Zed
This being my first read on the subject and having little to compare to I found this an interesting read. I was attracted to reading this subject, hence this book, due to my lack of understanding as to the consequences of the issues that lead up to the outbreak of the 30 Year War in 1618.
Was glad to get this one finished in the end. After a promising start it just seemed to lose focus. There was three stories in one here and they got themselves mixed up to the point of confusion much to my disappointment. A dry style of delivery does not tend to bother me generally but Daniel Pick excelled. If I am going to read on Garibaldi again I may look for something more lucid.
The best short history of the 3rd Reich I have read. The only reason it is marked down is a bit of poor proof reading and editing. Wittock is to be admired for producing an introductory book that does not home into just the war itself and briefly explains the day to day life of all that lived in these unhappy times. These “Brief history of” series are well worth the couple of dollars.
Why did the allies take so long to react is the question this book makes me ask. A touch too dense a read for me at times but as the 3 stars say I liked it. One to dip back into when a question arises.
Superb. I am not sure that there are better works I have read on the rise to power of the Nazi's.
Tedious hardly describes this book. It took all of my will power to finish. Why 2 stars then some may ask. Because at a bare minimum parts were interesting and the reformation is a very interesting time in European history that even an overblown tome such as this can hardly ruin.
Elton writes in a style that to be blunt neither excites, enthrals, let alone holds the attention. To make matters worse there is almost a sense of proselytising that is annoying to the point that I came close to stopping and just putting the book away forever. But on I went and with that reached the most inane sentence I have read in a history book of some note for a very long time.
“In the face of the long and ramifying controversy, sadness is the only proper feeling: sadness at the willingness of historians to worship the graven image set up by the sociologist” WHAT? Yes I am taking a specific sentence and not giving context. Be that as it may it came at the end of a chapter Elton spent an entirety on ranting about Marxist theory towards the Reformation and protestant capitalism. I suppose that this was first released in 1963 at the height of the cold war and Elton being of German extraction was writing for the conservative west hence his view. No issue with that but one surely has to see the mote in one own eye when accusing others of being sociologist when what`should have been a riveting chapter on Calvin became a theological treatise. For the sadness of a historian being a sociologist I give you the sadness of an historian being a theologist.
This is not for the laymen delving into the newly found world of the reformation. It is not popular history y any stretch and must surely be aimed at the individual who is well read on the subject and looking to delve into past thoughts when the world was full of east west tensions and just maybe the historian thought that this mattered when telling history.
I have no idea if Fontana originally released the History of Europe series as popular history but if this is indicative popular history they did not.
A book explaining how the Normans viewed themselves and their history. Very interesting and those with a bent towards Norman history would not be disappointed.
If there are better books on the subject of the Third Reich being in power pre WW2 I would indeed like to read them. These volumes will be my reference points for many years to come.
Superb read. Found this on my late Fathers bookcase and read the 1st few pages out of curiosity. Could not put this down as it was jam packed with fascinating information.
A well written beginners guide to the English Civil Wars. There are others that I found more interesting but if pushed to select one that was ideal for those without deep knowledge this would be it.
One of the best books I have ever read in any genre. This superb book explains the trials and tribulation of the peoples that had the misfortune to be caught up in the conflict. Be that the injured, the prisoners and even the children Carlton tells their story. How they survived, how they died, how they lived. Highly recommended.
Knowing nothing of the Byzantium Empire this must be as good as it gets for a short history. My only complaint was that the authors opinions as to the individuals was a touch too prominent for me and the lack of footnotes is also a small complaint. I suspect I will never read another book that has so many eyes “put out” Brutal!
My copy comes with a very useful illustrated guide to places of interest. Though a touch dated anyone with an interest in The Conqueror will get something from this.
I have little time for modern journalists who are beholden to write what their master wants for the good of the masters political view and already bulging pockets. In fact I have little sympathy for Guthrie considering he had no issues pursuing many who no doubt deserved to have their say and could not. I am loathe to re-read this book but have a memory of Guthrie saying that now he realised how others felt after the treatment he received from the Murdoch press. Indeed Mr Guthrie indeed. With all that in mind in the end, if Guthrie is to be believed as a judge did, he was treated poorly and took Murdoch for some pocket money. All fun and games for people in the media who have little respect for anyone other than themselves. Just politely I say stuff em.
Read this back in the day. I recall that at the time it was very important but I came out thinking it was just “nice”
I genuinely ask the question, what more could anyone ask for in a 3 volume history of the Third Reich? Exceptional.