Book Reviews

Other pages about books Autobiography/Biography True Crime Crime Fiction Aikido Books by Carl Stratmann	Stalingrad by Anthony Beevor Sharpe's Triumph by Bernard Cornwell Sharpe's Fortress by Bernard Cornwell Strangers in Paradise by Terry Moore Traditional Jamaican Cookery by Norma Benghiat It Came From Bob's Basement by Bob Burns, John Michlig, Dennis Muren
Now Out in paperback Buy from UK Buy from USA	Stalingrad by Anthony Beevor The battle of Stalingrad was a pivotal event of the Second World War. It is entirely reasonable to suggest that the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany started with the terrible mauling they received at the hands of the Soviets. It also consolidated Stalin's power and created the modern Communist state and the ensuing decades of cold war. The author of this detailed study has had the considerable advantage of access to Russian archives which had hitherto been unavailable to researchers, and he covers the run up to the actual siege itself, the battles, the final crushing of the 6th Army and the aftermath.. The Russian campaign was more than just military, it was a clash of ideologies; Fascism vs. Communism and the political backdrop is essential to understanding the situation. The reaction of the political leaders to events not only followed from their personal beliefs but also their ideological outlook. Failing to take this into account would seriously diminish the students understanding of the campaign. The attitude of the Soviets to their own people, while harsh in the extreme, contributed to their eventual victory. Equally, Hitler's obsession with direct control crippled the ability of his armies to respond swiftly. While the broad strategies and pivotal events are covered in compelling detail, Beevor also details the views of individual soldiers and civilians. The text is richly illuminated with personal memories and anecdotes taken from the extensive archives available to the author. This type of detail allows the reader to gain a strong impression of how the fighting affected the individuals who took part. Throughout the book the broad sweep of events and intimate detail are effortlessly melded together Stalingrad was a terrible campaign, with tremendous suffering on both sides as well as to the Russian civilian population. One is left with the impression of terrible waste. Also, like the Japanese in the Pacific, the Germans awoke a terrible enemy and could not stand in the face of the overwhelming forces that were ranged against them. A richly detailed and compelling read. (Gary)
BUY Sharpes's Triumph!	Sharpe's Triumph by Bernard Cornwell Those of you who thought the Sharpe series came to an end with his retirement from warfare will be delighted to know that Cornwell has created a new Sharpe series based on his earlier adventures in India. The first was Sharpe's Tiger, where the 22 year old Sharpe is at the Seige of Seringapatam in 1799, and where he first meets the evil Obadiah Hakeswill, and earns his hatred Now comes Sharpe's Triumph, four years on, and the Battle of Assaye, where we at last find out how Sharpe earned his commission in the saving of Wellesley's life. Forget the way it was shown on TV - this is quite different, and magnificently written! Cornwell hasn't lost the sure touch that made the other books in the series so successful, and it looks like there will the others to follow. If you enjoy the Sharpe novels, then you will also like the Starbuck Chronicles, set in the American Civil War. There are four in the series so far, Rebel, Copperhead, Battle Flag and The Bloody Ground, all full of action and great characters. (Linda)
BUY THE BOOK!	Sharpe's Fortress by Bernard Cornwell The latest addition to Bernard Cornwell’s saga of Richard Sharpe continues his early adventures in India. Following the events of "Sharp's Triumph" the army under the command of Arthur Wellesley moves on against the Mahratta's with the newly promoted Ensign Sharpe finding his position increasingly uncomfortable. The dearly sought promotion from the ranks has not produced the hoped for contentment but a new set of problems. Sharpe is assigned to the supply section and quickly comes into conflict with Captain Torrance, the arrogant and dishonest officer in charge. The unspeakable sergeant Hakeswill makes a welcome return having survived another bout with apparently certain death. As Wellesley's army prepares to attack the impregnable fortress of Gawilghur, Sharp is beset by his enemies and has to extricate himself from a highly one sided fight with two jettis (religious strongmen) before taking part in the horrendous action against the fort. Once again Cornwell has seamlessly blended history with his fast and furious fictional action. The battle scenes are extremely evocative, really giving the reader a feeling for the sheer horror of siege warfare. It is almost unbelievable that men could not only be persuaded to assault a heavily fortified position but actually succeed in doing so. I am not particularly familiar with the early history of the British in India, but Cornwell brings the period wonderfully alive. The device of the outsider viewing the scene, so successful in the rest of the series, allows much information to be imparted without becoming tedious. Another rousing adventure in the early life of Richard Sharpe, bringing him closer to the events of the Peninsular war and beyond. The only slight problem is that we know that both Sharpe and Hakeswill will survive so some slight tension is lost, though how they manage this is still exciting enough!
	Strangers in Paradise by Terry Moore Not so much a book as a comic book, but what the Hell - I don't read too many comics but this one knocked me all of a heap. Two girls, originally friends in high school, share an appartment. Is that all? Well, read it for yourself. I just read the number where they do a Xena spoof, and now Volume One of the collected edition, and I gotta have MORE! (Linda)
	Traditional Jamaican Cookery by Norma Benghiat Gary has lived in Jamaica for over ten years and in 1997 we both visited, shopping in local markets and enjoying superb family cooking, so we know that this book's claim to be about traditional Jamaican cooking is absolutely justified. Many of the ingredients which would have been hard or even impossible to come by in England a few years ago are now easily available. So there's no excuse not to try what for many non-Caribbeans is an unfamiliar cuisine. The recipes are excellent, and there is much useful information about ingredients, and fascinating details on Jamaican life and culture, lightly peppered with some traditional proverbs. (Linda)
Order From USA or UK	It Came From Bob's Basement by Bob Burns, John Michlig, Dennis Muren I picked this book up in my local comics shop after reading reviews in the US magazines. For those who don't know; Bob Burns is probably the greatest archivist of material from SF and Horror films and TV. A lifetime in and around the industry, a collector’s obsession and enthusiasm, a genuine love of the genre and the friendship of many of the great names in special effects has produced a unique collection of memorabilia and memories. The glossy 144 page large format paperback is part biography and part a photographic record of Bob's collection. The biographical material is written in an anecdotal style. It picks up highlights of Bob's life and career from childhood and the start of his collection with the wolf's head cane prop from The Wolfman moving through his association with Paul Blaisdell, the creator of such classic monsters as the Saucermen and Beulah, and his career as a gorilla. On the way we meet many famous names including Rick Baker, Greg Jein, Glenn Strange and Ed Wood to name but a few. Throughout the book is beautifully illustrated with photographs of items in Bob collection. These cover a tremendous range including Frankenstein's monster's boots, Lily Munster's dress, the Alien Queen and T1000 models. Also included are many archive photo's from Bob's collection. It even has an index. This is an excellent book at many levels. It provides an insight into many classic monster movies. It contains numerous marvellous anecdotes. For modellers there are numerous reference photos. Most of all it is a celebration of a truly remarkable man. If it has a fault it is that there is not enough of it. Highly recommended. It Came from Bob's Basement by Bob Burns with John Michlig Introduction by Dennis Muren Chronicle Books ISBN 0-8188-2572-8 There is also an official Bob Burns web site