Numerous books have come my way, including several from McFarland which is always appreciated.
Head Shot: The Science Behind the JFK Assassination
Author: G. Paul Chambers
Binding: Hardcover
260 pages (illustrations)
ISBN: 978-1-61614-209-4
Author joins a crowded study area concerning the loan gunner (Lee Harvey Oswald) theory since the Warner Commission report. Book after book has challenged the evidence that has been provided in support of the loan gunman theory. Chambers book is well researched, well written, and his handling of the scientific evidence is stellar, however, I am still not convinced that anyone has proved without a doubt that there was some conspiracy and that there was another shooter.
G. Paul Chambers, PhD, is a contracted NASA research physicist for the Energetic Materials and Detonation Science Department of the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Maryland. As a research physicist specializing in Condensed Matter and Radiation Sciences at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC.
The next book is of the genre that not only do I love, but my students do as well.
The Man Who Shot the Man Who Shot Lincoln: and 44 other forgotten figures in history
Author: Graeme Donald
ISBN 10: 1849081700
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
288 pages
Binding: Hardcover
The so-called “forgotten” or unknown elements of history are always interesting and offer students and educators alike, some interesting stories to share with their peers. As an educator I ways use, when applicable, such books when lecturing in order to hopefully re-engage the student and keep their interest.
Donald’s book is a nice addition to the genre and will be of use to most any educator.
From the publisher:
We have all heard about the great generals of military history, and those whose heroic deeds changed the course of war. This is not their book. Instead, this offbeat and engaging book reveals the stories of 46 bit-players of military history: Hitler’s personal pilot, Hanna Reitsch; Pierre Basile, the crossbowman whose arrow hit Richard I; Major John D Barry, the Confederate who mistakenly gave the order to fire upon General Stonewall Jackson, and Lee Duncan, who rescued a puppy from the German trenches of World War I and took him back to America, where he became famous as Rin Tin Tin. If you think you know your history, prepare to think again.
Finally, a couple of nice Civil War books from McFarland.
Gettysburg as the Generals Remembered It: Postwar Perspectives of Ten Commanders
Author: Robert P. Broadwater
ISBN 978-0-7864-4995-8
appendix, notes, bibliography, index
203pp. softcover 2010
From the publisher:
This is an examination of reminiscences of the primary leaders on both sides at the battle of Gettysburg and a comparison of these reminiscences to the historical record. Many generals presented statements written decades after the Civil War, when the Gettysburg Campaign was the topic of historical research and personal controversy. This comparative history illuminates how history is shaped as well as how the famous battle unfolded.
The selected offerings are as follows:
The Comte de Paris, USA
General Oliver Howard, USA
General Henry W. Slocum, USA
General Abner Doubleday, USA
General Daniel Sickles, USA
General David Gregg, USA
General John Newton, USA
General Daniel Butterfield, USA
Major General John Gibbon, USA
Lieutenant General James Longstreet, CSA
General Fitzhugh Lee, CSA
I thought the selections were solid and the offerings provided for some interesting reading, with that said, is this a “must have” book, not sure, but well worth it for the collector or librarian.
Glory Was Not Their Companion: The Twenty-Sixth New York Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War
Author: Paul Taylor
ISBN 978-0-7864-4924-8
54 photos, maps, appendices, notes, bibliography, index
231pp. softcover (7 x 10) 2010
This is the softcover reprint of the 2005 hardcover release. Taylor’s regimental history was well received in 2005 and after thumbing through it and reading several chapters I was very impressed. Taylor’s writing style is fluid and very readable, and his research as solid as could be asked. Highly recommend this regimental history.
