Official Blurb
The
Flying Saucers are Real is a book that investigates numerous encounters
between USAF fighters, personnel, and other aircraft, and UFOs between
1947 and 1950. Keyhoe contended that the Air Force was actively
investigating these cases of close encounter, with a policy of
concealing their existence from the public until 1949. He stated that
this policy was then replaced by one of cautious, progressive
revelation. Keyhoe further stated that Earth had been visited by
extraterrestrials for two centuries, with the frequency of these visits
increasing sharply after the first atomic weapon test in 1945. Citing
anecdotal evidence, he intimated the Air Force may have attained and
adapted some aspect of the alien technology: its method of propulsion
and perhaps its source of power. He believed the Air Force or the US
Government would eventually reveal these technologies to the public when
the Soviet Union was no longer a threat.
Donald E. Keyhoe, who
relates here his investigation of the flying saucers, writes with
twenty-five years of experience in observing aeronautical developments.
He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. He flew in
active service with the Marine Corps, managed the tour of the historic
plane in which Bennett and Byrd made their North Pole flight, was aide
to Charles Lindbergh after the famous Paris flight, and was chief of
information for the Aeronautics Branch, Department of Commerce.
My Review
This audobook is narrated by Roger Melin, one of my faves over at Librivox. This is not a novel ( or at least it purports itself as investigative journalism. It follows the writers investigation into the "truth" about all of the flying saucer incident that took place after the end of WWII.
I found the whole book fascinating. The details of the cases involved, the investigative process and the reactions of those being interviewed were very well presented. I felt my own curiosity woken up by the questions the author put forwards, and I ended up as doubtful of the official position as he did himself.
There are a number of UFO theories put forwards here that are still floating around today. I also found the assumptions and the thoughts he had about space travel were made even more interesting because they were written before we actually had space travel.
Well written, well read, totally absorbing. If you have any interest in ufology, this is a must-listen.
Reading 3/3
Production 2/3
Story 2/3
Total Score 7/9
Download it from Librivox.
Listen to the first chapter.
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Wednesday, 22 May 2013
Sunday, 28 April 2013
Kindred by Octavia Butler
Official Blurb
None.
My Review
In this full cast audio drama from the Seeing Ear Theater we get a real treat.
When Dana is surprised by being sacked from her job, it's just the start of the strange and weird things about to happen. This is a historical sci fi drama, that might sound a bit weird, but when the story is based around time travel it has to be sci fi, right? But when that time travel keeps the main characters in the past, during the age of slavery in the southern states of america it kind of becomes historical.
This story is about a modern black woman who falls through time into the 1800's. As the story evolves, she finds that she has a mission to accomplish, although it's not one she asked for nor volunteered for.
The white slave-owners treat her as a slave and she has to deal with the culture shock that this produces.
It's very well written, well acted and the story drew me in and kept me hooked for all two hours. It was fun, exciting and intriguing all at the same time.
Once again, this is a not-safe-for-work story that contains in-character racism of the lowest order, it shouldn't be played to an unsuspecting audience.
Reading 3/3
Production 3/3
Story 3/3
Total Score 9/9
Download it from the Internet Archive
Listen to the first part
None.
My Review
In this full cast audio drama from the Seeing Ear Theater we get a real treat.
When Dana is surprised by being sacked from her job, it's just the start of the strange and weird things about to happen. This is a historical sci fi drama, that might sound a bit weird, but when the story is based around time travel it has to be sci fi, right? But when that time travel keeps the main characters in the past, during the age of slavery in the southern states of america it kind of becomes historical.
This story is about a modern black woman who falls through time into the 1800's. As the story evolves, she finds that she has a mission to accomplish, although it's not one she asked for nor volunteered for.
The white slave-owners treat her as a slave and she has to deal with the culture shock that this produces.
It's very well written, well acted and the story drew me in and kept me hooked for all two hours. It was fun, exciting and intriguing all at the same time.
Once again, this is a not-safe-for-work story that contains in-character racism of the lowest order, it shouldn't be played to an unsuspecting audience.
Reading 3/3
Production 3/3
Story 3/3
Total Score 9/9
Download it from the Internet Archive
Listen to the first part
Sunday, 1 May 2011
The Dambusters
Official Blurb
Taylor played pilot David Shannon in this dramatization of Paul Brickhill's best-selling novel about World War II. The documentary series focused on the 617 Dambusting Squadron and is full of air force adventure. There were 26 half-hour episodes, and the cast also featured Charles "Bud" Tingwell
Operation Chastise was an attack on German dams carried out on 16/17 May 1943 by Royal Air Force No. 617 Squadron, subsequently known as the "Dambusters", using a specially developed "bouncing bomb" invented and developed by Barnes Wallis. The MÃhne and Edersee Dams were breached, causing catastrophic flooding of the Ruhr valley and of villages in the Eder valley, while the Sorpe dam sustained only minor damage.All 26 episodes in excellent condition.
My Review
As you may have gathered from the blurb this review is not an audio book in the usual manner. It is in fact an old radio dramatisation of a book. I'm sure you've heard of the Dam Busters and the bouncing bomb designed by Barnes Wallace, this serial is not about that! It does include the bomb and the raids but that's done and dusted by episode 7 of this 26 episode series.
This drama follows the famous 617 squadron from its creation through to the end of the war. They did much more than the Dam raids, much more. After the Dam raids 617 was designated as a specialist unit. They were trained for pin point accuracy with other special bombs designed by Barnes Wallace. These included the "Tall Boy" and 10 ton monster bomb called the Grand Slam.
The most amazing trick they pulled off was being a deliberately mistaken for an allied invasion flotilla!
This old time radio drama is not cursed with too much hiss and crackle and is a real gem for drama fans.
Reading 2/3
Production 3/3
Story 3/3
Total Score 8/9
Download it from the Internet Archive
Listen to the first part
Taylor played pilot David Shannon in this dramatization of Paul Brickhill's best-selling novel about World War II. The documentary series focused on the 617 Dambusting Squadron and is full of air force adventure. There were 26 half-hour episodes, and the cast also featured Charles "Bud" Tingwell
Operation Chastise was an attack on German dams carried out on 16/17 May 1943 by Royal Air Force No. 617 Squadron, subsequently known as the "Dambusters", using a specially developed "bouncing bomb" invented and developed by Barnes Wallis. The MÃhne and Edersee Dams were breached, causing catastrophic flooding of the Ruhr valley and of villages in the Eder valley, while the Sorpe dam sustained only minor damage.All 26 episodes in excellent condition.
My Review
As you may have gathered from the blurb this review is not an audio book in the usual manner. It is in fact an old radio dramatisation of a book. I'm sure you've heard of the Dam Busters and the bouncing bomb designed by Barnes Wallace, this serial is not about that! It does include the bomb and the raids but that's done and dusted by episode 7 of this 26 episode series.
