BLACK DEVIL BRIGADE IS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF SMALL UNIT ACTION IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR. JOSEPH SPRINGER GIVES US A GRIPPING, CRAFTSMANLIKE JOB OF PIERCING TOGETHER THE INCREDIBLE EXPLOITS OF THE MEN OF THE 1ST SPEICAL SERVICE FORCE INTO A COLLECTIVE ORAL HISTORY. RECRUITED FROM US AND CANADIAN VOLUNTEERS FOR A SUICIDE MISSION BEHIND THE ENEMY LINES IN NORWAY, THE BOOK COVERS THE UNITS 1942 CONCEPTION TO THEIR 1944 DISBANDMENT IN SOUTHERN FRANCE. THE FORCE WERE THE ELITE OF THE ALLIED FORCED DESPITE THEIR CONTINUED ANONYMITY. TASKED FOR IMPOSSIBLE SPECIAL FORCE MISSIONS, SUCH AS THE NIGHT ASSAULT ON A HUGE MOUNTAIN TOP IN ITALY (ALA THE MOVIE 'THE DEVILS BRIGADE'), THEY STRUCK SHEER TERROR INTO THE VERY HEART OF THEIR ENEMIES, KILLING WELL OVER 12,000 GERMANS, AND ACHIEVING INCREDIBLE RESULTS IN ITALY AND SOUTHERN FRANCE WITH AN EQUALLY INCREDIBLE 600% LOSS RATE. HUMOR, FEAR, HUNGER, COLD, HEAT, AND THE GRATUITOUS HORRORS OF COMBAT ARE RECORDED ON EVERY PAGE. THE FORCEMEN VEIW COMBAT (AND DEATH) IN A VERY UNCOMPLICATED, ABRUPT, AND VERY STRAIGHT FORWARD MANNER. THEIR UNUSUAL ATTITUE IS QUITE PREVELANT FROM COVER TO COVER. THE FORCEMEN SEEM OVERTLY MODEST AT TIMES, ALMOST AS IF THEIR EXTRAORDINARY CAPABILITES WERE THE DAY TO DAY NORM FOR OTHER COMBAT UNITS. THE BLACK DEVIL BRIGADE CAPTURES THE BROTHERHOOD AND HUMAN SPIRIT IN THE ACT OF BRUTAL COMBAT. AND SADLY, YOU WILL LEARN THE PERSONAL AND MOVING DETAILS OF THEIR HORRNEDOUS LOSSES. ULTIMATELY, SPRINGER'S BLACK DEVIL BRIGADE COMES ACROSS AS A REMARKABLE RECORD OF SMALL UNIT ACTION IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

The Black Devil Brigade is a personal story of the First Special Service Force in World War II. This brigade consist of US and Canadian commandos fighting in Italy. At first I was not overly impressed with this book. The grainy photos and primitive maps are substandard. Moreover, I encountered errors in the manuscript due to little or no professional editing. More importantly, and in light of historical research, there is the lack of a table of contents. Despite these shortfalls, and problems notwithstanding, the extraordinary personal recollections recorded in this hardback makes it one of the finest overall personal and oral narratives I have ever had the pleasure to read. I recommend this book to all serious students of history, or any reader in search of an extraordinary story of warfare.

The Balck Devil Brigade is one of the best oral histories I've read. When combined with THE SUPERCOMMANDOS by Robert Todd Ross and the official unit history by Robert Burhans, we now have the definative history of the First Special Service Force of WWII. By concentrating on narratives by a few key individuals of the unit, Springer tells a gripping story, while at the same time highlighting the exploits of this unique fighting unit. This book once and for all establishes the truth behind the Black Devils, and gives the veterans of the Force a true legacy for generations to come. this book is a must have for all those interested in first hand accounts of men in battle.

