True war and combat stories Books

Book SynopsisA Times Political Book of the Year 2022A powerful and revelatory eyewitness account of the American collapse in Afghanistan, its desperate endgame, and the war's echoing legacy.Elliot Ackerman left the American military ten years ago, but his time in Afghanistan and Iraq with the Marines and, later, as a CIA paramilitary officer marked him indelibly. When the Taliban began to close in on Kabul in August of 2021 and the Afghan regime began its death spiral, he found himself pulled back into the conflict. The official evacuation process was a bureaucratic failure that led to a humanitarian catastrophe. Ackerman was drawn into an impromptu effort to arrange flights and negotiate with both Taliban and American forces to secure the safe evacuation of hundreds. These were desperate measures taken during a desperate end to America's longest war, but the success they achieved afforded a degree of redemption: and, for Ackerman, a chance to reconcile his past with his present.The Fifth Act is aTrade Review PRAISE FOR THE FIFTH ACT ‘Both an intellectual and a man of action… [Ackerman] tells the story of the ‘clusterf**k’ unfolding as he holidays in Venice with his children. This conjunction of banality and evil is very striking’ The Sunday Telegraph ‘[Ackerman] writes with power and raw honesty about how combat leaves no-one untouched and the survivors guilty… Ackerman takes this story far beyond the wars he fought and focuses on the changes the US has been through in 20 years…The Fifth Act is not just about collapse abroad, but a warning about collapse at home’The Times, Tom Tugendhat, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee ‘During the chaotic US ‘fighting retreat’ from Kabul in August 2022, the writer, a former Marine, desperately tried to extract Afghan interpreters and others who had served with the US military and diplomatic corps…The stories of the evacuation attempts …are extraordinarily affecting’TLS ‘The quality of the writing stands out. . . . part of a distinguished and growing literature by American veterans trying to understand the experience of those who served. . . . The Fifth Act’s contribution to understanding the war lies foremost in passages of reflection and well-chosen quotes . . . They give pause and offer a window into deeper thought’ Washington Post ‘[Ackerman] has a unique ability to center his and his comrades’ lived experience within the larger historical continuum’ Washington Review of Books ‘The Fifth Act is among the best books about war that I've ever read’Michael Morell, former Director, CIA ‘The American betrayal of Afghanistan took twenty years. Elliot Ackerman, a participant and witness, tells the story with unsparing honesty in this intensely personal chronicle’George Packer

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Book SynopsisThere''s no pain, no theatrical agony. No screaming, no shouting. The kill shot is catastrophic and conclusive. I slump silently on to my knees and topple forward, head first, into the dirt. The lads have seen enough death to assume mine is instantaneous. The lights are out. That''s him gone.Toby Gutteridge was only 24 when he was shot through the neck while operating behind enemy lines in Afghanistan. He survived despite not breathing for at least 20 minutes. Back in the UK, doctors recommended that his life support machine be switched off, but with the defiant spirit that would define his recovery, Toby pulled through.Now quadriplegic, capable of movement only with his head, Toby has rebuilt his life. His is an extraordinary story of survival against overwhelming odds, and of the power of the human spirit to overcome extreme adversity. Brutally honest and authentic, he builds a compelling picture of the type of person produced by the Special Forces syTrade ReviewToby's sheer grit and determination is a powerful testament to his character. His story demonstrates the true nature of inner strength and courage. I think he's an inspiration to all of us. * Tom Hardy *The inspiring soldier who never gave up. * This Morning *'Inspirational. An amazing book.' * Jason Fox *Visceral... utterly inspirational. A compelling tale of incredible determination. What makes this account of a journey to hell and back so fascinating is that the devastation of Gutteridge's body somehow triggered the unleashing of his mind. * Daily Mail *Toby's truly humbling journey will realign your benchmark for the words determination, hero and inspiration. * Victoria Pendleton CBE *

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Book SynopsisA profoundly moving celebration of love under the darkest of circumstances From the moment they met in 1940 in Ravensbrück concentration camp, Milena Jesenska and Margarete Buber-Neumann were inseparable. Czech Milena was Kafka's first translator and epistolary lover, and a journalist opposed to fascism. A non-conformist, bi-sexual feminist, she was way ahead of her time. With the German occupation of Czechoslovakia, her home became a central meeting place for Jewish refugees. German Margarete, born to a middle-class family, married the son of the Jewish philosopher Martin Buber. But soon swept up in the fervor of the Bolshevik Revolution, she met her second partner, the Communist Heinz Neumann. Called to Moscow for his 'political deviations,' he fell victim to Stalin's purges while Margarete was exiled to the hell of the Soviet gulag. Two years later, traded by Stalin to Hitler, she ended up outside Berlin in Ravensbrück, the only concentration camp built for women. Milena and Margarete loved each other at the risk of their lives. But in the post-war survivors' accounts, lesbians were stigmatized, and survivors kept silent. This book explores those silences, and finally celebrates two strong women who never gave up and continue to inspire. As Margaret wrote: 'I was thankful for having been sent to Ravensbrück, because it was there I met Milena.'

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Book Synopsis"A must read for all Damien Lewis fans" Compass ---------------------------------------------------------The most explosive true war story of the 21st Century It is the winter of 2001. A terror ship is bound for Britain carrying a horrifying weapon. The British military sends a crack unit of SAS and SBS to assault the vessel before she reaches London. So begins a true story of explosive action as this band of elite warriors pursues the merchants of death from the high seas to the harsh wildlands of Afghanistan. The hunt culminates in the single greatest battle of the Afghan war, the brutal and bloody siege of an ancient mud-walled fortress crammed full of hundreds of Al-Qaeda and Taliban. Fighting against impossible odds and bitter betrayal, our handful of crack fighters battle to rescue their fellow soldiers trapped by a murderous, fanatical enemy. ---------------------------------------------------------"The most dramatic story of a secret wartime mission you will ever read" News of the World "The author has been given unprecedented access" Zoo "Gripping" Eye Spy Trade ReviewThe most dramatic story of a secret wartime mission you will ever read. * News of the World *A gripping account that follows the exploits of British and American special forces involved in a secret, deadly dual in the rugged terrain of Afghanistan. * Eye Spy magazine *A must read. * Compass magazine *

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Book SynopsisThis fascinating millitary history tells the intriguing tale of the bitter and attritional Winter War between the USSR and Finland in the midst of World War II.On 30 November 1939, Soviet bombers unloaded their bombs on Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Stalin's ultimatum, demanding the cession of huge tracts of territory as a buffer zone against Nazi Germany, had been rejected by the Finnish government, and now a small Baltic republic was at war with the giant Soviet military machine.But this forgotten war, fought under brutal, sub-arctic conditions, often with great heroism on both sides, proved one of the most astonishing in military history. Using guerrilla fighters on skis, even reindeer to haul supplies on sleds, heroic single-handed attacks on tanks, and with unfathomable endurance and the charismatic leadership of one of the 20th century's true military geniuses, Finland not only kept at bay but won an epic, if short-lived, victory over the hapless Russian conscripts.Its surreal engagements included the legendary "Sausage Battle", when starving Soviet troops who had over-run a Finnish encampment couldn't resist the cauldrons of hot sausage soup left behind by their opponents - and were ambushed as they stopped to sup.Although by sheer attritional weight of numbers Stalin eventually prevailed over the Finns, their pointed resistance enabled their country to remain free, even as other countries fell one by one.This book gives a telling insight into the military history of Russia, as once again Russian troops march on foreign soil, and a nation at Russia's borders fights to retain its independence.

