"The Regiment" - Michael Asher

[Johnny_H02]

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/6504/51tfoyo6valss500bl0.jpg
http://www.amazon.ca/Regiment-Michael-Asher/dp/0670916331/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197812542&sr=8-1


Has anyone seen this book? I am debating picking it up. I'm normally not the OMFG!! Delta!!11! type but Michael Asher is a great guy, I read his "The Real Bravo Two Zero" and actually had a conversation with him via emails a long time ago believe it or not. Very interesting guy indeed.

Anyone see this book? consider picking it up? I know we have allot of folks here who know much more about this subject matter than myself?

Opinions?

[sexyhamburger]

I saw it, considered picking it up. But then I decided it against it 'cause I haven't heard anything about it.

[scheer]

Haven't read it either I'm afraid, but Asher really is a good author, shoot to kill is a great book. He's seems a really down to earth bloke so I presume that this will be a cut above the usual OMFGSAS stuff, although it's been packaged to fit in more with this type of book to widen the market. There's a whole heap of books like this either out or coming out soon, Osprey's doing one too.

I'll take a look through it when I'm back in work on Tuesday (I run the military history section in a bookshop) & let you know how it reads.

[theholeinthedonut]

His "Real Bravo Two Zero" is highly recommendable imho.
I will try to find his other books.

[RAF]

The guy is ex Regiment I think ? I saw a documentary on the Discovery Channel a cpl of years back about the "Real Bravo 2 Zero" were the camera followed him as he retraced their footsteps.

He`s probaly one of the "better" authors out their so it should be a good book, problem is theres that many floating about with their stories about the Regiment I dont think I could face another.

If your after a really, really good book then look at The Feather Men , Its been out a while but its one of the best Ive read, it was recommended to me by my uncle who served with the 22nd in the 70s and early 80s, and if he says its good then i knew I was going to be on for a good read. Highly recommended.

[Havoc345]

Hopefully this isn't another "Inside Delta Force" type book.

[angry_young_man]

The guy is ex Regiment I think ?

He was in the Parachute Regiment, then left and joined a TA SAS Regiment.

[Johnny_H02]

Hopefully this isn't another "Inside Delta Force" type book.

Doubtful, this author seems far more responsible than that.

[scheer]

Yeah, he was in 2Para, served in NI then left and joined the Special Patrol Group of the RUC, before leaving that and going to Leeds University where he joined the 21st SAS (Artists) a TA unit. After this he lived with Bedouins, trekked across the Sahara, taught in Africa & generally led an interesting life which he's covered in many books, for which he's recieved a fellowship to the Royal Society of Literature. He's a good author, definitely a cut above the standard level of modern military autobiographer.

Started reading it today, didn't get too far but what I've read is good, informative without being dry and very easy and enjoyable to read. Will let you know if this changes but for now I'd recommend it.

[Johnny_H02]

Yeah I read his "The Real Bravo Two Zero" and actually emailed him.His email was in the inside cover of his book anyways I didn't expect to hear anything back but sure as hell a week later he mailed me back answering my questions about his book.

I wish I still had it :(
It was a really cool thing for him to do though.

[scheer]

he seems like a really well grounded guy. The main thing I like about his writing is the way he can take a figure or event and strip away the myths & stories that have built up around them without undermining the actual achievements. In both the real bravo two zero & his work on TE Lawrence he shows how their actions were talked up or exaggerated, while showing that their real achievements where every bit as impressive as the myths, and that just because it may not all be true shouldn't mean we don't continue to respect the figures involved.

[Johnny_H02]

Exactly, I would like to read his book about the SAS going after Rommel.
Its hard to find though, I can only find the package that comes with x3 books and I already own one of them lol.

I still might pick this one up, problem is there is a book on the Battle of Ypres that I really want to read first lol so it takes priority.

[scheer]

Try running a military history section in a book shop, being able to order virtually anything you want, it's torture! Still you do pick up some gems! Just got Blackjack 33 imported from the States for a measly £2.50 :) Also reps can be pretty good with proofs, I got a copy of the new Osprey collection of essays on Counter Insurgency in Modern Warfare, a full 5 months before release woot so it does have it's benefits!

[Johnny_H02]

I too work at a bookstore, I unfortunately don't work in the History section as I'd like to.I have a huuge list of things to read, I take it your a bit of a military history buff eh?

[scheer]

I'm considered the military history buff of the area, although it's a dangerous claim to make here p-) I'm lucky in have the sections that really interest me History, Military, Politics & Philosophy. Anyway back to the topic :)

[Johnny_H02]

I bought this instead, I'm thinking it is going to be great.
Especially since I am going to read it right after "Fifteen Days" which of course is about Canadians in Afghanistan.
http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/406/51poyicug9lss500ei4.jpg

[scheer]

this is another I've also checked out, seems good, there are some very interesting pictures in it! A group shot of the pathfinders & what appears to be a rare appearance of the 20 round magazine loaded in an L85A2. If you haven't already, you should also check out in foreign fields, it's the stories of troops in Iraq & Afghanistan who won medals told by themselves, looks good.

[timetraveller]

Try running a military history section in a book shop, being able to order virtually anything you want, it's torture! Still you do pick up some gems! Just got Blackjack 33 imported from the States for a measly £2.50 :) Also reps can be pretty good with proofs, I got a copy of the new Osprey collection of essays on Counter Insurgency in Modern Warfare, a full 5 months before release woot so it does have it's benefits!


Whats your opinions on 2 books ..

Sled driver [ SR71 ] and Anytime baby [f14 tomcat ]

I've seen them for sale in numerous mags Sadly I haven't yet seen them for sale over here .,.

[scheer]

Haven't seen either of those I'm afraid, in my shop we're only really starting to get access to North American publications, a lot are still to become avaliable, but I'm trying to take full advantage of everything I can get my hands on & thankfully the range is increasing all the time.