History Books

Book SynopsisCaitlin Robson has a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communications, majoring in Film and German Studies, and a Master of Creative Writing, both from the University of Sydney. For the last few years, she has worked with social media and brand marketing for different companies and her freelance articles have been published widely in print and online. Her first book was a self-published poetry collection, Underwater Musings, and she has been a Swiftie since she was 13 so it makes sense that this unauthorised biography is her second printed work. Originally from the beaches near Sydney, Australia, she now lives in London.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Winner of the 2018 PROSE Award in World History, Association of American Publishers""Honorable Mention for the 2019 Laura Shannon Prize in Contemporary European Studies, Nanovic Institute, University of Notre Dame""Winner of the 2018 George L. Mosse Prize, American Historical Association""Winner of the 2018 Norris and Carol Hundley Award, Pacific Coast Branch of the American Historical Association""Shortlisted for the 2018 Pushkin House Russian Book Prize""Selected as a New York Times Editors’ Choice, Aug 24, 2017""One of The Spectator 2017 Books of the Year""One of The New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2017""One of The Times Literary Supplement’s Books of the Year 2017""One of The Guardian’s Best Books of 2017""One of Open Letters Monthly’s “Our Year in Reading 2017""One of the Economist.com "Wise Words 2017 Books of the Year" in History""One of the Millions.com “A Year in Reading 2017: Stephen Dodson”""One of World’s 2017 Books of the Year in “History”""One of London Review Bookshop’s Best History Books, Christmas 2017""Selected for Le Monde’s “Monde des livres” 2017 (chosen by Nicolas Weill)""One of The Australian’s Books of the Year 2017 (chosen by Louis Nowra)""One of the Times Colonist Favorite Books of 2017 (chosen by Adrian Dix)""One of Mosaic's Best Books of 2018 (Ruth Wisse)"

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Ackroyd makes history accessible to the layman' - Ian Thomson, IndependentThe penultimate volume of Peter Ackroyd’s masterful History of England series, Dominion begins in 1815 as national glory following the Battle of Waterloo gives way to post-war depression, spanning the last years of the Regency to the death of Queen Victoria in January 1901.In it, Ackroyd takes us from the accession of the profligate George IV whose government was steered by Lord Liverpool, who was firmly set against reform, to the reign of his brother, William IV, the 'Sailor King', whose reign saw the modernization of the political system and the abolition of slavery. But it was the accession of Queen Victoria, aged only eighteen, that sparked an era of enormous innovation. Technological progress – from steam railways to the first telegram – swept the nation and the finest inventions were showcased at the first Great Exhibition in 1851. The emergence of the middle classes changed the shape of society and scientific advances changed the old pieties of the Church of England, and spread secular ideas across the nation. But though intense industrialization brought boom times for the factory owners, the working classes were still subjected to poor housing, long working hours and dire poverty.It was a time that saw a flowering of great literature, too. As the Georgian era gave way to that of Victoria, readers could delight not only in the work of Byron, Shelley and Wordsworth but also the great nineteenth-century novelists: the Brontë sisters, George Eliot, Mrs Gaskell, Thackeray, and, of course, Dickens, whose work has become synonymous with Victorian England.Nor was Victorian expansionism confined to Britain alone. By the end of Victoria’s reign, the Queen was also an Empress and the British Empire dominated much of the globe. And, as Ackroyd shows in this richly populated, vividly told account, Britannia really did seem to rule the waves.Trade ReviewA masterful assessment of a period that saw change in every area of life * History Revealed *It is Ackroyd’s depiction of an anxious society in the grip of rapid change – industrialisation, fast urbanisation, the impact of the railway and the electric telegraph – that is the most riveting … fascinating * The Times *Ackroyd makes history accessible to the layman -- Ian Thomson * Independent *Ackroyd is a fascinating mix of a nineteenth-century narrative historian and modern social analyst -- Gerard de Groot * The Times *Ackroyd’s trademark insight and wit, and the glorious interconnectedness of all things, permeate each page * Observer *Ackroyd writes with such lightly worn erudition and a deceptive ease that he never fails to engage * Daily Telegraph *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis series is for the Cambridge International AS History syllabus (9489) for examination from 2021. Written by an experienced author team that includes examiners, a practising teacher and trainer, this coursebook supports the Cambridge International AS History syllabus. With increased depth of coverage, this coursebook helps build confidence and understanding in language, essay-writing and evaluation skills. It develops students'' conceptual understanding of history with the five new ''Key concepts'', for example exploring similarity and difference in the aims/achievements of Witte and Stolypin. In addition, it encourages individuals to make substantiated judgments and reflect on their learning. Students can consolidate their skills though exam-style questions with source material and sample responses.Table of ContentsHow to use this book; Introduction; Chapter 1. France, 1774-1814; Chapter 2.The Industrial Revolution in Britain, 1750–1850; Chapter 3. Liberalism and Nationalism in Germany, 1815–1871; Chapter 4. The Russian Revolution, 1894-1921; Chapter 5. Preparing for Assessment; Index.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is the first comprehensive study into the problem of the break-up of RMS Titanic's hull, something only recognised as having happened from 1985 when the wreck was positively identified, more than 73 years since the loss of the vessel. Expert author Eugene Nesmayanov presents a generalised analysis of the currently available data, using both historical data (eyewitness accounts of passengers and crew members from lifeboats as well as from the surface of the water) and underwater archaeology data (photos and video filming of parts of the ship's hull along with mapped debris fields), as well as data obtained using computer simulations. The book includes a critical analysis of the most significant theories and models of the break-up, those put forward by experts and amateurs from 1985 to the present day, and known about from the movies, documentaries, papers and publications, and finishing with the author's own conclusions.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis'An exceptional account.' Prospect'Enlightening.' SpectatorFor the first time in millennia we live without formal empires. But that doesn't mean we don't feel their presence rumbling through history. The Great Imperial Hangover examines how the world's imperial legacies are still shaping the thorniest issues we face today. From Russia's incursions in the Ukraine to Brexit; from Trump's 'America-first' policy to China's forays into Africa; from Modi's India to the hotbed of the Middle East, Puri provides a bold new framework for understanding the world's complex rivalries and politics. Organised by region, and covering vital topics such as security, foreign policy, national politics and commerce, The Great Imperial Hangover combines gripping history and astute analysis to explain why the history of empire affects us all in profound ways.Trade ReviewEnlightening... [Puri] makes a credible case for how, in the US and China, imperial legacies have left those powers withdifferent values that would be hard to reconcile. * Spectator *Puri has many penetrating insights into the way the legacies of empire still affect the behaviour of states and the international climate. * Financial Times *An exceptional account, both personal and scholarly. * Prospect *Masterly. I found new insights on almost every page. It achieves the remarkable feat of deepening our self-knowledge while at the same time broadening our understanding of the world around us. * Paul Strathern, author of Rise and Fall: A History of the World in Ten Empires *An excellent read. Samir Puri has written a calm, distilled and bracing book. * Robert D. Kaplan, author of The Return of Marco Polo's World *Well written, comprehensive and judicious... a stimulating book. * New York Times *This is a masterly, engaging, thought-provoking and wide-ranging study of how the vestiges of past empires shape the ways in which the world works today. * James Daybell, author of Histories of the Unexpected *A timely and important re-thinking of imperial dominion. * Sam Willis, author of The Struggle for Sea Power *Table of Contents1: America's Imperial Inheritance 2: Britain's Grandeur and Guilt of Empire 3: The European Union's Post-Imperial Project 4: Russia's Embrace of its Imperial Legacy 5: China's Janus Faces of Empire 6: India's Overcoming of the 'Intimate Enemy' 7: The Middle East's Post-Imperial Instability 8: Africa's Scramble Beyond Colonialism 9: The World's Intersecting Imperial Legacies

