European history: medieval period, middle ages Books

Book SynopsisExplores the delicate interplay between emigration of Jews from Israel to Germany and the construction of a new identity in the shadow of antisemitism both past and present in their new home.Critically analyzing Israeli-Jewish migration to Germany, A Double Burden combines complementary approaches from the social sciences-quantitative, qualitative, and ethnographic research-to track migrants'' reasons for moving, their families'' reactions, their settlement in the new country, and their social and economic integration, construction of identity, and perceptions of old and new antisemitism in Germany. Each chapter is placed within a relevant theoretical framework, the entire discussion set against the background of present-day international migration in general, migration to Germany in particular, and the Jewish experience in unified Germany. Rich with empirical evidence and presented with exceptional clarity and accessibility, A Double Burden will appeal to scholars of migration studies, the Israeli Diaspora, and German-Jewish life, as it also illuminates trauma and memory among third-generation Holocaust survivors.

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Book SynopsisBased largely on Neville Chamberlain''s own words and official government documents, this book describes how were it not for Chamberlain''s powerful, dominating presence in the British government, World War II might have been avoided.Was Adolf Hitler hell-bent on inciting a war, and there was no course of action by any national leader that could have prevented World War II? Or, did Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain''s appeasement policy with Germany and slowness in strengthening England''s armed forces directly encourage Hitler to strike, dooming Chamberlain''s successor Winston Churchill to face the war that could have been prevented? This book provides an in-depth look at one of the most pivotal moments in England''s history, tapping a variety of primary sources to reveal rarely considered perspectives on the story behind the road to World War II. It explains how Chamberlain was driven by a personal agenda to destroy Socialism, which was the primary force behind Chamberlain''Trade ReviewSumming Up: Highy recommended. All levels/libraries. * Choice *Table of ContentsAcknowledgment 1. Chamberlain and the Historians 2. Setting the Stage 3. The Stage Is Set 4. Taking Charge 5. Feeding the Beast 6. Staying the Course 7. A Frightful Gamble 8. Danse Macabre 9. Perfidious Albion 10. Conclusions Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisPoland in the Modern World presents a history of the country from the late nineteenth century to the present, incorporating new perspectives from social and cultural history and positioning it in a broad global context Challenges traditional accounts Poland that tend to focus on national, political history, emphasizing the country''s ''exceptionalism''. Presents a lively, multi-dimensional story, balancing coverage of high politics with discussion of social, cultural and economic changes, and their effects on individuals' daily lives. Explores both the regional diversity within Poland and the country's place within Europe and the wider world. Provides a new interpretive framework for understanding key historical events in Poland's modern history, including the experiences of World War II and the postwar communist era. Trade Review"While the authors largely agree that the main motif of Polish history is the way in which leaders and communities pursued modernization and nationalization in the modern era, each writes about these topics in unique and fascinating ways." (Pol-int.org, 1 October 2015) "Brian Porter-Szucs's new book Poland in the Modern World: Beyond Martyrdom is like a breath of fresh air . . . In sum, this is a splendid book and an optimistic one. Porter-Szucs tries to find some good in everyone (well, maybe not in Stalin), for which he is to be commended. This reviewer believes that his book will become the standard general work on recent Polish history." (The Polish Review, 1 October 2014) "Moving in a new direction, Porter-Szûcs' work adds an important and distinct voice to the fray. It is a genuine attempt to look at Poland's history through that new prism of a transnational spirit. It forces us to look at history in different ways—from the outside in, from the bottom up—and to rethink it in significant ways. Ultimately, at times, it challenges us to reconsider the existing master narrative." (Cosmopolitan Review, 1 October 2015) "Poland in the Modern World is a valuable contribution to central and eastern European historiography and the study of Communist and post-Communist societies. In presenting sophisticated insights from a variety of disciplines and from a comparative perspective, the author characterizes Poland's history of the last two centuries as a history of neither winners nor losers. In doing so, he gets beyond stereotypes and clichés about the country, particularly the 'national martyrology' that informs much of Polish historiography." (H-SAE, February 2015) "Well researched, engagingly written, and full of striking anecdotes, Brian Porter-Szûcs's Poland in the Modern World deserves a wide readership." (Slavic Review, 1 October 2014)Table of ContentsList of Figures vi Acknowledgments ix Pronunciation Guide x Introduction 1 1 Poles without Poland, 1795–1918 6 2 The Political Landscape at the Start of the 20th Century 43 3 Nation and/or Revolution, 1914–22 65 4 The Ambivalence of Democracy and Authority, 1922–39 90 5 Hyperinflation and Depression: The Interwar Period 105 6 Jews, Ukrainians, and Other Poles in the Interwar Period 126 7 World War II, 1939–45 144 8 Conquest or Revolution? 1945–56 186 9 The Year 1956 and the Rise of National Communism 231 10 Communism and Consumerism 258 11 The End of the PRL, 1976–89 285 12 Shock Therapy 328 13 Politics in the Third Republic 348 Index 367

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Book SynopsisThis Companion provides an authoritative and up-to-date overview of Roman Republican history as it is currently practiced. Highlights recent developments, including archaeological discoveries, fresh approaches to textual sources, and the opening up of new areas of historical study. Retains the drama of the Republic's rise and fall.Table of Contents List of Maps x List of Illustrations xi Notes on Contributors xiv Maps xix Abbreviations xxvii Preface xxviii Robert Morstein-Marx and Nathan Rosenstein Part I Introductory 1 1 Methods, Models, and Historiography 3 Martin Jehne Translated by Robert Morstein-Marx and Benjamin Wolkow 2 Literary Sources 29 Edward Bispham 3 Epigraphy and Numismatics 51 Mark Pobjoy 4 The Topography and Archaeology of Republican Rome 81 Mario Torelli Translated by Helena Fracchia 5 The Physical Geography and Environment of Republican Italy 102 Simon Stoddart Part II Narrative 123 6 Between Myth and History: Rome’s Rise from Village to Empire (the Eighth Century to 264) 125 Kurt A. Raaflaub 7 Mediterranean Empire (264–134) 147 Daniel J. Gargola 8 From the Gracchi to the First Civil War (133–70) 167 C. F. Konrad 9 The Final Crisis (69–44) 190 W. Jeffrey Tatum Part III Civic Structures 213 10 Communicating with the Gods 215 Jörg Rüpke 11 Law in the Roman Republic 236 Michael C. Alexander 12 The Constitution of the Roman Republic 256 John A. North 13 Army and Society 278 Paul Erdkamp Part IV Society 297 14 Social Structure and Demography 299 Neville Morley 15 Finding Roman Women 324 Beryl Rawson Part V Political Culture 343 16 The City of Rome 345 John R. Patterson 17 Aristocratic Values 365 Nathan Rosenstein 18 Popular Power in the Roman Republic 383 Alexander Yakobson 19 Patronage 401 Elizabeth Deniaux Translated by Robert Morstein-Marx and Robert Martz 20 Rhetoric and Public Life 421 Jean-Michel David Translated by Robert Morstein-Marx and Robert Martz 21 The Republican Body 439 Anthony Corbeill Part VI The Creation of a Roman Identity 457 22 Romans and Others 459 Erich S. Gruen 23 History and Collective Memory in the Middle Republic 478 Karl-J. Hölkeskamp 24 Art and Architecture in the Roman Republic 496 Katherine E. Welch 25 Literature 543 William W. Batstone Part VII Controversies 565 26 Conceptualizing Roman Imperial Expansion under the Republic: An Introduction 567 Arthur M. Eckstein 27 The Economy: Agrarian Change During the Second Century 590 Luuk de Ligt 28 Rome and Italy 606 John R. Patterson 29 The Transformation of the Republic 625 Robert Morstein-Marx and Nathan Rosenstein Bibliography 638 Index 695

