Review of 'Crimea : the last crusade' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
Fascinating and absorbing read, detailing the background and buildup to the war and the social and political changes thereafter. It's impact on the collective memory of each nation involved is shown, and the Russian signposts to the recent Crimean crisis are now all too obvious in hindsight.
Good short overview of the average landser's life on the eastern front during the years of constant retreat for the German Army. The descriptions of the small scale tactical actions in the varied terrain of the Eastern Front are very interesting, and show how much planning, effort, manpower and logistics go into even the smallest of unit actions.
Review of 'Death on the streets: Cars and the mythology of road safety' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
An absolutely fascinating look at the source of road danger, and how the general approach to road safety is misguided. A must read for anyone interested in the areas of walkable cities, cycling and benign modes of transport. Written in 1993 and sadly still very relevant. Out of print, but available second hand or in PDF form from rdrf.org.uk/death-on-the-streets-cars-and-the-mythology-of-road-safety/
Colquhoun and Mills excel yet again in the third volume of Charley's War. Hard to believe such a hard hitting anti-war strip got printed in a boys comic at all.
Review of 'Designated Targets: World War 2.2' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
A fun and entertaining future alternative history fantasy. Plenty of action, ending on a cliffhanger for part three. Very enjoyable, even though there are parts that jar with what we actually know of historical personalities, but it is a novel so roll with it!
Fascinating collection of both iconic images and the stories behind them. Perfect for dipping in and out of, reading about the photographers and their processes is worth it even if you wouldn't be a fan of a particular shot. Very enjoyable.
Review of 'Catastrophe : Europe Goes to War 1914' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Having also read [b: The Sleepwalkers: How Europe Went to War in 1914|18669169|The Sleepwalkers How Europe Went to War in 1914|Christopher Munro Clark|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1384804367s/18669169.jpg|21905061] by [a: Christopher Munro Clark|7792163|Christopher Munro Clark|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1426362492p2/7792163.jpg], I found 'Catastrophe' to be rather light on the lead up to war, particularly on the Serbian state and the personalities involved. Hastings excels once the war starts, his descriptions of the battles, full of colour and detail, are brilliant. He makes god use of first-hand accounts from the time, which really bring home the realities of not only trench life (and death), but the 'home' front as well. Most interesting are the descriptions of civil life in the occupied and fought-over areas, several of which evoke vivid impressions of the hellish experience of families caught in a warzone. Well worth reading, but for a more in depth look at the causes and lead up to the declaration of war, …
Having also read [b: The Sleepwalkers: How Europe Went to War in 1914|18669169|The Sleepwalkers How Europe Went to War in 1914|Christopher Munro Clark|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1384804367s/18669169.jpg|21905061] by [a: Christopher Munro Clark|7792163|Christopher Munro Clark|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1426362492p2/7792163.jpg], I found 'Catastrophe' to be rather light on the lead up to war, particularly on the Serbian state and the personalities involved. Hastings excels once the war starts, his descriptions of the battles, full of colour and detail, are brilliant. He makes god use of first-hand accounts from the time, which really bring home the realities of not only trench life (and death), but the 'home' front as well. Most interesting are the descriptions of civil life in the occupied and fought-over areas, several of which evoke vivid impressions of the hellish experience of families caught in a warzone. Well worth reading, but for a more in depth look at the causes and lead up to the declaration of war, I'd recommend pairing this with Clark's Sleepwalkers.