-06-08

The courageous story of one dedicated librarian, her friends, and how they saved the majority of books from Basra's Central Library from destruction. I have shared this book with folks from five to 50, and every last one of them was touched. It's simply a must for every classroom, library, and anyone who loves books, libraries, and reading.

PLEASE!.......2007-02-08

My wife and I brought our 5 year old son to an interview at a private school we were interested in. They had a box full of this particular book sitting there in front of us while the head-master was evaluating our son. My wife and I each picked-up a copy and flipped through it. I have no problem with childrens books about what's going on in Iraq if done properly. This isn't one of them. At one point, the iraqi woman (Alia) who saved the books shuttles them to her friends restaurant, and they hide them in sacks and curtains. Here's a sample of the story (and I'm paraphrasing - not for effect or an attempt to exaggerate anything, but only because I don't have the book in front of me): "Soldiers [the illustration depicts an american soldier] came to the door of the restaurant and asked Anis [the owner] why he has a gun. 'To protect my business' he replied. The soldiers didn't enter the restaurant, and so Alia and Anis knew the books would be safe." So that's the "hint of the United States' involvement" that the paid reviewers spoke of: Apparently, the evil americans were prepared to destroy all the books if discovered. Garbage.

Agree to disagree.......2006-06-08

I think this book will always divide its readership. I have worked in the past with a Lady from Iraq. A well educated, literate and articulate woman, who was educated in Iraq by Iraqi's so for those who think the Iraq was liberated rather than invaded and through the actions of George and Tony et al they will always believe that it was only those actions that allowed the people, women in particular a greater amount of freedom. That is not always the case... should we see ourselves as "saviours"? This will always be a matter for debate. As a Librarian myself I agree that given the right set of circumstances I would indeed take and look after the stock from my Library as I believe that information IS the key to power. So to this title's detractors yes, read in isolation it could be misleading, yes the "invasion/liberation" will have done some good and after many a long discussion with my former colleague, it has, HOWEVER for those who fall on the invasion side, I agree does any government have the right to do what ours (and I include the british here) have done? We are not Iraqi - we are not there, we will never PERSONALLY know. But read this book whichever camp you fall into, read it to your children, explain it to them in context. That is what you should do. Remember, BOOKS ARE POWERFUL I'm glad this book is generating so much discussion. This is what books do, the Librarian in the story understood this, that is what THIS book is about.

A rare portrayal of a strong Muslim woman.......2006-05-13

There are many wonderful things about this book which have already been mentioned by 27 of the other reviewers. However, what struck me the most was that Alia Muhammad Baker, the main character of The Librarian of Basra, is a strong Muslim woman who becomes a heroine in her struggle to preserve her faith and country's heritage at her cherished library.

This is very critical considering that most readers of this book probably view Muslim women as oppressed and passive as opposed to strong and committed to their faith.

Anyone who wishes to offer a more balanced presentation of Muslim women in their classroom or to their children should get this book and read it themselves and to kids.

4 1/2 The Woman Who Saved a Library.......2006-03-15

This contemporary story about an Iraqi librarian rescuing 70% of the Basra Central Library's books speaks of both individual courage and the irreplaceable value of books. It's based on actual events: With Allied bombers approaching Basra in April 2003, chief librarian Alia Muhammad Baker asks the local government for permission to move the books. For reasons not explained to the reader, official deny her request, "so Alia takes matters into her own hands." At first, she drives small loads to her home, but when the bombing begins and the library staff flees, she adopts a larger plan to save the books. A network of friends and relatives (most notably neighboring merchant Anis Muhammad) race to hide 30,000 books in Muhammad's nearby restaurant:

"'The books must be saved.' All through the night, Alia, Anis, his brothers, and shopkeepers and neighbors take the books from the library shelves, pass them over the seven-foot wall, and hide them in Anis' restaurant. The books stay hidden as the war rages on. Then, nine days later, a fire burns the library to the ground." As first reported by New York Times journalist Shaila K. Dewan, Baker and her friends waited out the bombs and then moved the thousands of books to the homes of friends, where, presumably, many of them still wait out the violence. An afterward explains that Alia Muhammad Baker suffered a stroke not long after and underwent heart surgery; she is "healing, and despite all, she is determined to see that the library is rebuilt."