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Book SynopsisThis comprehensive survey of Spain's history looks at the major political, social, and economic changes that took place from the end of the Civil War to the beginning of the twenty-first century. A thorough introduction to post-Civil War Spain, from its development under Franco and subsequent transition to democracy up to the present day Tusell was a celebrated public figure and historian. During his lifetime he negotiated the return to Spain of Picasso's Guernica, was elected UCD councillor for Madrid, and became a respected media commentator before his untimely death in 2005 Includes a biography and political assessment of Francisco Franco Covers a number of pertinent topics, including fascism, isolationism, political opposition, economic development, decolonization, terrorism, foreign policy, and democracy Provides a context for understanding the continuing tensions between democracy and terrorism, including the effects of the 200Table of ContentsNote on the Author viii Introduction 1 Franco: Biography and Political Practice 2 Francoism: A Form of Dictatorship 12 Victors and Vanquished: The Disasters of the Civil War and Repression 20 Exile and the Start of the Postwar Period in Spain 26 Bibliography 31 Notes 33 1 The Temptation of Fascism and the Will to Survive (1939 –51) 34 A Failed Attempt to Make Spain Fascist 35 The Temptation to Intervene and Internal Conflict (1940–2) 40 Stumbling Progress towards Neutrality (1942–5) 48 Cosmetic Change: Regime Politics between 1945 and 1951 58 Opposition from Survivors: The Spanish Left from 1939 to 1951 65 The Monarchist Alternative 72 Franco in Isolation 75 The “Dark Night”: Autarchy and Rationing in the 1940s 82 Culture: Penance and Survival 92 Bibliography 102 Notes 106 2 The Years of Consensus: The High Point of the Regime (1951– 65) 107 The End of International Isolation: The Concordat and Pacts with the United States 108 Spain and Europe: Colonization of Morocco Ends 114 The Regime and the Opposition up to 1956 119 A New Political Opposition 128 For or against Falange: Political Life under the Regime between 1956 and 1965 136 The Easing of Autarchy and the Change in Economic Policy 147 From Political Opposition to Social Opposition 159 Culture in the Francoist Middle Period: The End of the Penitential Years 166 Daily Life and Leisure Activities 177 Bibliography 182 Notes 186 3 Economic Development, Apertura, and the Late Franco Years (1966–75) 187 Economic Development in the 1960s and 1970s 189 The Modernization of Spanish Society 197 The Change in Spanish Catholicism 202 Apertura (1965–9) 211 The Succession. Matesa and Internal Splits in the Regime 217 Worker Protest. Terrorism 221 Late Francoism: Carrero Blanco as President 228 Late Francoism: Arias Navarro’s Government 233 Opposition Activity: The Road to Unity 237 Spain and the Western World 247 Late Decolonization: Guinea and the Sahara 252 A Politically Committed Culture? 256 Spain at the Time of Franco’s Death 262 Bibliography 267 4 The Transition to Democracy (1975 – 82) 270 The Monarchy: King Juan Carlos I 273 The Death-throes of the Past 275 Adolfo Suárez: The Road from Liberalization to Democracy 281 Facing Difficulties: Terrorism and the Military Coup 285 Parties and Elections 289 The Long Road towards a Constitution 293 An Unresolved Issue: Nationalism and Terrorism 299 The Triumph and Fall of Adolfo Suárez 303 The Army and the Transition: February 23 306 Calvo Sotelo’s Government and the Crisis in Center Politics 311 Foreign Policy 314 Economic Policy and Social Change 318 October 1982: The End of the Transition 321 Bibliography 326 5 Consolidating Democracy: The Socialist Government (1982 – 96) 329 Felipe González and the Two Souls of Spanish Socialism 330 The Socialists’ First Term in Office. Reform of the Armed Services, an Economic Update and Foreign Policy 336 A Means of Consolidating Democracy. The GAL 344 Elections and Public Opinion in the Second Half of the 1980s 349 The Second Term in Office: Social Policies and Union Protests. Spain and the World 354 Policy on the Autonomous Communities: A New Vertebrate Structure for the Spanish State 359 The Loss of an Absolute Majority 366 A Tense Term of Office (1993–6) 373 The 1996 General Election. Drawing up the Balance on the Socialists’ Time in Government 380 Culture in the Post-Franco Period 385 From a Time of Rediscovery to a State Culture 390 Fields of Creativity 400 Bibliography 407 6 The Turn of the Right (1996 –2004) 410 The Popular Party in Power: José María Aznar 410 Success in Economic and Social Policies 412 The Dark Side of the Right 414 A Pluralistic Spain: Nationalities and Terrorism 418 Government and Opposition. The Elections in March 2000 423 The Style of Government with an Absolute Majority 429 The Limits of PSOE Renewal 431 Dramatic Basque Elections 433 The Policy of Making Pacts and Breaking with Consensus 436 The PP: Idyllic Peace and Neo-conservatism 439 From More to Less: Government Policy in the Second Four-year Term 443 The Final Straight 448 Bibliography 454 Notes 455 Index 456

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Book SynopsisThe King James Bible has often been called the Book of Books both in itself and in what it stands for. Since its publication in 1611 it has been the best selling book in the world, and many believe, had the greatest impact. The King James Bible has spread the Protestant faith. It has also been the greatest influence on the enrichment of the English language and its literature. It has been the Bible of wars from the British Civil War in the seventeenth century to the American Civil War two centuries later and it has been carried into battle in innumerable conflicts since then. Its influence on social movements - particularly involving women in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries - and politics was profound. It was crucial to the growth of democracy. It was integral to the abolition of slavery and it defined attitudes to modern science, education and sex. As THE ADVENTURE OF ENGLISH explored the history of our language, so THE BOOK OF BOOKS reveals the extraordinaryTrade Review'Bragg's strengths as a novelist yield an account that is personal and imaginative, full of excitement and energy...I have never read an account of the Bible quite so compelling'. * David Crystal, The New Statesman *What gives this book its particular power, beyond Bragg's own reputation as a broadcaster, novelist and one of our foremost public intellectuals, is that he separates the importance of the King James Bible from the role of Christianity itself. Bragg tells the history of the King James with the vigour and pace of a storyteller rather than the dry precision of an academic. * Independent *I am inclined to accept his final word: that the KJB's impact "has been immeasurable and it is not over yet". * John Cornwell, Financial Times *'Bragg takes a well known tale and tells it with easy eloquence'. * Scotland on Sunday *'vivid and accessible'. * Scotsman *'As popular history, this is great stuff'. * Scotsman *Bragg is 'our most trusted intellectual interpreter'. * David Sexton, Evening Standard *Bragg's tribute is of value because he has an aptitude for storytelling. He is breezily readable where other studies can feel dense and recondite. His turn of phrase is dramatic. Bragg's prose reverberates with scriptural certainty. Mostly this is an affectionate book. * Henry Hitchings, Observer *'Naturally Bragg pays eloquent homage to the literary grandeur of the scriptures that shaped his own outlook. But this heartfelt and far-reaching tribute makes its special mark in tracing the links between the KJB and the revolutions in science, politics and society'. * Independent *The two main strands of Bragg's career - intellectual mediator and bestselling popular novelist - are perfectly fused in THE BOOK OF BOOKS. It's an energetic work with enormous intellectual range that manages to turn the history of the King James Bible into a pacey adventure story. * Guardian *It is difficult to see how this book could be bettered; Bragg's narrative is sweeping, his prose dramatic, his enthusiasm infectious. * Independent on Sunday *'A real education about the King James Bible - Protestant, striving to be fair'. * The Tablet *

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Book Synopsis25 October 2015 was the 600th anniversary of the battle of Agincourt - a hugely resonant event in English (and French) history. Sir Ranulph Fiennes casts new light on this epic event, revealing that three of his own ancestors fought in the battle for Henry V, and at least one for the French. This is a unique perspective on Agincourt from a trained and decorated soldier. Ran reveals the truth behind the myths and legends of the battle. He tells how after the battle Henry V entertained his senior commanders to dinner, where they were waited on by captured French knights. There is the story of Sir Piers Legge of Lyme Hall, who lay wounded in the mud while his mastiff dog fought off the French men-at-arms. Then there is the legend that the French intended to cut off the first and second right hand fingers of every captured archer, to prevent him from using his bow. The archers raised those two fingers to the advancing French as a gesture of defiance. In this gripTrade ReviewFiennes, arguably our greatest explorer...has delved deep into history to tell the story of his family's epic journey. * The Times *

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Book SynopsisNew paperback edition - The amazing life of Richard I, King of England, known to history as 'Richard the Lionheart', after his reputation for bravery exhibited fighting the 'Saracens' whilst crusading in the Holy Land.Trade Review‘Enjoyable and very accessible’ -- The Royal Studies Journal

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Book SynopsisFrom wool and leather to silks, spices and gems, a fascinating journey through early international trade.

