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Alvin York: A New Biography of the Hero of the Argonne (Hardback or Cased Book)
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eBay item number:311955796471
Item specifics
- Condition
- ISBN
- 0813145198
- EAN
- 9780813145198
- Binding
- TC
- Item Height
- 1.16
- Publication Year
- 2014
- Format
- Hardcover
- Language
- English
- Book Title
- Alvin York : a New Biography of the Hero of the Argonne
- Item Length
- 9in
- Publisher
- University Press of Kentucky
- Genre
- Biography & Autobiography, History
- Topic
- United States / 20th Century, Military / World War I, Military
- Item Width
- 6in
- Item Weight
- 20.8 Oz
- Number of Pages
- 336 Pages
About this product
Product Information
Alvin C. York (1887--1964) -- devout Christian, conscientious objector, and reluctant hero of World War I -- is one of America's most famous and celebrated soldiers. Known to generations through Gary Cooper's Academy Award-winning portrayal in the 1941 film Sergeant York , York is credited with the capture of 132 German soldiers on October 8, 1918, in the Meuse-Argonne region of France -- a deed for which he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. At war's end, the media glorified York's bravery but some members of the German military and a soldier from his own unit cast aspersions on his wartime heroics. Historians continue to debate whether York has received more recognition than he deserves. A fierce disagreement about the location of the battle in the Argonne forest has further complicated the soldier's legacy. In Alvin York , Douglas V. Mastriano sorts fact from myth in the first full-length biography of York in decades. He meticulously examines York's youth in the hills of east Tennessee, his service in the Great War, and his return to a quiet civilian life dedicated to charity. By reviewing artifacts recovered from the battlefield using military terrain analysis, forensic study, and research in both German and American archives, Mastriano reconstructs the events of October 8 and corroborates the recorded accounts. On the eve of the WWI centennial, Alvin York promises to be a major contribution to twentieth-century military history.
Product Identifiers
Publisher
University Press of Kentucky
ISBN-10
0813145198
ISBN-13
9780813145198
eBay Product ID (ePID)
171802086
Product Key Features
Book Title
Alvin York : a New Biography of the Hero of the Argonne
Format
Hardcover
Language
English
Topic
United States / 20th Century, Military / World War I, Military
Publication Year
2014
Genre
Biography & Autobiography, History
Number of Pages
336 Pages
Dimensions
Item Length
9in
Item Width
6in
Item Weight
20.8 Oz
Additional Product Features
Lc Classification Number
D570.9.Y7m37 2014
Reviews
Douglas Mastriano's investigative zeal makes his Alvin York a singular achievement in the small library of York biographies, indeed definitive..., "Both the most comprehensive and the first serious biography of York in over 85 years." -- Remington Country, One of the best compilations of my Grandfather's early life, environment, and battle descriptions from both the American and German archives. Mastriano has captured Sergeant York's life from youth through his experiences during the war and afterwards. It is evident from his writings he has spent years researching and studying all aspects of my grandfather's life. The family appreciates his work and documenting so much of his life., "Douglas Mastriano's investigative zeal makes his Alvin York a singular achievement in the small library of York biographies, indeed definitive..." -- Michigan War Studies Review, "Mastriano gives readers exactly what the book's title suggests--a new and insightful biography. This book is strongly recommended for any World War I aficionado, or those who simply enjoy a great biography." -- On Point, A compelling American story of Sergeant York's heroism and character just in time to commemorate the centennial of World War I. This account of faith, duty, courage, and humility will resonate with soldiers as well as those in whose name soldiers fight., "Deftly integrating the results of battlefield analyses and archival studies, Mastriano settles longstanding questions about Sergeant York's actions at the Meuse-Argonne and humanizes the hero with rich details of his early life." -- The Quarterly Journal of Military History, "[The book] really is a remarkable story of human development and virtue, and Mastriano tells it well. This book is invaluable to both the general reader and the scholar." -- US Army War College Quarterly Parameters, "Mastriano marshals impressive new evidence from German battle records and his own detailed battlefield forensic research." -- Historian, "Reveals both the complexity of York and the authenticity of his achievements on the battlefield. The use of German documents is first-rate and adds a new dimension to our understanding of the Argonne battlefield in 1918. Mastriano's knowledge of the terrain is excellent." -- John Mosier, author of Verdun: The Lost History of the Most Important Battle of World War I, 1914--1918, "This stunning work is a great read on many different levels, each as good as the next: biography, gripping combat narrative, inspiring human interest saga, quasi-religous tract, Americana tale, investigative verification, and, finally, confirmation