Summaries of books about Military History:
The Long Road Home
A Story of War and Family
Martha Raddatz
The book chronicles the harrowing ordeal of a platoon from the 1st Cavalry Division caught in a deadly ambush in Sadr City, Baghdad, in 2004. It delves into the intense combat situation and its impact on the soldiers and their families back home, highlighting the human side of war.
See full summary
Engineers of Victory
The Problem Solvers Who Turned The Tide in the Second World War
Paul Kennedy
The book examines the strategic challenges and innovative solutions that led to the Allied victory in World War II, focusing on the middle-level engineers, scientists, and officers who solved logistical and tactical problems. It highlights key campaigns and technological advancements that were pivotal in overcoming Axis powers, from amphibious warfare to the development of radar and code-breaking.
See full summary
Zero Footprint
The True Story of a Private Military Contractor¿s Covert Assignments in Syria, Libya, And the World¿s Most Dangerous Places
Ralph Pezzullo|Simon Chase
The book provides a firsthand account of a private military contractor who undertook clandestine operations in some of the world's most volatile regions, including Syria and Libya. It reveals the shadowy world of mercenaries and the complex, often dangerous missions they carry out on behalf of governments and private entities.
See full summary
The Deluge
The Great War, America and the Remaking of the Global Order, 1916-1931
Adam Tooze
The book provides an in-depth analysis of the economic and political shifts that occurred during and after World War I, focusing on how the United States emerged as a dominant global power. It examines the restructuring of global financial systems, the impact of the Treaty of Versailles, and the lead-up to the Great Depression, highlighting America's role in reshaping international relations and economic policies.
See full summary
And If I Perish
Frontline U.S. Army Nurses in World War II
Evelyn Monahan|Rosemary Neidel-Greenlee
The book chronicles the experiences of U.S. Army nurses who served during World War II, detailing their courage, hardships, and contributions on various frontlines across Europe, Africa, and the Pacific. It provides personal accounts and historical context, highlighting the critical roles these women played in medical care and their impact on the war effort.
See full summary
Why Don't We Learn from History?
B. H. Liddell Hart
The book explores the patterns and mistakes of history, emphasizing the importance of understanding the past to avoid repeating its failures. It delves into the psychological and practical reasons why individuals and societies often fail to learn from historical events, offering insights into military strategy, politics, and human nature.
See full summary
The American War in Afghanistan
A History
Carter Malkasian
The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the United States' involvement in Afghanistan from the initial invasion in 2001 to the eventual withdrawal in 2021, examining the strategic decisions, military operations, and political dynamics that shaped the conflict. It delves into the perspectives of both American and Afghan participants, exploring the complexities and consequences of the war on both nations.
See full summary
Supreme Command
Soldiers, Statesmen and Leadership in Wartime
Eliot A. Cohen
The book examines the relationships between civilian leaders and military generals during wartime, focusing on how successful leaders like Lincoln, Clemenceau, Churchill, and Ben-Gurion balanced military expertise with political judgment. It challenges the conventional wisdom of the "normal theory" of civil-military relations, advocating for a model of "unequal dialogue" where statesmen guide strategy while respecting military professionalism.
See full summary
Patton
A Biography
Alan Axelrod
The book provides an in-depth look at the life and military career of General George S. Patton, a key figure in World War II, examining his leadership style, battlefield strategies, and the controversies that surrounded him. It delves into Patton's complex personality, his tactical genius, and his impact on the Allied victory, while also exploring his personal challenges and the legacy he left behind.
See full summary
Marshall
Lessons in Leadership
H. Paul Jeffers|Alan Axelrod
The book provides an in-depth analysis of General George C. Marshall's leadership style and principles, drawing from his military career and role as a statesman during World War II and the early Cold War era. It offers insights into his strategic thinking, decision-making processes, and the development of the Marshall Plan, highlighting how his leadership qualities can serve as a guide for modern leaders.
See full summary