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Book SynopsisSmithfield, settled on the fringes of Roman London, was once a place of revelry. Jesters and crowds flocked for the medieval St Bartholomew's Day celebrations, tournaments were plentiful and it became the location of London's most famous meat market. Yet in Tudor England, Smithfield had another, more sinister use: the public execution of heretics.Spanning the reigns of British history's most remarkable dynasty, The Burning Time is a vivid insight into an era in which what was orthodoxy one year might be dangerous heresy the next. The first martyrs were Catholics, who cleaved to Rome in defiance of Henry VIII's break with the papacy. But with the accession of Henry's daughter Mary - soon to be nicknamed 'Bloody Mary' - the charge of heresy was levelled against devout Protestants, who chose to burn rather than recant. At the centre of Virginia Rounding's vivid account of this extraordinary period are two very different characteTrade ReviewGruesomely entertaining * The Times *Deeply researched and fascinating * Spectator *Serious, well-researched and well-written * Catholic Herald *

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Book Synopsis‘A fascinating, superbly researched and revelatory book – told with tremendous pace and excitement’ William Boyd‘Rick Stroud writes brilliantly about war … an astonishing book … a wonderful story’ Ben Macintyre'Enthralling, edge-of-smart exciting and also heart-breaking...Stroud's book is a reminder and fitting testimony to their immense bravery' James Holland On 18 June 1940 General de Gaulle broadcast from London to his countrymen in France about the catastrophe that had overtaken their nation – the victory of the invading Germans. He declared: ‘The flame of French Resistance must not and will not be extinguished.' The Resistance began almost immediately. At first it was made up of small, disorganised groups working in isolation. But by the time of the liberation in 1944 around 400,000 French citizens, nearly 2 per cent of Trade Review‘A fascinating, superbly researched and revelatory book – told with tremendous pace and excitement’ -- William Boyd‘This compelling and complete account of the extraordinarily courageous women of SOE is at turns enthralling, edge-of-the-seat exciting and also heart-breaking. The way in which they were sent into Nazi-occupied Europe and left to face unspeakable danger remains astonishing and Stroud's book is a reminder and fitting testimony to their immense bravery’ -- James Holland‘Stroud has a storyteller’s eye for human detail matched with a researcher’s diligence.’ * Independent on Sunday *‘Each of the lives that Stroud relates so well offers a shining example of heroism – dauntless, patriotic readiness to risk everything for the cause of human decency.’ -- Nigel Jones * Sunday Telegraph *‘In this superb book, Rick Stroud honours their awe-inspiring bravery and self-sacrifice by telling their stories with an historian’s attention to detail and a novelist’s empathy and sense of drama… it is a pacy chronological account… vividly and concisely delivered by a writer with an encyclopaedic knowledge of World War Two.’ -- Rebecca McQuillan * The Herald *‘Written with genuine vigour, this book pays tribute to truly outstanding female bravery...this is a book that lingers in the mind long after the last page’ -- Elizabeth Fitzherbert * The Lady *'A gripping narrative' -- Marcus Binney * Country Life *'Fascinating ... a hugely engaging account, that weaves the women’s stories together with increasing momentum towards its poignant conclusion.’ -- Clare Mulley * Spectator *'A timely and important book...we are in awe of their courage' -- Alan Ogden'Superbly written' -- Elizabeth Buchan

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Book SynopsisExam Board: OCRLevel: A-levelSubject: HistoryFirst Teaching: September 2015First Exam: June 2016This is an OCR endorsed resourceBuild strong subject knowledge and skills in A Level History using the in-depth analysis and structured support in this tailor-made series for OCR''s British period studies and enquiries.- Develops the analytical skills required to succeed in the period study by organising the narrative content around the key issues for students to explore- Enhances understanding of the chosen historical period, supplying a wealth of extracts and sources that offer opportunities to practise the evaluative skills needed for the enquiry- Progressively improves study skills through developmental activities and advice on answering practice exam questions- Helps students to review, revise and reflect on the course material through chapter summaries and revision activiTrade ReviewIn my opinion, this book is the strongest course book for study of this period...Very comprehensive. -- Teacher, Alsop High SchoolWe've used this for several years now and I really like the textbook. The content is clearly structured, e.g. each chapter is from a section of the spec so exam questions draw on content from one chapter only, aiding revision. The activities are very sensible and lead to students creating notes that are clear and focused. -- Mr Tom Lea, Teign School

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Book SynopsisExam Board: OCR Level: AS/A-level Subject: History First Teaching: September 2015 First Exam: Summer 2016Target success in OCR AS/A-level History with this proven formula for effective, structured revision; key content coverage is combined with exam preparation activities and exam-style questions to create a revision guide that students can rely on to review, strengthen and test their knowledge.- Enables students to plan and manage a successful revision programme using the topic-by-topic planner- Consolidates knowledge with clear and focused content coverage, organised into easy-to-revise chunks- Encourages active revision by closely combining historical content with related activities- Helps students build, practise and enhance their exam skills as they progress through activities set at three different levels- Improves exam technique through exam-style questions with sample an

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Book SynopsisExam Board: EdexcelLevel: AS/A-levelSubject: HistoryFirst Teaching: September 2015First Exam: June 2016Target success in Edexcel AS/A-level History with this proven formula for effective, structured revision; key content coverage is combined with exam preparation activities and exam-style questions to create a revision guide that students can rely on to review, strengthen and test their knowledge.- Enables students to plan and manage a successful revision programme using the topic-by-topic planner- Consolidates knowledge with clear and focused content coverage, organised into easy-to-revise chunks- Encourages active revision by closely combining historical content with related activities- Helps students build, practise and enhance their exam skills as they progress through activities set at three different levels- Improves exam technique through exam-style questions with sample

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Book SynopsisExam Board: EdexcelLevel: AS/A-levelSubject: HistoryFirst Teaching: September 2015First Exam: June 2016Target success in Edexcel AS/A-level History with this proven formula for effective, structured revision; key content coverage is combined with exam preparation activities and exam-style questions to create a revision guide that students can rely on to review, strengthen and test their knowledge.- Enables students to plan and manage a successful revision programme using the topic-by-topic planner- Consolidates knowledge with clear and focused content coverage, organised into easy-to-revise chunks- Encourages active revision by closely combining historical content with related activities- Helps students build, practise and enhance their exam skills as they progress through activities set at three different levels- Improves exam technique through exam-style questions with sample

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Book SynopsisThe extraordinary and compelling story of the 6th of June, 1944, and the Battle for Normandy is told here through first-hand testimonies from civilians and soldiers on both sides. It features classic accounts by soldiers such as Rommel and Bradley, together with frontline reports by some of the world's finest authors and war correspondents, including Ernest Hemingway and Alan Melville. Highlights of this unique collection include the break-out from Omaha beach as told by the GI who led it, a French housewife's story of what it was like to wake up to the invasion, German soldiers' accounts of finding themselves facing the biggest seaborne invasion in history, a view from the command post by a member of Eisenhower's staff, combat reports, diaries and letters of British veterans of all forces and services, and accounts of the follow-up battle for Normandy, one of the bloodiest struggles of the war.