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Book SynopsisA brilliantly original history of the First World War, re-tracing the footsteps of the Indian Army''s 1.5 million men who in 1914-18 served about the globe from Europe to Africa, Asia and the Indian Ocean. After years of neglect, The Indian Empire at War raises the curtain on the Indian soldiers'' personal experiences fighting for the Allies against the Central Powers, and returning home to play their part in the Indian Independence movement.Trade ReviewThe Indian Empire at War is a pioneering study that looks at 1914-18 from the perspective of South Asia. Beautifully written, Morton-Jack's book provides a vital corrective to accounts of the Great War and its aftermath that only look at the world of Europe, from Europe -- Peter FrankopanEssential to a proper understanding of the war and of our world of today. A much needed book * Michael Morpurgo *Extraordinarily original -- Max HastingsThe Indian Army was of absolutely crucial importance to Britain in the First World War, but that simple fact has too often been neglected. Impeccably researched and very well written, George Morton-Jack's book should go a long way to rectifying this case of historical amnesia -- Gary SheffieldRevelatory . . . fluent and colourful . . . This book describes the war as a worldwide conflict involving a million Indian soldiers [and] shows how crucial they were to Allied success * Telegraph *Morton-Jack skilfully presents the reader with the first comprehensive telling of the Indian story and places it in a global context . . . Morton-Jack's work is magisterial and yet immensely readable. This is the book for anyone interested in an authentic broad-based account of the role played by India and its soldiers in the defining conflict of the twentieth century . . . The book is remarkable in having used, for the first time, thousands of pages of interview transcripts of Indian veterans of the war, recorded in the 1970s * India Today *Readable, important, and fills a gap that should have been dealt with long ago -- Professor Sir Michael Howard, author of The First World WarA splendid book . . . A multi- layered, rigorously researched and empathetically interpreted account of the Indian contribution to the Great War. The author's objective of shining "a more filtered light on the Indian soldiers" is luminously met . . . Morton-Jack, to his credit, does not shy away from recording the cruel face of the colonial ruler * Hindustan Times *A tour de force . . . Morton- Jack writes with an easy flowing grace to expose a veritable chasm of under- explored Great War history: The Indian Empire at War incisively summarises the entirety of India's contribution to the British war effort, excels in its treatment of the Western Front, and challenges many shibboleths. Overall Morton- Jack brings refreshing new perspectives on the Indian Army as a war- winning machine, exposing the cruel nature and sheer brutality of the British colonial regime the Indian soldiers served, and laying bare the endemic racism they shamefully suffered -- Peter HartQuite a story with an excellent cast of characters - the deserter brothers Mir Dast VC and Mir Mast, the tragic figure of General Willcocks, and so many more fill out the vast canvas -- Peter WeirEloquent, scholarly and impressive -- David GilmourMeticulously researched and robustly argued, George Morton- Jack's The Indian Empire at War not only secures the Indian soldiers and non- combatants a firm foothold on the military map of the First World War but reconfigures the very contours of that map in its imperial contexts and extra- European theatres. Erudite and expansive, this deeply impressive military account of the Indian Army is at once a labour of love, an important intervention and an engrossing read -- Santanu DasWonderfully written and authoritative . . . Global in reach and packed full of fascinating stories -- Alexander WatsonA highly original account of the First World War. For a hundred years India, as the British Empire's "jewel in the crown" and principal garrison, has not been accorded a dedicated history of its own military contribution to the global war that broke out in 1914. Now George Morton- Jack's extremely readable narrative provides the first -- Hew StrachanFits the Indian experience superbly into the overall Great War narrative * BBC History *An outstanding book that brings to life the experiences of Indian soldiers in all of the theatres of the First World War... Morton- Jack restores the Indian Army to its rightful place in the history of the Great War -- Eugene RoganAbsorbing and welcome . . . explores a remarkably diverse fighting force of 1.5 million men of all castes and creeds . . . This book is a fitting testament to the sacrifices they made * Observer *An outstanding book that brings to life the experiences of Indian soldiers in all of the theatres of WWI, from German colonies in China and Africa to the Middle East and the Western Front. Thoroughly researched and engagingly written, George Morton-Jack restores the Indian Army to its rightful place in the history of the Great WarAn impressive, humane, and myth-busting book -- Allan Mallinson * Spectator *A lively history of the Indian Army in all its tragedies, difficulties and occasional triumphs . . . reveals the touching humanity of the Indian soldier -- Ian Jack * Guardian *Morton-Jack has given a voice to hundreds of thousands of soldiers who fought overseas for an Empire and would be widely forgotten from the UK to India and Pakistan. Important and moving -- Dan SnowEvery chapter contains a wealth of evocative contemporary reflections from and about men who represented a "uniquely multicultural" army . . . A fascinating socio-cultural history * BBC History Magazine *Morton-Jack puts in painstaking effort into piecing together the lives of these intrepid warriors who lived in a tumultuous, topsy- turvy age . . . This historian's account is thorough and painfully blunt . . . The indictment of British rule in India is readily apparent * New Indian Express *The Indian Army's role in World War I is perhaps the least understood dimension of that global conflict. Although the centenary of the war sparked off some interest in the stories of these soldiers, there has been no sustained examination of their experiences. Army of Empire fills this void in our historical understanding admirably and comprehensively. Widely researched and vividly written, George Morton-Jack's account of the Indian Army's crucial contribution to the Allied victory is unlikely to be surpassed any time soonSuperb . . . utterly compelling -- Jessie Childs * History Today *

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Book SynopsisIn March 1943 a team of expatriate Norwegian commandos sailed from the most northerly part of Britain for Nazi-occupied Norway. Their mission was to organise and support the Norwegian resistance. They were betrayed, and only one man survived the ambush by the Nazis.Crippled by frostbite, snow-blind and hunted by the Nazis, Jan Baalstrud managed to find a tiny arctic village. There - delirious, near death - he found villagers willing to risk their own lives to save him. David Howarth narrates his incredible escape in this gripping tale of courage and the resilience of the human spirit.Trade ReviewExcellent...a deeply moving Arctic saga * * The Times * *We Die Alone fills one with humble admiration for the stubborn courage of a man who refused to die under circumstances that would have killed ninety-nine men out of a hundred. * * New York Times * *A book that I absolutely could not put down...and one that I will never forget. * * Steven E. Ambrose, author of Band of Brothers * *Almost unbelievable. We Die Alone is a spine-chiller. It was well become a legend. -- Boston PostHowarth's narrative is thoroughly involving; you can almost hear the shriek of the Arctic wind, be blinded by the snow and feel the frostbite. As vividly portrayed as his personal courage is the desolating impact of war on a handful of remote Norwegian fishing settlements. -- David Stafford * * Times Literary Supplement * *One of the most extraordinary escape stories you will ever read . . . outstanding -- Andy McNabastonishing and enthralling * * The Scottish Mail on Sunday * *

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Book SynopsisFrom its early beginnings in World War II, the Special Air Service (SAS) has won renown for some of the most dramatic, dangerous, and controversial special operations of the 20th century. It is a secretive and mysterious unit, whose operations and internal structures are hidden from the public eye. Now, one of its longest-serving veterans offers a glimpse inside its shadowy world. Rusty Firmin spent 15 years with ''The Regiment'' and was a key figure in the Iranian Embassy siege in May 1980. He also served with the SAS in the Falklands and in Northern Ireland during the 1980s. Now available in paperback, this is the unforgettable chronicle of Rusty''s combat experiences--a fascinating and intimate portrayal of what it was like to be part of the world''s most respected Special Operations Force.Table of ContentsAcknowledgements /Introduction/1. Childhood/2. Boy Soldier/3. Gunner/4. Commando/5. Selection/6. Continuation/7. New Kid on the Block/8. Learning the Ropes/9. First Blood/10. Back to Ireland/11. Suicide Mission/12. Water Jump/13. Back to Work/14. Later Years/15. Swan Song /Abbreviations and Glossary

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Book SynopsisRepublished to coincide with the new ITV film, My Boy Jack? starring Daniel Radcliffe, this is the full account of the tragic life of John 'Jack" Kipling. On 27th September 1915 John Kipling, the only son of Britain's best loved poet, disappeared during the Battle of Loos. The body lay undiscovered for 77 years. Then, in a most unusual move, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC)re-marked the grave of an unknown Lieutenant of the Irish Guards, as that of John Kipling. There is considerable evidence that John's grave has been wrongly identified and for the first time in this book, the authors name the soldier they believe is buried in 'John's grave'. This is the first biography of John's short life, analysing the devastating effect it had on his famous father's work.

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Book Synopsis'A thrilling account' Daily Mail'Thrilling and inspiring' Daily Mirror'Extraordinary bravery... made this woman one of WWII's most remarkable spies. That she survived the war was almost miraculous' TimeThe year is 1942, and World War II is in full swing.Odette Sansom decides to follow in her war hero father's footsteps by becoming an SOE agent to aid Britain and her beloved homeland, France. Five failed attempts and one plane crash later, she finally lands in occupied France to begin her mission.It is here that she meets her commanding officer Captain Peter Churchill. As they successfully complete mission after mission, Peter and Odette fall in love. All the while, they are being hunted by the cunning German secret police sergeant, Hugo Bleicher, who finally succeeds in capturing them.They are sent to Paris's Fresnes prison, and on to concentration camps in Germany, where they are starved, beaten, and tortured. But in the face of despair, they never give up hope, their love for each other, or the whereabouts of their colleagues.This is a portrait of true courage, patriotism and love amidst unimaginable horrors and degradation.Trade Review"Written in the style of a thriller, this is a thrilling account of the exploits of World War II's most highly decorated spy, Odette Sansom." Daily Mail"A nonfiction thriller." Wall Street Journal"Reading like a thrilling spy novel and the most exciting sort of non-fiction - well researched, well written, and fast-paced enough to keep the pages turning - this will interest fans of the history of espionage, World War II history, military history, women's history, and biography." Library Journal"With evident sympathy, Loftis tells a well-researched, novelistic story of a heroine and patriot… Swift and entertaining, Loftis's work reads less like a biography and more like a thriller."Publishers Weekly"A true-life thriller... Every chapter ends on a cliffhanger... A vivid history of wartime heroism."Kirkus Reviews"Extraordinary bravery... made this woman one of World War II's most remarkable spies. That she survived the war was almost miraculous." TIME"The stuff of classic World War II thrillers." Newsday"A story of sheer bravery and survival that should astound even an avid reader of military history. A splendid read about a splendid woman." Washington Times"How an 'ordinary' mom of three became Britain's most decorated WWII spy."New York Post"Continues the scholarly thriller style of Into the Lion's Mouth." Orlando Sentinel"Loftis gives Sansom the epic story her experience warrants, full of spycraft, complex and important missions, incredible feats of bravery, and love." CrimeReads"Fascinating... A page-turner, especially the final third of the book which provides a riveting account of the mayhem of the final days of WWII... Loftis's meticulous research is evident throughout." The Cipher Brief"Readers will not want to put this book down... A spy thriller instead of a dry biography." MilitaryPress.com"[A] fascinating story of resistance and romance." Daily Beast"Captivating. Odette was one helluva fighter. Loftis is one helluva writer, who tells her story like a novel. I'm calling it now: This will be a movie." South Coast Today"Code Name: Lise is impossible to put down. Suffused with romance, told with a novelist's eye for page - turning thrills and the historian's acumen for facts, Loftis brings to colorful life a hero for our time, Odette Sansom. Like Unbroken and Code Girls, Odette Sansom's story is epic, intensely personal, emotionally rich, and hard to forget." Doug Stanton, #1 New York Times bestselling author of 12 Strong and In Harm's Way"An astonishing story of love, survival, and almost unimaginable courage. Code Name: Lise is non-fiction that reads like a thriller and will keep readers riveted." Tilar Mazzeo, New York Times bestselling author of Irena's Children"Code Name: Lise is a grand adventure, part thriller, part love story, and full of wonderful details about the tradecraft of wartime espionage and the bravery of unsung heroes. A remarkable achievement that does honour to its subject. I hope someone takes it to the big screen as it has everything." Joseph Finder, New York Times bestselling author of The Switch and Judgment"Larry has a knack for finding untold stories that read more like fiction than fact, and he's done it again with Code Name: Lise. Having grown up reading about the Jedburgh teams - the forerunners of US Special Forces - I found the story riveting, not the least because it's true, and Larry's relentless research makes Odette Sansom's heroics leap off the page, putting her in the pantheon of our own Special Forces heroes." Brad Taylor, New York Times bestselling author of Daughter of War"Loftis delivers a tale of courage, daring, valour - and love - for the ages. Code Name: Lise is the closest history comes to a romance novel." Elizabeth Cobbs, New York Times bestselling author of The Hamilton Affair"Larry Loftis brings the past to life with a brilliantly researched and executed tale of one woman's unparalleled heroism in occupied France during World War II. A riveting true story of love, betrayal and sacrifice, as engaging as any thriller, and not to be missed." Mark Greaney, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Mission Critical"Larry Loftis has crafted a true thriller, a highly entertaining account of the most highly decorated spy of WWII. A great read."Alex Kershaw, New York Times bestselling author of The First Wave and Avenue of Spies"Another masterpiece from Larry Loftis, the king of nonfiction thrillers. If you try just one nonfiction book this year, there's no question... it should be this one." The Real Book Spy"Loftis's detail of Sansom's life reads like a spy thriller, but with the research of a nonfiction narrative, covering one of the best stories of clandestine heroism during the Second World War." WeAreTheMighty.com"Loftis keeps the action going at the pace of a novel - escapes, torturous Gestapo interrogations, even a little romance - all based on documents and recorded interviews. The result is a complex, grey - area world, with loyalties shifting and turning on a dime." Beachcomber"This is a well written book, almost a romance novel, almost a horror story, almost a war story, that can leave the reader somewhat breathless. The author has that knack of shifting the emphasis onto another detail just when the narrative gets exciting. This enhances the book greatly... A cracking book from one end to the other." NB Magazine

