Mark D. Van Ells

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America and World War I: A Traveler’s Guide

March 14, 2014 by Mark D. VanElls

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“As we reach the centennial of what Europe calls the Great War, World War I, we all need to gain insight into that war. It was the war that set up all the other wars of the twentieth century. Mark D. Van Ells’s book is a must-read experience. It is invaluable in learning the unmistakable lessons of history.”
U.S. Senator Max Cleland (Ret.)

“On the 100th anniversary of World War I, Van Ells … contributes a different perspective. This title is part travel guide but more a comprehensive history book….  Recommended for academic readers as well as history buffs….”
Library Journal

“Rich descriptions of scenes from WWI and present-day areas of interest for historians and travelers make this somber guide intriguing…. Part instruction and part tourism—a complementary combination—this vivid and often graphic book ensnares the queasy traveler then provides a productive trip through its pages…. Van Ells offers factual data like a journalist but explains martial reasoning like a teacher [and] delivers a powerful evaluation of the American doughboys.”
Foreword Reviews

“A fascinating book that tells the forgotten stories of the American soldiers who went overseas in the bloodiest war the world had ever seen.”
Rick Steves

“Really a treasure….  Whether you travel or not, get this book.  It’s a great read.”
OnTravel Radio

“An excellent book that skillfully executes the difficult task of combining the two genres of historical narrative and travel guide.”
Military Review

“Van Ells performed diligent work in researching and ferreting out all these monuments and points of interest, both great and small. He deserves commendation.”
Worldwar1.com

“The 2014 centennial of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and the beginning of World War I has been marked by ceremony as well as a small surge in related publications. A unique addition is Van Ells’ guide, which provides cultural and historical context for America’s part in the Great War, and documents the paths of, and memorials to, the Doughboys who went off to fight in Europe….  This volume supplements the many existing battlefield guides with its commentary on the little-known memorials in small towns and villages in both the U.S. and Europe, which honor the sacrifices of America’s Doughboys.”
Historical Novel Society

“Top-notch pre-trip reading.”
Booklist

“Reliable [and] useful…  He deserves credit for steering clear of the legends and propaganda that still infect many modern narratives.”
MHQ: The Quarterly Journal of Military History

“I learned something new on virtually every page of this book.”
amateurtraveler.com

“A thorough guide to a war even Baby Boomers don’t know much about.”
Rudy Maxa

Interlink Books, 2015
432p.
ISBN: 9781566569750

TO PURCHASE:

Interlink Books 
Google Books

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Wisconsin

March 14, 2014 by Mark D. VanElls

ontheroadwisconsinbook

Finalist, IndieFab Book of the Year in the Travel Guide category, 2009.

“From glaciers to the Green Bay Packers, this is a spirited account of Wisconsin’s rich cultural and geographic heritage, and its important place in American history.”
Wisconsin Trails Magazine

“I enjoyed it very much. I think you will too.”
Larry Meiller, Wisconsin Public Radio

“A revelation….  A noteworthy companion – whether for armchair travelers, students, teachers, or travelers seeking absorbing background information to enrich their journey.”
The Daily Kenoshan

“If you are the type of traveler who likes to explore every aspect of the places you visit, check out this account of Wisconsin’s history from its geologic roots to modern times…. Conveniently organized by historical era with sidebars highlighting significant points of interest [it] includes a wide-ranging account of the state’s history, maps and historical photos, must-see sites, visitor resources and much more.”
Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine

On-The-Road Histories Series
Interlink Books, 2009
320p.
ISBN 9781566566735

TO PURCHASE:

Interlink Books
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Goodreads
IndieBound
Powell’s

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To Hear Only Thunder Again: America’s World War II Veterans Come Home

March 14, 2014 by Mark D. VanElls

to hear only

“Social historians and the general reader will find this book quite informative.”
The Journal of Popular Culture

“The author is to be commended for looking at a phase of World War II history that has not been fully investigated by the historian…. This book needs to be added to anyone’s library interested in the management of war and its aftermath.”
Journal of America’s Military Past

“Van Ells offers a comprehensive study of the experience of World War II veterans’ readjustment to civilian life.”
Wisconsin Magazine of History

“Breaking new ground”
Green Bay Press-Gazette

Modern American Histories Series
Lexington Books, 2001
288p.
ISBN 9780739102442

TO PURCHASE:

Lexington Books

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© 2023 Mark D. Van Ells
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