Book Description
From Hitler Youth to German paratrooper to prisoner of war in England, the author shares his experiences in Poland, Holland, Norway, Crete, Russia, Southern Italy, Normandy, and the Rhine during WWII. 136 b&w photos.
Customer Reviews:
Interesting, but has serious flaws.......2004-05-08
This is, as far as I know the only account in the market by a German paratrooper. As such it is an important document.
What Mr Poppel writes is so obviously heartfelt. He comes out as just about as nice a fellow as they come. As a paratrooper he literally existed between heaven and hell. He is lyrical in his descriptions of the actual parachuting. It is when he tries to describe his combat experience where his language falters. The man is not a writer. And the translation is atrocious.
The fact is that the only major paratdrop by the Germans was Crete. Mr Poppel just states that the fighting was so horrible that he does not want to write about it. We must respect that decision. It does make it a weaker book though. It is an interesting war memoir. He sees action in Sicily, at the D-Day, and Holland. If you want to read about paratrooper warfare I would not recommend this book.
Some good parts.......2004-01-06
Poppel's book does give some good first hand accounts of combat, but it does have some limitations.
It seems he did not start keeping a diary until '42 so his experiences up to that point are not very detailed and very general. Which is disappointing since his unit was rushed to the Russian front in December(?) of 1941 to help stop the Soviet's counter attack. Accounts of combat with Red Army soldiers in '41 would have been very informative.
He also does not fill in periods of the war where he was not in combat. Yes it is not easy to remember events 50 years ago, but it would have been nice to know some general info about where he was staying and what he was doing there. We learn he has a fiancé but nothing as to where they met and so forth.
I think the worst thing is the translation, it is atrocious. Sometimes I would have to read a sentence two or three times to figure out what was being conveyed. There were a few sentences that I could never figure out, it seems as if they were literally translated from German into English. Also the translator used British slang which make comprehension even harder.
Having said that I would recommend this book, it is not perfect but parts of it were very interesting and entertaining.
Good but there are better books.......2003-08-13
Matin poppel gives some ggod descriptions of where he fought, in particular Crete and the Ostfront. However this book is a compilation of his war diary entries. I found it lacked smoothness in it's reading. For those searching for a good war novel this is not it, I will recommend Gottlob Herbert Biderman's book titled In Deadly Combat or Black Edelweiss by Johan Voss.
Poppel does give and insight into what it meant to be a Fallschirmjager and how they were often used to hold particular front lines, He did not participate in the legendary battles of Monte Cassino does mention the battles if only briefly. Overall if you like books on Paratroopers then this will suffice.
Honest Account.......2003-01-01
Poppel's account appears reasonably honest from his initial enthusiasm for war to ultimate disillusionment. One of the better German WWII accounts of action. Good discriptions of actual actions
Heaven and Hell, start to finish.......2002-12-12
Many are not aware that the Fallschirmjäger, or German paratroopers, were among the most elite of the fighting forces in WW2. So, those who are interested in the FJ and their history should be more than interested in this book. How many German paratrooper accounts of World War 2 can you think of? You can count them on one hand.
From the start to the finish - Poppel recalls the days of his Hitler Youth, his naive views of Germany & the world before his entrance in to war (which becomes understandable), his and his comrades' views of Italian, British, and American troops, and inevitably, the loss of his friends and his own country. His accounts of battle range from the disastrous jump at Crete, to Holland, Russia, France and Italy. You'll watch Poppel go from a very enthustiastic trooper to a very tired veteran, wishing for nothing more than the entire ordeal to be done with.
Note that German paras were not used in many combat jumps during WW2 because of "failure" at Crete - don't be angry when you find alot of the book is from the view of an FJ trooper with his wings clipped.
Also, don't expect for the book to be a grand story of his life. It is exactly what it says - a war journal. Some entries are rather abrupt and not entirely descriptive. Regardless, considering the amount of days chronicled, it's quite an achievement. Those who are interested in the FJ or simply the German perspective during the war will know full well that finding information on the troops is scarce, especially an account directly from one of the elite. That said, trying to fathom what the man must have gone through on some occasions is difficult, especially since he doesn't get too far into the psychology of his time in the field - how he felt on most occasions. He simply states what he went through and leaves it up to you to understand the impact of what he is saying.
While it may not be as descriptive as Donald Burgett's US para accounts, its definitely informative - and a treasure for anyone interested in German paras or paratroops in general. Add it to your war library.
Average customer rating:
- Heartbreaking to heartwarming, powerful and poignant....
