World War II was the quintessential “good war.†It was not; however; a conflict free of moral ambiguity; painful dilemmas; and unavoidable compromises. Was the bombing of civilian populations in Germany and Japan justified? Were the Nuremberg and Tokyo war crimes trials legally scrupulous? What is the legacy bequeathed to the world by Hiroshima? With wisdom and clarity; Michael Bess brings a fresh eye to these difficult questions and others; arguing eloquently against the binaries of honor and dishonor; pride and shame; and points instead toward a nuanced reckoning with one of the most pivotal conflicts in human history.
#1078546 in Books 2014-04-29 2014-04-29Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.50 x 6.50 x 1.50l; 1.47 #File Name: 0306822067448 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Insightful and EngagingBy J. SchimelI've read Grant's memoirs and a fair amount about this period; yet this book gave a deeper insight into the dynamics of the campaign and the strengths and limitations of the various commanders; and how the campaign of 1864 presaged so much of what emerged during WWI; even to the "Chateau Generalship" of senior officers too far from the front to fully understand what was going on or to lead--but dead or wounded if they got close enough to do so. Some campaign accounts are more day by day descriptions of what occurred without offering insight into why. Wheelan offers that insight.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A recomended book for Grant's final campaignBy Gwen SayianGrant's 40 Day Campaign was beyond our modern day imagination for it's toll in blood and death. I've read a number of books on the Civil War and toured a few of the battlefields covered in this book. I found the author's discription of troop movements and both Lee and Grant's decision making process really helpful in understanding the why and how. I would recommed this book to anyone trying to get a better understanding of this brutal campaign.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great book on the Wilderness campaign.By fletchmedGreat book! I have read many Civil War books but there has been a gap in books covering the Wilderness campaign. This book holds up well with detail yet a narrative style that does not bog down. After reading the first few chapters; I felt I had a much improved view of the battle. My only complaint is that I wish there was a more liberal use of maps in the book to do along with the movements of the main units. I am very glad I bought this book prior to my visiting the actual battlefield.
