BLACK DEVIL BRIGADE IS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF SMALL UNIT ACTION IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR. JOSEPH SPRINGER GIVES US A GRIPPING, CRAFTSMANLIKE JOB OF PIERCING TOGETHER THE INCREDIBLE EXPLOITS OF THE MEN OF THE 1ST SPEICAL SERVICE FORCE INTO A COLLECTIVE ORAL HISTORY. RECRUITED FROM US AND CANADIAN VOLUNTEERS FOR A SUICIDE MISSION BEHIND THE ENEMY LINES IN NORWAY, THE BOOK COVERS THE UNITS 1942 CONCEPTION TO THEIR 1944 DISBANDMENT IN SOUTHERN FRANCE. THE FORCE WERE THE ELITE OF THE ALLIED FORCED DESPITE THEIR CONTINUED ANONYMITY. TASKED FOR IMPOSSIBLE SPECIAL FORCE MISSIONS, SUCH AS THE NIGHT ASSAULT ON A HUGE MOUNTAIN TOP IN ITALY (ALA THE MOVIE 'THE DEVILS BRIGADE'), THEY STRUCK SHEER TERROR INTO THE VERY HEART OF THEIR ENEMIES, KILLING WELL OVER 12,000 GERMANS, AND ACHIEVING INCREDIBLE RESULTS IN ITALY AND SOUTHERN FRANCE WITH AN EQUALLY INCREDIBLE 600% LOSS RATE. HUMOR, FEAR, HUNGER, COLD, HEAT, AND THE GRATUITOUS HORRORS OF COMBAT ARE RECORDED ON EVERY PAGE. THE FORCEMEN VEIW COMBAT (AND DEATH) IN A VERY UNCOMPLICATED, ABRUPT, AND VERY STRAIGHT FORWARD MANNER. THEIR UNUSUAL ATTITUE IS QUITE PREVELANT FROM COVER TO COVER. THE FORCEMEN SEEM OVERTLY MODEST AT TIMES, ALMOST AS IF THEIR EXTRAORDINARY CAPABILITES WERE THE DAY TO DAY NORM FOR OTHER COMBAT UNITS. THE BLACK DEVIL BRIGADE CAPTURES THE BROTHERHOOD AND HUMAN SPIRIT IN THE ACT OF BRUTAL COMBAT. AND SADLY, YOU WILL LEARN THE PERSONAL AND MOVING DETAILS OF THEIR HORRNEDOUS LOSSES. ULTIMATELY, SPRINGER'S BLACK DEVIL BRIGADE COMES ACROSS AS A REMARKABLE RECORD OF SMALL UNIT ACTION IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

The Black Devil Brigade is a personal story of the First Special Service Force in World War II. This brigade consist of US and Canadian commandos fighting in Italy. At first I was not overly impressed with this book. The grainy photos and primitive maps are substandard. Moreover, I encountered errors in the manuscript due to little or no professional editing. More importantly, and in light of historical research, there is the lack of a table of contents. Despite these shortfalls, and problems notwithstanding, the extraordinary personal recollections recorded in this hardback makes it one of the finest overall personal and oral narratives I have ever had the pleasure to read. I recommend this book to all serious students of history, or any reader in search of an extraordinary story of warfare.

The Balck Devil Brigade is one of the best oral histories I've read. When combined with THE SUPERCOMMANDOS by Robert Todd Ross and the official unit history by Robert Burhans, we now have the definative history of the First Special Service Force of WWII. By concentrating on narratives by a few key individuals of the unit, Springer tells a gripping story, while at the same time highlighting the exploits of this unique fighting unit. This book once and for all establishes the truth behind the Black Devils, and gives the veterans of the Force a true legacy for generations to come. this book is a must have for all those interested in first hand accounts of men in battle.

I have never written a review for a book before, so bear with me. This is truly a book about some of the greatest heroes our country has seen. Not only Michael Durant, but every last one of those young men who were there. I was anxious to learn more about Durant's captivity than I had from Blackhawk Down, and I was not disappointed. I felt like I personally knew each of the people involved by the time I was through. If some parts of this book don't bring at least a small tear to your eyes, then you must not have a heart at all. Michael Durant and the others (especially the Delta guys) are the strongest, most courageous, and most patriotic men I have ever read about. If these traits are as strong in the rest of our military personnel, then our country should have no fears.

