Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #965832 in Books
• Published on: 1998-07-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 483 pages

Synopsis
Originally published in 1963 under the title This kind of War; a Study in Unpreparedness, Macmillan, N.Y. Also cited in BCL3. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Customer Reviews

One of the best books on war. Minor flaws don't detract.
This is one of the best books about war ever written. It's not history, exactly, since the author is too personally involved and lacked the historian's perspective when he wrote it. And some parts of the war are completely omitted or glossed over. But Fehrenbach's description of the first year of the war, and his analysis of how the United States got itself into the bind of Korea, are superb.

Fehrenbach's writing is hard nosed and his opinions-forcibly stated-are probably politically incorrect by today's lights. He pulls no punches in his descriptions of America's unpreparedness, why it was allowed to happen, who was responsible, and its bloody, very nearly disastrous consequences. He is equally frank in his descriptions of the sacrifices and heroism that narrowly averted catastrophe.

Fehrenbach writes in an old-fashioned style. I have heard others complain that his style makes the book difficult. I did not find it so, but admit it is not always easy to read. At his best, Fehrenbach's prose is sublime, approaching the grace of well crafted poetry. That is not necessarily a good trait in a "history", but it makes the writing at times haunting, lyrical, and unforgettable. The essential truths he tells will stay with the reader long after the details have gone.

A must for all Soldiers and Former Soldiers
I read this book while working for the U S Army in in Thr Republic of Korea. This book really shows the turning of the tide in the conduct and operation of war from the Military to the State Department, from tactical control to political control of war and soldiers lives. Starting with the Korean War it progressed to Viet Nam down to Desert Storm.

I read it in 1987 during an FTX, It stays with you!
During an FTX I was lucky enough to lay my hands on a copy of This Kind of War. I couldn't put it down. In fact, I was caught reading it while on duty, by the commander no less, he asked me what it was and I let him thumb through it--he handed it back and told me to finish it and then told me to report back to him with my review. He also made the comment, "I wish all our soldiers would read "training manuals" during lag time," and went about his business. A 1Lt caught me reading it close to sundown and told me to put it away, explaining we shouldn't be reading while on duty. I told him what the Col. had said and the 1Lt wanted to look at my "training manual." Needless to point out, it was handed back to me with a smile and a request that he be allowed to read it next. That following night shift I caught the 1Lt reading on duty, of course being a Staff Sergeant in the army it is always my duty to over see and guide our Lt's with tac, I reminded him that reading books while on duty--was against policy. The 1Lt looked at me with a smile and asked, "Do you have to see the Col and give him a report too?" If I was to give this book proper honor, I would give it 10 Silver Stars and 21 guns. In my 20 years in the army I witnessed This Kind of War style action repeated. I would give the asking price for a personal copy and read it over. I never found out who owned that copy, I only hope it continued to be passed down within the ranks to that Private, that soldier, coming up behind me who would take my place one day. I have often thought about those who faught our battles before me, this book put a lot of my thoughts in prespective. Truly showing the pain and suffering and the weather of battle...., God Bless