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Book SynopsisEstablished in June 1940, the Long Range Desert Group was the inspiration of scientist and soldier Major Ralph Bagnold, a contemporary of T.E Lawrence who, in the inter-war years, explored the North African desert in a Model T Ford automobile.Mortimer takes us from the founding of the LRDG, through their treacherous journey across the Egyptian Sand Sea and beyond, offering a hitherto unseen glimpse into the heart of this most courageous organisation, whose unique and valiant contributions to the war effort can now finally be recognized and appreciated. Praise for Gavin Mortimer:With unparalleled access to SBS''s archive, Mortimer draws on private papers to produce the definitive account of the SBS''s extraordinary exploits in WWII. Sunday TelegraphThe SBS is finally being recognised thanks to a remarkable new book. Author Gavin Mortimer spent more than a decade interviewing veterans, scrutinising SBS archives and poring over recently dec

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Book SynopsisIn December 1941, as the Japanese army led by Yamashita scythed through Malaya to capture Singapore, Britain''s defence of its Asian colonies collapsed. Poor preparation and inadequate leadership saw the British exposed to a new type of warfare in the Far East, a Japanese blitzkrieg that proved every bit as effective as Hitler''s in France the previous year.When the Japanese advanced into Burma and approached the gates of India and China, Churchill and his generals had little idea how to counter the seemingly unstoppable offensive. Defeat seemed inevitable. Yet only four years later, the Japanese army would be in full-scale retreat. A crushing victory would be achieved by Britain and her allies. From Malaya and Burma to India and China - across jungle, mountain and desert prairie - the Burma campaign proved the longest continuous campaign of the Second World War. In The Generals, highly acclaimed military historian Dr Robert Lyman examines the role of militaryTrade ReviewA sophisticated synthesis and enjoyable read - BBC History Magazine

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Book SynopsisThe story of the British Army has many sides to it, being a tale of heroic successes and tragic failures, of dogged determination and drunken disorder. It involves many of the most vital preoccupations in the history of the island - the struggle against Continental domination by a single power, the battle for Empire - and a cast pf remarkable characters - Marlborough, Wellington and Montgomery among them. Yet the British, relying on their navy, have always neglected their army; from the time of Alfred the Great to the reign of Charles II wars were fought with hired forces disbanded as soon as conflict ended. Even after the stuggles with Louis XIV impelled the formation of a reulgar army, impecunious governments neglected the armed forces except in times of national emergency. In this wide-ranging account, Major Haswell sketches the medieval background before concentrating on the three hundred years of the regular army, leading up to its role in our own time. He presTrade ReviewA model of its kind, by far the best written short account now in print - Daily Telegraph

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Book Synopsis''Jeremy Black skilfully sketches social, cultural and political trends'' - Christina Hardyment, Times audiobook of the week''A remarkable mixture of cold history, wide culture and personal experience''Ciro Paoletti, Secretary General of the Italian Commission of Military HistoryDespite the Roman Empire''s famous 500-year reign over Europe, parts of Africa and the Middle East, Italy does not have the same long national history as states such as France or England. Divided for much of its history, Italy''s regions have been, at various times, parts of bigger, often antagonistic empires, notably those of Spain and Austria. In addition, its challenging and varied terrain made consolidation of political control all the more difficult. This concise history covers, in very readable fashion, the formative events in Italy''s past from the rise of Rome, through a unified country in thrall to fascism in the first half of the twentieth century rigTrade ReviewJeremy Black skilfully sketches social, cultural and political trends -- Christina Hardyment * Times *A remarkable mixture of cold history, wide culture and personal experience. -- Ciro Paoletti, Secretary General of the Italian Commission of Military History

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Book SynopsisA fresh new look at the Roman Empire, from the point of view of those regarded by the Romans as ''barbarians''. Kershaw builds a narrative around the lives, personalities, successes and failures both of the key opponents of Rome''s rise and dominance, and of the those who ultimately brought the empire down.''And now what will become of us without barbarians?Those people were a sort of solution.'' ''Waiting for the Barbarians'' C. P. CavafyHistory is written by the victors, and Rome had some very eloquent historians. Those the Romans regarded as barbarians left few records of their own, but they had a tremendous impact on the Roman imagination. Resisting from outside Rome''s borders or rebelling from within, they emerge vividly in Rome''s historical tradition, and left a significant footprint in archaeology.Rome''s history, as written by the Romans, follows a remarkable trajectory from its origins as a tiny village of refugees from a conTrade ReviewPraise for the author's A Brief Guide to the Greek Myths: Eminently sane, highly informative, and reasonably priced. -- Paul Cartledge * BBC History magazine *Praise for the author's A Brief History of Atlantis: As his exhaustive survey shows, Atlantis has been adapted to countless ideologies and agendas over time, serving the needs of every sort of reader - "harmless hippies or Heinrich Himmler", in Mr Kershaw's memorable phrase. -- James Romm * Wall Street Journal *Praise for the author:The experts interviewed (a diverse bunch that includes academics, military leaders, civil-rights figures and more) [for TV documentary series Barbarians Rising] are both entertaining and illuminating, framing the barbarian cause, broadly, as a struggle for freedom against an iron-fisted opponent with unparalleled resources. -- Brian P. Kelly * Wall Street Journal *

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Book SynopsisDid you know that a child can be cured of the whooping cough by passing it under the belly of a donkey?The history of medicine in Britain is filled with the most bizarre and gruesome cures for many common ailments. Although enthusiastically supported by doctors of the time, many of these cures were often useless and often resulted in the death of the patient.But strange and alarming though many of the cures may seem, some of them did in fact work and provide the basis of much of the medicine we take for granted nowadays. The use of herbs by medieval monks was remarkably effective - and still is today.This highly entertaining and informative book will fascinate anyone who has ever wondered whether doctors really know what they are talking about - just don''t try any of the cures mentioned at home!Or that weak eyes can be cured by the application of chicken dung - or alternatively be large draughts of beer taken in the morning?Or that the jui

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Book SynopsisYoung Elizabeth captures in vivid detail perhaps the single-most important formative experience in Queen Elizabeth''s life, the 1947 royal tour of southern Africa with her parents King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, during which she celebrated her twenty-first birthday.The year of the royal tour of southern Africa, 1947, marked both the high-water mark of the British Empire and the very moment at which it began to unravel. Graham Viney has written an intimate, revealing portrait of the young princess on tour with her parents and sister, Princess Margaret, hard at work in the national interest, and succeeding triumphantly against all odds. In the words of Rian Malan, South African author of My Traitor''s Heart, it is ''a story about a country teetering on the brink of convulsive change and yet almost united, at least for a moment, by love for a king and queen who weren''t really ours.'' The year 1947 was a pivotal moment not jusTrade ReviewA fascinating but too little noticed book which tells a great deal about [the Queen's] formation. It draws on a single royal trip [the 1947 royal tour of southern Africa] . . . The Last Hurrah, by Graham Viney, vividly tells the full tale. -- Charles Moore * Daily Telegraph *Brilliantly conveys the glamour and gruelling nature of a tour that temporarily united a divided nation, but ultimately failed to embed South Africa within "a Commonwealth of free peoples and many races". Casting a discerning eye on his royal protagonists and the people they encountered, Viney penetrates beyond the frippery and froth to provide fascinating sidelights on the history of twentieth-century South Africa -- Lady Anne Somerset, author of Elizabeth I and Queen AnneFor me, this was the literary surprise of the decade, to be so moved and enlightened by a book about British royals and their 1947 tour of South Africa. In Viney's hands, this . . . turns into an unforgettable excursion into a world peopled by gracious blue bloods, lovely princesses, bowing colonials and great throngs of Boers and Africans, inexplicably cheering the rulers of a kingdom that had subjugated their ancestors. Bathed in the fading glow of empire and buffeted by the coming storm of political struggle, Viney's South Africa is a country most of us will barely recognise, teetering on the brink of tumultuous change and yet almost united, at least for a moment, by love for a king and queen who weren't really ours. This is a very fine book. It deserves readers. -- Rian Malan, author of My Traitor's HeartWonderfully written and researched insight into South African Englishness. -- Dominique Botha, author of False RiverA colourful and entertaining socio-political account of the royalt tour that transfixed South Africa. -- Richard Steyn, author of Jan Smuts: Unafraid of Greatness and Louis Botha: A Man ApartMeticulously researched, and inspiringly evoked, Graham Viney relates the story of the 1947 Royal Tour of South Africa, and in so doing captures a defining moment in the history of the South African nation. -- Hugo VickersBrilliantly conveys the glamour and gruelling nature of a tour that temporarily united a divided nation, but ultimately failed to embed South Africa within "a Commonwealth of free peoples and many races". Casting a discerning eye on his royal protagonists and the people they encountered, Viney penetrates beyond the frippery and froth to provide fascinating sidelights on the history of twentieth-century South AfricaGraham Viney offers a dual feat: opening out from the popular spectacle of the Royal tour to a critical moment in English history. This book brings to life both the bonds of empire and its end, and has the breath of the past in the detail: the way people dressed to depart on the white train; the Queen's disarming reply to an old fighter unwilling to forgive England for the Boer War; the family appeal overcoming Afrikaner suspicions of snootiness; and the smells of the time: acrid railway engine smoke, stoep polish and teatime silver in the sun. This is a layered book, written with insight into the disparate views of Blacks, Indians, Coloureds, the party led by Smuts and the proponents of apartheid lurking in the wings. This is an appealing story of a might-have-been, the apparent success of the Royals in bringing a divided country together but, in the end, a success that could not change votes, dominated by racial issues. The Last Hurrah is a superb achievement, graceful, readable, deeply researched and enhanced by rare photographs. -- Lyndall Gordon, author of The Imperfect Life of T. S. Eliot and OutsidersA thoughtful, meticulously researched study. -- David Saks, Associate Director of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies and Editor of Jewish Affairs * Jewish Affairs *This book has the depth and beauty of an elegy. -- John Martin Robinson * Country Life *

