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Apache
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £7.99
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 Customer Reviews
Fantastic, 02 Sep 2008
Having purchases this book 2 days ago and already having finished it i must say that it is quite possible the best written factual millitary account i have ever read (and with my book collection that is alot of competition)
I find it rare that a book actually triggers emotions within me, however this book took me all the way from exitement and exhileration to sadness and dissapointement making many other steps along the way.
I not only reccomend this book to anyone intersted in military writing but also to anyone who wants to read a story of true heroism, bravery and selflessness.
A true gem to be read by all!
Outstanding, 02 Sep 2008
I've just finished "Apache", and I read the final hundred pages without seeming to draw breath - they contain the most gripping account of military action I've ever read.
The first part of the book is a fascinating insight into the men who fly the Apache and the operations in Afghanistan - as a student helicopter pilot myself, the detail given is fascinating, and the author's writing style is superb - interesting without overwhelming you with technical detail. The final part is the story of the rescue of a Royal Marine casualty at Jugroom Fort - the incident reported in the news at the time where several Marine volunteers strapped themselves to the side of the gunships to ride into an enemy position to rescue a fallen comrade. This part of the book is utterly gripping, and I defy anyone to put the book down while in the final hundred pages.
Macy's writing is fantastic - it's a cliche, but you feel you are in the thick of the action. This book makes every other account of military operations seem tame - I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Wow - What a read...... Awesome...! ! , 02 Sep 2008
Having only retired from the British Army in Jan 2008 the author has already produced this awesome book. I'm not going to review the "plot" as that information is readily available elsewhere on this page. The book is a totally unputdownable true story, focusing on the rescue of a captured lone marine. You are put into the heart of the action, feel the adrenaline and what must have been terror at what really goes on out there. definatley an eye-opener in terms of giving you a taste of life on this particualr front line, and not the carefully edited version we are all fed by the BBC and Sky news....
Illustrated with detailed diagrams and a good selection of photographs I finished this book the same day - which I hate doing as I always feel I haven't had my money's worth !! But without a doubt - it will be being read again....
I really can't recommend this book highly enough. If you want a damned good thrilling factual read then this is for you.
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Seven Troop
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £8.99
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Customer Reviews
Fantastic, 02 Sep 2008
Having purchases this book 2 days ago and already having finished it i must say that it is quite possible the best written factual millitary account i have ever read (and with my book collection that is alot of competition)
I find it rare that a book actually triggers emotions within me, however this book took me all the way from exitement and exhileration to sadness and dissapointement making many other steps along the way.
I not only reccomend this book to anyone intersted in military writing but also to anyone who wants to read a story of true heroism, bravery and selflessness.
A true gem to be read by all!
Outstanding, 02 Sep 2008
I've just finished "Apache", and I read the final hundred pages without seeming to draw breath - they contain the most gripping account of military action I've ever read.
The first part of the book is a fascinating insight into the men who fly the Apache and the operations in Afghanistan - as a student helicopter pilot myself, the detail given is fascinating, and the author's writing style is superb - interesting without overwhelming you with technical detail. The final part is the story of the rescue of a Royal Marine casualty at Jugroom Fort - the incident reported in the news at the time where several Marine volunteers strapped themselves to the side of the gunships to ride into an enemy position to rescue a fallen comrade. This part of the book is utterly gripping, and I defy anyone to put the book down while in the final hundred pages.
Macy's writing is fantastic - it's a cliche, but you feel you are in the thick of the action. This book makes every other account of military operations seem tame - I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Wow - What a read...... Awesome...! ! , 02 Sep 2008
Having only retired from the British Army in Jan 2008 the author has already produced this awesome book. I'm not going to review the "plot" as that information is readily available elsewhere on this page. The book is a totally unputdownable true story, focusing on the rescue of a captured lone marine. You are put into the heart of the action, feel the adrenaline and what must have been terror at what really goes on out there. definatley an eye-opener in terms of giving you a taste of life on this particualr front line, and not the carefully edited version we are all fed by the BBC and Sky news....
Illustrated with detailed diagrams and a good selection of photographs I finished this book the same day - which I hate doing as I always feel I haven't had my money's worth !! But without a doubt - it will be being read again....
I really can't recommend this book highly enough. If you want a damned good thrilling factual read then this is for you.
Disappointing, 15 Jul 2008
Truly the worst holocaust testimony ever written.So many mistakes throughout the whole text.Two examples of which were when Mr Muller mentions the camp orchestra in Birkenau,there was none.He also quotes that Kramer was in Birkenau and had came from Auschwitz 2.Both are one and the same place But important errors like these were repeated in every chapter and the worry for me is that Holocaust deniers may pick up on these simple blunders.Mr Mullers over use of adjectives and repetition of statements at times resulted in the book bordering on being boring.It read more like a students written essay who wasnt fully informed ,rather than an actual Holocaust survivors memoirs.Ive read many more imformative Holocaust testimonies and even Mr Muller must have been disappointed with the finished article.I tend to believe that the foreword said it all.
ochmister, 06 Jun 2008
Simple, one of the best books I have ever read. Very sad, sometimes un believable. But believe, this really happened and should not be forgotton. My respect goes to the author.
An account by somebody who witnessed everything first hand., 16 May 2008
There have been countless books written about Hitlers Final solution mostly by historians and occasionally by eyewitness survivors.
You can read account after account of conditions in the final months leading to the Russians eventual entry into the camp but few books will be as informative as this one written by camp Sonderkommando Filip Muller whose actual job was to operate the crematoria and dispose of the thousands of corpses.
During the latter half of 1944 an incredible 10,000+ were liquidated on a daily basis.This may appear too far fetched to comprehend at first but when you realise that those in command from Hitler right down to Himmlers eventual realisation that the war was turning against them a dramatic escelation in gassing took place until mass shootings were the norm and corpses were burnt round the clock in open pits.
At the height of the liquidation Berkenhau had over ten ovens working night and day resulting in a massive escalation of gassings.In early 1944,10,000 prisoners were murdered every day and there were sufficient ovens to cope with the huge number of bodies.
Filip was there as all this was going on and later as the mass of bodies became too overwhelming to cope with it was the Sonderkommandos duty to remove the rotting corpses for disposal in the ovens.
There are certain passages that will really make one think momentarily on the question of mans inhumanity towards his fellow man.
The arrival and first trial of mass gassings where under extream brutality men women and children were forced to undress knowingly they were facing certain death.
Possibly the most heart rending extracts are to be found on page 48 where Filip having discovered the arrival of his father at the camp has to cremate his body after his death from tythus.Fellow workmen working alongside him at the blazing ovens recite a prayer.
The book really brings the true barbarity of camp life to the reader.
The inhumanity of certain Kapos or team leaders given trusted duties by the SS who were extreamly sadistic beating fellow prisoners to death due to anger against what the SS were doing to their fellow countrymen.
Whilst reading the first two chapters one clearly realises these are the genuine testimony of somebody who lived on a daily basis where systematic murder was common place.Unless you witnessed at first hand you couldnot make up such testimony such as these.
As i have already said you can write about this highly documented period in history but unless you were physically there in person to witness these events no amount of research will reveal the actual truth.
This is why Filip Mullers book is so important,as less than a handfull of Sonderkommandos at Auschwitz actually lived to bear witness to their testimony.Every few months new Sonderkommandos were appointed whilst those working at the cremetoria were gassed with other prisoners so that the truth of Genocide was never allowed to escape.Filips survival is the more amazing in that he survived and bared witness to the atrocities.
Unless you were actually there in person you cannot envisage the horrors and brutality of camp guards and SS officers.Muller recounts day to day life within the confines of Auschwitz-Berkenhau like only a fellow prisoner could relate.
His matter of fact account of unimaginable horrors makes compelling reading if not unpleasant reading.He has not withheld any of the material that will disgust or distress us,everything has been accounted for right up to his amazing survival.
As a Sonderkommando he was to some extent safe as his services were of great importance to the camps efficient running.Without him and other workers the mass murder couldnot have taken place at such a large scale.
A book that is extreamly well written by somebody who actually knows what went on within the camp.Few books can bring home the true meaning of genocide as can this one.
If you are looking for great detail on events and life within Hitlers largest death camp then this book will not disappoint.
Brings the Reality of what went on home !, 11 May 2008
I visited Auschwitz earlier this year. I wish I had read this book before I had gone as it really brought home the terrible crimes that went on in this place. If you are interested in Auschwitz then this is a must read !
Gripping, 28 Apr 2008
What an amazing account of the holocaust and believe me I have read a few!
This book gives a gripping account of one mans survival in the death factory that can only be described as hell on earth.
The author is a testimony to courage and mans desire to stay alive at all costs.
Buy this now!
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Customer Reviews
Fantastic, 02 Sep 2008
Having purchases this book 2 days ago and already having finished it i must say that it is quite possible the best written factual millitary account i have ever read (and with my book collection that is alot of competition)
I find it rare that a book actually triggers emotions within me, however this book took me all the way from exitement and exhileration to sadness and dissapointement making many other steps along the way.
I not only reccomend this book to anyone intersted in military writing but also to anyone who wants to read a story of true heroism, bravery and selflessness.
