Customer Reviews

The Tuskegee Airmen: The Men Who Changed a Nation

5 star:		(2)
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3 star:		(1)
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The World War II exploits of the 332nd Fighter Group--the first all-black unit in the US Army Air Forces--is a fascinating story on several levels. The pilots of the 332nd fought long and hard in the skies over North Africa, Italy, and Central Europe. They racked up an impressive record of enemy aircraft shot down, ground targets destroyed and--on the bomber-escort missions they often flew--friendly planes brought home safely. They also paved the way for the integration of the armed forces, and of American society generally, by showing that blacks could handle the stress of battle and the demands of high-performance airplanes just as well as whites. In a world where many (most?) whites saw blacks as innately inferior, the Tuskegee Airmen proved otherwise.

This book is a dense, detailed, information-packed history of the 332nd during and immediately after the war. It's a valuable source on a vital topic, and I'm glad it's out there.

That doesn't, however, make it a great book.

The style, for close to 400 pages, is choppy and unpolished with only a vague suggestion of a strong narrative line. Context is spotty at best, and technical terms sometimes go unexplained. The typography is idiosyncratic, and the inexplicable rendering of nicknames in italics and ranks, abbreviated, in ALL CAPS is distracting in a book where names come thick and fast. The type face itself is ugly, and the reproduction of many of the pictures is substandard. The index consists almost solely of personal names, which makes it intensely frustrating to use if you're not already intimately familiar with the story. To look up an incident in which two members of the 332nd sank a German destroyer, you have to know what their names were . . . no entry for "destroyer," or "strafing," or "naval vessels."

If there were other books out there that provide the sheer volume of facts about the subject that this one does, I'd give it about a star-and-a-half. There aren't, but there ought to be. The 332nd was noted for its professionalism; it deserves a more professionally-done history. Until that book gets written, though, this one (flaws and all) is essential.

In baseball, Jackie Robinson's impact can never be overstated. What he did for the game is immeasurable. In the world of aviation African Americans owe a debt of thanks to a group of men called "The Tuskegee Airmen". Their contributions to aviation are just as immeasurable.

Francis takes the reader back to the time when blacks in the army were living under Order 9981 from President Truman. Francis's gives you the triumphs and failures and brings it to life through each page. This read was truly remarkable.

This is the second book I have read on the Tuskegee Airmen, the first being a biography of Charles F. McGee, and for the second time I was moved by how this group of Officers and enlisted personnel worked through segregation to ensure the civil rights of those to follow.

Army life today, and the African American who serve with honor, can thank the men of this book for what they have. This nation owes a debt of thanks that can never be expressed enough. I am truly thankful to have had the opportunity to read this wonderful book.

Great History book that enlightens the love these people had -and have- for a Country that mistreated them.
They exceled on their duty.

this book was perfectly described and is a great read particularly if you are interested in the subtleties of World War II history. book was received in perfect condition and was delivered on time as requested by expedited shipping. I would definitely buy from this seller again.

The American Women's Rights Movement:
A Chronology of Events and Opportunities
From 1600 - 2008
By Paul Buckanan
Branden Books
ISBN: 0828321604
256 Pages

Kudos to Paul Buchanan for being the first man--or woman--to create an extensive chronology of events and opportunities in support of Women's Rights!

This is exactly the type of information you will find in The American Women's Rights Movement: A Chronology of Events and Opportunities From 1600 - 2008 by Paul Buchanan. In my opinion, this is a must for your home library reference section.

Included in this book are all of the relevant laws, well-known events, and people who have contributed toward helping women move forward. You will find references on any woman who has been "first" to hold public office, "first" to receive prestigious awards, "first" to make a scientific discovery, et. al. You will find authors, athletes, musicians, and even movie stars--I especially enjoyed the story on Mae West and her role.

To whet your appetite about what you might learn, I've chosen to share about those items that were both new, and meaningful, to me. Believe me--I know you are going to learn much from this book--there are 140 women and men included in this chronology:

Did you know:

That there are, reportedly, more statues of Sacagawea than any other women in American History and that her name is synonymous with good Indian relations?

Dorothea Dix went before the Massachusetts Legislature describing the way individuals were "in cages, closets, stalls, pens...chained, naked, beaten with rods, and lashed into obedience" because criminals, paupers and mentally ill were all confined together?

About the "Ain't I A Woman" speech given by Isabella Baumfield (Sojourner Truth)?

That when Mary Ferrin got married to a man who turned out to be an abusive alcoholic, she couldn't divorce him because she would lose all of the property she owned when she married?

That Mary Surratt was the first female hanged by the government?

That Jane Addams became the first female and only social worker to win the Nobel Peace Prize?

That the State Seal of Idaho is the only one designed by a woman?

That before Rosa Parks, Holly Springs refused to go to a segregated section of a train and was dragged out; then she sued, winning in the local jurisdiction, but losing in the Supreme Court!

That Ella Grasso was the first female governor, of Connecticut, chosen in her own right?

That Cagney and Lacey was the first TV drama (1982) to portray female police officers and strong role models for women?

That in 2006 Ingrid Mattson was elected president of the Islamic Society of North America, the first woman to lead the ISNM?

That in 2007, based upon the 2005 census, that 51% of American women are living without a husband...?

In my own small way, I've considered myself a minor trailblazer--struggling upward to then enter a predominantly male career field, keeping track of what legal options there were that supported my efforts. If you have a similar background, this book will bring a feeling of pride for yourself and for these women and men. If you are a young woman, you need to read this to learn of the past and find your own role. For women, and men, like Paul Buchanan, I believe The American Women's Rights Movement is a Must-Read!

G. A. Bixler