Skorzeny's Special Missions: The Memoirs of 'the Most Dangerous Man in Europe'

Customer Reviews:

Get ready to root for the bad guy..........2003-10-12

I bought this book seeking practical knowledge, never thinking that I'd actually be entertained. Skorzeny is best known for starting the infamous ODESSA organization for aiding escaped war crininals. Don't buy the book looking for information about ODESSA though; it's not there. A few secrets followed him to his grave.

It is important not to look upon Skorzeny as simply an escaped prisoner of war asserting his braging rights from a safe harbor. Skorzeny was an extraordinary soldier, a commander of special forces before people knew what special forces were. A captain in a Waffen SS special warfare unit, Skorzeny's career takes off when he is selected by Hitler-- quite possibly the only good strategic decision he ever made-- to lead a raid to rescue Mussolini after his overthrow in 1943. It is clear that by all accounts, the rescue never would have succeeded without Skorzeny's raw leadership skills and ability to chop through political red tape. The book gives a surprisingly honest and often hilarious account of his ability to succeed in spite of the "help" provided by his 'upper management'.

Something that struck me about 'The most dangerous man in Europe' is the lack of ego as he tells his story. There is little embellishment of the facts as he tells of his exploits; if anything the weakness of the book lies in its lack of detail. The tale is, of course, unfinished and in places seems full of holes and half-truths. I am sure this is what he intended, as it leaves speculators to add to his infamous legacy. Those who could fill in the details accurately were either running for their lives or at the end of a rope.

Regardless, a good soldier has a duty and a right to defend his country no matter how wrong. It must be remembered that Skorzeny was a soldier-- a man of action, not of politics. It is for that that he deserves a measure of respect.

an interesting memoir, worth the read.......2002-07-18

While not a great writer, skorzeny provides a very interesting memoir, absent of self-promotion and well worth the read. This is a must-read for anyone interested in elite units. ...

Great, but not the best..........2001-05-17

Unrepentant and loudmouthed is the way Skorzeny lead his life and the men of his SS special forces. If you want to read a revisionist, mealy-mouthed apology by a man who lived his life on the edge, this is NOT the book. On the other hand, if you want to gain perspective into the man and his times AS THEY REALLY WERE, this is the book for you. A great read, but for the full story, read "My Commando Operations." No professional military officer should be without this book.

Jaded but informative.......2000-07-08

Being written by 'the man', this is the definitive book on Skorzeny. For those wishing to learn everything about his exploits, this book is unparalleled.

However, I too question what has been omitted- I doubt he was as innocent as he states. I also question his view of history (particularly the importance of the Red Orchestra- the Russian spy network Otto claims provided realtime detailed info on everything the German's did). I also did not like the fact that he gives 2-3 paragraphs to apologize for Nazi/SS acts and several chapters to justify most of their actions. Lastly, this book is full of spelling mistakes, grammar errors, etc.- I guess Otto never got an Editor.

Overall I think Otto was trying to clean-up his legacy before he died. I great soldier, yes, but still a Nazi following Hitler- how great does that make him in the end? He sounds scorned and jaded and a bit deluded- I feel kinda sad for the guy.

chris

Jadded memiorsof a unrepented nazi.......1999-11-05

Skorzeny's special missions are the memoirs of Otto Skorzeny the former head of Germany's commando forces. His motives for writing this book although not formally stated are easily found in the book. His motives are as follows. First and foremost to attempt to rationalize his action and to some extent all of Germanys actions during the second world war. Secondly to attempt to state what he did for his point of view in an attempt to clear up myths and legends about himself. The Book chronicles his adventures in the German army from his beginnings as an artillery Sergeant and latter officer in the "Das Riech" Division of the Waffen SS through his rise to the head of German Special Forces. Skorzeny Includes detailed accounts of his rescue of Mussolini, his seizer of the Main government compound of Hungry when they attempted to create a separate piece with the Soviet Union, the ill fated Ardennes offensive of 1944, as well as a number of other exploits. Notably missing form the book is any mention of ODESSA. ODESSA said to be founded by Skorzeny is the Nazi underground witch is reportably responsible for helping numerous Nazi war criminals escape allied justice. One of the better known people ODESSA is said to have helped is Albert Eichman. Also missing is his escape from a Denazification camp. His first Purpose as stated in the beginning I have chosen a few examples of and out line some of their faults. To justify stubborn German rezitence when it was clear that Germany was doomed to defeat he ask the question would not you do the same for your country? In answer to this question I would say no why should one fight and destroy my own country when I have no chance of victory. It mearly would cause more death and more destruction. His main justification for himself and all other Germans fighting is that they were fighting for their country. This at first sounds like a good argument, but then you must think was he really fighting for his country or was he fighting for Adolf Hitler? That is a question can never truly be answered. His second purpose to dispel myths and legends I find amusing. For instance he was believed to have planned an attack on allied headquarters in Pairs. He completely denies this, but I can not believe this complete becaouse he complete fails to mention his Involvement in ODDESA or his escape form a Denazification camp. In closing I though the book was interesting and worth reading. Though I would not take any of the statements to heart. He failed to mention one thing so he probably failed to mention others. If you read it I suggest you treat it as fiction.