that York did exactly what both he and the United States Army said he did. The dedicated author is to be commended for producing what I feel will stand the test of time as one of the very best such works ever penned, probing deeply as well into all the possible negative aspects of the story to boot....Finally, this informative, detailed, and highly readable, engrossing text is well complimented by 10 outstanding maps and over 40 well-chosen black-and-white photographs. Truly, this is biography at its best, and not be missed!" -- Blaine taylor," The Military Advisor", Outstanding book and extensive research which lifts the veil of myth and legend that has surrounded my great-grandfather and his legacy for almost a century. The first-hand quotes and documentation provide a realistic look at the moral struggles he faced both before and after the war. The timeless story of faith and dedication that Mastriano tells is an inspiration to my generation., Mastriano gives readers exactly what the book's title suggests--a new and insightful biography. This book is strongly recommended for any World War I aficionado, or those who simply enjoy a great biography., A very coherent and readable account of the life of Alvin Cullum York. Using the archeological evidence uncovered, Mastriano gives the most detailed and complete description of York's action I have ever encountered. In addition to the archeology, the author has done extensive research in German Army archives to help flesh out many new details., Not only illuminates York's heroism but provides insights on small unit tactics and on the shortcomings of the American Expeditionary Forces. One of the more interesting aspects of the book is how York's civilian life was changed by the events in France. A truly useful and interesting account., Mastriano marshals impressive new evidence from German battle records and his own detailed battlefield forensic research., Mastriano applies the tools of the professional military intelligence officer to the information from his exhaustive research in both American and German archives and his on-site battlefield analysis to confirm the historical veracity of the major elements of the Sergeant York legend as they have come down to us today. Just as importantly, he also brings to light new facts about that battle fought almost 100 years ago. The result is a tour de force of historical detective work., "Mastriano applies the tools of the professional military intelligence officer to the information from his exhaustive research in both American and German archives and his on-site battlefield analysis to confirm the historical veracity of the major elements of the Sergeant York legend as they have come down to us today. Just as importantly, he also brings to light new facts about that battle fought almost 100 years ago. The result is a tour de force of historical detective work." -- Major General David T. Zabecki, AUS (Ret.), "Outstanding book and extensive research which lifts the veil of myth and legend that has surrounded my great-grandfather and his legacy for almost a century. The first-hand quotes and documentation provide a realistic look at the moral struggles he faced both before and after the war. The timeless story of faith and dedication that Mastriano tells is an inspiration to my generation." -- LTC Gerald York, MD, This stunning work is a great read on many different levels, each as good as the next: biography, gripping combat narrative, inspiring human interest saga, quasi-religous tract, Americana tale, investigative verification, and, finally, confirmation that York did exactly what both he and the United States Army said he did. The dedicated author is to be commended for producing what I feel will stand the test of time as one of the very best such works ever penned, probing deeply as well into all the possible negative aspects of the story to boot....Finally, this informative, detailed, and highly readable, engrossing text is well complimented by 10 outstanding maps and over 40 well-chosen black-and-white photographs. Truly, this is biography at its best, and not be missed!, "Mastriano uses York's life to provide an engaging narrative of the American experience in World War I, interwar American culture, and the mobilization for World War II." -- West Virginia History, Deftly integrating the results of battlefield analyses and archival studies, Mastriano settles longstanding questions about Sergeant York's actions at the Meuse-Argonne and humanizes the hero with rich details of his early life., This book sets the standards in archival research, battlefield archaeology and forensics. It should have a place on every bookshelf., A well-researched analysis of the man and his decisions that fateful day in the Argonne. Mastriano offers the best evaluation so far of York's life, including his struggle with fame, why he retained such notoriety, and his attempts to appropriate it for his community, but not for personal gain. Mastriano's last chapter detailing the excellent interdisciplinary analysis of the York battlefield with the Sergeant York Discovery Expedition is invaluable to any military historian. Scholars will find Alvin York an enjoyable read and a satisfactory supplement to the larger historical debates., "[...] both the most comprehensive and the first serious biography of York in over 85 years." -- Remington