The story begins weakly, largely due to some rather conventional pictures that evoke Saturday morning TV shows. Smooth, Western-looking faces speak about the impending war ("Will planes with bombs fill the sky?"), but the multitude of talking heads seems flat. (Older readers might like M. A. Stamaty's 32-page "Alia's Mission : Saving the Books of Iraq" for a more detailed and realistic version of the story.) However, Winter's introduction of the librarian personalizes the story, and her increasingly authentic pictures add realism and a sense of urgency to the rescue. In several dramatic scenes, Winter's bombing planes fill the fiery night sky, tanks shoot long lines of gunfire, and citizens flee against silhouetted minarets, domes, and palm trees. No bloodshed is shown, but Winter convincingly and appropriately shows the ensuing devastation. (There's also a 4-page daydream sequence about a peaceful Iraq, beautifully illustrated with colorful colors and motifs.) The Iraqi people who participated in Baker's "underground" book relocation probably risked their lives to save the books, and I expect that their story will evoke emotion and strong emotions and passionate discussion.

The Circle of War in the Middle Ages: Essays on Medieval Military and Naval History

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The Circle of War in the Middle Ages: Essays on Medieval Military and Naval History
L. Andrew Villalon
Manufacturer: Boydell Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Medieval | Schools, Periods & Styles | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Historiography | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Naval | Military | History | Subjects | Books

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Medieval | World | History | Subjects | Books

Military Science | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0851156452

Book Description

Different aspects of medieval warfare form the focus for this collection of essays by both established and new scholars. They range from a reconsideration of several problems of military historiography to explorations of the medieval view of divine influence on the battlefield, and the emergence of complex strategic and tactical norms of naval warfare in the medieval Mediterranean. Other topics examined include the role of mercenaries; crusader warfare; and Anglo-Norman women at war.Contributors: BERNARD S. BACHRACH, THERESA M. VANN, PAUL E. CHEVEDDEN, STEPHEN MORILLO, EDWARD G. SCHOENFELD, KENT G. HARE, KELLY DEVRIES, STEVEN ISAAC, JEAN A. TRUAX, STEVEN G. LANE, DOUGLAS C. HALDANE, LAWRENCE V. MOTT

Xenophon's Retreat: Greece, Persia, and the End of the Golden Age

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Interesting Overview of Xenophon's Life and Times

Xenophon's Retreat: Greece, Persia, and the End of the Golden Age
Robin Waterfield
Manufacturer: Belknap Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

Greece | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

General | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0674023560

Book Description

In The Expedition of Cyrus, the Western world's first eyewitness account of a military campaign, Xenophon told how, in 401 B.C., a band of unruly Greek mercenaries traveled east to fight for the Persian prince Cyrus the Younger in his attempt to wrest the throne of the mighty Persian empire from his brother.

With this first masterpiece of Western military history forming the backbone of his book, Robin Waterfield explores what remains unsaid and assumed in Xenophon's account--much about the gruesome nature of ancient battle and logistics, the lives of Greek and Persian soldiers, and questions of historical, political, and personal context, motivation, and conflicting agendas. The result is a rounded version of the story of Cyrus's ill-fated march and the Greeks' perilous retreat--a nuanced and dramatic perspective on a critical moment in history that may tell us as much about our present-day adventures in the Middle East, site of Cyrus's debacle and the last act of the Golden Age, as it does about the great powers of antiquity in a volatile period of transition.

Just as Xenophon brought the thrilling, appalling expedition to life, Waterfield evokes Xenophon himself as a man of his times--reflecting for all time invaluable truths about warfare, overweaning ambition, the pitfalls of power, and the march of history.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting Overview of Xenophon's Life and Times.......2007-01-24

This book is more than a summary of Xenophon's `The Expedition of Cyrus'. It gives an outline of Xenophon's life in the backdrop of the places and times in which he lived. I found the account of the Cyreans' march to and from Cunaxa, as well as the battle itself, to be particularly gripping. The political shenanigans that are described both before and after the march, to me, seemed less interesting in comparison; however, these descriptions do allow the reader to form a more complete picture of what life was like and the way people reasoned things out in those turbulent times. The writing style is clear and engaging; several black and white photographs complement the text. This book should of particular interest to ancient history buffs.

