It has become fashionable for writers to do oral histories of events. In this case, James Hallas has done a masterful job of weaving the memoirs of World War One veterans into a seamless tapestry that encompasses the experience of that war from call-up to homecoming. His selections are flawless and it is fortunate that a body of literature dealing with the inappropriately named "war to end all wars" exists, that some of the veterans -- a large number of whom were enlisted men -- chose to put their experience in writing. Considering that a large number of the soldiers were recent immigrants and that almost 13% who served were illiterate, the wealth of writing is impressive. The war was truly an everyman's endeavor with those from all walks of life serving. Interestingly, two thirds of those who went overseas in World War One saw combat. And what combat it was! Little understanding the damage that modern machines of war could do, the slaughter in the battles was a direct result of tacticians who didn't realize that the combination of barbed wire and grazing machine gun fire, not to mention artillery, would almost completely annihilate attacking troops. There was still hand to hand combat and bayonets were frequently used, in contrast to later conflicts.

Even though the United States did not enter the war until April 1917 and didn't engage in battle until the fall of that year, war's end saw over 80,000 killed in action. The poignancy of having friends buried in shallow graves on the battle fields, or seeing them mangled or "blown to atoms" by shellfire is recounted. As if the horrors of the warfare were not enough, the influenza epidemic killed thousands in 1918. The doughboy's war is vividly portrayed by these carefully edited anecdotes and should serve as a reminder of all those men who went to France "to make the world safe for democracy." These verbal vignettes open a window on the past and as they are strung together with historical commentary by the editor are extraordinarily gripping. That the experiences of these warriors is collected is a great service to all Americans. As Mr. Hallas notes, "Their experience remained uniquely theirs, a cup both bitter and sweet to be shared most fully only with one another."

Get this book, read it and be grateful for those for whom duty was more than just a word.

I read this book over 10 years ago, and have not forgotten it. It is a wonderful evocation of day to day life in a small English village during "The Great War". Not a description of the war itself, but rather of the life of the village people during the war, and how they were impacted by the events of war, this book fleshes out the war as it was lived by non-combatants. I highly recommend it.

Ok. I already feel odd writing a review of this book. The anticipated audience is incredibly narrow and if you found this review, you probably know what you are looking for. However, I think this is one of the greatest books. As a law student who is planning on specializing in ERISA, this book has been an invaluable resource to me. It is the first place I turn when I have an ERISA question to research. It won't provide all the answers but puts a very complex statute into perspective. It would also benefit the non-lawyer who might be involved in benefits.

This book covers a critical period in American history. It shows the bravery of American marines, sailors and civilians in fighting superior Japanese forces in defense of Wake Island. Through photographs, art and text, it shows that bravery can be demonstrated in a prisoner of war camp as well as at a battlefield. Warfare makes ordinary men into heroes and villains and this is shown here. This book is a must for the World War Two reader.

This is a book I really liked. It explains almost everything you need to know about horses. It's clear and complete. Approaches every subject you could look for, especially those related to surgery. I borrowed this book from a friend, read it all, but it was not enough, this book has too much information. So, if you are a veterinarian, a student, a horse trainer, a horse owner or just a horse lover, this is a perfect book to have in your personal library to consult it whenever you need.

I have to admit out loud that I am extremely prejudiced in my review of this book. Mrs. Colquitt taught me creative writing at TCU -- she actually had the nerve to give me a B simply because she said I was not writing up to my potential.

But this is not about me, it is all about her marvelous book. As a teacher, Mrs. Colquitt was self-effacing and understated in speaking of her experience and accomplishments. Others had to tell us that Isaac Bashevis Singer asked her to be his editor. She never would have brought the subject up.

Knowing that about her makes this book all the more moving.

Yet, even if you've never been to Fort Worth, or never had opportunity to hear her lecture, you will appreciate this book. The first half could be a modern midrash on Eve (and Lilith). Colquitt writes feminism the way she practices it -- gentle, assertive, intelligent, and kind.

The second half of the book tends to the more autobiographical. The final poem was for me gut-wrenching, as I honored and respected her husband, my math professor, for his unrelenting fairness and sense of humor. Dr. Colquitt died shortly after my own father died, and Mrs. Colquitt's vulnerability here is seldom duplicated.

EVE is serious, playful, and worth curling up next to the fireplace and reading aloud.

A must-have for every library in south Texas. This well-organized book fills a large gap in reference material about vegetation which remains undisturbed on less than 95% of south Texas' landmass. Placement of photos and construction of keys make this an excellent introductory text for students of botany. It's the first volume I can recommend to junior-high and high school teachers as a "user-friendly" approach to keying south Texas herbs. Lots of south Texas plants remain unmentioned here, however. Let us not assume that they are nonnative or without "use to livestock and wildlife."

I read this book to my two boys, ages 5 and 9. They enjoyed learning about such a great man. Of course, we unlike many Americans, knew something about Roger Williams before we read this book. We are descendents of his, through his son, Daniel. I was very proud to read about such a great man, who did the courageous things that he did at the time that he did them and to be able to call him Grandfather, was a treasured moment. Thank you to the Author for writing the book. What most people do not know is that Freedom of Religion and Separation of Church and State were ideas that he was the first to fight for in America. So whether you are Baptist, Catholic, Muslim or Buddhist, you should Know that the men who wrote the American Constitution, got some of their ideas from a man who lived 150 years before their time; and that he fought for you to be able to worship as you choose.

Alfred Dodd has written perhaps the finest book on Francis Bacon while solving the mystery of Shakespeare's identity with rare combination of historical truth and placing it inside the narrative of a story. Dodd's penetrating insights and research leave most other Bacon biographers way behind. Partly due to the fact that Dodd himself was a Master Free- Mason the general public will have a unique glimpse and understanding of the ways of Freemasonry and it's influence throughout Bacon's life and how it saturates the Shakespeare Sonnets and Plays. The novice student to the more advanced researcher will profit greatly in absorbing the facts surrounding Bacon's mysterious birth , his relation to Queen Elizabeth, his passion and guidance to advance England thru education, sparking the English Renaissance and formulating a greater vocabulary for the English language, encouraging the New World settlements, overcoming numerous enemies like his cousin Cecil, and Coke the crooked lawyer, it's all revealed in this wonderful book. By the time one finishes reading it you will have not only a greater awareness of one of the world's greatest genuises and his selfless service to humanity and it's future but a deeper wisdom into the Shakespeare authorship issue. . Alfred Dodd has left us a great treasure chest for all to partake in.

This is a first hand account, by someone who was among the Southeastern Indians in the 18th C. It has more tidbits of information on everyday life than any other book I have seen. This should be a top priority book for anyone researching the indians of this time and place