Country, Reveals both the complexity of York and the authenticity of his achievements on the battlefield. The use of German documents is first-rate and adds a new dimension to our understanding of the Argonne battlefield in 1918. Mastriano's knowledge of the terrain is excellent., "One of the best compilations of my Grandfather's early life, environment, and battle descriptions from both the American and German archives. Mastriano has captured Sergeant York's life from youth through his experiences during the war and afterwards. It is evident from his writings he has spent years researching and studying all aspects of my grandfather's life. The family appreciates his work and documenting so much of his life." -- Colonel Gerald York, USA (Ret.), ""Douglas Mastriano has given us a compelling American story of heroism and character just in time to commemorate the centennial of World War I. Alvin York is a story of faith, duty, courage, and humility. It will resonate with soldiers as well as those in whose name soldiers fight."--H.R. McMaster, author of Dereliction of Duty: Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Lies that Led to Vietnam" --, The great strength of this book lies in the insight it gives us not only into Sgt. York the soldier, but the way that York's life reflected the nature of America in the era of World War I. Readers interested in the war and that crucial era of American history will find much to repay their time spent with this book.Michael S. Neiberg, author of Fighting The Great War: A Global History, A readable, thoroughly documented addition to the extensive literature available on an authentic and admirable war hero., "A well-researched analysis of the man and his decisions that fateful day in the Argonne. Mastriano offers the best evaluation so far of York's life, including his struggle with fame, why he retained such notoriety, and his attempts to appropriate it for his community, but not for personal gain. Mastriano's last chapter detailing the excellent interdisciplinary analysis of the York battlefield with the Sergeant York Discovery Expedition is invaluable to any military historian. Scholars will find Alvin York an enjoyable read and a satisfactory supplement to the larger historical debates." -- Journal of Military History, Mastriano dives deep into Alvin York's life before and after the exploits of October 1918, taking the reader on an authentic American journey to reveal a man sincere in his faith, true in his courage, and genuine in his humility. Mastriano mined American and German archival resources with a keen eye on placing the York story in a broader context. Exceptionally well researched and vividly written, this important, fresh consideration of York will appeal to anyone interested in The Great War., [The book] really is a remarkable story of human development and virtue, and Mastriano tells it well. This book is invaluable to both the general reader and the scholar., "[A] well-researched analysis of the man and his decisions that fateful day in the Argonne. Mastriano offers the best evaluation so far of York's life, including his struggle with fame, why he retained such notoriety, and his attempts to appropriate it for his community, but not for personal gain. Mastriano's last chapter detailing the excellent interdisciplinary analysis of the York battlefield with the Sergeant York Discovery Expedition is invaluable to any military historian. Scholars will find Alvin York an enjoyable read and a satisfactory supplement to the larger historical debates." -- Journal of Military History, "A very coherent and readable account of the life of Alvin Cullum York. Using the archeological evidence uncovered, Mastriano gives the most detailed and complete description of York's action I have ever encountered. In addition to the archeology, the author has done extensive research in German Army archives to help flesh out many new details." -- Roads to the Great War, "[The book] really is a remarkable story of human development and virtue, and Mastriano tells it well. [... ] This book is invaluable to both the general reader and the scholar." -- US Army War College Quarterly Parameters, "A compelling American story of Sergeant York's heroism and character just in time to commemorate the centennial of World War I. This account of faith, duty, courage, and humility will resonate with soldiers as well as those in whose name soldiers fight." -- H.R. McMaster, author of Dereliction of Duty: Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Lies that Led to Vietnam, "Mastriano gives readers exactly what the book's title suggests -- a new and insightful biography. This book is strongly recommended for any World War I aficionado, or those who simply enjoy a great biography." -- On Point, ""Mastriano applies the tools of the professional military intelligence officer to the information from his exhaustive research in both American and German archives and his on-site battlefield analysis to confirm the historical veracity of the major elements of the Sergeant York legend as they have come down to us today. Just as importantly, he also brings to light new facts about that battle fought almost 100 years ago. The result is a tour de force of historical detective work."