Summaries of books about Military History:
War
How Conflict Shaped Us
Margaret MacMillan
The book explores the complex role of war in human civilization, examining its influence on society, politics, and culture throughout history. It delves into the paradoxical nature of war, discussing how it has led to both destruction and progress, and shaped institutions, values, and ideas across the globe.
See full summary
Vanished
The Sixty-Year Search for the Missing Men of World War II
Wil S. Hylton
The book investigates the enduring mystery of a missing American bomber crew that disappeared over the Pacific during World War II. It follows the quest of family members and scientists as they piece together clues and use modern technology to uncover the fate of the lost airmen.
See full summary
The Secret Rescue
An Untold Story of American Nurses and Medics Behind Nazi Lines
Cate Lineberry
The book recounts the true story of 26 American nurses and medics whose plane crashed in Nazi-occupied Albania during World War II. It details their harrowing two-month ordeal as they evaded capture and survived harsh conditions with the help of local partisans until they were finally rescued.
See full summary
Strategy
A History
Sir Lawrence Freedman
The book offers a comprehensive overview of the evolution of strategic thinking, covering military, political, and business strategies from ancient times to the modern era. It delves into the works of key strategists and the practical application of strategic principles across various domains and historical contexts.
See full summary
Red November
Inside the Secret U.S.-Soviet Submarine War
W. Craig Reed
The book delves into the clandestine underwater confrontations between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, revealing espionage tactics, covert operations, and the perilous missions of submarines that shaped the nuclear standoff between the two superpowers. It provides firsthand accounts, historical insights, and declassified information about the technological advancements and harrowing encounters beneath the waves that remained hidden from public view for decades.
See full summary
Dark Sun
The Making Of The Hydrogen Bomb
Richard Rhodes
The book provides a detailed history of the development of the hydrogen bomb, exploring the scientific discoveries, political pressures, and moral dilemmas that accompanied its creation. It delves into the lives of key figures involved in the bomb's development, the espionage between the United States and the Soviet Union, and the profound implications of thermonuclear warfare on global politics and human society.
See full summary
The Mosquito
A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator
Timothy C. Winegard
The book explores the significant impact of mosquitoes on human history, detailing how these tiny insects have shaped wars, colonization, and the spread of diseases. It delves into the biological and ecological aspects of mosquitoes and their role in influencing the course of human events through their role as vectors for deadly pathogens.
See full summary
The Bastard Brigade
The True Story of the Renegade Scientists and Spies Who Sabotaged the Nazi Atomic Bomb
Sam Kean
The book chronicles the efforts of a group of Allied spies and scientists during World War II as they work to prevent Nazi Germany from developing nuclear weapons. It details the daring missions and scientific endeavors undertaken to disrupt the German atomic program, including the exploits of figures like Moe Berg and the Alsos Mission.
See full summary
Sailing True North
Ten Admirals and the Voyage of Character
Admiral James Stavridis
The book explores the lives and leadership qualities of ten notable admirals throughout naval history, highlighting how their personal voyages of character shaped their legacies and impacted the world. It delves into themes of ethics, decision-making, and the moral dimensions of leadership in the context of maritime strategy and global security.
See full summary
The Complete Book of the SR-71 Blackbird
The Illustrated Profile of Every Aircraft, Crew, and Breakthrough of the World's Fastest Stealth Jet
Richard H. Graham
The book provides an extensive overview of the SR-71 Blackbird, featuring detailed profiles of each aircraft and its crew, along with the technological innovations that made it the fastest stealth jet in history. It includes numerous illustrations, photographs, and firsthand accounts that chronicle the development, missions, and legacy of this iconic aircraft.
See full summary