von Trapp

Agathe von Trapp: Memories Before and After The Sound of Music
$27.95
This a fabulous book on so many levels. First, it does of a wonderful job of explaining how little the movie "The Sound of Music" resembles the family it represents. Agathe is the oldest daughter of Georg von Trapp and his first wife Agathe Whitehead. She is in the unique position of having experienced more than almost any other sibling. What gaps she has found in her memory have been filled with letters, quotes from siblings, and historical documents. Her personal sketches sprinkle the book adding a look at homes and destinations that no longer exist.
A beautiful education in history is weaved throughout the book. A first hand look at the way many families and communities lived. I enjoyed precious details about household management and the way various tasks were accomplished. Her thoughts & perceptions and her willingness to share what would perhaps be embarrassing to others was humbling. A unique take from someone who has literally traveled the world.
Ultimately, this is a story of great faith. This family had a strong belief in God and His providence. The von Trapps' had a bond rooted in faith and the fervent belief that if they worked together they would always be well. I especially appreciated that she would point out where God had intervened for their benefit and end the section with questions like, "Coincidence?" as if to point out that nothing happened without reason.

The Story of the Trapp Family Singers
$13.99
Having been raised on The Sound of Music, I have always wanted to read the book on the family that inspired it. This book is beautifully written, with rich detail and light humor, by a voice you can't help but love. Maria's attention to detail, along with small inserts on folk/country life makes the book an easy, fun read. It's historical accuracy makes it a must read. I absolutely love this book and recommend it to anyone, absolutely anyone.

To the Last Salute: Memories of an Austrian U-Boat Commander
$14.95
This should have been translated much earlier! Forget about the later success with music--that's irrelevant here. The Kaiserliche und Konigliche Navy is the heart of the book. The Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy, with Emperor Franz Josef of Austria, who was also King of Hungary (hence the Imperial and Royal Navy) was a mixture of nationalities. Naval bases were few, and the Dual Monarchy's emphasis was on its army rather than its navy. Trapp served on torpedo boats for a while, and became commander of a submarine--the K und K's submarines were definitely third-rate compared to those of Germany. The gasoline (rather than diesel) engines meant that after even a short time underwater (with the hatches closed) the buildup of gasoline fumes would incapacitate most of the crew: there are scenes where only 2-3 of the crew are conscious at crucial times. There are also no bunks for the men--a visiting German submarine captain is horrified at the living conditions compared to the superior German craft.

Nonetheless, Trapp made the most of his vessel, sinking a French cruiser, an Italian sub, and other ships. There's a map of the Adriatic (another map or two would have been helpful) and plenty of photographs. Much of the story is understated, and there are some mentions of what must have been fascinating tales--such as transporting a camel from Africa.

It's all too brief--that's the one drawback. Happily, however, if you've enjoyed the book, there's another book on the same subject--drawn in part, I think, from some of Trapp's experiences. This is a novel--John Biggins' excellent A Sailor of Austria, which I would recommend highly. Biggins also has two other novels with the same protagonist, but these are not as much about the navy. A fourth novel, long hard-to-get but recently reprinted, which is a prequel to Sailor of Austria, is Tomorrow the World, about the protagonist's life aboard the K und K's cadet training ship on its voyages. Trapp also, prior to WW I, was a cadet of such a K und K sailing ship. So for a fictionally expanded view of Trapp's naval experiences--Sailor of Austria and Tomorrow the World will certainly be worthwhile reads.

Maria Von Trapp: Beyond the Sound of Music (Trailblazer Biographies)
$31.93

The item was exactly as discribed and arrived in good condition. I would gladly buy from this seller again...anytime!