I was stationed at the Pentagon, when Gary Gordon and Randy Shughart's names were placed during a ceremony on the wall in the Medal of Honor room. I remember seeing men at the ceremony who were tough as nails with tears rolling down their eyes as the citations were read. The bravery of these two men always struck me because they truly lived and died for the creed that all in the service strive for, to not let their buddies behind and to risk their lives for those they served with. People wonder why people in the military put up with the lousy pay, the god forsaken bases, and the long periods of separation from families and loved ones. The answer is simple, we put up with those indignities because the military allows us to serve with some of the finest people it has been my privilige to have served with on active duty. Michael Durant's book pays the proper homage to these men. He makes them come alive as human and individuals, not as mythic warrior gods. When he describes their deaths, along with their lives, you truly mourn for them because you, too, feel the sense of loss. It should be a must read for our nation's leaders. That way, when they order our men and women into harm's way, they know the human cost of not properly supporting our troops with a clear mission and the right resources to carry out that mission. Well done, Mr. Durant!!!

IN THE COMPANY OF HEROES, by Mike Durant is an exceptional read ... heartbreaking and heroic and stunning in its honesty and humility. For those who don't remember (how could you not?), Durant was the Blackhawk pilot shot down over Mogadishu in 93 and held by Adid for 10 days. Although he contributed to Mark Bowden's BLACK HAWK DOWN (an exceptional piece of journalism, to be sure), this is the first time Durant has gone public with more than a perfunctory detailing of the events of his capture and his time as a POW in Mogadishu. It is an exceptional story of courage and the Human capacity to survive, as well as an extraordinary testament to the worth of intelligence, integrity, training and psychological/emotional strength under the most intense of circumstances.

Mike Durant, as he has proven time and time again, is a 100% class act with absolutely no delusions of grandeur. Though never shy about acknowledging his own skills and talents, Durant doesn't indulge in a single self-serving statement throughout the narrative, which includes extensive material on other special ops missions, as well as the Somalia fiasco. Neither does he lavish praise unduly on folks who were doing what they are trained and paid to do. What he does do is call it exactly as it happened to him, avoiding undue political rhetoric and unfailingly giving credit to those who kept him alive and brought him home.

Through his eyes, we see the men Donavan Briley and Cliff Wolcott and others lost in Somalia were -- not only as soldiers, but also as friends. By showing us the loss these men are to Durant personally, we begin to feel the loss such men always are to the country they serve at cost of life and limb. In recording this incident from an unprecedented POV and refusing to pander to the sensationalism that marked the media coverage or succumb to the self-aggrandizing agenda that usually mitigates such personal accounts of horrific events, Mike Durant offers insight into the unimaginable; and in doing so, creates a testament to both his own heroism and to the unsung heroism of others who willingly lay their lives on the line to protect our way of life.

Mike Durant doesn't consider himself a hero: The real heroes never do.

I loved this book! If you want a cool {get it? She lives in Alaska} author to come to your scool,get Shelley Gill! I loved Kiana's Iditarod because it told me a lot of things.

I like this book because if you have a dream to be a dog racer I would recommend this book for you to read. I loved the illustratons. This is a great book because I like to learn about dogs.

I like this book because there were really good illustrations. I would recommend this book to my brother because he loves animals. I also liked that it was about dogs, and I love dogs! I am excited about her coming to my school.

Dr. Walter Lillehei's last name is atually easy to pronounce. When reading G. Wayne Miller's newest non-fiction thriller, "The King of Hearts," just read his name as 'Lilla - High.' Almost like the name of a high school . . . Lilla High.

But Miller's quest for the truth about 'Lilla High" turns into a reader's quest for the true story about the almost unbelievable account of how heart surgery began on this planet. Most of us remember or have heard about the Dr. Christiaan Barnards's headlining heart transplant in 1967. Maybe the recipient's name - Louis Washkansky- would be a good trivia question on 'Who Want's to be a Millionaire?' or 'Jeopardy.' But it might be better to learn about or remember the name of this maveric medical pioneer by the name of Dr. Walt Lillehei (prounounced like the high school!) who began the heart surgery revolution.