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Book SynopsisIn the tradition of Agent Zigzag' comes a breathtaking biography of WWII's Scarlet Pimpernel' as fast-paced and emotionally intuitive as the best spy thrillers. This celebrates unsung hero Robert de La Rochefoucauld, an aristocrat turned anti-Nazi saboteur, and his exploits as a British Special Operations Executive-trained resistantWhen the Nazis invaded France during the Second World War and imprisoned his father, Robert de La Rochefoucauld a scion of one of the oldest aristocratic families in France escaped to England and trained in the dark arts of anarchy and combat. Under the guidance of SOE spies, he learned to crack safes, plant bombs and kill enemies with his bare hands.Then, back in France, he organised Resistance cells, killed Nazi officers and interfered with German missions. He survived unbearable torture and escaped Nazi confinement on not one but two occasions, to live well into his eighties. The adventures of de La Rochefoucauld offer rare insight into a unique moment Trade Review‘Kix has produced a narrative that is both chilling and powerful … This is first-class adventure writing, which, coupled with a true-life narrative of danger and intrigue, adds up to all-night reading’ New York Times ‘’The Saboteur’ is completely engrossing and elegantly told, which means any reader of this work will inevitably want more and more’ Washington Post ‘A mesmerizing book that builds up propulsive momentum until its final twists. It was a joy to disappear into this story. Like only the very best historical biographers, Paul Kix has turned years of deep reporting into a tightly coiled narrative that you never want to put down’ Eli Saslow, Pulitzer Prize winner and author of Ten Letters: The Stories Americans Tell Their President ‘Kix had to do first-class detective work using primary sources to create this riveting story. Fans of World War II history will eagerly read this story, which is almost as exciting as a James Bond novel’ Library Journal ‘Set in motion by a steamed-open letter and a burning hatred of Hitler, a dashing young aristocrat embarks on a campaign of clandestine warfare. The Saboteur sounds like a World War II spy thriller, but in fact it is a rip-roaring true story, wonderfully told’ Mitchell Zuckoff, New York Times bestselling author of 13 Hours and Lost in Shangri-La ‘A winner: the stories are fascinating, the pages nearly turn themselves, and La Rochefoucauld is a true hero’ Kirkus Reviews (starred review) ‘Kix’s sharp, well-paced writing is perfect for telling La Rochefoucauld’s story. But this is more than a gripping yarn of daring-do. La Rochefoucauld was a complex character, and Kix’s portrait is nuanced and moving… [posing] the big questions: What is duty? What is courage? What is loyalty?’ BookPage

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Book SynopsisA daring behind-enemy-lines mission from the author of A Time of Gifts and The Broken Road, who was once described by the BBC as 'a cross between Indiana Jones, James Bond and Graham Greene'.Trade ReviewIt takes some chutzpah to kidnap a German general - and serious presence of mind to get away with it. Paddy, the Special Operations Executive commander of a group of 11 Cretan andartes, or guerrilla fighters, together with his second-in-command Captain William Stanley Moss, had excessive stores of both . . . Abducting a General . . . is the work of a mature man, anxious to pay proper tribute to the Cretans who were the backbone of the resistance and ran by far the greatest risks. His SOE reports, which run to 90 pages here, provide gripping cinematic portraits of Leigh Fermor the soldier * The Spectator *Beautifully written . . . Fermor's love of Crete and scholarly knowledge of the Classics exude from the pages * The Times *As a pure adventure story . . . it is hard to beat * Financial Times *Superb . . . Leigh Fermor's many fans will find plenty of the old master's fizz in this resurrected work . . . irresistible * Scotsman *Paddy's vividly idiomatic reports irresistibly take us in to the skulduggery and derring-do . . . a wonderful story * Jan Morris, Literary Review *The late, great Pagrick Leigh Fermor, described as a cross between Indiana Jones, James Bond and Graham Greene, first became famous in 1944 for his daring kidnap of high-ranking German general . . . Afficionados of the tale were spoilt this year * Daily Express *Gripping buccaneering of the old school * Sun *Paddy was the Byron of our time * Standpoint *A riveting first-hand account * Good Book Guide *Abducting a General is filled with the same rich exuberant prose [as his trilogy] and fulfils its objective as portraying the Cretan people as the true heroes of the resistance * TLS *What shines through in Leigh Fermor's account is his connection to and respect and admiration for the spirit of the Cretan people * Daily Mail *A glorious first-hand account of one of the great adventures of the Second World War * Gentleman's Journal *

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Book SynopsisThe explosive true story of a gun for hire.'Hard eyes stare out of massive beards, their faces marked by the scars of battle. With these guys their webbing looks like it belongs to them, rather than it's been hung on a pair of reluctant shoulders. There's not a word been said to us, but the ante has clearly been upped. There's a dark and sinister feeling in the air. It doesn't take a genius to figure it's about to kick off.' Former SAS soldier Big Phil Campion tells it like is in this brutally honest account of his insanely dangerous life as a private military operator. From playing chicken with a suicide bomber in backstreet Kabul, to taking on pirates with his bare hands, this is true-life action-packed drama at its best.

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewMacintyre does true-life espionage better than anyone else -- John Preston * Evening Standard *Think John le Carré at his early best - but fact not fiction * Daily Express *This impeccably researched account of her double life spans continents and is brilliantly compelling * Sunday Mirror *Macintyre's page-turner is a dazzling portrait of a flawed yet driven individual who risked everything (including her children) for the cause * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisThe famous story of mass escape from a WWII German PoW camp that inspired the classic film.Trade ReviewOne of the great true stories of the war, and one of the great escape narratives of all time * SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE *A tense, thrilling, fabulous tale * PHILADELPHIA ENQUIRER *

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Book SynopsisAn account of a Norwegian scientist's escape from German custody during the Second World War after his arrest for spying. 60 years later, his daughter sets out on foot with her sister to retrace their father's flight from Nazi-occupied Norway, meeting some of the people who helped him along the way.Table of ContentsIntroduction by Ellie Somme Sven's Story Chapter 1 This Quiet Countryside Chapter 2 Things Begin To Happen Chapter 3 The Victorious Wehrmacht Chapter 4 The Germans Take Over Chapter 5 We Start Afresh Chapter 6 An Illegal Newspaper Chapter 7 A Friend Pays A Visit Chapter 8 Secret Work Chapter 9 Thin Ice Chapter 10 The Crack Chapter 11 Events Unfold Chapter 12 Under Arrest Chapter 13 The Escape Chapter 14 Across The Mountains Chapter 15 More Mountains Chapter 16 Respite Chapter 17 Onwards To Sweden Epilogue Iacob's Story

