CFS Books

CAN'T WAIT to use the information from the book to actually trace JEB's steps.

Fred Ray was kind enough to send along a review copy of his excellent book Shock Troops of the Confederacy: The Sharpshooter Battalions of the Army of Northern Virginia. Fred is the descendant of one of those sharpshooters, which is what got him interested in the subject.

To be candid, before Fred's book was published, I was not aware that such special duty battalions even existed in Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, other than references to Eugene Blackford's sharpshooters in the first day's fighting at Gettysburg. The book has changed that misperception of mine.

Fred Ray has written an exceptional book. It's a comprehensive tour de force of its subject, and one that should probably stand as the definitive word on its subject for a very long time. It's an extremely valuable and useful addition to the existing body of knowledge about the Civil War that was probably long overdue. The book is thoroughly researched and well-written. From my perspective one of the book's best features is the abundance of detailed, useful, and quality maps. Those maps address actions that have not been previously mapped. Fred drew the maps himself, and he did an excellent job it.

Of most value to the book for is its emphasis on the critical role played by the Confederate sharpshooters on many battlefields of the Eastern Theatre of the Civil War. Of particular value to me was the focus on the role played by the Confederate sharpshooters during the fighting for the Jug Bridge during the July 9, 1864 Battle of Monocacy. Before reading Fred's work on the subject, I had never seen any discussion of the role played by the sharpshooters in the fighting for the stone bridge on the National Road. Fred's analysis is detailed and comprehensive, and helps us to fill a big hole in our study of Jubal Early's raid on Washington.

I can't say enough good things about Fred Ray's book and can highly recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in the subject. I guarantee you that you will learn something new. I certainly did.

In his book, Shock Troops of the Confederacy, Fred Ray covers a little known aspect of the Civil War. Napoleanic warfare was still the primary means of conducting battle during the American Civl War however, the sharpshooter units on both sides did remarkable work. These men received little mention but by all accounts were deadly adversaries and prized by their commanders. They were also the predecessors to the modern day snipers, currently at the forefront of the war on terror. The tactics and method of warfare used in Civil War skirmishes by the sharpshooter units are still applicable in the modern military.

Mr. Ray's work is an excellent reference for modern day students of the art of sniping, whether law enforcement or military.

Brian K. Sain
AmericanSnipers.org

Fred Ray has seized upon a little known aspect of Lee's Army of Northern Virginia and through extensive research has, incredible for 2006, developed his research to add a new wrinkle to its accepted history. My own research centers on only one of these battalions and my scope is therefore somewhat narrower, but I know that these sharpshooter units existed and that they were in reality utilized to their fullest. I would therefore probably be considered a pretty tough critic. Fred has independently discovered many of my own more focused sources and added many more to satisfy his premise.
His in-depth narrative incorporates proof ranging from mere mentions to laudatory thanks for the actions of the sharpshooter battalions in virtually every action from summer of 1862 through the end. Although the narrative is obviously meant to demonstrate the value of the sharpshooter battalions to the army, it presents a well-written, accurate military chronology of the war. His endnotes are rigidly supportive of the narrative and his maps are excellent and precise, again always supported by endnotes.
Fred Ray goes further than just the ANV, exploring weapons, opponents' sharpshooter organizations and similar tactics in the western Confederate Army of Tennessee.
I would highly recommend this book to any serious student of Confederate military actions during the War Between the States, particularly those who want to understand everything about the Army of Northern Virginia.

