Saving Italy
Edsel shows how a special Allied arts unit tracked down Italy’s hidden art treasures, preventing the Nazis from shipping them to Germany. A sequel to his fascinating The Monuments Men and just as absorbing. ~ Reviewed by Louise Jones
Edsel shows how a special Allied arts unit tracked down Italy’s hidden art treasures, preventing the Nazis from shipping them to Germany. A sequel to his fascinating The Monuments Men and just as absorbing. ~ Reviewed by Louise Jones
In 1939 an alliance between Roosevelt, Churchill, And Stalin would have seemed illogical, unlikely, and probably impossible. But it held together long enough (just over 3 years) to assure the defeat of Hitler. In early 1945 its inevitable unravelling began. Michaels Dobbs at his careful, riveting best. Filled with fascinating details. ~ Reviewed by Bill Lewis
This book has an obvious flaw: It does not probe deeply into questions of Polish-Jewish experience. BUT what it does do, it does very well: Makes understandable a big complex story of a nation trying to survive incredible brutality. Should lead many readers to further study. Forgive the flaw (seek other books) and you'll find this one compelling, enlightening and beneficial. ~ Reviewed by Bill Lewis
Kershaw at his singular best. Brings the realities of individual World War II combat vividly to life and simultaneously leaves the reader with an abiding conviction that this war against pure evil was fought for the most noble reasons...and that Felix Sparks should be called a hero. ~ Reviewed by Bill Lewis
Lowe's mastery of this huge, complex subject and the clarity of his writing makes this a valuable and compelling book. What elevates it further is his treatment of difficult questions about nationalism, prejudice, vengeance, and victimhood. And how perpetual cycles of violence depend on misused historical memory. Highest recommendation. ~ Reviewed by Bill Lewis
The success of the D-Day landings depended upon the systematic feeding of disinformation by double agents in Great Britain. The agents had varying allegiances to the Allies' cause and the success of the complex operation was always a matter for grave doubt, especially in a world completely devoid of trust. An incisive reminder that momentous history can turn on the vagaries of human nature. ~ Reviewed by Alden Graves