Survival: Diary of an American Pow in World War II (Memories Series)

Book Description

This is a story of an American POW taken from his memories, his fellow POW's recollections, and a secret diary that he kept in the margins of his Bible. It is a gut-renching tale of how these infantrymen kept hope alive through terror, lonliness, filth and the shattering of their pride.

Years later, a package would arrive for Sam Higgins in the summer of 1955. It would be sent by a business associate who had recently visited Stalag IXB in the mountains near Bad Orb, Germany -- the place Higgins had been taken as a POW in WW II. For him, the recollections, the pictures brought back were too much. The package would remain unexamined.

Upon the insistence of his family, Higgins would eventually go back to this dark place. He was a Browning automatic rifleman in an infantry company overrun by a battle-hardened SS Waffen German division. With its sub-zero temperatures, winter in the Alsace Mountains of France was unbearable. After five days of fighting, the company would find itself surrounded without a way out.

Once captured, Higgins would be harassed, interrogated, and forced to walk for three days through the icy terrain to a 10 by 33 foot cattle car that would take him and 80 other POWs to the infamous Stalag IXB.

Customer Reviews:

Dash of reality.......2006-08-01

This is an eye-opening, gut-wrenching, account of what the situation was really like for the POWs in Germany during the closing months of WWII. The author's conditions were a lot worse than an account of a POW in Germany during the first years of the war, which I had read about some years ago. That fellow got some real food and had a bunk to sleep in! This book gives a huge dash of reality for Hogan's Heros fans.

Compelling, undeniably gripping........2004-02-11

I have read thousands of pages of POW narrative and interviewed many ex-POWs in an effort to discover my Dad's time in the stalags of Germany during WWII. If I were to recommend a single account to someone who wants to understand what these men went through -- THIS IS IT! In reading Higgins's work, goose bumps never left my arms. Once started, you will not put this book down.

Rousseau and the Women He Loved
Average customer rating:
Rousseau and the Women He Loved
Francis Gribble
Manufacturer: Charles Scribner's sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NZVLK0

Average customer rating:
Rousseau and the Women He Loved
Francis Gribble
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0548018227

Book Description

1908. The biography of French philosopher, social and political theorist, musician, botanist, and one of the most eloquent writers of the Age of Enlightenment. The first woman to have a profound influence on his life and writings was Madame Louise de Warens, a wealthy and charitable woman, to whom he became secretary and companion to when he was sixteen. Partial Contents: The fugitive; Character of Isaac Rousseau; The legendary Madame de Warens; M. de Warens' account of his wife's flight; Arrival of Jean-Jacques at Annecy; Back at Annecy; Waiting for something to turn up; Claude Anet; Madame de Warens and the adventurers; Jean-Jacque at Les Charmettes; Alone at Les Charmettes; Jean-Jacques' relations with Madame de Warens; At Venice; Jean-Jacques thrown over by Mesdames de Beuzenval and de Broglie; Jean-Jacques and Therese send their children to the Foundling Hospital; Jean-Jacques sets up housekeeping with Therese and her mother; The discourse on the arts and sciences; At Geneva; Why Jean-Jacques did not remain at Geneva; Sophie, Comtesse d'Houdetot; Madame d'Houdetot at Eaubonne; Madame d'Houdetot talks to Jean-Jacques about Saint-Lambert; The philosophers laugh at Jean-Jacques; Madame d'Epinay's visit to Geneva; Peace after storm; Madame de Luxembourg; Jean-Jacques at work; Le Contrat Social; The beginning of persecution; At Motiers; Death of Madame de Warens; Jean-Jacques seeks shelter in the Ile de Saint-Pierre; Symptoms of insanity; Hume's candid opinion of Jean-Jacques; Jean-Jacques' madness; Life at Bourgoin; Back in Paris; Last years in Paris; and Failure of the coup de theatre.

Reflections from a Different Journey : What Adults with Disabilities Wish All Parents Knew
Average customer rating:

Good challenge for parents and families

I have been looking for a book like this!

Well Done!

Great advice & full of inspiration

"Reflections" Is For Everyone

Reflections from a Different Journey : What Adults with Disabilities Wish All Parents Knew
Stanley Klein , and John Kemp
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Motivational | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Special Needs Children | Children's Health | Personal Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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Disabled | Special Groups | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers

Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 0071422692

Book Description

Offers parents of children with disabilities inspiration and advice from those who've been there

Reflections from a Different Journey presents 40 stories by successful adults who grew up with disabilities. They provide insights into what it is like to persevere in the face of community prejudices, and what it takes for families and children with disabilities to work together toward fulfillment.

