Review (PDF) The Feathermen
The story of a secret organization called "The Feathermen" and their 14-year attempt to trace the killers of a number of British ex-servicemen in Britain and abroad. Ranulph Fiennes has published eight books, two of which have been in "The Sunday Times" bestseller list.
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC; First edition (October 17, 1991)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0747510490
ISBN-13: 978-0747510499
Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #558,100 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #7 in Books > History > Middle East > Oman #223 in Books > Engineering & Transportation > Engineering > Military Technology #247 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Religions, Practices & Sacred Texts > Freemasonry
This is a marvellous account of derring-do, very skilfully related. I was living in Oman, the setting of most of the story, whilst reading the book. Discrete checks of many of the facts and visits to Christian cemetries in Muscat where some of the characters lie convinced me that the story is in fact true despite its incredible tortuosity. Unputdownable, and also disturbing.
Sir Ranulph Twisleton Wickham Fiennes BT, OBE (and holder of the Polar Medal with Bar!) is undoubtedly the greatest living British explorer. He also served as an officer with the Special Air Service Regiment in the early seventies at a time when I was attached to that Regiment as a corporal in the Pay Office. We met briefly then and again in the late eighties when I was involved with Operation Raleigh. Though "Ran" - as he introduced himself on the latter occasion, has no reason to recall either meeting, I will always remember this man as someone with great presence who has come to symbolise great things and great achievements. In many ways he is the most British of men.In his book "The Feather Men," the reader is left wondering whether or not it is a work of fact or fiction. It is an enthralling and exciting read and I am surprised it has not yet been made into a film.Throughout the world there are certain "standards." For example, people might refer to a specific make of car, as that country's equivalent of a Rolls Royce. This is because Rolls Royce has become the standard for excellence in the making of cars. Similarly, when describing the world's Special Forces, they often refer to certain elite organisations as that country's equivalent of the SAS.I had the privilege of serving with the SAS over 30 years ago but was never SAS trained. Ran Fiennes was and, therefore, knows what he is talking about. That is why you will be left wondering.Altogether and excellent book.NMBritish Army Major (retired).
This book is incredible. Not only is it based on a true story but it is so well written that it is easy to get submerged in the action and espionage that it seems impossible that it is real. Would highly recommend it to anyone.
This is an amazing book, both informative and entertaining! The adventure throws you through much history and culture, I learned a lot from this book.Its too good of a story to be real. That said, the story is too good to be made up.At times it feels too theatrical to be real, but then again much of the story is choppy, random, filled with holes, you don't get all the answers you want. Certain things you get no information about, while other parts are extremely detailed. This makes it seem more realistic.I think it is mostly true, but I definitely want it to be true, so I am biased as heck.
Great derring-do & kudos to Sir Ranulph . I had a problem with this book and it was the writing style not the adventures described.Granted this was mass market paperback I purchased but in all honesty the entire book was a landmine of EXTREMELY POOR WRITING.I'm giving one star for the derring do but this book was worse than Harlequin Romance Novels.Simply Awful
This was an enjoyable read but because the thread of the story kept jumping from one character to another you had to keep in mind who they were working for. To me this made the reading staccato like which is not my preference. The story was goo but the movie was far better. If it was a choice between getting the DVD or purchasing the book you can guess my suggestion. The only caveat is that the film has a different ending from the book so you have been warned.
When I read the feathermen, I had to keep looking up to remind myself of the real world around me.The description of the feathermen's 'warning' to drug dealer in Bristol is typical of the 'speak softly and carry a big stick' attitude of the British SAS.It is surely a book for our times and one that reminds us of the dangers around, whether hidden or on view to us.I highly recommend the book and urge all readers to push for the fim to be made!!
This is an extraordinary story. It is supposedly non fiction but I read it with incredulity due to the extraordinary nature of the story. I do recommend it as a read. It's scary to think that there really are people out there like the ones in the book
The Feathermen