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe London nobody knows

Read more less

Book SynopsisLivy (Titus Livius, 64 or 59 BC–AD 12 or 17), the great Roman historian, presents a vivid narrative of Rome’s rise from the traditional foundation of the city in 753 or 751 BC to 9 BC and illustrates the collective and individual virtues necessary to maintain such greatness. The third decad (21–30) chronicles the Second Punic War of 220–205 BC.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEKWhen the First World War broke out, the suffragettes suspended their campaigning and joined the war effort. For pioneering suffragette doctors (and life partners) Flora Murray and Louisa Garrett Anderson that meant moving to France, where they set up two small military hospitals amidst fierce opposition. Yet their medical and organisational skills were so impressive that in 1915 Flora and Louisa were asked by the War Ministry to return to London and establish a new military hospital in a vast and derelict old workhouse in Covent Garden's Endell Street. That they did, creating a 573-bed hospital staffed from top to bottom by female surgeons, doctors and nurses, and developing entirely new techniques to deal with the horrific mortar and gas injuries suffered by British soldiers. Receiving 26,000 wounded men over the next four years, Flora and Louisa created such a caring atmosphere that soldiers begged to be sent to Endell Street. And then, following the end of the war and the Spanish Flu outbreak, the hospital was closed and Flora, Louisa and their staff were once again sidelined in the medical profession.The story of Endell Street provides both a keyhole view into the horrors and thrills of wartime London and a long-overdue tribute to the brilliance and bravery of an extraordinary group of women.Trade ReviewThis is the best book I've read about the First World War since Vera Brittain's Testament of Youth...With her impressively focused research and eye for human detail, Wendy Moore has produced an unforgettable microcosm...this fascinating book is a microcosm of early 20th-century Britain at its very best - and its very worst. -- Ysenda Maxtone Graham * The Times *Rarely is a book so important, so timely...vividly and meticulously written, Endell Street is a masterpiece to stretcher straight into a major film studio...[an] unmissable, thrilling read. -- Philippa Stockley * Evening Standard *Fascinating, carefully researched... Moore is superb at describing the medical advances that resulted in seven research papers by Endell Street doctors being published in The Lancet, among the first ever by women. * Guardian *Moore has scoured archives and diaries to produce a meticulously researched history of this extraordinary institution.... By writing this splendid book, Moore has ensured that the efforts of these pioneering women will never be forgotten. * Literary Review *Meticulously researched, written with élan and wit, Moore's account comes at just the right time... [it] reminds us that people can rise to an occasion, that the biggest advances - for medicine, for humanity - can come during the toughest times, as a result of the toughest times. It reminds us that great courage and great ingenuity are possible even when the world feels very dark. * New York Times *Informative, compelling and poignant, Endell Street is a forgotten story superbly told. * Times Literary Supplement *An absorbing and powerful narrative...Moore has an eye for detail that brings her story to life. * Wall Street Journal *Endell Street is an absolute delight. Wendy Moore has performed an incredible feat of historical detective work, and the result is a gripping account of courage and determination in the face of death. It is impossible not to love the suffragette surgeons as they fought for the wounded abroad and for women's rights at home. -- Amanda ForemanHow can a spectacular story like Endell Street just disappear? Luckily for us, it fell into the hands of one of our finest biographers. Wendy Moore's rich storyteller's voice has brought back the lives and achievements of these brave and brilliant women. -- Andrea Wulf, author of THE INVENTION OF NATUREThe story of the extraordinary women who ran the 'Suffragettes' Hospital' is visceral, timely, urgent and spellbinding. Wendy Moore's book is utterly involving and deeply thought-provoking, and all I can do is urge you to read it. -- Helen CastorFew authors write as colourfully and compellingly about the past as Wendy Moore. In her deft hands, the horrors of the First World War and the heroic efforts of the suffragette surgeons are conjured back to life. Meticulously researched and beautifully executed, Endell Street is an important book that shows Moore to be the masterful storyteller that she is. -- Lindsey Fitzharris, author of THE BUTCHERING ARTEndell Street is an extraordinary story, and beautifully told. -- Anita AnandTable of Contents1: A Good Feeling 2: A Sort of Holiday 3: Sunshine and Sweetness 4: Good God! Women! 5: Serfs and Slaves 6: Almost Manless 7: Pioneers, O Pioneers! 8: The March of the Women 9: Darkest Before Dawn 10: Full of Ghosts 11: The Soft Long Sleep

Read more less

Book Synopsis300 years ago, in April 1721, a smallpox epidemic was raging in England. Lady Mary Wortley Montagu knew that she could save her 3-year-old daughter using the process of inoculation. She had witnessed this at first hand in Turkey, while she was living there as the wife of the British ambassador. She also knew that by inoculating - making her daughter the first person protected in the West - she would face opposition from doctors, politicians and clerics. Her courageous action eventually led to the eradication of smallpox and the prevention of millions of deaths. But Mary was more than a scientific campaigner. She mixed with the greatest politicians, writers, artists and thinkers of her day. She was also an important early feminist, writing powerfully and provocatively about the position of women. She was best friends with the poet Alexander Pope. They collaborated on a series of poems, which made her into a household name, an 'It Girl'. But their friendship turned sour and he used his pen to vilify her publicly. Aristocratic by birth, Mary chose to elope with Edward Wortley Montagu, whom she knew she did not love, so as to avoid being forced into marrying someone else. In middle age, her marriage stale, she fell for someone young enough to be her son - and, unknown to her, bisexual. She set off on a new life with him abroad. When this relationship failed, she stayed on in Europe, narrowly escaping the coercive control of an Italian conman. After twenty-two years abroad, she returned home to London to die. The son-in-law she had dismissed as a young man had meanwhile become Prime Minister.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER''Holland, who co-hosts the podcast The Rest Is History, is at his best when having fun with Rome''s bloody history'' The Times ''A book for lovers of traditional, grand sweep narrative history'' Sunday TimesThe definitive history of Rome''s golden age - antiquity''s ultimate superpower at the pinnacle of its greatnessThe Pax Romana has long been revered as a golden age. At its peak, the Roman Empire stretched from Scotland to Arabia, and contained perhaps a quarter of humanity. It was the wealthiest and most formidable state the world had yet seen.Beginning in 69AD, a year that saw four Caesars in succession rule the empire, and ending some seven decades later with the death of Hadrian, Pax presents a dazzling history of Rome at the height of its power. From the gilded capital to realms beyond the frontier, historian Tom Holland portrays the Roman EmpiTrade ReviewHolland, who co-hosts the podcast The Rest Is History, is at his best when having fun with Rome's bloody history. He has a novelist's vibrant writing style and turns a good phrase. Familiar elements of this period, such as the destruction of Pompeii, still feel fresh in his retelling and he avoids the temptation of so many joyless modern classicists to moralise about what rotters these Romans were with their slavery and their bloodshed and their lack of a proper safeguarding mission statement. He judges them purely by their own values -- Patrick Kidd * The Times *This is not an underexamined period of history, but Holland handles his material (his sources are primarily Roman: Pliny, Tacitus, Suetonius, Cassius Dio) with rigour and elan. He has a compelling narrative style and an eye for diverting detail. This is a book for lovers of traditional, grand sweep narrative history -- Gavanndra Hodge * Sunday Times *For all the years that have separated the publication of each book in his trilogy, Holland is a surprisingly consistent writer, one whose style you could recognise at a glance. There may be less back-stabbing and court intrigue in this book than in Rubicon and Dynasty; but in allowing us to tread the further reaches of empire through the eyes of the men holding the reins, Pax provides a deeper and more complex vista on Rome... a masterful blend of subtle politics and carnal colour -- Daisy Dunn * Sunday Telegraph *A sweeping, colourful history of Rome at its swaggering, superpower zenith by The Rest is History podcaster and bestselling author. Hail Caesar! Hail Tom Holland! -- Robbie Millen * The Times *A triumph... Holland has a talent for drawing out the character and concerns of the age, whilst neither omitting nor being overwhelmed by the facts and dates. His account of the eruption of Vesuvius is dramatic, moving and rivals the set-pieces of the classical historians * Independent *Holland is a master of immediacy... [a] fascinating time, skilfully sparked into life * Spectator *Holland's superb storytelling takes us right into this era as viewed from every standpoint, offering fresh insights into well-worn history * Observer *Masterful and engaging... The idea of death as the foundation of life, chaos as the foundation of order, war as the foundation of peace, is central to this outstanding book * Aspects of History *Pax is a superb conclusion to Holland's trilogy. There's no other historian who can bring the ancient world before the reader in all its sights, sounds and smells, its pomp, magnificence and martial glory, its strivings and sufferings and horror. Riveting from first page to last -- Christopher Hart * Daily Mail *A rich and fascinating period of history requires a companionable guide. Holland's erudite and irresistibly readable account amounts to a marvellous vademecum -- Llewelyn Morgan * History Today *The span of conflicts Mr Holland deals with in Pax, from Britain to modern Iran, showcases the breadth of his learning... One looks forward to many future deep dives with this remarkably gifted historian * Wall Street Journal *As ever, it is a pleasure to trail after Tom Holland, a loquacious, ebullient guide... full of Hollandesque phrasemaking that can both delight his readers and imprint history on our dull brains * Irish Examiner *A lucid account... Holland's feel for the lived experience of antiquity is one of the best features of the book * New York Times Book Review *Holland has an eye for an evocative anecdote. The chapter opening with the pen*s of a 90-year-old man being inspected in a court of law is a masterpiece. And his prose is superb. In one poetic passage he describes 'smoke drifting from the roofs of tenant farms; vineyards and orchards laden down with succulent fruit; herds of cattle lowing softly in the deepening twilight'. Rarely has the distant past seemed so vividly alive * Financial Times *A magnificent, richly detailed and always fluently readable book. He modulates the pace of his narrative excellently and I have read nothing which gives such a detailed and compelling account of the political and administrative life of the provinces and their relations with the imperial government. A better history for the general reader could not have been written * Literary Review *

Read more less

Book SynopsisWith the publication of their previous book on the battleships of the _Littorio_ class, the authors set new standards for the detailed coverage and sophisticated analysis of Italian warship design. Inspired by its success, both critically and commercially, the authors were inspired to follow up with a similar study of the earlier Italian battleships that were built in the First World War but survived to fight in the Second. Given the level of new research required, this has taken a decade to achieve but the result is a similarly comprehensive coverage. Originally comprising five ships in two related classes, they entered service at the beginning of the Great War. As designed, they were powerful examples of the second generation of dreadnoughts, with a combination of twin and triple turrets producing a unique main armament of thirteen 12-inch guns. One ship, _Leonardo da Vinci_, was sunk by an internal explosion at Taranto in 1916, and although the hull was raised post-war, the plan to rebuild the ship was abandoned as it was not deemed cost-effective. However, the remaining four ships were to undergo one of the most radical reconstructions of any battleship class during the 1930s, emerging with an entirely new profile, more powerful machinery and all the characteristics of a modern fast battleship. In this form they became an important element in the Italian fleet that opposed the British after 1940\. This book covers all the technical details of the ships, both as built and as rebuilt, but also provides an extended history of their active service, including battle plans and track charts. Thoroughly illustrated with photographs, ship and armament plans, detail drawings and colour camouflage schemes, the book is a fitting companion to _The Littorio Class_.