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Shout It in the Light: Conquering Life's Storms in Desperate Times
Becky Alexander
Manufacturer: SABA Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Religious
| Leaders & Notable People
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Medical
| Professionals & Academics
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Self-Help
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
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Motivational
| Self-Help
| Health, Mind & Body
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General
| Christian Living
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
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ASIN: 0970546416 |
Book Description
One of the few cancer memoirs that succeeds in being informative, inspirational and a page-turner to boot! Don't miss Becky Alexander's riveting and engrossing account of ther fight to live, to love, and to cope...against all odds.
Customer Reviews:
Heartbreaking to heartwarming, powerful and poignant...........2003-09-04
This is not the kind of book I normally read. I was drawn to it because I know Becky's family, and met Becky several times years ago, as well. My memory is of a beautiful and vibrant person whose cheer lit up the room when she walked in. Through the incredible pain and suffering, the devastating heartbreak she was forced to deal with, that same beautiful and vibrant personality fights its way to the forefront of this story again and again.
I'd urge anyone who may be fighting through tough times, or knows someone who is in such a fight, to read this inspirational book. For that matter, I can honestly recommend it to anyone who enjoys seeing the triumph of the human spirit on display.
Book Description
As fitness director of Prevention magazine, Michele Stanten routinely hears from people who feel trapped in workouts that are too hard or too easy, that have become boring, or that fail to produce measurable results. In response, she developed the Firm Up Action Plan, an innovative three-tier exercise program that allows readers to choose their workouts based on their individual fitness and commitment levels. Among the Firm Up Action Plans key features are: innovative routines that combine walking and strength training with hot fitness trends such as Pilates and yoga a fresh workout every day to target trouble zonesthe abs, butt, arms, and thighsand prevent boredom 21 days worth of menus that keep the metabolism humming for maximum fat-burning results Readers can expect to lose up to 6 pounds and several inches in just 3 weeks. Theyll firm up their attitude toward getting and staying in shapeso this time the results will last!
Customer Reviews:
Great Intro to Increasing you metabolism.......2006-08-16
I have hit that phase in my life where my metabolism has drastically slowed down, leaving me with 30 pounds of flesh that I don't feel deserving of.
This book really convinced me on the importance of weight training in order to maintain my metabolism. I have perused a number of weight training books and this one, I feel, is one of the best. While most books go through weight training exercises utilizing equipment available only at a gym, this book uses only dumbells and a mat---perfect for an inexpensive home workout!!! I love the fact that the book presents a set workout (complete with pictures) and a diet menu for every day of the 3 weeks that your body is transformed. It also includes a weekly grocery shopping list of foods that are included in the daily menus. I definitely feel more toned and trim after 2 weeks. While I have yet to weigh myself, many people have commented that I look as though I've lost some weight. Yeah me.
Average customer rating:
- A must-have book in every kitchen...
- Lots of interesting and useful information, but not the best.
- Worthy of any home library
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The Spice and Herb Bible: A Cook's Guide
Ian Hemphill
Manufacturer: Robert Rose
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Herbs, Spices & Condiments
| Cooking by Ingredient
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
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Reference
| Cooking, Food & Wine
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Similar Items:
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Herbs & Spices: The Cook's Reference
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The Contemporary Encyclopedia of Herbs and Spices: Seasonings for the Global Kitchen
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Herb Mixtures & Spicy Blends: Ethnic Flavorings, No-Salt Blends, Marinades/Dressings, Butters/Spreads, Dessert Mixtures, Teas/Mulling Spices
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The Spice Lover's Guide to Herbs and Spices
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A Busy Cook's Guide to Spices: How to Introduce New Flavors to Everyday Meals
ASIN: 0778800423 |
Book Description
Cooks use spices and herbs to not only enhance food flavor, but to also create new taste combinations and sensations. From the vanilla bean used in creating ice cream to the cinnamon in fragrant cinnamon buns, it is virtually impossible to imagine a kitchen without spices.
The Spice and Herb Bible is a fascinating, authoritative history and reference source. Ian Hemphill describes a wide range of global herbs and spices which can be used in today's kitchen, either alone or in magical combinations. This book demystifies the art of combining herbs and spices, and introduces the home cook to worlds of tastes formerly to be had only at "exotic" restaurants. With delightful recipes and great tips for use and storage, The Spice and Herb Bible is truly an essential resource for any well-equipped kitchen.
More than 100 spices and herbs listed alphabetically
Quick, complete reference
Storage and use details for each herb and spice
Detailed color photographs of every herb and spice
29 spice blend recipes, including Garam Masala and Herbes de Provence
For the novice and experienced cook
Customer Reviews:
A must-have book in every kitchen..........2006-03-04
Ian Hemphill's excellent book truly takes the guesswork out of adding herbs and spices to all recipes. Not only does the book feature an impressive and detailed list of herbs and spices, including growing and storage tips, each entry also makes suggestions for combining a particular herb/spice with others, what foods these would complement etc....An interesting and valuable resource book, should be in every cookbook library.