While there are many books for parents on raising a child with a disability, this is the first to help them learn from people with disabilities, and to help children face the unique challenges and rewards of growing up with a disability. Reflections from a Different Journey will also encourage and inspire older children and adults with disabilities, other family members, and education and health care professionals who serve these families.

Download Description

Offers parents of children with disabilities inspiration and advice from those who've been there Reflections from a Different Journey presents 40 stories by successful adults who grew up with disabilities. They provide insights into what it is like to persevere in the face of community prejudices, and what it takes for families and children with disabilities to work together toward fulfillment. While there are many books for parents on raising a child with a disability, this is the first to help them learn from people with disabilities, and to help children face the unique challenges and rewards of growing up with a disability. Reflections from a Different Journey will also encourage and inspire older children and adults with disabilities, other family members, and education and health care professionals who serve these families.

Customer Reviews:

Good challenge for parents and families.......2007-09-09

As a parent of a child with a disability, this book challenged my "over protective-ness" and helped me see things the way my child may see them. The insight given is amazing, and has assisted me to see that my child can do more than even I give him credit for. A must read for parents!

I have been looking for a book like this!.......2006-03-09

This book is a collection of personal narratives by adults with a variety of disabilities. As the parent of a child with cerebral palsy, reading these stories is a great experience. I have absolutely no doubt that my son will be a happy, loved, employed adult - but at the back of my mind is always the question of "are we making the right choices." It is really hard to balance all the "work" that comes with the territory of CP (physical therapy, OT, medical appointments, etc.) with the "play" part of being a child - and it helps to read stories of grownups on the other side. I recommend this book highly.

Well Done!.......2006-01-04

Fantastic book for those who live with disability and those who don't. Truly a masterful tool in helping the nondisabled understand what it means to live with a disability and know that we are NORMAL people. At a time when most books tell the story of a disabled person for them Mr. Klein has done an excellent job in letting the authors speak for themselves. A must have for parents and families raising children with special needs.

Great advice & full of inspiration.......2005-10-06

The personal essays in this book are incredibly helpful for anyone whose life is touched by a child with a physical or emotional challenge. As a parent of a child with a chronic illness, I found the first-hand advice unique and straightforward. The essays are short and really diverse -- each one of them had a gem that I could apply to my child's situation. This peek into the lives of the authors helps parents create a life that is blessedly ordinary for their kids when life may not feel very ordinary at all. The greatest gift of this book is that most solutions are quite simple -- it's our desire to overcome the disability that prevents us from treating it as another normal part of life. A great read for anyone touched by a child who faces medical challenges.

"Reflections" Is For Everyone.......2004-10-18

"Reflections from a Different Journey" is one of the best books I've ever read. With grace and kindness, the authors selected by John Kemp and Stanley Klein give parents the wisdom they need to understand and nurture children with disabilities.

This isn't just a book for parents--it's a book for everyone.

Buy it for yourself or someone you love.

Chris K. Olander, Executive Director Emeritus, The JM Foundation and Milbank Foundation for Rehabilitation

Favre Family Cookbook: Three Generations of Cajun and Creole Cooking from the Gulf Coast
Average customer rating:

Favre's a favorite

Favre's cookbook

Wonderful Book, Wonderful People - Highly Recommend

A Cookbook to Celebrate, Food, and Family fun

Favre Family Cookbook: Three Generations of Cajun and Creole Cooking from the Gulf Coast
By The Favre Family
Manufacturer: Addax
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Cajun & Creole | U.S. Regional | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
South | U.S. Regional | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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Justin Wilson's Homegrown Louisiana Cookin'

ASIN: 1886110751

Book Description

As you dig into a Strawberry Cheese Ball appetizer, savor a family favorite like Gambino's Boiled Crawfish, and finish off the meal with a delicious serving of Profiteroles with Vanilla Ice Cream & Chocolate Sauce, read family facts about the Favres from Kiln, Mississippi.

Customer Reviews:

Favre's a favorite.......2006-02-23

I bought two copies of this book for my sons, who both like to cook. They have both enthusiatically endorsed the recipes and like the heartiness of them. The foods are simple, yet have a real southern taste and don't call for exotic ingredients that are impossible to get.