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Book SynopsisTHE STORY OF BRITAIN''S LEADING FORENSIC EXPLOSIVES SCIENTIST, WHO FOR NEARLY THREE-DECADES INVESTIGATED SOME OF THE MOST PROMINENT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL BOMB ATTACKS IN HISTORY.Cliff Todd devoted his life to bringing bomb makers to justice. He and his colleagues at the Ministry of Defence''s Forensic Explosives Laboratory are the unsung heroes of terrorist bomb attacks - the men and women in white suits who piece together who planted the bombs, what a device consisted of and how the perpetrators might give themselves away.They played a pivotal role in uncovering the secrets behind some of the world''s most horrifying terrorist outrages. Explosive tells the stories of these high-profile cases and details, for the first time, the contribution Todd and his team made in tracking down bombers during a time when Britain was under attack first by the IRA and then by Islamic extremists inspired by al-Qaeda.Explosive takes thTrade ReviewCliff Todd devoted his life to bringing bomb makers to justice. He and his ingenious colleagues at the MoD's Forensic Explosives Laboratory played a pivotal role in uncovering the secrets behind many of the world's most horrifying terrorist outrages. From Lockerbie, through 7/7, to the Shoe Bomber and beyond, this elite band of unsung heroes did their duty without fanfare, and often at great personal cost. They are the technicians in white coats who stand behind the men in black, but are themselves no strangers to the killing zone. Explosive tells their fascinating and deeply moving story. * Major Chris Hunter, QGM, bestselling author of Eight Lives Down and Extreme Risk *Gripping! A fantastic insight into a world only few understand * Kim Hughes GC, author the Sunday Times bestseller Painting The Sand *An incredible story about the government unit who allowed us (the SAS) to do our job * Mark’ Billy’ Billingham, SAS veteran and Sunday Times bestselling author of The Hard Way. *Command is a stunning achievement. This is a book that sucks you in from the first page. Deeply incisive, each paragraph brings a new revelation. Al Murray's writing is as original and his conclusions as controversial as the generals he depicts. At the end of each chapter, you are left exhaling with a sense of "I didn't expect that." -- Peter Caddick-Adams

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Book SynopsisDaring escapes, ingenious plans and heroic feats are revealed in Major Pat Reid’s classic Second World War history of Colditz, the infamous prisoner-of-war camp. The great fortress was supposed to be escape-proof and Reid was one of only a few men who successfully broke out. Now, in Colditz: The Full Story, he draws on extensive research to evoke life in the German camp. He recounts how prisoners from the British Commonwealth, America, Belgium, France, Holland, Czechoslovakia, Germany and Poland were incarcerated in suffocating intimacy – and yet, amongst them, loyalty and generosity thrived. As did plots to escape, most of which were unsuccessful. From his own experience as one of the first captives to be imprisoned in the camp, he reveals the code systems between the War Office and Colditz; shows how he obtained information on Germany’s secret weapons; and investigates the existence of traitors and the situation of non-collaborators. This is a vivid and fascinating account that pays tribute to the bravery of the men living under enemy control who refused to give up the fight. ‘Highly recommended reading’ New York TimesTrade Review[T]his book is highly recommended reading * The New York Times *

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Book SynopsisA ground-breaking new study brings us a very different picture of the Second World War, asking fundamental questions about ethical commitmentsAccounts of the Second World War usually involve tales of bravery in battle, or stoicism on the home front, as the British public stood together against Fascism. However, the war looks very different when seen through the eyes of the 60,000 conscientious objectors who refused to take up arms and whose stories, unlike those of the First World War, have been almost entirely forgotten.Tobias Kelly invites us to spend the war five of these individuals: Roy Ridgway, a factory clerk from Liverpool; Tom Burns, a teacher from east London; Stella St John, who trained as a vet and ended up in jail; Ronald Duncan, who set up a collective farm; and Fred Urquhart, a working-class Scottish socialist and writer. We meet many more objectors along the way -- people both determined and torn -- and travel from Finland to Syria, India to rural England, Edinburgh to Trinidad.Although conscientious objectors were often criticised and scorned, figures such as Winston Churchill and the Archbishop of Canterbury supported their right to object, at least in principle, suggesting that liberty of conscience was one of the freedoms the nation was fighting for. And their rich cultural and moral legacy -- of humanitarianism and human rights, from Amnesty International and Oxfam to the US civil rights movement -- can still be felt all around us. The personal and political struggles carefully and vividly collected in this book tell us a great deal about personal and collective freedom, conviction and faith, war and peace, and pose questions just as relevant today: Does conscience make us free? Where does it take us? And what are the costs of going there?'[An] excellent book' - DAILY TELEGRAPH'A moving tribute' - SPECTATORTrade Review[An] excellent book... [Kelly] sheds light on a little considered aspect of the war -- Patrick Bishop * Daily Telegraph *A moving tribute to moral courage, and a scholarly memorial of more innocent times * Allan Mallinson, Spectator *[Battles of Conscience] takes five pacifists...and skilfully weaves their stories into a broader narrative about how claims of conscience ruled the lives of the 60,000 British citizens who stood apart as conscientious objectors through [WWII] * Times Literary Supplement *[An] intriguing, original book... Kelly makes a fair case for...[the] importance in thinking through the collective and individual duties of citizens in a national public emergency * Literary Review *An intriguing, original book . . . Kelly is sympathetic towards but clear-eyed about his cast of characters . . . [and] their importance in thinking through the collective and individual duties of citizens in a national public emergency . . . questions which are hardly irrelevant in an age of pandemics, lockdowns and vaccine mandates -- Alan Allport * Literary Review *

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Book SynopsisThis is a true and inspiring story of triumph over incredible adversity.A Royal Marine having been wounded during the Japanese invasion of Burma in WW2, makes a long and solitary march through the length of country to escape the advancing enemy. He then has to find his way across India and back to Britain to report for duty in Plymouth.

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Book SynopsisFrom the podcast legends who brought you The Rest is History comes The Rest is History Returns!This time Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook bring you an alphabetical miscellany, taking on some of history's best and most bizarre moments. Charge forth against the traitors of the American Revolution, journey through Baghdad to discover the origins of the Arabian Nights and head to Sicily to witness the first face-off between Carthage and Rome. Along the way you''ll find the answers to questions like: - Who was Jesus's wife? - What would it have been like to live-tweet through the eruption of Vesuvius? - Why did the Romans inspire so much American science fiction? - Which Mitford sister tried to seduce her girlish crush, Adolf Hitler? - Who are history''s top 10 monkeys? - Was Henry V's great-grandfather, Edward III, the biggest lad' in British history? But that's not all this

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Book SynopsisThe second part of the bestselling novelist's autobiography about his time in the Gurkhas during the second world war

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Book SynopsisBut all this time he struggled not to be overwhelmed by another story, his acute âcomplex post-traumatic stress disorderâ, a condition arising from exposure to multiple instances of trauma experienced over a long period.Trade Review‘A brutally honest exploration of what motivates Keane to keep reporting on atrocities despite the toll on his mental health… Gentle but unflinching’ Guardian, Book of the Day

