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Title: The Ebro 1938: Death Knell of the Republic (Campaign Series , No 60) by Chris Henry, Adam Hook ISBN: 1-85532-738-4 Publisher: Osprey Publishing (UK) Pub. Date: 01 February, 1999 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $18.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 3 (4 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Highly recommendable
Comment: I heartily endorse this book. It is a comprehensive and detailed description of the battle of the Ebro in 1938, as well as the events that led to the Spanish Civil War.
One of the main reasons why I find this book appealing is, that it is the only Osprey book on the Spanish Civil War I have read so far that can be described as neutral in a political sense. Most other books such as Patrick Turnbull The Spanish Civil War 1936-39 (MAA 74) - appear to automatically portray Franco and his followers as the good guys in the conflict, on the grounds that their adversaries consisted mostly of anarchists and various socialist fractions.
Historians who attempt to rehabilitate Franco's reputation often tend to overlook the fact that whereas the Republicans generally tried to avoid unnecessary acts of brutality during the war, the Nationalists did exactly the opposite. Mass killings, rapes, looting and wanton destruction were commonplace as they terrorised the civilians in the newly conquered areas, trying to discourage them from putting up a resistance. The repression of political opponents continued virtually throughout the duration of the Franco regime.
The fact that Franco fought communism is no reason to glorify him. After all, Hitler did the same, but the homicidal aspects of his politics are so blatantly obvious that it would be quite impossible to depict him as anything resembling a heroic figure. In my opinion, defending Franco is as outrageous from an ethical point of view as it would be to defend Hitler, Mussolini or Stalin.
The Ebro 1938 does not deal with war crimes in any sense on either side of the conflict but neither does it attempt to side with the Francists. That's good enough for me.
Rating: 4
Summary: The Ebro, an unknown battle
Comment: I thought this book dealt pretty well with an unknown battle from the Spanish Civil War. Up to now there are few books on the military campaigns and this one plugs the gap.
There are a few errors in the text but judging by the bibliography the author has attempted to look at a wide range of sources.
Rating: 1
Summary: The Ebro 1938: Death Knell of Scholarship
Comment: Many of the newly-released Osprey titles are delightful to read or expand our knowledge of less well-known subjects. This entry is neither. Its text is undistinguished, its color illustrations poor, and its technical content execrable! The latter is particularly annoying in light of claims that the author is a "curator at the Royal Armories at Fort Nelson." Obvious errors abound. Some are typographical -- "7.62mm" mortars, "60-pounder" cannon, 1910 transmuted to 1901 in the same paragraph, and the "Write" airplane engine (invented by the Right brothers)-- but this begs the question, doesn't Osprey have any editors? Weapons/equipment data are awful: one photo shows a Model 93 Mauser rifle "in 7.65 mm, the standard" (caliber). In point of fact, all 93's were made in 7x57mm which was the standard; another shows a (1937) "Lanchester submachine-gun copy." This would be a remarkable feat, since the Lanchester was invented in 1941! (The gun is a copy of a German Bergmann). Some weapons are pure fantasy: the "Czech 7.62mm Mannlicher," for example. Likewise, aircraft and tank data differ from that found in easily accessible references. Since the numbers/types of aircraft used are at variance with other sources, this makes his Order of Battle (strengths and organization) information highly suspect. If the author has a real understanding of the strategic significance of this battle, he does not make it clear to the reader. His battle analysis is awkward, and its accuracy is highly suspect. Overall, the book has no credibility and should owe several stars!
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Title: The International Brigades in Spain 1936-39 (Elite, No 53) by Ken Bradley, Mike Chappell ISBN: 1855323672 Publisher: Osprey Publishing (UK) Pub. Date: 01 May, 1994 List Price(USD): $16.95 |
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Title: Spanish Civil War Air Forces (Osprey Airwar 3) by Christopher F. Shores ISBN: 0850451353 Publisher: Motorbooks Intl Pub. Date: 01 September, 1992 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
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Title: Crecy 1346: Triumph of the Longbow (Campaign Series, 71) by David, Dr Nicolle ISBN: 1855329662 Publisher: Osprey Publishing (UK) Pub. Date: 01 July, 2000 List Price(USD): $18.95 |
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Title: Fair Oaks 1862 by Angus Konstam ISBN: 1841766801 Publisher: Osprey Publishing (UK) Pub. Date: September, 2003 List Price(USD): $18.95 |
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Title: Kawanakajima 1553 1964: Samurai Power Struggle (Campaign, 130) by Stephen Turnbull, Wayne Reynolds ISBN: 1841765627 Publisher: Osprey Publishing (UK) Pub. Date: 01 December, 2003 List Price(USD): $18.95 |
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