Prompt and Utter Destruction: Truman and the Use of Atomic Bombs Against Japan

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No ideology here just history
Historiography at its Finest
Great History Book
Was it such a hard decision?
very good overview

Prompt and Utter Destruction: Truman and the Use of Atomic Bombs Against Japan
J. Samuel Walker
Manufacturer: The University of North Carolina Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Japan | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Russia | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 080785607X
Release Date: 2004-12-22

Book Description

In this concise account of why America used atomic bombs against Japan in 1945, J. Samuel Walker analyzes the reasons behind President Truman's most controversial decision. He delineates what was known and not known by American leaders at the time and evaluates the role of U.S.-Soviet relations and American domestic politics. In this new edition, Walker takes into account recent scholarship on the topic, including new information on the Japanese decision to surrender. He has revised the book to place more emphasis on the effect of the Soviet invasion of Manchuria in convincing the emperor and his advisers to quit the war. Rising above an often polemical debate, Walker presents an accessible synthesis of previous work and an important, original contribution to our understanding of the events that ushered in the atomic age.

Customer Reviews:

No ideology here just history.......2007-09-26

Ideology defined: The body of ideas reflecting the social needs and aspirations of an individual, group, class, or culture.

If you have already made up your mind that the atomic bombings of Japan were wrong, you have two choices: (1) Don't buy the book and participate in the next demonstration against the bombings which will, again, make you feel morally superior; (2)buy the book and realize that it was not as simple a decision as you thought it was. Then ask yourself, what would I have done in 1945? Very challenging book. It certainly provides a very good understanding of the choices Truman had to deal with and the feelings in the US at that time.

One final point for the anti-bombing crowd: Check the stats on the casualties in the conventional bombings of German and Japanese cities.
And educate yourself about Japanese atrocities in China: 350,000 slaughtered in Sungchiang, and between 260,000-350,000 civilians murdered in Nanking. That's for starters.

Historiography at its Finest.......2007-07-30

One of the most complex, divisive, and nuanced debates in the history of the twentieth century is the decision by U.S. President Harry S. Truman in August 1945 to drop two atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, thereby ending World War II. A traditional conception of the decision, indeed the one most often voiced by actors in the decision, was that it was done to speed the end of the war and thereby preserve American lives that might be lost in future combat. The revisionist interpretation, often identified with Gar Alperowitz, argues that the war was almost over and that the Japanese were on the verge of surrender anyway. The reason to drop the bomb, therefore, had little to do with the ending of World War II and was aimed more at impressing and influencing future relations with the Soviet Union. Another interpretation suggests that the use of the atomic bomb had more to do with American racism, and that the U.S. would have refrained from using such a horrific weapon on other Caucasians in Europe. Other scholars condemn the use of such a weapon targeting large populations, including non-combatants, as immoral and obscene. Subsequent historians have argued various permutations of these interpretations and the debate remains far from settled.

J. Samuel Walker's "`prompt & utter destruction': Truman and the Use of the Atomic Bomb against Japan" is a superb short discussion of the merits of each of these interpretations and an assessment of the current state of understanding on the subject. He takes an exceptionally even-handed approach, pointing up the strengths and weaknesses of each major argument and assessing how they have evolved over time. In the end, as Walker documents, five fundamental considerations played into the decision to use atomic weapons in 1945.