Favre's cookbook.......2005-08-19

Even though the Packers aren't the greatest team in the world, their quarterback knows a thing or two about good gulf coast cooking. The easy to follow recipes have turned out great results with little effort. Try the gumbo, it's the bomb!

Wonderful Book, Wonderful People - Highly Recommend.......1999-10-22

I have had the good fortune of being at some of the Favre cookouts and events they gave hosted the past couple of years. My wife and I have always loved the food - the Favre's have always put on a terrific display of food. With this book we have now been able to cook some of these meals at home. The recipes are very easy to follow and the results are truly delicious. Our favorites are Meemaw's Super Bowl Shrimp Creole, Scott's Paneed Pork Chops, and Chicken a la Clark - and those are the only ones we have tried so far! It is obvious that the Favre family has put a lot of time and effort into this book. Besides the wonderful recipes, there are terrific pictures, interesting stories, amusing Favre anecdotes, and helpful cooking tips. The book is top-notch and The Favre's should be very proud.

We highly recommend this book. Bon Apetite...

A Cookbook to Celebrate, Food, and Family fun.......1999-10-18

Did ya say Laissez les bons teps rouler ?? ( Let the good times roll ) The Favre family is sharing a little of what makes them unique. Great down-home cookin' comes through with the Favre family and friends unique zest for life. The entire book is seasoned with humor and keeps you entertained - even when not planning that special food for game day parties.

Well done, with many photographs and easy to follow. This is a book for all that love to Cook. Many Helpful kitchen hints, includes award-winning recipes Dickie Brennan Restaurant Group, Brett Favre's Steakhouse, adding to its appeal. Favre traditions from "Touchdown Breakfast" to "Dancing Chickens" celebrates food , family and fun.

This book is like a special spice added to your favorite family recipe. I enjoyed the meal and plan to share with friends.

Book Description

Dozens of beloved basics from the original, one-of-a-kind classic: 1996 KinkyCrafts-- including the Thousand Tailed Flogger, the Bubble Wrap Dildo and many more. These original creative playthings are still in widespread use in toybags all over the world. But as new players and new ideas have flocked into the scene over the last decade, Greenery Press has added even more--and better--ways to turn everyday household materials into bondage equipment, dungeon toys, sex gadgets and even safer sex supplies. The brand-new 21st Century KinkyCrafts includes

* 15 new KinkyCrafts projects from craftspeople all over the world

* updated instructions

* updated illustrations for greater ease of construction

* special Lay-Flat binding for easy reference

Customer Reviews:

Save your money........2006-08-09

I was humiliated to admit that this book was ever in my possesion. I couldn't even give it away without resorting to sneaky techniques to slip it into another gift. Perhaps it's because my circle of friends are avid craftsmen, but everyone I tried to give it to laughed histerically at the cheesy drawings and mindlessly simple ideas inside. I think they might have even been slightly insulted that I offer such a simple book of no-brianer ideas to them. There isn't anything in this book you can't come up with on your own, if there is then maybe you need to surf the net a little more. Every one of these ideas I have found several times over for free on the internet, and I didn't have to spend much time looking. I was almost surprised they didn't suggest your bare hand as a potential paddle, yes, that's how basic this book really is. If after you read this you still find yourself in posession of the book, you really could use a spanking. I suggest attatching a handle to the book using duct tape and then soundly beat yourself upon the head. oops, I think I just might have given them another idea for a toy, I'm sure it will be in the next edition.

The toys might be functional...but are they sexy?.......2006-03-30

Bondage and S&M toys have to have a certain aesthetic appeal for me, as well as functionality. I think the main problem with this book is that, yes, if you are good with tools you can make these things, but they won't be nearly as attractive as professionally made items. Some of the things, like a bubble-wrap dildo, are just hideous and tacky. If you are a fetish who loves the mood and psychological effect that polished leather and refined, beautiful instruments of torture create, you probably won't be happy with the majority of the things in the book. PVC and duct tape just isn't as sexy.

Of course, the advantages are the cheapness of the toys that you can make yourself. I would only recommend this book if you are VERY much in need of inexpensive toys, or are an expert craftsman. For most other people, save your pennies and visit jtstockroom.com and get some beautiful and well-made toys. (I don't work there, but I don't mind advertising for them, because the items I've gotten from them are the finest I've seen anywhere.)

