E. Clinton

Interesting Memoir; great narration

Revisado: 04-23-25

This is a memoir by Peter Lutken, Jr. and narrated by his son. Lutken took an unusual path in WWII. He graduated from College in the ROTC and was sent to India and then Burma to help the Chinese and British armies fighting the Japanese. He was wounded in combat and served with great distinction. He also raised a regiment of Kachin soldiers who fought for the Allies. He had a lifetime worth of experiences and stories during his service in WWII. He was an American hero of the greatest generation, someone who took initiative and solved problems on the spot. Lutken retired from the Army as a Major. He was present for the defeat of the Japanese army that invaded Burma in 1941 after capturing Singapore. This is a window to a time gone by to an America that is very different from the one we live in. No grievances, no whining, no blaming other people, These were Americans who took challenges seriously and tried to solve problems. I miss those Americans.

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Popular history of Diocletian and Constantine

Revisado: 12-24-24

This is a popular history of the transformation of the Roman state by Diocletian and Constantine. They put an end to instability and serial murder of emperors by troops. Diocletian believed the empire was too big to manage, and, as events would show, he was right. Constantine used Christianity to attempt to bring cultural unity to an unwieldy empire. The book is well researched, but does not overdo the details. The performance is an A plus.

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Academic Work But Worthwhile

Revisado: 12-13-24

This is a dissertation on the strategy of the Roman Empire. It is thoughtful and thorough. The command of detail is impressive. This is not a popular history or an easy read but it proves its thesis that the Romans had a grand strategy for preserving their empire. The strategy worked quite well for hundreds of years and emperors of all stripes followed the plan pretty well. The author has great command of detail and marshalls the facts in support of his thesis.

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Francis Drake Led A Life Full of Adventure

Revisado: 12-05-24

This is a biography of Francis Drake, the great English sailor. It recounts his voyage around the world and his participation in the war against Spain. Unlike Magellan or Cook, Drake survived his round-the-world trip because (the author argues) he was willing to work with local people. Drake was willing to compromise with them. He communicated with them, and he tried to understand their needs and concerns. He was one of those people who pushed forward toward danger rather than away from it. Guys like Drake shared all the risks that they asked their men to accept. The author also recounts his meetings with Queen Elizabeth I who would stay up late at night listening to Drake tell tall tales of his adventures. We could use a few more people like Francis Drake in our world today. In sum, a book that gave me a sense of who Drake was and why he accomplished so much. The performance is quite good as well.

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Excellent thought provoking history

Revisado: 06-02-24

The book is outstanding as it provides a sustained argument that sea power is the source of the political freedoms we all enjoy. The battle descriptions and the character of the officers of the Royal Navy are skillful and informative. The narrator is always very good.

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Good description of a flawed King

Revisado: 02-28-24

The book is scholarly and well researched. My only disagreement is the account of Edward’s murder and death. The author speculates that Edward lived on in a monastery after he was deposed. I think it is clear he was murdered by Roger Mortimer.

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Entertaining history of Nantucket

Revisado: 01-20-24

The book is an overview of the whaling industry on Nantucket. It also discusses the Quaker religion and the development of the island’s government. The narration is clear. Anyone interested in the author or Nantucket, where he lives, should listen to this book.

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Great biography of an important Lancastrian

Revisado: 11-10-23

This book is excellent in every way in its discussion of the complexity of the political situation leading up to the War of the Roses. The performance is first rate. If you want to understand how the schism in the family occurred, this book answers those questions. Gaunt was the younger brother of the Black Prince, oldest son of Edward III. He was a faithful servant of the crown despite numerous attempts on his life by Richard II.

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Excellent Biography of Renaissance Architect

Revisado: 04-08-23

The book is outstanding in every way. Brunelleschi deserves a biography because he was an important figure in the architecture of his time. The book is only six hours long and it describes the many battles that Brunelleschi had to get the dome built. He was able to persuade other people and government officials to see things his way and his achievement is worth remembering. The narrator does a great job bringing the story to life. The narrator is quite skillful.

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Outstanding Life of Jackie Ronne

Revisado: 04-08-23

This is a great look at a female Antarctic hero, Jackie Ronne. She was a real participant in expeditions. Excellent book. The narration is fine as well.

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