This book is a suspensiful portrait of a fascinating man and his incredible determination, at any cost, to forge ahead where no doctor had before. We take for granted that our relative, friend, neighbor, even ourselves! can now go through a simple open heart surgery procedure and recover gracefully to enjoy a long life. But do you remember history just 30 or 40 years ago when heart disease at any age meant almost instant death? Do you know how many children just died from what we know demand from doctors to routinely fix?

G.Wayne Miller answered so many questions for us through an amazing eight year project which is now titled "King of Hearts." Miller's project has become this 245 pages of reading that one WANTS to read all at once. Filled with suspense, drama, intrigue and the always-present element of actual human life and events that makes for a non-fiction, the reader is torn between what makes this book such a page-turner. Is it because it reads like a literary 'E.R.' or 'Chicago Hope,' or is it the because it is a fascinating medical story of real life with all the suspensful parts? Motivated, almost possessed doctors. Desperate people and parents of dying children. A doctor on an emotional roller coaster who pushed life to its fullest - both personally and professionally.

This is the story of one of life's greatest accomplishments by a pioneer doctor, who like most pioneeers of anything - took great risks, pushed the limit, and believed in breaking the rules. He was the doctor who began what we all now call heart surgery. He was the doctor whose student, Christiaan Barnard, made worldwide headlines by performing a heart transplant - something we now take almost for granted, but what is it really?

Doctor Walt "Lilly High" deserves more than 245 pages of drama and suspense. He dared where no others would - both professionally and personally. But the chances he took, the new opportunity he pioneered for all of us, and the personal life he led gave author Miller more than he needed.

Miller's ability to chronical his eight year study of Walt Lillehei's life into this page-burner that you'll want to reread to catch all those facts again is why I recommend "King of Hearts" to all readers. Whether a thriller reader, non-fiction master, medical fan, or Miller follower, you'll find a great read about trail-blazers who made a real difference in this life.

Enjoy it!

Being an adult patient with a congenital heart defect, I was looking for some kind of hope that surgery would be promising for me. After reading "King of Hearts" not only was I amazed at how far surgery had came and how much safer it is now than then. I could not put the book down for wanting to know more about the peoples lives that went through the surgeries and the young Dr.s that performed them. Looking at the faces of the people in the photo's in the book made me feel even more like a part of that history. But what astounded me most was the determination of Dr. Lillihei to continue with reasearch after all his set backs. I can honestly say that G. Wayne Miller has made what some would consider to be an educational history book so interesting that I wasn't able to put it down.

"King of Hearts" is an engaging adventure into the world of heart repair 50 years ago. Mr. Miller tells the story of Walt Lilihei, one of the pioneers of open-heart surgery, with spirit, accuracy and compassion. He is ever sensitive to both the goals that Dr. Lilihei had and the lives that were lost in the process. Instead of viewing these lives as just statistics, we see how they were people, loved and valued by their families, who had no alternative but to try surgery. Their deaths are respected and honored, as they went before the world knew what it knows now about open-heart surgery. But they were instrumental, as was Dr. Lilihei in teaching the world what it knows now about repairing the heart.

Although some stay away from biographies, "King of Hearts" stands alone. It is a fast-paced, exciting exploration of one man's search to radically alter the surgical options for heart disease. Once one picks up this book, it is difficult to put down. I confess to reading it straight through the moment I received it. The reader wants so very much for Dr. Lilihei to triumph, to find a way to save his patients. And Mr. Miller's style of writing is enough to keep any reader engaged. He writes with energy and with a no-nonsense portrayal of this great man. He skillfully avoids the overtly technical and instead writes for the layman reader, though I have no doubt that those in the medical field will also enjoy reading the story behind the facts they learned about Walt Lilihei.

I am reminded of Grisham and Turow in the reading of this text, yet Miller stands quite by himself as well, marking out an aggressive and fast-paced style of writing which tells both the facts and the emotions but never dips into pathos or excessive sentimentality.

As Mr. Miller points out, Lilihei was essentially as human as any of us. His faults and virtues are both explored in this excellent text. He is in essence the quintessential hero, and his story could easily be taken from the great Greek tragedies. As portrayed by Mr. Miller, Dr. Lilihei is man against nature, sometimes trapped by his own failings, and sometimes triumphant in his earnest attempt to better the human race.