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Book SynopsisGin Glorious Gin is a vibrant cultural history of London seen through the prism of its most iconic drink. Leading the reader through the underbelly of the Georgian city via the Gin Craze, detouring through the Empire (with a G&T in hand), to the emergence of cocktail bars in the West End, the story is brought right up to date with the resurgence of class in a glass - the Ginnaissance.As gin has crossed paths with Londoners of all classes and professions over the past three hundred years it has become shorthand for metropolitan glamour and alcoholic squalor in equal measure. In and out of both legality and popularity, gin is a drink that has seen it all.Gin Glorious Gin is quirky, informative, full of famous faces - from Dickens to Churchill, Hogarth to Dr Johnson - and introduces many previously unknown Londoners, hidden from history, who have shaped the city and its signature drink.Trade ReviewA light and engaging read * The Times *Full of fun and fascinating detail * Jilly Cooper *This is just the tonic! * Rachel Johnson *A real treat for gin lovers * Mark Hix *I love this book! * Daisy Waugh *Finally - the book that provides the background to today's gin craze. The perfect present (along with a bottle of gin) for any gin lover * Fiona Beckett, Guardian wine critic *I blame this book for my newly-discovered gin addiction * Bryony Gordon *A refreshing cocktail of a biography, fizzing with historical detail. Loved it. * Viv Groskop *Highly entertaining...the real fun of this book is in the pacy, gleeful anecdotes and quotes. * The Telegraph *Entertaining * The Independent *A jolly and fascinating read * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisPaul Doherty''s twenty-second medieval mystery featuring Sir Hugh Corbett is a gripping and gruesome tale of murder and mayhem sure to appeal to fans of C. J. Sansom and Bernard Cornwell.1312. Sir Hugh Corbett, Keeper of the Secret Seal, has returned from the West Country to find Westminster in chaos. Edward II has fled in an attempt to protect his favourite from the wrath of his noblemen; and a royal clerk has been found dead, poisoned in a locked chamber.Drawn into a maze of murder both at Westminster and at the Convent of Saint Sulpice, where young novices have started to disappear, Corbett quickly establishes a connection between the two mysteries. As other killings follow, Corbett''s investigation leads him to a high-class brothel and its sinister owner, Mother Midnight. Challenged to a duel and hunted by a guild of ruthless assassins, Corbett and his loyal henchmen, Ranulf and Chanson, face a sea of troubles. And Corbett must call upon his wit and ingTrade ReviewHis fascination for history comes off the page * Daily Express *Deliciously suspenseful, gorgeously written and atmospheric * Historical Novels Review *Paul Doherty has a lively sense of history . . . evocative and lyrical descriptions * New Statesmen *An opulent banquet to satisfy the most murderous appetite * Northern Echo *Supremely evocative, scrupulously researched * Publishers Weekly *

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Book Synopsis''A hymn to hardware, charming, lyrical'' - The Sunday Times, BOOK OF THE WEEK''A paean to DIY'' - The Times''Strung together very agreeably, with dry wit and, dare I say it, considerable polish'' - Country LifeIn 2018 Tom Fort''s daughter-in-law took over a century-old hardware shop. The family dreamed of developing the shop into one that would become the centre of village life; that much did come true, but not in the way they had expected.Interweaving the evolution of the shop, its previous owners, the customers it serves and the items it sells, Rivets, Trivets & Galvanised Buckets offers a delightful study of community and shines a light on the eccentricities of ordinary people. Alongside, it presents a fascinating history of technological development; from who thought of screwdrivers to where the spirit level came from, who devised the process of galvanisation and what genius worked out that a suctiTrade Reviewstrung together very agreeably, with dry wit and, dare I say it, considerable polish (third row, second shelf) * Country Life *A hymn to hardware . . . charming . . . This book tells a quirky tale of subculture, a shrine where many of us worship. -- Book of the Week * Sunday Times *A paean to DIY, and a history of the various rivets, trivets and gadgets on sale. If you want to read about the evolution of the humble screw, then this is the book for you . . . * The Times, Best Books of Summer 2023 *Educational and entertaining, take a trip behind the shelves, window displays and hooks to discover more about this industrious world * Best of British, Book of the Month *This delightful book is full of surprises * Literary Review *strung together very agreeably, with dry wit and, dare I say it, considerable polish (third row, second shelf) * Country Life *

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Book SynopsisDuring the Principate (roughly from 27 BC to AD 235), when the empire reached its maximum extent, Roman society and culture were radically transformed. But how was the vast territory of the empire controlled? Did the demands of central government stimulate economic growth or endanger survival? What forces of cohesion operated to balance the social and economic inequalities and high mortality rates? How did the official religion react in the face of the diffusion of alien cults and the emergence of Christianity?These are some of the many questions posed here, in an expanded edition of the original, pathbreaking account of the society, economy and culture of the Roman empire. As an integrated study of the life and outlook of the ordinary inhabitants of the Roman world, it deepens our understanding of the underlying factors in this important formative period of world history. Additions to the second edition include an introductory chapter which sets the scene and explores the consequencesTrade ReviewThe second edition, like the original, is still as thought-provoking as it ever was. ... A chapter on the ‘Enemies of Rome’ by Martin Goodman adds an important strand to the book. ... Arguably the most important addition to the second edition is the inclusion of a new Chapter 1 entitled "Introducting the Principate". ... No shelf of Roman history books is really complete without a copy of Garnsey and Saller's The Roman Empire. * Classics Ireland *Brilliantly conceived by two of the greatest living authorities on ancient Rome and an instant classic when it first appeared, this magisterial work has been generously expanded and updated to incorporate the latest scholarship. We could not wish for a more penetrating analysis of the foundations of Roman civilization. -- Walter Scheidel, Dickason Professor in the Humanities, Stanford University, USAGarnsey & Saller's 'The Roman Empire' is unsurpassed as a clear and thought-provoking introduction to key themes and issues in the economic, social and cultural history of Rome. This new edition, expanding the book's scope and offering a guide to the most important recent research, ensures that it will remain essential reading for students for years to come. -- Neville Morley, Professor of Ancient History, University of Bristol, UKA by now a classic introduction to the Roman Empire that was always much more than a mere introduction and whose contents have withstood the test of time, is now made available in an even better edition, with new contributions on resistance, religion, and culture, by Martin Goodman, Richard Gordon, Jas Elsner and Greg Woolf. The bibliographical addenda are mines of information: sure guides to the best of recent scholarship on every aspect of the empire covered by the authors. This new edition of The Roman Empire is highly recommended as simply the best entrée to the big aspects and the big problems of the Roman empire at the height of its power. -- Brent D. Shaw, Andrew Fleming West Professor of Classics, Princeton University, USA.Freshly revised for the 21st century, Garnsey and Saller’s masterful survey remains the indispensible introduction to society and the economy under the emperors. Scholars as well as students will mine its updated bibliographies for authoritative guidance to recent research, while the new chapters enhance the book’s value for the classroom. -- Nathan Rosenstein, Professor of History, The Ohio State University, USAPacked with information and ideas, but concise and readable, this is by far the best available guide for students and the general reader to how the Roman Empire actually worked, and its enduring impact on the history of the Mediterranean world. Groundbreaking in its thematic approach when first published in 1987, it now benefits from an introductory survey of the Empire's political system, and supplements to each chapter which provide a bird's-eye view of the questions raised and debated in a generation of new research. -- Dominic Rathbone, Professor of Ancient History, King's College London, UKMore than twenty-five years after the appearance of the first edition, this remains the only book in which students and researchers can read about the administrative, economic, social and mental structures of the early Roman empire. A new chapter on the ‘enemies of Rome’ (by Martin Goodman) and a long series of addenda on environmental history, economic history, urbanism, religion (by Richard Gordon), culture (by Jas Elsner and Greg Woolf) and other topics are of the highest standard and ensure this volume another long life span. In short, an unreplaced and perhaps irreplaceable book. -- Luuk de Ligt, Professor of Ancient History, Leiden University, The NetherlandsTable of ContentsPreface Abbreviations Map Part I 1. Introducing the Principate 2. A Mediterranean Empire, Addendum 3. Government without Bureaucracy, Addendum 4. Enemies of Rome by M. Goodman, Addendum by M. Goodman Part II 5. An Underdeveloped Economy, Addendum 6. The Land, Addendum 7. Supplying the Roman Empire, Addendum Part III 8. The Social Hierarchy, Addendum 9. Family and Household, Addendum 10. Social Relations, Addendum Part IV 11. Religion, Addendum by R.L. Gordon 12. Culture, Addendum by J. Elsner and G. Woolf Conclusion Bibliography Supplementary bibliography List of Emperors Index

