Bruce Bliven (1916–2002)

In the American colonies of the 1770s, people were fed up with British laws. Local farmers and tradesmen secretly formed a militia. In 1775, when the British marched into Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, the Americans were ready. From that first battle to the final showdown at Yorktown, the Americans fought against tremendous odds. The British army was bigger and better trained. Food and guns were scarce. But George Washington's ragged army fought for and won the freedom and independence we cherish to this day. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs, the tale of our country's fight for independence is brought to life in fast-moving, dramatic detail.… (more)

Intended for younger readers, this volume gives a concise overview of the June 6, 1944 invasion of France by Allied Forces. Includes photos of some of the action. The author provides information about the training of the troops and the many obstacles that had to overcome in just a couple of years of planning and preparation.

He includes many first hand accounts of individual heroism especially of American troops. The British and Canadian contributions are given one chapter. The author was there on June 6 so he is describing what he experienced.… (more)

First: This book is for the rabid bibliophile only. It's essentially a time-capsule; an article from 1973 converted into a tidy book form in 1975. It offers a glimpse into the back-end of what the book world used to (and to some degree, I suppose, still does look like.)

What I found most interesting was the statements made about how the industry would not change in the future. Apparently, the author never saw the Internet, print on demand publishing, and Amazon.com coming. Then again, who can fault him for that, in 1973?

Sadly, the things bemoaned in the work - specifically the overlooking of excellent books due to time constraints on the part of reviewers, salespersons, etc. - are still prevalent today. How many amazing books are either never published, or are never 'discovered'? Conversely, how many pablum-spewing authors ARE made household names, a the expense of these potential treasures?… (more)