A compendium of simple sex toys that anyone can make at low cost from common household materials.......2006-02-11

21st Century Kinkycrafts is a compendium of simple sex toys that anyone can make at low cost from common household materials. A disclaimer warns against manufacturing any of these devices for commercial purposes; they are for private use only. Most of the sex toys are bondage or s&m fetish items; some are specially designed for anal sex, and a few such as the fuzzy blindfold are general purpose. Simple diagrams of the possible crafts, detailed instructions, and lists of the tools, materials, cost and time needed for each make 21st Century Kinkycrafts surprisingly easy to follow. A warning disclaimer avows any liability for the use or misuse of Kinkycraft items; though the authors believe they are safe if constructed and used as directed, the reader is exhorted to exercise common sense and to test the items thoroughly before using them.

New and Improved.......2005-08-23

KinkyCrafts was one of the more popular Greenery Press books, being that it gave instructions on making an assortment of cheap but effective BDSM toys. However the book went out of print, leaving countless "amateur toymakers" in the dark so to speak. Now the book is back in an updated version which contains the 99 old favorites, as well as several new "do it yourself" toys.

Not only can you learn how to make "old favorites," like various bondage toys, leather paddles, clamps, gags and even the lovely "bungee dildo," but also new items like a basic singletail, a motion detection vibrator and a toy called the "Titty Tower."

As with its predecessor, the book provides illustrations of the toys, materials needed and assembly instructions. With a little time, money and effort this book provides the reader with numerous ways to build up your toy collection inexpensively.

Amazon.com

This fully comprehensive guide to the outstanding garden plants of every season should be on the book shelves of both novice gardeners and green-fingered experts. More than 425 full-color photographs illustrate detailed listings for specific varieties of annuals, perennials, bulbs, and trees. Each category features troubleshooting advice, instruction on cultivation and maintenance, tips on garden design, and schedules for garden care in every season. There is also detailed information on bringing outdoor plants into the home so that beautiful plants can be part of life the year round in every climate. Elvin McDonald is a respected expert on horticulture, the author of more than 50 gardening books, and a former editor of House Beautiful magazine. --Nancy Starr

Customer Reviews:

Great beginner's guide, but not a complete encyclopedia........2002-07-19

Book contains about 425 pages divided into 4 major sections: Annuals, Perennials, Bulbs, and Trees & Shrubs. Each section describes 100 plants (hence the title, "400 Best Garden Plants").

Each plant is described by habit, leaves, flowers, light, soil, fertilizer, pruning, propagation, uses, etc. The information is fairly meager, about one sentence per item. Many of the sentences are repetitive and extremely general. For example, "fertilize with 5-10-5", is listed as advice for 97 out of 100 annuals. I'm not saying the advice is wrong, I just wonder why it must be repeated 97 times. At the beginning of the annual section, couldn't they say "fertilize most annual with 5-10-5", then go into details about the three plants that get treated differently. (By the way, the 3 special case plants are Amaranthus, Basil, and Flowering Maple).

The photography is a high point. Images are crisp and clear, most pictures are large (6 inches height). Unfortunately, the species or variety in the photograph is never identified.

The information is very general. For example, one of the 100 Best Perennials is listed as Anemone (Windflower, European Pasqueflower, Japanese Anemone). Egads! There is an extreme difference between two inch tall Windflower and three feet tall Japanese Anemone. Then they list uses as "cut flowers". Yeah, right! I can just see them now, on their hands and knees, harvesting the tiny flowers from the two inch tall plant. Listing characteristics of Windflower, European Pasqueflower, and Japanese Anemone in the same discussion is not useful gardening advice.

I have mixed feelings about this book. It's a great beginner's guide, but not a complete encyclopedia. Expert gardeners will find little of value in the book. For beginners, it's a 5 star book. For garden experts, it's only a 3 star.

On the money.......2000-04-15

This book is very good for it's price. Some of the photos are a little close, so it's hard to picture how the plant will look mixed into your garden. There are also some plants that I've looked up and this book doesn't cover. Also, there aren't a lot of ideas for shadey areas. However, I would honestly recommend this book. There are hundreds (400 to be exact) great plants in it. It also gives detailed information on how to care for the plants both before and after planting. This book is great for beginning and seasoned gardners alike!

