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Chinese Grand Strategy in the 21st Century: According to Plan? (Asian Security Studies)
by Thomas M. Kane Noah FalkovichThis book examines the state of China’s grand strategy in the 21st century, including political, military and economic factors. Over the past two decades, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has attained the second highest gross domestic product in the world, taken a leadership role in East Asian regional organisations and substantially improved its military capabilities. Each of these developments – and many others like them – have attracted attention from scholars, journalists and policymakers. Less frequently acknowledged – but perhaps of greater significance – is the impressive congruence of Beijing’s accomplishments. This book highlights how the PRC’s successes support one another and pave the way for future accomplishments, and how these successes seem to be achieved in an unusually coherent and purposeful way. As Beijing’s relations with the rest of the world continue to evolve, with events ranging from the ongoing global economic crisis to the turbulence in China’s own stock market which may bring the PRC’s government under pressure to re-order its priorities, this book assesses China’s grand strategy and long-term approach to national policy. It identifies the political, military and economic instruments it is likely to use, the key challenges which it will face, and explores the implications for the global community. This book will be of great interest to students of Chinese politics, foreign policy, strategic studies, international security and IR in general.
Churchill's American Network: Winston Churchill and the Forging of the Special Relationship
by Cita StelzerA revelatory portrait showing how the famed British statesman created a network of American colleagues and friends who helped push our foreign policy in Britain&’s favor during World War IIWinston Churchill was the consummate networker. Using newly discovered documents and archives, Churchill&’s American Network reveals how the famed British politician found a network of American men and women who would push American foreign policy in Britain&’s direction during World War II—while at the same time producing lucrative speaking fees to support his lavish lifestyle. Stelzer has gathered contemporary local newspaper reports of Churchill&’s lecture tours in many American cities, as well as interactions with leaders of local American communities—what he said in public, what he said at private meetings, how he comported himself. Readers observe Churchill as he is escorted by an armed Scotland Yard detective, aided by local police when Indian nationalists threaten to assassinate him, while he travels in deluxe private rail cars provided by wealthy members of his network; and as he recovers from a near-death automobile crash—with the help of liquor prescribed by a friendly doctor with no use for Prohibition. The links in Churchill&’s network include some of fascinating American figures: the millionaire financier Bernard Baruch; the railroad magnate, Averell Harriman, who became an FDR-Churchill go-between; media moguls William Randolph Hearst (and wife and mistress); Robert R. McCormick—who attacked Churchill&’s policies but enjoyed his company—and Charles Luce, who made him TIME&’s Man of the Year and later Man of the Century; and bit players such as Mark Twain, Charlie Chaplin, and David Niven. It is no accident that Churchill was able to put these links together into an important network that served to his, and Britain&’s, advantage. He worked at it relentlessly, remaining in close contact with his American friends by letter, signed copies of his many books, and by attending to their needs when they were in Britain. Many of these colleagues were invited to dinners at Chartwell and, later, Downing Street. Perhaps most importantly, Churchill&’s network of American allies had Franklin Roosevelt&’s ear while the president was deciding how to overcome opposition in congress to helping Britain take on the threat from Germany.
Churchill's D-Day: The Inside Story
by Richard Dannatt Allen Packwood'This is a fascinating book which re-examines events that liberated and thus shaped the future of Europe.' Lord Soames, Winston Churchill's grandson 'An engrossing delight . . . Dannatt and Packwood have produced an account of Churchill's D-Day worthy of both the Great Man and the colossal event . . . Readers will greedily want more in the future from this superb writing partnership.' International Churchill Society 'Do you realise that by the time you wake up in the morning twenty thousand men may have been killed?'- Winston Churchill to Clementine Churchill, 5 June 1944D-Day is rightly celebrated as a great triumph and a major turning point in the Second World War. But as Churchill knew, large-scale land and sea operations were fraught with danger and victory was not guaranteed. What would have happened if D-Day had failed? Would the outcome of the war have been different? And how much of its success was down to the leadership of one man?Churchill's D-Day plunges us back in time to this knife-edge moment to witness events as they unfolded. Through documents and letters from the Churchill Archives Centre in Cambridge, we get a vivid sense of the tremendous risks involved in the planning and execution of Operation Overlord, the largest land, sea and air operation ever staged. This authoritative new history combines the analysis of General Richard Dannatt, one of the most respected of Britain's contemporary military leaders, with the insight of Allen Packwood, one of the world's foremost Churchill experts. Together they reveal the intricacies of Churchill's thinking, the strength of his instrumental leadership, his precision planning and impeccable timing.Original, illuminating and gripping, Churchill's D-Day demonstrates how the road to victory led directly from the beaches of Normandy to the streets of Berlin, ultimately securing our freedom.