First, the decision makers, especially Truman, sought to end the war at the earliest possible moment. They believed this new and terrifying weapon would do so and should therefore be employed in what they considered the greater good of ending the bloodshed. Wrapped up in this argument, although Walker thinks it a bit of side issue, was a widely held belief that bringing the Japanese to the surrender table would require an invasion of its islands. This would, everyone believed, be a costly and lengthy campaign that might cost thousands of lives on both sides. Casualty estimates of all types exist, and have been used in the debate since then to justify or condemn the use of the bomb. Walker finds that those estimates, which are at best educated guesses that range broadly depending on the assumptions and the perspectives of those making them, are less useful in assessing what took place than the understanding that Truman was unwilling to accept any more casualties than absolutely necessary.

Second, Walker notes how Truman and his advisors were intensely concerned that they had to justify the enormous cost of developing the atomic weapon, and a decision not to use it once it existed would open them to significant criticism. As Walker notes, "The success of the Manhattan Project in building the bombs and ending the war was a source of satisfaction and relief" (p. 94). In this context, Truman expressed great concern that should he decide not to use the weapon once he had it that every American life lost thereafter would have been wasted. As he explained to Secretary of State James F. Byrnes in 1947, "I believe that no man, in our position and subject to our responsibilities, holding in his hands a weapon of such possibilities for accomplishing this purpose and saving those lives, could have failed to use it and afterwards looked his countrymen in the face" (p. 94).

Third, at least one of Truman's advisors, Secretary of State Byrnes, realized immediately and argued to his colleagues that this weapon would be useful in helping to bend the Soviet Union to American wishes in the post-war era. Truman recognized this as well, but according to Walker this was definitely an added bonus and not the primary consideration in using the bomb. Walker concluded, "Growing differences with the Soviet Union were a factor in the thinking og American officials about the bomb but were not the main reason that they rushed to drop it on Japan" (p. 95).

Fourth, Walker notes that there was a lack of incentives not to use the bomb. "Truman," Walker notes, "used the bomb because he had no compelling reason to avoid it" (p. 95). While many people since 1945 have questioned the morality of its use, Truman and his advisors did not let those scruples--while they did exist among them--outweigh their goal of ending the war as quickly as possible. By the last years of the war conventional weaponry had laid waste to so many cities containing thousands of non-combatants--witness the firebombing of or Dresden and Tokyo--that virtually no one in a senior decision making role in the U.S. questioned this action since they believed it would shorten the war and save American lives.

Fifth, Walker notes that "Hatred of the Japanese, a desire for revenge for Pearl Harbor, and racist attitudes were a part of the mix of motives that led to the atomic attacks" (p. 96). Again, this was not the primary consideration in dropping the bomb on Japan, "But the prevalent loathing loathing of Japan, both among policymakers and the Anmerican people, helped override any hesitation or ambivalence that Truman and his advisors might have felt about use of atomic bombs" (p. 96).

Walker ends "prompt & utter destruction" with a series of questions still be debated about the decision to use the bomb. These include: "(1) how long the war would have continued if the bomb had not been used; (2) how many casualties American forces would have suffered if the bomb\ had not been dropped; (3) whether an invasion would have been necessary without the use of the bomb; (4) the number of American lives and casualties an invasion would have exacted had it proven necessary; (5) whether Japan would have responded favorably to a American offer to allow the emperor to remain on the throne before Hiroshima, or whether such an offer would have prolonged the war; and (6) whether ant of the alternatives to the use of the bomb would have ended the war as quickly on a basis satisfactory to the United States (pp. 108-109).

These historiographical questions ensure that future study of this subject will remain contested; overlaying all of it, of course, is the question of the morality of Truman's decision. Walker offers no conclusion to the debate, instead inviting further inquiry and exposition as each scholar makes a contribution to the marketplace of ideas where each position will be evaluated and accepted, rejected, or modified. This book is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the nature of the end of World War II and the beginning of the cold war.

Great History Book.......2005-10-01

I bought this book for school.. I have not read it yet but it arrived in perfect condition.. Very fast shipping.