Skorzeny's Special Missions: The Memoirs of "The Most Dangerous Man in Europe"

Average customer rating:

Pretty good for an Autobiography

Skorzeny's Special Missions: The Memoirs of "The Most Dangerous Man in Europe"
Otto Skorzeny
Manufacturer: Greenhill Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Military & Spies | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Aviation | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1853676845

Book Description

Otto Skorzeny, Germany's top commando in World War II, is one of the most famous men in the history of special forces. His extraordinary wartime career was one of high risk and adventure and in this book he tells the full story. Skorzeny quickly proved his worth in Yugoslavia and then Russia. In 1942 he was awarded the Iron Cross, and in April 1943 he was promoted to captain and named 'Chief of Germany's Special Troops, Existing or to be Created in the Future'. When Mussolini was imprisoned in Italy in 1943, it was Skorzeny who successfully led the daring glider rescue, winning the Knight's Cross and promotion as a result. Skorzeny's talents were brought into play again when he was sent to Budapest to stop the Hungarian regent Admiral Horthy from signing a peace with Stalin in 1944. Now dubbed 'the most dangerous man in Europe' by the Allies he was awarded the German Cross in Gold. A few months later he took a critical role in the Ardennes offensive with a controversial plan to raise a brigade disguised as Americans with captured Sherman tanks. His captured colleagues spread a false rumor that he was planning to assassinate Eisenhower, who was consequently confined to his headquarters for weeks. Skorzeny's memoirs vividly depict commando action and are a key addition to special forces literature.

Customer Reviews:

Pretty good for an Autobiography.......2007-01-10

A decent account of WWII seen through the eyes of the elite Spec Ops German commander. A few bits are lost here and there with the translastion from German to English but overall the feel of the book is kept pretty close to the original. The account begins with the early life of Skorzeny and is pretty light until he begins the accounts of his military career. He is very detailed and his antidotes are fairly amusing. He goes into great detail of the raid to free Mussolini, his challenges to raise a special force inside the German Army, his exploits in dealing with the Hungarian government, his plans during Ardennes offensive, and his captivity after the war. His exploits are very factually presented and although history tells of his gigantic ego he seems to have it in check throughout the book. He does not toot his own horn much but does give the credit where credit deserves: to his men and subcommanders. Those who are interested in the workings of a Spec Ops operational commander should read this book. It is not filled with an inkling of Nazi propaganda or rhetoric. It is an account of what a German Officer did during the war. It appears he did like Hitler but there also seems to be a slight undertone that the German High command messed up the war, although he does not specifically state that. It is interesting to read his accounts of dealing with the German High Command and Hitler himself and it does show a more strategic and tactical side of the war. Sadly the book ends with his escape from prison after the Nuremberg trials,and does not go into any of his underground activities and post war exploits (to include a stint working for Eva Peron in Argentina!) nor does it mention his involvement with "Der Spinne" or ODESSA. I was reluctant to read this book in fear that is might contain pro-nazi viewpoints and/or support for the Holocaust but was pleasently suprised that it was what it was, an autobiography. I would give it 4 stars but parts were difficult to understand (and had to be re-read even for a post-college level reader) and the translations lacking in rhythm in some areas. I recommend this for Spec Ops soldiers, WW II History buffs, and those interested in operational strategy. I do not recommend this for High School Students, casual College History students, or those wishing to read about World War II. This is a very specific account of very small bits of the War told through the skewed eyes of a German Officer who had his microscope solidly fixed on only one operational area: Special Warfare.

Customer Reviews:

New Discovery.......2001-11-09

I had never heard of Ayn Rand till I spotted the DVD "A Sense of Life" in the local library the other day!!! I am a fan of documentary bios.,so wanted to take a look...film opened a new world to me...I had seen "The Fountainhead" with Cooper in the past..kind of a "soaper"...but this DVD brought a whole new perspective to me about a very interesting woman!!! I produce an access TV show where I live....I'm into film productions...found this a delight!!!