This drama follows the famous 617 squadron from its creation through to the end of the war. They did much more than the Dam raids, much more. After the Dam raids 617 was designated as a specialist unit. They were trained for pin point accuracy with other special bombs designed by Barnes Wallace. These included the "Tall Boy" and 10 ton monster bomb called the Grand Slam.
The most amazing trick they pulled off was being a deliberately mistaken for an allied invasion flotilla!
This old time radio drama is not cursed with too much hiss and crackle and is a real gem for drama fans.
Reading 2/3
Production 3/3
Story 3/3
Total Score 8/9
Download it from the Internet Archive
Listen to the first part
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Fourteen Months in American Bastiles by Francis Key Howard
Official Blurb
Francis Key Howard recounts in this book his life as a political prisoner of the United States. He points out that he was held captive at the same location where his grandfather was inspired to write the national anthem about the "land of the free," which makes a very stunning contrast. The sufferings that were imposed on him by the Union forces had the effect of solidifying his determination to resist unjust governmental dictates.
My Review
I though this was going to be a military history when it turned on on my radar, but turned out to be something a little different. It takes place during the American Civil war and features the events surround a newspaper man who finds himself arrested as a political prisoner.
As the author states he held the opinion that a war with the south would only leads to two nations and for this he was arrested, taken from his home and imprisoned with military prisoners, without trial or any recourse whatsoever.
The book is half memoir with the other half being made up letters sent and received by the author while in prison.
It's a quite fascinating read/listen for anyone with interest in the civil war. there have been many books written about the war but very few seem to deal with the prisons so this is quite a gem.
Reading 2/3
Production 2/3
Story 1/3
Total Score 5/9
Download it from the Librivox
Listen to the first part
Francis Key Howard recounts in this book his life as a political prisoner of the United States. He points out that he was held captive at the same location where his grandfather was inspired to write the national anthem about the "land of the free," which makes a very stunning contrast. The sufferings that were imposed on him by the Union forces had the effect of solidifying his determination to resist unjust governmental dictates.
My Review
I though this was going to be a military history when it turned on on my radar, but turned out to be something a little different. It takes place during the American Civil war and features the events surround a newspaper man who finds himself arrested as a political prisoner.
As the author states he held the opinion that a war with the south would only leads to two nations and for this he was arrested, taken from his home and imprisoned with military prisoners, without trial or any recourse whatsoever.
The book is half memoir with the other half being made up letters sent and received by the author while in prison.
It's a quite fascinating read/listen for anyone with interest in the civil war. there have been many books written about the war but very few seem to deal with the prisons so this is quite a gem.
Reading 2/3
Production 2/3
Story 1/3
Total Score 5/9
Download it from the Librivox
Listen to the first part
Friday, 21 January 2011
The Letters of Lord Nelson to Lady Hamilton, volume I
Official Blurb
Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, 1st Duke of Bronté, KB (29 September 1758 – 21 October 1805) was an English flag officer famous for his service in the Royal Navy, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars. He won several victories, including the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, during which he was killed. These are the letters that he wrote to Lady Hamilton, with whom he was having a notorious affair until his death in 1805.
My Review
I have to admit to being a bit of fan of history. I've also read pretty much every "action under sail" type of novel I have ever got my hands on. Also I might add, blowing my own trumpet, the first audio book I ever recorded was "The Death of Lord Nelson".
So with those caveats in place let me tell you what I thought about this book... I loved it!
As the title suggests it is a series of letters from a man to his lover. Each of them is facinating on a couple of levels. I really enjoyed the little details to be found here. From the delightful way he would sign off dedicating himself to his lady, to the details of the admiralty politics.
Little historical facts pop out of these letters that give you facinating insights into how life was for these people. For instance that letters sent via the admiralty had weight limits, that they often had to be redirected, that workers for the postal service took fiscal advantage of people who didn't know better.
The letters also show just how human "Nelson" was, how worried about offending people, how money troubles pursued him, how he hated black guards!
I can't really tell you more without ruining the delight you might discover for yourselves.
The only down side is that this book is not voiced by just one person and the change of voice can be distracting when the letters come from the same person.
Reading 2/3
Production 1/3
Story 2/3
Total Score 5/9
Download it from the Librivox
Listen to the first part
.
Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, 1st Duke of Bronté, KB (29 September 1758 – 21 October 1805) was an English flag officer famous for his service in the Royal Navy, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars. He won several victories, including the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, during which he was killed. These are the letters that he wrote to Lady Hamilton, with whom he was having a notorious affair until his death in 1805.
My Review
I have to admit to being a bit of fan of history. I've also read pretty much every "action under sail" type of novel I have ever got my hands on. Also I might add, blowing my own trumpet, the first audio book I ever recorded was "The Death of Lord Nelson".
So with those caveats in place let me tell you what I thought about this book... I loved it!
As the title suggests it is a series of letters from a man to his lover. Each of them is facinating on a couple of levels. I really enjoyed the little details to be found here. From the delightful way he would sign off dedicating himself to his lady, to the details of the admiralty politics.
Little historical facts pop out of these letters that give you facinating insights into how life was for these people. For instance that letters sent via the admiralty had weight limits, that they often had to be redirected, that workers for the postal service took fiscal advantage of people who didn't know better.
The letters also show just how human "Nelson" was, how worried about offending people, how money troubles pursued him, how he hated black guards!
I can't really tell you more without ruining the delight you might discover for yourselves.
The only down side is that this book is not voiced by just one person and the change of voice can be distracting when the letters come from the same person.
Reading 2/3
Production 1/3
Story 2/3
Total Score 5/9
Download it from the Librivox
Listen to the first part
.
Monday, 15 November 2010
Gallipoli Diary by John Graham Gillam
Official Blurb
Major John Graham Gillam, British Supply Officer, wrote in his World War I "Gallipoli Diary" that when he sailed from England for the Dardanelles in March, 1915, he had visions of “trekking up the Gallipoli Peninsula with the Navy bombarding a way for us up the Straits and along the coast-line of the Sea of Marmora, until after a brief campaign we entered triumphantly Constantinople, there to meet the Russian Army, which would link up with ourselves to form part of a great chain encircling and throttling the Central Empires. . . We little appreciated the difficulties of the task,” he continues, in potent understatement.
Gillam’s charge was shepherding supplies--food and munitions--from beach depots to the trenches for a brigade of 4000 men. Since it was his first experience with “real war,” he decided to keep a diary, which he did from the day he landed at Gallipoli (April 25, 1915) until he was evacuated at the end of the campaign in January 1916. He aptly states in the preface to the published version of his diary: “those who desire to survey the whole amazing Gallipoli campaign in perspective must look elsewhere than in these pages. Their sole object was to record the personal impressions, feeling, and doings from day to day of one supply officer to a Division whose gallantry in that campaign well earned for it the epithet “Immortal.”