A true gem to be read by all!
Outstanding, 02 Sep 2008
I've just finished "Apache", and I read the final hundred pages without seeming to draw breath - they contain the most gripping account of military action I've ever read.
The first part of the book is a fascinating insight into the men who fly the Apache and the operations in Afghanistan - as a student helicopter pilot myself, the detail given is fascinating, and the author's writing style is superb - interesting without overwhelming you with technical detail. The final part is the story of the rescue of a Royal Marine casualty at Jugroom Fort - the incident reported in the news at the time where several Marine volunteers strapped themselves to the side of the gunships to ride into an enemy position to rescue a fallen comrade. This part of the book is utterly gripping, and I defy anyone to put the book down while in the final hundred pages.
Macy's writing is fantastic - it's a cliche, but you feel you are in the thick of the action. This book makes every other account of military operations seem tame - I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Wow - What a read...... Awesome...! ! , 02 Sep 2008
Having only retired from the British Army in Jan 2008 the author has already produced this awesome book. I'm not going to review the "plot" as that information is readily available elsewhere on this page. The book is a totally unputdownable true story, focusing on the rescue of a captured lone marine. You are put into the heart of the action, feel the adrenaline and what must have been terror at what really goes on out there. definatley an eye-opener in terms of giving you a taste of life on this particualr front line, and not the carefully edited version we are all fed by the BBC and Sky news....
Illustrated with detailed diagrams and a good selection of photographs I finished this book the same day - which I hate doing as I always feel I haven't had my money's worth !! But without a doubt - it will be being read again....
I really can't recommend this book highly enough. If you want a damned good thrilling factual read then this is for you.
Disappointing, 15 Jul 2008
Truly the worst holocaust testimony ever written.So many mistakes throughout the whole text.Two examples of which were when Mr Muller mentions the camp orchestra in Birkenau,there was none.He also quotes that Kramer was in Birkenau and had came from Auschwitz 2.Both are one and the same place But important errors like these were repeated in every chapter and the worry for me is that Holocaust deniers may pick up on these simple blunders.Mr Mullers over use of adjectives and repetition of statements at times resulted in the book bordering on being boring.It read more like a students written essay who wasnt fully informed ,rather than an actual Holocaust survivors memoirs.Ive read many more imformative Holocaust testimonies and even Mr Muller must have been disappointed with the finished article.I tend to believe that the foreword said it all.
ochmister, 06 Jun 2008
Simple, one of the best books I have ever read. Very sad, sometimes un believable. But believe, this really happened and should not be forgotton. My respect goes to the author.
An account by somebody who witnessed everything first hand., 16 May 2008
There have been countless books written about Hitlers Final solution mostly by historians and occasionally by eyewitness survivors.
You can read account after account of conditions in the final months leading to the Russians eventual entry into the camp but few books will be as informative as this one written by camp Sonderkommando Filip Muller whose actual job was to operate the crematoria and dispose of the thousands of corpses.
During the latter half of 1944 an incredible 10,000+ were liquidated on a daily basis.This may appear too far fetched to comprehend at first but when you realise that those in command from Hitler right down to Himmlers eventual realisation that the war was turning against them a dramatic escelation in gassing took place until mass shootings were the norm and corpses were burnt round the clock in open pits.
At the height of the liquidation Berkenhau had over ten ovens working night and day resulting in a massive escalation of gassings.In early 1944,10,000 prisoners were murdered every day and there were sufficient ovens to cope with the huge number of bodies.
Filip was there as all this was going on and later as the mass of bodies became too overwhelming to cope with it was the Sonderkommandos duty to remove the rotting corpses for disposal in the ovens.
There are certain passages that will really make one think momentarily on the question of mans inhumanity towards his fellow man.
The arrival and first trial of mass gassings where under extream brutality men women and children were forced to undress knowingly they were facing certain death.
Possibly the most heart rending extracts are to be found on page 48 where Filip having discovered the arrival of his father at the camp has to cremate his body after his death from tythus.Fellow workmen working alongside him at the blazing ovens recite a prayer.
The book really brings the true barbarity of camp life to the reader.
The inhumanity of certain Kapos or team leaders given trusted duties by the SS who were extreamly sadistic beating fellow prisoners to death due to anger against what the SS were doing to their fellow countrymen.
Whilst reading the first two chapters one clearly realises these are the genuine testimony of somebody who lived on a daily basis where systematic murder was common place.Unless you witnessed at first hand you couldnot make up such testimony such as these.
As i have already said you can write about this highly documented period in history but unless you were physically there in person to witness these events no amount of research will reveal the actual truth.
This is why Filip Mullers book is so important,as less than a handfull of Sonderkommandos at Auschwitz actually lived to bear witness to their testimony.Every few months new Sonderkommandos were appointed whilst those working at the cremetoria were gassed with other prisoners so that the truth of Genocide was never allowed to escape.Filips survival is the more amazing in that he survived and bared witness to the atrocities.
Unless you were actually there in person you cannot envisage the horrors and brutality of camp guards and SS officers.Muller recounts day to day life within the confines of Auschwitz-Berkenhau like only a fellow prisoner could relate.
His matter of fact account of unimaginable horrors makes compelling reading if not unpleasant reading.He has not withheld any of the material that will disgust or distress us,everything has been accounted for right up to his amazing survival.
As a Sonderkommando he was to some extent safe as his services were of great importance to the camps efficient running.Without him and other workers the mass murder couldnot have taken place at such a large scale.
A book that is extreamly well written by somebody who actually knows what went on within the camp.Few books can bring home the true meaning of genocide as can this one.
If you are looking for great detail on events and life within Hitlers largest death camp then this book will not disappoint.
Brings the Reality of what went on home !, 11 May 2008
I visited Auschwitz earlier this year. I wish I had read this book before I had gone as it really brought home the terrible crimes that went on in this place. If you are interested in Auschwitz then this is a must read !
Gripping, 28 Apr 2008
What an amazing account of the holocaust and believe me I have read a few!
This book gives a gripping account of one mans survival in the death factory that can only be described as hell on earth.
The author is a testimony to courage and mans desire to stay alive at all costs.
Buy this now!
cocky, 29 Aug 2008
Highly recomended book if you like this sort of read. Everyone I have passed it on to loved it and could not put it down.
A compelling, must-read., 07 Sep 2006
Like I've said, a comeplling read about a fascinating character. I'd never even heard of the man before I read some excerpts form this book and I rushed out to find it right away. If you're into this type of book you'll love it, but I'd advise anyone to read it. Whether you agree with his chosen profession or not, you have to bow to the criminal genius that is/was Curtis Warren and this well written tale illustrates just how good at his 'job' Warren was, until he slipped up, that is! But I won't ruin it for you. Just buy this book, simple as. It's a must have, I can't recommend it highly enough. Hopefully, when Mr.Warren gets out of prison in a few years he might bless us with his own version of his astonishing life-story, but until then this will set the scene for you, about the man known as the 'Cocky Watchman', possibly the biggest drug dealer Europe has ever seen. Buy it. Now.
very good read, 23 Aug 2005
top book
pass this book at your peril, 20 Nov 2004
outstanding account of a underworld character
shame the man himself declined to comment,
wonder where all the millions are that they never found,bet hes laughing his cods off
Forget the London Myth, 14 May 2004
This book is an amazing insight into the mind of a calculating Killer.Other reviews mention of the fact that this book may be sketchy but you don't rise up the ladder to be Interpols Number One by doing interviews.This is the way Liverpool gangsters operate that is why he was worth a couple of hundred million pounds and owns property all over the world.Unlike their London counterparts who are flash and like to brag of their exploits and talk about the Blind Beggar and Jack The Hat and out of date crimes,crime moved on from that.You will never hear Curtis Warrens point of view so this book is an essential read.Warren isn't the only top gangster either read Powder Wars and you'll be amazed,these people have Semtex,hand grenades,torture people for fun and regulary use car bombs on liverpool's streets(another one last night)Forget the Cockney Myth you only have to read Cass Pennants I.C.F book to know they like to exagerate it's a great read and because it comes from an outside source can ALL be verified unlike London blaggers.
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Customer Reviews
Fantastic, 02 Sep 2008
Having purchases this book 2 days ago and already having finished it i must say that it is quite possible the best written factual millitary account i have ever read (and with my book collection that is alot of competition)
I find it rare that a book actually triggers emotions within me, however this book took me all the way from exitement and exhileration to sadness and dissapointement making many other steps along the way.
I not only reccomend this book to anyone intersted in military writing but also to anyone who wants to read a story of true heroism, bravery and selflessness.
A true gem to be read by all!
Outstanding, 02 Sep 2008
I've just finished "Apache", and I read the final hundred pages without seeming to draw breath - they contain the most gripping account of military action I've ever read.
The first part of the book is a fascinating insight into the men who fly the Apache and the operations in Afghanistan - as a student helicopter pilot myself, the detail given is fascinating, and the author's writing style is superb - interesting without overwhelming you with technical detail. The final part is the story of the rescue of a Royal Marine casualty at Jugroom Fort - the incident reported in the news at the time where several Marine volunteers strapped themselves to the side of the gunships to ride into an enemy position to rescue a fallen comrade. This part of the book is utterly gripping, and I defy anyone to put the book down while in the final hundred pages.
