ePub Enter the Dragon: China’s Undeclared War Against the U.S. in Korea; 1950-1951 by Russell Spurr in History

Review

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Entertaining but hardly history.By Paul ReimannRussell Spurr has written a very entertaining account of the Korean war mainly from the Chinese side. What is disconcerting is the lack of primary sources in the bibliography. Most of the material is drawn from previously written books; primarily from the UN side. There are no Chinese or Korean sources listed; which makes me question the accuracy of the facts presented in the book. As the title says; an entertaining read; but not serious history.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great insight into a Different view of the Korean WarBy James P. PatutoUsually History is told by the victors. There were no victors in the Korean War; but because of the long and sometimes self imposed isolation of China in the post Korean War period; most histories concentrate on the American participation. This excellent book views the all important first year from the Chinese and the American sides. The incredible courage of both armies is recreated; along with the terrible hardship. The mistakes tactical and strategic ; of leaders on both sides are described . It is almost painful to read ; as you know that these mistakes will cause the deaths of thousands of foot soldiers simply following orders. Many histories of the first year revolve around the Marines at Chosin; [a saga that stands out in the annals of war] but Spurr goes beyond this. He describes the bravery and collapse of the US Army in Western Korea ; and the equally amazing story of the Chinese infantry. The most moving and terrifying passages in this book show a Chinese officer moving through the North Korean winter to reach the front and seeing snowmen standing along the sides of rural roads. He slowly realizes that they are Chinese Soldiers who froze in place. If you ever doubted that war is hell read this book. Neither MacArthur or Mao is spared from intense criticism. Both planned elaborate and amazing victories and then lost all sight of reality forcing their soldiers into untenable positions and ultimate disaster.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A great view from "the other side of the hill"By Guy DeyoungEnter the Dragon purports to tell the story of the opening stages of Chinese involvement in the Korean War from the Chinese perspective. It is really amazing to read about how they were able to move masses of men into Korea; largely undetected; without the support of a developed transportation system. You can't help but admire; if grudgingly; the toughness and dedication of the Chinese whose stories are told in the book. The author writes in a first person style; and almost makes you feel you were there. The style was highly readable. I found this book to be a fascinating if painful read. It is fascinating to get a glimpse into the "enemies'" perspective on a war; but painful to read their tales of success in killing your own countrymen. There were several points in this book where I just had to put it down and take a break. The author does make some curious mistakes. For instance he refers to General Matthew Ridgeway as being Deputy Chief of Staff of 8th Army when he was appointed to replace General Walker after general Walker was killed in a jeep accident. At the time Ridgeway was Deputy Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army not just of 8th Army; a significant difference. It was also interesting to contrast the author's views on General Walker's performance as commander of 8th Army with those of John Toland in his book In Mortal Combat; Korea 1950-1953. Toland gives Walker credit for studying both his North Korean and Chinese opponents; divining their strengths and weaknesses; and adopting his strategy and tactics accordingly. Toland suggests that Walker's decision not to defend Pyongyang against the Chinese offensive was a calculated decision to allow the Chinese to overextend their supply lines. Spurr suggests that Walker's retreat was nothing more than a product of blind panic. This brings me to one other thing about enter the Dragon. It is often impossible to separate the author's viewpoints from those of the Chinese veterans he interviewed for the book. I read the Kindle edition of this book. Man! I love my kindle. The one drawback is that it is hard to read the maps that are in the book; and the quality of the pictures is not nearly as good as it could be. I hope in future versions of the kindle they are able to improve upon this.