Product Description

Stephen E. Ambrose, one of the foremost historians of the European theater of World War II, shares his vast knowledge of that conflict as well as the Civil War, Korea, Vietnam, and the Cold War in this compelling narrative about the American way of war. From Vicksburg to My Lai, Ambrose recounts the history of these wars with extensive coverage of the battlefields and believable portrayals of those involved, creating the perspective that the country's conflicts both reflect and shape American democratic society.

"Compelling." (The Indianapolis Star)

"Ambrose has the great gift of making history come alive." (The Anniston Star)

"Fascinating...insightful." (The Houston Chronicle)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #58865 in Books
• Published on: 1998-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 272 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780425165102
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From the Inside Flap
An eminent historianÂ’s essays that portray the American way of war

From AudioFile
In these loosely connected essays on various episodes and individuals in American military history, Ambrose has his say on topics ranging from the character of George Custer to the Cold War. An essay, even when gracefully written, is about as far from any oral tradition as literature can get, and gains little from oral interpretation. However, if one prefers listening to reading, Ambrose's essays are well served by Barrett Whitener, who reads them in a clear, pleasant voice with good phrasing. However, this collection is poorly packaged. Here are 15 stand-alone items, which the user may well wish to listen to separately. But the audiobook packaging doesn't even list their titles, let alone provide any kind of indexing. J.N. (c) AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Customer Reviews

Ambrose is not only a great historian...
Ambrose is not only a great historian, he's a great storyteller. This is a fine book for anyone wishing to sample Ambrose's ability before exploring his larger studies. To the initiated, his long-term followers, this collection of historical essays provides a quick but insightful review of topics ranging from Custer, to Mac Arthur to The Bomb. His remarks on My Lai are possibly the most levelheaded view of that sad event this reader has encountered.

Ambrose has a unique ability to weave traditional research, oral histories and the big picture into a compelling story. His written accounts are as riveting as his classes or his personal presentations. His craftsmanship as a master storyteller is as evident in these short pieces as it is in his larger works.

A+ for Ambrose !
Mr. Ambrose presents a collection of essays which range from Custer & Grant in the Civil War to Patton & MacArthur in WWII to Nixon's Bombing of Hanoi. Easy to understand and enjoyable to read. A must read for anyone yearning to understand how War has shaped America and how American leaders have shaped war.

An honest account of how we wage war.
Americans At War is a good book with lots of personal experience as an underlying tone. Ambrose does not always agree with the policies that shaped our times. However, he offers well thought out practical analysis of that critical thinking. Ambrose is a professional historian who analysizes the most important aspects of history. For example, he dedicates an entire chapter in Americans At War to the home front. Many military historians coast over this very significant aspect of the World War II. He goes in to detail on how at the time of Pearl Harbor, the United States was significantly unprepared to wage any type of war let alone be the leader of democracy. He shows how American industry, farmers and workers came to the aid of the world. He gives much credit to the women who held families together while men where away. In the process they earned their independence and confidence. Forever chaning their place in society. The combination of personal experience, historical research and critcal thinking make this book an exceptional read.