I've been watching this year's exciting playoffs and then saw Mr. Swirsky on TV so I went out to buy this book. After devouring it (try putting it done once you've opened it!), I then went out to buy his first one--"Baseball Letters". I notice that every time I am watching a game now, and a player comes to bat that Mr. Swirsky has gotten a letter from, I feel like I know the guy who's playing so much better.The actual letters bring you closer to the players.The histories the author adds (with some very neat photographs) are fascinating as well as informative. Sportscasters like Bob Costas or Joe Morgan should read these books --it would add tremendous depth to their analysis. This is a book you keep on your coffee table.

Billy Crystal, the actor and baseball fan wrote a 'blurb' on the cover of Seth Swirsky's new book. It says (Every pitcher Tells Story is) 'A rare treasure of a book'. He couldn't be more right. I learned so much about the people who play or have played baseball from this unique book.the book itself is filled with handwritten letters, just as mr. swirsky received them. it's fascinating. carl mays' letter wa unbelievable-- he was the only man to kill a man with a pitch-- here he offers his explanation of that unfortunate occurence. I loved David Cone's letter analyzing why the Yankees of '98 were so potent. my favorite rogr clemens reveals who he looked up to growing up--his grandmother and mother. It really was amazing to read the over 100 letters in this book-- it's like discovering, in an attic, someone's correspondence with these interesting people. The pictures were also fantastic. Again, like Mr. Crystal said, a true treasure trove of a book.

Was up this saturday and saw this book on the Today show--the anchor seemed like he loved it so I got it. I'm a big baseball fan--my dad and my four brothers all grew up playing and talking stats at the breakfast and dinner table. The letters in this book get right to heart of the game. My personal favorite was Harry Danning's letter--he was a catcher for the NY Giants in the 30s. He was asked by the author to depict pitcher Carl Hubbell's great control. He wrote a story about how Hubbell dunked a girl sitting on a plank at a carnival that the Giants players went to. He dunked her so many times with his accurate throws, that the girl quit the carnival! I also loved the 'Mad Hungarian's" letter, Al Hraboky. He wrote liked he pitched--right in your face! I really do highly recommend this book. I tried to buy the author's first book but they were out of them.

I first read this book 12 years ago, by the suggestion of a co-worker. I honestly have never cried so much from reading ANY book in my entire life. I am now 31 years old and crying as I think about Ursula "Sunshine" Assaid(USA). I have been looking for this book for years and I'm hopeful that Amazon.com will be able to ship it to me. Anyone who even knows, seen, heard or laid eyes on just 1 child MUST read this book. You won't be or see children the same!(P,S,) Keep tissues handy!

I first read this book in the sixth grade and haven't been able to find it in any library since. However, it has made me more aware of child abuse in America and how horrible it really is. I cannot believe that some judges will overlook this sort of thing while I as a young child was able to see how gruesome it is. Even now I am only 14 and outraged that this is being overlooked in our country. I think every teenager should read this book. It makes us,who especially at this age are self-centered appreciate what we have.

I first read this book when I was in 9th grade. I have been trying to find this book for the past 2yrs now. Wheni read this book all I could do was cry. It was so sad to read that a mother could watch this happen to her child. I being a parent myself am more aware of how I talk and act toward my kids. Never in a million years would I ever think of trating my kids this why. Thier lives are way to fragile and precious to loose over any one, be man or woman or money & power for that matter. I'm just glad I found the book again.

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! I JUST FINISHED READING IT FOR THE SECOND TIME. ITS AMAZING HOW JACKIE COLLINS CAN CREATE A WORLD, A WORLD THAT YOU JUST DONT WANT TO LEAVE. THE CHARACTERS IN THIS BOOK ARE SO REAL THAT YOU FEEL LIKE YOUVE KNOWN THEM FOREVER. THIS BOOK IS LIKE A DRUG, YOU WONT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN, I GUARANTEE THAT! I CRIED FOR THE SECOND TIME AND IM A LITTLE DEPRESSED SO IVE GOT TO FIND A NEW JACKIE COLLINS TO READ!!!

This was the best book Jackie Collins ever wrote, and I've read every one of them. I loved Nick and Lauren's star-crossed love story, and the mystery surrounding Cyndra was top-notch. Ooh, it was such a good book. Ooh, it made me go to the store and buy "Power." Reading Jackie Collins is like eating chocolate eclairs. Gooey and fun. Ooh. Ooh,yummy Jackie Collins is the best glitz novel writer there is.