--Major General David T. Zabecki, AUS (Ret.)" --, ""Outstanding book and extensive research which lifts the veil of myth and legend that has surrounded my great-grandfather and his legacy for almost a century. The first-hand quotes and documentation provide a realistic look at the moral struggles he faced both before and after the war. The timeless story of faith and dedication that Mastriano tells is an inspiration to my generation."--LTC Gerald York, MD" --, "Deftly integrating the results of battlefield analyses and archival studies, Mastriano settles longstanding questions about Sergeant York's actions at the Meuse-Argonne and humanizes the hero with rich details of his early life." -- Quarterly Journal of Military History, Mastriano offers a very solid and detailed evaluation of York's military career while applying it to the overall context of his life, as well as the role that religion played in York's worldview and decisions during the war. Alvin York is an invaluable asset to any scholar looking for an enjoyable read and broadens the historical understanding of what happened in the Argonne Forest on October 8, 1918 ., "Not only illuminates York's heroism but provides insights on small unit tactics and on the shortcomings of the American Expeditionary Forces. One of the more interesting aspects of the book is how York's civilian life was changed by the events in France. A truly useful and interesting account." -- Timothy K. Nenninger, editor of The Way of Duty, Honor, Country: The Memoir of General Charles Pelot Summerall, "This is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of General Pershing's AEF." -- Worldwar1.com, ""One of the big shells struck the ground right in front of us, and we all went up in the air, but we all come down again! Nobody was hurt, but it sure was close!" recalled the sterling subject of this marvelous new work on the entirety of his life, and not alone his famous battle of October 18,1918 in France's Argonne Forest. To the local German Army commanding officer of the men its subject both killed and captured, Alvin York was,"A large, strong American with a red mustache, broad features, and a freckled face." On May 24, 1919, then Tennessee Congressman and a later US Secretary of State Cordell Hull asserted in the US Capitol Building at Washington, DC, "Here sits in the gallery the man who's been credited with the greatest individual feat of bravery of the war!" This stunning work is a great read on many different levels, each as good as the next: biography, gripping combat narrative, inspiring human interest saga, quasi-religous tract, Americana tale, investigative verification, and, finally, confirmation that York did exactly what both he and the United States Army said he did. The dedicated author is to be commended for producing what I feel will stand the test of time as one of the very best such works ever penned, probing deeply as well into all the possible negative aspects of the story to boot. Having read it concurrent with all of my own prior and ongoing research into Great War topics, I was nonetheless surprised to discover that there wasn't as much "maneuver" on York's part as there was instead sustained "fire," of the classic infantry combat mantra as to how he got the job done. Basically, he stopped once he found the optimal firing point that he sought, at the tip of a V-formed sunken lane of six-foot depth, each side of which was occupied by the total of 19 of the men he slew therein, and six more besides elsewhere. He then simply fired one accurate round after another at his stationary targets until all were dead, and that was that. Next up came the more intensive battle for his own life, as German Lt. Fritz Endriss led a dozen men in a downhill bayonet attack to kill their tormentor, it being foiled by a pair of Colt. 45 automatic pistols fired at their maximum effective range, six being killed thereby. York fired one of them, but the other was wielded by a supporting US soldier, an estimated 10 feet from both him and the assaulting Germans, thus confirming that the mountaineer marksman didn't do it alone. Wisely, the author-having toured the actual battlefield site several times over in person and in concert with others, including his wife and son, assistant researchers who discovered remarkable clues on their own-allows both topography and scientific, forensic ammunition analysis found to tell the story for him, as it actually happened, remarkably after 90 years had passed. Nor is this stellar effort without some humorous relief now and again, as-postwar- the newly minted and promoted sergeant divided a raucous dance floor in half, thereby roping off drunken American enlisted men and officers from each other to prevent a riot over the French girls whom both sides wanted. Here's another such gem: "While in town, York and his squad cautiously approached a house that looked like a fortified headquarters. They quickly broke down the door, expecting to find a group of diehard Germans holding out inside. "Instead, they were greeted by thousands of Belgian hares, who jumped at the chance for freedom, and scattered into town, instead of being served up for lunch." Finally, this informative, detailed, and highly readable, engrossing text is well complimented by 10 outstanding maps and over 40 well-chosen black-and-white photographs. Truly, this is biography at its best, and not be missed!" -- Blaine taylor, The Military Advisor, "[...] Mastriano