The Deadliest Men: The World's Deadliest Combatants Throughout the Ages

by Paul Kirchner

Who were the greatest warriors of all time? This book profiles 50, including Myamoto Musashi, Jim Bowie and Geronimo, who faced overwhelming odds, survived terrible wounds, pulled off hairbreadth escapes and piled enemies in heaps. Their stories read like fiction but are all the more riveting because they are true.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Biography Memoir

418 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2001

About the author

Paul Kirchner is an American writer and illustrator born in New Haven, Connecticut.

Reviews

[Gordon Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heck of a ride. As I read this, I couldn't help thinking how each chapter could have made its own movie. My personal favorite is Jelly Brice. Highly recommended.

[Jon Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading this book, I found it rather dry/dull. A month later I picked it up and couldn't put it down. So I will say that some this book depends on one's mood. (Prepare for an odd analogy) When my father would order a steak in a restaurant, invariably he would be asked if he wanted any steak sauce. His reply was always the same, "I better not want steak sauce." His feeling was if the steak was quality he would never cover it up with sauce, if he needed steak sauce that meant the cut of meat was garbage. The men and women profiled in this book (their quotes, their actions, their history) are the meat. The author doesn't really add anything via commentary, clever writing, etc.. there is no sauce. If the author had tried to add to this book via such things, he may have made it a 5 star book... or he may have made it garbage. Personally I think the people themselves stand alone just fine. (NOTE: If you want an author who "adds sauce" to his profiles, and can find humor in incredibly juvenile writing, read Badass by Ben Thompson.)

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only downside to this book is that some of the stories were too short. I really wanted more details. I could read an entire book on the lives of most of the people featured in this one.

Despite what the title may lead one to believe, these are not horrible criminals. Most are everyday people in extraordinary circumstances. Some of these great killers killed as part of their lifestyle: like the Vikings and samurai warriors. Some were soldiers. Some were none of those.

Anyway, you can read the synopsis, but add to it my highest recommendation. If you read the summary and are even slightly interested, then it's a must read.

[Tom]

Paul Kirchner profiles what many might call hard cases. That is, except here we read profiles of many men and women fighting for God and country. In the profile of Alvin York, who did what he did in war and not for vainglory, Kirchner opines:
"A pacifist may claim that it requires courage not to fight, but unless he is willing to face dath for his belief, how can he prove it?"
Most of us lead lives untested by the evil that walks among us. In these 44 profiles, few had the opportunity to think beforehand about the consequences of his or actions, but most had the rest of his or her life to view survival in a new light.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the title leading one to believe this is a book about criminals, many of the profiles and short write ups are about mighty warriors and reluctant soldiers. Sure, a few of the law breakers line out a few chapters, but most of these stories are honest god fearing men and women responding in extraordinary fashion to extraordinary life circumstances.

It’s inspiring to read of the deep fortitude some of these people had to muster in their lives. Some had no choice but try to survive, some did it for the country they love, some for family, etc.

Overall, a very good book. Interesting life stories of so many people. Quite an enjoyable read in a very nontraditional book topic.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read from writers perspective on heroics and fortitude on the battleground through several phases in history. The name is somewhat misleading as there are several prominent women featured.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have worn out two copies of this book, one reading and re-readimg and one lending to everyone else. A great book

[Jeremiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Not terribly in depth but great stories.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent factual book!