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Book SynopsisThis history will endure; not only because Sir Winston has written it, but also because of its own inherent virtues its narrative power, its fine judgment of war and politics, of soldiers and statesmen, and even more because it reflects a tradition of what Englishmen in the hey-day of their empire thought and felt about their country''s past. The Daily Telegraph Spanning four volumes and many centuries of history, from Caesar's invasion of Britain to the start of World War I, A History of the English-Speaking Peoples stands as one of Winston Churchill's most magnificent literary works. Begun during Churchill's wilderness years' when he was out of government, first published in 1956 after his leadership through the darkest days of World War II had cemented his place in history and completed when Churchill was in his 80s, it remains to this day a compelling and vivid history. In The Age of Revolution the third volume of Churchill'Table of ContentsPreface Maps and Genealogical Tables Book VII: England's Advance to World Power 1. William of Orange 2. Continental War 3. The Spanish Succession 4. Marlborough: Blenheim and Ramillies 5. Oudenrade and Malplaquet 6. The Treaty of Utrecht Book VIII: The First British Empire 1. The House of Hanover 2. Sir Robert Walpole 3. The Austrian Succession and the "Forty-Five" 4. The American Colonies 5. The First World War 6. The Quarrel with America 7. The War of Independence 8. The United States 9. The Indian Empire Book IX: Napoleon 1. The Younger Pitt 2. The American Constitution 3. The French Revolution 4. France Confronted 5. Trafalgar 6. The Emperor of the French 7. The Peninsular War and the Fall of Napoleon 8. Washington, Adams and Jefferson 9. The War of 1812 10. Elba and Waterloo Index

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Book SynopsisWith stunning artwork and detailed analysis, this volume provides a pilot's view of the dramatic clashes between these two legendary fighters, as some of the most gifted and big name' aces of World War II went head to head in the skies of North-West Europe. As the Battle of Britain approached its conclusion, two new versions of the famous Spitfire and Messerschmitt Bf 109 arrived on the scene. The RAF could see that the Luftwaffe were stepping down their incursions into British airspace, and went on to the offensive. The Spitfire Mark II, and increasingly the Mark V, would fly over the picturesque English channel in fighter sweeps, or to escort vulnerable Blenheim bombers waiting for them was the Bf 109F Friedrich'. Yet despite the reversal of offensive and defensive dispositions, and despite the Luftwaffe deploying the bulk of their fighter strength to the Eastern Front in 1941, the Jagdflieger were able to inflict severe losses on their RAF counterparts.Table of ContentsIntroduction /Chronology /Design and Development /Technical Specifications /The Strategic Situation /The Combatants /Combat /Statistics and Analysis /Aftermath /Further Reading /Index

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Book SynopsisMuch has been written of the titanic clashes between the Wehrmacht and the Red Army at Stalingrad, but this volume tells the other, equally important half of the story of Fall Blau (Case Blue). Learning from their experiences during the sweeping advances of Operation Barbarossa a year before, Wehrmacht commanders knew that Nazi Germany''s lack of oil was a huge strategic problem. Seizure of the Caucasus oilfields, which were responsible for 82% of the Soviet Union''s crude oil, would simultaneously alleviate the German army''s oil shortages whilst denying vital fuel resources to the Red Army. While Army Group B advanced along the Volga towards Stalingrad, Army Group A, spearheaded by Ewald von Kleist''s elite Panzerarmee 1 was to advance into the Caucasus to seize the oilfields of Maikop, Grozny and Baku. Featuring full-color artwork, archival photos and detailed analysis, this book follows the vicious, intense fighting that characterized one of the most important campaigns of World WaTable of ContentsOrigins of the campaign /Chronology /Opposing commanders /Opposing armies /Orders of battle /Opposing plans /The campaign /Aftermath /The battlefields today /Further reading /Index