Read more less

Book SynopsisScott Anderson is a veteran war correspondent who has reported from Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Northern Ireland, Chechnya, Sudan, Bosnia, El Salvador and many other war-torn countries. He is the author of two novels, Moonlight Hotel and Triage, two non-fiction books, The Man Who Tried to Save the World and The 4 O'Clock Murders, and co-author of War Zones and Inside the League with his brother Jon Lee Anderson.

Read more less

Book SynopsisUpdated and revised edition.Trade ReviewReviews of the first edition (1855-1974): 'Bahru Zewde, one of present-day Ethiopia's leading historians, must be thanked for producing the first serious history of his country from the coronation of the reforming emperor Tewodros in 1855 to the Ethiopian Revolution of 1974. The work encompasses the lives of Ethiopia's four last, and most important, monarchs: Tewodros, Yohannes, Menilek and Hayla Sellase, whose reigns, as the author presents them, form an historical continuum. The text is valuable in that it provides an historical overview of virtually the entire area of present-day Ethiopia, with sections on the south of the country, largely ignored by previous historians, as well as on the better-documented Semitic north. ... The book, though less than 250 pages in length, is packed with information not readily available elsewhere, and contains valuable new historical insights. There are moreover interesting discussions of how events in one part of the region influenced the situation in others...there are also interesting sections on such topics as Hayla Sellase's ideas of government. ...The author does not ignore the more positive features of the occupation. ... Bahru's work is the first history of modern Ethiopia to be written by an Ethiopian, and thus provides a new perspective. Though later imprisoned for several years by Ethiopia's post-imperial regime he does not see the Hayla Sellase era, through which he lived as a student, with rosy spectacles. -- Richard Pankhurst * JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY *...gaping void now filled with distinction by Bahru Zewde...He achieves too, the difficult tasks of balancing the political history of warlords and emperors with social and economic developments, and relating internal developments to the progressive increase in external pressures. His judgements are succinct and illuminating. ...In short, it is a model of its kind. -- Christopher Clapham * AFRICAN AFFAIRS *... timely ... wealth of illustrative material ... Required reading for practitioners, graduate students and advanced undergraduates. - * CHOICE *Table of ContentsPreface to 2nd edition - The background - Unification & independence 1855-1896 - From Adwa to Maychaw 1896-1935 - The Italian occupation 1936-1941 - From liberation to revolution 1941-1974 - Revolution & its Sequel - Conclusion

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe brainchild of bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith, historian Alistair Moffat and artist Andrew Crummy, the Great Tapestry of Scotland is an outstanding celebration of thousands of years of Scottish history and achievement, from the end of the last Ice Age to Dolly the Sheep and Andy Murray’s Wimbledon victory in 2013. This book tells the story of this unique undertaking from its original conception and creation by teams of dedicated stitchers to its grand unveiling at the Scottish Parliament in 2013, its subsequent touring and the creation of its permanent home in the Scottish Borders.Trade Review'[T]his beautiful book follows the journey taken during the creation of this fascinating project' * The Lady *'the definitive book on this fascinating work of collective creativity' * Herald *

Read more less

Book SynopsisOffers economical, metrical translations that convey the range of effects of the playwright's verse, from the idiomatic speech of its dialogue to the high formality of its choral odes.Trade ReviewDiane Arnson Svarlien's body of work means a quantum leap forward in the vibrancy and immediacy of classical verse drama. I first learned of her work when I was searching, madly, for a translation of Medea for a production I had been hired to direct. I sought out every published version. I tried to track down any unpublished ones rumored to exist. All the others were wanting; her translation was revelatory. Merely read her translation of the play, then read another. You will sense the difference. This is particularly true if you are a practitioner of theatre. --Patrick Wang, Director of Diane Arnson Svarlien's Medea in its world premiere at the Stella Adler Studio, and of the feature film In the Family, nominated for a Best First Feature Independent Spirit Award.The excellent Introduction by Robin Mitchell-Boyask displays an admirable command of up-to-date scholarship and judiciously leaves controversial matters open to one's own interpretation. Arnson Svarlien's verse translation has both elegance and power--it reads well, not just to the eye, but (happily for the director and actors) also to the ear. --Ian Storey, Department of Classics, Trent UniversityMitchell-Boyask's Introduction gives the reader a lively and accessible overview of Euripides' life, the circumstances of the original performances, and critical debate on the three plays. Footnotes to the translations provide students with useful background without over-burdening the text. The translations themselves are lively, vigorous, colorful, and direct, while remaining very close to the Greek; I laughed out loud more than once when I realized that, yes, this was exactly what Euripides had said. Arnson Svarlien has also taken care with the meter. Iambic trimeter, the 'spoken' meter of Greek, has been represented with iambic pentameter in English; but even in the lyric passages, whose meters do not translate into English, responsion within odes has been preserved. Yet all of this attention to such details of meter and accuracy sacrifices nothing in clarity or pace. Arnson Svarlien's translations are an ideal introduction to Euripides for students with no Greek and little knowledge of the ancient world. They remind me of why I love Euripides. --Laurel Bowman, Department of Classics, University of VictoriaTable of ContentsIntroduction; Translator's Preface; Maps; Alcestis; Medea; Hippolytus.

Read more less

Book SynopsisDescribing various aspects of life in complex historical eras - cultural, social, religious, and political, this work details such day-to-day activities as cooking, games, dress, and parenting.Trade Review"Daily Life in the Medieval Islamic World reviews major historical and cultural events while explaining the more personal details of daily life, such as the role of camels, housing arrangements, and entertainment. For the truly immersive experience, Lindsay even provides a few medieval Islamic recipes and instructions for converting between Christian and Islamic calendars." --Middle East Journal

Read more less

Book SynopsisA provocative and compelling illustrated cultural history of the worldâs oldest profession that recovers the stories of those who sold sex for a living.Trade Review'Lavishly illustrated … full of interesting nuggets' - Sunday Times'The range of Lister’s scholarship is impressive ... a fascinating book about a subject too often swept under the rug. It’s also very beautiful, magnificently designed and packed with hundreds of superb photos ... packs a powerful bite' - The Times'An engrossing exploration of individual lives and societies’ approaches to sex work across the centuries … [Lister] showcases incredible stories of agency and freedom while also recognising social stigmatisation and hardship' - Dr Fern Riddell, BBC History Magazine'Engaging, readable and written with humour, compassion and sensitivity' - Catherine Curzon, All About History'Fascinating' - Daily Mail'A beautiful volume, magnificently designed and packed with superb photos – a coffee-table book that packs a powerful punch' - The Times, History Books of the Year 2021Table of ContentsIntroduction, Tales from Gropecunt Lane Chapter 1: In Service of the Gods, Sex in the Ancient World Chapter 2: Toads and She-Wolves, Selling Sex in the Classical World Chapter 3: The Geese that Laid the Golden Egg, Sex Work in Medieval London Chapter 4: The Honest Courtesans, Selling Sex in Renaissance Europe Chapter 5: The Pleasures of the Moon, The Floating World of Edo Japan Chapter 6: Molly Houses and Mary-Anns, Men Selling Sex in Regency Britain Chapter 7: Master of the Plum Blossoms, Sex in the Qing Dynasty Chapter 8: The Great Social Evil, Prostitution in the 19th Century Chapter 9: Soiled Doves and Jailbirds, Sex for Sale in the Land of the Free Chapter 10: Maisons de Tolérance, Sex and the Belle Époque Chapter 11: The Prophylactic Dictatorships, Sex in Wartime Conclusion, The Fight Back

