The Crash of Ruin: American Combat Soldiers in Europe during World War II
"This terrifying, remarkable work examines the attitudes, perceptions, and behavior of U.S. fighting men in the Pacific theater during World War II. Imaginatively drawing on letters, diaries, memoirs, military reports, and contemporary psychological assessments, Schrijvers reveals the social, historical, and emotional roots of the peculiarly frenzied and merciless war...this temperate study of murderous fury is among the most unsettling books I've read in years."-The Atlantic Monthly,"One of the most remarkable books I have ever come across. A significant and fascinating contribution to the field. The Crash of Ruin should appeal to a large audience of readers interested in World War II history."-Edward M. Coffman,author of The War to End All Wars: The American Military Experience in World War I"The Crash of Ruin offers the reader both intellectual and emotional rewards. . . . Its narrative power makes it a wonderful read."-Susan M. Hartmann,The Ohio State University"A brilliant contribution to intercultural studies. It imaginatively combines the 'new' military history with an older American Studies research and writing technique. Not only will the book attract a wide range of readers, it should also stimulate scholars to adopt this approach to many other topics in cultural studies."-William R. Childs,author ofTrucking and the Public Interest