As the campaign intensifies, Gillam’s entries mature. Early on (May 30), a sample entry: “This afternoon I ride . . . to Morto Bay, and on the way have a delightful cross-country canter. I have difficulty, though, in making my mare jump trenches. She jumped hurdles at Warwick race-course like a bird.” A month later, on June 30,“The smell of dead bodies is at times almost unbearable in the trenches, and chloride of lime is thrown over them. I know of no more sickly smell than chloride of lime with the smell of a dead body blended in.” Another month, and respect for the Turks, and also for the rugged terrain of the peninsula is evident (August 29): “Behind me, purple Turkish hills, every point of which is held by the enemy. Then in between our line and the hills the scrubby low-lying country. . . I look at it hopelessly--for I know now, as we all do, that the conquest of the Peninsula is more than we can hope for. All that is left to us is to hang on day by day. . . Death in various forms walks with us always . . .”
Today, the Turkish Government maintains a war memorial and cemeteries at the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park. Memories are very much alive there. Preserved trenches and the sad graves of many, many soldiers from both sides of the conflict are made especially poignant by the beauty of the setting-- the sea and high hills beyond.
My Review
This book caught my interest in history. I had a vague idea that the WW1 Gallipoli campaign was unsuccessful but that was about it, so I downloaded this book and gave it a listen.
The joy of this kind of history is that it's personal. It's not some high minded historian presenting his interpretation of historical facts with the benefit of hindsight. Instead you get the facts from the horses mouth as such, and even better from my point of view, its not some grand strategical overview it's through the eyes of someone who was there, first hand, literally in the trenches.
When you get personal viewpoints you really get a better idea of what it felt like to be there. You get to know what matters to the men on the ground. You get to hear about how much pleasure could be gained from managing to light even a small fire while snow lies all around, or how getting a simple drink of water can be a genuine risk to life! How reaching a treeline is a massive achievement, even though its just a few yards away.
The author in this book, is a supply officer who finds himself constantly under fire and struggling to get the food and ammunition through. You get a real feel for the difficulties suffered by the men on the ground.
As well as the difficulties the author suffers in doing his job you get a feel for his hope and high expectations during the opening of the campaign. Then you can feel that change to unbelief as he slowly comes to realise that things are not going well.
All in all I found this a terrificly interesting listen, a genuine history lesson from someone "who was there". The reader was excellent, having a pacing and tone that suited the tone of the text very well.
Reading 2/3
Production 2/3
Story 2/3
Total Score 6/9
Download it from Librivox
Listen to the first part
.
Major John Graham Gillam, British Supply Officer, wrote in his World War I "Gallipoli Diary" that when he sailed from England for the Dardanelles in March, 1915, he had visions of “trekking up the Gallipoli Peninsula with the Navy bombarding a way for us up the Straits and along the coast-line of the Sea of Marmora, until after a brief campaign we entered triumphantly Constantinople, there to meet the Russian Army, which would link up with ourselves to form part of a great chain encircling and throttling the Central Empires. . . We little appreciated the difficulties of the task,” he continues, in potent understatement.
Gillam’s charge was shepherding supplies--food and munitions--from beach depots to the trenches for a brigade of 4000 men. Since it was his first experience with “real war,” he decided to keep a diary, which he did from the day he landed at Gallipoli (April 25, 1915) until he was evacuated at the end of the campaign in January 1916. He aptly states in the preface to the published version of his diary: “those who desire to survey the whole amazing Gallipoli campaign in perspective must look elsewhere than in these pages. Their sole object was to record the personal impressions, feeling, and doings from day to day of one supply officer to a Division whose gallantry in that campaign well earned for it the epithet “Immortal.”
As the campaign intensifies, Gillam’s entries mature. Early on (May 30), a sample entry: “This afternoon I ride . . . to Morto Bay, and on the way have a delightful cross-country canter. I have difficulty, though, in making my mare jump trenches. She jumped hurdles at Warwick race-course like a bird.” A month later, on June 30,“The smell of dead bodies is at times almost unbearable in the trenches, and chloride of lime is thrown over them. I know of no more sickly smell than chloride of lime with the smell of a dead body blended in.” Another month, and respect for the Turks, and also for the rugged terrain of the peninsula is evident (August 29): “Behind me, purple Turkish hills, every point of which is held by the enemy. Then in between our line and the hills the scrubby low-lying country. . . I look at it hopelessly--for I know now, as we all do, that the conquest of the Peninsula is more than we can hope for. All that is left to us is to hang on day by day. . . Death in various forms walks with us always . . .”
Today, the Turkish Government maintains a war memorial and cemeteries at the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park. Memories are very much alive there. Preserved trenches and the sad graves of many, many soldiers from both sides of the conflict are made especially poignant by the beauty of the setting-- the sea and high hills beyond.
My Review
This book caught my interest in history. I had a vague idea that the WW1 Gallipoli campaign was unsuccessful but that was about it, so I downloaded this book and gave it a listen.
The joy of this kind of history is that it's personal. It's not some high minded historian presenting his interpretation of historical facts with the benefit of hindsight. Instead you get the facts from the horses mouth as such, and even better from my point of view, its not some grand strategical overview it's through the eyes of someone who was there, first hand, literally in the trenches.
When you get personal viewpoints you really get a better idea of what it felt like to be there. You get to know what matters to the men on the ground. You get to hear about how much pleasure could be gained from managing to light even a small fire while snow lies all around, or how getting a simple drink of water can be a genuine risk to life! How reaching a treeline is a massive achievement, even though its just a few yards away.
The author in this book, is a supply officer who finds himself constantly under fire and struggling to get the food and ammunition through. You get a real feel for the difficulties suffered by the men on the ground.
As well as the difficulties the author suffers in doing his job you get a feel for his hope and high expectations during the opening of the campaign. Then you can feel that change to unbelief as he slowly comes to realise that things are not going well.
All in all I found this a terrificly interesting listen, a genuine history lesson from someone "who was there". The reader was excellent, having a pacing and tone that suited the tone of the text very well.
Reading 2/3
Production 2/3
Story 2/3
Total Score 6/9
Download it from Librivox
Listen to the first part
.
Saturday, 7 August 2010
On War by Carl von Clausewitz
Official Blurb
A classic work on military strategy by a veteran of the Napoleonic Wars. The author's style is dialectical: he makes two strong but opposing statements and then draws them together to describe many facets of war. Free of technical jargon, and suitable for modern readers. This audiobook is based on a 1909 English translation.
My Review
I've known about this classic book ever since I became interested in wargaming. It's a military history classic that every officer in a modern army will have read ( OR I'LL WANT TO KNOW WHY NOT SOLDIER! )
It's similar to Sun Tzu's Art of War in that it is an anilitical study of the War and how to carry it out. It was written in the aftermath of the Napoleonic wars so the examples of battlefield situations have that slant on them. That said, everything here is still applicable to modern wars. From the study on the military cults of personality, onto how to carry out a follow up after the enemy routs this book covers all of the important aspects of war.