uses York's life to provide an engaging narrative of the American experience in World War I, interwar American culture, and the mobilization for World War II." -- West Virginia History, "Mastriano dives deep into Alvin York's life before and after the exploits of October 1918, taking the reader on an authentic American journey to reveal a man sincere in his faith, true in his courage, and genuine in his humility. Mastriano mined American and German archival resources with a keen eye on placing the York story in a broader context. Exceptionally well researched and vividly written, this important, fresh consideration of York will appeal to anyone interested in The Great War." -- William Thomas Allison, General Harold K. Johnson Visiting Chair in Military History, US Army War College, and Professor of History, Georgia Southern University, ""One of the best compilations of my Grandfather's early life, environment, and battle descriptions from both the American and German archives. Mastriano has captured Sergeant York's life from youth through his experiences during the war and afterwards. It is evident from his writings he has spent years researching and studying all aspects of my grandfather's life. The family appreciates his work and documenting so much of his life."--Colonel Gerald York, USA (Ret.)" --, The great strength of this book lies in the insight it gives us not only into Sgt. York the soldier, but the way that York's life reflected the nature of America in the era of World War I. Readers interested in the war and that crucial era of American history will find much to repay their time spent with this book., "Mastriano offers a very solid and detailed evaluation of York's military career while applying it to the overall context of his life, as well as the role that religion played in York's worldview and decisions during the war. Alvin York is an invaluable asset to any scholar looking for an enjoyable read and broadens the historical understanding of what happened in the Argonne Forest on October 8, 1918 . " -- US Military History Review, " Alvin York is a well-written biography that honors the memory of one of America's greatest heroes." -- J.W. Thacker, Bowling Green Daily News, ""Alvin York" is a well-written biography that honors the memory of one of America's greatest heroes." -- J.W. Thacker, Bowling Green Daily News, "[...] [A] well-researched analysis of the man and his decisions that fateful day in the Argonne [...] Mastriano offers the best evaluation so far of York's life, including his struggle with fame, why he retained such notoriety, and his attempts to appropriate it for his community, but not for personal gain. Mastriano's last chapter detailing the excellent interdisciplinary analysis of the York battlefield with the Sergeant York Discovery Expedition is invaluable to any military historian. Scholars will find Alvin York an enjoyable read and a satisfactory supplement to the larger historical debates." -- Journal of Military History, "This book sets the standards in archival research, battlefield archaeology and forensics. It should have a place on every bookshelf." -- Past in Review, ""Mastriano dives deep into Alvin York's life before and after the exploits of October 1918, taking the reader on an authentic American journey to reveal a man sincere in his faith, true in his courage, and genuine in his humility. Mastriano mined American and German archival resources with a keen eye on placing the York story in a broader context. Exceptionally well researched and vividly written, this important, fresh consideration of York will appeal to anyone interested in The Great War."--William Thomas Allison, General Harold K. Johnson Visiting Chair in Military History, US Army War College, and Professor of History, Georgia Southern University" --, "A readable, thoroughly documented addition to the extensive literature available on an authentic and admirable war hero." -- Library Journal, "The great strength of this book lies in the insight it gives us not only into Sgt. York the soldier, but the way that York's life reflected the nature of America in the era of World War I. Readers interested in the war and that crucial era of American history will find much to repay their time spent with this book."--Michael S. Neiberg, author of Fighting The Great War: A Global History, ""A compelling American story of Sergeant York's heroism and character just in time to commemorate the centennial of World War I. This account of faith, duty, courage, and humility will resonate with soldiers as well as those in whose name soldiers fight."--H.R. McMaster, author of Dereliction of Duty: Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Lies that Led to Vietnam" --, Mastriano uses York's life to provide an engaging narrative of the American experience in World War I, interwar American culture, and the mobilization for World War II.
Table of Content
A Life Well Lived Unpromising Beginnings: The Hard Life in the Upper Cumberland Valley At War with the Army Marching as to War Into the Trenches! The Eve of Battle One Day in October War Without End? Emergence of a National Hero Back on the Farm in Pall Mall Another War with Germany Honoring a Hero
Copyright Date
2014
Lccn
2013-045082
Intended Audience
Trade
Series
American Warriors Ser.
Illustrated
Yes
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