American Star is about the story of two people: Nick Angel, one of the hottest actors in Hollywood; and Lauren Roberts, The Face of the Decade. Their story starts when they are in highschool, growing up in Kansas in a small town called Bosewell. Nick Angelo comes from a broken home and lives on the wrong side of the tracks. Lauren has a home life that seems to be perfect. Yet the two meet and become star crossed lovers. Tragedy breaks them apart, and years later they meet up again. Both had moved on, yet neither of them had forgotten the other.

In between the story of Nick and Lauren, there are other sub plots: Nick's step sister Cyndra and her struggle to become a famous singer; an accidental death; and of course the usual sex and drugs that comes with any Jackie Collins novel.

I enjoyed this book very much. I'd say this is one of Jackie Collins' better novels. It read well, and I liked the characters she portrayed in the book. I wouldnt' mind reading a sequel to this novel.

This guy knows how to live, and tell about it. Bravo, Mr. Lowe, you've so beautifully captured the show biz life of the 1950s. And to hear a homosexually gifted author tell the tale, well that's icing on the CAKE!

Travel the world with this funny, crazy character and you won't need a suitcase. Just relax and let Skippy be your guide. I so highly recommend this book.

I picked up Skip E. Lowe's book on the recommendation of a friend, but had no idea that I was in for such an amazing read. In addition to having some unforgettable stories to tell, he is able to share them with complete emotional honesty, which provides surprisingly human insight into this larger-than-life world in which he has lived. I recommend this as a "must read" to all who are interested in learning about the Golden Days of Hollywood, the truly fascinating character once known as Sammy Labella, and the ups and downs of an unconventional life. By relating his madcap adventures and the lessons he has learned, Skippy does the best job I've ever seen at creating a road map for the road less travelled.

Having been a child actor myself, I could well relate to the tale masterfully told my Mr. Skip E. Lowe. What a story!~

What I loved most about Skip's life story was that he did it all himself! Travelling the world on no money except what you make at the clubs takes guts baby!

Those who follow their hearts desire and explore the road less travelled always win my heart. Skip is a wonderful man, a sort of little wizard. Skip e Potter. HA! I laughed so hard at certain points of the book that I peed my bloomers. Sometimes, it was so sad I cried a river of tears.

But it was always haute entertainment. I sincerely recommend the Boy with the Betty Grable Legs for all lovers of life, travel, bohemia, and the great show people and the great, great legends, (our teachers) like Skip E!

I just finished reading Michael Pearson's "Dreaming of Columbus." It is such a delightful reading experience that I was sad to see it end. His poignant remembrances of his childhood are written with such skill and pathos that I was deeply moved. Also, his comedic mastery is a wonderful tool that he uses so subtly that I laughed out loud at some of the recollections. All in all, this was the best book I've read all year.....he's a fabulous writer! Mary Ann Wilson

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I, also being Catholic, could relate to the mysteries surrounding "A Nun's Habit" and the almighty ruler. It was enlightening reading about "tricks" boys played and looking back into the 60's & 70's when all was innocent and pranks were silly. The rememberence of the corner drug store and the friends in the neighborhood who felt like a part of your family. The tightly knit friends who went with you through all the ups and downs and growing through the changes in childhood to adolescence; the finally figuring out "what I want to be" and the many roads in life you took to get there. The book was well-written and the expressions that surfaced will stay with me for a long, long time. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Kudos to Pearson!

Norfolk's Port Folio Weekly reviewed this book and said: "For Pearson, the world was dominated by the Bronx. And in this beautifully crafted memoir, he has brought that world to life.

His recollections of his literary experiences -- set against his memories of everday life on the street -- create a tension that is sustained throughout the book. One gets the impression that he was forever torn between the small world in which he lived and the wide world of his book-fueled imagination.

Dreaming of Columbus gives us a brilliantly detailed picture of one boy's life in the Bronx. But to a great extent, it also transcends the particulars of time and place. Regardless of where you grew up, this is a book that will help you see your own past in new ways."