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Book SynopsisThe book the MoD doesn''t want you to read'' Daily MailSoon after British and American forces invaded Iraq they faced an insurgency that was almost impossible to understand, let alone reverse.Facing defeat, the Coalition waged a hidden war within a war. Major-General Stan McChrystal devised a campaign fusing special forces, aircraft, and the latest surveillance technology with the aim of taking down the enemy faster than it could regenerate. Guided by intelligence, a small British special forces team met the car bombers'' fire with fire and accounted for thousands of insurgents.Trade ReviewA ground-breaking, often chilling account . . . remarkable * Sunday Times *The book the MoD doesn't want you to read * Daily Mail *With unparalleled access to sources inside the SAS itself, Urban paints a picture of how our finest fighting men could be truly effective . . . An essential record of a remarkable military period * The Times *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review‘[An] inspiring story.’ * Times Higher Education *'Powerful and compelling... Among the indispensable literature of modern political culture.' * Hans-Wolf von Wietersheim, Das Parlament *'Sophie Scholl and the White Rose is among the most compelling books to focus on such exemplary role models. This 75th Anniversary edition deserves to be read and read again.' * Rabbi Meyer H. May, Simon Wiesenthal Center *'This is a wonderful book. The story of the White Rose is so important.' * Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor and Nobel Laureate *'As this compelling account makes clear, the White Rose students still have the power to inspire people from all walks of life to speak out against injustice.' * Norman Lear, American TV producer *'Impressive, highly readable and beautifully researched... This book drives home the high cost of courage in world gone mad.' * Susan Rubinowitz, Political Reporter, New York *'A dramatic story of courage during the darkest period of the 20th Century... And it's a story with new chapters unfolding. This book is a fundamental resource and a memorable read.' * Toby Axelrod, author and reporter *'Regrettably, it's time to remember the rise of Nazism and what brave people did to stand up to it, only to find out they stood up too late. It's all there in Sophie Scholl and the White Rose.' * Alan Alda, Actor and Author *'Illuminating, intellectually stimulating, deeply moving - not only concerning the brave actions of the White Rose resistors, but each listener's own consciousness.' * Prof. David Redles, Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland; Author of Hitler’s Millennial Reich *'You are making a huge intellectual impact with this book.' * Prof. John Boyer, Dean, University of Chicago *'The 75th anniversary edition of this invaluable book and the dynamic lecture program by Dr. Jud Newborn that goes with it vibrantly bring to life the riveting story of The White Rose students…. I consider it Indispensable for college course assignments. It has the power to positively transform hearts, minds and lives.' * Bonnie Abrams, Director of Chai - Center for Holocaust Awareness and Information *'Your book and lectures on the White Rose awakened and inspired me as I have not been in years. I want the whole world to hear this message.' * Dary Derchin, Film Chair of the National Arts Club, Manhattan *'The White Rose demonstrated courage and moral insight badly needed today.' * Dr. Sally Drucker, Nassau Community College, New York *'Scholl is to young Germans what Anne Frank is to young Jews.' * Dr. Ralf Horlemann, Germany's Consul-General to New England *'I've been so inspired reading [this] splendid book... The 75th Anniversary edition obviously calls out for a Hollywood feature film, and will remind new generations how important it is to speak out against hatred and injustice, wherever they may find it.' * Joel rey, Academy Award Winner, Cabaret *'Sophie Scholl and the White Rose... remains relevant in our own time. Whatever medium is used to tell this story - perhaps with this book and Jud Newborn’s new discoveries as the basis for a major motion picture - it needs to be told again and again.' * Prof. Annette Insdorf, author of Indelible Shadows: Film and the Holocaust *'Jud Newborn and Annette Dumbach's powerful, co-authored book is even more compelling today. It will remain relevant as long as we need inspiring examples of those who risk themselves in the fight against oppression and bigotry. The White Rose students epitomize the need to be "Upstanders", not "Bystanders."' * Dr. William Shulman, President of the International Association of Holocaust Organizations *'Like my father, the shining example of the White Rose reminds us of the ever-present need for those who dare to speak out against injustice. Had it been available while he was still living, I’m certain my father would have been eager to take a role in a Hollywood film version based on this book.' * Julie Garfield, daughter of legendary actor John Garfield *'This book tells such an amazing true story, and with such visual power, that now more than ever, it must become the basis for a major Hollywood motion picture about these incredibly courageous heroes.' * Richard Belzer, Author and Actor (Law and Order) *'When I read [this] powerful book… I felt grateful to these young anti-Nazis who rejected Hitler’s racism and embraced all of humanity, regardless of background, religion or sexual orientation. We need to be reminded and inspired by this today more than ever, so I welcome wholeheartedly this new 75th Anniversary edition, and the Hollywood motion picture I hope it will generate.' * Piper Laurie, Three Time Academy Award Nominated Actress and Golden Globe Winner *'I found this book so suspenseful that I couldn’t put it down... All the more reason this book should be read and its story brought to the awareness of the widest public.' * Steve Guttenberg, Actor, Producer and Author *'A subject of the utmost importance.' * Dr. Ruth Westheimer *'I started your gripping book about the White Rose yesterday and can't put it down.' * Keir Dullea, Actor *'The lessons to be learned from this book and Dr. Newborn’s lectures are invaluable, especially in light of current world events and the need for new heroes to step forward.' * Hedy Berman, Colorado State University *'Riveting and incredibly moving. Absolutely and most highly recommended!' * Dr. Wendy Adele-Marie Sarti, Prof. of History and Jewish Studies, Oakton Community College *'Winning the return of Gustav Klimt's 'Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer' to its rightful Jewish owner was one of the most profound events in my life. Another was the unforgettable experience of attending a performance in Vienna of a chamber opera about the White Rose... Their message is never to remain silent, but to stand defiant, even to overwhelming power.' * E. Randol Schoenberg, Attorney; President, Board of Directors, Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust *'Masterful… This revised edition contains a ton of new information, a reworked introduction, a foreword by Studs Terkel, additional photos, and much more, expanding this remarkable tale. Essential.' * Library Journal (Starred Review) *'Newborn and Dumbach weave the personal story of each resistance member into a thrilling narrative rich in historical details. The White Rose members prove that one can resist even when the opportunities to do so are extremely limited.' * Haaretz Literary Supplement, Israel *'Powerful, inspiring. Shows how threats to human rights, spirit and dignity demand a response.' * Caryn Eve Murray, Newsday *'The White Rose was the only German resistance group to protest 'The Final Solution to the Jewish Problem.' Sophie Scholl, Hans Scholl and their colleagues demonstrated courage and conviction, morality and decency in a world bereft of such qualities. They also gave lie to the myth that 'we did not know' or 'nothing could be done' or 'protest was futile.’ Their deeds were exemplary then, and have only grown in significance. Sadly they seem more urgent, more compelling at this moment in time, three quarters of a century later.' * Prof. Michael Berenbaum, American Jewish University; Original Project Director, The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum *'We welcome the 75th Anniversary edition of Sophie Scholl and the White Rose. During the Nazi era itself, these student risked their lives to awaken their own slumbering countrymen to the truth - calling the mass murder of Jews, for the first time and even before the Nuremberg Trials, 'a crime unparalleled in history, a crime against the dignity of man.’ The words of these German students resound ever more strongly, helping us to fight anti-Semitism and other hatreds today and, if need be, tomorrow. When people ask what could have been done? How could Hitler have been opposed? Given them Sophie Scholl and the White Rose. That will answer their question.' * Prof. Deborah E. Lipstadt, Author of Denial: Holocaust History on Trial *'The White Rose stands for freedom of thought, moral courage, tolerance and the political responsibility of every individual. Remembering the resistance group also means standing up against racism, antisemitism and authoritarian regimes. Sophie Scholl and the White Rose is an important contribution to this. The White Rose Foundation would like to thank you for your outstanding work!' * Dr. Hildegard Kronawitter, First Chairman of the White Rose Foundation, Munich *'The valiant students of the White Rose anti-Nazi resistance risked all odds to ‘speak truth to power' while so many others who might have protested chose to remain silent about the destruction of their own civil rights as well as the annihilation of Europe’s Jews. As this compelling account makes clear, the White Rose students still have the power to inspire people from all walks of life to speak out against injustice, reminding us in these troubled times that this is the American Way.' * Norman Lear, television producer and founder of advocacy organisation 'People for the American Way' *'Unusually powerful and compelling... Among indispensable literature of modern political culture.' * Das Parlament (Official Publication, German Bundestag) *'This book, chapter by chapter, builds an incontestable argument for the power and possibilities of action over passive acceptance and apathy.' * UK Jewish Chronicle *'The animated narrative reads like a suspense novel.' * The New York Times * 'This is a story that commands our attention.' * Newsweek International *

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book Synopsis**A TIMES, GUARDIAN, TELEGRAPH, SPECTATOR, THE CRITIC, MAIL ON SUNDAY, ECONOMIST AND PROSPECT BOOK OF THE YEAR**'A gifted narrative historian, eloquent, graceful and witty; the stories she tells are the ones we all should know' Hilary MantelIt was a time of climate change and colonialism, puritans and populism, witch hunts and war . . .This is the story of a home that became a warzone. Basing House in Hampshire saw one of the longest and bloodiest sieges of the English Civil War. Defended for over two years by artists and aristocrats, actors and apothecaries, women and children, it became a symbol of royalist defiance and a microcosm of the wider conflict.Drawing on unpublished manuscripts and the voices of dozens of soldiers and civilians, award-winning historian Jessie Childs weaves a thrilling tale of war and peace, terror and faith, savagery and civilization.__________'Extraordinary, thrilling, immersive ... at times almost Tolstoyan in its emotional intelligence and literary power' Simon Schama'Compellingly readable... [a] beautifully written and lucid account' Mail on Sunday'Brilliant. Original. Gripping.' Antonia Fraser'Beautifully written and gripping from first page to last. A sparkling book by one of the UK's finest historians' Peter Frankopan'The Siege of Loyalty House is not only deeply researched. Childs has composed a wonderfully poetic narrative and adds a touch of the gothic' The Times'Successfully brings the ghastliness of the period to life, dramatically, vividly and with pathos' Charles Spencer, SpectatorTrade ReviewAtmospheric, unflinching and...exquisitely witty * Guardian, *Books of the Year* *This is war as it should be, passionate, brutal, bloody and chaotic, all described in luscious, evocative prose * The Times, *Books of the Year* *Jessie Childs is one of the finest historians working today; her illuminating, deeply researched, and beautifully written books are never anything short of superlative, and here she does it again. This is a vivid, thrilling story, rendered in delicious prose and brilliant with gems dug from the archives -- Suzannah LipscombA gripping account of the agony at Basing... Characters step off the page... The prose sparkles... Childs's book conveys the raw emotion of events, especially the trauma of the siege itself... In her aim 'to recover the shock of that experience and to look upon the face of the war' Childs could be describing the trenches of Ypres or Bakhmut or the sieges of Leningrad or Mariupol -- Malcolm Gaskill * London Review of Books *Compelling... Childs reveals brilliantly the world of the Civil War in the grain of sand that is Basing House. She captures the horror, the courage, the sheer humanity of those, both besiegers and besieged, who endured the long, desperate lulls punctuated by intense episodes of visceral violence * Daily Telegraph *The Siege of Loyalty House... enriches the packed civil war bookshelf with this elegantly written, close-focus history of a place whose ordeals epitomised the pain of a struggle that tore homes, clans, trades, and souls apart * Financial Times *A spectacular work of scholarship, this is epic, vital history, sweeping from the great trends and ideas of the time to the individual details of vividly lived lives. This brilliant book takes you into the heart of the Civil War, the brutal struggle for the sympathies of a country, the men who fought, women who tried to survive; this is blood, desire and struggle on the page, taking you deep into the seventeenth century world; you can feel its beating heart -- Kate WilliamsCompellingly readable... [a] beautifully written and lucid account * Mail on Sunday *A thrilling account of Basing House, a royalist stronghold during the English Civil War nicknamed 'Loyalty' and the sieges it withstood until its fall to Oliver Cromwell in 1645 * New York Times *Riveting... The breaking of such lives and communities makes poignant reading... [Childs's] focus is local and English, but the story is human and timeless * Economist *