Was it such a hard decision?.......2004-12-28

They were suddenly heroes to a grateful nation. Scientists, normally accustomed to a life of quiet research, were suddenly, by virtue of their invention of the atom bomb, the saviors of their country. Likewise, the crew of the Enola Gay, surely one of the best-known airplane names in history, became military larger-than-life figures of honor and fame. It was nearly universally accepted that the atom bomb had saved America from a long, bloody, and otherwise pointless invasion of the Japanese mainland. Truman, the man who gave the go-ahead, was mostly relieved that the war was finally over, and no further American lives need be lost. To morally praise him for his decision to drop the device would have been superfluous, like congratulating someone for deciding to save a drowning child. What other decision could there have been? And yet, there were other options for him. Realistic options? Perhaps, in light of sixty more years of history. Or perhaps not, hindsight notwithstanding. The questioning of his motives began in the sixties, and by the time of the fiftieth anniversary of the twin bombings came about there was a loud chorus of voices condemning Truman's decision. Wouldn't a demonstration on a desert island have been better? Why kill so many innocents? Surely it was just racism, wasn't it? Oh, he was trying to scare the Russians, that's it. No president could possibly have wanted to save the lives of the soldiers entrusted to his care. Unlike some controversies, I've never found this one compelling. The case in Truman's favor seems obvious, with only very minor questions to detract from the main problem Truman faced: how to end the war quickly. I tend to think this is also the same conclusion J. Samuel Walker reached before publishing Prompt & Utter Destruction, a short and compelling overview of the decisions Truman faced and how he resolved them.

The thesis is simple. A knowingly unprepared Truman became President in the waning days of the war and had to make momentous decisions. Knowing his own limitations, he kept on hand most of Roosevelt's advisors and maintained Roosevelt's policies. This included, foremost, a desire to minimize American casualties. This is given right from the start, and remains the deciding factor in the end. Most of the book shows the situation Truman faced, including an analysis of what he knew and when. How many casualties would the U.S. face in an invasion? When would the Soviets join? How long would Japan hold out? How would the nation's economy hold up in a protracted war? At hand were figures showing the casualty rates at the time. The battles for Iwo Jima and Okinawa had been horrific, and they were just smallish islands. Even in the absence of major battles, a few thousand a month were dying in skirmishes at sea, including the ill-fated crew of the cruiser USS Indianapolis. Some old myths Walker dispenses with. The oft cited figure of one million casualties in an invasion is probably not one Truman ever saw, and does not square well with other significant, but much lower numbers. In fact, Walker points out that estimates at the time, including the Soviet entry, show that Japan would have capitulated within months of an invasion, if indeed one were ever needed. Whether this is true or not is left to the imagination, as history shows there was no invasion and the war ended when it did. But Truman did not face enormous crippling casualty rates of the sort that plagued the other major countries in the war.

There are factors that have helped advance the claim that Truman had ulterior motives. The day after the successful Trinity test, he did indeed dominate the Potsdam conference where he was meeting with Churchill and Stalin. And Truman's disdain for communists was well known. The thing is, Truman was no idiot. Of course he knew the nuclear weapons gave him a bargaining chip. This can hardly be disputed, as is also true of many other accusations that are at least partially true but not so relevant. The Manhattan project was not, however, started up just to give the president a way to bully Russians. The bombs were earmarked for Germany the whole time, and would have ended up exploding over Berlin or some other city had not Germany cheated and lost the war first. This fact should clear up the question of racist motives. Undoubtedly Truman didn't like the Japanese. This is what happens in a war. Certainly there was racist feeling towards them in the country. But a military decision does not become invalid because its maker really, really dislikes the enemy.

The final answer is that Truman did know of other options, but they weren't important. He did worry a bit about the long-term implications, but there were immediate problems to deal with. In keeping with a policy he held even before learning of the atom bomb, Truman wanted to minimize casualties and end the war sooner rather than later. As commander-in-chief, not to mention as a combat veteran, he was obligated to take this stand. The number of casualties avoided is almost certainly not close to a million, but it could easily have been in the tens of thousands. There are enough conflicting accounts from that era to make at least plausible the case that there were other major factors, but they don't stand up. In fact, Truman's decision was straightforward. Walker does good by clearing up some of the persistent myths, on both sides of the question. But, and not to take away from Walker's effort, this isn't that hard a question (perhaps this is why the book is so short). To see the situation mapped out for history, here is the source to read.

