Hailed as one of the finest examples of aviation research; this comprehensive 1984 study presents a detailed and scrupulously accurate operational history of carrier-based air warfare. From the earliest operations in the Pacific through the decisive Battle of Midway; it offers a narrative account of how ace fighter pilots like Jimmy Thach and Butch O'Hare and their skilled VF squadron mates--called the "first team"--amassed a remarkable combat record in the face of desperate odds. Tapping both American and Japanese sources; historian John B. Lundstrom reconstructs every significant action and places these extraordinary fighters within the context of overall carrier operations. He writes from the viewpoint of the pilots themselves; after interviewing some fifty airmen from each side; to give readers intimate details of some of the most exciting aerial engagements of the war. At the same time he assesses the role the fighter squadrons played in key actions and shows how innovations in fighter tactics and gunnery techniques were a primary reason for the reversal of American fortunes. After more than twenty years in print; the book remains the definitive account and is being published in paperback for the first time to reach an even larger audience.
#681095 in Books Snyder; Stephen/ Rasmussen; Tina/ Sayadaw; Pa Auk (FRW) 2009-12-01 2009-12-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.40 x .50 x 5.50l; .48 #File Name: 159030733X160 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Good Start But Needs Abhidhamma study as companionBy Dominique La Gardei really do not know where to start. First; My Jhana practice is Abhidhamma based. I can only say this book got me started. To say you learned Jhana meditation from it is not accurate. My closest analogy would be to say that you bought a book on how to drive a five speed manual transmission car and practiced shifting the gears standing still and you think you learned to drive. The Jhanas are closely tied to Abhidhamma study in the sense that learning the whole process is essential and not just the form of meditation. This book will get you started but there is more to Jhana meditation that shifting the gears between the Jhanas. Buy it as a first step.6 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Nice complementBy Thiago SilvaThis is a book written by two students of Pa Awk Sayadaw and their experience practicing all material/imaterial jhanas according to the ven. curriculum (which is heavily based on the Visuddhimagga).I have gone through a lot of books and manuals that cover samatha/jhana practices; both classical (tipitaka; Visuddhimagga) and modern (Shaila catherine's; Banthe Gunaratana's; Joseph Goldstein's; Pa Awk Sayadaw's; ...). Considering my own study and practice on how to reach the 1st jhana; after reading one; every other modern manual added very little -- though personally; in a significant way.This book did the same for me. The little details on going through each jhana (like the insistence on anapanasati focus during the entire day; the mastery programme summary; etc) counted for me as very informative and extremely valuable (helping me diagnose problems with my practice) and inspiring complementary notes. After all; it always helps to read someone's testimony to boost the confidence and put more energy to go the extra mile.I don't think however this book would be comprehensible for someone who is alien to orthodox/theravada buddhist meditation. I see it as mostly a complementary addition to an actual body of material (like the books mentioned above). Having said that; and on another aspect; I agree with one reviewer; which I quote:"I have to say that this book is important. Because it articulates an ancient practice in terms that are understandable and accessible for our time"3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. An important gem.By honesty countsI have to say that this book is important. Because it articulates an ancient practice in terms that are understandable and accessible for our time. I am moved to write a review because I feel; for those inclined toward Jhana practice; Tina and Stephen are two important teachers on this particular path. Reading this book is one thing; actual participating on a retreat is another. I encourage anyone who is interested in learning the Jhana path to sit with these two teachers. They are very heart centered people; and help create a wonderful container for this practice to be learned. What I have noticed about their retreats is they deeply respect every person they interact with. They also are sometimes humorous which helps immensely when practicing this form of meditation. This book is important; and; it is also a stepping stone - sitting in retreat is so wonderful! I highly recommend that as much as reading about it.
