Bruce Bliven (1916–2002)

Intended for younger readers, this volume gives a concise overview of the June 6, 1944 invasion of France by Allied Forces. Includes photos of some of the action. The author provides information about the training of the troops and the many obstacles that had to overcome in just a couple of years of planning and preparation.

He includes many first hand accounts of individual heroism especially of American troops. The British and Canadian contributions are given one chapter. The author was there on June 6 so he is describing what he experienced.… (mere)

First: This book is for the rabid bibliophile only. It's essentially a time-capsule; an article from 1973 converted into a tidy book form in 1975. It offers a glimpse into the back-end of what the book world used to (and to some degree, I suppose, still does look like.)

What I found most interesting was the statements made about how the industry would not change in the future. Apparently, the author never saw the Internet, print on demand publishing, and Amazon.com coming. Then again, who can fault him for that, in 1973?

Sadly, the things bemoaned in the work - specifically the overlooking of excellent books due to time constraints on the part of reviewers, salespersons, etc. - are still prevalent today. How many amazing books are either never published, or are never 'discovered'? Conversely, how many pablum-spewing authors ARE made household names, a the expense of these potential treasures?… (mere)