Lots of interesting and useful information, but not the best........2006-01-23
`The Spice and Herb Bible' by Australian spice merchant, Ian Hemphill, published by Canadian culinary `bible' publishing specialist, Robert Rose is a serious entry to be one's definitive reference for spices and herbs, but it fails largely because of the strength of its competition and from the fact that it is not as cook friendly as its subtitle, `A Cook's Guide' may make you believe.
My choice for first and second place among good books on kitchen seasonings are `The Contemporary Encyclopedia of herbs & spices' by Seattle spice merchant Tony Hill and perennial culinary expert, Jill Norman's `herbs & spices, the cook's reference'. While these books are very different from one another, they are both superior to Hemphill's book as a reference to the average home cook. Oddly enough, this book may actually be the best of the three as a reference for the aspiring spice merchant.
The first thing that made me wary of Hemphill's book was its very choppy and anecdotal history of the spice trade. It hit only the most interesting highlights, and got several facts wrong in the process. The two most serious errors may have been ascribing the military expansion of Islam to the prophet Mohammed personally and by ascribing to the inaccurate and largely discredited doctrine that the European use of spices was to mask poorly preserved meat. In fact, meat preservation technology (charcuterie) was really very highly developed by post-Roman Europe.
There is no question that Hemphill gives us oodles of good information about herbs and spices, but unlike Norman's very cleverly organized book, this information is practically useless for the cook who happens to want to use an herb or spice in a dish and wishes to find an appropriate selection, when she knows she wants a hint of licorice flavor in a fresh herb, but her local megamart is all out of her known sources of anise flavorings. If it were not for the historical gaffs in the historical overview and the fact that Hemphill puts all of his entries under the rubric of `spices' rather than splitting them up by herb and spice (like Norman), or at least identifying the dictionary section as `Herbs and Spices' (like Hill).
Each entry does look like a guide for the merchant or scholar rather than the cook. It includes:
Common Name
Other Common Name(s)
Botanical Name, i.e. genus and species
Botanical Family (genuses belong to families in the Linnean classification scheme)
Names in other languages (a la Bruce Cost's excellent `Asian Ingredients')
Flavor Group - This is a means of organizing seasonings which Hemphill may have contrived himself. At the very least, it is not broadly used and does not correspond to the familiar four or five tastes on the tongue.
Weight per Teaspoon - A means of converting weights to volumes for shredded, ground, or finely chopped seasonings. The usefulness of this material escapes me.
Suggested quantity per pound - A similarly arcane fact that I doubt any professional chef would ever use.
Complements - Foods best used in. If this were presented in a tabular fashion giving foods followed by best used spices, this would really be useful.
Used in - Lists spice blends in which the material is an ingredient.
Combines with - Spices which work well together. Somewhat useful.
Description - Why not a picture! This is Norman's greatest strength in that she gives color pictures of every single species.
Origin and History - Nice, but I don't trust the author's history lessons!
Processing - Interesting
Buying and Storage - Most useful for a merchant.
Use - The only really useful section.
Recipe - Elaboration on `Use'.
Hemphill's last section is on spice mixes where, again, Norman and Hill do much better jobs of providing both useful recipes and avoiding any misleading notions. Where Hemphill gives but one recipe for the French `bouquet garni', Norman gives six, making it clear that the notion of this spice mix is highly mutable, depending on the use to which it is to be put.
As encyclopedically complete as Hemphill's book seems, I detected a few significant oversights, such as his ignoring the two different (Middle Eastern and California) sources of bay leaf. Most cooking authorities warn us away from the offering from the golden state and endorse the Turkish bay. Hemphill deals only with the Turkish source. Also, while Norman cites fourteen (14) different varieties, including pictures of every single one, Hemphill features but one and dismisses the others. This seems to me a bigger oversight then one may think, as there is a great divide between the Mediterranean basils and the varieties used in southern and Southeast Asia.
While this book is useful if you happen to already own it, if you searching for a good book on spices and herbs, I strongly suggest you pick Jill Norman's book or both Norman's book and Hill's book, as the two are highly complementary.
Worthy of any home library.......2002-08-10
Cooks use spices and herbs to enhance flavors and create new ones: Spice And Herb Bible provides a reference and a history, describing a range of global herbs and spices that can be used in modern kitchens. The a-z reference allows for quick, easy look-up of ingredients. While an index of herb and spice sources would have helped those without a shop at hand, this reference still packs in essential details and is worthy of any home library.
