Overview

Alvin C. York went out on a routine patrol an ordinary, unknown American doughboy of the First World War. He came back from no-man's-land a hero. In a brief encounter on October 8, 1918, during the Argonne offensive, York had killed 25 German soldiers and, almost singlehandedly, effected the capture of 132 others. Returning to the United States the following spring, he received a tumultuous public welcome and a flood of offers from businessmen eager to capitalize on his acclaimed feat. But Yor

Full Product Details

9780813196602

Table of Contents

Reviews

A biography which fits his hero into his times, illuminating both of them. -- Tennessee Historical Quarterly A finely written and appealing biography of Alvin C. York, the man and American hero. -- McCormick (SC) Messenger A highlight of American World War I literature. -- Library Journal A valuable look at the man, the times, and -- most important -- at the process of creating a national legend. -- Appalachian Journal An impeccably researched account of what fame can do to a simple and good man. -- Jerusalem Post Clearly written and thoroughly researched in both American and German sources.... Its definitive account of York's life and its elaboration of what hero status and the hero-making process illustrate about American society make it a worthwhile addition to the literature on modern America. -- The Historian David D. Lee strips away the ticker tape-and-bravado image and takes us back to the early days that shaped the man who initially resisted going to war -- back to the unruly youth whose companions were alcohol and firearms until religion took their place. Reads like a good novel. -- Southern Living It is to David Lee's credit that he has shown us the power and poverty of York the symbol and York the man. -- Reviews in American History Lee's description and analysis of York's heroic deed will stand as definitive. -- Edward M. Coffman Should become the standard reference on the red-haired Tennessean who, in the final days of World War I, emerged from the Argonne Forest by himself with 132 German prisoners. -- Gun Week The most thoroughly researched and satisfying account yet published on Sergeant Alvin C. York, one of the nation's greatest war heroes. -- Tennessean This well-written, carefully researched study reveals the man and the often puzzling values that made him a hero. -- American Studies York, as brought to life in the riveting book, made greatness out of simplicity and personified America and its values at their best -- a true hero. -- Military Heritage

Author Information

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available