And the fact that Dr. Lilihei succeeded in his efforts makes this book both triumphant and glorious. As with the modern day film "Rocky," one gets to cheer the accomplishments of someone who fought against the odds, while at the same time recognizing that these accomplishments were sometimes overshadowed by a questionable personal life.

"King of Hearts" stands as a contribution to the wonderful texts which tell of the indomitable human spirit, of the need for man to reach out and better man. It is as much a study of human nature as it is a retelling of the field of cardiology in the early days and the frustrations which doctors encountered when they had to let their patients die because no surgical options existed. This book surpasses a mere retelling or biography and instead becomes an example by which other biographies should be judged. In other hands, this subject might be dry and overly technical, but in Miller's telling it comes alive and teaches us all a little bit about ourselves and the human condition. Bravo to G. Wayne Miller for his extraordinary talent and for this extraordinary book!

Who wouldn't want to be Derek Jeter? The money, fame, and women. The truth is, Jeter never really had it this good. This book, The Life You Imagine: Life Lessons for Achieving Your Dreams, talks about Jeter's struggles growing up, and his inspiring life-long dream he fulfilled when he reached the major leagues. In this book, Jeter talks about setting goals no matter how high, and striving hard to accomplish those goals. This is a book about life lessons, and using perseverance to get passed any stumbling blocks that may occur in one's life. Jeter encourages kids to dream, and believe they can accomplish their dreams. Even Derek Jeter faced difficult problems he had to overcome. In this book, Jeter gives a positive message to everyone, to believe in yourself, and you can do anything!

This book is unlike any other. Sure other books give positive messages about life, but this book gives lessons about life also. Anyone could tell a person that the problem they're facing is common and will work out, but it helps to hear from a professional athlete that experienced that same problem. Another thing that sets this book apart from others is its mood. The mood in this story is changing often. One chapter the story could be sad because of a bad situation Jeter faced, and the next chapter of the story could be happy because Jeter overcame his problem. The story goes back and forth, with Jeter facing a problem, then solving a problem. In the end Jeter is always able to persevere enough to get past whatever situation he faced, big or small. This book gives positive messages to everyone, but especially to kids. It talks about not using drugs, making right decisions, and being a good person. Derek Jeter is a great role model for any kid, not because he's a great baseball player, but because he's a great person.

Derek Jeter is young by most all standards. At 26 years old he has his whole life ahead of him, but the story he has lived so far is incredibly rich in inspiration. As an athlete in the dawning of the 21 st century the way he chooses to live his life in the spotlight is even more commendable considering the alternative routes he could have chosen to go down. Instead of a money hungry, media blasting, bitter ball player, Derek Jeter has become a man we all can admire because of the little boy with a dream that he was... someone we can all identify with. This story solidifies his standing as a great role model for young and old alike. In this book you will see Derek's childhood and his ongoing journey through this life he has imagined. You will find out how deeply his family has grounded him and how wonderful a job they did. This story is great if you want to be inspired by a truly wonderful young man!

If you love Derek Jeter, the Yankees or baseball, you will love this book. If you don't but you have a dream, you will still love this book. Derek Jeter explains the steps to take to achieve your dreams. The steps can be applied to any goal in life not just baseball. I would highly recommend this book to young people with a dream. Well written with lots of great color and b&w photos.

I was originally turned off by the title of the book. However, it had been recomended to me by a friend. I have to say that it turned out to be the most thoughtful, well reasoned, documented accounting of just how far out of control the Federal Government has gotten over the years that I have ever read. The point is driven home over and over again in this book that every Constitutional protection you thought you had can be abused, with no consequences, by the Federal Government. Think the money you worked hard for all you life is yours? Think again. Federal police, with local police support can seize it and any other property they covet with impunity. And the cop that takes it gets to profit in the transaction. Think you have a right to a trial by a jury of your peers? Wrong again. Jury picking has become an art, designed to eliminate anyone who may be sympathetic to your views. Think the Constitutional guarantee in the 2nd amendment means what it says? Well, you are probably breaking one of the 20,000 gun laws already in affect, directed against honest Americans like you and I, and don't even know it. And if you are caught by one of these "Special Militia" ( ATF, DEA, FBI that we were warned against over and over by the founding fathers) you will spend more time in jail than a bank robber. Think you cannot be murdered by the Federal Police without justice being done to the ones who murdered you or your family members? You are living in a dream world. This book should be required reading by every 9th grade civics class in America. But of course, as is pointed out in this book, these "Government Schools" will do everything in its power to ensure that your children will NOT understand the true meaning of our Constitution.
This is a Must Read.

