Snapdragon: The World War II Exploits of Darby's Ranger and Combat Photographer Phil Stern

I love the way Phil Stern wrote. He's like a mix of Twain, H.L. Mencken and Kerouac. Liesl Bradner’s writing to fill in Stern’s as well as Ranger history is good, too; it has a nice, light touch, not in the manner of typical military history. It was a good move to change fonts between the two, Stern’s as if typewritten. Of course, Phil Stern’s photography is second to none, and I was happy to run across several pictures I was seeing for the first time.I noted a few errors of a historical nature in the book; at least they didn’t jibe with other Ranger histories I’ve read, but not enough to detract from the book overall. In a nutshell, Bradner’s book is well written, beautiful and classy, not quite on par with Phil Stern’s huge, “A Life’s Work,” but few books are. However, being both biography and autobiography, “Snapdragon” is a wonderful complement. I’m sure he’d be happy with it. What an extraordinary life. What an extraordinary man.

Well written book that was full of interesting facts and wondrous pictures! It should be turned into a movie.Excellent book, superb writing.

pictures reflect the side of war not always seen and well written format with excerpts form Phil Stern's diary

Book is laid out as a mix of Phil's own words and background information, which are differentiated by different typefaces. That was a little distracting but I understand the reasoning. The story itself is fascinating.

I really enjoyed this book. My father-in-law was in 1B and 3C. I found three pictures of him and pictures of places where he fought.

Well written, narrative is clear pictures are exceptional in their clarity and formation. Really liked the book.

Great pictures and well written

This is actually a question. Does the book have a lot of pictures ? My grandfather was in the 1st. Ranger Battalion D company.