Customer Reviews:
Desgins are awesome.......2005-06-19
This book is rather hard to read due to the lack of contrasting colors, even though I rated it 4-star. Other than that, it has fabulous designs. Even beginners would find the book satisfying and gratifying.
If you like making greeting cards, buy this book........2001-11-10
If you want to send cards that will NEVER be thrown away, try these easy to follow patterns and instructions. There is one pattern that pops out to reveal the word "PEACE". Due to the recent Sept. 11 events, this could be a card used for many years to come. Aloha from Hawaii, Vicki Lynn Soule'
Pop up Greeting Cards.......2000-05-01
This was a rather more difficult book than the others by Chatani and by Chatani and Nakazawa, but the designs are exceptionally lovely even to see. I'd recommend the other volumes to start: Pop-up Cards, Paradise of Origamic Architecture, Paper Magic, and White Christmas.
"One of our favorites" Fred Showker, DT&G Magazine..........1999-09-07
It's a real shame this book is not readily available... it's one of the best books available for the craft of folded paper creations. ***1) will spark your imagination, and reinforce your skills ***2) will give you hours of creative enjoyment. PLUS: the pieces you create from this book will be treasured, and kept by the recipient. ... I cannot recommend it too much to anyone who likes making things with paper!
it was fantastic.......1998-07-18
anyone who ever receive these kind of cards will really be touched and it is really special
Average customer rating:
- The Definitive Garden Book
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The Ultimate Garden Planner: The Definitive Guide to Designing and Planting a Beautiful Garden
Peter McHoy
Manufacturer: Lorenz Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Landscape
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Garden Design
| Gardening & Horticulture
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
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General
| Gardening & Horticulture
| Home & Garden
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Landscape
| Gardening & Horticulture
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
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Reference
| Gardening & Horticulture
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1859675778 |
Customer Reviews:
The Definitive Garden Book.......2000-07-04
This book's title says it all. Peter McHoy wrote the book (in fact, he has written numerous books) on gardening, but The Ultimate Garden Planner tops the list. Whether you want water features, a rock garden, a formal or an informal garden, or a wildlife-attracting haven, here is your one-stop, step-by-step planner.
Large color plates on every page illustrate a compendium of outdoor features. McHoy incorporates planting diagrams, cross-section views, and numbered instructions with plant identification.
The result gives novice and veteran gardeners alike hundreds of choices to adopt outright or adapt for your own particular terrain and needs.
Two green thumbs up!
Book Description
The author of Fist Stick Knife Gun brings powerful new insight to the lives of boys in America today: "More and more I have become concerned with what boys think they should be, and what they believe it means to be a man." He lays out the little-understood history of drugs and their marketing to inner-city boys and takes a hard look at the issue of too-early sex, showing us, through a pointed story of his own sexual education on the streets, how the combination of age-old urges with new cultural forces and mores has created a volatile sexual terrain for boys. Canada writes indelibly of the young boy he once was and of the crucial issues ófatherhood, healing, mentors, self-esteem, faith, and more óthat must be negotiated as boys in America reach up for manhood. Boys are conditioned not to let on that it hurts, never to say, "I'm still scared." I have come to see that in teaching boys to deny their own pain we inadvertently teach them to deny the pain of others. . . . We must remember to tell them, "I know it hurts. Come let me hold you. I'll hold you until it stops. And if you find out that the hurt comes back, I'll hold you again. I'll hold you until you're healed." "Reaching Up for Manhood took me by surprise, because it is so tender, and so unpretentious, and so personal. It's a beautiful story, simply told óhonest, deeply sensitive, and morally empowering óby one of the few authentic heroes of New York and one of the best friends children have, or ever will have, in our nation." -Jonathan Kozol
Customer Reviews:
powerful read.......2007-04-06
In Reaching Up for Manhood, Canada effectively mixes personal history and policy analysis to describe a very serious problem facing a large segment of the U.S. population. He describes the trends, performing the difficult task of describing the difficulties without blaming the victims. While the victims are not blamed, neither are they left off the hook. The description of the young men who thought serving food at their community center was beneath them, and the consequences that followed, was particularly powerful. Canada is almost certainly correct that work and school must become a more expected part of life for the young men (and women) at risk. I'm concerned how this will be accomplished, however, with the manufacturing and similar work becoming more and more scarce as producers move overseas for cheaper labor and similar "benefits." While it is no means a solution, somewhere I would suggest for job training is within the field of developmental disabilities. There are many entry level jobs, and there is a career path. Every new avenue helps. Canada is also correct in calling for more responsible media conduct. I think it would be nice if the misogynistic thug-like actions of performers and athletes were not held up as "cool," but were instead treated as despicable by the media.
