War Books?

Glaucus · 13-08-2009, 13:48

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.

Goose · 14-08-2009, 10:58

It depends on what you are after, really. Modern, semi-old or really old wars?

Glaucus · 14-08-2009, 11:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goose

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.

Goose · 14-08-2009, 11:41

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.

Kitten · 14-08-2009, 11:07

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.

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.

Glaucus · 16-08-2009, 21:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pumpkinstew

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.

Muban · 16-08-2009, 21:55

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.

13-08-2009, 13:48	#1
Glaucus Absinthe Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,855	War Books? 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. __________________

13-08-2009, 14:34	#2
Streeteh Vodka Martini Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Kingston Posts: 862	Stalingrad, it's a narrative so not sure if it's exactly what you're after but it's amazing. __________________ PSN & Live! ID: Streeteh

14-08-2009, 10:58	#3
Goose The list is long, but distinguished Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Århus, Denmark Posts: 1,643	It depends on what you are after, really. Modern, semi-old or really old wars? __________________

14-08-2009, 11:41	#5
Goose The list is long, but distinguished Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Århus, Denmark Posts: 1,643	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. __________________

14-08-2009, 11:07	#6
Kitten Spinky-Spank Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: 668. The Neighbour of the Beast Posts: 11,226	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. __________________ "You only get one life. There's no God, no rules, except for those you accept or create for yourself. Then once it's over... it's over. Dreamless sleep for ever and ever. So why not be happy while you're here?" Nate Fisher

16-08-2009, 21:33	#7
Pumpkinstew Absinthe Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Mostly Oxford, Sometimes Bristol Posts: 1,156	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. __________________ Get old, or die tryin' PSTEWREVIEWS - Chunks of Meaty Reviews, Mixed with Your Five a Day of News, Comment and Opinion, Floating in a Broth of Suspect Grammar and Seasoned Liberally with Mixed Metaphor. Tasty.

16-08-2009, 21:55	#9
Muban Shoes, Boobs & Corsets Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: The fastest town in Scotland Posts: 1,882	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. __________________ well, not to put a too fine point to it, he was discovered.. in the lounge

16-08-2009, 22:25	#10
Briggykins Vodka Martini Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Exeter Posts: 753	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. __________________