Unsung Valor: A GI's Story of World War II is a war memoir that will appeal to women as much as men. Cleveland Harrison's recollections reach deeper and wider emotionally than the usual battlefield tales. The reluctant draftee's journey from basic training to college, to combat, and finally to occupation duty in Germany does not put women off with a lot of combat details but strikes a nice balance between the military and the human emotions. Harrison's descriptions of his sensations in every place and time are so detailed and clear that one learns to care what happens to him and his buddies.

A reluctant but good soldier, who was surprisingly innocent and firm in his integrity, Harrison reveals more of his attitudes toward women than is ordinarily found in military narratives. His respect and relations with his mother and his college sweetheart (to whom he is secretly engaged), and the women he later encounters in training and service--a math professor and a group of sorority sisters at college, nurses in military hospitals, State Department officers and secretaries, and WACs in military government overseas--make Unsung Valor a unique wartime reading experience for women.

I read with a great deal of interest and anticipation A. Cleveland Harrison's book UNSUNG VALOR. I was certainly not dissappointed. It is an anutobiography beginning with his youth in Little Rock, Arkansas and continuing through his military experiences in training and in combat in Europe during World War II. The emphasis is on his military life.

My enjoyment of the book was expecially magnified by the similarities I had growing up and as a GI during World War II. I also loved my country but was loath to serve. It, however, made me a stronger person. Mr. Harrison expresses this very well.

I recommend it wholeheartedly!

In reading Unsung Valor, I was constantly amazed at the author's ability to portray the specifics of day to day life as a G.I. in W.W. 2. Many novels go for the bullets, the blood and guts, of warfare - sometimes to its glory - but A.C. Harrison takes the reader on the long hard run of what it took to become a soldier, to be transformed from boy to man, from innocence to awareness.

The author has the ability to take relatively quotidian events and make them specific, interesting and emotional.  I found his style fluid and easy to read, and his imagery compelling. He conveys seemlessly a very personal pov of how it felt to grow into manhood baptized by fire. 

What I found most refreshing was the theatrical experiences he had along the way.  I'd never thought that in the middle of a world war that the most basic form of entertainment; skits, singing, impersonations could have such a large impact on the fighting men. Indeed there's something very poignant
about that - the tough GI who can't help but smile because one of his theatrical brothers in arms is so funny, the songs sung that made soldiers so dearly miss home which some would never see again. Read this book!

To even flip through this book is to become deeply enmeshed in the time that was (and for author Hal Lifson, still is) 1966!

If you grew up in the 60's like I did, you will gasp in delighted recognition with each turn of the page as you peruse this wildly colorful book.

This is not a highly inclusive record of everything from 1966; this is the author's own personal recollections of his youth and culture growing up in Encino, CA and all those things that comprised his environment during that time. Luckily for the rest of us, whether you grew up in that time or not, you will enjoy and very much relate to the stories Hal Lifson tells. For those of us who had a similar childhood, or those who want to get an idea of what it was like to be a kid in the 60's, this book provides enough detailed and factual captions to make it an educational must-read for anyone interested in 60's pop culture.

The pictures of the toys and products alone (remember using a real potato for Mr. Potato Head? Hey! I had that Mary Poppins lunchbox!) make this book worth getting, but Hal Lifson's observations and comments truly make you feel as though you were reminiscing with an old childhood friend about all the things that were important to you back then.
Extremely fun and highly recommended!

I happily offer my two cents worth about this book. I expected to leaf through it over time but rather found myself reading it cover to cover and reminiscing over every photograph before putting it down. This is a fun and easy read for everyone! It's full of photographs and not much text. Just enough to bring back wonderful memories of childhood in the year 1966.

You won't find references to politics or drugs as this book was written from the eyes of a six year old child during the 60's. "Hal Lifson's 1966" highlights the fads, fashions, entertainment, foods, toys, etc., all the "fun stuff" a kid remembers from that era. I smiled with warm memories as I turned each page.

