Rob Hymer

Now, someone who has read the book..., 19 Nov 2011

I wouldn't normally have reviewed this book, but the reviewer above has marked it down horribly for what was basically her own silly mistake, so I'm offering my review as an attempt to correct this rather unjust mark for a fine book.

In post-ww2 USA, three children grow up with powers of being to move between worlds; sensible Karen, free spirit Laura and rebellious Tim. Their lives are ruled by their tyrant of a father, who is always furious when they use their powers. In the background, they sometimes see the mysterious Grey Man, Walker. In fear of their father, they cope as they grow up in different ways; Karen, by settling down to family life, Laura by immersing herself in the… Read more

This is a poor history book, 12 Sep 2011

This, on the face of it, is a worthy addition to studies of the turmoil that was the early years of the USSR. It isn't a subject often approached from a purely military viewpoint and Osprey deserves credit for commissioning it as part of their generally useful 'Essential Histories' series. However;
This is not a good history book. The author, a professor of history, we are told, must have been exposed to the idea of an impartial view while writing the work that won him his doctorate, yet for some reason he has let all of this go and instead written a paean to the White Army.
The Whites' campaigns are analysed in detail, their leaders' careers are examined and their triumphs… Read more

The new definitive military history of the Winter War, 4 July 2011

For its historical significance, the Winter War fought by the USSR and Finland has been badly served for histories, the most recent and probably best being that written by William Trotter in 1991, before the Soviet Archives were thrown open to western researchers. Now this new book by a young Russian historian has appeared to redress the balance.
First, it should be made plain that this is a book of military history - if a closer look at the diplomatic moves that led to the war is required, Trotter probably remains your best bet. What you have instead is a detailed history of the war, broken into (effectively) the invasion phase, including the disastrous Soviet battles of Taipale,… Read more