An all around great plant refernce book!!!.......1999-08-13

This is a great book for the novice as well as the expert. Itis divided into 4 categories and contains many excellent pictures ofthe plants listed. For each plant, there is a description including height/habit, leaves, and flower; detailed instructions on how and when to plant and propagate; light, soil and fertilizer needs; and pruning requirements. The plants are listed with their scientific and common names and indexed accordingly. Overall, it is one of the best reference books I've seen.

Penny Whistle Traveling-with-Kids Book: Whether by Boat, Train, Car, or Plane...How to Take The Best Trip Ever with Kids
Average customer rating:

A Very Helpful Book!

A cute book, a good help.

Penny Whistle Traveling-with-Kids Book: Whether by Boat, Train, Car, or Plane...How to Take The Best Trip Ever with Kids
Meredith Brokaw , Annie Gilbar , and Jill Weber
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fatherhood | Family Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Child Care | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Family Travel | Specialty Travel | Travel | Subjects | Books
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Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 0671881361

Book Description

Make every Trip an Adventure with Penny Whistle

They say getting there is half the fun, but all too often the stress of being away from home and the frustration of being confined in a car, plane, train, hotel room, or even someone else's home combine to turn a simple trip into a painful experience for parents and kids. But with The Penny Whistle Traveling with Kids Book parents and kids will find everything they need to make travel time fun time. Full of inventive advice and helpful hints, The Penny Whistle Traveling with Kids Book will show parents how to:

Involve the whole family in planning the trip
Pack so you're prepared for anything
Create a Penny Whistle Travel Box. Travel Backpack, & First-Aid Kit
Keep kids occupied on the road with games for every age & interest

PLUS:Creative solutions and travel experiences from parents and kids, a Travel Exercise Program, What to Do When Your Child Travels Alone, Delicious Roadside Picnics and Traveling Snacks, and much, much more!

Customer Reviews:

A Very Helpful Book!.......2003-01-02

I check out this book every time I am going on a trip from my local library because it is very helpful and has wonderful tips! I really enjoy this book.

A cute book, a good help........1996-08-31

While this guidebook provides no earthshaking revelations to parents, it is certainly a good tool for planning a happy vacation. Its cartoon illustrations make it cute enough to share with your children (my three-year-old was fascinated) while the information is a solid reminder of what you may already know but have certainly forgotten in the flurry of packing. Penny Whistle includes an impressive list of games, mostly targeted to the five to ten year old crowd, and some interesting recipies. The listings of travel resources and guides is excellent.

Book Description

The buildings of Marcel Sedletzky are a discovery. Working primarily on the central coast of California from 1960 to 1973, Sedletzky left a small but intensely interesting corpus of structures, almost all domestic. Sedletzky was a European refugee who made his way to Los Angeles, where he worked from 1952 to 1958, in the offices of Victor Gruen Associates. He opened his solo practice in Carmel in 1960, where he began to design the handful of houses that made his reputation. His years in Los Angeles were apparent in his work, also reflections of Breuer, Rudolph, and Gropius, but Sedletzky's work was entirely his own, entirely Californian—organic, modernist, with carefully articulated interiors and bold exteriors.

This beautiful and comprehensive book is based on the Sedletzky archive now held in the Special Collections of the University Library, University of California Santa Cruz. The book contains archival and recently commissioned photographs as well as a good selection of Sedletzky's fluent and confident working drawings.

It is a welcome treat to add another architect to the roster of these who made the mid-century built environment of California so rich, especially with such a fine monograph on his life and work. Also included is a CD-ROM of the original manuscript of Sedletzky's renowned course on architectural perspective.

Customer Reviews:

A California Modernist in the truest sense.......2004-01-06

Sedletzky was a California modernist in the truest sense: challenging materials and ways of construction, concerned about context and it's integration in the interiors of spaces while simultaneously creating beautiful architectural objects.

The quality of this book is marvelous....great photographs and wonderful writing!!!!

A MUST-HAVE if you're interested in modernism....

Customer Reviews:

Interesting addition to stories of Philippine guerillas.......2007-07-04

There are some better books covering this subject, but this book is still a decent read and I recommend it for those interested in this theater of war. Hunt's story of survival from the Bataan death march and his eventual work with a guerilla detachment were very good and include many personal aspects. But if you are looking for a lot of "combat" recollections, those are not here. This is a more general and personal account of survial. In addition, at times, the author's main purpose in writing this book seems to be to respond to and challenge other US-led guerilla leaders who have either written their own accounts or were considered rivals to Hunt and his leaders. This detracted from the overall story in my opinion, but perhaps this is important contribution from a purely historical aspect.