Macy's writing is fantastic - it's a cliche, but you feel you are in the thick of the action. This book makes every other account of military operations seem tame - I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Wow - What a read...... Awesome...! ! , 02 Sep 2008
Having only retired from the British Army in Jan 2008 the author has already produced this awesome book. I'm not going to review the "plot" as that information is readily available elsewhere on this page. The book is a totally unputdownable true story, focusing on the rescue of a captured lone marine. You are put into the heart of the action, feel the adrenaline and what must have been terror at what really goes on out there. definatley an eye-opener in terms of giving you a taste of life on this particualr front line, and not the carefully edited version we are all fed by the BBC and Sky news....
Illustrated with detailed diagrams and a good selection of photographs I finished this book the same day - which I hate doing as I always feel I haven't had my money's worth !! But without a doubt - it will be being read again....
I really can't recommend this book highly enough. If you want a damned good thrilling factual read then this is for you.
Disappointing, 15 Jul 2008
Truly the worst holocaust testimony ever written.So many mistakes throughout the whole text.Two examples of which were when Mr Muller mentions the camp orchestra in Birkenau,there was none.He also quotes that Kramer was in Birkenau and had came from Auschwitz 2.Both are one and the same place But important errors like these were repeated in every chapter and the worry for me is that Holocaust deniers may pick up on these simple blunders.Mr Mullers over use of adjectives and repetition of statements at times resulted in the book bordering on being boring.It read more like a students written essay who wasnt fully informed ,rather than an actual Holocaust survivors memoirs.Ive read many more imformative Holocaust testimonies and even Mr Muller must have been disappointed with the finished article.I tend to believe that the foreword said it all.
ochmister, 06 Jun 2008
Simple, one of the best books I have ever read. Very sad, sometimes un believable. But believe, this really happened and should not be forgotton. My respect goes to the author.
An account by somebody who witnessed everything first hand., 16 May 2008
There have been countless books written about Hitlers Final solution mostly by historians and occasionally by eyewitness survivors.
You can read account after account of conditions in the final months leading to the Russians eventual entry into the camp but few books will be as informative as this one written by camp Sonderkommando Filip Muller whose actual job was to operate the crematoria and dispose of the thousands of corpses.
During the latter half of 1944 an incredible 10,000+ were liquidated on a daily basis.This may appear too far fetched to comprehend at first but when you realise that those in command from Hitler right down to Himmlers eventual realisation that the war was turning against them a dramatic escelation in gassing took place until mass shootings were the norm and corpses were burnt round the clock in open pits.
At the height of the liquidation Berkenhau had over ten ovens working night and day resulting in a massive escalation of gassings.In early 1944,10,000 prisoners were murdered every day and there were sufficient ovens to cope with the huge number of bodies.
Filip was there as all this was going on and later as the mass of bodies became too overwhelming to cope with it was the Sonderkommandos duty to remove the rotting corpses for disposal in the ovens.
There are certain passages that will really make one think momentarily on the question of mans inhumanity towards his fellow man.
The arrival and first trial of mass gassings where under extream brutality men women and children were forced to undress knowingly they were facing certain death.
Possibly the most heart rending extracts are to be found on page 48 where Filip having discovered the arrival of his father at the camp has to cremate his body after his death from tythus.Fellow workmen working alongside him at the blazing ovens recite a prayer.
The book really brings the true barbarity of camp life to the reader.
The inhumanity of certain Kapos or team leaders given trusted duties by the SS who were extreamly sadistic beating fellow prisoners to death due to anger against what the SS were doing to their fellow countrymen.
Whilst reading the first two chapters one clearly realises these are the genuine testimony of somebody who lived on a daily basis where systematic murder was common place.Unless you witnessed at first hand you couldnot make up such testimony such as these.
As i have already said you can write about this highly documented period in history but unless you were physically there in person to witness these events no amount of research will reveal the actual truth.
This is why Filip Mullers book is so important,as less than a handfull of Sonderkommandos at Auschwitz actually lived to bear witness to their testimony.Every few months new Sonderkommandos were appointed whilst those working at the cremetoria were gassed with other prisoners so that the truth of Genocide was never allowed to escape.Filips survival is the more amazing in that he survived and bared witness to the atrocities.
Unless you were actually there in person you cannot envisage the horrors and brutality of camp guards and SS officers.Muller recounts day to day life within the confines of Auschwitz-Berkenhau like only a fellow prisoner could relate.
His matter of fact account of unimaginable horrors makes compelling reading if not unpleasant reading.He has not withheld any of the material that will disgust or distress us,everything has been accounted for right up to his amazing survival.
As a Sonderkommando he was to some extent safe as his services were of great importance to the camps efficient running.Without him and other workers the mass murder couldnot have taken place at such a large scale.
A book that is extreamly well written by somebody who actually knows what went on within the camp.Few books can bring home the true meaning of genocide as can this one.
If you are looking for great detail on events and life within Hitlers largest death camp then this book will not disappoint.
Brings the Reality of what went on home !, 11 May 2008
I visited Auschwitz earlier this year. I wish I had read this book before I had gone as it really brought home the terrible crimes that went on in this place. If you are interested in Auschwitz then this is a must read !
Gripping, 28 Apr 2008
What an amazing account of the holocaust and believe me I have read a few!
This book gives a gripping account of one mans survival in the death factory that can only be described as hell on earth.
The author is a testimony to courage and mans desire to stay alive at all costs.
Buy this now!
cocky, 29 Aug 2008
Highly recomended book if you like this sort of read. Everyone I have passed it on to loved it and could not put it down.
A compelling, must-read., 07 Sep 2006
Like I've said, a comeplling read about a fascinating character. I'd never even heard of the man before I read some excerpts form this book and I rushed out to find it right away. If you're into this type of book you'll love it, but I'd advise anyone to read it. Whether you agree with his chosen profession or not, you have to bow to the criminal genius that is/was Curtis Warren and this well written tale illustrates just how good at his 'job' Warren was, until he slipped up, that is! But I won't ruin it for you. Just buy this book, simple as. It's a must have, I can't recommend it highly enough. Hopefully, when Mr.Warren gets out of prison in a few years he might bless us with his own version of his astonishing life-story, but until then this will set the scene for you, about the man known as the 'Cocky Watchman', possibly the biggest drug dealer Europe has ever seen. Buy it. Now.
very good read, 23 Aug 2005
top book
pass this book at your peril, 20 Nov 2004
outstanding account of a underworld character
shame the man himself declined to comment,
wonder where all the millions are that they never found,bet hes laughing his cods off
Forget the London Myth, 14 May 2004
This book is an amazing insight into the mind of a calculating Killer.Other reviews mention of the fact that this book may be sketchy but you don't rise up the ladder to be Interpols Number One by doing interviews.This is the way Liverpool gangsters operate that is why he was worth a couple of hundred million pounds and owns property all over the world.Unlike their London counterparts who are flash and like to brag of their exploits and talk about the Blind Beggar and Jack The Hat and out of date crimes,crime moved on from that.You will never hear Curtis Warrens point of view so this book is an essential read.Warren isn't the only top gangster either read Powder Wars and you'll be amazed,these people have Semtex,hand grenades,torture people for fun and regulary use car bombs on liverpool's streets(another one last night)Forget the Cockney Myth you only have to read Cass Pennants I.C.F book to know they like to exagerate it's a great read and because it comes from an outside source can ALL be verified unlike London blaggers.
The inspiration for Fleming's Bond?, 15 Jul 2008
If you like adventure then you can't go far wrong with this book. During World War II, petty East End criminal Eddie Chapman finds himself banged up in occupied Jersey's prison. He is given a lifeline that he cannot refuse - come and work for German secret intelligence as a spy or face the consequences. Eddie opts for the former and is thrown into the grandiose world of a German spymaster. Now he is faced with the moral dilemma of double-crossing his country or the gamble of double crossing his new found boss. You'll have to read the book to find out which choice he makes ... I thoroughly recommend this book!
Well written but lacks of characters' in-depth analysis, 15 Jul 2008
The book is well written. The author limits himself to analyzing events based on first-hand evidence: on the one hand this allows to draw a very faithful picture of agent Zig Zag's wartime adventures. On the other hand however, this method discourage the author from trying to investigate in-depth motivations and convictions of agent Zig Zag.
Fritz, 24 May 2008
Agent Zigzag, a Review by the
Cote d'Azur Men's Book Club
When one of the most wanted men in Britain escaped police by jumping through a Jersey hotel window he leaped into a new career, an Englishman whose deeds were to be heard and applauded by both The Fuehrer and Winston Churchill.
Hitler knew him as Little Fritz; the blue-eyed boy of the Abwher, the Nazi secret service and Churchill was impressed by his exploit, for he was spying for Britain, too, under the codename Agent Zigzag. Eddie Arnold Chapman was, a rising star in the Soho world of gangsters, and, in the twilight days of peace in early l939, a dark haired, handsome young man, destined it seemed, to spend many years behind bars.
