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A Higher Call

The Incredible True Story of Heroism and Chivalry during the Second World War
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( 27,554 ratings, 2,708 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Higher Call by Adam Makos is a gripping historical account set during World War II, focusing on the extraordinary encounter between two pilots—one American and one German. It explores themes of honour, compassion, and humanity amid the brutal realities of war, revealing a remarkable true story of chivalry in the skies. Through vivid storytelling, the book delves into their unexpected connection, offering a unique perspective on the human side of military conflict.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by powerful, true stories of humanity and chivalry amidst the chaos of World War II. It delves into the remarkable interaction between two pilots from opposing sides, exploring themes of honour, empathy, and the shared struggles of soldiers, making it perfect for history and military enthusiasts seeking an inspiring narrative.

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This instant bestseller tells the story of two fighter pilots, an American and a German, whose remarkable encounter during the Second World War became the stuff of legend.

This instant Sunday Times bestseller tells the story of two fighter pilots, an American and a German, whose remarkable encounter during the Second World War became the stuff of legend

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Five days before Christmas 1943, a badly damaged American bomber struggled to fly over wartime Germany. At its controls was a twenty-one-year-old pilot. Half his crew lay wounded or dead. Suddenly a German Messerschmitt fighter pulled up on the bomber's tail—the German pilot was an ace, a man able to destroy the American bomber with the squeeze of a trigger.

This is the true story of the two pilots whose lives collided in the skies that day—the American, 2nd Lieutenant Charlie Brown, and the German, 2nd Lieutenant Franz Stigler.

A Higher Call follows both Charlie and Franz's harrowing missions and gives a dramatic account of the moment when they would stare across the frozen skies at one another. What happened between them, the American 8th Air Force would later classify as 'top secret'.

It was an act that Franz could never mention, or else face a firing squad. It was the encounter that would haunt both Charlie and Franz for forty years until, as old men, they would seek out one another and reunite.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A Higher Call is hailed as a deeply emotional and engaging read that revitalises the concept of wartime chivalry. While it maintains an action-packed narrative typical of its genre, the book stands out for its humane depiction of historical events, making it a striking tale of mercy amidst conflict. Highlighted as truly awe-inspiring, the story celebrates the unlikely friendship and shared humanity between former adversaries.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781782392569

Publisher: Atlantic Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 April 2014

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Atlantic Books

Edition: Main

Illustration: 16pp b/w plates

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 200.0mm

Weight: 380g

Pages: 400

About the Author

Adam Makos is a journalist, historian and editor of the military magazine, Valor. Makos has interviewed countless veterans from the Second World War, Korea, Vietnam, and present-day wars. In 2008 Makos travelled to Iraq to accompany the 101st Airborne and Army Special Forces on their hunt for Al Qaeda terrorists.

Larry Alexander is the author of the New York Times bestselling biography Biggest Brother: The Life of Major Dick Winters, the Man Who Led the Band of Brothers. He is also the author of Shadows In the Jungle: The Alamo Scouts Behind Japanese Lines in World War II and In the Footsteps of the Band of Brothers: A Return to Easy Company's Battlefields With Sgt. Forrest Guth.

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