Vin Suprynowicz in "Send in the Waco Killers" exposes many of the establishment's pet ideas as frauds, as unconstitutional, as immoral and illogical. He also does it with a style, a readability and a sense of humor that makes him a modern day Mencken. I've long enjoyed Vin's no nonsense approach, and his ability to smash the hollow arguments of statists with wit, logic, and occasionally, well-deserved scorn.

"Send in the Waco Killers" deals mostly with subjects other than Waco: the war on drugs; public schools; jury selection; gun control; etc. To be sure, Vin discusses Waco and its aftermath, and draws some conclusions from that tragedy that do not bode well for freedom.

For anyone interested in a view of the current political landscape unfiltered by the national news media, "Send in the Waco Killers" provides a refreshingly different perspective: it shows government does not have solutions to all our problems, and that, in fact, government itself might be the cause.

Heck, I thought I was a die-hard libertarian, "right-wing-extremist", gun owner who knew it all. Then I read this book and my eyes, which were pretty well wide open already, were really opened.

Vin has has done something that I thought was impossible in a single book: he has nailed down exactly what is wrong. He has done us the greatest service by defining the problem in America today. And then he hammers it home with example after example. This is not a book about Waco (though Waco is a theme that runs through the book, since it was the most dramatic and pivotal example of government murder and tyranny in recent memory), it is a book that shows just how far we have allowed the hard-won freedoms and liberties we inherited get trampled upon in the 20th century.

My favorite example of how contemptuously _We The People_ are held by government is from the state I live in. The title of the book is derived from the incredible frustration and desperation of a North Carolinian man simply trying to live his life and get ahead (..."and tell That Woman to send her Waco killers."). This one story alone is worth reading the entire book. It is breath taking -- you just can't view the government the same anymore if you have any humanity or compassion for the American people.

On the other hand, if all you want are your material comforts and to "feel good" about life like any pinhead, then don't bother to read this book. Flip the TV on and keep your head in the sand. Or, if you hate the American people, don't read this book. You are already an active part of the problem and Vin has shown us your little game and just how nasty you little tyrants are. You will find that spotlight disquieting. :-)

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! I JUST FINISHED READING IT FOR THE SECOND TIME. ITS AMAZING HOW JACKIE COLLINS CAN CREATE A WORLD, A WORLD THAT YOU JUST DONT WANT TO LEAVE. THE CHARACTERS IN THIS BOOK ARE SO REAL THAT YOU FEEL LIKE YOUVE KNOWN THEM FOREVER. THIS BOOK IS LIKE A DRUG, YOU WONT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN, I GUARANTEE THAT! I CRIED FOR THE SECOND TIME AND IM A LITTLE DEPRESSED SO IVE GOT TO FIND A NEW JACKIE COLLINS TO READ!!!

This was the best book Jackie Collins ever wrote, and I've read every one of them. I loved Nick and Lauren's star-crossed love story, and the mystery surrounding Cyndra was top-notch. Ooh, it was such a good book. Ooh, it made me go to the store and buy "Power." Reading Jackie Collins is like eating chocolate eclairs. Gooey and fun. Ooh. Ooh,yummy Jackie Collins is the best glitz novel writer there is.

American Star is about the story of two people: Nick Angel, one of the hottest actors in Hollywood; and Lauren Roberts, The Face of the Decade. Their story starts when they are in highschool, growing up in Kansas in a small town called Bosewell. Nick Angelo comes from a broken home and lives on the wrong side of the tracks. Lauren has a home life that seems to be perfect. Yet the two meet and become star crossed lovers. Tragedy breaks them apart, and years later they meet up again. Both had moved on, yet neither of them had forgotten the other.

In between the story of Nick and Lauren, there are other sub plots: Nick's step sister Cyndra and her struggle to become a famous singer; an accidental death; and of course the usual sex and drugs that comes with any Jackie Collins novel.