He was a care rogue, a womaniser, a leading figure in the mob known as "The Jelly Gang" for their habit of using gelignite to blow safes. He could have been a prototype for 007 James Bond. His girlfriend was pregnant and he was with another woman when the police found him in the Channel Islands. He was captured, eventually and jailed, managed to rob the Governor and then the Germans invaded and he found himself in a Nazi prison camp outside Paris. He was already a bit of a linguist, having picked up basic German and French.
The harsh regime did not appeal so Chapman offered his services to the goose steppers; after lengthy Teutonic thought, the SS the Abwher decided he was genuine. They trained him to be one of their spies in England He graduated from a Nazi school for spies, in France with honours and made many friends, especially his boss, a somewhat aristocratic chap who kept him well supplied with cash. Chapman, naturally, quickly found that boss man was taking his cut from the thousands of Reich marks he was handing over. It takes a crook to know a crook.
The Cote d'Azur Men's Book Club thought Agent Zigzag by journalist Ben Macintyre a very entertaining read, a combination of Bond and Biggles. Fritz, parachuting at night and landing in a muddy Cambridgeshire field and naively banging on a farmhouse door and saying he had been in a car accident. MI5who turned him into their man picked him up. Money changed hands.
Fritz blowing up the De Havilland factory where the wonder plane, the Mosquito was made,
the staged attack being arranged by MI5 experts to fool the Germans.
The stubborn Englishness of the Editor of The Times in refusing to print an untruthful report, which would have fooled the enemy into believing Fritz, was doing good work. . Not a problem for the patriotic Daily Express!
Fritz still has that swashbuckling air about him, he returns to his German group leader and friend by sea, and seemingly reverts to the Nazi regime. Back in Germany and many more adventures, he finds love again in Norway with the beautiful Dagmar. Just as he arranged with MI5 to pay a good "pension" to his woman, so now he does the same for his new love, with the Germans!
He parachutes back into Britain with the brief to track down the new anti-U-boat weapon that is causing devastation to the wolf packs. Such a device only exists in the Nazi imagination, of course and the boffins think up a hilarious device that is pure Monty Python or The Goons, just to give the enemy something to think about. The secret weapon was, of course, the Bletchley Park code breaker.
Had the stakes not been so huge, Agent Zigzag would have been a biting satirical piece of work, yet, it is the gripping life story of courageous con man who reverted to type at war's end to thieving and safe breaking and, naturally, womanising. A crook, but our crook. As his MI5 boss said, "One of the bravest men I have ever met."
Oh, yes, and old Adolf probably thought much the same. Eddie Arnold Chapman was awarded the Iron Cross, First Class.
Chapman, born in the North East, was a charismatic crook made good by his courage and apparent indifference to personal suffering. He mixed with the great and the good but he was never a Gentleman, he was a spy who did a great service for his country in her time of need.
All, especially the ladies, loved him. It could have been men like Chapman who inspired a Naval Intelligence officer, one Ian Fleming, to create James Bond. Agent Zigzag did not have a licence to kill, officially, but he dreamed of assassinating Hitler!
The real deal, 16 Apr 2008
I recently read Europe at War which points out that quite frankly what won the war was the meat grinder of the Eastern Front. So no amount of cloak and dagger stuff carried out by Britain really made a big difference in the greater scheme of things. While this is true, this cannot hide the fact that Eddie Chapman's story is simply fascinating and one you are guaranteed to get swept up in.
This is the true story of a small time British crook who was recruited by the German war machine to go to Britain and spy. Only for him to become a double agent and in turn spy on the Germans after his return from a "successful mission".
It is written like a comedy thriller and you do have to keep reminding yourself that this all actually happened. It is rip-roaring stuff making you live every moment of fear, tension and laughter too.
This is brilliant non-fiction. Highly readable, educational and should be turned into a great BBC mini-series.
Puts James Bond Shame , 15 Apr 2008
All that needs to be said about this book is that if you like a good story, read it. The best bit of it all is it is all true. This amazing story would be dismissed as too far fetched if it were fiction, the truth is stranger than fiction they say and this certainly is.
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Customer Reviews
Fantastic, 02 Sep 2008
Having purchases this book 2 days ago and already having finished it i must say that it is quite possible the best written factual millitary account i have ever read (and with my book collection that is alot of competition)
I find it rare that a book actually triggers emotions within me, however this book took me all the way from exitement and exhileration to sadness and dissapointement making many other steps along the way.
I not only reccomend this book to anyone intersted in military writing but also to anyone who wants to read a story of true heroism, bravery and selflessness.
A true gem to be read by all!
Outstanding, 02 Sep 2008
I've just finished "Apache", and I read the final hundred pages without seeming to draw breath - they contain the most gripping account of military action I've ever read.
The first part of the book is a fascinating insight into the men who fly the Apache and the operations in Afghanistan - as a student helicopter pilot myself, the detail given is fascinating, and the author's writing style is superb - interesting without overwhelming you with technical detail. The final part is the story of the rescue of a Royal Marine casualty at Jugroom Fort - the incident reported in the news at the time where several Marine volunteers strapped themselves to the side of the gunships to ride into an enemy position to rescue a fallen comrade. This part of the book is utterly gripping, and I defy anyone to put the book down while in the final hundred pages.
Macy's writing is fantastic - it's a cliche, but you feel you are in the thick of the action. This book makes every other account of military operations seem tame - I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Wow - What a read...... Awesome...! ! , 02 Sep 2008
Having only retired from the British Army in Jan 2008 the author has already produced this awesome book. I'm not going to review the "plot" as that information is readily available elsewhere on this page. The book is a totally unputdownable true story, focusing on the rescue of a captured lone marine. You are put into the heart of the action, feel the adrenaline and what must have been terror at what really goes on out there. definatley an eye-opener in terms of giving you a taste of life on this particualr front line, and not the carefully edited version we are all fed by the BBC and Sky news....
Illustrated with detailed diagrams and a good selection of photographs I finished this book the same day - which I hate doing as I always feel I haven't had my money's worth !! But without a doubt - it will be being read again....
I really can't recommend this book highly enough. If you want a damned good thrilling factual read then this is for you.
Disappointing, 15 Jul 2008
Truly the worst holocaust testimony ever written.So many mistakes throughout the whole text.Two examples of which were when Mr Muller mentions the camp orchestra in Birkenau,there was none.He also quotes that Kramer was in Birkenau and had came from Auschwitz 2.Both are one and the same place But important errors like these were repeated in every chapter and the worry for me is that Holocaust deniers may pick up on these simple blunders.Mr Mullers over use of adjectives and repetition of statements at times resulted in the book bordering on being boring.It read more like a students written essay who wasnt fully informed ,rather than an actual Holocaust survivors memoirs.Ive read many more imformative Holocaust testimonies and even Mr Muller must have been disappointed with the finished article.I tend to believe that the foreword said it all.
ochmister, 06 Jun 2008
Simple, one of the best books I have ever read. Very sad, sometimes un believable. But believe, this really happened and should not be forgotton. My respect goes to the author.
An account by somebody who witnessed everything first hand., 16 May 2008
There have been countless books written about Hitlers Final solution mostly by historians and occasionally by eyewitness survivors.
You can read account after account of conditions in the final months leading to the Russians eventual entry into the camp but few books will be as informative as this one written by camp Sonderkommando Filip Muller whose actual job was to operate the crematoria and dispose of the thousands of corpses.
During the latter half of 1944 an incredible 10,000+ were liquidated on a daily basis.This may appear too far fetched to comprehend at first but when you realise that those in command from Hitler right down to Himmlers eventual realisation that the war was turning against them a dramatic escelation in gassing took place until mass shootings were the norm and corpses were burnt round the clock in open pits.
At the height of the liquidation Berkenhau had over ten ovens working night and day resulting in a massive escalation of gassings.In early 1944,10,000 prisoners were murdered every day and there were sufficient ovens to cope with the huge number of bodies.
Filip was there as all this was going on and later as the mass of bodies became too overwhelming to cope with it was the Sonderkommandos duty to remove the rotting corpses for disposal in the ovens.
There are certain passages that will really make one think momentarily on the question of mans inhumanity towards his fellow man.
The arrival and first trial of mass gassings where under extream brutality men women and children were forced to undress knowingly they were facing certain death.
Possibly the most heart rending extracts are to be found on page 48 where Filip having discovered the arrival of his father at the camp has to cremate his body after his death from tythus.Fellow workmen working alongside him at the blazing ovens recite a prayer.
The book really brings the true barbarity of camp life to the reader.
The inhumanity of certain Kapos or team leaders given trusted duties by the SS who were extreamly sadistic beating fellow prisoners to death due to anger against what the SS were doing to their fellow countrymen.
Whilst reading the first two chapters one clearly realises these are the genuine testimony of somebody who lived on a daily basis where systematic murder was common place.Unless you witnessed at first hand you couldnot make up such testimony such as these.
As i have already said you can write about this highly documented period in history but unless you were physically there in person to witness these events no amount of research will reveal the actual truth.
