Based on the highly successful A History of Western Society; Understanding Western Society: A Brief History captures students’ interest in the everyday life of the past and ties social history to the broad sweep of politics and culture. Abridged by 30%; the narrative is paired with innovative pedagogy; designed to help students focus on significant developments as they read and review. An innovative; three-step end-of-Chapter study guide helps students master key facts and move toward synthesis.
#53570 in Books Griffin 2011-05-10 2011-05-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.29 x .5 x 6.15l; 1.03 #File Name: 0312569513432 pagesAviation Military HistoryAutobiography Pilot NarrativeWorld War IIVietnam War
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. A classic you can't put down if you enjoy action and what heroism is all about.By Sherman A. Thompson.. Probably among the ten best books I've ever read; and at my age (83) I've read a lot of 'em. There's so much good about this book I hardly know where to start. I was so impressed with both Robin Olds' exploits and the way the book was written I bought two more as loaners for friends; who were equally impressed. This is one of those books that will keep you up late at night and destroy your daily routine because it is hard to put down. I learned much about the air wars of WW2 and Viet-Nam; the West Point "old-boy" network; the disfunctional way the Pentagon and DOD works; and the way a true hero bends the rules when necessary. ... Can't recommend this book high enough as a combination of entertainment; history; and the story of a true hero. Patton and Olds would have understood one another.Olds himself; using his collection of notes; completed most of the book before passing away before final completion. The book was finished and final edited posthumously by his daughter and another combat experienced fighter pilot who helped keep things technically straight.I can't rate this book high enough. You won't be disappointed.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. The Thinking HotrodBy HektorA great "thinking hotrod" of the USAF; General Robin Olds had an unconventional style of leadership. He exercised it with as much gusto on the flight lines of the units he commanded as the officers club bars where he infused spirited competitiveness among his pilots. That predictably left a trail of broken fittings and furniture sometimes but he he was quick to take the blame and organise compensation immediately the following morning. But even in the middle of roaring fighter pilots' songs with his youngsters; Robin Olds remained a serious professional and an exceptional air tactician throughout his career; flying fighters of World War 2 and the Vietnam war. He was not a glory seeker. He deliberately stopped shooting down Migs after his four victories in Vietnam (he was already a well known WW2 ace) just because USAF had warned him he would have to return home to a desk job as soon as he had his fifth kill in Vietnam. Robin got around the problem by inviting his No. 2 or No. 3 to take the Migs that would otherwise have been his victims. This tactic kept him flying in Vietnam for a much longer tenure. He flew as an exchange pilot with Britain's RAF and was uniquely honoured with the command of that squadron. As a colonel he flew with NATO combat crews in Europe and during that time; he set up an expanded tactical weapons delivery range at Wheelus AFB in Libya that provided realistic enhanced training to USAF pilots.. On return to Conus; he did an outstanding job at the USAF Academy as its Commandant and then as the Inspector General for Safety for the entire air force.General Olds' greatest strength was his ability to confront both his juniors and seniors with the true state of affairs that affected the USAF's professional environment. No matter how unpleasant it might sound to their ears; he never minced his words or his biting criticism where it was deserved. By this personality trait he certainly lost some of the support of his seniors (and one or two more stars) but gained a huge amount of love and respect of all those he commanded. I have a photo of the F-15 missing man flyby he got when he was buried with full honours at the Arlington Cemetery in 2007. The general must have grunted with pleasure.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. The interesting life of a pilot legendBy Flying PhotographerThe book is the autobiography of fighter ace and legendary pilot; General Robin Olds; as told by himself and edited together after his death by his daughter Christina and friend and author Ed Rasimus. For a synopsis of the book and its content; please refer to the most helpful customer review.Personally; I believe that by not completing his memoirs in time before his death; what could have been a truly outstanding addition to any aviation-related library instead turned out to be a very interesting book that clearly shows that is the result of stitching together written pieces but mostly lacks a true coherent structure. The book shines and excels when Robin has the pen in his hand and he is writing as he would be talking; and we get a glimpse into this huge personality. His legend status (at least amongst fellow pilots and fighters) is well deserved; as will be readily apparent after finishing the book.This is definitely a recommended read for any aviation enthusiast; and as such I rate it 4 stars.
