Reviews for Korea : First War We Lost

The average rating for Korea : First War We Lost based on 2 reviews is 4 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2018-02-16 00:00:00 Charles Palmer A competently written historical account of the Korean War by a professional historian who commanded the Army's 5th Historical Detachment in 1951-1952 during the Korean War. As a result Mr. Alexander has an air of authenticity to his writing, much like Roy Appleman and T.R. Ferhenbach brought to their books about the war. The book is a large volume with 62 chapters and almost 600 pages. The chapters average 10 - 12 pages and examine individual battles - both military and political battles. There are fourteen maps which are a tremendous help (so often writers skimp on the maps) and literally dozens of photographs which are also greatly appreciated. The writing is easy to follow and Alexander does not get down into the weeds of tactical battle accounts. The reader with little to no military background is spared trying to follow the movements of platoons and battalions. Mr. Alexander also examines the political situation, looking beyond the usual MacArthur - Truman conflict, and gives an in-depth examination of the truce talks. I mention that because he does very good work making that last topic interesting. All in all a solid overall view of the war with a bit more focus on the truce talks then is found in other accounts of the war. A good read for the casual or for one who is new to reading about "The Forgotten War". It can sate any curiosity one might have and can lead one to more in-depth studies as well.

Review # 2 was written on 2020-06-02 00:00:00 Jasmin P Bratrsovsky This is an impressive chronicling of the war in Korea by an Army trained historian. He explains what happened and why allocates responsibility, and ensures the reader understands the events as he describes them. It is a professional effort and it delineates the horrors of the period. Informative and well done.