It's not a light book, I would also reccomend that you don't listen to it on one sitting, it's a book that needs to be studied and digested. If you're a military historian or wargamer who has always meant to read this book, but haven't found the time, well, the time is now. The reader gives us an excellent presentation thats easy on the ear and clear in diction, both of which this text absolutely requires.
Reading 3/3
Production 2/3
Story 2/3 ( Not really applicable!)
Total Score 7/9
Download it from Librivox
Listen to the first chapter
.
A classic work on military strategy by a veteran of the Napoleonic Wars. The author's style is dialectical: he makes two strong but opposing statements and then draws them together to describe many facets of war. Free of technical jargon, and suitable for modern readers. This audiobook is based on a 1909 English translation.
My Review
I've known about this classic book ever since I became interested in wargaming. It's a military history classic that every officer in a modern army will have read ( OR I'LL WANT TO KNOW WHY NOT SOLDIER! )
It's similar to Sun Tzu's Art of War in that it is an anilitical study of the War and how to carry it out. It was written in the aftermath of the Napoleonic wars so the examples of battlefield situations have that slant on them. That said, everything here is still applicable to modern wars. From the study on the military cults of personality, onto how to carry out a follow up after the enemy routs this book covers all of the important aspects of war.
It's not a light book, I would also reccomend that you don't listen to it on one sitting, it's a book that needs to be studied and digested. If you're a military historian or wargamer who has always meant to read this book, but haven't found the time, well, the time is now. The reader gives us an excellent presentation thats easy on the ear and clear in diction, both of which this text absolutely requires.
Reading 3/3
Production 2/3
Story 2/3 ( Not really applicable!)
Total Score 7/9
Download it from Librivox
Listen to the first chapter
.
Thursday, 1 July 2010
Notes on Nursing by Florence Nightingale
Official Blurb
Notes on Nursing was published in 1859 and is a fascinating view into the theories underpinning the early development of modern nursing and public health reform by "the Lady with the Lamp", Florence Nightingale. Emphasising common sense and thought for the patient's care in many more ways than just administering physician-prescribed medicines, this is still a very relevant book for those interested in health or caring for the sick and infirm today.
My Review
This was a facinating book to listen to. As you listen to the excellent reading the forthrightness and character of the author comes through. After listening to this no nonsence guide to basic nursing you really get the idea of how insistant and demanding this woman must have been. I was left wondering if she was always like that, or her war time experience made her that way.
Florence tells us through this book, how to care for the sick, how a nurse must pay attention to the patients condition, what they eat, how they eat, how rooms should be aired. She repeats lessons that are both basic and neccesary, but apparently so often overlooked by nurses of the time. I particularly liked her attitude to taking direction from Doctors.
The lessons are presented in an easy to listen to style, full of anecdotes and plain speaking that never bores the listener.
If you have any interest in the authors position in history, or simply in nursing, then I think you'll find this as facinating as I.
The reader was perfect for the book, you can easily believe that Florence is speaking to you!
Reading 3/3
Production 2/3
Story 2/3
Total Score 7/9
Download it from Librivox
Listen to the first chapter
Notes on Nursing was published in 1859 and is a fascinating view into the theories underpinning the early development of modern nursing and public health reform by "the Lady with the Lamp", Florence Nightingale. Emphasising common sense and thought for the patient's care in many more ways than just administering physician-prescribed medicines, this is still a very relevant book for those interested in health or caring for the sick and infirm today.
My Review
This was a facinating book to listen to. As you listen to the excellent reading the forthrightness and character of the author comes through. After listening to this no nonsence guide to basic nursing you really get the idea of how insistant and demanding this woman must have been. I was left wondering if she was always like that, or her war time experience made her that way.
Florence tells us through this book, how to care for the sick, how a nurse must pay attention to the patients condition, what they eat, how they eat, how rooms should be aired. She repeats lessons that are both basic and neccesary, but apparently so often overlooked by nurses of the time. I particularly liked her attitude to taking direction from Doctors.
The lessons are presented in an easy to listen to style, full of anecdotes and plain speaking that never bores the listener.
If you have any interest in the authors position in history, or simply in nursing, then I think you'll find this as facinating as I.
The reader was perfect for the book, you can easily believe that Florence is speaking to you!
Reading 3/3
Production 2/3
Story 2/3
Total Score 7/9
Download it from Librivox
Listen to the first chapter
Monday, 1 March 2010
A School History of the Great War
Official Blurb
A brief history of The Great War (World War I) designed for students in grades seven and eight. Special emphasis on European history leading up to the war, reasons and events leading to America’s eventual entering the war, and possible ramifications of the war for future generations.
My Review
This is described as a school book, and thats what it sounds like. It "tells" rather than "shows". No suggestions are made for the various countries and thier motivation, instead you are told in an all powerful, no quibbles, straight forward approach what happened and why they did it.
For instance. Germany was greedy for resources so went to war for it. Straight forward statement of fact.
Unfortunately this book is a little too light for my historical tastes. As well as listening I read every day, and every other book I read is on history. I tend to like a more in-depth approach to my history, and this book didn't quite hit it for me.
This is still a good book, a good overview of WWI, just not to my taste. I liked the readers and the pacing so if you do want a light overview of the history this would be a good one to start with.
Reading 2
Production 2
Story 2
Total : 6/9
Download from Librivox
Listen to chapter one
A brief history of The Great War (World War I) designed for students in grades seven and eight. Special emphasis on European history leading up to the war, reasons and events leading to America’s eventual entering the war, and possible ramifications of the war for future generations.
My Review
This is described as a school book, and thats what it sounds like. It "tells" rather than "shows". No suggestions are made for the various countries and thier motivation, instead you are told in an all powerful, no quibbles, straight forward approach what happened and why they did it.
For instance. Germany was greedy for resources so went to war for it. Straight forward statement of fact.
Unfortunately this book is a little too light for my historical tastes. As well as listening I read every day, and every other book I read is on history. I tend to like a more in-depth approach to my history, and this book didn't quite hit it for me.
This is still a good book, a good overview of WWI, just not to my taste. I liked the readers and the pacing so if you do want a light overview of the history this would be a good one to start with.
Reading 2
Production 2
Story 2
Total : 6/9
Download from Librivox
Listen to chapter one
Sunday, 20 December 2009
A Traveller in War-Time
Official Blurb
This is a collection of a series of journalistic articles written during his travels throughout WWI era Europe that Churchill — the American author, not the famed British statesman — published in 1917; the book version came out in 1918. The writing is sharp, straightforward, and rarely sentimental, with loads of local color and occasional humor.
My Review
This is an interesting collection of anecdotes from the first world war. It does show is journalistic nature as nothing goes into too much depth and rather just presents a series of things that happen. The Journalist is merely passing through and does not seem to get himself too involved in what he finds.
This book was... ok. Not enough depth of detail for my own liking but just enough detail from the period to keep me listening. If you have any interest in the first world war then you might easily find this audio book to your taste.
