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History
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American Rifle: a Biography, by Alexander Rose. Not just for gun nuts, this history of the rifle in America shows how the nation came to identify itself with the qualities of the rifle: long-range, deliberate, and accurate. It is also the story of the development of small arms in the United States since before the Revolutionary era up to the present day. It is fascinating to see how changes in technology such as breech-loading rifles, cartridges, and semi-automatic action affected tactics, strategies, and even the way people thought about warfare. This book reveals a side of America seldom seen, relying on primary sources previously un-mined by historians. Excellent work, fun and useful read.
Read the Conservative Monitor extensive review of American Rifle: a Biography.
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The Genius of America: How the Constitution Saved Our Country and Why It Can Again, by Eric Lane and Michael Orestes. The failure of many Americans to understand their own government can only be attributed to a lapse in the education system when it comes to the teaching of civics. Lane and Orestes address this problem, first by supplying a first rate education about the founding of the constitution, how it works, and the historic relation the American nation has with the constitution. Second they have analyzed how the knowledge base of average Americans has eroded over time, and finally, they supply a remedy for the problem. This is a fascinating work that deserves to be read by anyone who cares about good government.
Read the Conservative Monitor extensive review of Genius of America.
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Day of Battle, by Rick Atkinson, is the second book in the Liberation Trilogy, depicts the allied invasions of Sicily and the Italian Peninsula during World War II. It is a gruelling and riveting story. Atkinson tells the story from the perspective of both the general's and the privates, with vignettes of Churchill, Patton, Clark and others. The real hero of the whole campaign is a little known Major General Fred Walker who found a seam in the German line and exploited it, breaking open the tough German defenses and allowing the 5th Army to reach Rome one day before the D-Day invasion. An excellent read.
Read our in-depth review of Day of Battle!
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Adopted Son: Washington, Lafayette, and the Friendship that Saved the Revolution, by David A. Clary. Lafayette has long been an iconic figure in the United States and has also enjoyed some status in the history of France. But it seems this figure has begun to fade in the mists of time. In Adopted Son Clary rescues Lafayette, bringing him vividly to life for those who cherish history or those who just want to know what happened. Relying heavily on the voluminous correspondence of the period, this book gives an up close and personal report of the life, times, loves, and adventures of Lafayette. Most of the action of the book takes place in the context of Lafayette and his relationship to Washington - how Washington honored the young man and impressed upon him the importance of integrity in his dealings with other men and with society in general. This is a great biography that will define Lafayette for the next generation of Americans.
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No True Glory: A Front Line Account of the Battle for Fallujah, by Bing West. This book records the nitty gritty of the battle for Fallujah. It began with the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003 and intensified in 2004 after four U.S. contractors were executed and desecrated in the streets of the city. The U.S. 1st Marine Division was sent in and performed valorously in close combat with insurgent forces. After some political dithering that had the Marines move to a defensive posture they were sent in again to finish the job. This is the story of that struggle and the brave men who fought to make Iraq a place where freedom can take root.
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Washington's Crossing, by David Hackett Fischer. Dramatic narrative and cogent analysis come together to make this the definitive account of the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. Drawing on primary sources of the men who fought and died there, we are treated to the high strategy of the commanders as well as the reminiscences of the average soldiers. The inspiring actions of the men who crossed the Delaware to cross swords with the British and Hessians turned the tide of war in the Revolutionary era. It also has meaning for us today as the war between freedom and tyranny continues around the globe.
Read Our In-Depth Review in the Conservative Monitor!
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Silently We Defend: The Story of the Desert Storm Ruffians, by Robert Benfer. This in-depth story of one unit's activities during Operation Desert Storm is riveting and thought provoking. Benfer's first hand account of his experiences in the war gives new insights into military life and operations. Focusing on theater level intelligence, The Ruffians worked as targeting analysts. They endured Scud attacks, suffocating smoke from oil well fires ignited by retreating Iraqi forces, sudden sandstorms, tainted food and water, snipers, and boredom. This is a truly fascinating story about the horrors and glory of war.
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A Question of Honor: The Kosciuszko Squadron, Forgotten Heroes of World War II, by Lynne Olson and Stanley Cloud. The Polish fought furiously against the Nazis from the opening day of World War II. Their contributions to the allied war effort have never been sufficiently recognized. Olson and Cloud go a long way to make up for this. Based on diaries, letters and other primary documents they recount the story of the Kocsciuszko Squadron. It was first formed by Americans fighting for Poland against the Soviet Union. Its traditions were carried on by Poles who fought for Great Britain against the Germans. The men of the squadron downed more German planes than any other squadron in the RAF. Their personal stories coupled with the story of Poland at war make for fascinating reading.
Read Our In-Depth Review in the Conservative Monitor!
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An Army at Dawn: The War in North Africa, 1942-1943, by Rick Atkinson. A fluid, intelligent, hands-on account of the first major U.S. involvement in the war in Europe in World War II. Filled with vivid anecdotes, insightful quotes, clear battle maps, concise narrative and dead-on analysis, An Army at Dawn makes the case that Africa was a training ground for the U.S. Army, without which Victory in Europe would have been far from certain. Mr. Atkinson has a way with words that brings history to life and makes it relevant in the modern age.
Read Our In-Depth Review in the Conservative Monitor!
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Basic History of American Conservatism, by Robert Muccigrosso. Presented as part of the Anvil Series, this history of American Conservatism is brief, but informative. It is loaded with names and ideas that have redounded through the centuries. In a clear chronology Mr. Muccigrosso reveals the progression of Conservative ideas as they came to this country from England and Scotland during the colonial days, and how they influenced the Constitution, the actions of legislatures and courts as well as mass political movements. The author remains above the fray, not seeming to take sides in historical arguments over whether a loose or tight interpretation of the constitution is preferable or if Reaganomics was effective. The most controversial chapter deals with Conservatism in the Antebellum South. The appendix contains over 20 documents produced over the centuries. The choices are curious, but always interesting - including selections by John C. Calhoun, William F. Buckley, John Adams and more. This is an indispensable read for anyone wishing to understand the antecedents as well as the present state of American Conservatism.
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By Any Means Necessary : America's Secret Air War in the Cold War, by William E. Burrows. The Cold War was much hotter than most people know. U.S. recon planes were shot out of the sky by Soviet fighters. Mr. Burrows tells the story of how the United States, desperate for information from behind the Iron Curtain, risked diplomatic face and military personnel to gain it. It is the story of the Strategic Air Command, General Curtis LeMay, and of the pilots and crews that flew into harms way. It is right up to date with details of recent events in China. This is an excellent narrative and analysis of our Cold War in the Air.
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Pearl Harbor Betrayed, by Michael Gannon. The true story of a man and a nation under attack is a fascinating narrative and analysis of the battle that would bring the United States into World War II. Gannon is an experienced historian of naval conflict and his expertise shines a bright light on the events leading up to that fateful morning on December 7 in 1941. The book relates the attack from both the American and the Japanese perspective, and delves deeply into the controversy over the competency of the American commanders and whether they were adequately informed of the coming attack by bureaucrats in Washington who suspected that an attack was imminent. This is a book fit for both scholars and enthusiasts.
Read the in-depth review at the Conservative Monitor
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Hitler Stopped by Franco
A Portrait of Egypt, by Mary Anne Weaver
Ally to Adversary, by Rick Francona
Genius of America, by Lane and Orestes
Day of Battle, by Rick Atkinson
Triumph Forsaken, The Viet Name War, by Mark Moyer
A History of the American People, by Paul Johnson
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This Week
