Encyclopedia of Prisoners of War and Internment (Four Stars)

I found this book very useful in studying the problems and experiences of prisoners of war, although I found the format a bit uneven. The encyclopedia defines some terms used in the Geneva Conventions but not all of them. On the other hand, it provides some excellent insight into WHY some of the articles in the Geneva Convention are there, as well as comparisons of the Geneva and Hague conventions. Most of the articles are very well done while a couple seem to be space fillers. As a reference, though, I found it excellent.

Wretched Writing (Three Stars)

Not as well done as it could have been, given the material Ms. Petras collected. This is, without a doubt, a good collection of snippets of bad writing of every kind, but her humorous treatment falls flat in most places.

Curiosities of the Confederate Capital (three stars)

This group of stories, or vignettes, about the CSA's capital had some interesting information but it also had seemed to leave out some things. The stories seem to revisit many of the same incidents too. I think this book could stand better organizing and perhaps some additional material.

Beaufort's Old Burying Ground (Four Stars)

If you only visit one cemetery this year make it the Old Burying Ground. This place has a blockage runner, a girl buried in a rum barrel, a British officer buried standing up, and a variety of other characters. This book illustrates some of the headstones and signs found in the burying ground as well as pictures of some of the departed and local homes and businesses associated with the residents. An interesting look at the history of this corner of America.

The Witches (Three Stars)

In 1692 a terrible series of accusations spun out of control in Salem Village, leading to a witch hunt which would end up pointing the finger at the hundreds of pious puritans. When a witch can supposedly materialize in the midst of a court or in the rafters of a meeting house and yet remain invisible to all but the "afflicted" then judges must rely on eyewitness accounts. Ms. Schiff breaks down the events surrounding the witch trials which would result in the deaths of several people, supplying what details are known about many of the actors involved. It's a sobering book, but also slow to digest.

The Nigerian Biafran War, 1967-70 (Five Stars)

Little remembered today, the Biafran War was a fight for independence by the Christian Ibos against the Muslim majority of Nigeria following Nigeria's independence from Britain. The war involved not just ground forces but also air and naval forces by both sides and improvisation was the name of the game. Colorful leaders and colorful characters from the rank-and-file abounded, if the photos and plates are anything to go by. It's a fascinating story and the photographs and artwork of this Osprey book makes for a great reference or for a good read in its own right.

General Sherman's Christmas (Four Stars)

This book looks at the March to the Sea as well as the final assault that resulted in the evacuation of Savannah to the Yankees. It's a fascinating story, if not a bit less detailed than other books on the subject. Weintraub uses personal recollections whenever possible to illustrate both sides of the conflict and the difficulties that the Union soldiers had in making the march, as well as the suffering of the civilians in the path of Sherman's juggernaut. The employs a Christmas theme and is well-written. Illustrated with a map and drawings.