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Mughal emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir is one of the most hated men in Indian history. Widely reviled as a religious fanatic who sought to violently oppress Hindus, he is even blamed by some for setting into motion conflicts that would result in the creation of a separate Muslim state in South Asia. In her lively overview of his life and influence, Audrey Truschke offers a clear-eyed perspective on the public debate over Aurangzeb and makes the case for why his often-maligned legacy deserves to be reassessed. Aurangzeb was arguably the most powerful and wealthiest ruler of his day. His nearly 50-year reign (1658–1707) had a profound influence on the political landscape of early modern India, and his legacy—real and imagined—continues to loom large in India and Pakistan today. Truschke evaluates Aurangzeb not by modern standards but according to the traditions and values of his own time, painting a picture of Aurangzeb as a complex figure whose relationship to Islam was dynamic, strategic, and sometimes contradictory. This book invites students of South Asian history and religion into the world of the Mughal Empire, framing the contemporary debate on Aurangzeb's impact and legacy in accessible and engaging terms.Trade Review"Basing her judgments on a careful reading of contemporary Persian chronicles and European traveler accounts, Audrey Truschke presents a fresh, balanced, and much-needed survey of one of the most controversial figures in Indian history. Crucially, the author insists on evaluating the man in terms of the norms and traditions of his own day, and not those of later, more polarized times."—Richard M. Eaton, University of ArizonaFollowing British historians of the colonial era, Indian nationalists used the last and most controversial of the great Mughals in ways that simultaneously distorted Mughal history and served as a goad to Hindu cultural renewal. Audrey Truschke's project of looking at Emperor Aurangzeb afresh is thus a welcome and timely one and will interest readers in academia and beyond."—Barbara D. Metcalf, University of California, Davis"Truschke's laudable objective is to criticize Hindu nationalism, which makes the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb (r. 1658-1707) into a metonym for the Muslim community, and vilifies the emperor in order to vilify the community almost in its entirety....Truschke demonstrates with superb precision that the political-theological fault lines in Aurangzeb's reign did not run along simple Muslim versus Hindu / Sikh binaries."—Milinda Banerjee, Sehepunkte"Truschke is to be applauded on a number of counts: her courage for writing a biography of Aurangzeb (), her willingness to write a book that is easily accessible to nonspecialists, her skill in integrating large amounts of information within a coherent narrative, her thoughtfulness when balancing conflicting evidence, and her ability to give Aurangzeb his due without coming across as an apologist."––Munis D. Faruqui, Journal of the American Academy of Religion"[An] important contribution to Mughal history....[and] an important effort for discussions around Muslim-Hindu encounters and the pre-modern/early modern India."—Shaharyar Zia, Reading Religion"Audry Truscke, a professor of history at the Rutgers State University, New Jersey, mentions how she had to endure unprecedented pushback for daring to write a rather balanced and objective account of 'the life of India's most important emperor, Aurangzeb Alamgir.'... Yet, she dared to embark on the project 'to introduce the historical Aurangzeb - in all his complexity.'"—Chowdhury Mueen Uddin, The Muslim World Book ReviewTable of Contents1. Introducing Aurangzeb 2. Early Years 3. The Grand Arc of Aurangzeb's Reign 4. Administrator of Hindustan 5. Moral Man and Leader 6. Overseer of Hindu Religious Communities 7. Later Years 8. Aurangzeb's Legacy Postscript: A Note on Reading Medieval Persian Texts Bibliographical Essay: Bibliographical Essay

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat is history and how should it be written? This important new anthology, translated and edited by Professor John Marincola, contains all the seminal texts that relate to the writing of history in the ancient world.The study of history was invented in the classical world. Treading uncharted waters, writers such as Plutarch and Lucian grappled with big questions such as how history should be written, how it differs from poetry and oratory, and what its purpose really is. This book includes complete essays by Dionysius, Plutarch and Lucian, as well as shorter pieces by Pliny the Younger, Cicero and others, and will be an essential resource for anyone studying history and the ancient world.Runner-up in the 13th Aldo and Jeanne Scaglione Prize for a Translation of a Scholarly Study of Literature.an excellent tool for the study of ancient historiography at all levels, and it is bound to become a standard point of reference in the future Bryn Mawr Classical ReviewTrade Reviewan excellent tool for the study of ancient historiography at all levels, and it is bound to become a standard point of reference in the future -- Lisa Irene Hau * Bryn Mawr Classical Review *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book describes how liberalization, deregulation, and privatization had catastrophic effects on former Soviet Bloc countries from the period of 1989 to the present.Trade Review"Winner of the Leipzig Book Fair Prize 2015""Finalist for the 2017 Prix du Livre Européen, Esprit d’Europe"

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"This book is a must read for anyone interested in the Middle East’s present and who might be hopeful for the region’s future." * Middle East Journal *"Seeking to counter contemporary perceptions of the Middle East as a region riven by sectarian strife, Makdisi examines the ‘culture of coexistence’ which he believes prevailed in the Ottoman Empire and in the post-Ottoman Arab world, despite its religious diversity." * Survival: Global Politics and Strategy *"An outstanding study with insight about the agency of Arab intellectuals, thinkers and people at large who, despite twentieth-century local and global violence, persist in struggling for a better world. This is a must- read for all scholars and students of Middle East and cultural studies." * Arab Studies Quarterly *"A hugely important corrective to widespread stereotypes about relations between Muslims, Christians and Jews before Israel's creation." * Peter Beinart *"Beyond the excellent historical work in which Makdisi engages, his profound rewriting of narratives of sectarianism and coexistence will have a great impact on readers’ understanding of the modern Middle East. . . . Offers hope for an existence that does not distinguish between Muslim and non-Muslim or Jew and non-Jew but aims to humanize those who have been seen as inferior." * Islam and Christian–Muslim Relations *"One of the salient contributions of the Age of Coexistence is how Makdisi writes a history that the existing scholarship has either taken for granted or failed to critically examine. . . . Indispensable reading for graduate students entering the field of Middle Eastern history." * Bustan: The Middle East Book Review *"This is clearly an essential book. . . . There are many lessons to learn from this study with regard to how regions and their peoples, their ethno-religious identities, and their politics are approached, investigated, and narrated." * Journal of Historical Geography *"What Makdisi has accomplished here is truly impressive. . . .It is my hope that as it spreads in classrooms and in public discourse, The Age of Coexistence will serve the final blow to Western-based stereotypes of a Middle East rife with senseless violence, authoritarianism, and strict religious rule." * International Journal of Middle East Studies *"Offers a fresh look at the making of the modern Arab world. Given the plethora of studies that focus on contemporary wars and sectarian violence, this well-researched study employs Arabic and Western resources that challenge the prevailing perceptions about the region and its people. . . . An outstanding study with insight about the agency of Arab intellectuals, thinkers and people at large who, despite twentieth-century local and global violence, persist in struggling for a better world. This is a must-read for all scholars and students of Middle East and cultural studies." * Arab Studies Quarterly *"A major achievement. . . . This is historical analysis whose reframing of the past genuinely helps to offer possibilities for imagining future forms of coexistence." * World History Connected *Table of ContentsList of Maps Acknowledgments Note on Transliteration Introduction: The Ecumenical Frame Part I 1. Religious Difference in an Imperial Age 2. The Crucible of Sectarian Violence 3. Coexistence in an Age of Genocide Part II 4. Colonial Pluralism 5. Sectarianism and Antisectarianism in the Post-Ottoman Arab World 6. Breaking the Ecumenical Frame: Arab and Jew in Palestine Epilogue Notes Works Cited Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisA prominent scholar explores King Arthur’s historical development, proposing that he began as a fictional character developed in the ninth centuryTrade Review"Fascinating, authoritative analysis"—PD Smith, The Guardian “This is a thoughtful and patient, rational and fair-minded book, which critically examines various theories about the starting point for the Arthur myth.” —Dan Jones, The Sunday Times“A leading medievalist takes a clear-eyed look at the evidence for the existence of the legendary Arthur.”—The Sunday Times ‘Best Paperbacks of 2021’“An engaging, interesting and accessible search for the facts behind the legend of King Arthur.” —All About History“It is undoubtedly the case that Professor Higham is extremely well-versed in his subject and that he has a wide-ranging and in-depth familiarity with the literature relevant to his project.” —Mark Jones, Albion Magazine“A well-produced book by a serious scholar” —David Miles, Minerva"King Arthur: The Making of the Legend is the peak of what historical research should be detailed, engaged with the pan-historical scholarly conversation on the mater, and with a level of research that should serve as an example to all other historians."—Meredith Clermont-Ferrand, Journal of British Studies"Likely to be the definitive text on the legendary warrior for the foreseeable future. With his profound knowledge of the rules of historical narrative and patient but forensic analysis of the evidence, Higham's riveting book brings the historical Arthur to what may be his last, decisive battle."—Max Adams, author of In the Land of Giants "A very intelligent book which presents the facts and invites you to draw your own conclusions about this legendary British monarch. If King Arthur didn’t exist, he should have done and Nicholas Higham’s book shows us why. A superb read: scholarly yet accessible. Highly recommended.”—Francis Pryor, author of Britain B.C “This book provides an outstanding, and deeply informed, overview of the various ‘King Arthurs’ in history. Accessible and well-written, it is also a significant contribution to the debate around the historical origins of Arthur.”—Anne Lawrence-Mathers, author of The True History of Merlin the Magician