In this thought provoking book, the author starts out with a brief history of light troops followed by the history of the skirmishers of the Army of North Virginia. Although the Union side began the war with more and better light troops, they allowed them atrophy while the Confederates who faced them, learned from them. Innovation in the ANV tended to originate in Ewell's old division, commanded by Rodes. When the war began, the standard system was for each regiment to have one or two light companies sent forward as skirmishers. This had flaws. It was difficult to coordinate between all the companies, with Rodes' bad experience at South Mountain clearly showing the potential result. Soon, he formed for his brigade a special sharpshooter battalion to cover the front, and by the beginning of 1864 this was standard in every brigade in Lee's army. Because Lee's army was decentralized, innovation of this sort was encouraged and could spread. To enter a sharpshooter battalion, high standards of bravery and marksmanship had to be met so that the units did not become a collection of misfits. The men fought as light infantry, not as snipers in the modern sense, and used the best weapons available, including captured repeating rifles. The psychological effect on enemy infantry could be great, knowing that someone who was aimed at would likely be hit. The author's battle descriptions are quite useful. He shows how at Gettysburg Iverson's sharpshooter battalion got diverted into the low ground to face the Union XI Corps, which was threatening the division's flank, but with Iverson's brigade not protected properly, disaster resulted. At North Anna Confederate sharpshooters successfully screened the entrenchments, hiding them from view and allowing the Union army to unknowingly enter a trap. Most of the book covers the Overland Campaign and the '64 Valley and Petersburg campaigns, by which time new assault tactics were being developed to capture enemy pickets or assault earthworks. This, the author argues, shows a link to later infantry tactics developed by the German stormtroopers in World War I.. Unlike many other Civil War historians, the author is broad minded in looking at the broader tactical context - looking to events abroad both before and after the Civil War. The Franco-Prussian War, however, is given little attention. The author's interpretation of the use of Prussian columns differs with Nosworthy's, who believes that skirmishers were the main effort, with the company columns merely supporting them. So the author may over-emphasize the Boer War as a result. This is a minor flaw only; the book gives a good discussion of weapons and their accuracy and flaws as well as a good treatment of range estimation training. The book fills a void and should be a treasured volume to anyone interested in Civil War tactics.

"I've been sick from Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia for three years. I'm housebound for the most part and have many items I could sell and make some much needed cash. "Sick Mick's guide" is very easy to read and follow. She explains many of the processes by talking about her own experiences. You can tell she understands what it is like to live with limitations.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking to make some money and not have to expend a lot of energy to do it. I found that some of her ideas were off-the-wall, some brand new, and some I already did. It is full of amusing anecdotes from finding an insect on her leg to coping with Lyme and Chronic Fatigue. I often found myself saying, "Me too!" It is most comforting to know I am not alone in this illness and this way of life." Susan Schwartz, Operating Room RN, Richmond, VA USA

Micki Suzanne has written a most informative book on how to make eBay work for you. She explains the eBay process from top to bottom with helpful hints on how to buy, sell and open an eBay store. I have been buying and selling on eBay for over seven years and have a feedback rating of over 4400 and I gained valuable information on procedures that I never knew existed.

I have also become interested in the buying and selling of antiques and, again, this book hit a home run. Micki's knowledge and practical applications can make you money. She knows the antique business inside and out. Micki's warmth and good humor are evident in her writing style. She is a giver, not a taker. I am glad I purchased this book.

Practical and often hilarious this guide is a have-to for small business owners and e-bay sellers. Told in a conversational tone, you are guided step by easy step through the process of selling your treasures.
Knocked back with lyme disease, Micki rallys and takes up the sword to help others in simular situations to have a successful business.
Very enjoyable and an easy read.

This is a very high quality comic book, with excellent art work as well as fun/clean humor which is important for our youth and is very rare to find these days. The story keeps the reader entertained, so dont try to get your kids to do their chores until they're done reading it... because you will be wasting your time, this is one comic book that you cant put down until you are done! We just ordered 3 more "Aussie Tracks" comic books to send to our Friends in Australia, we know they will get a kick out of it! Keep us the great work, we are all waiting for Vol. 2

This is a really cute comic book! Great for kids of all ages, and those who are kids at heart. The story and characters are reminiscent to those found in Disney comics, with comical humor and adventure. I read it to my six year brother, and he really loved it! My 10 year old sister loved it so much, she wants to buy her own copy! We are looking forward for more in this series!!