Readng 2
Production 2
Story 2
Total 6/9
Download the book from Librivox
Listen to the preface
This is a collection of a series of journalistic articles written during his travels throughout WWI era Europe that Churchill — the American author, not the famed British statesman — published in 1917; the book version came out in 1918. The writing is sharp, straightforward, and rarely sentimental, with loads of local color and occasional humor.
My Review
This is an interesting collection of anecdotes from the first world war. It does show is journalistic nature as nothing goes into too much depth and rather just presents a series of things that happen. The Journalist is merely passing through and does not seem to get himself too involved in what he finds.
This book was... ok. Not enough depth of detail for my own liking but just enough detail from the period to keep me listening. If you have any interest in the first world war then you might easily find this audio book to your taste.
Readng 2
Production 2
Story 2
Total 6/9
Download the book from Librivox
Listen to the preface
Saturday, 5 December 2009
Diary of a Nursing Sister on the Western Front 1914-1915
Official Blurb
The title is, I think, self explanatory. The nurse in question went out to France at the beginning of the war and remained there until May 1915 after the second battle of Ypres when she went back to a Base Hospital and the diary ceases. Although written in diary form, it is clearly taken from letters home and gives a vivid if sometimes distressing picture of the state of the casualties occasioned during that period. After a time at the General Hospital in Le Havre she became one of the three or four sisters working on the ambulance trains which fetched the wounded from the Clearing Hospitals close to the front line and took them back to the General Hospitals in Boulogne, Rouen and Le Havre. Towards the end of the account she was posted to a Field Ambulance (station) close to Ypres (Ieper, or in First World War speak ‘Wipers’)
My Review
If your interested in the first world war then I think you'll find this account rather a case of required listening. As the blurb says it tells the rather unheard story of a nurse who is close to the front lines. The womens point of view of the first world war is a rather undertold story.
The story related, is relatively simple, and we dont get deeply into the characters of the perople involved but we hear time after time what they have to do and what they have to put up with. I realise that last sentance may sound negative, but I don't mean it to be. The story telling is not repetative but the situation of wave after wave of injured passing through the hospitals and on trains tells a terrible story. You can tell, that the sister wants to get onto the trains from the rear hospitals to where she can do more good and then as the story moves on how hurt and almost dispairing the sister becomes. She starts to hint at the tragedy and you can "just tell" that by the end she is being worn down.
She tells us of the characters who pass through, the "chipper chaps" who though injured are happy because the war seems to be going well, and then the reverse. She also tells us a little of the other unheard story of the first world war, the use of British Empire troops from India and beyond. ( How many war movies have you seen where every face is white?! This, depite the fact that the Empire forces where involved in every theatre in huge numbers. )
It is a dramatic narrative that drags on your heart strings, presented here by a series of excellent female readers whos passion for the story shows in their work.
A word of warning. As with many of these period narratives lifted from letters, the Censor has been at work. The numbers,names and locations of some units are deleted from the text. The production team have in this case decided to use the "beep" to indicate these locations. You may find this distracting at first, as I did, but I became totally used to it in the second chapter. Don't let that put you off. The story and the reading are well worth listening.
Readng 3
Production 2
Story 3
Total 8/9
Download the book from Librivox
Listen to chapter 1
The title is, I think, self explanatory. The nurse in question went out to France at the beginning of the war and remained there until May 1915 after the second battle of Ypres when she went back to a Base Hospital and the diary ceases. Although written in diary form, it is clearly taken from letters home and gives a vivid if sometimes distressing picture of the state of the casualties occasioned during that period. After a time at the General Hospital in Le Havre she became one of the three or four sisters working on the ambulance trains which fetched the wounded from the Clearing Hospitals close to the front line and took them back to the General Hospitals in Boulogne, Rouen and Le Havre. Towards the end of the account she was posted to a Field Ambulance (station) close to Ypres (Ieper, or in First World War speak ‘Wipers’)
My Review
If your interested in the first world war then I think you'll find this account rather a case of required listening. As the blurb says it tells the rather unheard story of a nurse who is close to the front lines. The womens point of view of the first world war is a rather undertold story.
The story related, is relatively simple, and we dont get deeply into the characters of the perople involved but we hear time after time what they have to do and what they have to put up with. I realise that last sentance may sound negative, but I don't mean it to be. The story telling is not repetative but the situation of wave after wave of injured passing through the hospitals and on trains tells a terrible story. You can tell, that the sister wants to get onto the trains from the rear hospitals to where she can do more good and then as the story moves on how hurt and almost dispairing the sister becomes. She starts to hint at the tragedy and you can "just tell" that by the end she is being worn down.
She tells us of the characters who pass through, the "chipper chaps" who though injured are happy because the war seems to be going well, and then the reverse. She also tells us a little of the other unheard story of the first world war, the use of British Empire troops from India and beyond. ( How many war movies have you seen where every face is white?! This, depite the fact that the Empire forces where involved in every theatre in huge numbers. )
It is a dramatic narrative that drags on your heart strings, presented here by a series of excellent female readers whos passion for the story shows in their work.
A word of warning. As with many of these period narratives lifted from letters, the Censor has been at work. The numbers,names and locations of some units are deleted from the text. The production team have in this case decided to use the "beep" to indicate these locations. You may find this distracting at first, as I did, but I became totally used to it in the second chapter. Don't let that put you off. The story and the reading are well worth listening.
Readng 3
Production 2
Story 3
Total 8/9
Download the book from Librivox
Listen to chapter 1
Thursday, 22 October 2009
The South Pole; an account of the Norwegian Antarctic expedition in the Fram, 1910-12
Official Blurb
In contrast to Scott’s South Pole expedition, Amundsen’s expedition benefited from good equipment, appropriate clothing, and a fundamentally different primary task (Amundsen did no surveying on his route south and is known to have taken only two photographs) Amundsen had a better understanding of dogs and their handling, and he used of skis more effectively. He pioneered an entirely new route to the Pole and they returned. In Amundsen’s own words: “Victory awaits him who has everything in order — luck, people call it. Defeat is certain for him who has neglected to take the necessary precautions in time; this is called bad luck.” Short accounts by other members of the party are appended.
My Review
Absolutely facinating account of true life adventures exploring the white land. I've enjoyed other books from Librivox relating to the snowy wastes (which for some unknown reason have always had a appeal to me).
This story was not quite on the same heroic scale of "South!" which I reviewed a good while ago, but is epic in it's breadth of detail about this journey.
Here we get the details of the journey to the south ( which in itself was quite an impressive sail journey ), and how they crew fell in love with the dogs.
We hear the details of journey across the ice, the dangers, the discovereries and the terrible, heart wrenching issues in dealing with the sled dogs later on in the journey.
In all I was bouyed up at this story of human endurance and fortitude and at times sadened by the horror of hunting and sledging in such extrems.
