<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Delicious.
Review: One of my favorite books. Haythornthwaite-in top form here-selects consistently fascinating battles, backs his narrative with thorough research, and recounts with objectivity, grace, and awe, life and death on the battlefield. He writes with a transparent clarity that draws no attention from his subjects. And what subjects! He tells of a few major battles (Eylau and Aspern-Essling, for example), but is at his best when he delves into obscure Peninsular skirmishes. When dealing with smaller engagements, he can focus on a few individuals-we are introduced, learn a bit of them, and then watch as they are subjected to the horrors of grapeshot, musket, and bayonet. We see them pushed to the very limit of humanity and sanity-and we worry and rejoice and keen, and join with Haythornthwaite to praise and remember the valor and glory won at such a cost on the fields of Europe.
Rating:
Summary: Delicious.
Review: One of my favorite books. Haythornthwaite-in top form here-selects consistently fascinating battles, backs his narrative with thorough research, and recounts with objectivity, grace, and awe, life and death on the battlefield. He writes with a transparent clarity that draws no attention from his subjects. And what subjects! He tells of a few major battles (Eylau and Aspern-Essling, for example), but is at his best when he delves into obscure Peninsular skirmishes. When dealing with smaller engagements, he can focus on a few individuals-we are introduced, learn a bit of them, and then watch as they are subjected to the horrors of grapeshot, musket, and bayonet. We see them pushed to the very limit of humanity and sanity-and we worry and rejoice and keen, and join with Haythornthwaite to praise and remember the valor and glory won at such a cost on the fields of Europe.
<< 1 >>
|