An inspiring look at a philosophic genius........2000-03-31

This book is a fascinating portrait of Ayn Rand. It shows in engrossing detail the depth of her thinking and brilliance of her philosophy, Objectivism.

As a companion to the Oscar-nominated movie this book is a great coffee table reminder of one of the greatest accomplishments of the 20th century; Ayn Rand's creation of a fully integrated, non-contradictory code of morality.

.......1999-08-12

The story of a woman who said she would stop the motor of the world - and didn't.

Glossy but dumb.......1999-07-01

A Child's Golden Book of Ayn Rand... Why in the world would someone take the time and trouble to publish a book without acquainting himself with the facts of his subject's life? This book is a superficial, riddled with errors and worthwhile only for the photos.

A Celebration.......1999-06-06

Many in this review section argue about whether this book is biased as it doesn't show Rand's flaws, about whether objectivism is a cult, etc.

All of this misses the point. Whether or not she was a perfect person (of course she wasn't), whether or not this book is biased (it probably is), Ayn Rand was right. Her basic philosophy was pretty much the only moral, consistent, and life affirming one ever produced (whether or not she herself applied it perfectly). This book celebrates the only person ever to figure it out, and express it eloquently. Whatever her flaws or the books flaws, the world certainly needs (not deserves!) this book more than the countless other pieces of garbage out there.

Average customer rating:
Ayn Rand: A Sense of Life The Companion Book
Ayn] Paxton, Michael [Rand
Manufacturer: Gibbs Smith
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NKYRUG

Average customer rating:

Great for any dieter looking for flexibility

Diabetes, Carbohydrate & Calorie Counter

Common items skipped or impractically described

Missing Fiber information

A must have for every new diabetic

Diabetes, Carbohydrate & Calorie Counter, 2nd Edition
Annette B. Natow , and Jo-Ann Heslin
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Nutrition | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Diabetes | Disorders & Diseases | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Healthy Living | Personal Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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Accessories:

Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor

ASIN: 0743454316
Release Date: 2002-12-31

Book Description

MORE THAN 3.5 MILLION NATOW & HESLIN COUNTER BOOKS IN PRINT

WHAT YOU EAT IS THE KEY TO MANAGING -- AS WELL AS PREVENTING -- DIABETES

The two nutrition experts who created the national bestsellers The Fat Counter and The Cholesterol Counter offer the first complete food counter for people with type 2 diabetes. They'll help you make the best dietary changes based on your needs with this easy-to-use, thoroughly researched, and up-to-date food counter, featuring:

• 10,000 food listings, including calorie, carbohydrate, sugar, and fat counts
• Popular take-out and brand-name food counts
• Information on how to find out your risk for type 2 diabetes
• Helpful charts, worksheets, and quizzes
• The latest news about sugar and diabetes
• Activity recommendations and eating out guidelines

From Abalone to Zucchini and beyond, learn how to make the right choices and stay healthy!

Customer Reviews:

Great for any dieter looking for flexibility.......2007-01-25

After trying every diet known to God and man, I chose this book because of the flexibility of the eating regimen. It's simple and easy to maintain. Sure, when I use a recipe I should make sure the recipe itself lists the carb and calorie counts, but reasonable diligence takes care of that. I consider the item listings for carbs, calories, fat, etc to be comprehensive enough to cover most needs.

Diabetes, Carbohydrate & Calorie Counter.......2005-10-17

The book is a huge help in planning meals for my husband. It is valuable in helping us eat out and be creative in our menu planning.
I would recommend it highly.

Common items skipped or impractically described.......2005-01-08

This book is good except for some common items I use often. For instance I make cornbread often. The listings does not include cornbread at all in the main list. I finally found it in the back under restaurant foods and the portion size is not well described there.The main listing includes corn meal, uncooked. Who would even need that info? Even storebought cornbread mixes show carbs per cup of mix. What good is that? I want to know what a piece of "cooked" cornbread has in it, for heaven's sake! And for cornmeal mush it only shows cornmeal uncooked which is useless. I forget the counts constantly and have to look the same thing up again soon, so the things I use have to be in there and not something I look up on the internet and then remember it forever. That's why I bought a book to begin with. But I'm a country girl at heart, and any book that doesn't deal properly with cornbread is unacceptable, so now I have to buy another book!