If you were around during this time, I think you will find, as I did, this to be a loving tribute to an amazing year. If you weren't around in the 60's, you should definately read this book to see what you missed....you would have LOVED living it.

I wish, and expect, great success for this book and I thank its author, Hal Lifson, for sharing his childhood memories with the rest of us to enjoy.

Hal Lifson's 1966! is essential reading (and viewing) for anyone interested in 1960s U.S. Pop culture. The book is well written and the illustrations comprise a great and thoughtful selection of pop "icons" from 1966: From images of tv's Batman to advertisements for toys, comics, music albums, films and other mass-marketed products, the book provides an excellent travelogue through a sometimes overlooked facet of a unique and explosive period in U.S. cultural history. The book is great fun (and that's enough) - but it also provides some keen insights into the visual context that gave rise to the work of Andy Warhol and many of the pop visual and media styles that still resonate today. The introductory writings by Adam West and Nancy Sinatra are great "bonus material" that add to the book's thoughtful approach to it's subjects.

The excellent photography made this book hard to put down. I paged through the entire book looking at pictures before going back and reading it. A must read for every Nascar fan.

I am a huge Jeff Gordon fan and I will be the first to tell you that this is a wonderful book! I have been a fan for a little over 4 years and this book goes into detail about everything that you would ever want to know! Very well written...if you are a Jeff Gordon fan this is the book for you!

Jeff you are the best driver that I have ever seen.I have been following you through your whole racing career. I hope you do well for the remaining of your career. You and Brooke are so great. Have a great race sunday. Your biggest fan, Brad Kelderman.

Was Tyrus Cobb as good as you imagined? Better.

Did Tyrus Cobb innovate the game? Absolutely.

Did a worse human being play the game? Maybe not.

Al Stump focused on the first and especially the third question above. Being a sports writer, Stump knows that a healthy legend and juicy scandel sells books. In this book Stump gives excellent descriptions of some of the most famous incidents in baseball- mostly from the mouth of Cobb with whom Stump spent parts of a year interviewing. Perhaps that time tainted Stump. For example, Stump repeatedly mentions the 'extreme cruelty' Charlotte Cobb used as grounds for divorce. He fails to mention that Mrs. Cobb stressed that it was mental and never physical abuse. Why? Perhaps Stump intended to paint Cobb as completly vile. Perhaps Cobb deserved it. But this important information for a book of nearly 500 pages to fail to mention. Stump keeps a highly negative focus on Cobb the man while building up Cobb the player.

I finished this book disliking Cobb the man, convinced Cobb the player would have dominated ANY era, and wanting to know more- so I read Alexander's book. Charles Alexander's "Ty Cobb" provides a more complete, less biased view of Cobb in about half the pages. The Stump book is more colorful however.

This book documents the life and times of one of the most complex, violent, angry, and racist men to ever play the game of baseball. It takes the reader from his growing up in rural Georgia to going to Detroit to play for the Tigers and finally to his later years in California and his death of prostate cancer in 1959. But along with these personality defects, Cobb had incredible talent to go with his competitiveness----and he was competitive both on and off the field. Anyone interested in baseball's history would undoubtedly enjoy reading this biography of one of the game's most colorful characters.

This book is a quick read for baseball fans, and an interesting look at the psychosis of an American icon for non-baseball fans. Al Stump went through a living hell while writing Ty Cobb's ghost-written autobiography and thirty years later he tells Cobb's true story. The story of Cobb's obnoxious, cruel behavior is told in detail, with Stump's vicious pen tearing at the soul of the legend. It is rare in biographies to see a writer tear at the subject, but Stump does it as a reconciliation with his soul. In between the lines, Stump comes to terms with his own demons, and it brings the book to life. Every one of Cobb's misgivings and psychotic rampages is shown, and his one truly great asset, that of being the greatest baseball player of all time, is also given full credit. An amazing work for its balance between the two worlds of writing the truth and writing what our legends want us to see is covered. Al Stump wrote the story of an American legend in everyday life in Cobb, and leaves the reader one possible conclusion, Cobb isn't the man we want our children to emulate.