The Shadow of War

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Dec 27, 2024

Jeff Shaara, a bestselling author known for his gripping historical novels, dives into the Cuban Missile Crisis and its complexities. He discusses the intense race between Russian engineers and U.S. Navy commanders and reflects on pivotal decisions made by JFK and Khrushchev. Shaara shares personal anecdotes, from childhood memories of Cold War tensions to the absurdities of covert operations. He also emphasizes the importance of relatable characters in historical fiction to engage younger audiences and the significance of places like Gettysburg in understanding our past.

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ANECDOTE

From Coins to Novels

Jeff Shaara, author of "The Shadow of War," had a successful career as a rare coin dealer before turning to writing.
He started a mail-order coin business at 16, supporting himself through college, before managing a larger coin business for 24 years.

ANECDOTE

A Prestigious Honor

Jeff Shaara is only the second author, after Stephen Ambrose, to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's Bob Hope Award.
He received the award in Pueblo, Colorado, in the presence of 37 Medal of Honor recipients.

INSIGHT

Gettysburg's Pull

Jeff Shaara's move to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, brought him full circle geographically and connects with his family's literary legacy.
He initially stayed at a local motel for privacy during book signings before eventually settling in Gettysburg.

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Killer Angels

Michael Shaara

The Killer Angels is a historical novel that focuses on the three days of the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. The story is character-driven, following historical figures such as Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet, John Buford, and Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. The novel explores the thoughts, emotions, and actions of these characters as they engage in one of the bloodiest battles in American history. It is known for its vivid and accurate depiction of Civil War combat and has been widely praised for its historical accuracy and engaging narrative.

The Shadow of War

A novel of the Cuban Missile Crisis

Jeff Shaara

Gods and Generals

a novel of the Civil War

Jeff Shaara

This novel follows four main characters: Robert E. Lee, Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson, Winfield Scott Hancock, and Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. It explores their personal and professional lives from 1858 to the eve of the Battle of Gettysburg, delving into their experiences, motivations, and the historical context of the Civil War. The story highlights their roles in the war and how their paths intersect at pivotal battles such as Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.

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Teddy Roosevelt

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David Morrell

The Brotherhood of the Rose tells the story of Saul and Chris, two orphans from Philadelphia who are adopted by Eliot, a man who treats them like his own children but trains them to be assassins. When a mission goes wrong for Saul and Chris is involved in an international incident, they begin to question their lives and their missions, and start to see Eliot in a new light. The novel spans the globe, filled with heart-stopping action, fierce loyalty, and violent betrayal, as Saul and Chris try to escape death squads and uncover the truth about Eliot's intentions.

Once An Eagle

America's War and Peace

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The novel tells the story of Sam Damon, a soldier committed to honor and duty, and his lifelong adversary, Courtney Massengale, who advances through ambition and connections. The narrative spans multiple conflicts, from the trenches of World War I to the jungles of World War II and the battlegrounds of Vietnam. It explores the complexities of military life, leadership, and the personal sacrifices that accompany military service. Through Sam Damon's journey, the book articulates profound lessons on service, ethics, and the realities of conflict, making it a tribute and a somber reflection on military life and universal themes of integrity, family, and sacrifice.

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Herman Wouk

The Winds of War is a historical novel by Herman Wouk, published in 1971. The book focuses on the Henry family, particularly Victor 'Pug' Henry, a Naval Officer and confidant of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The story spans from six months before Germany's invasion of Poland in September 1939 to the United States' entry into the war after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. The novel interweaves the lives of the fictional Henry family with real historical figures and events, providing a detailed and realistic portrayal of the early years of World War II. It also includes a subplot from the perspective of German General Armin von Roon, offering insights into the German side of the war[1][4][5].

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In this action-packed climax to the 'Mortalis' trilogy, the heroes of 'The Brotherhood of the Rose' and 'The Fraternity of the Stone' are drawn together to solve a baffling mystery: the simultaneous kidnapping of ten elderly men from around the world. As they investigate, they are pulled into a violent cycle of revenge that stretches back to World War II, forcing sons to pay for their fathers' darkest sins. The story spans multiple locations, including the Vatican, the Swiss Alps, Australia, and the heartland of America, and explores themes of faith, fatherhood, and redemption[1][3][4].

Memoirs of Nikita Khrushchev

Commissar, 1918–1945; Statesman, 1953–1964; etc.

Nikita Sergeyevich Khrushchev

Sergei Khrushchev

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