very good overview.......2001-12-10

This book gives a good overview but just that - an overview. The events and circumstances surrounding the use of the A-bomb simply must be addressed in greater depth for one who wishes to become truly knowledgable on the subject. However, its brevity is also a strength in that for one just getting into the subject it serves as a fabulous introduction and for those already familiar with the subject, it sums things up into a nice recap. Contrary to some reviews of the book, the author does NOT ever say or even imply that the bomb should not have been dropped. Quite the opposite, he provides compelling reasons why the decision to use the bomb was sound and wise militarily, politically, diplomatically, and morally. Nor is this book any where near a "one-stop-shop" on the subject. So while not the final say, this book would be a good addition to a collection for the reasons mentioned above. The research is credible and the arguments are as a whole very sound. Highly recommended.

The Art of Warfare in Western Europe during the Middle Ages from the Eighth Century (Warfare in History)

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Leaves no subject untouched !
Lots of Information, Tough Read
Best book on subject I've read
Superb book

The Art of Warfare in Western Europe during the Middle Ages from the Eighth Century (Warfare in History)
J.F. Verbruggen
Manufacturer: Boydell Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0851155707

Book Description

For medieval strategy and tactics there is nothing better than this book. MILITARY HISTORY (US) La traduction integrale en anglais...est la consecration internationale, bien tardive, d'un grand classique du genre. MOYEN AGE Warfare is a major feature of the history of the middle ages, but its study has often been the province of amateurs; only recently have the technical details of warfare and its organisation been subject to proper scholarly investigation. Professor Verbruggen's major work, outstanding in its field, applies rigorous standards in analysing often very obscure surviving evidence, and reaches conclusions very different from earlier generations of military historians. He begins by analysing the sources for our knowledge of the military history of the period, assessing their reliability: some chroniclers exaggerate, others are careful observers or have access to official records. There follows an examination of the constituent parts of the medieval army, knights and footsoldiers, equipment and terms of service, behaviour on the field, and psychology, before the problematic question of medieval tactics is addressed through analysis of accounts of a series of major battles. Strategy is discussed in the context of these battles: whether to seek battle, fight a defensive war, or attempt a war of conquest.Originally published in Dutch in 1954, now translated and updated.J.F. VERBRUGGENis a distinguished Belgian military historian of wide experience. Prisoner of war, student, and a member of the resistance movement during the second world war, he subsequently obtained his Ph.D., with greatest distinction, for research into warfare in the middle ages, and remained in the army as a lecturer at the Royal Military School in Brussels until in 1956 he went to the Belgian Congo. He spent twenty years teaching in Africa, retiring as Professor of History, University of Congo, and University of Bujumbura (Burundi) in 1976.

Customer Reviews:

Leaves no subject untouched !.......2004-07-31

This book covers such a wide period of time and stretches across a great area of land and battlefields, that I was doubtful that a complete understanding of the period could emerge from this single work. I was very wrong. Although a bit hard to read at some points the writing is relevant, conclusive and leaves no "open-ended" ideas.
One thing missing though is a map of Europe with the place names of that time. besides this, a great work on medieval warfare. If you only plan to read a single book on the subject, this is the one !

Lots of Information, Tough Read.......2004-06-29

This book is a thorough study of the warfare of this age. It includes good information on the psychological state of the combatants and the development of different tactics throughout the time period. Much effort is spent dissecting the different uses of knights and foot troops with descriptions of battles as support. I read a lot of military history, but this book is a tough read. It is more like a reference work than anything else and the organzition within the chapters could be better. I recommend this only to the most ardent history buffs.

Best book on subject I've read.......2002-01-10

Granted, the scope of this work doesn't allow for much detail, but Verbruggen's explaination of events that revolutionized warfare are thorough and well-reasoned. Also, Verbruggen debunks the myth that warfare in this period was near total anarchy with little rhyme or reason. Make time for this one!

Superb book.......1998-03-17

This second edition of Verbruggen, with the footnotes restored, is the best single book on medieval warfare.