Readng 2
Production 2
Story 2
Total 6/9
Download the book from Librivox
Listen to the first part
In contrast to Scott’s South Pole expedition, Amundsen’s expedition benefited from good equipment, appropriate clothing, and a fundamentally different primary task (Amundsen did no surveying on his route south and is known to have taken only two photographs) Amundsen had a better understanding of dogs and their handling, and he used of skis more effectively. He pioneered an entirely new route to the Pole and they returned. In Amundsen’s own words: “Victory awaits him who has everything in order — luck, people call it. Defeat is certain for him who has neglected to take the necessary precautions in time; this is called bad luck.” Short accounts by other members of the party are appended.
My Review
Absolutely facinating account of true life adventures exploring the white land. I've enjoyed other books from Librivox relating to the snowy wastes (which for some unknown reason have always had a appeal to me).
This story was not quite on the same heroic scale of "South!" which I reviewed a good while ago, but is epic in it's breadth of detail about this journey.
Here we get the details of the journey to the south ( which in itself was quite an impressive sail journey ), and how they crew fell in love with the dogs.
We hear the details of journey across the ice, the dangers, the discovereries and the terrible, heart wrenching issues in dealing with the sled dogs later on in the journey.
In all I was bouyed up at this story of human endurance and fortitude and at times sadened by the horror of hunting and sledging in such extrems.
Readng 2
Production 2
Story 2
Total 6/9
Download the book from Librivox
Listen to the first part
Friday, 11 September 2009
Simple Sabotage Field Manual
Official Blurb
Formed during World War II, the United States Office of Strategic Services (OSS), was organized for special operations and intelligence gathering and analysis. Included in its mission was the implementation of, and training of foreign forces in, propaganda, espionage, subversion, and sabotage. After the war, OSS functions were transferred to the newly formed Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
This “Simple Sabotage Field Manual” was used by OSS agents in training “citizen-saboteurs” in methods for inciting and executing simple sabotage to thwart industry and other vital functions in Axis-occupied areas.
My Review
As the blurb says this is a manual, not a story. It's an interesting choice for a reader at Librivox to have picked. There's no fun or excitement in here its raw data!
I have quite a vibrant interesting in WWII, I play boardgames based on WWII, and even have a podcast with a WWII theme, so this Librivox offering couldn't fail to appeal to me.
The book is presented in two halves with the latter half containing most of the juicey Sabotage instructions. While listening to the fairly dry material my imagination went wild and I was envisioning French, Belgium and Polish civilians reading and following the instructions. It was a real delight to me.
What about you though? this is a specialist book, if you don't have the same level of interest as me in this material I suggest you pass this by, theres no story here except what you conjure in your mind. Thus despite loving this book, I cant really give it a high rating, as that wouldn't be fair on normal peole like you!
Reading 2/3
Production 2/3
Story 1/3
Total Score 5/9
Download it from Librivox
Listen to the first chapter
Formed during World War II, the United States Office of Strategic Services (OSS), was organized for special operations and intelligence gathering and analysis. Included in its mission was the implementation of, and training of foreign forces in, propaganda, espionage, subversion, and sabotage. After the war, OSS functions were transferred to the newly formed Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
This “Simple Sabotage Field Manual” was used by OSS agents in training “citizen-saboteurs” in methods for inciting and executing simple sabotage to thwart industry and other vital functions in Axis-occupied areas.
My Review
As the blurb says this is a manual, not a story. It's an interesting choice for a reader at Librivox to have picked. There's no fun or excitement in here its raw data!
I have quite a vibrant interesting in WWII, I play boardgames based on WWII, and even have a podcast with a WWII theme, so this Librivox offering couldn't fail to appeal to me.
The book is presented in two halves with the latter half containing most of the juicey Sabotage instructions. While listening to the fairly dry material my imagination went wild and I was envisioning French, Belgium and Polish civilians reading and following the instructions. It was a real delight to me.
What about you though? this is a specialist book, if you don't have the same level of interest as me in this material I suggest you pass this by, theres no story here except what you conjure in your mind. Thus despite loving this book, I cant really give it a high rating, as that wouldn't be fair on normal peole like you!
Reading 2/3
Production 2/3
Story 1/3
Total Score 5/9
Download it from Librivox
Listen to the first chapter
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
The Art of War
Official Blurb
“The Art of War is a Chinese military treatise written during the 6th century BC by Sun Tzu. Composed of 13 chapters, each of which is devoted to one aspect of warfare, it has long been praised as the definitive work on military strategies and tactics of its time. The Art of War is one of the oldest and most famous studies of strategy and has had a huge influence on both military planning and beyond. The Art of War has also been applied, with much success, to business and managerial strategies.”
My Review
This is a classic book that any fan of militrary history will tell you. As the blurb says some even consider it definitive, although the more rational might bring themselves to mention Carl von Clausewitz's "On War". Nevertheless this book is a very interesting presentation on making war with common sense.
The narrative style of the text is of it's age, and reads like is should be read aloud and so comes to the audio book format very well.
If you want to get the most from this book, you shouldn't try listening to it all at once. You need to think about whats being said, it's a teaching text after all. I'd suggest that this audio book would be well worth listening to before studying the text properly.
The reader very good although having a woman read a text on warfare seems odd to my male-old-fogie-set-in-his-ways ears. This reader IS good.
Reading 3/3
Production 2/3
Story 2/3
Total Score 7/9
Download it from Librivox
Listen to the first chapter
There is an alternate version of this audio book
“The Art of War is a Chinese military treatise written during the 6th century BC by Sun Tzu. Composed of 13 chapters, each of which is devoted to one aspect of warfare, it has long been praised as the definitive work on military strategies and tactics of its time. The Art of War is one of the oldest and most famous studies of strategy and has had a huge influence on both military planning and beyond. The Art of War has also been applied, with much success, to business and managerial strategies.”
My Review
This is a classic book that any fan of militrary history will tell you. As the blurb says some even consider it definitive, although the more rational might bring themselves to mention Carl von Clausewitz's "On War". Nevertheless this book is a very interesting presentation on making war with common sense.
The narrative style of the text is of it's age, and reads like is should be read aloud and so comes to the audio book format very well.
If you want to get the most from this book, you shouldn't try listening to it all at once. You need to think about whats being said, it's a teaching text after all. I'd suggest that this audio book would be well worth listening to before studying the text properly.
The reader very good although having a woman read a text on warfare seems odd to my male-old-fogie-set-in-his-ways ears. This reader IS good.
Reading 3/3
Production 2/3
Story 2/3
Total Score 7/9
Download it from Librivox
Listen to the first chapter
There is an alternate version of this audio book
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Mounted Police Life in Canada : a record of thirty-one years’ service (1916)
Official Blurb
Learn more about the famous and respected Royal Canadian Mounted Police. This book is the personal recollections of one ‘Mountie’; his life, experiences and trials as an officer in a new frontier – The Canadian Northwest.
My Review
As a memoir this book is well written and always interesting. It follows the exploits and life of a man who leads from the front and has some firm ideas about how the law should be implemented.