Read more less

Book SynopsisA comprehensive history of the legendary armoured vehicles of the Panzerwaffe, Germany''s most famous fighting force.The first two volumes of the History of the Panzerwaffe have described how the Germans transformed armoured warfare from a lumbering and ponderous experiment in World War I into something that could decide the outcome of conflicts, and how the legendary Panzerwaffe overran Western Europe and reached the gates of Moscow to the east, before taking its place in the forefront of German defence from the D-Day landings to the valiant last stand in Berlin.This third volume focuses on the most important units in the Panzerwaffe, and some of the most famous units in the history of warfare: the Panzer Divisions. It details their pre-war origins and how they developed over the course of the war, covering all the specialized units and how they operated on the battlefield.The title is illustrated throughout with many rare and previously unpublished images and theTable of ContentsIntroduction 1: Origins 2: The Elements of a Panzer Division 3: The Panzer Division 4: Rifle Brigade 5: Combat Elements 6: Ancillary Units Index Acknowledgements

Read more less

Book SynopsisLisbon’s charm is legendary, but its vibrant 2,000-year history is not widely known, from its Roman legacy to its centuries under Moorish rule. Its journey from port town to Portugal's capital was not always smooth sailing—in 1755 the city was devastated by the largest earthquake ever to strike modern Europe, followed by a catastrophic tsunami and a six-day inferno that turned sand to glass. Barry Hatton unearths these forgotten memories in a vivid account of Lisbon’s colourful past and present, bringing to life the 1147 siege during the Iberian reconquista, the assassination of the king, the founding of a republic and the darkness of a modern dictatorship. He reveals the rich, international heritage of Portugal's metropolis—the gateway to the Atlantic and the unrivalled Queen of the Sea.Trade Review'An enchanting account of an enchanting city, where peoples from across the globe have converged over the last two and a half millennia.' -- David Abulafia, Emeritus Professor of Mediterranean History, University of Cambridge and author of 'The Great Sea: A Human History of the Mediterranean'‘Hatton’s vivid account . . . is full of fascinating detail for those who love the city, from the origins of fado (the melancholic music of Lisbon) to the story of the exiles who haunted its streets during the Second World War.’ '[An] exotic history of triumph and riches, disaster and decline.''[A] jaunty, well-informed book on Lisbon . . . Hatton is an erudite guide, good at capturing the dense flavour of the city.'‘A companionable history of a darkly intriguing city . . . Hatton’s enjoyable . . . account provides a fascinating and sometimes disquieting backdrop to Lisbon’s uncanny ability to survive.’'Enchanting . . . and playful.'‘Intimate, witty, and entertaining . . . this vivid and eloquent guide to Lisbon’s past spills over with affection for the city.’

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom critically acclaimed Eastern Front expert Prit Buttar, this is the engrossing story of the German resurgence after the battle of Stalingrad. Containing haunting first-hand accounts of the horrors of life on the front line, this gripping narrative reveals in startling detail the story of a bitter struggle for survival against terrible odds.The battle of Stalingrad was the turning point of World War II. The German capture of the city, their encirclement by Soviet forces shortly afterwards, and the hard-fought but futile attempts to relieve them, saw bitter attritional fighting and extremes of human misery inflicted on both sides. The surrender of General Friedrich von Paulus'' army left Germany''s eastern armies severely weakened, but the Red Army had suffered enormous losses as it overreached itself in trying to exploit its great victory. The war was not over. Germany would continue the fight, and the battles that took place in the winter of 1942/43 would Trade ReviewAlthough it's only part of the story, it's a richly detailed history worth reading for any student of the Eastern Front. * The Armourer, January 2019 *This is another impressive work from Buttar, who is one of my favourite authors currently writing on the Eastern Front of both World Wars. -- Dr John Rickard * historyofwar.org *

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom bestselling and prize-winning author Paddy Ashdown, a revelatory new history of German opposition to Hitler.Ashdown has a great gift for narrative history. He unearths little known stories and places them in context with great dexterity.His new book throws fresh and important light on a crucial topic.' JONATHAN DIMBLEBYIn his last days, Adolf Hitler raged in his bunker that he had been betrayed by his own people, defeated from the inside. In part, he was right. By 1945, his armies were being crushed on all fronts, his regime collapsing with many fleeing retribution for their crimes. Yet, even before the war started, there were Germans very high in Hitler's command committed to bringing about his death and defeat.Paddy Ashdown tells, for the first time, the story of those at the very top of Hitler's Germany who tried first to prevent the Second World War and then to deny Hitler victory. Based on newly released files, the repeated attempts of the plotters to warn the Allies about HiTrade Review‘A powerful account of an extraordinary story.’ The Times ‘A fine account.’ 5*, Daily Telegraph ‘It moves at the pace of a thriller and it’s real’ Nick Ferrari, Sunday Express ‘Fascinating and fast moving’ Literary Review ‘No doubt many more books will be written about the war, but I hope this becomes a model for them since, though the heroism of our boys is stirring stuff, history only makes real sense if you can see it from all sides.’ Daily Telegraph ‘Paddy Ashdown has sifted the facts from the myths to write a fascinating and very personal account.’ Independent ‘Ashdown’s insights and his extensive research in an impressive range of archives will ensure that yet another work on the subject will not be required in the foreseeable future.’ Times Literary Supplement 'Paddy Ashdown has a great gift for narrative history. He unearths little known stories and places them in context with great dexterity. His new book throws fresh and important light on a crucial topic.' Jonathan Dimbleby 'One cannot read too much about the 1930s to inoculate against its evils, so I recommend Paddy Ashdown’s excellent new book 'Nein!' … Ashdown writes movingly about the repeated attempts of German patriots to warn the Allies about Hitler and to frustrate or assassinate him … A roll call of heroism … Ashdown brings them together in a compelling narrative of a decade of resistance to evil at the heart of ‘European civilisation’.' Lord Adonis

Read more less

Book Synopsis‘The latest in the series of powerful books on the divisions in modern Britain, and will take its place on many bookshelves beside Reni Eddo-Lodge’s Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race and Owen Jones’s Chavs.’ –Andrew Marr, Sunday Times ‘In his fascinating, enraging polemic, Verkaik touches on one of the strangest aspects of the elite schools and their product’s domination of public life for two and a half centuries: the acquiescence of everyone else.’ –Observer In Britain today, the government, judiciary and military are all led by an elite who attended private school. Under their watch, our society has become increasingly divided and the gap between rich and poor is now greater than ever before. Is this the country we want to live in? If we care about inequality, we have to talk about public schools. Robert Verkaik issues a searing indictment of the system originally intended to educate the most underprivileged Britons, and outlines how, through meaningful reform, we can finally make society fairer for all.Trade Review'Verkaik comprehensively demolishes [public school] claims.' * Peter Wilby, New Statesman *‘The latest in the series of powerful books on the divisions in modern Britain, and will take its place on many bookshelves beside Reni Eddo-Lodge’s Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race and Owen Jones's Chavs.’ * Andrew Marr, Sunday Times *‘Does a fine job of reminding us how powerful a hold the elite schools have over public life.’ * The Times *'An illuminating and hugely enjoyable read, packed full of eye-opening facts... At a time when the gap between rich and poor is widening, we need to talk seriously about the role of public schools in our society. Posh Boys is a welcome catalyst for that debate.' * Sunday Herald *'In his fascinating, enraging polemic, Verkaik touches on one of the strangest aspects of the elite schools and their product’s domination of public life for two and a half centuries: the acquiescence of everyone else.' * Observer *'A trenchant j’accuse against the old-boy chumocracy... Posh Boys is, for a book about public schools, decidedly comprehensive.' * Guardian *‘You cannot understand Britain without understanding this – the story of how we became a nation obsessed with elite education that continues to stack the odds against fairness and progress, and the cultural forces it has unleashed upon us all. Robert Verkaik tells it with clarity, and makes a powerful call for change.’ -- Afua Hirsch, author of Brit(ish)‘Inspired, committed, careful and kind.’ -- Danny Dorling, author of Inequality and the 1%

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe first biography of John Cairncross, the fifth member of the Cambridge spy ring and colleague of Alan TuringTrade ReviewThe Last Cambridge Spy is not just a fascinating, well-placed book about an interesting individual, but is also invites us to re-appraise the very idea of the 'Cambridge spy ring' -- Sir Dermot TuringChris Smith offer us a remarkable account of John Cairncross...he has captured him at last - a riveting read -- Professor Richard Aldrich

Read more less

Book SynopsisTells the Greek story through the interconnecting lives of the men and women who shaped its politics and literature, its science and philosophy, its art and sport.Trade Review'A few great men operating in isolation – too often this is the way ancient Greece is described to us. Stuttard puts the very greatest into their historical, political and cultural contexts and coaxes some of the lesser known centre stage' - Bettany Hughes, author and historian'David Stuttard's career represents an admirable commitment to popularizing classical culture and making it accessible to new non-specialist audiences' - Current World ArchaeologyTable of ContentsIntroduction • 1. Of Gods and Heroes • 2. The Age of Tyrants • 3. Greece in Peril • 4. The Age of Pericles • 5. World War • 6. Fall Out • 7. The Age of the Dynasts • 8. In the Shadow of Rome • 9. Lives in a Mirror

