"Nobody's Fool"
Excellent story and excellent reader. I truly was captivated by this story and the telling. Ron McClarty has so many voices and nuances just right for the telling of this type of story. I will "read" anything he "reads".
"This is a very good translation and easy read"
I have recommended this to several friends who read a lot of European History and were not aware there was a new translation available.
The author gives a very good prologue telling us that had this book been read earlier by the countries and people it came to affect they would have been all the wiser for it. He says it will not change nor give you prejudices you don't already have. I agree. Hitler did not have any compelling reasoning behind his prejudices that were very convincing. The book was not 'written' by Hitler. It was done in a speech format as someone transcribed his words. Also, This translation is comprehensive and well researched. Where there are references to old cities, historical persons from Prussia, Greek or Roman history or treaties or etc. Mr. Ford's researchers immediately fill you in with the details. Mr. Ford tells us that several dictators have read this book since Hitler's time. I found Hitler's thoughts and ideas on the youth and thier health especially interesting considering the year this was first written, 1927. The German law stated that men must be 21 and women 18 years of age to wed. He wanted the age lowered partially to decrease the need for prostitution. He felt teens should get two hours of exercise daily along with fresh air. He had some good ideas on health and fitness. In other areas his thoughts were rather bizarre, however, until I read this I'd only heard bad things about it. That made me want to read it all the more. Thanks Mr. Ford for making it comprehendable. Now everyone else, pick it up, so you can put it down.
Mr. Smith has an interesting voice. He keeps you alert and wanting to hear more.
Years ago I was in Vienna and went to the Museum where Hitler first applied to art school. There was a Bosch triptych on display. Bosch's art is so bizarre compared to Hitler's quiet building and landscape designs. Hitler tells his own life story in Mein Kampf and speaks of his interest in the arts.
"I want to read this book over and over."
This book ranks in the top ten of books I have read.
This is not a book of moments and scenes. It is a book of life; real life as it is lived. It is history in the making day-to-day. We read about kings, generals, world leaders and great people in our history books. We memorize dates and and great moments but this is a book of how life changes at the street level which is where we truly live. It is full of information and bits and pieces of facts that bring you through from the late 19th century to the mid 20th century introducing us to the simplest things such as the 'teenager' which did not exist before WWII and disposable income. Prior to then young people simply worked with thier families then married and life went on. Where did the soda shop come from? What did teens do before the War? How was seating arranged before lighting was available in large theaters? This book answers questions you never had and astonishes you in its simplicity. I enjoyed this book immensley.
I had a strong desire to re-read this book once I finished it.
"Anna Karenina"
I always wanted to read this book but feel, now, that I would have put it down way too early. Sometimes daunting in its philosophical rhetoric but otherwise a compelling story of a society of its time. Well narrated. I appreciated someone else pronouncing the names as I am sure I would have slaughtered them. I am glad I "read" it.
"World Without End"
Exciting and well researched. Compelling story of the building of Englands cathedrals. The characters were very human and vulnerable. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Well read.
"1434"
Very convincing and accademic read. This book has a lot of reference information that would be good to have in front of your face rather than just audio. If this is your interest be prepared for an immense amount of information. Well read.