Book Review Ladybird Book of the Desert War

Didn't like it very much.

http://rommelsriposte.com/2020/05/05/book-review-the-desert-war-ladybird-by-james-holland/

All the best

Andreas

 

If it's anything like the old Ladybird books, I'm quite surprised there's that much detail to quibble with.

Surely the crux of the question is whether you think it might encourage a kid to take that next step up and look at one of the proper books? At the age it's aimed at, we want tales of derring-do and tank specs - not personality clashes at HQ or logistical nightmares.

Further reading has got to push entry-level general books that are actually available and affordable. Giving little Tommy a set of official histories for his birthday (or expecting him to save his pocket money for the year in the hope that a definitive but obscure secondhand book is still listed online) might not be the best way to inspire the next generation.

 

Monty assuming command a day early, giving his electric speech about ordering all plans for retreat to the Delta burnt, and then his proceeding to act like Christ cleansing the temple while muttering that he won't put up with any more bellyaching?

 

They're not aimed at kids though, they are supposed to be introductory level histories for adults. In terms of scope and content probably GCSE/A-Level history.

All the best

Andreas

 

That's a rather shocking number of errors from a professional historian (James Holland, if you haven't looked at Andreas' review).

 

Agree with dbf here - these books are aimed at the kind of blokes who buy the "reissued" adult-size Chopper bike.

 

I agree with all of that, but my point is that none of this is really an excuse for sloppiness. It should be possible to provide low-depth history that is accurate, and doesn't pander to national prejudices. IOW I see a raison d'être for these kind of books, but want them to be solid.

All the best

Andreas

 

The thing is, there are people who know their stuff and who would probably have proof-read for free (or a mention), me included (in general, not with this author). I have looked over Alan Allport's chapter on the Middle East in "Britain at Bay", and provided some corrections. This isn't hard to get right, if you want to.

All the best

Andreas

 

Even if it was a book intended for children, I think it is still beholden to the author to get things right. Maybe not 100%, but not as badly as Mr Holland has done.

 

This is the purpose of the series.

Given this purpose, I have no problem treating them as serious attempts at a serious topic for a mature readership, and to review them accordingly.

Mr. Holland was contracted to write all the WW2 books.

The Ladybird Expert Series

All the best

Andreas

 

That didn't do me any harm, did it. Did it?

Holland is massively over-rated anyway; his book on Burma was fairly useless. When can we expect his 'Boy's Own Book of the Burma War'?

 

For my money, James Holland comes across as a bit of a clown on this one.

He seems to be spreading his wings so broadly these days that he is master of nothing.

I understand that he is writing a new book on Cassino. If it is just a rehash of the well known story - with no new research on primary sources, plus a few quotes from veterans, then he will really have lost the plot.

Regards

Frank

 

You're sure about that? I mean, you are here after all...

All the best

Andreas

 

It's really a problem when people stop (or never were in the first instance) being aware of their limitations.

All the best

Andreas