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Shape of Sex is a pathbreaking history of nonbinary sex, focusing on ideas and individuals who allegedly combined or crossed sex or gender categories from 200–1400 C.E. Ranging widely across premodern European thought and culture, Leah DeVun reveals how and why efforts to define “the human” so often hinged on ideas about nonbinary sex.Trade ReviewLeah DeVun's The Shape of Sex brilliantly realizes the promise of transgender studies and nonbinary frames of reference to provide compelling reinterpretations of gender and bodies not just in the present but also in the distant past. Through deep archival research, erudite textual scholarship, and dazzling methodological turns, DeVun shows how the figure of the nonbinary body has been central to Western theological, philosophical, legal, and scientific thought regarding proper social and cosmological order for more than two millennia. -- Susan Stryker, executive editor of TSQ: Transgender Studies QuarterlyIn this important and timely study, DeVun traces the ways in which medieval European legal, religious, and scientific authorities gradually constructed the idea that there are two and only two ‘opposite’ sexes. Putting to rest the myth of the premodern ‘one-sex’ body, DeVun highlights changing understandings of what counted as a ‘natural’ body and why. Essential reading for students of sex and gender in the medieval and modern West. -- Katharine Park, author of Secrets of Women: Gender, Generation, and the Origins of Human DissectionEloquent, erudite, and deftly argued, this book explores the rich history of theories and representations of nonbinary sex in medieval culture, revealing their resonances with and divergences from modern and postmodern theories of intersex and transgender. DeVun’s book is an absolutely vital source for anyone seeking to understand the long trajectory of the concepts of sex and gender. This is a work that challenges and transforms normative ideas about embodiment in order to offer more capacious possibilities for human experience. -- Kathleen P. Long, author of Hermaphrodites in Renaissance EuropeIn this meticulous yet accessible study, DeVun details the long historical roots of Western European sexual categories and those bodies that exceed them. In a thrilling final chapter, DeVun turns from theological, legal, natural-philosophical, and medical ideas of binary containment to the fevered world of alchemical thought, where nonbinary beings were viewed as ‘miraculous and productive.’ This book reveals the world-creating power of nonbinary beings in imagery and writings from the distant past, urging us ‘to let the past intrude, to be attentive to its iterations, and to keep the future open.’ -- Carolyn Dinshaw, author of How Soon Is Now? Medieval Texts, Amateur Readers, and the Queerness of TimeThe Shape of Sex is beautifully written, elegantly argued, and accessible to specialists and nonspecialists alike. Leah DeVun's use of case studies draws the reader in, and the book's sophisticated elaborations of the import of the material shows familiarity with gender theory today as well as in the past. I especially value DeVun's attention to the intersection of race and gender. This will be the major study of the topic for many years to come. -- Ruth Evans, Dorothy McBride Orthwein Professor of English, Saint Louis UniversityThe Shape of Sex is the book that all scholars should strive to write at least once in their lifetime: timely, accessible, and highly readable; diligently researched, meticulously conceptualized, and expansively impactful. Already, its mark is palpable both within the field of Medieval Studies and across a popular readership, particularly one invested in the histories of queer and trans peoples. -- Roland Betancourt * Medieval Review *A major contribution to gender studies. It will remain a key reference work on premodern, nonbinary bodies. * Social History of Medicine *DeVun has written a magnificent study of nonbinary embodiment in premodern Europe . . . The Shape of Sex is a lively and engaging book that will be of great use to historians, religious studies scholars, and those interested in gender and sexuality studies. Although the book deals with medieval texts and debates, the timelessness of the insights DeVun makes can’t be overstated. The central question of the text—'What does it mean to be human?'—is just as relevant today as it was in the premodern period. -- C. Libby * American Historical Review *This book is, to put it simply, a revelation. In our current moment, when the rights of those of us who do not fit societal bodily, gender, and sexual norms are dwindling, this book feels frighteningly relevant and more important than ever to share with students. I can think of many courses in which this book should be required reading. * Reading Religion *Demonstrating how sexual binarism is anything but an ahistorical and natural phenomenon. * Nuncius *The historical findings of this book are intelligible and invaluable to contemporary sex and gender scholars. * Religious Studies Review *A scholarly tour de force. It is a must-read for scholars of medieval sex and gender, for anyone seeking to understand modern views of binary sex and gender, and for those seeking to destabilize those binaries. * Journal of the History of Sexuality *Suitable for a wide readership interested in gender and sexuality studies, as well as for religiousstudies scholars, historians of philosophy and medicine, and those who are experts on the subject. * Early Science and Medicine *Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsList of IllustrationsIntroduction: Stories and Selves1. The Perfect Sexes of Paradise2. The Monstrous Races: Mapping the Borders of Sex3. The Hyena’s Unclean Sex: Beasts, Bestiaries, and Jewish Communities4. Sex and Order in Natural Philosophy and Law5. The Correction of Nature: Sex and the Science of Surgery6. The Jesus Hermaphrodite: Alchemy in the Late Middle Ages and Early RenaissanceConclusion: Tension and TensesNotesBibliographyIndex

Read more less

Book SynopsisIntrigue, double-dealing and conspiracy in the Eternal City. 'A fascinating narrative of the intermingling of secular and religious power' New Statesman 'A highly enjoyable and thrilling read... Hollingsworth has peeled back the veil of secrecy surrounding papal conclaves' History Today 'Full of lively detail and colour' Literary Review August 1559. As the long hot Italian summer draws to its close, so does the life of a rigidly orthodox and profoundly unpopular pope. The papacy of Paul IV has seen the establishing of the Roman Inquisition and the Index of Prohibited Books, an unbending refusal to open dialogue with Protestants, and the ghettoization of Rome's Jews. On 5 September 1559, as the great doors of the Vatican's Sala Regia are ceremonially locked, the future of the Catholic Church hangs in the balance. Mary Hollingsworth offers a compelling and sedulously crafted reconstruction of the longest and most taxing of sixteenth-century papal elections. Its crisscrossing fault lines divided not only moderates from conservatives, but also the adherents of three national 'factions' with mutually incompatible interests. France and Spain were both looking to extend their power in Italy and beyond and had very different ideas of who the new pope should be – as did the Italian cardinals. Drawing on the detailed account books left by Ippolito d'Este, one of the participating cardinals, Conclave 1559 provides remarkable insights into the daily lives and concerns of the forty-seven men locked up for some four months in the Vatican.Trade Review[A] rich, full history of the politicking and personalities of the conclave... A fascinating narrative of the intermingling of secular and religious power' -- Michael Prodger, New StatesmanMary Hollingsworth is an entertaining guide... Brings to life not only the political dimension, but the fascinating material detail' -- Catherine Fletcher, BBC History MagazineA highly enjoyable and thrilling read... Hollingsworth has peeled back the veil of secrecy surrounding papal conclaves' * History Today *Full of lively detail and colour... Readers of history who are both passionate and patient will enjoy it' * Literary Review *PRAISE FOR MARY HOLLINGSWORTH: 'Exceptionally sumptuous... This vivid history brings to life the vices and virtues of the feuding ruling families of Italy' The Times, on Princes of the Renaissance. 'A chance to visit a glittering, at times rather gory, world that is different and yet dreamily familiar to our own' BBC History Revealed, on Princes of the Renaissance. 'Dense politics relieved by dazzling art' Kirkus, on Princes of the Renaissance. 'This forensic study of the Renaissance banking dynasty conjures up a world of art, literature, philosophy – and brutality' Telegraph, on The Medici. 'Lavishly illustrated, clearly written and meticulously edited' * TLS, on The Medici *

Read more less

Book Synopsis"An intoxicating read. You'll want to consume it twice." —A.J. Baime, New York Times bestselling author of The Accidental President and Dewey Defeats TrumanA fun little book packed with historic Churchill information, drinking companions, locations, and preferences, as well as plenty of cocktail recipes! Churchill was seldom short of a witty remark, and made his views on drinking quite well-known: “I have taken far more out of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me.” When feeling down he said he felt like “a bottle of champagne . . . left uncorked for the night.” And when encouraging a young government minister to indulge in another drink, he promised, “Go ahead, I won’t write it in my diary.”Divided into four sections—Drink Choices, Drinking Companions, Drinking Spots, and Drink Recipes—this book will keep readers turning the pages of fresh and fun material as they lift a drink along with Winston. The book will also focus on the various eras—from the 1910s through the 1960s—the times in which he was drinking alone and with others. Working with the historic companies that kept him refreshed, it will include vintage advertisements and marketing material from their closely guarded archives.Winston certainly drank with a colorful cast of characters, and you’ll glimpse those such as FDR, Stalin, Coco Chanel, Charlie Chaplin, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and various other kings, queens, dukes, and duchesses. Among the elegant settings we will pop in and out of for a drink include Hearst Castle, Chanel’s house in the South of France, the Ritz Hotel in Paris, the Dorchester in London, Monaco, the Savoy, the Biltmore, and of course the bars and first-class cabins of the famed ocean liners the Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mary. So raise a glass and join us in toasting Churchill’s life and unique abilities!Trade Review"An intoxicating read. You'll want to consume it twice. . . . We've all been asked the question: If you could have a drink with anyone, who would it be? Churchill should be high on anyone's list, and that's what this book is: a round of your favorite with the man himself, a deep dive into the life of the man where other biographies don't go." —A.J. Baime, New York Times bestselling author of The Accidental President and Dewey Defeats Truman "When Winston Churchill was fighting them on the beaches, he only surrendered to his favorite Champagne (and other punchy libations). Churchill’s fave drinks and lots of fun anecdotes are yours in Churchill: A Drinking Life. This entertaining and, dare I say, bubbly book won’t give you a hangover. Cheers to Churchill!" —Jack Ohman, Pulitzer Prizewinning Editorial Cartoonist, The Sacramento Bee "A breezy informal fun recounting of Winston Churchill’s favorite drinks as well as where and with whom he liked to have a glass. It is nicely presented with several photographs and many illustrations. In terms of what Churchill liked to drink the authors cover Champagne, Whisky, Brandy, Cognac, Gin, Wine, and Port; drinking companions include Lord Beaverbrook, Franklin Roosevelt, and Aristotle Onassis; and where he liked to drink include Claridge’s, Chartwell, and The Savoy. . . . Churchill, A Drinking Life is an enjoyable light-hearted “wander through Winston’s liquor cabinet.” —Bradley P. Tolppanen, Winston Churchill Bllog

