Buckley and Conservatism

Until I read this book, I didn't know much about William Buckley. Now, although I'm not an expert, I at least understand something of his impact on the conservative movement in America. I grew up in the 50's and 60's hearing a lot about politics, but not realizing the role Buckley played. I recommend this book to anyone who, like me, is unfamiliar with the conservative political movement and the part played by William Buckley.

A major advantage of this book is that it's short. Some people may want more detail, but if the purpose of the book was to introduce Buckley and his political philosophy; it did a good job. The author cites numerous other works by the author and other more comprehensive biographies. If this book piques your interest there is a plethora of material to follow up on.

I liked the brevity of the treatment that allowed me to learn about the Firing Line program, and the National Review, as well as Buckley's essays, philosophical works and novels. I'm not sure I would have tackled a longer biography, knowing so little about the subject. Now that I know more, doors have been opened.

I review this book as part of the Thomas Nelson Book Sneeze Program.

Buckley and Conservatism

Until I read this book, I didn't know much about William Buckley. Now, although I'm not an expert, I at least understand something of his impact on the conservative movement in America. I grew up in the 50's and 60's hearing a lot about politics, but not realizing the role Buckley played. I recommend this book to anyone who, like me, is unfamiliar with the conservative political movement and the part played by William Buckley.

A major advantage of this book is that it's short. Some people may want more detail, but if the purpose of the book was to introduce Buckley and his political philosophy; it did a good job. The author cites numerous other works by the author and other more comprehensive biographies. If this book piques your interest there is a plethora of material to follow up on.

I liked the brevity of the treatment that allowed me to learn about the Firing Line program, and the National Review, as well as Buckley's essays, philosophical works and novels. I'm not sure I would have tackled a longer biography, knowing so little about the subject. Now that I know more, doors have been opened.

I review this book as part of the Thomas Nelson Book Sneeze Program.

A Fascinating Glimpse of Military Genius

Although not as detailed as some biographies, this book gives us a glimpse of Patton and the characteristics that made him a military genius. I particularly enjoyed the chapters on his early life and ancestors. The stories about his childhood and early adulthood bear out the idea that genius is one tenth inspiration and ninety percent perspiration. In order to be great at any profession you have to have a feel for it. However, unless the feel is buttressed by a substantial amount of work, the potential for genius is not fulfilled.

I thought this book was an excellent one for the general reader. It gave enough facts and background description to give you the feel for the era and the political and military concerns without getting too bogged down in battlefield events.

I also liked the description of the roles played by the other generals: Eisenhower, Bradley and Pershing. If the book had been longer, I would have liked to hear more about their interactions, particularly the early encounters. However, I felt the author did a good job at what he set out to do, which was to give an overview of Patton's career for the general reader.

I reviewed this book for Thomas Nelson.