Dr. Bell does a superb job of introducing the world to the daily reality of those whose lives are touched by CFS/CFIDS. He exposes us to the many areas (physical, social, emotional, and neurological) that this disease tries to steal from the people who suffer with it and those that love and care for them. Dr. Bell gives a frightening view into the debilitating effects of the disease and the skepticism, scorn, legal problems, and rejection these patients are subjected to. He also graciously shares the dilemas he faces in the medical arena to provide relief to his patients, study this disease, enlighten the medical community, and inform the world. He also weaves into this book statements that give us a glimpse of his profound intellect, curiousity, and sense of humor. This book is the perfect combination of a doctor's view and his patients' sufferings. Dr. Bell does not leave patients without hope. He offers compassion, understanding, intelligence, and tenacity. I encourage everyone to read this book. Nobody will walk away without newfound information. For those who feel this is only a psychological disease, I challenge you to read this book with an open mind, then reevaluate your opinion.

Quick notes from Bell's latest book: --"Where does self end and illness begin? When we are [chronically ill]...what part of our personality is really our own, & [which] shaped or even created by disease?"... --"If robbery is the taking without permission, CFS could be the greatest thief of all."... --"Sometimes I feel the only solution [as CFS clinician] is to develop multiple personalities or else go mad."... Having had the pleasure to hear Bell speak on several occasions, I found this book a delight to read for more than one reason: it's HIS VOICE, the man himself, probably the single most candid, empathetic, and open-minded CFS MD. His informal tone is marked by wry humor, facts, frank crankiness (esp'ly re: the blindness and UNcaring of the Established Medical Establishment), and--above all--his deep, abiding humanity, which translates into true caring for every one of his patients... Bell has published books and papers both scientific and lay; this the latter, though more than a few doctors should be forced to read it at syringe-point. Consisting of 10 case histories of individual patients, it's more quilt than tapesty, covering numerous facets of this still-mysterious but very real disease. Each story illuminates another facet of CFS, each in a separate patient, from tales of disability "spies," treaments both conventional and unconventional (ever try rubbing poison ivy on your arm?), symptoms from panic attacks to myoclonus... Dr. Bell does not tie up each case story with a neat bow, but leaves the questions it raises hanging in the air--as they still do for true scientists. Each case study is meant primarily to illustrate a defining principle, as Bell has come to understand such principles by *listening* to all his patients for over 15 years. Hence his impatience with hands-off MDs who do NOT listen, who actively block new knowledge by citing "psychosomatic illness" or saying "not proven" (how many more organic abnormalities have to be documented?!) instead of dealing with patients, one by one by one, as Bell has... Beyond the important content and delightful tone of the book--and Bell's faith that a cure and recovery will come--it's worth noting, for the legions of CFS patients with troubles reading, that the book is short and very easy to read. A brilliant, if all-too-short, book.

(For another, quite different set of case histories, compiled by a CFS author, see the book "Stricken" by Peggy Munson at this site.)

It is cutting edge in the nutritional aspect of treating CFS. It is scientifically sustained, empathetic, knowledgeable of the challenges. It gives you the small steps needed to start making life changes in nutrition needed to recover. Helps me tremendously in my time of illness. One thing I would suggest that is not in the book is to switch to all organic and to make a habit of Juicing. "Juicing for life" is a good complement to this book. If you juice it is important to chose organic produce because the concentration in juices is very high.
Good luck.

Helpful for review and to remember things when you are out training or rescuing people

I believe this book is a must for everyone to read. Makes you far more aware of the dangers of common chemicals and also helps you with ideas to clean up your own environment and try to stay healthy in a cleaner world. Excellent.

If you have a "Chronic Fatigue" related condition, or a friend or a relative that does, then this book is a must have. It's a great read for anyone really - a window into the real world of coping with fatigue - realistic, funny (yes!) sensitive and true. The author rightly subtitles it with "A Story of Surviving M.E."
Check it out on the Amazon.co.uk site for more detailed reviews and information. I would give it SIX STARS if I could!