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times bestsellerOne of the most dramatic forgotten chapters of the war, as told in a new book by the incomparable Max Hastings' DAILY MAILIn August 1942, beleaguered Malta was within weeks of surrender to the Axis, because its 300,000 people could no longer be fed. Churchill made a personal decision that at all costs, the island fortress' must be saved. This was not merely a matter of strategy, but of national prestige, when Britain's fortunes and morale had fallen to their lowest ebb.The largest fleet the Royal Navy committed to any operation of the western war was assembled to escort fourteen fast merchantmen across a thousand of miles of sea defended by six hundred German and Italian aircraft, together with packs of U-boats and torpedo craft. The Mediterranean battles that ensued between 11 and 15 August were the most brutal of Britain's war at sea, embracing four aircraft-carriers, two battleships, seven cruisers, scores of destroyers and smaller craft. The losses were aTrade Review The #1 Times bestseller and #3 Sunday Times bestseller (May 2021) ‘Over this past year of pandemic, we’ve lost so much. People have died, great institutions have gone under, life itself seems permanently altered. Yet one certainty remains: Max Hastings still churns out military histories, and they continue to be outstanding. This book like all the others … is a cracker. With his usual combination of sensitivity to human suffering and superb dramatic instinct, Hastings has given us a gripping tale …The immediacy of this book obliterates the cold detachment that time’s passage usually allows … We feel in our bones torpedoes hitting home … the four-day ordeal British sailors endured … is a drama superbly told …The delight lies in the detail, the percussive power of tiny facts …is what makes Hastings such a superb storyteller’The Times ‘Superb … as ever Hastings gives excellent pen portraits of the personalities involved … Hastings has written many wonderful books … but few combine so well his unique gifts as a historian: an understanding of human nature, a nose for a telling quotation, and the ability to write gripping prose’Sunday Telegraph ‘The white-knuckle ride of Hastings’s gripping narrative … is a high-octane adventure served up with torpedoes, Stuka dive bombers and catastrophic U-boat attacks … heart-stirring …memorable … and highly readable’Sunday Times ‘One of the most dramatic forgotten chapters of the war, as told in a new book by the incomparable Max Hastings’Daily Mail ‘Veteran military historian Hastings’ first full-length narrative of war at sea measures up to his usual high standards … Vividly chronicling the sinking of the aircraft carrier Eagle, Hastings initiates 250 pages of gripping fireworks and insights … Another enthralling Hastings must-read’Kirkus, starred review

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Book SynopsisThe first major history of the American glider pilots, the forgotten heroes of World War II, by a New York Times bestselling author. A story of no guns, no engines and no second chances.This book distills war down to individual young men climbing into defenseless gliders made of plywood, ready to trust the towing aircraft that would pull them into enemy territory by a cable wrapped with telephone wire. Based on their after-action reports, journals, oral histories, and letters home, this book reveals every terrifying minute of their missions. They were all volunteers, for a specialized duty that their own government projected would have a 50 percent casualty rate. None faltered. In every major European invasion of the war they led the way. They landed their gliders ahead of the troops who stormed Omaha Beach, and sometimes miles ahead of the paratroopers bound for the far side of the Rhine River in Germany itself. From there, they had to hold their posi

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Book SynopsisAn inspiring account of one of the great turning points in history

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Book SynopsisREAD FORMER BRITISH ARMY SOLDIER SHAUN PINNER'S EXTRADORDINARY FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT OF THE WAR IN UKRAINEFor fans of Bravo Two Zero, Touching the Void, and No Way OutA hell of a story' Sgt Dan Mills, Sniper OneA remarkable book' Andrew Marr----Live. Fight. Survive,' she said. So, he did . . . There are just two places Shaun Pinner has felt most at home: first, during his nine years in the British Army and, second, in Ukraine, where he settled after marrying. It was only natural then, that when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, he was on the front line leading a section of marines. Outnumbered and outgunned, Pinner's troops staged a fighting retreat to Mariupol for that remarkable, defiant last stand against Putin's war machine. But this was just the beginning of Shaun's ordeal. When his troops were ambushed, Shaun was captured and his war shifted from the battlefield to the interrogation room, when the real fight for survival began . . . ---A remarkable story from the frontline. Ext

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Book Synopsis***NOW A MAJOR FILM, STARRING JONATHAN MAJORS AND GLEN POWELL***'This is aerial drama at its best. Fast, powerful, and moving.' Erik LarsonDevotion tells the gripping story of the US Navy's most famous aviator duo - Tom Hudner, a white New Englander, and Jesse Brown, a black sharecropper's son from Mississippi. Against all odds, Jesse beat back racism to become the Navy's first black aviator. Against all expectations, Tom passed up Harvard to fly fighter planes for his country. While much of America remained divided by segregation, the two became wingmen in Fighter Squadron 32 and went on to fight side-by-side in the Korean War. Adam Makos follows Tom and Jesse's dramatic journey to the war's climatic battle at the Chosin Reservoir, where they fought to save an entire division of trapped Marines. It was here that one of them was faced with an unthinkable choice - and discovered how far they would go to save a friend.Trade ReviewA must read. * New York Post *Riveting. * USA Today *A delight to read. * Washington Times *An inspiring tale. * Los Angeles Times *Reads like a dream. * Associated Press *This is aerial drama at its best. Fast, powerful, and moving. * Erik Larson, New York Times bestselling author of Dead Wake *At last, the Korean War has its epic, a story that will stay with you long after you close this book. * Eric Blehm, New York Times bestselling author of Fearless and Legend *Lovingly rendered and meticulously researched, here is a tale of true friendship from across the racial divide. Though it concerns a famously cold battle in the Cold War, make no mistake: Devotion will warm your heart. * Hampton Sides, author of Ghost Soldiers and In the Kingdom of Ice *In this beautifully written book, Adam Makos reveals a long-lost story of heroism set in the frozen realm of North Korea. You won't be able to put this down. * Joseph L. Galloway, co-author of the no. 1 bestseller We Were Soldiers, Once and Young *My great respect for Tom Hudner knows no bounds. He is a true hero; and in reading this book, you will understand why I feel that way. * President George H.W. Bush *Adam Makos immerses you in a story so crisp that you'll forget you're reading a book. Prepare to be swept away. * Michael Tougias, co-author of The Finest Hours *Once again, Adam Makos demonstrates himself as a rising star in historical nonfiction. Getting the stories are only half the battle. Telling the story is where he thrives. * Colin Heaton, co-author of The Star of Africa *Table of Contents1: Ghosts and Shadows 2: The Lesson of a Lifetime 3: Swimming with Snakes 4: The Words 5: The Renaissance Man 6: This Is Flying 7: So Far, So Fast 8: The Ring 9: The Pond 10: One for the Vultures 11: A Time for Faith 12: A Deadly Business 13: A Knock in the Night 14: The Dancing Fleet 15: The Reunion 16: Only in France 17: The Friendly Invasion 18: At First Sight 19: On Waves to War 20: The Longest Step 21: The Last Night in America 22: The Beast in the Gorge 23: Into the Fog 24: This Is It 25: Trust 26: He Might Be a Flyer 27: Home 28: The First Battle of World War III 29: The Sky Will Be Black 30: A Chill in the Night 31: A Taste of the Dirt 32: When the Deer Come Running 33: Backs to the Wall 34: A Smoke in the Cold 35: The Lost Legion 36: Burning the Woods 37: Into Hell Together 38: All the Faith in the World 39: Finality 40: With Deep Regret 41: To the Finish 42: The Gift 43: The Call from the Capital 44: The Message

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Book SynopsisOn Wings of Eagles is the thrilling novel based on the incredible real-life rescue of two Americans by a Green Beret colonel and a group of corporate executives from revolutionary Iran, from number one bestseller Ken Follett.A Terrifying PrisonAs Iran descends into revolution, two Americans get caught up in the upheaval. They are captured and held in a heavily guarded fortress. Their situation is desperate, with the US government refusing to get them out. But all hope is not lost . . .A Daring RescueThis is the fictionalised real-life story of a Green Beret colonel, who came out of retirement to lead a secret raid; the computer executives, shaped into a crack commando team; and the Texas industrialist, Ross Perot, who would not abandon two Americans in an Iranian jail.A Dangerous EscapeBreaking the prisoners out is only the beginning of the mission. In order to get to the safety of the Turkish border, they must m

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Book Synopsis''Essential reading, not just for those interested in the Eastern Front, but for anyone who wants to understand Russia.'' Antony Beevor, Sunday Times They died in their millions, shattered by German shells and tanks, freezing behind the wire of prison camps, driven forward in suicidal charges by the secret police. Yet in all the books about the Second World War on the eastern front, there is very little about how the Russian soldier lived, dreamed and died. Catherine Merridale''s discovery of archives of letters, diaries and police reports have allowed her to write a major history of a figure too often treated as part of a vast mechanical horde. Here are moving and terrible stories of men and women in appalling conditions, many not far from death. They allow us to understand the strange mixture of courage, patriotism, anger and fear that made it possible for these badly fed, dreadfully governed soldiers to defeat the Nazi army that would otherwise have ensTrade Review"'Essential reading, not just for those interested in the Eastern Front, but for anyone who wants to understand Russia.' Antony Beevor, Sunday Times 'Outstanding.' Simon Sebag Montefiore 'A harrowing but unforgettable report on the chaos and tragedy that brought this Europe to birth... Magnificent.' Boyd Tonkin, Independent"

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Book SynopsisJonathan Trigg reveals the human agony behind such statistics through the words of the Germans who were there: âYouâll regret this insulting, provocative and thoroughly predatory attack on the Soviet Union! Youâll pay dearly for it!â (Dekanazov, Soviet Ambassador in Berlin). The Germans did. But the butcherâs bill was huge for both sides.Trade Review‘With his soldier’s instincts Trigg has brought the grit, grime and guts of the German experience to life to show just what total war means’ -- Patrick Mercer OBE

