Just finished reading "The Destiny Of The Republic" by Candice Millard, a great read regarding the shooting and fatal medical malpractice leading to President Garfield's death. I highly recommend the book. There are many Garfield books. Select the one I recommended.

"Columbine" is another excellent, if somber read regarding what is generally considered America's first mass school shooting.

Can anyone recommend any recent historical non-fiction books besides Killing The Rising Sun?"

Well.........Tis the season to reread the old favorites;

Books of .......... Matthew, Mark, Luke and John..................... they can be found in a compendium called the "New Testament"

Couple of others .......

" Twas the night before Christmas"........ and my favorite.......

"How the Grinch stole Christmas"............




I read fiction after 8PM...... too much nonfiction in life earlier in the day!!!!!!!!!

I read a lot of nonfiction, anything by Stephen Ambrose is great. Lewis and Clark, the trans-continental railroad construction and of course d day, all of his books are worth reading..

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I used to be disgusted..

"The Wright Brothers" is an excellent book. It has been out a couple of years and can be found in hardback at discount prices.

"Arsenal of Democracy" is a good book about WWII and how American Industry and in particular Ford Motor Company ramped up and began making airplanes, tanks, etc. Ford made most of the B-24 Liberators.

Well, there's one of my favorites, Battle Cry of Freedom by James McPherson. It's a long slog, but just an incredible wealth of detail, The Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson To Lincoln by Sean Wilentz.

I have a ton of WW2 related favorites if interested. But an iconoclastic 'classic' is Brute Force:Allied Strategy and Tactics in the Second World War by John Ellis (the author of The Social History of the Machine Gun).

I'm currently reading "The Rommel Papers", provides a window into the thoughts of a general during the war. These are a compilation of diaries and reports that Rommel wrote during the war and hid because he didn't think the Gestapo had much of a sense of humor (smart man). The papers were collected after the war (and his death) by his son and wife. A British officer compiled them into this book in 1951. An oldie but a goodie (one that was always on my "to read" list, but life got in the way. I have met Manfred Rommel (the son and one time mayor of Stuttgart) a number of times related to business in the Stuttgart area. Very intelligent guy.

Empire Of The Summer Moon, by S.C. Gwynne. I just finished it for the second time. The story of the rise and fall of the fearsome Comanche nation. A great read.

Along similar lines is A Fate Worse Than Death by Susan and Gregory Michno, a well researched book about people taken as captives during the Indian Wars. Not for the faint of heart, though.

I just started A Terrible Glory: Custer and the Little Bighorn by James Donovan. Its good so far, too early to recommend.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

American Ulysses: A Life of Ulysses S. Grant by Ronald C. White

I learned more about Ulysses S. Grant from this book than any school history class or other books I’ve read. I learned things about the Civil War and his presidency that I did not know. The book flows, not dry history. There are lots of details but they are not presented in an overwhelming manner.

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A gun has no brain.. use yours

Ghost Wars: The Secret History of The CIA in Afghanistan

Besides being a good read, it will give you insight on our involvement with Afghanistan prior to 9-11.


The Jelly Bryce trilogy. Though the books are written as novels, the facts behind them are historical.


Texas Ranger - The Epic Life of Frank Hamer

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi (Abridged Nonfiction) by David Maraniss
When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi (Abridged Nonfiction) by David Maraniss on iTunes

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Possum—The other white meat!

If you have not read it "The Rape of Nanking" is a very good read. It will let you know what the world was up against when it came to dealing with Japan.

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NRA Range Safety Officer

"A Lonely Kind of War" by Marshall Harrison tells of the life of a FAC pilot in Viet Nam. Great read.

"To Rule the Waves: How the British Royal Navy Shaped the Modern World." by Arthur Herman

Just finished "The Faustball Tunnel" about German POWs escaping from a POW camp in Papago Park, Arizona. I'd never heard of this before. Recently read "The Little Toy Dog" about the Russian shoot-down of an RB-47 over the Arctic Sea. Both are excellent.

David McCullough books are excellent.

I'll second the reccomendation of Texas Ranger: The Epic Life of Frank Hamer. Excellent book, really enjoyed it.

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Wheel guns are real guns.

Has anyone here read, "Killing the Rising Sun"?


My feeling is that Bill O'Reilly doesn't really write all of his books. How would he have time? And his manner leaves me to wonder how accurate they may be.


Because so few today really know much about history, he could write a basically so-so book and impress a lot of people.


But if it's really good, I want to know about it.

'Unbroken". It was an excellent movie based on reality. The book is better than the movie.

"A Mosque in Munich"

Ian Denis Johnson

A Mosque in Munich - Ian Johnson

CIA and the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood in the west

"Murder City"

Charles Bowden

murder city - Google Search

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Halfway and one more step

In My Time, A Personal and Political Memoir, Dick Cheney, with his daughter Liz (Wyo. just elected her as our State Rep). Dick was the best SecDef in my 28-year career. He's a Wyoming boy so, yeah, I'm a bit prejudiced, but still....

And, yeah, I'd probably go hunting with him.

