Bruce BlivenReviews
Author of The American Revolution
21+ Works 1,964 Members 9 Reviews
Reviews
Landmark: The American Revolution (#83) by Bruce Bliven Jr.
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PlumfieldCH | 1 other review | May 8, 2024 | 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.
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.
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lamour | 1 other review | Mar 18, 2016 | 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?
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?
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HeathDAlberts | Sep 14, 2014 | A Short but informative book about the British landings in the New York area in September 1776. They held the city until the evacuation in 1782. Bliven went to military school and was an artilleryman in WWII, and his comments are interesting.½
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DinadansFriend | Feb 16, 2014 | I loved the Random House Landmark Books series when I was a kid...this book would have been no exception. Aimed at the grade schooler, it provides a easily understood picture of the assault. Keeping in mind its target audience, it doesn't attempt to explain the larger context of the war or campaign strategies. Instead, it lays out the major events of the assault, gluing them together with colorful stories of individuals that will engage the reader's imagination and keep their attention.
The book treads lightly on the gore, merely noting, for example, that, "Omaha beach had cost a lot. Two thousand men were killed, wounded or missing." I'm sure the Ryan book—aimed at adults—will portray that side of things more fully. I stood in the German positions overlooking Omaha Beach many years ago and still cringe to think what it must have been like to slog through the water and up that unprotected sand.
A well-done book for a child to learn about that day.
The book treads lightly on the gore, merely noting, for example, that, "Omaha beach had cost a lot. Two thousand men were killed, wounded or missing." I'm sure the Ryan book—aimed at adults—will portray that side of things more fully. I stood in the German positions overlooking Omaha Beach many years ago and still cringe to think what it must have been like to slog through the water and up that unprotected sand.
A well-done book for a child to learn about that day.
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TadAD | 1 other review | Feb 6, 2009 | A vivid account of Allied fighting in the European and Mediterranean Theaters of World War II.
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clearfieldelem | Jul 9, 2008 | Excellent book but misnamed. The correct title should have been, "The American War for Independence"
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Chautona | 1 other review | Dec 1, 2007 | Flagged
Sturgeon | Jul 1, 2007 | This site uses cookies to deliver our services, improve performance, for analytics, and (if not signed in) for advertising. By using LibraryThing you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your use of the site and services is subject to these policies and terms.