The general outline of the book is a series of anecdotes and interesting cases and situations that the officer in question has been involved in. Ranging from dealing with foreign dignitaries to cattle thieves and gun toting "Indians", the telling is always well delivered and is never boring. The author has the knack of limiting his tales to the pertinent facts and only including stories that have some element of interest to the reader/listener.
The reader is an experienced librivox reader has a good delivery, so if you have any interest in the history covered I think your going to like this one.
Reading 3/3
Production 2/3
Story 2/3
Total Score 7/9
Download from Librivox
Download the first chapter.
Learn more about the famous and respected Royal Canadian Mounted Police. This book is the personal recollections of one ‘Mountie’; his life, experiences and trials as an officer in a new frontier – The Canadian Northwest.
My Review
As a memoir this book is well written and always interesting. It follows the exploits and life of a man who leads from the front and has some firm ideas about how the law should be implemented.
The general outline of the book is a series of anecdotes and interesting cases and situations that the officer in question has been involved in. Ranging from dealing with foreign dignitaries to cattle thieves and gun toting "Indians", the telling is always well delivered and is never boring. The author has the knack of limiting his tales to the pertinent facts and only including stories that have some element of interest to the reader/listener.
The reader is an experienced librivox reader has a good delivery, so if you have any interest in the history covered I think your going to like this one.
Reading 3/3
Production 2/3
Story 2/3
Total Score 7/9
Download from Librivox
Download the first chapter.
Friday, 26 December 2008
Over the Top
The Official Blurb
Arthur Guy Empey was an American who responded to the sinking of the Lusitania by enlisting with the British Army to fight in France. His experiences in the trenches, including his ultimate wounding and convalescence, became this book. When published in 1917, it was a major hit and helped the recruiting effort when America entered the Great War.
If you’ve heard of the horror of trench warfare in WWI and want to see it from below dirt level, Empey offers it all here.
Also included is Empey’s popular “Tommy’s Dictionary of the Trenches” which humorously demystifies the slang used by the British soldier.
My Review
Speaking as a fan of history who has recorded a handful of first person accounts myself for Librivox, I can tell you that I was overjoyed to find this recently released treasure in the vaults over at Librivox.
The story tells of an Americans experiences in the trenches fighting for freedom amongst the British soldiers that he refers to constantly as "Tommy". It's touching to here about the bonds that form between these men in such situations and how amongst the horror and deprivation the human spirit and camaraderie shines through.
The duties of the story teller vary considerably, ranging from simple infantry man to machine gunner and even to spy-catcher. Never boring and always with some new aspect of the conflict to be revealed the narrative is detailed and bold. It's told with a real sense of wry humour that coming from such a terrifying source is heartening to hear.
The reader is an established Librivox veteran who brings a good strong voice to this very personal tale and makes the presentation a joy to listen to.
Reading 2/3
Production 2/3
Story 3/3
Total Score 7/9
Download it from Librivox
Listen to chapter 1
Arthur Guy Empey was an American who responded to the sinking of the Lusitania by enlisting with the British Army to fight in France. His experiences in the trenches, including his ultimate wounding and convalescence, became this book. When published in 1917, it was a major hit and helped the recruiting effort when America entered the Great War.
If you’ve heard of the horror of trench warfare in WWI and want to see it from below dirt level, Empey offers it all here.
Also included is Empey’s popular “Tommy’s Dictionary of the Trenches” which humorously demystifies the slang used by the British soldier.
My Review
Speaking as a fan of history who has recorded a handful of first person accounts myself for Librivox, I can tell you that I was overjoyed to find this recently released treasure in the vaults over at Librivox.
The story tells of an Americans experiences in the trenches fighting for freedom amongst the British soldiers that he refers to constantly as "Tommy". It's touching to here about the bonds that form between these men in such situations and how amongst the horror and deprivation the human spirit and camaraderie shines through.
The duties of the story teller vary considerably, ranging from simple infantry man to machine gunner and even to spy-catcher. Never boring and always with some new aspect of the conflict to be revealed the narrative is detailed and bold. It's told with a real sense of wry humour that coming from such a terrifying source is heartening to hear.
The reader is an established Librivox veteran who brings a good strong voice to this very personal tale and makes the presentation a joy to listen to.
Reading 2/3
Production 2/3
Story 3/3
Total Score 7/9
Download it from Librivox
Listen to chapter 1
Thursday, 27 November 2008
The Loss of the S.S. Titanic
The Official Blurb
This is a 1st hand account written by a survivor of the Titanic about that fateful night and the events leading up to it as well as the events that followed its sinking.
My Review
What have here is the carefully written account of a survivor who approaches his subject with clarity and without the expected amount of passion. He relates stories of his aquaintances onboard before the accident and often remarks on how sad it is that the person just described did not survive.
After relating his own escape he details the events that took place on the Carpathia and on reaching land. Quite dispassionately almost as if he was simply observing rather than being a participant.
Then he goes on to relate the state of safety in ship building and what could and should be done to make ships safer for the passengers and even offers some suggestions on general maritime safety at sea.
I found the story engaging but the suggestions for ship safety and maritime operating procedures a little dull. I was deeply interested to hear the story of an actual survivor and once the immediate survival story was over I found my interest wavering.
I would reccommend that any "fan" of the Titanic (fan?) take a listen to this book. It is extremely well read and my lack of personal interest at the end is no reflection on the reader. It's free, so you have nothing to lose by my taking a listen!
Reading 2/3
Production 2/3
Story 1/3
Total Score 5/9
Download it Librivox
List to the first chapter
This is a 1st hand account written by a survivor of the Titanic about that fateful night and the events leading up to it as well as the events that followed its sinking.
My Review
What have here is the carefully written account of a survivor who approaches his subject with clarity and without the expected amount of passion. He relates stories of his aquaintances onboard before the accident and often remarks on how sad it is that the person just described did not survive.
After relating his own escape he details the events that took place on the Carpathia and on reaching land. Quite dispassionately almost as if he was simply observing rather than being a participant.
Then he goes on to relate the state of safety in ship building and what could and should be done to make ships safer for the passengers and even offers some suggestions on general maritime safety at sea.
I found the story engaging but the suggestions for ship safety and maritime operating procedures a little dull. I was deeply interested to hear the story of an actual survivor and once the immediate survival story was over I found my interest wavering.
I would reccommend that any "fan" of the Titanic (fan?) take a listen to this book. It is extremely well read and my lack of personal interest at the end is no reflection on the reader. It's free, so you have nothing to lose by my taking a listen!
Reading 2/3
Production 2/3
Story 1/3
Total Score 5/9
Download it Librivox
List to the first chapter
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Reminiscences of Captain Gronow
The Official Blurb
A collection of memoirs about the Peninsular War, the Battle of Waterloo, and society and personalities of Regency London and 19th century Paris, by a sometime Grenadier Guards officer, unsuccessful parliamentarian, and dandy. Gronow displays social attitudes of the day which would now be regarded as unacceptable, but is a clever raconteur who brings to life both the horrors of war and the gaiety of high society.