This is why Filip Mullers book is so important,as less than a handfull of Sonderkommandos at Auschwitz actually lived to bear witness to their testimony.Every few months new Sonderkommandos were appointed whilst those working at the cremetoria were gassed with other prisoners so that the truth of Genocide was never allowed to escape.Filips survival is the more amazing in that he survived and bared witness to the atrocities.
Unless you were actually there in person you cannot envisage the horrors and brutality of camp guards and SS officers.Muller recounts day to day life within the confines of Auschwitz-Berkenhau like only a fellow prisoner could relate.
His matter of fact account of unimaginable horrors makes compelling reading if not unpleasant reading.He has not withheld any of the material that will disgust or distress us,everything has been accounted for right up to his amazing survival.
As a Sonderkommando he was to some extent safe as his services were of great importance to the camps efficient running.Without him and other workers the mass murder couldnot have taken place at such a large scale.
A book that is extreamly well written by somebody who actually knows what went on within the camp.Few books can bring home the true meaning of genocide as can this one.
If you are looking for great detail on events and life within Hitlers largest death camp then this book will not disappoint.
Brings the Reality of what went on home !, 11 May 2008
I visited Auschwitz earlier this year. I wish I had read this book before I had gone as it really brought home the terrible crimes that went on in this place. If you are interested in Auschwitz then this is a must read !
Gripping, 28 Apr 2008
What an amazing account of the holocaust and believe me I have read a few!
This book gives a gripping account of one mans survival in the death factory that can only be described as hell on earth.
The author is a testimony to courage and mans desire to stay alive at all costs.
Buy this now!
cocky, 29 Aug 2008
Highly recomended book if you like this sort of read. Everyone I have passed it on to loved it and could not put it down.
A compelling, must-read., 07 Sep 2006
Like I've said, a comeplling read about a fascinating character. I'd never even heard of the man before I read some excerpts form this book and I rushed out to find it right away. If you're into this type of book you'll love it, but I'd advise anyone to read it. Whether you agree with his chosen profession or not, you have to bow to the criminal genius that is/was Curtis Warren and this well written tale illustrates just how good at his 'job' Warren was, until he slipped up, that is! But I won't ruin it for you. Just buy this book, simple as. It's a must have, I can't recommend it highly enough. Hopefully, when Mr.Warren gets out of prison in a few years he might bless us with his own version of his astonishing life-story, but until then this will set the scene for you, about the man known as the 'Cocky Watchman', possibly the biggest drug dealer Europe has ever seen. Buy it. Now.
very good read, 23 Aug 2005
top book
pass this book at your peril, 20 Nov 2004
outstanding account of a underworld character
shame the man himself declined to comment,
wonder where all the millions are that they never found,bet hes laughing his cods off
Forget the London Myth, 14 May 2004
This book is an amazing insight into the mind of a calculating Killer.Other reviews mention of the fact that this book may be sketchy but you don't rise up the ladder to be Interpols Number One by doing interviews.This is the way Liverpool gangsters operate that is why he was worth a couple of hundred million pounds and owns property all over the world.Unlike their London counterparts who are flash and like to brag of their exploits and talk about the Blind Beggar and Jack The Hat and out of date crimes,crime moved on from that.You will never hear Curtis Warrens point of view so this book is an essential read.Warren isn't the only top gangster either read Powder Wars and you'll be amazed,these people have Semtex,hand grenades,torture people for fun and regulary use car bombs on liverpool's streets(another one last night)Forget the Cockney Myth you only have to read Cass Pennants I.C.F book to know they like to exagerate it's a great read and because it comes from an outside source can ALL be verified unlike London blaggers.
The inspiration for Fleming's Bond?, 15 Jul 2008
If you like adventure then you can't go far wrong with this book. During World War II, petty East End criminal Eddie Chapman finds himself banged up in occupied Jersey's prison. He is given a lifeline that he cannot refuse - come and work for German secret intelligence as a spy or face the consequences. Eddie opts for the former and is thrown into the grandiose world of a German spymaster. Now he is faced with the moral dilemma of double-crossing his country or the gamble of double crossing his new found boss. You'll have to read the book to find out which choice he makes ... I thoroughly recommend this book!
Well written but lacks of characters' in-depth analysis, 15 Jul 2008
The book is well written. The author limits himself to analyzing events based on first-hand evidence: on the one hand this allows to draw a very faithful picture of agent Zig Zag's wartime adventures. On the other hand however, this method discourage the author from trying to investigate in-depth motivations and convictions of agent Zig Zag.
Fritz, 24 May 2008
Agent Zigzag, a Review by the
Cote d'Azur Men's Book Club
When one of the most wanted men in Britain escaped police by jumping through a Jersey hotel window he leaped into a new career, an Englishman whose deeds were to be heard and applauded by both The Fuehrer and Winston Churchill.
Hitler knew him as Little Fritz; the blue-eyed boy of the Abwher, the Nazi secret service and Churchill was impressed by his exploit, for he was spying for Britain, too, under the codename Agent Zigzag. Eddie Arnold Chapman was, a rising star in the Soho world of gangsters, and, in the twilight days of peace in early l939, a dark haired, handsome young man, destined it seemed, to spend many years behind bars.
He was a care rogue, a womaniser, a leading figure in the mob known as "The Jelly Gang" for their habit of using gelignite to blow safes. He could have been a prototype for 007 James Bond. His girlfriend was pregnant and he was with another woman when the police found him in the Channel Islands. He was captured, eventually and jailed, managed to rob the Governor and then the Germans invaded and he found himself in a Nazi prison camp outside Paris. He was already a bit of a linguist, having picked up basic German and French.
The harsh regime did not appeal so Chapman offered his services to the goose steppers; after lengthy Teutonic thought, the SS the Abwher decided he was genuine. They trained him to be one of their spies in England He graduated from a Nazi school for spies, in France with honours and made many friends, especially his boss, a somewhat aristocratic chap who kept him well supplied with cash. Chapman, naturally, quickly found that boss man was taking his cut from the thousands of Reich marks he was handing over. It takes a crook to know a crook.
The Cote d'Azur Men's Book Club thought Agent Zigzag by journalist Ben Macintyre a very entertaining read, a combination of Bond and Biggles. Fritz, parachuting at night and landing in a muddy Cambridgeshire field and naively banging on a farmhouse door and saying he had been in a car accident. MI5who turned him into their man picked him up. Money changed hands.
Fritz blowing up the De Havilland factory where the wonder plane, the Mosquito was made,
the staged attack being arranged by MI5 experts to fool the Germans.
The stubborn Englishness of the Editor of The Times in refusing to print an untruthful report, which would have fooled the enemy into believing Fritz, was doing good work. . Not a problem for the patriotic Daily Express!
Fritz still has that swashbuckling air about him, he returns to his German group leader and friend by sea, and seemingly reverts to the Nazi regime. Back in Germany and many more adventures, he finds love again in Norway with the beautiful Dagmar. Just as he arranged with MI5 to pay a good "pension" to his woman, so now he does the same for his new love, with the Germans!
He parachutes back into Britain with the brief to track down the new anti-U-boat weapon that is causing devastation to the wolf packs. Such a device only exists in the Nazi imagination, of course and the boffins think up a hilarious device that is pure Monty Python or The Goons, just to give the enemy something to think about. The secret weapon was, of course, the Bletchley Park code breaker.
Had the stakes not been so huge, Agent Zigzag would have been a biting satirical piece of work, yet, it is the gripping life story of courageous con man who reverted to type at war's end to thieving and safe breaking and, naturally, womanising. A crook, but our crook. As his MI5 boss said, "One of the bravest men I have ever met."
Oh, yes, and old Adolf probably thought much the same. Eddie Arnold Chapman was awarded the Iron Cross, First Class.
Chapman, born in the North East, was a charismatic crook made good by his courage and apparent indifference to personal suffering. He mixed with the great and the good but he was never a Gentleman, he was a spy who did a great service for his country in her time of need.
All, especially the ladies, loved him. It could have been men like Chapman who inspired a Naval Intelligence officer, one Ian Fleming, to create James Bond. Agent Zigzag did not have a licence to kill, officially, but he dreamed of assassinating Hitler!
The real deal, 16 Apr 2008
I recently read Europe at War which points out that quite frankly what won the war was the meat grinder of the Eastern Front. So no amount of cloak and dagger stuff carried out by Britain really made a big difference in the greater scheme of things. While this is true, this cannot hide the fact that Eddie Chapman's story is simply fascinating and one you are guaranteed to get swept up in.
This is the true story of a small time British crook who was recruited by the German war machine to go to Britain and spy. Only for him to become a double agent and in turn spy on the Germans after his return from a "successful mission".
It is written like a comedy thriller and you do have to keep reminding yourself that this all actually happened. It is rip-roaring stuff making you live every moment of fear, tension and laughter too.
This is brilliant non-fiction. Highly readable, educational and should be turned into a great BBC mini-series.
Puts James Bond Shame , 15 Apr 2008
All that needs to be said about this book is that if you like a good story, read it. The best bit of it all is it is all true. This amazing story would be dismissed as too far fetched if it were fiction, the truth is stranger than fiction they say and this certainly is.
