In 1998, Andrew Carroll founded the Legacy Project with the goal of remembering Americans who have served this nation and preserving their letters for posterity. Since then, more than 50,000 war letters discovered in basements, attics, scrapbooks, and old trunks have poured in from around the country. The best of these letters are assembled in this extraordinary collection, offering unprecedented insight into the Civil War, World Wars I and II, Vietnam, Korea, the Cold War, the Persian Gulf, and even the fighting in Somalia ...
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In 1998, Andrew Carroll founded the Legacy Project with the goal of remembering Americans who have served this nation and preserving their letters for posterity. Since then, more than 50,000 war letters discovered in basements, attics, scrapbooks, and old trunks have poured in from around the country. The best of these letters are assembled in this extraordinary collection, offering unprecedented insight into the Civil War, World Wars I and II, Vietnam, Korea, the Cold War, the Persian Gulf, and even the fighting in Somalia and the Balkans.Featured here are dramatic accounts of combat written immediately after the most ferocious battles American troops have ever faced; poignant expressions of love by homesick husbands and sweethearts; humorous anecdotes and gripes about insufferable conditions; thoughtful reflections on the nature of warfare; and perhaps most devastating, a startling number of last letters, heartfelt messages penned just hours before the sender was killed.These historic letters capture the full fury and intensity of warfare, and they reveal in vivid detail what the servicemen and women of this nation have experienced and sacrificed on the front lines. War Letters is a lasting tribute to those who have fought for this country, and celebrates the enduring power and lyricism of personal letters.
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Fascinating glimpse into the lives of people, both well-known and the common man, living their lives during the drama and intensity of military conflict. Men and women write from first-hand experience, politicians and military strategists correspond. Words of those in the thick of battle, and of those who waited at home, hoping and praying for the blessings of reunion. Highly recommended, this is a cherished book of memories both of our fellow countrymen as well as some of our allies.
piafinn
Jan 9, 2008
Best Overall Book on War
Of all the military non-fiction I have read, I found War Letters to be the absolute overall, best book. The reason is both its' comprehensiveness, (covering everything from the Civil War to the first Gulf War, Somalia and Bosnia), and its' emotional depth. The personal letters sent (mostly) from the front lines, from military personnel at all levels, to their families, gives real insight into what life was like for them. It progresses chronologically, from when people are still hopeful that war can be averted, to the battle-weary soldiers who have been fighting for years. There are also letters from famous people, generals, nurses, chaplains, journalists, and spies. Before each letter there is a brief synopsis, done by the editor, as to what was going on in the war at the time the letter was written. Sometimes, the letter is followed by a footnote, letting you know if the person writing it survived the war or not. It was a book that had me crying more than once. Deep, informative, powerful. Highly recommended.
