The United States Marines: A History [Paperback]

Edwin H. Simmons (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2002

Since its somewhat confused beginnings in November 1775 when the Second Continental Congress almost absentmindedly authorized two battalions of American marines, the U.S. Marine Corps has participated in all the nation's wars from the American Revolution through Desert Storm. This compact yet complete study focuses on the big wars but never slights events in between: the little wars, campaigns, punitive expeditions, showings of the flag, protection of American lives and property, and humanitarian missions that help define the corps. Nor does the author neglect the intermittent but never-ending fight for the corps's survival at home where it faces periodic challenges from Army, Navy, Air Force, and on occasion, unfriendly presidents. This third edition brings the popular and accessible history fully up to date. Because the previous edition left off at 1975, new chapters have been added to cover the tumultuous events of the last quarter-century, including Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, the Persian Gulf, Bangladesh, Somalia, and Haiti. Other chapters have been revised in light of new scholarship.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"BGen Simmons' volume remains the finest condensed history of the Corps on the market." --Marine Corps Gazette, January 2004

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: United States Naval Inst.; 4 edition (December 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557508682
• ISBN-13: 978-1557508683
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #441,543 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An updated classic, January 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The United States Marines: A History (Hardcover)

This is the 3rd edition of General Simmons' classic account of the United States Marine Corps. It is very readable and traces the complete history of the Corps. This edition brings his general history up-to-date and covers the Persian Gulf War and other recent conflicts. I highly recommended it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great general history of the Corps, March 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The United States Marines: A History (Hardcover)

BGen Simmons' excellent general history of the Marine Corps is just that a general history. I note with distain the comments from the Alexandria reader. Clearly they don't understand the book's purpose and intended audience. It tells the tale. It doesn't twist tails with analyis.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book, January 6, 2012

By 

Robert I. Alotta "Dr. Bob" (Harrisonburg, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The United States Marines: A History (Hardcover)

I knew Ed Simmons for more than 30 years. We moved from Philadelphia, to Virginia so we didn't get to see Ed much more than once or twice a year. When this book cqme out, I bought it-but never got Ed to autograph it...then he died. He was a great guy. When my daughter's book came out, Ed had her sign his copy at a bookstore. My grandson wants to join the Corps and I wanted him to read of the rich traditions in the words of Ed Simmons, but I wanted a signed copy! Amazon had one. It was signed but not to me or Jake. Nonetheless, Jake has a book that Ed held.