I enjoyed this book very much. I'd say this is one of Jackie Collins' better novels. It read well, and I liked the characters she portrayed in the book. I wouldnt' mind reading a sequel to this novel.

I have finished reading Mr. Andrade's book and must state that he possesses a true talent for writing! This book is an extremely well-written tribute to all on-board the Leopoldville that night. Mr. Andrade has managed to bring respect and remembrance to those who survived, and to those who perished in this disaster. It is evident that Mr. Andrade has placed a tremendous amount of personal time and effort into his research. I have spoken to the author on several occasions since reading his book. He is truly a very warm person, who takes a personal interest in each survivor/victim story. He plans to attend a Leopoldville Reunion in Georgia this October to pay his personal respects to those lost and to those surviving this tragedy. I can also appreciate the manner in which Mr. Andrade deals with the personal, human aspect and impact of this disaster. He also states many facts and statistics, but does not make this the book's sole purpose. Reading this book, even if you are not personally involved in it by being a survivor, or family member of a survivor or victim, is most certainly worth the time. I sincerely hope that Mr. Andrade will publish a second book on the Leopoldville. He has continued to acquire much new information from people connected to this tragedy who were unaware of the cover-up or the publishing of his firdt book. These newly-found families deserve to have their loved ones also remembered. I am one of these. My uncle died on this ship. His body was never recovered. I would like to have him remembered for his sacrifice.

This book is a compelling memorial to the men of the S.S. Leopoldville. Mr. Andrade describes the lives, the loves, the hopes and dreams of some of the young men who found themselves on the ship that fateful day. He describes the self-interest of the crew and the self-sacrifice of many of the soldiers. He details the terror as the vessel slowly began to sink and soldiers had to leap from the Leopoldville to rescue ships, only to jump at the wrong time and fall to their deaths in the frigid and choppy Channel that evening. The book brings home the terrible price of that tragedy and reminds us of the lives that were given in the struggle to enable us to continue to live in a free country.

My father-in-law's brother perished in the sinking of the Leopoldville. I married into the family 20 years ago and never really knew what happened to Uncle Waldo. Now I am filled with a great sense of loss at never having known him--and that loss is compounded as I think of the nearly 800 families who lost sons, husbands, fathers, and uncles.

I am also filled with a great sense of appreciate and reverence for all those on board--for those who gave their lives and for those who survived the terror.

Allan Andrade did a great job of presenting the story and introducing those who involved. They are very real people to me now. I finished the book with tears streaming down my cheeks. This is a must read for anyone who had family involved in the sinking. It is an important piece of history for everyone. It reminds us of the price others paid for our freedom, but it also raises important questions about the mistakes or errors that contributed to the loss and the failure to acknowledge those problems.

Thank you, Mr. Andrade, for writing this important book.

Unsung Valor: A GI's Story of World War II is a war memoir that will appeal to women as much as men. Cleveland Harrison's recollections reach deeper and wider emotionally than the usual battlefield tales. The reluctant draftee's journey from basic training to college, to combat, and finally to occupation duty in Germany does not put women off with a lot of combat details but strikes a nice balance between the military and the human emotions. Harrison's descriptions of his sensations in every place and time are so detailed and clear that one learns to care what happens to him and his buddies.

A reluctant but good soldier, who was surprisingly innocent and firm in his integrity, Harrison reveals more of his attitudes toward women than is ordinarily found in military narratives. His respect and relations with his mother and his college sweetheart (to whom he is secretly engaged), and the women he later encounters in training and service--a math professor and a group of sorority sisters at college, nurses in military hospitals, State Department officers and secretaries, and WACs in military government overseas--make Unsung Valor a unique wartime reading experience for women.

I read with a great deal of interest and anticipation A. Cleveland Harrison's book UNSUNG VALOR. I was certainly not dissappointed. It is an anutobiography beginning with his youth in Little Rock, Arkansas and continuing through his military experiences in training and in combat in Europe during World War II. The emphasis is on his military life.

My enjoyment of the book was expecially magnified by the similarities I had growing up and as a GI during World War II. I also loved my country but was loath to serve. It, however, made me a stronger person. Mr. Harrison expresses this very well.

I recommend it wholeheartedly!

