| 'Dirty Little Secrets of the
Twentieth Century' by James F. Dunnigan
Jim has been the premier strategy wargame designer since the 1970's when he founded the board wargaming company SPI. Most of his books have been about military affairs, but this one is different - it is about the changes that have occurred in US society over the last century, and what caused them. I read the book from cover to cover, but you can open it at virtually any page and start reading any section that takes your fancy - sort of hypertext in print! I was especially fascinated by the discussion of the differences between the European practise of medicine and the American practice. I knew, of course, that there were differences, but I'd just put it down to a difference in living standards rather than a complete difference in philosophy. I'm sure there will be many in the medical profession who will dispute the conclusions about the value for money of American medicine. Areas covered include entertainment, work, buildings, technology, military affairs and politics. Some of the facts revealed are absolutely stunning. For instance, while I would disagree with Jim's assessment of some of the governments, it is difficult to disagree with his conclusion that the primary cause of death this last century has been governments killing their own people. This book is fascinating, well written and packed with nuggets both for trivia fiends and for those who want a cool assessment of what has changed and what caused those changes over the last one hundred years. Highly recommended.
'Dirty Little Secrets of the Twentieth Century' by
James F. Dunnigan |
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