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Book SynopsisNow back in print, this new and revised edition of The Peninsular War Atlas has added new and updated maps and content to reflect the latest research into the long struggle for control of the Iberian Peninsula, all in an attractive slip case gift package.Colonel Nick Lipscombe, who is based in Spain and is the chairman of the Peninsular War 200 organization, has used his unique perspective to make this new edition the very best study of the subject on the market. The Peninsular War saw some of the bloodiest fighting of the Napoleonic Wars. Over a period of five years it is estimated that half a million soldiers and civilians were killed in this bloodbath, however the battles there are far less well-known than other Napoleonic battles like Waterloo. Despite the exposure given this theatre in the Sharpe novels, the soldiers who fought there have received little public recognition. The bicentennial commemorations of this war aim to bring the war to wider recognition, bringing tTrade ReviewThis sensational, 384-page hardback book is handsomely presented in a slip-case. Overall this is an important and essential book for anyone interested in Napoleonic history. -- Toy Soldier & Model Figure '... a prodigious achievement ... I particularly admire the way [Lipscombe gives] such serious treatment to campaigns in which there was no British involvement, and to the relatively minor sieges whose details are usually so obscure. Overall, I do not believe that Lipscombe's effort will ever be surpassed.' -- Richard Holmes From Trevor James (Historical Association website and The Historian) A fascinating exercise in mapping. This is also a way to understand and value the emergence of the Duke of Wellington as a European military tactician. Clearly chronicled and explained. Extremely specialist piece of scholarship.Table of ContentsForeword by The Duke of Wellington/ Preface/ Chronology/ Introduction by Professor Charles Esdaile/ Legend/ Junot’s Invasion of Portugal/ The Road to War – The First Six Months of 1808/ The Spanish Backlash and the French Response: May–June 1808/ The First Siege of Zaragoza, 15 June–14 August 1808/ Operations in the North: The Battle of Medina de Rióseco/ Capitulation at Bailén: The Greatest Spanish Victory of the War/ French Failures and British Intervention/ The Liberation of Portugal/ Strategic Manoeuvring: September to October 1808/ Napoleonic Intervention: November 1808/ Napoleon enters Madrid and Moore enters Spain/ The Campaign in Catalonia: autumn 1808/ Isolation and Retreat: December 1808 to January 1809/ Napoleon Departs for France: the Situation in Early 1809/ Continued French Success: February and March 1908/ The Second French Invasion of Portugal: January to March 1809/ Wellesley Returns/ Suchet: An Inauspicious Start/ The Talavera Campaign: May to July 1809/ The End of the Talavera Campaign: August 1809/ The Disastrous Autumn Campaign: 1809/ The Capture of Girona: May to December 1809/ Subjugation of Andalusia: January to February 1810/ Aragon and the East Coast: January to May 1810/ 1810: The Year of Sieges/ The Third French Invasion of Portugal/ The Lines of Torres Vedras/ Offensive on the East Coast: Tortosa/ Soult’s Invasion of Estremadura: January to March 1811/ The South of Spain: January to March 1811/ Masséna: Retreat and Demise, March to May 1811/ The Allied Campaign in Estremadura: March to August 1811/ The Watershed: mid-1811/ Figueras & Tarragona: The East Coast, April to August 1811/ Border Skirmishes: June to September 1811/ The Conquest of Valencia: September 1811 to January 1812/ The Culmination of a Year of Mixed Fortunes: December 1811/ Capturing the ‘Keys to Spain’: January to April 1812/ The Salamanca Campaign: Opening Moves, June and July 1812/ The Battle of Salamanca (Los Arapiles): 22 July 1812/ Suchet’s Consolidation on the East Coast: January to July 1812/ After Salamanca: July to August 1812/ Failure, Humiliation and Retreat: September to November 1812/ Prologue to Vitoria: January to May 1813/ Operations on the East Coast: Late 1812 to April 1813/ Victory Over King Joseph: The Vitoria Campaign, May to June 1813/ While Wellington Waits, Soult Takes the Initiative: July 1813/ The Battle of the Pyrenees: 25 July to 1 August 1813/ The East Coast: May to September 1813/ The Fall of San Sebastián: August and September 1813/ The Allies Enter France: October 1813/ To the Gates of Bayonne: October to December 1813/ Respite Precedes the Storm: December 1813 to February 1814/ Final Confrontation ~ March and April 1814/ Appendices/ Glossary/ Bibliography

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Book SynopsisThis is the definitive history of the evolution of the feared German Panzerwaffe, from its earliest beginings to the height of its success. With rare and revealing combat reports and photographs sourced from previously unseen private and archival collections, it uncovers the technical and operational stories of the formidable armored beasts that formed the backbone of the German war machine--tanks such as the Panzer I, II and 38(t).The Germans transformed armored warfare from a lumbering and ponderous experiment in World War I, into something that could decide the outcome of conflicts. This technical and operational history is the definitive guide to the legendary Panzerwaffe, from its very infancy to the days when it made Europe its garden path at the height of Nazi German power.Table of Contents1 Laying the foundation – pre-war establishment 2 The seizure of Czechoslovakia – backing the Panzerwaffe 3 Poland – the ordeal 4 France – at eye level 5 The Balkans – the unwanted campaign 6 Russia – an overmighty opponent? 7 1942 – upgrading the Panzers 8 North Africa – defeat instead of superiority 9 Dark prospects – Waiting for the new tanks 10 Tank recovery and repair 1935–42

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Book SynopsisThe Battle of Britain offers an in-depth assessment of the situation leading up to the summer of 1940, the strategies employed by the adversaries and the brutal aerial battle itself. In 1940 Britain was an island under siege. The march of the Nazi war machine had been unrelenting: France and Belgium had quickly fallen and now the British Empire and the Commonwealth stood alone to counter the grave threat. However, their fate would not be decided by armies of millions but by a small band of fighter pilots. It was on their shoulders that Britain''s best chance of survival rested. Above the villages and cities, playing fields and market towns, the skies of southern England were the scene of countless dogfights as the fledgling Fighter Command duelled daily against the might of the Luftwaffe. Lavishly illustrated with photographs, contemporary art and posters, and accompanied by numerous first-hand accounts, this is a volume that captures the reality of a defining chapter in BriTable of ContentsPreface /Introduction /Fighter Command /The Luftwaffe /Blitzkrieg: Germany’s Lightning Strike /Spitfire Summer: The Air Battle for Britain /Aftermath /Notes /Appendices /Bibliography /Index

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Book SynopsisIn the years after World War II, new guided missile technology offered surface ships the chance to destroy airborne threats from afar, thereby preserving their role in naval warfare. This book examines the technology and combat performance of Britain''s guided missile destroyers over half a century. Uniquely among modern destroyers, three of these classes have been tested in battle against the aircraft and missiles of another modern navy--in the Falklands War--and were also deployed during the Gulf War. Written by an expert on British naval technology, this book assess the changing technology of the Royal Navy''s destroyers, including an examination of the Royal Navy''s newest and most capable warship, the Type 45.Table of ContentsIntroduction: the maritime air threat and the defensive missile /The County-class destroyers /The Type 82 destroyer: HMS Bristol /The Type 42: Sheffield-class destroyers /The Type 45: Daring-class destroyers /Operational Service /Conclusion /Bibliography /Index

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Book SynopsisAgainst the wishes of Hitler, German forces under Erich von Manstein were forced to retreat following the failure of their offensive at Kursk in July 1943. The weakened force had only one possible refuge, behind the wide Dnepr River. The race to the natural defensive line was on, with the Soviets launching one of their largest offensives of the war--with over two million men on the move. Expert Eastern Front historian Robert Forczyk describes the dramatic four-month campaign that saw the Red Army not only succeed in crossing the Dnepr at multiple points, but also liberate Kiev, the capital of the Ukraine. Revealing new details about the largest Soviet airborne operation of the war and the increasingly desperate delaying tactics employed by von Manstein as catastrophic casualties mounted on either side, Forczyk charts the course of the battle that confirmed that the relentless Soviet advance westward could not be halted. Berlin would be next.Table of ContentsIntroduction/Chronology/Opposing commanders/Opposing armies/Opposing plans/The campaign/Aftermath/The battlefield today/Further reading/Index

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Book SynopsisBursting with exciting full-colour illustrations, colour artwork and contemporary photographs, this is a handy, complete guide to the most famous military aircraft in history.The Spitfire is an icon of World War II, becoming the darling of the British public through defending the skies during the Battle of Britain. The Spitfire''s combat ability and superb handling meant it was loved by British, Commonwealth and American pilots alike, leading to a level of global public recognition which is unparalleled amongst other aircraft everyone recognises and connects with the iconic Spitfire.Spitfire is a complete reference guide to the world''s most famous fighter aircraft, exploring its history, its strengths and weaknesses and its combat performance, using exciting full colour artwork and detailed illustrations throughout.Table of ContentsIntroduction Chronology Design and Development Technical Specifications Combat Use Spitfire Aces Appendices Index

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Book SynopsisPublished to coincide with the 80th birthday of the Spitfire this is a gripping and visually spectacular volume, which celebrates the life of Britain''s most iconic military aircraft. The Spitfire turns 80 on 5 March 2016, and the passion for the RAF''s best-loved fighter is running at an all-time high. There are more than 50 Spitfires flying in the world today, and John Dibbs has shot virtually all of them ''on the wing'' in his breathtaking style.This eye-catching book combines a unique collection of stunning photos with poignant first-hand accounts of flying the aeroplane in combat, from some of the most famous aces to ever pilot the Spitfire, and from some of the pilots forgotten by history.Illustrated with photographs from the world''s most experienced photographer of Spitfires in the air, this is a highly collectable book for anyone with a love for the Flying Legend.Table of ContentsForeword by Squadron Leader Geoffrey Wellum DFC/ Introduction by Phill O’Dell / Author’s Preface / The Early Marks / Spitfire Mk V / Spitfire Mk VIIIs / MH434 / Spitfires in Blue / Packard Merlin Spitfire / Griffon Spitfires / Seafires / Spitfire Spectacular / From the Archive