Average customer rating:

A book of hope........
Touchable

Sami and the Time of the Troubles
Florence Parry Heide , and Judith Heide Gilliland
Manufacturer: Clarion Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0395559642

Book Description

A ten-year-old Lebanese boy balances his life in a war-torn city.

Customer Reviews:

A book of hope...............2003-07-30

My boyfriend lived in Lebanon during the time frame of this book. This book was close to the life he knew then. I bought the book for my sister's Arab American child. It is often difficult to find children's books with an Arabic theme. This is a wonderful one.

Touchable.......2000-06-02

This book will help children put themselves into Sami's war ravaged world. They will feel the angst of civil war and worry about Sami's safety in a book that makes readers feel as if they could reach out and touch the rubble in the streets of Lebanon. The book portrays the intermittent bombing and roller coaster of emotions faced by those who lived through the civil war. A wonderful mix of history and fiction which must be read.

Invasion of Japan: Alternative to the Bomb

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Fascinating
Bomb or Invade Japan
Excellent review of the allied invasion plans
No conclusion
A Costly Alternative to Ending the Pacific War

Invasion of Japan: Alternative to the Bomb
John Ray Skates
Manufacturer: University of South Carolina Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Japan | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1570033544

Customer Reviews:

Fascinating.......2007-06-08

This book is quite fascinating. What Skates has done is write a history of the planning for the invasion of Japan. The invasion never happened; the planning did. What he is doing is exploring the alternatives to the use of the atomic bomb that U.S. leaders thought they had before them in 1945.

Skates explores all sorts of plans including airpower, deception, the possibility of employing special weapons (everything ranging from missiles to chemical weapons) and the planned inclusion of British, Australian, and Canadian troops. What he finds is that the invasion never was considered an alternative. It was going to happen. American policy makers always intended to use BOTH atomic weapons against Japan and then invade. In explaining his decision to use the atomic bomb rather than invade, President Harry S. Truman was making things up. It never an either/or choice for the United States. This book was published in 1994 and became hugely controversial in 1995 as part of the crisis over the "Enola Gay" display at the Smithsonian Institute. He found that planners never expected the one million dead that Truman used to explain his decision. There were a number of figures floating around, but at worst it was 124,935 casualties (both dead and wounded). "While there is little evidence except assertion and repetition to support the huge numbers used by Truman and Stimson after the war, the U.S. leaders, both civilian and military, were extremely conscious of the costs of Okinawa and reluctant to repeat those loses" (p. 82).

Many revisionists have attempted to use Skates's study to argue against the use of the atomic bomb because of the low numbers. In interviews, Skates has said that he does not believe the general revisionist claims that Japan was trying to surrender, believing that the evidence argues to the contrary.

Bomb or Invade Japan.......2006-12-02

Skates believes that invading Japan would have been preferable to dropping nuclear weapons. He spends most of the book describing how the invasion would have happened. He does admit that there would have been problems with the invasion. For instance, over half of the divisions would have come from Europe, however, most of the combat veterans in these units were being discharged and replaced with new draftees. Retaining the veterans would have caused severe morale problems.

Skates' main argument is that an invasion would have caused fewer casualties than died in the nuclear bombing. I believe he fails to sustain this argument. The War Department staff in Washington estimated there would be 250,000 to 500,000 American casualties in an invasion of Japan. After the war, some politicians casually made this a "half-million dead" and then "a million dead." In any event, the estimate of casualties included killed, wounded and missing. The original estimates were a not-unreasonable figure based on American experience with fanatical Japanese defenders of the Philippines, Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and one which a postwar examination of Japanese plans for the defense of the Home Islands bore out. There was no indication the Japanese would fight any less strenuously if their Home Islands were invaded. Indeed, it was a safe bet that the fighting would have been even more costly. And this doesn't even consider the Japanese casualties.