Sod that, real story-real life., 13 Feb 2008
I feel i have to write in a retort to Jayetee's reveiw. The comments about the authour being rude and abusive, although being his/her personnel opinion should not stand.
I have recently laid the book down after what i can describe as one of the most moving accounts that i have ever digested.
Mark Eyles-Thomas served with the Parachute Regiment, calling all other members of the armed forces who did not earn the Maroon beret as HATS, is what is best described as banter, mickey taking and having a massive sense of self pride. What the Paras and other elite units do is not normal, these people are close, because of what they are asked to do; by people sat in their living rooms and cosy offices. Is the reviewer so naive as to think those HATS do not have their own colourful language to describe those who call them HATS?
I can give this informed statement, as i served as a Hat for nearly ten years, i am immensley proud of my military sevice, like Mark i joined the Army as a sixteen year old, and also lost a friend during operations in Bosnia.
People should not be put off from reading this book because of Marks description of non Paras, Mark tells it like it is, sometimes people tell you the truth can hurt, read the book and understand that this is about normal young men asked to do a very abnormal job, its consequences and what makes our British Army the best on the planet.
You will not be disapointed
Excellent, 22 Jan 2008
Excellent read.
Forget the history books,this book brings home the true reality of the Falklands War as experienced by the young soldiers of 3 Para.
It brings home the true horrors and emotions of warfare.
A must read for all.
Thanks Mark for telling your story and helping us remember those who gave thier lives and those who still suffer today.
Sod That For A Game Of Soldiers, 13 Jan 2008
I found this author to be rude and abusive to any other person who was not a Para. Not at all amusing hearing other Military and civilian personel being slagged off.
sod that ! (still owe you a cold one), 02 Jan 2008
A truly gripping read about at the time a remarkable boy soldier who to this day remains a remarkable man. i have had the privilage of meeting mark and vince bramley at several military shows and have gone on my own quest to promote his book within the military enviroment in which i serve. lads it was a real honour to meet you, keep up the good work and as always love to your families. (still owe you a cold one mark ! ) take care. marcus (fjr3)folks purchase this book it will open your eyes !!
Swept Away, 15 Dec 2007
Being married to a Falklands vet', I have read many books on soldiers' experiences of the Falklands War. This one just blew me away. I have been glued to the sofa all afternoon and evening reading it in a oner. I have giggled at the antics of a young boy and sobbed at the grief experienced by a terrified young man. Easy to read and adept at conveying the incredible tummult of emotions felt by a combat soldier. If you read no other book about the Falklands war - read this one.
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Customer Reviews
Fantastic, 02 Sep 2008
Having purchases this book 2 days ago and already having finished it i must say that it is quite possible the best written factual millitary account i have ever read (and with my book collection that is alot of competition)
I find it rare that a book actually triggers emotions within me, however this book took me all the way from exitement and exhileration to sadness and dissapointement making many other steps along the way.
I not only reccomend this book to anyone intersted in military writing but also to anyone who wants to read a story of true heroism, bravery and selflessness.
A true gem to be read by all!
Outstanding, 02 Sep 2008
I've just finished "Apache", and I read the final hundred pages without seeming to draw breath - they contain the most gripping account of military action I've ever read.
The first part of the book is a fascinating insight into the men who fly the Apache and the operations in Afghanistan - as a student helicopter pilot myself, the detail given is fascinating, and the author's writing style is superb - interesting without overwhelming you with technical detail. The final part is the story of the rescue of a Royal Marine casualty at Jugroom Fort - the incident reported in the news at the time where several Marine volunteers strapped themselves to the side of the gunships to ride into an enemy position to rescue a fallen comrade. This part of the book is utterly gripping, and I defy anyone to put the book down while in the final hundred pages.
Macy's writing is fantastic - it's a cliche, but you feel you are in the thick of the action. This book makes every other account of military operations seem tame - I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Wow - What a read...... Awesome...! ! , 02 Sep 2008
Having only retired from the British Army in Jan 2008 the author has already produced this awesome book. I'm not going to review the "plot" as that information is readily available elsewhere on this page. The book is a totally unputdownable true story, focusing on the rescue of a captured lone marine. You are put into the heart of the action, feel the adrenaline and what must have been terror at what really goes on out there. definatley an eye-opener in terms of giving you a taste of life on this particualr front line, and not the carefully edited version we are all fed by the BBC and Sky news....
Illustrated with detailed diagrams and a good selection of photographs I finished this book the same day - which I hate doing as I always feel I haven't had my money's worth !! But without a doubt - it will be being read again....
I really can't recommend this book highly enough. If you want a damned good thrilling factual read then this is for you.
Disappointing, 15 Jul 2008
Truly the worst holocaust testimony ever written.So many mistakes throughout the whole text.Two examples of which were when Mr Muller mentions the camp orchestra in Birkenau,there was none.He also quotes that Kramer was in Birkenau and had came from Auschwitz 2.Both are one and the same place But important errors like these were repeated in every chapter and the worry for me is that Holocaust deniers may pick up on these simple blunders.Mr Mullers over use of adjectives and repetition of statements at times resulted in the book bordering on being boring.It read more like a students written essay who wasnt fully informed ,rather than an actual Holocaust survivors memoirs.Ive read many more imformative Holocaust testimonies and even Mr Muller must have been disappointed with the finished article.I tend to believe that the foreword said it all.
ochmister, 06 Jun 2008
Simple, one of the best books I have ever read. Very sad, sometimes un believable. But believe, this really happened and should not be forgotton. My respect goes to the author.
An account by somebody who witnessed everything first hand., 16 May 2008
There have been countless books written about Hitlers Final solution mostly by historians and occasionally by eyewitness survivors.
You can read account after account of conditions in the final months leading to the Russians eventual entry into the camp but few books will be as informative as this one written by camp Sonderkommando Filip Muller whose actual job was to operate the crematoria and dispose of the thousands of corpses.
During the latter half of 1944 an incredible 10,000+ were liquidated on a daily basis.This may appear too far fetched to comprehend at first but when you realise that those in command from Hitler right down to Himmlers eventual realisation that the war was turning against them a dramatic escelation in gassing took place until mass shootings were the norm and corpses were burnt round the clock in open pits.
At the height of the liquidation Berkenhau had over ten ovens working night and day resulting in a massive escalation of gassings.In early 1944,10,000 prisoners were murdered every day and there were sufficient ovens to cope with the huge number of bodies.
Filip was there as all this was going on and later as the mass of bodies became too overwhelming to cope with it was the Sonderkommandos duty to remove the rotting corpses for disposal in the ovens.
There are certain passages that will really make one think momentarily on the question of mans inhumanity towards his fellow man.
The arrival and first trial of mass gassings where under extream brutality men women and children were forced to undress knowingly they were facing certain death.
Possibly the most heart rending extracts are to be found on page 48 where Filip having discovered the arrival of his father at the camp has to cremate his body after his death from tythus.Fellow workmen working alongside him at the blazing ovens recite a prayer.
The book really brings the true barbarity of camp life to the reader.
The inhumanity of certain Kapos or team leaders given trusted duties by the SS who were extreamly sadistic beating fellow prisoners to death due to anger against what the SS were doing to their fellow countrymen.
Whilst reading the first two chapters one clearly realises these are the genuine testimony of somebody who lived on a daily basis where systematic murder was common place.Unless you witnessed at first hand you couldnot make up such testimony such as these.
As i have already said you can write about this highly documented period in history but unless you were physically there in person to witness these events no amount of research will reveal the actual truth.
This is why Filip Mullers book is so important,as less than a handfull of Sonderkommandos at Auschwitz actually lived to bear witness to their testimony.Every few months new Sonderkommandos were appointed whilst those working at the cremetoria were gassed with other prisoners so that the truth of Genocide was never allowed to escape.Filips survival is the more amazing in that he survived and bared witness to the atrocities.
Unless you were actually there in person you cannot envisage the horrors and brutality of camp guards and SS officers.Muller recounts day to day life within the confines of Auschwitz-Berkenhau like only a fellow prisoner could relate.
His matter of fact account of unimaginable horrors makes compelling reading if not unpleasant reading.He has not withheld any of the material that will disgust or distress us,everything has been accounted for right up to his amazing survival.
As a Sonderkommando he was to some extent safe as his services were of great importance to the camps efficient running.Without him and other workers the mass murder couldnot have taken place at such a large scale.
A book that is extreamly well written by somebody who actually knows what went on within the camp.Few books can bring home the true meaning of genocide as can this one.
If you are looking for great detail on events and life within Hitlers largest death camp then this book will not disappoint.
Brings the Reality of what went on home !, 11 May 2008
I visited Auschwitz earlier this year. I wish I had read this book before I had gone as it really brought home the terrible crimes that went on in this place. If you are interested in Auschwitz then this is a must read !
Gripping, 28 Apr 2008
What an amazing account of the holocaust and believe me I have read a few!
This book gives a gripping account of one mans survival in the death factory that can only be described as hell on earth.
The author is a testimony to courage and mans desire to stay alive at all costs.