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review“Interesting and rewarding read.”—Guy de la Bédoyère, BBC History Magazine“Spawforth’s book stands out in a crowded field of histories of Greece and Rome for its liveliness and wit.”—Daisy Dunn, Literary Review“Here is a chronicle replete with tales of extraordinary ability and inventiveness, of courage and cowardice, artistic and creative genius, of astonishing savagery and the hubris and failings that brought about disaster, of the love and passions that have continued to course through history, changing little down to our own times”—Diana Bentley, Minerva“A beautifully written account of ancient history, breathtaking in its ambition and rich in insight.”—Professor Paul Cartledge, author of The Spartans“An incredibly engaging read, written with scholarly precision and clarity. With great agility, Spawforth mixes literary, inscriptional, and archaeological material and offers a nuanced understanding of how civilisations evolve.”—Professor Michael Scott, author of Ancient Worlds“Informed, informative and thoroughly enjoyable. . . . A book that brings the past back to life.”—Peter Frankopan, author of The Silk Roads

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisHow the collapse of empires helps explain the efforts of China, Iran, Russia, and Turkey to challenge the international orderTrade Review“The early twenty-first century, argues Jeffrey Mankoff in this wide-ranging, deeply researched analysis, is shaping up to be a new age of empire in Eurasia.”—Angela Stent, Survival“Historically and empirically, the book is expansive: the depth and breadth of synthetic research here is significant.”—Joseph MacKay, E-International Relations“[A] deep-ranging history and analysis.”—Steven Seegel, Russian Review“Americans have a blind spot—they don’t study history. Especially history of other countries and civilizations. Mankoff digs into history to help us understand today’s complex geopolitics in Asia. This is history most relevant for today.”—John J. Hamre, president and CEO, Center for Strategic and International Studies“Empires of Eurasia contributes to a discerning, productive discussion of pressing contemporary challenges. Ambitious in scope and depth, this timely, highly readable book will be a foundational text for international relations, area studies and national security curricula for many years to come.”—Matthew Rojansky, director of the Wilson Center’s Kennan Institute“Mankoff brings an extraordinary understanding of history, geography, language, culture, and politics to this sweeping and ambitious book.”—James Goldgeier, American University“In a narrative infused with historical depth and incisive analysis, Jeffrey Mankoff takes the reader through the geopolitics of a region we call Eurasia—still contested by Russia, Turkey, China, and Iran and burdened by old conflicts and contemporary convulsions of great power, imperial, competition. This is a must read to understand the backstory of conflicts from Crimea to Xinjiang.”—Fiona Hill, author of There Is Nothing for You Here

Read more less

Book SynopsisA full-life portrait of the man Tolstoy immortalized, Stalin lionized, and Russian history has manipulated and mythologized beyond recognition.Every Russian knows him purely by his patronym. He was the general who triumphed over Napoleons Grande Armée during the Patriotic War of 1812, not merely restoring national pride but securing national identity. Many Russians consider Field Marshal Mikhail Illarionovich Golenischev-Kutuzov the greatest figure of the 19th century, ahead of Pushkin, Tchaikovsky, even Tolstoy himself. Immediately after his death in 1813, Kutuzovs remains were hurried into the pantheon of heroes. Statues of him rose up across the Russian empire and later the Soviet Union. Over the course of decades and centuries he hardened into legend.As award-winning author Alexander Mikaberidze shows in this fascinating, often startling, and wholly humanizing new biography, Kutuzovs story is far more compelling and complex than the myths that have encased him. An unabashed imperiaTrade ReviewAlexander Mikaberidze's new biography Kutuzov: A Life in War and Peace does justice to a complex man * Andrew Roberts, The Telegraph *Mikaberidze makes his subject come wonderfully alive. * Willard Sunderland, Times Literary Supplement *Accessible and impressively researched, this sweeping biography unearths the real man behind a national symbol. Readers of European military history will be enthralled. * PublishersWeekly.com *Mikhail Kutuzov has had more than his share of hagiographers and debunkers. Alexander Mikaberidze has produced a detailed, fascinating, and well-written biography of one of Russia's most famous generals that draws on an immense range of sources, conveys a sense both of the general and the man, and provides fair and considered judgments on the most controversial moments in his career. * Dominic Lieven *Drawing on a vast array of sources and written in a lively, engaging style, Alexander Mikaberidze's biography of Kutuzov conveys the drama of the great field marshal's life and career, offering a sweeping panorama of society, politics, culture, foreign relations, and war in tsarist Russia in the age of the French Revolution and Napoleon. An impressive accomplishment. * Alexander Martin, author of The Holy Roman Empire to the Land of the Tsars: One Family's Odyssey *Iconic military leader, trusted diplomat, skilled administrator, and loving family man Mikhail Kutuzov at last has received his historical due. Mikaberidze's sparkling prose, rigorous research, deep knowledge, and panoramic narrative free the field marshal from the mythmaking of earlier scholarship. At once erudite and riveting, this highly original account of Kutuzov's monumental life movingly conveys the drama, suffering, and endless striving that defined one of the foundational periods in modern world history. * Elise Kimerling Wirtschafter, author of From Victory to Peace: Russian Diplomacy after Napoleon *Lazy, gluttonous, cunning, brave, pious, courtly, and coarse, Kutuzov enraged his detractors, enthralled his admirers, and strangled his enemies in silky webs of bureaucratic intrigue. He destroyed Napoleon's Grand Army in Russia, was intimately portrayed by Tolstoy, and later lionized by Stalin and Putin. He has needed a discerning biography since his death in 1813. Alexander Mikaberidze has given us one, at last. Kutuzov conveys the sweep, color, and controversy of the field marshal's epic life. * Geoffrey Wawro, author of A Mad Catastrophe and The Franco-Prussian War *An authoritative biography of General Kutuzov strips away the layers of propaganda that have encrusted its subject since 1812. * New York Review of Books *A biography necessarily focuses on individuals, but Mikaberidze's book raises questions an individual perspective cannot answer. * Gregory Afinogenov, New York Review *Table of ContentsList of Maps Acknowledgments Author's Note Prologue PART I Chapter 1 A Boy from Pskov Province, 1747- 1762 Chapter 2 The Masters and the Apprentice, 1763- 1771 Chapter 3 At Death's Door, 1772- 1785 Chapter 4 "An Eagle from the Lofty Flock," 1786- 1789 Chapter 5 "The Gutters Dyed with Blood, 1790 Chapter 6 The Glorious Hero of Macin, 1791- 1792 PART II Chapter 7 The Envoy of Her Imperial Majesty, 1793 Chapter 8 At the Court of the Sultan, 1794 Chapter 9 Military Philosophe and Courtier, 1794- 1797 Chapter 10 The Wrathful Czar, 1796- 1801 Chapter 11 Walking the Tightrope, 1801- 1804 1 PART III Chapter 12 Confronting Napoleon, 1805 Chapter 13 The Glorious Retreat" Chapter 14 The Tale of Two Ruses Chapter 15 The Eclipse of Austerlitz PART IV Chapter 16 The Wilderness Years, 1806- 1808 Chapter 17 The Carnage on the Danube, 1809 Chapter 18 Call to Arms, 1810- 1811 Chapter 19 The Master of War, 1811 Chapter 20 Between War and Peace, January- June 1812 PART V Chapter 21 The Fateful Year Chapter 22 The Road to Borodino Chapter 23 The Hollow Victory Chapter 24 The Torrent and the Sponge Chapter 25 The Old Fox of the North" Chapter 26 The Turning Point Chapter 27 The Golden Bridge" Chapter 28 The Chase Chapter 29 The Great Escape Chapter 30 The Last Campaign Epilogue Notes Select Bibliography Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Winner of the Luebbert Best Book Award, Comparative Politics Section of the American Political Science Association""The most important new book on revolutions to appear in decades."---Jack A. Goldstone, Mobilization

