Book recommendations.

[Enigma]

Hi Herlock, with your interest in the American Civil War, you might give the memoirs of General William T Sherman a read. He was possibly the first general who realised what total war entailed.

To read online:

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/4361/4361-h/4361-h.htm

To download the ebook

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/4361

[c.d.]

Hello Herlock,

"The Killer Angels" by Michael Shaara won the Pulitzer Prize and is considered a classic of the Civil War. The books by his son, Jeff Shaara, are also excellent and start with "Gods and Generals." In my opinion, Jeff is the equal of his father.

https://www.amazon.com/The-Killer-An...e%2C126&sr=1-1

https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Generals...%2C176&sr=1-10

c.d.

[c.d.]

From what I have read, Doc Holliday was generally an easy going, well mannered Southern gentleman except when crossed and especially if he had been drinking (which was most of the time). Then it was like stepping on a rattlesnake. He pretty much considered himself a dead man because of his tuberculosis and therefore just didn't give a ****.

His lady friend, Big Nose Kate, said that after the gunfight at the O.K. Corral he sat on the edge of the bed in his hotel room and cried saying it had been just absolutely terrible.

c.d.

[Abby Normal]

Thanks Abby. The list keeps growing.

some highlights-wild bills friendship with Buffalo Bill and other famous Old West characters, Killing a bear with a knife (not kidding-when he used to drive for the pony express), his run in with and disarming of John Wesley Hardin (the notorious outlaw with most confirmed kills and happened when wild bill was marshall of Abilene-where JWH killed the man for snoring too loud), days as a Union scout/spy and during the Indian wars with Custer, his various victorious gunfights, his abolitionist views and helping the downtrodden (yes he was a good man-most of the time), his many loves including Calamity Jane, And of course his demise at the poker table while holding the infamous "Dead Mans hand"-pair of black aces and eights.

amazing dude and life story. Man, the Old West. Dont get much better than that

[Herlock Sholmes]

Hi CD and Herlock
Doc was quite the character-Ill have to check that one out. I just finished Wild Bill-The American frontiers First Gun fighter, By Tom Clavin about Wild Bill Hickock. wow just wow. the stories about this dude-amazing. they dont make like that anymore. what a bad ass!!

Thanks Abby. The list keeps growing.

[Abby Normal]

Hello Herlock,

If you are interested in legends of the Old West I recommend "Doc Holliday: The Life and Legend by Gary Roberts." Doc was a fascinating character and a true legend.

https://www.amazon.com/Doc-Holliday-...%2C442&sr=8-14

c.d.

Hi CD and Herlock
Doc was quite the character-Ill have to check that one out. I just finished Wild Bill-The American frontiers First Gun fighter, By Tom Clavin about Wild Bill Hickock. wow just wow. the stories about this dude-amazing. they dont make like that anymore. what a bad ass!!

[Herlock Sholmes]

Hello Herlock,

You have an interest in the Civil War it seems. You have probably read "The Killer Angels" but if not I highly recommend.

Another good one is "Company Aytch" by Sam Watkins. A diary of a confederate private. It was heavily quoted in the Ken Burn's documentary on the Civil War.

https://www.amazon.com/Company-Aytch...s%2C784&sr=8-1

c.d.

That’s two more added to the list c.d. thanks. Now I just need to lock myself away for 2 years without speaking to anyone so that I can catch up.

The Ken Burns documentary is a classic. I recently watch his ones Benjamin Franklin, The Roosevelt’s, Muhammad Ali and The Vietnam War. Quality stuff.

[c.d.]

Hello Herlock,

You have an interest in the Civil War it seems. You have probably read "The Killer Angels" but if not I highly recommend.

Another good one is "Company Aytch" by Sam Watkins. A diary of a confederate private. It was heavily quoted in the Ken Burn's documentary on the Civil War.

https://www.amazon.com/Company-Aytch...s%2C784&sr=8-1

c.d.

[Herlock Sholmes]

Yeah, it reminds me of In Cold Blood, but for some reason it had completely passed me by until now.

All I really knew about Norman Mailer previously was his big spat with Gore Vidal!

I just read about his argument with Vidal on the Dick Cavett show.

I have Oswald’s Tale by him and a friend once recommended his novel Harlot’s Ghost which I never read (the fact that it’s over 1300 pages long probably put me off; especially for a novel)

[Herlock Sholmes]

Hello Herlock,

If you are interested in legends of the Old West I recommend "Doc Holliday: The Life and Legend by Gary Roberts." Doc was a fascinating character and a true legend.

https://www.amazon.com/Doc-Holliday-...%2C442&sr=8-14

c.d.

Hi c.d.

I have that one on my list of ‘to get’ book thanks. Sadly, I’ll need to sell a kidney to buy them all but hey…

I saw a few Old West documentaries recently which led me to branch out a little. Some interesting characters. I was disappointed to find that Calamity Jane looked absolutely nothing like Doris Day though.

[c.d.]

An interesting note - Margaret Mitchell, author of "Gone With The Wind" said that she based the character of Melanie Wilkes (whom Ashley marries instead of Scarlett) on Doc's cousin whom he intended to marry but she abruptly entered a convent. Some speculate that his broken heart was the impetus for Doc going west.

c.d.

[c.d.]

And of course Doc stood with Wyatt and his brothers at the legendary O.K. Corral gunfight.

c.d.

[c.d.]

Both good ones Abby. I’ve just started Lincoln by David Herbert Donald and have ordered two books today, Wyatt Earp: The Life Behind The Legend, and Almost A Miracle: The American Victory In The War Of Independence, so reading-wise I’m spending more time in The States than in the UK lately.

Hello Herlock,

If you are interested in legends of the Old West I recommend "Doc Holliday: The Life and Legend by Gary Roberts." Doc was a fascinating character and a true legend.

https://www.amazon.com/Doc-Holliday-...%2C442&sr=8-14

c.d.

[Ms Diddles]

The Executioner’s Song is a classic Ms D although it’s been many years since I read it.

Yeah, it reminds me of In Cold Blood, but for some reason it had completely passed me by until now.

All I really knew about Norman Mailer previously was his big spat with Gore Vidal!

[Herlock Sholmes]

In terms of reading, I am currently in The US too.

Rural Utah to be precise.

Am in the middle of Norman Mailer's "The Executioners Song".

It's a behemoth, so I'm going to be hanging out in Mormon country for a while longer!

It is superbly written and completely gripping so far.

Thanks for the above tips.

I like the sound of the Poe one.

Will take a closer look at it when I'm splurging on Amazon!

The Executioner’s Song is a classic Ms D although it’s been many years since I read it.