Cheers,

Bob

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

+1 on Dick Cheney's memoirs. He really got vilified in the mainstream media, I think, because he's the antithesis of everything conservatives are accused of being. He grew up dirt-poor, became SecDef and VP, and maintains a close relationship with his daughter Liz (who got raked over the coals by many in the media, despite not being a political or public figure at all).

In the same vein, there is a book called "The Frontiersman" about Simon Kenton who was the equivalent of Crockett and Boone but not nearly as well known. Fascinating book. If I learned anything from it, it was than if the Indians that he encountered liked you, they would kill you quick. If they DIDN'T like you it could take days.

Anything on WWII or technology catches my fancy and "Iron Coffin" by a surviving U-boat commander is a great read. Also "Blind Man's Bluff" about the exploits of our subs during the cold war that were classified until recently.

Anything on the space program, too. I've read and reread 'Apollo 13'.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

That was a book about the daily life and workings of a Marine pilot and the F-4 Phantom mostly as a bomber, strengths, weakness and lot of technical detail about how they fought. He admits that some people find the real talk boring, but I found it fascinating. One 'memorable' story he recounted was how the canopy raising strut came loose in a a plane and when the pilot tried to raise the canopy, it instead hit the sear on the ejection seat. He was surprised that the canopy was in perfect shape, but not the pilot.

Just a lot of stuff you never heard about.

When I was a young teenager I would wake up on a fine morning in my bed with the sun shining and the birds singing and realize how different it would be waking up in Vietnam. 'shudder'.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

I'd give this more than one like if I could. It is an excellent book - so good that I never saw the movie because I knew it could never live up to the book.

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

It was produced and directed by Angelina Jolie. I think that basically sums up everything you need to know about the movie.

Lost In Shangri-La. A true story about the rescue of the survivors of an Army Air Force plane crash in New Guinea during WWII. The way they were rescued was amazing. I had never heard of this until I read the book. This would make a great movie if it was made right.

I have been re-reading portions of a book I read many years ago. It is
THE EDUCATION OF A BEAR HUNTER by Ralph Flowers. He was employed
by a timber protective association to keep the bear population under
control. He killed 1,100 bear in his career.
Many interesting tidbits that any shooter will enjoy. For instance, he
shot a bear with his .270 which shattered the bear's heart, but the
bear still ran 150 yards before expiring. Another incident his .270
bullet ricocheted off a bears skull. He also killed bear with an old
.38 pistol. (I think it was a revolver, but in older days folks didn't
distinguish pistol from revolver.)

Also wanted to add my amen to those who like Unbroken. I loved the
book. Couldn't put it down. The movie was a disappointment.

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In Omnia Paratus

I read Empire Of The Summer Moon. Quanah Parker was a brilliant leader. Excellent read

"Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin" - By Timothy Snyder.

It's a well deserved slap in the face to apologists for both Hitler and Stalin.

Right now I'm reading Preston Tucker and His Battle to Build the Car of Tomorrow. By Steve Lehto.
Just finished reading Fortunate Son by John Fogherty

I read a lot of military history. The first book that came to my mind to recommend are the books on the pacific war by Ian Toll: The "Conquering Tide" and "Pacific Crucible". They gave me a much better understanding of the Pacific War and our Navy from both our side as well as lots of research on the Japanese. They are the first two books of a trilogy that is in progress.

I did 2 tours in Southeast Asia but learned gained a new perspective on the war from reading "A Shau Valor" by Thomas Yarborough.

The experiences of a draftee in 1970 are well summarized in "349 Days" by Slater Davis.

Let me recommend "War Without Mercy" by John Dower, which gives a racial/cultural perspective on the Pacific War.

It goes into depth on the attitudes of both sides toward each other, as well as toward the peoples of the territories over which they contended.

Eventually, while we got serious about understanding Japanese culture and society in order to defeat Japan, the Japanese just plowed on in self-serving ignorance. Like the Germans, they never understood us, and never really wanted to.

We thought the Japanese couldn't fight, and they thought we wouldn't.

We were both wrong.

"We Who Are Alive and Remain" by Marcus Brotherton
A companion book to Band of Brothers

Two others that I found very good are:
"Infantry Soldier" by George Neill and
"Once Upon a Time in War" by Robert Humphrey
About the Battle of the bulge

Vietnam Era:
"If Not Now, When?" by Col. Jack Jacobs

For a more modern experience:
"Ghosts of War" by Ryan Smithson

I can go through my bookshelf if you would like more ideas.

Escape from Corregidor written by Edgar Whitcomb. Whitcomb was an Air Force officer stationed on Bataan when the war began. Whitcomb was governor of Indiana in the late 1960s.

If it's the same book.. "The Frontiermens" by Allan Eckert.... I read it as it covers a bit of W Pa,W.VA., Ohio and Indiana ....... along with "Kan-tuk-kee".

Good history read..... more Boone era than Crockett........ and covers a area/time in US history that seems to be overlooked....... Western Reserve and Ohio River valley

My all-time favorite non-fiction book does not focus on firearms, wars, or military history.

