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Dose anyone know any book or books about big or significant battles anywhere in our history. Either books focusing on one battle or books with several battles in. That are written in a way that is not going to bore me to death. But still pretty factual rather than plain story telling.
Streeteh
13-08-2009, 14:34
Stalingrad, it's a narrative so not sure if it's exactly what you're after but it's amazing.
It depends on what you are after, really. Modern, semi-old or really old wars?
I bought some for Leo, voices from battles - written by the soldiers involved sort of thing.
He's got quite a few, I'll give him a prod.
It depends on what you are after, really. Modern, semi-old or really old wars?
I want a good cross section from all.
WW2, WW1, China, Mongol, Egyptian, Agincourt, That incan one where they surrounded there city which was held by the Spanish. Spanish won by taking out the leader iirc, Spartas famous one at Thermopali(sp).
So yeah a Good spread. The other forum has listed loads from ww2 Vietnam and Falklands and a few others.
Well, for fairly modern my favourite is Black Hawk Down (it paints a different picture to the film, and is a little cutting at times).
Chickenhawk was a good read, it's about huey pilots in Vietnam. A little brief at the end, but an interesting book.
For WW2, I enjoy the collection of books by Stephen E. Ambrose. His book on Pegasus Bridge makes me proud every time I read it.
I'll have a browse through my collection when I get home. I tend not to buy anything that covers and entire battle, as my brain doesn't seem to work that way!
I don't really have anything before 1939, as I can't really relate to it.
Pumpkinstew
16-08-2009, 21:33
Is it works of fiction with some historical accuracy your're after?
I agree with Black Hawk Down. It's a good read.
Under an English Heaven - Robert Radcliffe charts the missions of a Flying Fortress crew, like an extended version of Memphis Belle. A bit chessy but good.
Bernard Cornwell is always worth a read.
-The Sharpe Novels are set during the Peninsula war where Wellington fought a campaign against Napolean. The TV series was OK but the books are better.
-The Starbuck Novels are about the American civil war. Start slowly but painstakingly researched.
-The Grail Trilogy is set during the 100 years war with France (Crecy etc). Didn't like them much if I'm honest.
- The Warlord Trilogy is about King Arthur's Britain. Brilliant books and probably about as authentic as a novel about the Dark Ages can be.
- The Alfred Books. I think there are five of these now. Quite similar to the warlord trilogy but set during the time of Alfred the Great as he tries to stem the advances of the Danes into Anglo-Saxon Britain. 9th century? I think.
Conn Iggulden wrote four books about Julius Caesar's Rome. A ripping good story but feels hindered by having to stick to the historical facts. If you liked Rome the TV series give these a go.
He's also written a new series about Atila the Hun, although I've not read any of them.
Is it works of fiction with some historical accuracy your're after?
No, I'm after historical very accurate. But still interesting to read and story like.
I shall try and think of more but off the top of my head the last one I read that I enjoyed was 'Sink the Belgrano' by Mike Rossiter.
Briggykins
16-08-2009, 22:25
A Long Long Way by Sebastien Barry is one of the best WW1 books I've ever read. Partly focuses on the Easter Rising in Ireland but is mostly about trench warfare. It's a very well-written book but doesn't flinch in detail.
Other than that, I suppose Sebastien Faulks' Birdsong is one of the best-known, and of course All Quiet on the Western Front from the German side is always interesting.
Flibster
16-08-2009, 22:32
Same list as before
Vulcan 607
Sea Harrier over the Falklands
Phoenix Squadron
Adding to them...
The Dambusters Raid
Fighter - The True Story of the Battle of Britain.
Also - Sled Driver - but this is more about the SR-71 Blackbird and it's crew and operations
Also - Sled Driver - but this is more about the SR-71 Blackbird and it's crew and operations
I spy with my little eye, my next read. I love the SR-71, it's awesome!
Flibster
17-08-2009, 10:41
I spy with my little eye, my next read. I love the SR-71, it's awesome!
Good luck. Last copy of this I saw for sale was in excess of £100 ;)
There's still some of the version I have for sale though
http://galleryonepublishing.com/BlackbirdStores/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=28
Good luck. Last copy of this I saw for sale was in excess of £100 ;)
There's still some of the version I have for sale though
http://galleryonepublishing.com/BlackbirdStores/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=28
Bugger.
Flibster
17-08-2009, 10:46
Bugger.
Actually - none on fleabay at the moment.
£168 on Amazon for a used one...
Actually - none on fleabay at the moment.
£168 on Amazon for a used one...
I like the SR-71, but not that much.
Decided ot go for these, this month
Agincourt: The King, the Campaign, the Battle
Pegasus Bridge: D-Day - the Daring British Airborne Raid
Vulcan 607
Wanted to get Sled Driver as well as that is one awesome plane. But ouch at price why the hell so much. Think I'll have to either join the library or send my parents.
Flibster
22-08-2009, 01:39
Wanted to get Sled Driver as well as that is one awesome plane. But ouch at price why the hell so much. Think I'll have to either join the library or send my parents.
It's been out of print for quite a while, and the only version officially available at the moment is that limited edition version. It rocks though. :D
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