This Kind of War

The Classic Korean War History

By: T. R. Fehrenbach

Narrated by: Kevin Foley

Length: 24 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

This Kind of War is a monumental study of the conflict that began in June 1950. Successive generations of U.S. military officers have considered this book an indispensable part of their education. T. R. Fehrenbach's narrative brings to life the harrowing and bloody battles that were fought up and down the Korean Peninsula.

Partly drawn from official records, operations journals, and histories, it is based largely on the compelling personal narratives of the small-unit commanders and their troops. Unlike any other work on the Korean War, it provides a clear, panoramic view; sharp insight into the successes and failures of U.S. forces; and a riveting account of fierce clashes between U.N. troops and the North Korean and Chinese communist invaders.

The lessons that Colonel Fehrenbach identifies still resonate. Severe peacetime budget cuts after World War II left the U.S. military a shadow of its former self. The terrible lesson of Korea was that to send into action troops trained for nothing but "serving a hitch" in some quiet billet was an almost criminal act. Throwing these ill-trained and poorly equipped troops into the heat of battle resulted in the war's early routs. The United States was simply unprepared for war. As we enter a new century with Americans and North Koreans continuing to face each other across the 38th parallel, we would do well to remember the price we paid during the Korean War.

©2010 T.R. Fehrenbach (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

"The awful beauty of this book [is that] it cuts straight to the heart of all the political and military errors, and reveals the brave souls who have to bleed and die for mistakes made. A timely reissue of a military classic." (General Colin L. Powell)

A Little Preachy

The info included is a necessary starter to the “forgotten war”. I do recommend this book.

The author freely expressed his opinions on politics, war and economics. His opinions are well stated and certainly provide food for thought.

Interestingly, his predictions regarding Communism and how it might or might not survive (the book was first published in 1963) are pretty accurate. This lends credence to this historian’s opinions.

Again, I recommend this book as an excellent overview of the Korean War.

What a tragic beginning to a mis-understood war.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The United States soldier

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Cry.

Any additional comments?

Not enough material about the epic struggle at the Chosin battle

Opened my eyes to The Korean War

I’m a 30 year retired Naval Officer. My interests have always been WW II and the Vietnam War. I selected this book in an effort to obtain a basic understanding of the Korean War, what led to it, the politics (international and US), how it was fought by both sides, and how it ended.

This book met all of my expectations. There is sufficient background in the history of the Korean peninsula to provide a solid “picture” of the Korean people in 1950. I enjoyed the discussion of US politics and the status/condition of the US Army in 1950.

Narration style is quite appropriate to this book.

Great Book

Phenomenal book!!!! Will definitely read it again some time soon. very motivating and enlightening to society.

very enlightening

for a classic history book this was a very well-read very well written history of a war that everyone should know about especially with the current situation with North Korea

A must read!

Do like to read? Check this out.
Do like a well executed audio book? Check this out.
Like American/military history? Check this out.

A war but not a war

Incredible narrative into one of the most complicated conflicts in our history. A good lead into understanding the dynamics of the Korean conflict.

Comprehensive, impersonal, ok

A lot of info=good.
No heart, no real flow. Still with a listen. Some info not in other books.

Comprehensive

Found myself numerous times looking up battles, locations, and persons mentioned.

It’s unfortunate that I did not have this during my assignment to the ROK.

The lost wars are the ones to really research & learn about, this being a key one.

An essential classic

The Korean War has been virtually ignored and overlooked for decades. But this book gives the reader the complete picture of the tragic debacle. All angles are covered, the missteps, and the bravery of the men who fought and died. Kevin Foley gives a masterful performance.