In reading Unsung Valor, I was constantly amazed at the author's ability to portray the specifics of day to day life as a G.I. in W.W. 2. Many novels go for the bullets, the blood and guts, of warfare - sometimes to its glory - but A.C. Harrison takes the reader on the long hard run of what it took to become a soldier, to be transformed from boy to man, from innocence to awareness.

The author has the ability to take relatively quotidian events and make them specific, interesting and emotional.  I found his style fluid and easy to read, and his imagery compelling. He conveys seemlessly a very personal pov of how it felt to grow into manhood baptized by fire. 

What I found most refreshing was the theatrical experiences he had along the way.  I'd never thought that in the middle of a world war that the most basic form of entertainment; skits, singing, impersonations could have such a large impact on the fighting men. Indeed there's something very poignant
about that - the tough GI who can't help but smile because one of his theatrical brothers in arms is so funny, the songs sung that made soldiers so dearly miss home which some would never see again. Read this book!

Written in 1985, this classic text from an American icon contains timeless principles of quality that still apply in many ways to today's eBusiness world. Deming is insightful and even humorous in his description of what he considered the diseases plaguing this country's quality issues at that time (constant comparisons with the Japanese, who, of course, in his mind were doing it right). He teaches that most quality issues are systemic (process related) and, therefore, the responsibility of management. His message is summarized in his 14 points and the usage of six-sigma control charts. These concepts are expanded in the text The Deming Route to Quality and Productivity - Roadmaps and Roadblocks by W. W. Scherkenbach

What impresses me most is that Deming's principles have not been forgotten over the last few decades - they have been assimilated into the language and beliefs of today's quality and success leaders.

With that said, the book is dated - both in language and, of course, in technology. Deming smothers you in examples of production line issues and basic management mistakes.

While it may no longer be a must read, Out of the Crisis remains a treasured part of our technical history.

With my current research interest circling 'Total Quality Management (TQM)', this book came to my attention. Upon reading it, followed by six seminal sessions and a three-day conference with the British Deming Association (BDA) in the UK, I felt totally disgusted with the way the society, in particular people who call themselves 'Quality Consultants' preach the gospel of the term 'Quality'. This book and BDA exposed to my then propagated mind, the true meaning of 'Quality'. Many organisations and academic institutions tend to pervertise and manipulate the term for marketing and other strategic purposes which is despicable... as most societies around the world will inevitably embrace the stigma-ridden myth to the term.

Deming highlights the essential roots to performance in his now famous 14 pts. for management. He attested that management is the key that allows quality improvement to occur within organisations and stated that the function of management is not supervision but leadership; which must work on sources of improvement, the intent on quality of product and service and on the translation of that intent into design and actual product.

When Deming went over to Japan after the Second World War to assist in the restoration of the Japanese economy, he conducted an empirical prognosis on the general economic situation using an SPC method which he had perfected while leading the American census. Deming then met up with 80% of the country's leaders and told them that the only way to revive their economy was to enhance their competitiveness in the international market by focusing on quality productions via stringent manufacturing standards. Most Japanese leaders scorned at Deming's idea and demanded for him to feel the reality of their situations then. However, the leaders heeded Deming's advice in the end, as they felt that "... having lost all, they have got nothing else to lose."

Forty years later, Japan became an international economic giant with an economy twice the size of all other East-Asian economies combined, including China. Her current GDP value is the second highest in the world after the USA's, despite a much smaller national population. Japan's financial prowess remains stable despite the current economic slump in Asia, as President Clinton said in Shanghai (1998),

"We (America) cannot see growth restored in Asia until it is restored in Japan."

This book is a superb guide not only to prodigal management principles, but also Deming's personal philosophies regarding life and effective leadership. Although considered an essential read personally, I would recommend to those who are new to Deming's ideas to check out "The New Economics", Deming's last book prior to his death in 1993, as an actual managerial guide, as it will be easier and more effective for them to realise.

When I first saw this book a few years ago at a friend's house I never imagined that I would enjoy reading it. However, somehow my opinion changed recently while I was looking for a good book about manufacturing quality control. This book agrees with all that I believed to be true based on my limited manufacturing experience--the plant worker is very rarely to blame for quality problems, rather problems are usually the result of system issues.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and couldn't put it down. It is a great overview of quality control methods and control charts. I also have Mary Walton's "The Deming Management Method", but I would strongly recommend to just read Deming's masterpiece.