Enemy O' the State

Expected Funny but Got Profound

Reviewed: 11-20-22

I picked this book because I was in the mood for something light and silly. Instead, I read something light and profound. This book has had such an impact on me that I'm reluctant to say much about for fear of trivializing it. I'll just say, instead, that this is one of the best books I've read. I'm shocked I had never heard of it.

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top tier

Reviewed: 03-14-22

In the genre of special forces biographies from training training to combat, this is one of the best.

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Stunning Detailed Account

Reviewed: 07-25-21

I, like many, am fascinated by the pivotal event that occurred at Gettysburg in 1863. A series of battles that effected the military, political, and cultural future of the war and this country. I have read many books on Gettysburg and purchased this one with hesitation. I expected a repetition of what I had already new. I was wrong. Some authors provide detailed factual accounts. Others comment on what occurred. Still others are stylish writers. Rarely does an author combine all three in one book. Sears has in this book. It earns my highest recommendation.

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Intricate & Gripping

Reviewed: 04-17-21

I've read many books on the Gettysburg battle. This is far and away the best. This is the first for me that addressed the ebb and flow of the battle each day and in numerous locations in detail. And, to top it off, Robertson Dean's narration.

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One More Paean to the Greatest Generation

Reviewed: 02-13-21

To begin, a great book, great story, greatly performed. It will appeal to those interested in the history of science, technology, Cold War America, USAF history, or military history in general. It's subject is the advance of technology in perilous times, but the author has served us well by presenting it in a way that is readily understandable without undermining our our appreciation of the difficulty of the task accomplished by the men described. It was especially appreciated that, in addition to describing the technological contributions of the men in the book, he described their earlier WWII combat contributions. It should never be lost on posterity that this same generation served and prevailed in two wars, one hot and one cold. The fact that, through their efforts, we won the Cold War and avoided Armageddon is proof enough that Peace was their Profession. Thank you, Neil Sheehan and thank you, Bernard Schriever.

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Like No Other War Story

Reviewed: 02-03-21

I've read many war books, many from just about every war. This book is unlike any of the others, which is why you must read it. It's a book about an army at war - with itself. It's a story about the unmitigated brutality that Russian soldiers inflict on each other and everyone is in on it, one way or the other, from the lowest private up to the generals. It's a story about an army of dissolute men who despite their misery live to form a bond.

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1 person found this helpful

Six Stars!

Reviewed: 12-12-20

This book is a diamond in every way. The subject. The story. The writing. The narration. The everything. This story is the perfect antidote for our modern era populated by conniving duplicitous politicians, press and business. In an era when no one has any values and no one can be trusted, it's reassuring to know that once someone like William Marshall lived. Many thanks to Thomas Asbridge for writing this book. It was a flawless immersive experience.

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7 people found this helpful

Phenomenal Synopsis of the Troubles

Reviewed: 03-14-20

I was a child in 70s and heard TV news reports of the conflict, shootings and bombings, in Northern Ireland. I heard Paul McCartney's song. I've always wanted a concise history to introduce me to that conflict, but couldn't find one, especially an audio version which is all I have time for anymore. This turned out to be that book. I much appreciate that the author told his story through the experience of its participants, which breathed life into his historical narrative. The narrator was flawless, only expressing flashes of passion was when the narrative required it. I could not reccomend this book more highly.

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A Beautiful Description of a Confederate Killer

Reviewed: 12-22-18

One the best Civil War biographies. A description of a flawed, brilliant man with strong feelings and unparalleled skills. But skills that failed to match any of his avocations, save one, combat.

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1 person found this helpful

Violent Clash of Cultures

Reviewed: 10-12-18

Hutton tells a gripping story of a succession of cultures attempting to occupy the same territory, Arizona and New Mexico. Each culture is willing to use the utmost violence to retain the land - with the ultimate winner prevailing only because of numbers and technology, not superoor will.

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