This book, Adrenal Fatigue, is the best book I have read about fatigue.
It was so helpful for me to know what to do for my fatigue. Its the best!!!
Arlene

This is an excellent book that probably every adult should read. It's in depth text describes what adrenal fatigue is, it's causes and practical solutions to help recovery. This book provided insight into some very real turnaround in my health.
I have purchased this book and recommended it to many of my friends and family and all have really benefitted from it and said similar comments about everyone should read this.
It will cause you to look at your lifestyle and health in a new light with very real strategies to help improve life quality. Great read!

This book is a must read because adrenal health is an issue that is largely ignored by today's pill pushing Drs.. The book addesses some of the most important features of hormonal health for both men and women. You will be amazed to learn how many symptoms and situations can be improved by helping to restore your adrenal glands.

This book was very helpful, it helped me to spot a dozen previously unseen behaviors connected with adrenal fatigue. Even if you feel healthy you may be subjected to periods of gray humor, stress or just feel fatigued or sleepy for no apparent reason. This book is a manual to get back your energy, and ultimately your life.

Guess I've been fast to find this book. Those who suffer of adrenal fatigue can get seriously ill if they don't adjust their lifestyle to the need of their bodies, as stress can be accumulated during several years and then shut one off completely. Very often the source can be also external, not only physical or psychological, and this book covers a lot of different situations.

Excellent book describing this mostly "undiagnosed" syndrome. It was very validating to read all the symptoms, as I have finally figured out this is what has been underlying so many of my other "issues". Gives good discription and a great plan to heal yourself, covering all aspects. From life style modifications, diet, excercise and vitamin, herb and drug supplementation.
Also describes how the adrenal glands work, and their intricate play in so many bodily functions as well as their effect on other endocrine glands. You could easily go to a wide variety of "specialists" and get all sorts of individual diagnosis, and then, as I did procede to treat those symptoms, all along never treating the root cause of the problem, subsequently causing this undetected issue to progress and become more and more debilitating. Definitely helped me on many levels! Thank you Dr. Wilson.

This is the best CFS book I have read. It dispels all the myths that try to make CFS into a psychiatric illness. Most of us with CFS have been branded as head cases for a long time before we were diagnosed. Some with CFS have still not been diagnosed. This book proves you are not crazy and that your symptoms are real, and shows how all the symptoms fit together to make the CFS diagnosis. Throughout reading this book, I can't tell you haw many times I said to myself "That's me!" or "That's what I went through, too!" Get a copy for yourself, and one for your doctor if you haven't been diagnosed yet. Many doctors don't understand CFS, and some don't believe in it. I found this out myself the hard way, as I was not properly diagnosed until seeing my ninth different doctor in 8 months. This book is written by one of the first doctors to take an active role in understanding CFS when there was an outbreak in his community in the 80's. He has hundreds of patients with CFS and has done several small studies (there isn't enough funding available for nearly adequate research) that have been corroborated by other independent studies. If you are a CFS sufferer like me, get it!

Dr. Bell is WONDERFUL!!! For years I was going from doctor to doctor trying to get a CORRECT diagnosis for what I had and then I found him. The man had just met me and it was like he had been my doctor all my life! He was able to describe health issues and symptoms I had been experiencing from childhood into my adult life. What a relief to FINALLY understand what it is that I have. His books are the next best thing to him being your doctor and I would recommend anything that he has written.

Bell's book is now an antique, but I suggest it if you really cannot get a dignosis of that mysterious, painful disease which, among other things, has virtually eliminated any possibility of sustained exercise; that is, provided you can get no meaningful diagnosis of it. Do not expect one. Possibly the most denied, derided, trivialized disease of the Western world, with absurd diagnostic criteria and case definition attributed to it, this ancient echo of reason is an isolated one.

A good grounding in Chronic Fatigue Syndromes with a comprehensive guide into the syndrome. Suitable for medical practitioners and also the general public.
I would recommend it
Dr Adrian Winbow
Consultant Psychiatrist

This is by far the best book I've read on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I've suffered with it for 30 years. Anyone who has it or knows someone who has it would benefit from reading what Dr. Bell has to say.