SKU: 49109646174

The Perfect Horse: The Daring U.S. Mission to Rescue the Priceless Stallions Kidnapped by the Nazis

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The Perfect Horse: The Daring U.S. Mission to Rescue the Priceless Stallions Kidnapped by the NazisNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER From the author of The Eighty Dollar Champion, the remarkable story of the heroic rescue of priceless horses in the closing days of World War II WINNER OF THE PEN AWARD FOR RESEARCH NONFICTION In the chaotic last days of the war, a small troop of battle weary American soldiers captures a German spy and makes an astonishing find his briefcase is empty but for photos of beautiful white horses that have been stolen and kept on a

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - From the author of The Eighty-Dollar Champion, the remarkable story of the heroic rescue of priceless horses in the closing days of World War II

WINNER OF THE PEN AWARD FOR RESEARCH NONFICTION

In the chaotic last days of the war, a small troop of battle-weary American soldiers captures a German spy and makes an astonishing find--his briefcase is empty but for photos of beautiful white horses that have been stolen and kept on a secret farm behind enemy lines. Hitler has stockpiled the world's finest purebreds in order to breed the perfect military machine--an equine master race. But with the starving Russian army closing in, the animals are in imminent danger of being slaughtered for food.

With only hours to spare, one of the U.S. Army's last great cavalrymen, Colonel Hank Reed, makes a bold decision--with General George Patton's blessing--to mount a covert rescue operation. Racing against time, Reed's small but determined force of soldiers, aided by several turncoat Germans, steals across enemy lines in a last-ditch effort to save the horses.

Pulling together this multistranded story, Elizabeth Letts introduces us to an unforgettable cast of characters: Alois Podhajsky, director of the famed Spanish Riding School of Vienna, a former Olympic medalist who is forced to flee the bomb-ravaged Austrian capital with his entire stable in tow; Gustav Rau, Hitler's imperious chief of horse breeding, a proponent of eugenics who dreams of genetically engineering the perfect warhorse for Germany; and Tom Stewart, a senator's son who makes a daring moonlight ride on a white stallion to secure the farm's surrender.

A compelling account for animal lovers and World War II buffs alike, The Perfect Horse tells for the first time the full story of these events. Elizabeth Letts's exhilarating tale of behind-enemy-lines adventure, courage, and sacrifice brings to life one of the most inspiring chapters in the annals of human valor.

Praise for The Perfect Horse

"Winningly readable . . . Letts captures both the personalities and the stakes of this daring mission with such a sharp ear for drama that the whole second half of the book reads like a WWII thriller dreamed up by Alan Furst or Len Deighton. . . . The right director could make a Hollywood classic out of this fairy tale."--The Christian Science Monitor

"Letts, a lifelong equestrienne, eloquently brings together the many facets of this unlikely, poignant story underscoring the love and respect of man for horses."--Kirkus Reviews

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Published: 05/23/2017
ISBN: 9780345544827
Pages: 400
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 7.90h x 5.30w x 1.10d
Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 501338 / Perfect Horse: The Daring Rescue of Horses Kidnapped During World War II
Reading Level: 8.2 / Interest Level: Middle Grade / Point Value: 9
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SKU: 49109646174

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Sandwichmaker
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Filter Fits Properly and is an Easy Install
Style: Particulate Media
Though not made for or by Honda, this filter is inexpensive and looks like it's capable of filtering the air coming into the passenger compartment of our 2012 Honda Fit. The primary difference between this unit and the original filter supplied by Honda is that the original unit has some "ribs" that help to keep the pleats separated attached to the top of the pleats. The item I received lacks that, but it appears to me that the pleats are strong enough on their own for the intended purpose. The filter fits into the frame as it should. Replacing this filter is incredibly easy and requires no tools: you empty the glove compartment, compress it's sides inward so that the rubber stops on either side clear the dash, allowing the glove compartment to drop out an extra 4-5 inches. Then, you can see and reach the cover for the cabin air filter, which is secured by latches on each side. Remove the cover and slide out the filter and frame. Replace the air filter element, which just sits in the frame, replace the frame and cover, and compress the glove compartment sides again to put it back in place. Put your stuff back in the glove compartment and you're done. In a few minutes you've saved significant dollars over the cost of having this done in the shop. Congratulations! The engine air filter is equally easy to replace in the Fit, though for that job I prefer to use a Honda OEM part. Edit: I thought I should add a reminder to install the filter in such a way that the air flow indicator is the same as the one that you remove, i.e. do not put it in upside down. If I remember correctly, air flows from above to below in the Honda Fit. Also, currently, the price for this item is not competitive.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2014
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Don
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Easiest to install so far
Style: HEPA
So the 2018 Honda Odyssey apparently checks the air flow and after a certain point it determines the cabin air flow is less than desirable. At least this this is what I’ve gathered after talking to my dealer. Buying a thick filter may not be better. This was the easiest filter to install. I didn’t have to gingerly coax it In without collapsing the filter. It fit easily and I didn’t have to cut it. Pro Tip: Write the date of install in case your dealership says “well cabin air flow is blah blah blah.” Just tell them to check the date. You should get 6-12months on a filter. My dealership wanted to charge a ridiculous amount for what is literally a 2 minute job. Decent filters will cost around $20. Thicker isn’t better. It all depends on how much crap you have in your glove box. And how much crap is in your air. It might take longer to get all the receipts, first aid kits, tick prevention kits, headlights for the Scouts that forgets theirs, oh that there’s that Leatherman and Mylar blanket is… The job entails emptying the glove box, who’s keeps gloves in these? Press the tabs to drop the box and then Voila there is the filter. It’s really that easy. Ok pull the cover off and pull the old filter. Unless you live in a really dusty environment or have squirrels that are destined to ruin your life there shouldn’t be any real mess . Pull it out and put this in. There’s air flow arrows but even if you did it backwards the van isn’t going to explode in a ball of flame, fueled by the forgotten Cheerios under the seat. Relax, you did it. The world still turns and you’re good to go. Now it’s time to think about the engine air filter. You can do it. It’s easy but the clips can be a pain so it’s better to grab an adult beverage before, just in case.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2021
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MJ
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
Great Product
Style: HEPA
This product is a fantastic find! It's reasonably priced, making it accessible for most budgets without compromising on quality. The product is exactly as described, and its usefulness cannot be overstated. I've found it to be incredibly practical and efficient in meeting my needs. The attention to detail is impressive, and the performance is on par with more expensive alternatives. If you're looking for something reliable, well-made, and at a fair price point, this is the perfect choice. Highly recommended!
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Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2026
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Verified Purchase
Juan
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 4
Works as intended but lowers airflow
Style: HEPA
I got this because of the wildfire smoke in my area. It definitely filters out smell compared to a regular filter so I'm assuming it's also filtering out larger particles in the air. However, I've noticed that the airflow is reduced by a lot and the car is a lot warmer on the same setting I've used for years. It's a trade off and I might just rotate filters depending on AQI and how hot it is since it takes like a minute to change it out. I would recommend it if you live in an area that's smoky or cooler but not in places that get hot.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2023
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T.A.B
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Fits and filters great
Style: PUREFLOW
Perfect fit and replacement for my wife's car air filter. The air seems to be a little fresher after putting this one in i believe it makes a difference to spend a little more on a quality filter.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2026

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