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Book SynopsisThe explosive book from ex-MI5 surveillance officer Tom Marcus takes you on a non-stop, adrenalin-fuelled ride as he hunts down those who would do our country harm.'The brutal truth about the war against terror. Fast-paced and gripping.' - Ant Middleton, author of First Man In Tom spent years working covertly to stop those who want to do us harm. In his bestselling memoir Soldier Spy, he told how he was recruited and described some of his top-secret operations. In I Spy, he takes us deeper undercover as he puts his life on the line once more.I Spy plunges straight into the action as Tom and his team race to prevent terrorists from causing carnage on our streets and outsmart Russian agents, blocking a daring plot that threatens the security of the nation. Relying on their quick wits, training and courage, the extraordinary men and women of MI5 are under intense pressure every day.Not everyone is suited for the work, and Tom shows how the incredibly tough challenges he faced growing up gave him the mental strength and skills to survive in a dangerous world.Gritty and eye-opening, this is a unique insight into a hidden war and the sacrifices made by those who fight it. You will never take your safety for granted again.'One of the most successful MI5 undercover surveillance officers of his time.' - SunTrade ReviewOne of the most successful MI5 undercover surveillance officers of his time. * Sun *The brutal truth about the war against terror. Fast-paced and gripping. -- Ant MiddletonA massive operational insight into the war fought on our streets. -- Jason FoxSecret wars fought by heroes who seek no reward. A brilliant read written by a true legend. -- Ollie Ollerton

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“A sweeping overview of four men whose careers largely defined the American experience in the 20th century. . . . O’Connell narrates with a lively style, with plenty of lighter moments balancing the rigors of the subjects’ military careers. . . . the book is serious and worthy of the subjects.” — Kirkus Reviews "A de­li­cious blend of in­sight, wit and his­tory, “Team Amer­ica” is a punch-packed in­tro­duc­tion to four great mil­i­tary minds and the zeit­geist that pro­duced them." — Wall Street Journal "Call it destiny or luck, America was fortunate to have extraordinary military leaders and “soldier-statesmen” during World War II and the Cold War that followed. They were not perfect human beings, by any means, but they possessed a genius for war and, most of the time, for keeping the peace. Robert O'Connell has written a rollicking, insightful story of some particularly American heroes." — Evan Thomas, author of Ike’s Bluff “O’Connell delivers an entertaining group biography. . . . he incisively analyzes these commanders’ strengths and weaknesses and their essential roles in transforming the U.S. Army. Military history buffs will be enthralled.” — Publishers Weekly “Insightful and informative. . . . ‘Team America’ combines compelling biographies of our heroes as they reach the heights of military, then civilian, leadership during five pivotal decades. O’Connell also explains why industrial warfare grew into a juggernaut, and how they managed to control it to achieve an uncertain peace that still holds.” — Associated Press "Team America profiles the lives of four extraordinary military leaders on and off the battlefield. Author Robert L. O’Connell has constructed a wonderful quadrilateral perspective of Patton, Eisenhower, MacArthur, and Marshall along with their long-lasting impact in the world of combat and leadership. All four men walked divergent paths off the field but shared common ground in their loyalty to the country. Brilliant work." — Seattle Book Review “[O’Connell] writes clearly and concisely. . . . He has a feel for the important detail and for how the personal, political, and strategic work together. . . . [He] has provided a service in laying out in full these men’s great contributions.” — American Spectator “Melding rock-solid research with lively analysis of their larger-than-life personas, O’Connell makes a convincing case for why the foursome —whom he dubs “Team America” — is, and continues to be, history’s most influential cabal of military leaders.” — HistoryNet “An outstanding group biography… Well written and well organized. O’Connell’s study of these four American military giants should take its place among the best works on the role of the U.S. Army in World War II.” — New Criterion

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Book SynopsisIn 1990, in a drafty basement archive in Prague, two American historians made a startling discovery: a detailed Nazi roster from 1945 that no Western investigator had ever seen. The dusty document, containing more than 700 names, helped unravel the details behind one of the most skilful mass murder operations in World War Two. In the tiny Polish village of Trawniki, the SS built a training camp for murder and then recruited a roving army of foot soldiers, 5,000 men strong, to annihilate the Jewish population of occupied Poland. After the war, some of these men vanished, making their way to the U.S. and blending into immigrant communities in cities and suburbs across America. The Trawniki Men were behind the most lethal operation of the Holocaust but for years in the West, their loyal service to the SS had largely gone undetected. In a story spanning 75 years, Citizen 865 is the exclusive, definitive account of the unheralded lawyers and historians at the U.S.

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Book SynopsisNew in paperback - The story of the worldâs largest ever invasion through the voices of the men â and women â who witnessed it first-hand.Trade Review‘Must be read by anyone who wants to understand Hitler’s most disastrous campaign' -- Colonel Richard Kemp, former infantry commander

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Book SynopsisPERFECT for fans of Roald Dahl.Think you know Dahl? Think again. There''s still a whole world of Dahl to discover in a newly collected book of his deliciously dark tales for adults . . . In war, are we at our heroic best or our cowardly worst? Featuring the autobiographical stories from Roald Dahl''s time as a fighter pilot in the Second World War as well as seven other tales of conflict and strife, Dahl reveals the human side of our most inhumane activity.Among other stories, you''ll read about the pilot shot down in the Libyan desert, the fighter plane that vanishes inside a mysterious thick white cloud and the soldier who returns from war but has been shockingly changed by his experiences.Featuring extraordinary cover art by Charming Baker, whose paintings echo the dark and twisted world of Dahl''s short stories. Roald Dahl reveals even more about the darker side of human nature in seven other centenary editions: Lust, MTrade ReviewThere's a whole world of Dahl still to discover in a newly collected book of his deliciously dark tales for adults . . . In war, are we at our heroic best or our cowardly worst? Featuring the autobiographical stories from Roald Dahl's time as a fighter pilot in the Second World War as well as seven other tales of conflict and strife, Dahl reveals the human side of our most inhumane activity. * From the publisher's description *Roald Dahl is one of the few writers I know whose work can accurately be described as addictive * Irish Times *The absolute master of the twist in the tale * Observer *

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Book SynopsisThe incredible true story of the greatest illusionist of modern times and the man who altered the course of the second world war. Soon to be a major film starring Benedict CumberbatchTrade ReviewRight from his memorable opening line [Fisher] shows a sure touch ... a richly entertaining read * SUNDAY TIMES *Gripping ... A literally marvellous war tale, well told * ForeignAffairs.com *A remarkable tale, delightfully told * SOLDIER magazine *This is one of those books that once you start, you can't give up ... a fascinating read * REGIMENT *

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Book SynopsisA collection of vivid and powerful testimonies from the conflict in Ukraine, collated and illustrated by award-winning artist George Butler.While reporting on the war in Ukraine, George Butler has created striking and intimate illustrations to introduce us to the people behind the headlines. His drawings, made in a variety of places, from missile-scarred streets to nursing homes, vividly capture stories of family, tragedy and perseverance. These powerful portraits of war and conflict are a timely reminder of the humanity we all share and our universal need for peace. A stunning, illuminating and sensitive look at stories that deserve to be told.

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Book SynopsisThe gripping life story of the great war correspondent Marie Colvin told by one of her closest friendsSHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA BIOGRAPHY AWARDWINNER OF THE JAMES TAIT BLACK AWARD Marie Colvin was glamorous, hard-drinking, braver than the boys, with a troubled and rackety personal life. She reported from the most dangerous places in the world and her anecdotes about encounters with figures like Colonel Gaddafi and Yasser Arafat were incomparable. She was much admired, and as famous for her wild parties as for the extraordinary lengths to which she went to tell the story. Fellow foreign correspondent Lindsey Hilsum draws on unpublished diaries and interviews with friends, family and colleagues to produce a story of one of the most daring and inspirational women of our times. A Sunday Times Book of the Year'A stunningly good biography' WILLIAM BOYDTrade ReviewAn extraordinary account of one reporter's fearless and ultimately fatal dedication... Hilsum draws an empathetic portrait of a woman whose courage often crossed into recklessness, both in combat zones and outside them... Now, thanks to Hilsum's deeply reported and passionately written book, Colvin has the full accounting that she deserves -- Joshua Hammer * New York Times *A wonderful book – a fitting tribute, certainly, but also a well-told tale of a remarkable life -- Jane Bonham Carter * Sunday Times *A stunningly good biography – compelling, revelatory and very moving. Lindsey Hilsum is the perfect writer to tell the story of Marie Colvin's rackety, brave and charismatic life -- William BoydWriting a biography of Marie Colvin is like capturing lightning in a bottle, but Lindsey Hilsum has the knowledge and personal experience to help us understand what drew Colvin to rush towards the eye of the storm at such great risk. It is a superbly fitting tribute -- Annie LennoxRarely has a friend and colleague written such a brave and uncompromising testament to such a rare, brave and uncompromising woman. Would that a few more of us should be so blessed in our courage and our friends -- Shami ChakrabartiHilsum marshals not just empathy for her subject, who was also a friend, but investigative and critical skills and damn fine storytelling... Hilsum's understanding of the background to each conflict, and the reality of life as a correspondent in the field, is one of the great strengths of the book... In Extremis rescues Marie Colvin from the rubble of Baba Amr, and brings her tragically, and tenderly, to life * Irish Times *Superb. A fitting account of the life of one of the finest war correspondents of our time, written by another. I admired Marie greatly, and In Extremis showed me I was right to do so -- John SimpsonThe clearest and most rounded picture...emerges from Hilsum's book. Colvin herself, courageous and often tortured, rises again from its pages -- Emma Graham-Harrison * Observer *One of the modern world’s most experienced and admired foreign correspondents, Lindsey Hilsum, has now written a riveting, intimate and deeply moving account of the epic life of her late friend and colleague, Marie Colvin, who will be long remembered – not least because of Hilsum’s fine work in this book – as amongst the great war reporters of her generation -- Jon Lee AndersonAn inspiring and intimate biography of one of the bravest journalists of our time by one of her finest colleagues. Lindsey Hilsum takes us inside the world of a woman who changed the world around her -- Lyse Doucet