My Review
My ongoing interest in wargaming has for many years spurred my interest in all things of the Napoleonic period, and so this audio book came to my attention because it included the eye-attracting words "Waterloo" and "Penninsular".
There is not a single story running through this narrative, it is rather an series of anecdotes, genuine reminiscences of the life and times. These are not limited to war time memories but also capture events and people before and after the war. We hear of the socialites, the gambling houses, young men ruined, brave mean dueling, and the ridiculous lengths a man in love will put himself through!
We also have the war memories interleaved with other the other stories.
I was gluded to this audio book. The insight into another time totally absorbed me and the stories were thought provoking, humerous and interesting by turns.
Add to this the fact that the reader is of outstanding quality. I kept thinking that I was listening to a BBC history broadcast!
Reading 3/3
Production 2/3
Story 2/3
Total Score 7/9
Get it from Librivox
Get the first chapter.
A collection of memoirs about the Peninsular War, the Battle of Waterloo, and society and personalities of Regency London and 19th century Paris, by a sometime Grenadier Guards officer, unsuccessful parliamentarian, and dandy. Gronow displays social attitudes of the day which would now be regarded as unacceptable, but is a clever raconteur who brings to life both the horrors of war and the gaiety of high society.
My Review
My ongoing interest in wargaming has for many years spurred my interest in all things of the Napoleonic period, and so this audio book came to my attention because it included the eye-attracting words "Waterloo" and "Penninsular".
There is not a single story running through this narrative, it is rather an series of anecdotes, genuine reminiscences of the life and times. These are not limited to war time memories but also capture events and people before and after the war. We hear of the socialites, the gambling houses, young men ruined, brave mean dueling, and the ridiculous lengths a man in love will put himself through!
We also have the war memories interleaved with other the other stories.
I was gluded to this audio book. The insight into another time totally absorbed me and the stories were thought provoking, humerous and interesting by turns.
Add to this the fact that the reader is of outstanding quality. I kept thinking that I was listening to a BBC history broadcast!
Reading 3/3
Production 2/3
Story 2/3
Total Score 7/9
Get it from Librivox
Get the first chapter.
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
Fast in the Ice
The Official Blurb
At the age of 16 Ballantyne went to Canada and was six years in the service of the Hudson’s Bay Company. His rule in writing, being in every case, was to write as far as possible from personal knowledge of the scenes he described.
In this book he details the lives of the crew as they must overwinter in the frozen north including their meetings with Eskimos and bears and their struggles with disease. This is a realistic account of what life was like for the explorers of the Arctic.
My Review
A while back I was blown away by Shackletons account of his exploits at the pole, and that lingering awe is what drew me to this story. We have the recorded account of a captain and his crew as they become locked in by the ice. It's a very interesting read/listen you get to hear about the practicalities of the physical environment the men build and the social and mental stresses they go through just trying to survive.
We also hear about their escapades with Bears and the occasional interaction with the indiginous people. The story as told is mildly engaging and kept me hooked right to the end.
As a bonus the reader is excellent and delivers the reading in a delightful bouncy tone that brings the text alive.
Reading 2/3
Production 2/3
Story 2/3
Total Score 6/9
Get it from Librivox
Get the first chapter.
At the age of 16 Ballantyne went to Canada and was six years in the service of the Hudson’s Bay Company. His rule in writing, being in every case, was to write as far as possible from personal knowledge of the scenes he described.
In this book he details the lives of the crew as they must overwinter in the frozen north including their meetings with Eskimos and bears and their struggles with disease. This is a realistic account of what life was like for the explorers of the Arctic.
My Review
A while back I was blown away by Shackletons account of his exploits at the pole, and that lingering awe is what drew me to this story. We have the recorded account of a captain and his crew as they become locked in by the ice. It's a very interesting read/listen you get to hear about the practicalities of the physical environment the men build and the social and mental stresses they go through just trying to survive.
We also hear about their escapades with Bears and the occasional interaction with the indiginous people. The story as told is mildly engaging and kept me hooked right to the end.
As a bonus the reader is excellent and delivers the reading in a delightful bouncy tone that brings the text alive.
Reading 2/3
Production 2/3
Story 2/3
Total Score 6/9
Get it from Librivox
Get the first chapter.
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
Detailed Minutiae of Soldier Life in the Army of Northern Virginia, 1861-1865
The Official Blurb
The author, who fought as a private in the Army of Northern Virginia during the Civil War, describes the Confederate soldier’s daily struggles with hunger, illness, fear, and the perils of combat; as well as his pride of service, love of comrades, and courage in the face of overwhelming odds.
My Review
This is not a work of fiction, it is the memoirs of an artilleryman turned infantry of the time he spent in the forces during the American Civil War. He relates how the soldiers gallantly joined up, how being a soldier as opposed to be an officer was seen as having more merit and honur! He then tells us how the southern volunteers learned through hard experience in the required footware and what really needed to be carried by a foot soldier.
We hear a lot of the little details of day to day life of the soldier and how this particular soldier fared while outpacing the supplies. You'll learn something when you listen.
I'm a wargamer in some of my spare hours ( that means I play with toy soldiers ) and I've read a lot of ACW books, but even my well read mind picked up on some interesting facts and thoughts from this memoir.
The reader of this book is very good and I had some chuckles when some of the swear words were bleeped!
Basicly, it's good historical content, well read and an easy listen.
Reading 2/3
Production 2/3
Story 1/3 ( Low story rating, because it's a memoir! )
Total Score 5/9
Get it from Librivox
Here is the first chapter.
The author, who fought as a private in the Army of Northern Virginia during the Civil War, describes the Confederate soldier’s daily struggles with hunger, illness, fear, and the perils of combat; as well as his pride of service, love of comrades, and courage in the face of overwhelming odds.
My Review
This is not a work of fiction, it is the memoirs of an artilleryman turned infantry of the time he spent in the forces during the American Civil War. He relates how the soldiers gallantly joined up, how being a soldier as opposed to be an officer was seen as having more merit and honur! He then tells us how the southern volunteers learned through hard experience in the required footware and what really needed to be carried by a foot soldier.
We hear a lot of the little details of day to day life of the soldier and how this particular soldier fared while outpacing the supplies. You'll learn something when you listen.
I'm a wargamer in some of my spare hours ( that means I play with toy soldiers ) and I've read a lot of ACW books, but even my well read mind picked up on some interesting facts and thoughts from this memoir.
The reader of this book is very good and I had some chuckles when some of the swear words were bleeped!
Basicly, it's good historical content, well read and an easy listen.
Reading 2/3
Production 2/3
Story 1/3 ( Low story rating, because it's a memoir! )
Total Score 5/9
Get it from Librivox
Here is the first chapter.
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