Thursday, December 20, 2007

AGENT ZIGZAG: A TRUE STORY OF NAZI ESPIONAGE, LOVE, AND BETRAYAL
by Ben Macintyre

In Agent Zigzag Macintyre has written a terrific biography of Eddie Chapman, who was a double agent during World War II. Chapman was a petty criminal, a womanizer, a thief, a liar, but who had sheer luck and courage to perform his incredible deeds for both Britain and Germany.
The book is exhaustively researched and reveals information on the secret services and the spy techniques that Chapman learned.
A thriller not to be missed.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

LEDYARD: IN SEARCH OF THE FIRST AMERICAN EXPLORER
by Bill Gifford

Long after his death, in 1789, John Ledyard was known as "the Celebrated Traveller," exploring places that no other American had tried before. He took several expeditions, one of which was Captain Cook's last voyage. Another trip was to travel across North America, which was planned with Thomas Jefferson, who was a good friend of Ledyard's. This journey was by himself and he almost made it across Russia when he was arrested.
In Ledyard, Bill Gifford has crafted a glorious tale.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

MANHUNT: THE 12-DAY CHASE FOR LINCOLN'S KILLER
by James L. Swanson

In Manhunt Swanson, a Lincoln historian, has written a terrific account of the search for Abraham Lincoln's assassin.
The book is exhaustively researched with details such as the kind of hinges that were on the door, behind which Lincoln sat, at Ford's Theatre.
From the beginning to the end, the story is so thrilling that it's virtually impossible to pull away from it.
Anyone who is a history or Civil War buff would love reading this book.