Missing Fiber information.......2003-12-18

This would be a great book with a large number of food items analyzed, but it doesn't include the fiber information, something that can be very important to a diabetic since fiber can have a positive effect on blood sugar and cholesterol. I was going to return it, but it isn't worth it, so I just ordered The Complete Book of Food Counts by Corinne T. Netzer which has all the information needed.

A must have for every new diabetic.......2000-07-27

When I was first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and had to lose weight, I was at a loss to know where to start. This book has been a life saver. It has the calorie, carbohydrate and fat count of more foods than you can imagine. The first part of the book deals with the reasons for managing your diet and how diet affects diabetes. This book has become my constant companion in the kitchen. It helps me use my favorite receipes while controlling calories and carbohydrates.

Average customer rating:

Offering charm and interest

Wonderful cook book

Fascinating reading, wonderful recipes.

The best of coastal Mexico

Zarela's Veracruz: Mexico's Simplest Cuisine
Zarela Martinez , and Anne Mendelson
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Mexican | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0618444106

Book Description

The state of Veracruz, a lush strip of land running the length of Mexico's eastern coast, is home to some of the easiest, lightest, and most varied food in Mexico's repertoire. To enjoy dishes like Seafood Salad in Avocado Halves, Garlicky Stir-Fried Shrimp, Orange-Flavored Chicken, and Mushroom Empanadas, you won't need to hunt down obscure chiles or master complicated techniques. Spanish influences evident in accessible ingredients like olive oil, olives, capers, raisins, and almonds give the state's cuisine a familiar Mediterranean character. At the same time, Veracruz's Caribbean orientation and powerful Afro-Cuban legacy offer plenty of choices for cooks who want kitchen adventure. In all, Zarela provides more than 150 choices, perfect for festive parties or ordinary suppers. Much more than a cookbook, Zarela's Veracruz is a mesmerizing travelogue and an absorbing portrait of Mexico's most exuberant state.

Customer Reviews:

Offering charm and interest.......2007-08-11

The food is great, recipes easy enough to follow, and style engaging. She conveys the cultural and geographical background of what is being cooked, which make the reading fun.

Wonderful cook book.......2007-03-09

From simple to more complicated, this book takes the reader into fine Mexican cooking. I enjoy reading it for the fun of it as well as for finding practical meals.

Fascinating reading, wonderful recipes........2006-07-12

If you think Mexican cooking is all refried beans and tacos, think again. This book will introduce you to the coastal cuisine of Veracruz, where Spanish, Caribbean, and Mediterranean influences all can be found. A long introduction to the region, cooking, and people of Veracruz precede the recipes, which include everything from appetizers and small plates to dessets, beverages, rice and of course seafood and meat.

Some dishes are simplicity themselves, such as the wonderful Peppered Shrimp. Others are much more involved and complicated, such as the Stuffed Boned Chicken Legs. Still, if you are truly interested in learning about a wonderful and often overlooked cuisine, there is no better Mexican cookbook I've found yet that contained so many delicious and different recipes. Highly recommended.

The best of coastal Mexico.......2004-11-15

Mexican chef and New York restaurateur, Zarela has very decided and exacting ideas about food. She came late to the cuisine of coastal Veracruz, thinking it too touristy and modern for her taste. But she has come to love the place and opens her book with a culinary driving tour of the region, discussing terrain, local ingredients and the best restaurants. The recipes make plentiful use of seafood, various chilies, corn, beans, tomatoes, citrus and avocado.

From Almond Soup to Shrimp Salad to Totonac-Style Beans with Pumpkin Seeds to Shredded Chicken in Blackberry Liqueur Sauce, Zarela insists on fresh herbs, painstaking preparations and the finest ingredients (which she often laments of finding in the U.S.). Dishes range from simple to elaborate (more time-consuming than complicated); the photographs of the region and the food are beautiful, and Zarela's directions are clear. This is Mexican food at its finest.

Average customer rating:

A "must" for all cat fanciers, owners, and companions.

The Cat Herbal: Simple Green Remedies for Your Cat
Claire Nahmad
Manufacturer: Souvenir Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Care & Health | Cats | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Cats | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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The New Natural Cat: A Complete Guide for Finicky Owners

ASIN: 0285635093

Book Description

Cat owners who prefer to treat their ailing pets with natural remedies now have a guide to help them do so. The core of this book is an A-to-Z listing of ailments and conditions with corresponding herbal recipes and treatments. Also included is a section on preventative cat care and treating sick cats at home. Practical guidance, illustrated with diagrams, explains how to administer herbal medicines, apply bandages and compresses, administer ear drops, and give herbal baths. To strengthen the potency of the herbal remedies, information is given on traditional charms to recite while administering treatment, and on spiritual and crystal healing. The herbs used are very common and are easily gathered in the wild or bought from a supplier, and detailed descriptions and drawings make herb and plant identification easy.

