Amazing Tales for Making Men Out of Boys

By Neil Oliver

Book Overview

Stories of heroism, exploration, and sacrifice -- including Apollo XIII and Scott of the Antarctic -- that inspire boys to be courageous, selfless, and open to adventure Tales of brave and selfless deeds used to be part of every boy's education. We grew up sharing stories with our fathers, uncles, and grandfathers of how other men had lived their lives, met their challenges, reached their goals, and faced their deaths. Becoming a man was about comradeship and standing by your friends whatever the circumstances. And it meant that sometimes it was more important to die a hero than live a coward's life. Through Neil Oliver's vivid, stirring accounts we can rediscover the stories that inspire men to perform acts greater than themselves. These are the epics that we should all know by heart; the tales of courage, endurance, and sacrifice that made men out of boys. Amazing Tales for Making Men Out of Boys is packed with classic stories of courage and heroism from around the world and includes four stories especially for the American edition: Omaha Beach, June 6th 1944; The Alamo; The Civil War Battle of Shilo; and The Revolutionary War Sea Battle of John Paul Jones and the Bon Homme Richard.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061766135
• ISBN13: 9780061766138
• Release Date: April 2009
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.5" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Good Work

I bought this book thinking it would be written for younger boys, but it is probably more suited for the 12+ age bracket. I'm 46, familiar with most all of the stories from other academic pursuits, and I thououghly enjoyed the book. It is well researched and written in an entertaining style. The reason I'm giving it a four instead of 5 is because there are a couple of places in the book where the author injects a politically correct view of history when laying background with respect to the stories of the Nez Perc and the Zulus. It was not 'over the top' and only slightly annoying. I'd suggest it in hardcover as an addition to any well stocked library.

stores to love

What an interesting book! I love how it provides heroes for our boys to look up to. Hero's that were ordinary men; who didn't even know they were heroes. Amazing Tales For Making Men out of Boys by Neil Oliver is full of chapters of history, and amazing examples of people who have overcome trials. It was encouraging and delightful to read this book. I like that he uses real heros, and real places. It's the kind of book that boys can really get into! Oliver creates wonderful imagery and is a good storyteller. It has just what my son enjoys.. tales of war and rights, and astronauts to name a few. I think it is for probably 6-14 year olds, but honestly my son (who is 5) enjoyed a lot of these stories! (depends on how well they like to listen and sit!) I like that it is based on kids, and the language and attitude is kept as such. Oliver's writing is clean and yet stimulating; it cultivates a lot of imagery and inspires! I think this would be a great gift for any boy who is looking for a good hero! It would be good for perhaps homeschooling middle school-aged as well because it gives history in an understandable way!