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Book Synopsis'Extraordinary.' Philippe Sands'We are touched by the courage and dignity of Andrew Harding's characters - qualities that the author must surely possess in equal measure.' - Andrey Kurkov'A story of extraordinary heroism by ordinary people. - James Meek'This gripping account is the Russian invasion of Ukraine in microcosm.' - Lindsey HilsumThe Russians are invading. But the locals have a plan.It's March 2022 and Russian tanks are roaring across the vast, snow-dusted fields of Ukraine. Their destination: Voznesensk, a town with a small bridge that could change the course of the war.The heavily-armed Russians are expecting an easy fight - or no fight at all. After all, Voznesensk is a quiet farming town, full of pensioners. But the locals appear to have other ideas.Svetlana, a grandmother with arthritis, reacts in fury when Russian troops turn her cottage into their blood-soaked headquarters. Valentin, a quick-talking lawyer, joins the town's 'Dads Army' defenders, crouching in a trench with an AK47. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Sergei grabs a Molotov cocktail and lies in wait for Russian tanks as they push towards Dead Water Bridge.The odds are terrible. But a plan is emerging, and there's a chance it could save not just Voznesensk, but the rest of southern Ukraine. Meanwhile, inside the tanks, an inner battle rages. As Russian officer Igor Rudenko prepares to invade, he has a secret. He is Ukrainian himself.A gripping work of reportage that tells the story of a pivotal moment in Ukraine's war, this is a real-life thriller about ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances with resilience, humour and ingenuity.'[Andrew Harding is] one of our most gifted and sensitive journalists' - Jon SnowTrade Review'Maybe the most compelling book on Ukraine published in English this year[...] A Small Stubborn Town reads like a novel, both in light of its beautifully wrought prose, and the extraordinary story of the remarkable civilian defence mounted by the town's eclectic residents' * The Telegraph *'A short, brilliant book... Its characters could have walked out of a novel' * Financial Times *'A cracking story ... that never loses sight of the "murderous absurdity" of Russia's war' -- Justin Marozzi * The Spectator *'[A] remarkable story ... propulsive' * The Irish Times *'The story of Ukraine in perfect microcosm - ordinary people doing absolutely extraordinary things - beautifully told' -- Christina Lamb'Riveting and vividly written ... this gripping story is the literary equivalent of a superb miniature painting' * The Observer *'A short, brilliant book on the battle for Voznesensk. Harding captures the mixture of courage, bewilderment and mania of Ukrainians who decide to fight the invasion' -- Gideon Rachman * Financial Times *'Harding has told a mesmerising story of how in the face of a mighty army, ordinary people can sometimes turn and simply say, "No."' -- Sinclair McKay * Mail on Sunday *'Elegantly told ... a deceptively simple narrative that explains a great deal about the dynamics of this war and many others' -- Roger Boyes * The Times *'Harding recreates the fighting blow by-blow ... [and] the personalities of his interviewees come to life' * The Telegraph *'Extraordinary; filled with a deep sense of enduring humanity. Immensely powerful, timely and real.' -- Philippe Sands, author of East West Street'It would be wonderful if the story told in this beautiful little book were the author's invention. But alas, the story itself is pure truth. Andrew Harding's characters invite the reader into their daily struggle which we witness with awe and empathy. We are touched by their courage and dignity - qualities that the author must surely have possessed in equal measure to record these extraordinary events.' -- Andrey Kurkov'This gripping account is the Russian invasion of Ukraine in microcosm.' -- Lindsey Hilsum'A piercing book: the story of extraordinary heroism by ordinary people, and an accessible, limpid account of what battle is actually like. -- James Meek'Fascinating, vivid, often harrowing, and deeply moving. A must-read for anyone trying to grasp both the human dimension and larger dynamics of this brutal contemporary war.' -- Fiona Hill, author of There Is Nothing for You Here'A captivating tale of one Ukrainian town and a heartening story of people's defiance, ingenuity and spirit. Originally reported and beautifully written.' -- Arkady Ostrovsky, author of The Invention of Russia'Reads like a daring tale from WW2' -- Will Brown * Tortoise Media *

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Book Synopsis**A Telegraph Best History Book of 2023* 'An astonishing achievement' ANTONY BEEVORAn intimate history of the most important month of the Second World War as experienced by those who lived through it, completely based on their diaries, letters and memoirs.At the beginning of November 1942, it looked as if the Axis powers could win the war; at the end of that month, it was obviously just a matter of time before they would lose.In between came el-Alamein, Guadalcanal, the French North Africa landings, the Japanese retreat in New Guinea, and the Soviet encirclement of the German 6th Army at Stalingrad. In this innovatively kaleidoscopic and riveting historical marvel, Peter Englund reduces these epoch-making events to their basic component: the individual experience.In thirty memorable days we meet characters including a Soviet infantryman at Stalingrad; an Italian truck driver in the North African desert; a partisan in the Belarussian forests; a machine gunner in a British bomber; a twelve-year-old girl in Shanghai; a university student in Paris; a housewife on Long Island; a prisoner in Treblinka; Albert Camus, Vasily Grossman, and Vera Brittain. We also witness the launch of SS James Oglethorpe; the fate of U-604, a German submarine; the building of the first nuclear reactor; and the making of Casablanca.Not since Englund's own The Beauty and the Sorrow has a book given us one of the most dramatic periods of human history in all its immensity and emotional range.'Thought-provoking' SUNDAY TIMES'Thoroughly worth reading' TELEGRAPHTrade ReviewAn astonishing achievement * Antony Beevor *By interweaving the detailed experiences of 39 individuals from all parts of the conflict, Englund presents an extraordinary panorama of this pivotal moment. A haunting narrative imaginatively conceived, brilliantly told * Julia Boyd *Absolutely revelatory. A stunning tour de force. So much in here that is truly fresh and new. Englund chronicles the gripping tale of one month that changed everything in WWII, and it is so beautifully written and timeless. Once read, you'll want to return to this again and again * Damien Lewis *Majestic … This is an extraordinary evocation of a pivotal moment in the 20th century. Englund captures not only the gnawing tension, the moments of terror and the flinty endurance but also the fractal complexity of this global conflict. Resonantly written and utterly gripping, this book will stay with you * Sinclair MacKay *Thought-provoking … Englund’s book … deserves an audience, to increase knowledge not only of this particular war, but also of the stupendous sacrifices and tragedies of all human conflicts * Sunday Times *Succeed[s] in giving a very human (and, inevitably sometimes, inhuman) snapshot of events ... Thoroughly worth reading * Telegraph *Superb ... a stimulating read * New Statesman *The stories of the individual people featured make the global personal in an astonishing way * Alan Parks, Daily Express *Books of the 2023* *Extraordinary ... with a scrupulous and skilful hand [Englund] has created an original panorama of humankind's most destructive war * New York Times *What makes Englund's work original and remarkable is his narrative technique, which could be called 'the mosaic method' ... A coherent and moving portrait of a world at war * BBC History Magazine *This gripping and propulsive account, expertly translated by Graves in lyrical prose, recreates the daily uncertainty of war as experienced by regular people ... It's a monumental work of history * Publishers Weekly *Engrossing … Englund’s approach echoes Homer’s Iliad which tries to understand at once the mayhem of war, the forces that drive it and the feelings its violence leaves behind … Englund’s tour de force casts a long shadow into our present – and its raw voices haunt me still * Wall Street Journal ***PRAISE FOR THE BEAUTY AND THE SORROW**In four decades of studying war, I've never read such a remarkable book * Washington Post *A literary as well as a historical achievement * Guardian *Intense and bighearted. ... The accounts of [these] lives can be terrifying or stirring, but are most fully alive in Englund's accumulation of small moments, stray details * New York Times *

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Book SynopsisAlready winning acclaim as one of the best accounts of combat ever written, Black Hawk Down is a minute-by-minute, heart-stopping account of the 1993 raid on Mogadishu, Somalia. Late in the afternoon of Sunday, October 3 1993, 140 elite US Soldiers abseiled from helicopters into a teeming market neighbourhood in the heart of the city. Their mission was to abduct two top lieutenants of a Somali warlord and return to base. It was supposed to take them about an hour.Instead, they were pinned down through a long and terrible night in a hostile city, fighting for their lives against thousands of heavily armed Somalis. Two of their high-tech helicopters were shot out of the sky. When the unit was rescued the following morning, eighteen American soldiers were dead and more than seventy badly injured. The Somali toll was far worse - more than five hundred killed and over a thousand injured.Authoritative, gripping, and insightful, Black Hawk Down is destined to become a classTrade Review'Rip-roaring stuff, with one of the most gruesome battlefield wound treatments ever committed to paper' * Maxim *A thrilling and visceral no-holds-barred classic of modern war'One of the most electrifying, immediate and detailed accounts of a single battle ever told...the whole 24-hour nightmare seems like it's happening to you' * Later *

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