Customer Reviews:

A "must" for all cat fanciers, owners, and companions........2000-05-04

The Cat Herbal: Simple Green Remedies For Your Cat is a practical and comprehensive A to Z collection of safe and effective herbal remedies for more than one hundred feline disorders. From applying bandages and poultices to administering the herbs, to the common herbs available from the garden, wild habitats, or herbal suppliers, the reader is provided with full descriptions, with drawings. information is given on traditional charms to recite while administering treatment, along with spiritual and crystal healing, and even how to seek help from angels. Of special value is the chapter on Bach Flower Remedies especially beneficial to cats. General advice on nutrition and healing and nursing the cat at home combine with delightful illustrations of cats to make The Cat Herbal a "must" for all cat fanciers, owners, and companions.

Average customer rating:

The Cat Herbal: Simple Green Remedies for Your Cat
Claire Nahmad; Illustrator-Clare Jeapes
Manufacturer: Souvenir Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000ORYTGK

Book Description

The most thorough work ever published on making and caring for fishing tackle.

Book Description

Gardening is now the favorite leisure pastime in America. Homeowners are realizing the health benefits derived from gardening and the increase in their home's property value.

Book retailers are well aware that the trend in gardening books is to regional titles that provide credible information on the plants that perform well in specific regions.

The Perfect Iowa Lawn is written by the highly popular gardening expert Melinda Myers.

Lawns are the foundation of a great landscape. This series contains regional information on the best lawns for a midwestern landscape.

Average customer rating:

Delightful Book, Somewhat Misleading Title

Helpful book!

365 Games Babies Play: Playing, Growing and Exploring with Babies from Birth to 15 Months
Sheila Ellison
Manufacturer: Sourcebooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Family Activities | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
General | Babies & Toddlers | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Infants | Babies & Toddlers | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1402201087

Book Description

Making Everyday Moments Magical

Each day with your baby brings new moments of caring, teaching, holding and growing through baby's first experiences. Filled with magical ways to create and enhance those special everyday moments, 365 Days of Baby Love will help you celebrate each once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you and your baby share. Illustrated by children.

For the whole family!
--Mom
--Dad
--Grandparents
--Brother
--Sister

Customer Reviews:

Delightful Book, Somewhat Misleading Title.......2006-08-20

365 GAMES BABIES PLAY is a delightful little book. Overall, I am glad I picked it up.

WHAT I LIKE:
- LOTS OF IDEAS Many different activities are suggested. If you have time to browse through the book, you will get some great ideas.
- GOOD DESCRIPTION: Most activities clearly list the age for which they are suggested and the materials needed, which is very helpful.

THINGS THAT VEX ME:
- ORGANIZATION: There is no simple way to flip through the book to see activities suggested for your baby at a particular age (say, birth to six months). Activities are arranged by categories (bedtime, floor time, water activities, etc.) and each of those may have activities for babies at many ages. There is no index.
- AGE RANGE: The subtitle says birth to 15 months, but some of these activities are not appropriate to those ages. For example, I found "Make a Potty Book (18-24 months)," "Pick Up Sticks (18 months and up)" and "Getting Dressed (18 months and up)."
- NOT EVERYTHING HERE IS A GAME! I was expecting a book full of games and activities. This is for more of a general parenting book that I expected. You may be surprised to find "activities" such as "Allergy Free," which talks very briefly about removing potential allergens from baby's bedroom and is part of an entire section called Baby's Room. Another game listed is "Doctor/Parent Relationship." There's a whole section on Child Care/Play Groups with things like a checklist for hiring a babysitter. Nice to know, but not what I expected in a book of games baby play. One disadvantage to covering topics like this in this format is that the authors go into less depth on topics that deserve it.

I think as long as you are expecting what you get, you'll enjoy the book, and there are many good ideas for play in it. Thumbs up!

Helpful book!.......2006-02-25

I am a first-time SAHM who is trying to figure out the best way to interact with my child. I found many helpful ideas in this book!

Book Description

Multifaceted view of Wright compiled by a former Wright apprentice includes candid comments from apprentices and draftsmen, friends, clients, Wright's children, and well-known figures such as Philip Johnson, Robert Moses, Arthur Miller, and Anne Baxter. "An intimate, humanizing portrait of a towering figure." — Publishers Weekly. Photos. Foreword by Tom Wolfe.

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