Fine addition to gender studies literature.......1998-12-14
Reaching Up for Manhood is an excellent guide for the layperson as to the psychology behind the "cult of macho," by which so many youth are raised. Just as the author, Geoffrey Canada, points out, that today's fashions, be it sneakers or designer clothing, often originate in the inner city, so, too, has the inner city become a trend-setter in attitudes, which eventually pervade our entire culture. Consequently, this book is also important for those who are either parents of, or work with, middle class youth. Although the book is about boys, it is important reading for those concerned with girls to better understand the interaction between the sexes. The weakness of Canada's book is that it is too concerned with life in the "street" during his own adolescence, some 25 years ago. It would have been preferable to eliminate some of his own reminiscing and include more current anecdotes. On the other hand, Canada's style renders the book very intimate, as well as easily and quickly readable
Like good eatin in New Orleans, this book was "good readin".......1998-11-04
At first glance, the potential buyer of this book may not be attracted to the simple book cover. That will immediately change when you pick it up and start to read it. I was hypnotized by the simplicity of the reading. This book can be read in one day and unlike many books, memorized. Geoffrey Canada does an excellent job of putting in words what some of the problems are that are plaguing America's young boys. Though his book leans heavily toward the "growing up" problems of African American boys, the lessons that he put out, apply to all American boys. Teenagers refusing to work at the soft drink table during a function (too beneath them), a young man who fights off a thug who is attempting to steal his jacket(he thought the guy was a friend of a friend), a young man who tries to kill himself, are just a couple of the real life examples in this book. This is all stuff of the real world of America's adolescents. I say this because I grew up in the neighborhood that the Rheedlen Center caters to, and reading Canada's book was like taking a step back into time. And he is so right when he says "we" have to get involved in the lives of America's boys who need support.
Uncommonly sensical.......1998-01-17
The author has amazing insights which, after reading or hearing, one says, "I should have known that before. It makes such good sense." I believe this is the kind of book that has the ability and sense to change and save lives. Terry Gross featured the author on her NPR program, Fresh Air, recently
Book Description
A prominent figure in the Boston School and a member of the Ten American painters, Frank W. Benson executed a spectacular group of Impressionist works between 1897 and 1920 during summers spent on North Haven Island, Maine. Depicting his wife and daughters at leisure in the outdoors, Benson created vivid sunlit images expressive of the idyllic pleasures of endless August afternoons on a breezy, refreshing coastal landscape. This 74-page catalogue includes essays by Sheila Dugan, William H. Gerdts, and John Wilmerding. In addition to color illustrations of the twelve works in the show, there are ten color and twenty-two black and white reproductions.
Average customer rating:
|
Drifting with the River Gods
Martin Quigley
Manufacturer: Ulverscroft Large Print
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Family & Childhood
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Memoirs
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Rivers
| Earth Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
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Biographies & Memoirs
| Large Print
| Formats
| Books
Children's Books
| Large Print
| Formats
| Books
ASIN: 1843955121 |
Books:
- Hit the Job Running: Because landing the job is the easy part
- HITLER'S GLADIATOR: The Life and Wars of Panzer Army Commander Sepp Dietrich
- Home Was Never Like This
- I Can Hear the Cowbells Ring
- John Laurens and the American Revolution
- Josiah Fox
- Kitchener: Architect of Victory, Artisan of Peace
- Lady GI: A Woman's War in the South Pacific: The Memoir of Irene Brion
- Letters from the Battle-Fields of Paraguay
- Letters from the Pacific: A Combat Chaplain in World War II
Books Index
Books Home
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- America's Financial Apocalypse: How to Profit from the Next Great Depression
- Wristwatch Annual 2007
- The Silk Road to Riches: How You Can Profit by Investing in Asia's Newfound Prosperity
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- Toscanini's Fumble and Other Tales of Clinical Neurology
- World of Shakespeare: The Complete Plays and Sonnets of William Shakespeare
- Wave-Swept Shore: The Rigors of Life on a Rocky Coast
- Outbound Tourism of Japan and the Republic of Korea: Results 2000
- Tomcat 5 Unleashed
- Thailand Business & Investment Opportunities Yearbook
Black Edelweiss: A Memoir of Combat and Conscience by a Soldier of the Waffen-SS
A Mind in Prison: The Memoir of a Son and Soldier of the 3rd Reich
Seven Days in January: With the 6th SS-Mountain Division in Operation NORDWIND
Sniper on the Eastern Front: The Memoirs of Sepp Allerberger, Knight's Cross