Buy this now!
cocky, 29 Aug 2008
Highly recomended book if you like this sort of read. Everyone I have passed it on to loved it and could not put it down.
A compelling, must-read., 07 Sep 2006
Like I've said, a comeplling read about a fascinating character. I'd never even heard of the man before I read some excerpts form this book and I rushed out to find it right away. If you're into this type of book you'll love it, but I'd advise anyone to read it. Whether you agree with his chosen profession or not, you have to bow to the criminal genius that is/was Curtis Warren and this well written tale illustrates just how good at his 'job' Warren was, until he slipped up, that is! But I won't ruin it for you. Just buy this book, simple as. It's a must have, I can't recommend it highly enough. Hopefully, when Mr.Warren gets out of prison in a few years he might bless us with his own version of his astonishing life-story, but until then this will set the scene for you, about the man known as the 'Cocky Watchman', possibly the biggest drug dealer Europe has ever seen. Buy it. Now.
very good read, 23 Aug 2005
top book
pass this book at your peril, 20 Nov 2004
outstanding account of a underworld character
shame the man himself declined to comment,
wonder where all the millions are that they never found,bet hes laughing his cods off
Forget the London Myth, 14 May 2004
This book is an amazing insight into the mind of a calculating Killer.Other reviews mention of the fact that this book may be sketchy but you don't rise up the ladder to be Interpols Number One by doing interviews.This is the way Liverpool gangsters operate that is why he was worth a couple of hundred million pounds and owns property all over the world.Unlike their London counterparts who are flash and like to brag of their exploits and talk about the Blind Beggar and Jack The Hat and out of date crimes,crime moved on from that.You will never hear Curtis Warrens point of view so this book is an essential read.Warren isn't the only top gangster either read Powder Wars and you'll be amazed,these people have Semtex,hand grenades,torture people for fun and regulary use car bombs on liverpool's streets(another one last night)Forget the Cockney Myth you only have to read Cass Pennants I.C.F book to know they like to exagerate it's a great read and because it comes from an outside source can ALL be verified unlike London blaggers.
The inspiration for Fleming's Bond?, 15 Jul 2008
If you like adventure then you can't go far wrong with this book. During World War II, petty East End criminal Eddie Chapman finds himself banged up in occupied Jersey's prison. He is given a lifeline that he cannot refuse - come and work for German secret intelligence as a spy or face the consequences. Eddie opts for the former and is thrown into the grandiose world of a German spymaster. Now he is faced with the moral dilemma of double-crossing his country or the gamble of double crossing his new found boss. You'll have to read the book to find out which choice he makes ... I thoroughly recommend this book!
Well written but lacks of characters' in-depth analysis, 15 Jul 2008
The book is well written. The author limits himself to analyzing events based on first-hand evidence: on the one hand this allows to draw a very faithful picture of agent Zig Zag's wartime adventures. On the other hand however, this method discourage the author from trying to investigate in-depth motivations and convictions of agent Zig Zag.
Fritz, 24 May 2008
Agent Zigzag, a Review by the
Cote d'Azur Men's Book Club
When one of the most wanted men in Britain escaped police by jumping through a Jersey hotel window he leaped into a new career, an Englishman whose deeds were to be heard and applauded by both The Fuehrer and Winston Churchill.
Hitler knew him as Little Fritz; the blue-eyed boy of the Abwher, the Nazi secret service and Churchill was impressed by his exploit, for he was spying for Britain, too, under the codename Agent Zigzag. Eddie Arnold Chapman was, a rising star in the Soho world of gangsters, and, in the twilight days of peace in early l939, a dark haired, handsome young man, destined it seemed, to spend many years behind bars.
He was a care rogue, a womaniser, a leading figure in the mob known as "The Jelly Gang" for their habit of using gelignite to blow safes. He could have been a prototype for 007 James Bond. His girlfriend was pregnant and he was with another woman when the police found him in the Channel Islands. He was captured, eventually and jailed, managed to rob the Governor and then the Germans invaded and he found himself in a Nazi prison camp outside Paris. He was already a bit of a linguist, having picked up basic German and French.
The harsh regime did not appeal so Chapman offered his services to the goose steppers; after lengthy Teutonic thought, the SS the Abwher decided he was genuine. They trained him to be one of their spies in England He graduated from a Nazi school for spies, in France with honours and made many friends, especially his boss, a somewhat aristocratic chap who kept him well supplied with cash. Chapman, naturally, quickly found that boss man was taking his cut from the thousands of Reich marks he was handing over. It takes a crook to know a crook.
The Cote d'Azur Men's Book Club thought Agent Zigzag by journalist Ben Macintyre a very entertaining read, a combination of Bond and Biggles. Fritz, parachuting at night and landing in a muddy Cambridgeshire field and naively banging on a farmhouse door and saying he had been in a car accident. MI5who turned him into their man picked him up. Money changed hands.
Fritz blowing up the De Havilland factory where the wonder plane, the Mosquito was made,
the staged attack being arranged by MI5 experts to fool the Germans.
The stubborn Englishness of the Editor of The Times in refusing to print an untruthful report, which would have fooled the enemy into believing Fritz, was doing good work. . Not a problem for the patriotic Daily Express!
Fritz still has that swashbuckling air about him, he returns to his German group leader and friend by sea, and seemingly reverts to the Nazi regime. Back in Germany and many more adventures, he finds love again in Norway with the beautiful Dagmar. Just as he arranged with MI5 to pay a good "pension" to his woman, so now he does the same for his new love, with the Germans!
He parachutes back into Britain with the brief to track down the new anti-U-boat weapon that is causing devastation to the wolf packs. Such a device only exists in the Nazi imagination, of course and the boffins think up a hilarious device that is pure Monty Python or The Goons, just to give the enemy something to think about. The secret weapon was, of course, the Bletchley Park code breaker.
Had the stakes not been so huge, Agent Zigzag would have been a biting satirical piece of work, yet, it is the gripping life story of courageous con man who reverted to type at war's end to thieving and safe breaking and, naturally, womanising. A crook, but our crook. As his MI5 boss said, "One of the bravest men I have ever met."
Oh, yes, and old Adolf probably thought much the same. Eddie Arnold Chapman was awarded the Iron Cross, First Class.
Chapman, born in the North East, was a charismatic crook made good by his courage and apparent indifference to personal suffering. He mixed with the great and the good but he was never a Gentleman, he was a spy who did a great service for his country in her time of need.
All, especially the ladies, loved him. It could have been men like Chapman who inspired a Naval Intelligence officer, one Ian Fleming, to create James Bond. Agent Zigzag did not have a licence to kill, officially, but he dreamed of assassinating Hitler!
The real deal, 16 Apr 2008
I recently read Europe at War which points out that quite frankly what won the war was the meat grinder of the Eastern Front. So no amount of cloak and dagger stuff carried out by Britain really made a big difference in the greater scheme of things. While this is true, this cannot hide the fact that Eddie Chapman's story is simply fascinating and one you are guaranteed to get swept up in.
This is the true story of a small time British crook who was recruited by the German war machine to go to Britain and spy. Only for him to become a double agent and in turn spy on the Germans after his return from a "successful mission".
It is written like a comedy thriller and you do have to keep reminding yourself that this all actually happened. It is rip-roaring stuff making you live every moment of fear, tension and laughter too.
This is brilliant non-fiction. Highly readable, educational and should be turned into a great BBC mini-series.
Puts James Bond Shame , 15 Apr 2008
All that needs to be said about this book is that if you like a good story, read it. The best bit of it all is it is all true. This amazing story would be dismissed as too far fetched if it were fiction, the truth is stranger than fiction they say and this certainly is.
Sod that, real story-real life., 13 Feb 2008
I feel i have to write in a retort to Jayetee's reveiw. The comments about the authour being rude and abusive, although being his/her personnel opinion should not stand.
I have recently laid the book down after what i can describe as one of the most moving accounts that i have ever digested.
Mark Eyles-Thomas served with the Parachute Regiment, calling all other members of the armed forces who did not earn the Maroon beret as HATS, is what is best described as banter, mickey taking and having a massive sense of self pride. What the Paras and other elite units do is not normal, these people are close, because of what they are asked to do; by people sat in their living rooms and cosy offices. Is the reviewer so naive as to think those HATS do not have their own colourful language to describe those who call them HATS?
I can give this informed statement, as i served as a Hat for nearly ten years, i am immensley proud of my military sevice, like Mark i joined the Army as a sixteen year old, and also lost a friend during operations in Bosnia.
People should not be put off from reading this book because of Marks description of non Paras, Mark tells it like it is, sometimes people tell you the truth can hurt, read the book and understand that this is about normal young men asked to do a very abnormal job, its consequences and what makes our British Army the best on the planet.
You will not be disapointed
Excellent, 22 Jan 2008
Excellent read.
Forget the history books,this book brings home the true reality of the Falklands War as experienced by the young soldiers of 3 Para.
It brings home the true horrors and emotions of warfare.
A must read for all.
Thanks Mark for telling your story and helping us remember those who gave thier lives and those who still suffer today.