Good Story .......2007-05-30

Ray Hunt has turned out an informative book of his World War II years, first as an American soldier in the Philippines, secondly as a prisoner and escapee from the Japanese, and third as a guerilla fighting the Japanese until the American army finally re-captured the islands.

Personal accounts of guerilla war are likely to be replete with fabrications as the participants build themselves up, tear others down, and exaggerate their exploits. Hunt seems more honest than most. He doesn't sugar-coat his actions, nor portray himself as the second coming of Napoleon. The book alternates between describing his personal experiences and putting them in context with descriptions of the various guerilla movements in the Philippines, including the Communist Huks, local politics, an account of the American invasion, and his own role as a guerilla leader. He strives to be fair and balanced and comes closer to achieving that than does Fox News.

The best part of the book, in my opinion, were the several chapters in which he described his life on the run from the Japanese, the hardships and disease he suffered and overcame, and the assistance he received from Filipinos. My criticism of the book would be that Hunt never really describes in detail the military operations the guerrillas undertook. Thus, it is somewhat difficult to evaluate the contribution guerilla groups made to winning the war.

Hunt's story of his three years as a guerilla in the jungles, mountains, and rice paddies of Luzon is vivid and credible. This is probably one of the better books you can read about the Philippines under Japanese occupation.

Smallchief

WW2 History a mandatory read.......2007-05-12

We received the book promptly however preferred hardbound copy, which Amazon may not have had in stock. We are still seeking hardbound copy although this extra paperback will suffice for our research.
This should be required reading re WW2 history in schools and colleges; and should be in all libraries.
jdm

A bit disappointing.......2002-02-06

What I wanted out of this book was not really what I got. I wanted a personal memoir filled with interesting anectdotes, recountings of battles the author fought in and guerilla operations, in short: adventure. Perhaps you will think that a little bloodthristy of me, but it is what I bought the book for.

However, I found these things to be few and far between. There are a trifling amount of these kinds of episodes, but mostly Ray Hunt and his ghost writer gloss over these points of interest (for me, anyway) to comment on generalities of guerilla life in the Philippines and "to set the record straight." Though this was the first book I have read on guerilla operations in the Philippines, it quickly became clear that there are several camps with opposing views about what really happened during the war among US/Filipino guerilla forces, and each tries to get its version of events to be taken as history. Mr Hunt makes an effort to give his side of the story throughout the book from mostly personal information, so in this respect I think he did a good job.

He also takes the opportunity to unapologetically wax patriotic. He is unflinching in his thoughts that the US and MacArthur are always doing right, a tone which sometimes was too strong for me to take seriously. At one point he claims that the best thing for the Philippines after the war would have been to make it "the 49th state,"(this was before Hawaii and Alaska were admitted) presumably because America was and is the best thing going anywhere.

In short, this book is not one of men in battle and the hardships they undergo. It is one man's first person view of a seemingly ongoing argument about this particular bit of history, as well as providing a wealth of general background on the subject. I suspect that there are other, better books to buy on all these categories, and would recommend this book only to those who are deeply interested and want to read everything they can find on it.

A Very Competent Account by a Competent Man.......2002-01-07

This book is one of those excellent works by the University Press of Kentucky. They publish a great number of WW II personal narratives concerning the more obscure activities and less known theatres. I recall one written by a bandsman, the only one such I ever saw.
This review is based on the 1988 Pocket Book newstand edition of the 1986 hardback original.
The book is well written, quite thorough, and extensively sourced and noted, in contrast to many such works in which all that is set down about the author is in the blurb on the cover. There is also a handy map of Central Luzon printed on the inside back cover, a really great idea so that one can easily find it. Why don't other publishers do that? There is also a very useful index which covers not just personal names, as do so many, but has also subject listings to various topics.
As contrasted to the original book published during WW II, with the title "American Guerilla in the Phillipines", this one does not whitewash the dirty and brutal aspects of the war and its aftermath. All in all, a very interesting and well written work which deserves a place on the shelves of Spec Ops, "grunt" history, and personal narrative collections.

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