The Immortals: History's Fighting Elites [Hardcover]

Nigel Cawthorne (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2009

Throughout history, courageous men have demonstrated their prowess in battle and indefatigable fighting spirit through episodes of human sacrifice and displays of extreme loyalty. Their deeds have never been forgotten, and their reputations have endured the passage of time. The Immortals tells the remarkable stories of these intrepid forces, providing both an overview of history’s major conflicts and an exploration of the tenacity of the human spirit.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

Throughout history, courageous men have demonstrated their prowess in battle and indefatigable fighting spirit through episodes of human sacrifice and displays of extreme loyalty. Their deeds have never been forgotten, and their reputations have endured the passage of time. The Immortals tells the remarkable stories of these intrepid forces, providing both an overview of history’s major conflicts and an exploration of the tenacity of the human spirit.

About the Author

Nigel Cawthorne is a well-known historian whose book credits include Vietnam: A War Lost and Won, Reaping the Whirlwind: The German and Japanese Experience of World War II, and History's Greatest Battles. He lives in England.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Zenith Press; First edition (November 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760337527
• ISBN-13: 978-0760337523
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #124,581 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > History > Military > Pictorials

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Profusely illustrated throughout, November 15, 2009

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Immortals: History's Fighting Elites (Hardcover)

Throughout recorded human history, the theme of warfare has been ubiquitous. The stories of warriors, generals, battles, and the clash of city states, kingdoms, and empires have provided inspiration, traditions, and cultural consequences that have shaped every generation. In "The Immortals: History's Fighting Elites" by military historian Nigel Cawthorne, major battles and epic clashes involving the most renowned and distinctive military forces are superbly showcased. These include the Persian Immortals of Darius; the Spartans of King Leonidas, the Roman Praetorian Guard, the Ninja, the Mongol Hordes, the Prussian Guard, the Stonewall Brigade, the Gurkas, the Green Berets, the U.S. Navy Seals, and a great many others. Profusely illustrated throughout, "The Immortals" is informed, informative, 'reader friendly', and highly recommended for both academic and community library World History and Military History reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A decent survey book on history's legendary units, November 3, 2009

By 

J. Rudy "Major, USAF" (Fairfax, VA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Immortals: History's Fighting Elites (Hardcover)

"The Immortals: History's Fighting Elites" by Nigel Cawthorne is a survey book on various organizations of fighters that were honored and feared as the best of their age. The book is a great introduction on what each of these groups did in their time.

The book covers 50 different groups dating from the 'The Persian Immortals' through today's Delta Force. Aside from the 14 American groups, Cawthorne offers a culturally balanced book featuring numerous European and Middle Eastern groups. Each of the chapters is laid out in 4-page format featuring a very brief overview of the organization; operational highlights; full-color photographs or artwork; and a timeline.

Despites the author's misuse of the term 'elite' when the more correct term would have been 'legendary' {or even mythical in the case of the Amazons}, the book is well-written, informative, and visually pleasing. The information is not detailed enough to make you an expert, but it will whet your appetite when you learn about some of their accomplishments, such as the French GIGN assault on a yacht seized by Somali pirates. This book is recommended for readers looking for a basic introduction to these legendary units.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book on historical warriors!, August 9, 2011

By 

Juanita Smith - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Immortals: History's Fighting Elites (Hardcover)

I for one love this book in how it it lists some of the most legendary warriors and warrior cultures throughout history, From the bronze age to the modern day this book will not fail to give lots of interest to the reader whether you study history or not. Now the only thing that I think they left was to include the Samurai but there is the ninja in it's place so I'm content.

All in all I highly recommend this book to everyone who is interested in history,different cultures,or even the military and believe me you wont regret buying tis book!