Sod That For A Game Of Soldiers, 13 Jan 2008
I found this author to be rude and abusive to any other person who was not a Para. Not at all amusing hearing other Military and civilian personel being slagged off.
sod that ! (still owe you a cold one), 02 Jan 2008
A truly gripping read about at the time a remarkable boy soldier who to this day remains a remarkable man. i have had the privilage of meeting mark and vince bramley at several military shows and have gone on my own quest to promote his book within the military enviroment in which i serve. lads it was a real honour to meet you, keep up the good work and as always love to your families. (still owe you a cold one mark ! ) take care. marcus (fjr3)folks purchase this book it will open your eyes !!
Swept Away, 15 Dec 2007
Being married to a Falklands vet', I have read many books on soldiers' experiences of the Falklands War. This one just blew me away. I have been glued to the sofa all afternoon and evening reading it in a oner. I have giggled at the antics of a young boy and sobbed at the grief experienced by a terrified young man. Easy to read and adept at conveying the incredible tummult of emotions felt by a combat soldier. If you read no other book about the Falklands war - read this one.
Quite Good, 29 May 2008
An adolescent flirtation with extreme political ideas followed by the realisation that he was a bit less than educated.
All power to his rallying call for moderate muslims to have a public voice.
Tends to lend a bit of credence tothe Sam Harris theory that without moderate religion we wouldn't have extremist religion; after all, had Ed been brought up as an atheist he wouldn't have flirted with Islamism.
Excellent book, 21 May 2008
It's a question you ask yourself, especially after 9/11 and 7/7 - why do some people behave the way they do (against the country of their birth in some cases). This book explains the mentality behind such people, how they are recuited to a cause and the way they deal with consequences of those issues.
Very easy to read, though the content is quite disturbing. Thought provoking and a wake up call on how to prevent other people from doing the same.
Capturing the Zeigeist, 30 Apr 2008
It is quite surprising, having seen the glowing reviews which feature here and which adorn the cover of the book itself, to actually read the book which purports to offer an honest narrative of Ed Husain's involvement with Hizb ut Tahir ('Why I joined radical Islam in Britain, what I saw and why I left').
Initially there is an attempt by Husain to explain how he became involved, a process which he links to feelings of alienation informed by his experiences at school, and by a growing anger at images relating to Muslim experience abroad. The overriding impression is of a very young and intellectually moribund man emerging strongly as an empty vessel waiting to be filled. This can be seen by his apparent engagement with texts written by Qutb and Mawdudi which refer to the Qur'an - and by Husain's description of listening and reciting the Qur'an under the apparent guidance of his beloved 'Grandpa' -the commonality being that both of the practices described are not predicated on rational discourse or thinking, and Husain was clearly not able to engage meaningfully with either.
And it continues. Husain finally chooses to disengage with HuT after the death of a fellow student, and because of the love of a good woman ('Faye') - who remains a relatively opaque figure despite her apparent importance. He then discovers the joy of philosophy and politics at University (p160-164) - leading to a few pages in which Husain eulogises about his marvellous realisation that much of what he had been exposed to as a member of HuT had drawn from the political language and systems which he so despised. Finally we see Husain teaching abroad, and being exposed to attitudes which lead him to recognise the plurality within Islam, the apparent irrationality of views which he had once shared and promulgated and a re-engagement with a traditional Islam practised by his family and wider community.
Repenting of, and recognising the error of his ways, he then returns to the UK vowing to expose HuT and others of their ilk, which leads him to offer his views on the failure of multi-culturalism and the need for wider society to engage and challenge the Muslim community.
Given this apparent experience, the book might appear to offer an important and timely explanation regarding radical Islam, with its authority deriving from the experience and expertise of a former practitioner. Yet despite this, in my view, doubts remain. There can be no disguising the superficial nature of Husain's description of his radicalisation, and his failure to convincingly justify or fully explain his involvement. Indeed a cynic could opine that Husain's narrative is little more than the description of typical teenage angst, with all the questions that arise with that state (alienation, over exaggerated sense of self importance, a need to belong), but placed within slightly different narrative terms. This sense of superficiality continues through his self-described Damascene moment and the turning away from HuT - which begins when he is confronted with real, bloody violence and death. A cynic might see this rather as a young inexperienced man losing his nerve - not the reaction expected of a self-described radical Islamist and potential Jihadist.
Furthermore, given the political context against which this narrative is set, one is forced to question the apparent ease with which a self-described Islamist can go to Saudi Arabia to work for the British Council (a representative arm of the United Kingdom PLC), without attracting the attention of the UK Security Services. And this leads to further questioning of the authenticity of this narrative, and the intention behind its production and the timing of its publication.
All of this leads to the conclusion that this book truly is an example of 'the Emperor's new clothes', it offers nothing new to the study of radical Islam, and offers nothing by way of enlightened insight or discourse. Husain might very well have had an experience with HuT, but he lacks the required intellect to construct and provide a penetrating and worthwhile analysis of the subject matter. And yet, despite this, the simplicity of this book appears to have seduced readers in to unquestioningly accepting the purported wisdom contained therein.
To understand this book, it is worth considering the fact that Husain is actively involved with the Quilliam Foundation, which recently announced the launch of its mission to actively counter and challenge radical Islam and HuT in particular. This is an organisation seeking to establish a meaningful presence regarding policy making and also obtaining government funding and backing. The superficial analysis offered by Husain appears to offer the solution to the questions being asked at the present time regarding radical Islam, and the Quilliam Foundation and this book are part of that easy analysis.
Most significantly, despite Husain's engagement with Western political and philosophical thought, this is a book which sees the future engagement with radical Islam as being determined and framed by and for Muslims - conditionally based on the unquestionable legitimacy of Islam. Thus Husain's exposure to rationality appears to have singularly failed to lead to any critical consideration, examintaion or reappraisal of Islam itself.
This is not a 'captivating and terrifyingly honest' (The Observer) book, nor is it 'persuasive and stimulating' (Martin Amis). It is a book that offers a single testimony of questionable legitimacy and authenticity which (despite claims to the contrary) offers no credible or original analysis of use to the ongoing debate within the UK regarding 'radical Islam'.
Inside Islam, 14 Apr 2008
The Islamist
a
By Ed Husain
A Review by Neville Moray, Nigel Freedman and Barry Hibbitt on
Behalf of the Cote d'Azure Men's Book Club
It takes great courage for a would- be Enemy of the People to shed his protective armour and present himself to those he would have harmed but such is the character of Ed Husain who could so easily have been one of the army of unseen killers whom President George Bush seeks to eliminate in his War on Terror
Husain, the son of Asian immigrants to the United Kingdom, found himself living in the East End of London as a sixteen- year- old and going through the rites of passage at school and among his family and friends. He was born in Britain so that in many ways he was the boy next door, just as were the bombers from Leeds who brought death and devastation to Central London on 7/7.
It was this realisation that the enemy could easily be that handsome and smiling boy next door that brought a new dimension to the now long- running war against Iraq and the interminable battle against the Taliban in Afghanistan. Britain had an enemy within, and an enemy who was not as British as roast beef and Yorkshire pudding but a Briton of a different hue.
The Cote d'Azur Men's Book Club felt this is a very important book. It is a striking
Testimony to the courage and strength of Husain and is a wake up call to a nation that prides itself on its democratic heritage and its multiracialism.
Ed Husain kicked over the traces at the age of sixteen when he was living with his parents in Tower Hamlets in an era when `Go home Pakis' was all too often the cry of the ignorant. Young Ed found his religion thanks to the teaching of Grandpa, a holy man who was a father figure to his parents, and a leader idolised by the Muslim world in places like Brick Lane.
It is useful to digress slightly at this point to say that Young Ed confesses that he did not feel British at all, he saw himself as an Indian, the country where his father was born.
So Grandpa, a shaikh from Fultholy and master of five mystical Muslim orders, and a man much loved in India and Bangladesh, became the boy's mentor. Husain carried the master's books, an honourable task, knelt at his feet and absorbed his teaching.
It was not this religious leader who preached or spoke of the jihad; that was more the function of the youthful extremists at school and in the mosques, and Ed Husain became an extremist just as have many young people over the years. (Remember the Pioneers, the young communists, the Hitler Youth, children recruited to war by means of -propaganda.) So it was with Husain. Peer pressure, the need to belong, or merely a new rite of passage for a youngster seeking permanence in an oddly alien land brought about his conversion to an `Islamist' as he calls radical fundamentalist Muslims who pursue political rather than religious aims.
The Islamist has given the author celebrity status, the BBC and other media to comment on Islamic matters call him in and, as he writes,`this book is a protest against political Islam based on my own experience as a British Muslim.who saw the error of his ways.'
His moment of truth came with the realisation that his fellow students were taking over colleges and muslim organisations with a gospel of violence. He literally launched himself on a Road to Damascus experience and, with his wife Faye, lived in the Syrian capital for two years, living and breathing a much as possible as an Arab. He says he needed to learn Arabic to understand the real nature of his religion.
With the British muslim leadership choosing a way of conflict, using the mosques to preach political Islamism less than the words of the righteous, he felt his years of religious ranting had become hollow and he found solace in the Koran, and the realis | | |