At the height of World War II; with the Third Reich's final solution in full operation; a small group of Jews who had barely escaped the Nazis did the unthinkable: They went back. Spies now; these men took on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines. They Dared Return is their story—a tale of adventure; espionage; love; and revenge.
#2258423 in Books 2006-07-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.77 x 6.22 x 9.24l; #File Name: 0306811375808 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Not for the light of heartBy Nicholas RobertsKagan's description of the 1805 campaign in Europe was excellent. If you are a newcomer looking to explore Napoleon however I may not suggest this book. This book goes into intricate detail about the political and military patterns of this war. You actually get through almost a third of the 600 pages before the war even begins! All the to-ings and fro-ings of the political leaders are covered through the entire beginning of the book.When you get to the real military stuff a good chunk is devoted to describing Napoleon's war plans and assumptions as well as the Russian and Austrian high command's war plans. A lot of attention is focused on Mack and Archduke Charles and their assumptions and feelings about the war. He covers the strategic and tactical orders of the campaign in great detail. The story is often told through individual regiments rather than whole corps. Before Austerlitz there is a long chapter regarding the Austrian plan for 'victory' as well as Napoleon's plans. When the battle occurs the detail is the same. Other fronts such as Massena and Charles in Italy are covered various chapters.In summary; if you are looking for a good detailed account of the 1805 campaign this is for you. If you are looking for an into you might need something less 'meaty.' Another quick comment; this story is not written through experience of soldiers. It is mainly written through movement of troops and political negotiations.21 of 30 people found the following review helpful. Diplomacy and War like ChessBy coldwarmIn this volume(and the 3 that will follow) Kagan sets out to write a military/diplomatic history of the Napoleonic period.The first 200 pages give an overview of how the war of the First Coalition came about. Then there are some 100 pages devoted to the french and allied war plans and the rest of the book covers the war itself.This is a work of explanation and interpretation and the focus is on the diplomats and generals who made the important decisions.There is no spotlight on the idiosyncracies of individuals perse ;but only if it is important to explain some decision taken by that person. Likewise the descriptions of battles are explanatory. There is no blood and guts. All in all it is a bit like a game of chess and the best explanatory book i have read about Napoleonic Europe. The author; in contrast to most other books about this time; devotes an equal amount of space to the French and the Allies and is evenhanded in the condemnation or praise he bestows on the belligerents.It is simply not true as an other reviewer has it that this is the old Napoleon as Ogre story all over again.Knowing the author's very rightleaning political views i indeed started reading this book with some trepidation; but was pleasantly suprised that Kagan did'nt let those views cloud his judgement.Repeatedly Kagan stresses that it was'nt Napoleon who wanted this war but Tsar Alexander. Of course you can take exception with the author's interpretation of motives and events but that applies to every thesis. At least Kagan does't parrot every other author and his analysis is based on thorough archival investigation. This is not a book for the novice but if you want to know the ins and outs of Napoleonic Europe; have an analytical bend and value clear and uncluttered prose this is the book for you. Highly recommended. Hats of for Frederick Kagan and counting down to the next volume.23 of 36 people found the following review helpful. An interesting thesisBy 1.According to Frederick Kagan it was the mistakes made by European nations and not Napoleon's brilliance that lead to France dominating Europe in the first decade of the nineteenth century. First according to Kagan distrust among Britain; Prussia; Austria; and Russia made them form an alliance too late; and in Prussia's case to opt out until the very last moment. Kagan is especially critical of Tsar Alexander I for alienating potential allies by his overly idealistic version of postwar Europe in which both Prussia and Austria would have diminished power in exchange for greater influence of the smaller states in Central Europe. Kagan is also critical of the Austrian leadership for putting too many soldiers in Italy instead of Germany and at General Mack for not retreating from his overextended forces from Ulm. Also Archduke Charles failed to move sufficient forces from Italy to help Mack in Germany. Kagan is especially harsh on Tsar Alexander I for overextending his forces in Italy; around Prussia; and the Balkans; while failing to concentrate them in southern Germany in order to cooperate better with the Austrians. Finally Tsar Alexander I ordered Kutuzov to on the offensive prematurely before the disasterous Austro-Russian defeat at Austerlitz. Although I strongly disagree with Frederick Kagan's personal politics; he does write excellent military history.
