Books
by Max Hastings
|
Catastrophe: Europe Goes to War |
Familiar territory - yes; capitalising on the centenary - also yes! But Hasting's willingness to challenge accepted wisdoms and his excoriating critique of British military leadership in general and Sir John French in particular are both refreshingly honest and surprising. He is good on the French, and especially good on the Serbian campaign. By bringing it all together in a work of considerable scholarship, he has set a new benchmark for WW I military history.
(Jeremy Miller - bwl 85 Summer 2017) |
|
|
Finest Years: Churchill as Warlord 1940-45 |
Not another book about Churchill? Yes, but worth it because this account of him in WWII is clear, notably balanced and prepared to highlight his many faults. Set against them his greatness emerges with new force. The largest human being, and the strongest willed, ever to occupy his office.
(Tony Pratt - bwl 59 Winter 2011) |
|
|
Going to the Wars |
Stimulating insights into war and war correspondents in places as diverse as Vietnam, Rhodesia and the Falklands. The first man into Port Stanley, Hastings himself is the star of this book - independently-minded, patrician, ruthlessly ambitious, self-critical, candid - at once both sympathetic and objectionable. Quotes with gusto devastating remarks made at his expense.
(Tony Pratt - bwl 61 Summer 2011) |
|
|
|