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade ReviewBeautifully and profusely illustrated with full color images throughout, Art and Architecture of the Middle Ages is a fascinating and informative tour through the creative arts of Europe's 'Middle Ages"[.] * Midwest Book Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction: From Santiago to Samarkand, Lincoln to Lalibela 1. The Roots of Medieval Art 2. Fourth and Fifth Centuries 3. Sixth to Mid-Seventh Century 4. Mid-Seventh to Late Eighth Century 5. Late Eighth Century to ca. 960 6. ca. 960 to ca. 1070 7. ca. 1070 to ca. 1170 8. ca. 1170 to ca. 1250 9. ca. 1250 to ca. 1340 10. ca. 1340 to ca. 1450 11. Afterlives of the Middle Ages

Read more less

Book SynopsisYang Jisheng's The World Turned Upside Down is the definitive history of the Cultural Revolution, in withering and heartbreaking detail.As a major political event and a crucial turning point in the history of the People's Republic of China, the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution (19661976) marked the zenith as well as the nadir of Mao Zedong's ultra-leftist politics. Reacting in part to the Soviet Union's "revisionism" that he regarded as a threat to the future of socialism, Mao mobilized the masses in a battle against what he called "bourgeois" forces within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This ten-year-long class struggle on a massive scale devastated traditional Chinese culture as well as the nation's economy.Following his groundbreaking and award-winning history of the Great Famine, Tombstone, Yang Jisheng here presents the only history of the Cultural Revolution by an independent scholar based in mainland China, and makes a crucial contribution to understanding those years'' lasting influence today.The World Turned Upside Down puts every political incident, major and minor, of those ten years under extraordinary and withering scrutiny, and arrives in English at a moment when contemporary Chinese governance is leaning once more toward a highly centralized power structure and Mao-style cult of personality.

Read more less

Book SynopsisOffering a fresh perspective on the American war in Southeast Asia and superpower diplomacy during the Nixon-Kissinger years, this gripping work drawing on thousands of declassified documents and tapes to provide a startling account of the mpact of high-level decisions in Washington on people in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and the United States.Trade ReviewWith over 30,000 books published on the Vietnam War, does it make sense to write another book about the conflict waged by the United States in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam between 1957 and 1973? Reading Fire and Rain, the answer is affirmative for several reasons. * Mariano Aguirre , International Affairs *Eisenberg's account reads as easily as a novel....In detailing Nixon and Kissinger's (often secret) overtures to and negotiations with the Communist superpowers of China and the Soviet Union...Eisenberg stresses that the pair often circumvented their own State Department....This is...a recurring theme: the increasing number of concessions made, in secret, to Communist powers while ostensibly fighting Communism in South Vietnam. * Sarah Cords, The Progressive *A gripping narrative of America's war in Vietnam during its fateful, concluding years, replete with intrigue, manipulation, self-deception, and mindless brutality. Fire and Rain is a vividly written, even harrowing book. Carolyn Eisenberg has produced a masterpiece. * Andrew Bacevich, author of On Shedding an Obsolete Past: Bidding Farewell to the American Century *Even experts on Vietnam will be surprised at the revelations in Carolyn Eisenberg's Fire and Rain. Deploying a wealth of declassified documents, archival finds, and eyewitness accounts, Fire and Rain paints a sweeping, panoramic, and devastating portrait of the war that Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger waged, a fatal fraud on America and Southeast Asia. * Ken Hughes, author of Fatal Politics: The Nixon Tapes, the Vietnam War, and the Casualties of Reelection *An impressive work of diplomatic history, Carolyn Eisenberg's Fire and Rain convincingly reveals how Richard Nixon's and Henry Kissinger's catastrophic war in Southeast Asia set the course of subsequent US diplomacy with Russia and China. This book should be widely read. * Greg Grandin, Yale University *A formidable achievement. Carolyn Eisenberg's Fire and Rain is a brilliant and deeply shocking biography of Henry Kissinger and Richard Nixon. Relying on Kissinger's own telephone transcripts and newly declassified presidential papers, Eisenberg's measured narrative strips away all the lies and myths to document how these deeply flawed men single-handedly prolonged the Vietnam war. It is an all too human tale of deception and incompetence. Kissinger's vaunted reputation will never recover from a book destined to become a classic history of the Vietnam tragedy. * Kai Bird, Leon Levy Center for Biography *Accessibly written and meticulously researched, Fire and Rain is a thought-provoking and important book on the American war in Vietnam. * Daniel R. Hart, VVA Veteran *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction: "This is Not Frivolous, Mr. Chairman!" Part I: The War Chapter 1:"Mired in Stalemate" Chapter 2:"We Will Hit Them without Warning" Chapter 3:"I See Death Coming Up the Hill" Chapter 4:"It Makes Our Position Murder" Chapter 5:"Blow Their Candles Out" Chapter 6:"You Shouldn't Kill That Many" Chapter 7:"The Idealists Are the Builders" Chapter 8:"Hit 'Em in the Gut" Chapter 9:"The Great Mystery of Life" Chapter 10:"The Greatest Success" Chapter 11:"Enjoy the Breeze" Chapter 12:"We Might Have Burned Your House" Chapter 13:"Something Like a Moron" Chapter 14:"Take A Stinking Hill" Chapter 15:"Everyone Was Crying" Chapter 16:"Bring Our Brothers Home" Part II: War and Diplomacy Chapter 17:"You've Only Got One Card" Chapter 18:"Man of Peace" Chapter 19:"Knock the Shit Out of Them" Chapter 20:"Seize the Hour! Seize the Day" Chapter 21:"The Whole Ground Shakes" Chapter 22:"Let Us Think of Tanya" Chapter 23:"Four More Years" Chapter 24:"You're Three for Three, Mr. President" Chapter 25:"Miserable, Filthy People" Chapter 26:"A Terrific Let-down" Chapter 27:"Let the Americans See Me" Epilogue:"We Were Serious People!" Notes Bibliography Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisElizabeth's reign is reaching its winter and England's old adversaries are fading. But in a world on the brink of change, showing any weakness can be fatal...1598. Nicholas Shelby, unorthodox physician and reluctant spy for Robert Cecil, has brought his wife Bianca and their child home from exile in Padua. Welcome at court, his star is in the ascendancy. But he has returned to a dangerous world.Two old enemies are approaching their final reckoning. England and Spain are exhausted by war. In London, Elizabeth is entering the twilight of her reign. In Madrid, King Philip of Spain is dying. Perhaps now is the time for one last throw of the dice.Elizabeth has seen off more than one Spanish attempt at invasion. But still she is not safe. In Ireland, rebellion against her rule is raging. And if Spain can take Ireland, England will be more vulnerable than ever.When England's greatest living poet, Edmund Spenser, sends Robert Cecil an enigmatic and mysterious plea for help from his Irish fastness, Cecil dispatches Nicholas to investigate. Soon he and Bianca find themselves caught up not just in bloody rebellion, but in the lethal power-play between Cecil and the one man Elizabeth believes can restore Ireland to her, the unpredictable Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex.Trade ReviewThe third in Perry's series is as dramatic and colourful as the previous two. * The Sunday Times *An absolute belter of a read and another fabulous addition to the Jackdaw Mysteries series... I just gobbled up the pages as the story fairly roars along battling spies and pirates on route... S. W. Perry ensures the sights, smells and sounds of London and Morocco entered my very being. I love this series. -- Liz Robinson * LoveReading, Picks of the month *The writing is of such a quality, the characters so engaging and the setting so persuasive that, only two books in, S.W. Perry's ingeniously plotted novels have become my favourite historical crime series. * S. G. MacLean on The Serpent's Mark *A satisfyingly convoluted plot. * Sunday Times on The Serpent's Mark *No-one is better than S. W. Perry at leading us through the squalid streets of London in the sixteenth century. * Andrew Swanston on The Serpent's Mark *The Serpent's Mark is an excellent evocation of Elizabethan England, with espionage, intricate conspiracies, strange medical practises and a gripping story. A rattling good read. * William Ryan on The Serpent's Mark *A gorgeous book - rich, intelligent and dark in equal measure. It immerses you in the late 16th century and leaves you wrung out with terror. This is historical fiction at its most sumptuous. * Rory Clements on The Angel's Mark *Wonderful! Beautiful writing, and Perry's Elizabethan London is so skilfully evoked, so real that one can almost smell it. * Giles Kristian on The Angel's Mark *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA comprehensive and detailed illustrated examination of the development and combat performance of US battle tanks from World War I to the end of World War II. In this, the first of two highly illustrated volumes examining the complete history of US Army and US Marine Corps battle tanks, Steven J. Zaloga focuses on the history of the tank in American service from the first experiments with armored vehicles in the early years of the 20th century through to the end of World War II. Expanding on material published in Osprey series including New Vanguard, Campaign, and Duel, US Battle Tanks 19171945 explores the concepts and practice of tank development from the Renault FT, through the M4 Sherman to the M26 Pershing. It describes the experiences of the crews who saw combat, the performance of each tank in battle, and how each American armored fighting vehicle compared with the enemy armor it faced, as well as the key lessons learned from combat

Read more less