"Travels with Charley" by John Steinbeck chronicles his journey across America in 1961 in a camper truck, along with his dog Charley. His descriptions of the locales and the people along the way are masterful.

As for firearms, at the risk of self-promotion, if you're into firearms, I'll let J.B. Wood tell you about my book, of which I'm very proud.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

First, many thanks to all who responded. I now have a good file of reading materials for the near future.

Let me also recommend "Shadow Divers" by Robert Kurson. This is one of those rare reads that you simply can't put down. Wish I could say more but I won't ruin it for anyone planning to read it.

And yes, I've read Paladin85020's recommendation of "Travels With Charlie", a truly great book well worth reading.

Congratulations are also in order for Paladin85020 on the recent publication of his book, "101 Classic Firearms."

\
If Bowden wrote shopping lists, I'd read them.

Yes, we lost a good man when we lost Chuck Bowden.

His quotes were the sharpest sword ever swung, his truths were real.
Charles Bowden has died, but his voice is louder than ever | the narcosphere

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Halfway and one more step

Two excellent WWII Submarine books are written by Admiral Richard H O'Kane. Wahoo and Clear the Bridge both could hold someone spell bound who had no previous knowledge of WWII.

Try and read some of J Frank Dobie who wrote about the SW. A lot of his books were retelling stories of fact and possible fiction from 100-200 years ago.

The Worst journey in the World by Apsley Cherry- Giraud is of the Scott expedition to Antarctica and while occasionally dry it is fascinating to see the accomplishments of humans.
I believe Endurance should be required reading for all to pass HS. I prefer the Alfred Lansing edition to a latter one.

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Front sight and squeeze

The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule. This is the story of Ted Bundy written by a crime writer who just happened to have served on a suicide prevention hot like with him. It is the definitive story of Bundy, his life and his crimes. A fascinating read!!!

Delta Force by Col. Charles Beckwith. The account of the failed hostage rescue attempt in Iran in the early 80s as well as the account of the author who conceived the plan, sold it to General Meyers the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff and President Jimmy Carter. A great view of the inner workings of the military and some of the petty rivalry which which contributed to the failure. If you read this you may agree that we need more like Col. Beckwith.

Tuesdays With Morrey by Mitch Albom. some insight of dealing with dying and death. Very well written and spot on!

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Real men love cats!

I suggest Neptune's Inferno about the Guadalcanal naval campaign. My mistake was getting it as an ebook. History needs to be read on paper so your can reference back to previous pages.

Two historical fiction series ..... I have enjoyed reading over the years; sitting in front of the fire over long cold winters.........................

The Sharpe Series by Bernard Cornwell........ a "rifle company" (Baker Rifles) in the Napoleonic Wars on the Peninsula.

The Hornblower novels..... 14 or 15 IIRC...... same time frame in the British Royal Navy.....midshipman to admiral......

Well, I'm currently reading " Get What's Yours for Medicare " which says a lot about my age and mindset.
Regards,
turnerriver

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turnerriver

Also enjoyed this one:

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I used to be disgusted..

I liked Neptune's Inferno (although it is a bit long), but the best book about the campaign (land, air and sea) is Guadalcanal by Richard Frank. Indeed, it is the best book I have ever read on a single campaign.

Neptune's Inferno is a narrative history focusing on the experiences of the men on the ships, but it leaves out the context, so why the ships were doing what they were doing gets a bit lost. It also does not tell you anything about the Japanese side of the hill.

Interesting suggestions above. Let me add a couple from William Manchester: American Caesar (a great portrait of MacArthur), and "Goodbye Darkness" which is an odyssey of the authors experience as a Marine in the Pacific, WW II. Sad, but I highly recommend to anyone interested in WW II history.

Where to even start...? Well, going back to the beginning, I suppose the first non-fiction book I ever read was "God is my Co-pilot", by Col. Robert Scott's classic about the Flying Tigers. Still a good read. Another one I first read over 50 years ago is Ken Purdy's "Kings of the Road", a Grand Prix and sports car racing history. Chas. Lindbergh's, "Spirit of St. Louis" is another one of my first non-fiction reads and one that is still on my shelf.

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Rick, W0FG
CTR2 68-72

David Halberstam, The Coldest Winter (about the Korean War), The Fifties, and any of his baseball books: Summer Of '49, October, 1964, or The Teammates.

Bryan Burrough, Public Enemies, about the crime wave of 1933-34 and the first fumbling steps of the FBI.

Fred Allen, Much Ado About Me and Treadmill To Oblivion.

Charles Kuralt, A Life On The Road.

Richard Marks, Between Silk And Cyanide, a really fascinating account of code-breaking and encoding in British Intelligence in World War II.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Add: Michael Lee Lanning, Senseless Secrets - The Failures of U. S. Military Intelligence.
Covers the innumerable instances of totally botched military and CIA intelligence operations from the Revolutionary War through Grenada. Especially interesting is a very concise yet detailed discussion of the multitude of intelligence failures of Vietnam and thorough coverage of the abortive attempt to rescue U. S. Embassy personnel from Iran. Fascinating reading, but a little old (1996). Were it written today, it could cover many more intelligence blunders.