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Book SynopsisThe period from the 12th century onward saw vast changes in every aspect of life on both the Greek mainland and islands, as monarchies disappeared to be replaced by aristocratic rule and finally by the development of a new form of community: the city-state. Alongside these changes, a new style of warfare developed, which was to be the determining factor in land warfare in Greece, until the 338 BC defeat of the Greek city-state, by the might of Macedonia at Chaeronea. This mode of warfare was based on a group of heavily armed infantrymen organized in a phalanx formation--the classic hoplite formation--and remained the system throughout the classical Greek period. This new title details this pivotal time, and the transition from the Bronze Age warriors of Homer to the origins of the men who fought the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars.Table of ContentsIntroduction Chronology Historical background Military organisation Weapons Chariotry Siege warfare Naval warfare The life of the warrior Warfare War campaigns museums and electronic resources Bibliography Glossary Index

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Book SynopsisThe Royal Navy entered World War II with a large but eclectic fleet of destroyers. Some of these were veterans of World War I, fit only for escort duties. Most though, had been built during the inter-war period, and were regarded as both reliable and versatile. Danger though lurked across the seas as new destroyers being built in Germany, Italy and Japan were larger and better armoured. So, until the new, larger Tribal-class destroyers could enter service, these vessels would have to hold the line. Used mainly to hunt submarines, protect convoys from aerial attack, and take out other destroyers, these ships served across the globe during the war. This fully illustrated study is the first in a two-part series on the real workhorses of the wartime Royal Navy, focusing on how these ageing ships took on the formidable navies of the Axis powers.

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Book SynopsisMauled at Stalingrad, the German army looked to regain the initiative on the Eastern Front with a huge offensive launched near the city of Kursk, 280 miles southwest of Moscow. Armed with the new Panther tank, Hitler and Field Marshal von Manstein were confident that they could inflict another crushing defeat on the Soviet Union. What they did not know is that the Soviets knew about the coming attack, and they were ready.This book focuses on the southern front of this campaign, which featured the one of the biggest clashes of armor of the war, as over a thousand tanks clashed in the battle of Prokhorovka. It examines in detail the tactics and mistakes of the army commanders as they orchestrated one of the bloodiest battles in World War II. Using campaign maps, stunning photographs, and vivid artwork, this new study, a companion to CAM 272 Kursk 1943: The Northern Front, examines whether the German offensive was doomed from the start as it takes the reader through this

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Book SynopsisFollowing the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, the First US Army engaged in a six-week struggle to break out of the Normandy beach-head. The hedgerow country of lower Normandy, called the Bocage, presented unanticipated tactical problems since it proved to be ideal for German infantry defense. This book examines the brutal attritional struggle in June-July 1944 to overcome the determined German defense and secure St Lô. The city was the site of a crucial cross-roads and was thus a vital target for the invading Allied forces; the initial bombing attacks were so severe that the writer Samuel Beckett would later report that it had been ''bombed out of existence in one night''. The attack by ground forces turned into a brutal attritional struggle to overcome the determined German defense. Using full-color artwork, photographs and maps, this is the engaging story of one of the key engagements in the Battle of Normandy.

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Book SynopsisA fully illustrated study of the Soviet Navy's biggest and most powerful surface combatants of the Cold War.Heavily armed and formidable, guided missile cruisers formed the core of the Soviet Navy during the Cold War. From the last class of conventional Sverdlov-class cruisers through to increasingly complex and formidable missile cruisers, these ships ensured that NATO took the Soviet naval threat seriously.Soviet Cold War Guided Missile Cruisers covers all classes of these impressive warships, from the early Sverdlov through the Kynda, Kresta, Kara and Slava to the enormous Kirov classes. Together, these vessels marked the apogee of Soviet naval technology and capability and they remain today the largest non-aircraft carrier warships built since 1945.Containing material previously only available in Russian and fully researched from specialist defence journals, this comprehensive volume examines the design, development, and intended role of these impressive, hi-tech warTable of ContentsIntroduction Strategic and operational context Sverdlov class (Project 68bis, Project 70E) Grosnyy class (‘Kynda’/Project 58) Admiral Zozulya class (‘Kresta I’/Project 1134) Kronstadt class (‘Kresta II’/Project 1134A) Nikolayev class (‘Kara’/Project 1134B) Slava class (Project 1164) /Kirov class (Project 1144) Operational service: tactics and confrontations Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisIn the early hours of June 6, 1944, the first of over 150,000 Allied soldiers stormed five beaches in Normandy against fierce German resistance. They were specially trained and task-organized in a range of different landing teams depending on their means of transport, their tasks, and the resistance they anticipated. The first assault infantry were accompanied by tankers, combat engineers, and other specialist personnel, to breach German obstacles, knock out defensive positions, and to defend and prepare the beaches for the follow-on waves. On some beaches the plans worked, on others they were disrupted by bad weather, faulty timing, or enemy fire, with consequences that varied from survivable confusion to absolute carnage. This is an in-depth study of the uniforms, equipment, weapons, passage, landings, and tactics of US, British, and Canadian assault units, during the period from before H-Hour on June 6 to dawn on June 7.

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Book SynopsisThe final instalment in Osprey''s trilogy on Operation Market-Garden, this is a fascinating account of the British XXX Corps assault towards the Rhine at Arnhem.Field Marshal Montgomery''s plan to get Second British Army behind the fortifications of the German Siegfried Line in 1944 led to the hugely ambitions Operation Market-Garden. Part of this plan called for a rapid advance from Belgium through Holland up to and across the lower Rhine by the British XXX Corps along a single road already dominated by airborne troops. Their objective along this road was the bridge at Arnhem, the target of British and Polish airborne troops. Once XXX Corps had reached this bridge it would then make for the German industrial area of the Ruhr. The operation was bold in outlook but risky in concept.Using specially commissioned artwork and detailed analysis, Ken Ford completes this trilogy on Operation Market-Garden by examining this attack which, if successful, could have sho

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Book SynopsisIn Case Red, Robert Forczyk shows that there was much more to the fall of France than Dunkirk. In fact, even after that legendary evacuation in June 1940 there were still large British formations fighting the Germans alongside their French allies. After mounting a vigorous counterattack at Abbeville and then engaging a tough defense along the Somme, the British were forced to conduct a second evacuation from the ports of Le Havre, Cherbourg, Brest, and St. Nazaire. While France was in its death throes, politicians and soldiers debated what to do--flee to England or North Africa, or seek an armistice.Case Red captures the drama of the final three weeks of military operations in France in June 1940, and explains the great impact it had on the course of relations between Britain and France during the remainder of the war. It also addresses the military, political, and human drama of France''s collapse in June 1940, and how the windfall of captured military equipmeTrade ReviewThe book constitutes an excellent summary of the conflict in the West from September 1939 to May 1940, the best for a long time. * Ligne de Front *This is a gem of a book on a relatively little-known element of the fighting in 1940. * Miniature Wargames *Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: The Path to Disaster, 1918–39 Chapter 2: A Shadow of Doubt Chapter 3: The Centre Cannot Hold Chapter 4: To the Sea Chapter 5: Failure at Abbeville Chapter 6: The Weygand Line Chapter 7: Decision on the Aisne Chapter 8: Disintegration Chapter 9: Mussolini’s Gamble Chapter 10: Occupation Glossary Appendices Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisAs the possibility of war loomed in the 1930s, the British Admiralty looked to update their fleet of destroyers to compete with the new ships being built by Germany and Japan, resulting in the commissioning of the powerful Tribal-class. These were followed by the designing of the first of several slightly smaller ships, which carried fewer guns than the Tribals, but were armed with a greatly enlarged suite of torpedoes. The first of these, the J/K/M class was followed by a number of wartime variants, with slight changes to their weaponry to suit different wartime roles.Designed to combat enemy surface warships, aircraft and U-boats, the British built these destroyers to face off against anything the enemy could throw at them. Using a collection of contemporary photographs and beautiful color artwork, this is a fascinating new study of the ships that formed the backbone of the Royal Navy during World War II.Table of ContentsIntroduction /Design & Development /Operational History /Destroyer Roles /Camouflage /Life on Board /Destroyers in Action /Specifications /Bibliography

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