Are the non-technical military history book series useful as introductions to the field of study?

LTC Stephen F. — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 18:49:49 -0400

Since I was a child I have been interested in military history. Both of my parents were "librarians" which helped introduce me to reading. When I was young I had a number of individual history books. I discovered military history series in the late 1960s and started with the Ballantine History of WWII [each book cost $1]. Later the series expanded to include WWI. I enjoyed reading those books. Later on I picked up some of the Time Life Series - Civil War, WWII, Vietnam War. Those series had some good photography but did not seem to provide as much history as I had hoped they would.
I tended to get more out of some of the more technical series especially the US Military records of various WWII battles and many of the books in the Osprey Military History series - campaign, battle, weapon, fortress, etc.
I would be interested in learning about any other military history series - good, bad, and the ugly.

Response by MSgt Robert Pellam made Apr 7 at 2015 8:28 PM

MSgt Robert Pellam — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:28:32 -0400

Sir as a History Major I would love to recommend as many books as possible to you, but I honestly think you are so far ahead of me in reading, that catching up may take a bit. One I am on now is "With the Old Breed" by Sledge. This one is pretty popular and I have no doubts you have all ready read it. Another one is Five Years to Freedom, By James Rowe. This is a book from my High school days but it was an exceptional read that I still remember. What was fortunate for me is I got to meet Maj James Rowe, as he came to my High School and talked as a freedom week speaker in the 1980's. Learning of his death in the Philippines was heart wrenching, but his stories stay with me.

I am going to look up the Osprey Military History Series this summer. Always up for a good read. If you like machines, especially flying ones, "The Pocket Book of Fighters" by Bowman is a fun read to. Then again I like anything that can fly. shoot, you put a tank in the air and I will watch it go. Thanks for the suggestion.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 11:10 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 23:10:56 -0400

I'm currently reading and enjoying "The Roman Army" A History 753BC-AD476 by Patricia Southern. Wonder what the odds are that someday someone will be reading a book titled "The US Army, A History AD1775-AD3004 or beyond? 1229 years is a long time.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 18 at 2015 11:01 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 18 Apr 2015 11:01:26 -0400

You are absolutely right about getting the broad stroke of military history before getting into the details of it. It is fun when an author can dissect wars and answer the who, what, when, where, how.

Why did we invade N Africa first and what was the impact?

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 31 at 2015 7:19 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 31 May 2015 19:19:53 -0400

I like the Osprey books as well sir. I like to get the broad overview first then get into the weeds on specific topics. Cornelius Ryan - "The Longest Day" and a "Bridge Too Far" is highly technical author. I read both books - fantastic - but they were tough reads for me because of the amount of detail he gets down to.

Response by LTC John Shaw made May 31 at 2015 7:30 PM

LTC John Shaw — Sun, 31 May 2015 19:30:05 -0400

Barbara Tushman a famous British historian has numerous works. I have read 'A distant mirror' about 13-14th centuries and bible and the sword about the history of the establishment of Israel.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 10:08 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 22:08:21 -0400

Sir, I recommend looking at the book "For the Common Defense" by Allen Millet, Peter Maslowski and William Feis. Each chapter is dedicated to a specific conflict to include colonial era wars (1608-1775). The research behind each chapter spectacular and the bibliography also gives additional references for futher reading. The work will take you to 2012. Disclaimer: written by historians so slightly dry. Hope this helps sir.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 10:37 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 22:37:09 -0400

It was one of those Ballentine books that started me at around age 8.

The Imperial Japanese High Seas Fleet