The Japanese consistently demonstrated a marked reluctance to surrender, either on the battlefield or at the negotiating table. The American people, in light of Germany's surrender in May 1945, were eager to get the war in the Pacific over with as soon as possible. The voters were making this wish quite clear to their elected officials and the chief among these, President Truman, was listening intently. He had been told that a blockade of Japan might have to go on for a year or more before Japan finally gave in. A successful invasion would not be noticeably shorter. The American people would have none of this and wanted something done. Nuclear weapons were simply another incentive for the Japanese to surrender, and no one was sure they would be any more persuasive than the fire bomb raids (which killed more people than the atomic bombs).

Excellent review of the allied invasion plans.......2005-09-30

This book is a really thorough look at the Allied (American) plans for the invasion of Japan. What is valuable is the perspective in which these plans were developed, from the start of the war right up to the Japanese surrender. I would have liked more detail on the nitty gritty of the Japanese plans. The big picture perspective from the Japanese standpoint was outstanding, in my opinion. The Japanese had really studied American tendencies and the US troops would have faced a very hot reception on Kyushu during Operation Olympic. I'm sure there will be people who disagree with Mr. Skate's assertion that if Kyushu were taken, actually not if but when and with how many casualties, taking Tokyo would have been relatively easy. But Mr. Skates seems to back up this claim with facts gleaned from the historical record. The book is somewhat of a dry read, but very informative. Highly recommend!

No conclusion.......2005-03-30

Advertised as an alternative to the Atomic Bombs released on Japan to end World War II, Skates spends most of the thesis explaining military capabilities, background of contemporary leaders along with government and public opinion concerning the end of the war. As little as two chapters actually deal with alternatives. While the background is vital in understanding the options, more time could have been utilized to further develop alternatives. Skates uses a certain degree of presentism to disclaim the decision of the bombs to end the war. Despite flaws, argument of alternative well expressed and researched.

A Costly Alternative to Ending the Pacific War.......2003-03-05

As early as mid-1943, the American joint chiefs had begun to analyize the alternatives to ending the war in the Pacific. This book describes one alternative; the invasion of Japan itself. The invasion was to take place in two assaults; one, scheduled for November 1, 1945, was to involve the southern Kyushu area while the other, scheduled for March 1, 1946, was to occur in the Kanto plain area near Tokyo. After the island of Okinawa was secured in June, 1945, the Americans turned their attention to the coming invasion. The Kyushu portion of the invasion had the endorsement of President Truman and the joint chiefs. The invasion would have been on a scale never seen before. Thousands of ships, planes, and men would land on Kyushu and begin their drive northward. However, due to ULTRA intelligence intercepts, the Americans learned that the Japanese build up on Kyushu was much larger than expected. Many divisions of men and upwards of 10,000 aircraft were poised to meet the Americans. The Japanese were also prepared to meet the Americans on the beaches, differing from their customary approach of leaving the beaches uncontested and fighting it out inland. If the Japanese defense of Kyushu failed, there would be little left to defend the Kanto plain with, so the road to Tokyo would be wide open.

The author takes the view that Japan was a defeated nation ready to surrender due to the blockade and bombing missions being employed by the Americans. He points out that Japan had virtually no navy or air force and that the remaining elements of the imperial army were so poorly fed and equipped that they would be no match for the Americans. I tend to disagree on some points. The Japanese have always been fanatical fighters, and would be even more so if their home islands were invaded. Furthermore, the kamikazes, if employed in force, could have done tremendous damage to the invasion force. Inevitably, the Japanese would succumb to the Americans, but not before they inflicted serious damage. Also, he points out that the atomic bombs were used to send a political message rather than an end to the war. Again, he feels that the Japanese were a defeated nation ready to surrender, but the build up on Kyushu leads one to believe otherwise. The atomic bombs, in my opinion were wisely used. Yes, they caused great loss of life on the Japanese side, but the invasion would have cost many more. Furthermore, the American public wouldn't have stood for a prolonged battle against the Japanese after the invasion. They wanted the men home as soon as possible, and the invasion would have kept them fighting for at least another year.

Overall, I thought this book did a good job of explaining the logistics and construction of the invasion plans. The organization is good, and the book is well-researched. It gives good information regarding a possible invasion, but little information about the atomic bomb.

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