Churchill's D-Day: The Inside Story
by Richard Dannatt Allen Packwood'This is a fascinating book which re-examines events that liberated and thus shaped the future of Europe.' Lord Soames, Winston Churchill's grandson 'An engrossing delight . . . Dannatt and Packwood have produced an account of Churchill's D-Day worthy of both the Great Man and the colossal event . . . Readers will greedily want more in the future from this superb writing partnership.' International Churchill Society 'Do you realise that by the time you wake up in the morning twenty thousand men may have been killed?'- Winston Churchill to Clementine Churchill, 5 June 1944D-Day is rightly celebrated as a great triumph and a major turning point in the Second World War. But as Churchill knew, large-scale land and sea operations were fraught with danger and victory was not guaranteed. What would have happened if D-Day had failed? Would the outcome of the war have been different? And how much of its success was down to the leadership of one man?Churchill's D-Day plunges us back in time to this knife-edge moment to witness events as they unfolded. Through documents and letters from the Churchill Archives Centre in Cambridge, we get a vivid sense of the tremendous risks involved in the planning and execution of Operation Overlord, the largest land, sea and air operation ever staged. This authoritative new history combines the analysis of General Richard Dannatt, one of the most respected of Britain's contemporary military leaders, with the insight of Allen Packwood, one of the world's foremost Churchill experts. Together they reveal the intricacies of Churchill's thinking, the strength of his instrumental leadership, his precision planning and impeccable timing.Original, illuminating and gripping, Churchill's D-Day demonstrates how the road to victory led directly from the beaches of Normandy to the streets of Berlin, ultimately securing our freedom.
Clear The Tracks! The Story of an Old-Time Locomotive Engineer
by Page Cooper Joseph BromleyEmbark on a thrilling journey through the golden age of railroading with Joseph Bromley's Clear The Tracks! The Story of an Old-Time Locomotive Engineer. This engaging memoir offers an intimate and vivid portrait of the life and times of a locomotive engineer during the heyday of steam engines, capturing the essence of a bygone era when railroads were the lifeblood of America.Bromley, drawing from his own experiences and those of his fellow engineers, provides a firsthand account of the challenges, triumphs, and adventures encountered on the rails. From the thundering roar of powerful locomotives to the camaraderie and grit of the railroad men, readers will be transported to a world where skill, bravery, and determination were essential to keep the trains running on time.The book delves into the technical aspects of locomotive operation, offering fascinating insights into the machinery, engineering feats, and innovations that revolutionized transportation. Bromley's storytelling is rich with anecdotes and personal reflections, giving a human face to the hardworking individuals who dedicated their lives to the railroads.Clear The Tracks! is more than just a historical account; it is a tribute to the spirit of adventure and the enduring legacy of the railroad industry. Whether you're a railroad enthusiast, history buff, or simply someone who loves a good story, Bromley's memoir is sure to captivate and inspire. Experience the romance and ruggedness of old-time railroading through the eyes of a seasoned engineer who lived it all.
Coalition Navies during the Korean War: Understanding Combined Naval Operations (Routledge Studies in the Modern History of Asia)
by Ian BowersThis book presents a detailed assessment of the role of navies in the Korean War. It highlights that, despite being predominantly a land war, navies played a vital part. Moreover, the naval war was not solely a U.S. operation. Smaller navies from many countries made important contributions both in supporting the United States and carrying out independent and combined naval operations. This subject holds special importance since current Western strategic thinking and capabilities emphasise the necessity of combined naval operations involving multiple navies in any potential future naval conflict. The example set by the Korean War therefore offers valuable insights into the operational and strategic problems, and benefits and opportunities of contemporary and future combined coalition naval operations.
Cold War Alabama (Images of America)
by Melvin G. Deaile PhDThe 50-year Cold War began following World War II and was a struggle between ideologies, militaries, economies, athletes, and each nation's ability to reach space. Alabama played a key role in that conflict. Huntsville led the efforts in ballistic missile as well as rocket propulsion development. From Enterprise to Montgomery to Anniston, the military prepared for and served in battles abroad. While the United States promoted democracy globally, the civil rights movement fought for a "more perfect union" at home. Not everyone supported the US involvement in proxy wars; groups of college students in Alabama protested the Vietnam War. All these aspects of the Cold War are captured from across Alabama through pictures and words. Melvin G. Deaile, PhD, is an associate professor at the Air Command and Staff College in Montgomery, Alabama. A retired US Air Force colonel, he holds a doctorate in American history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He holds master's degrees from Louisiana Tech University, the US Army Command and General Staff School, the Air Force School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, and University of Alabama. He flew the B-52 Stratofortress and the B-2 Spirit and combat operations as part of Operations Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom, including a record-setting 44.3-hour combat mission. His first book, Always at War , chronicles Strategic Air Command's contributions to the Cold War. The Alabama Department of Archives and History provided the majority of this book's images.
The Colonial Tavern: A Glimpse of New England Town Life - a Social History of America's Bars in the 1600s and 1700s
by Edward Field“Historian Edward Field's lively and informative examination of American colonial taverns and inns sheds light on the social life of towns and villages in the 1600s and 1700s.Writing at the end of the 19th century, Field makes use of a variety of sources that mention the tavern and its role. It is apparent that inns were the central hub of activity in the villages and small townships that constituted colonial North America. Many laws were drafted as to the proper running of these bars, and the tavern keeper was a profession with standards refined over the course of decades. The conduct of citizens was a concern; while noting how taverns had positive effects in building community spirit in localities, some colonial officials legislated against public drunkenness and disorder.The everyday functions of the tavern are brought to life by Field, who appends order lists for food and drink supplies, and stories concerning various inns. We gain an impression of colonial life, how whole towns became established with inns at their centre, a gathering place for local folk of all description. Some tavern keepers were accomplished businessmen; as well as managing their accounts and supplies, and keeping order on the more raucous evenings, they arranged entertainments and events to keep customers joyful and satisfied.”-Print ed.
Commentaries on the Punjab Campaign, 1848-49: the Battles of the Second Sikh War by an Eyewitness
by James Henry Lawrence-Archer“An infantry officer's view of the fall of the Sikhs.The author of this book served with No 6 company of HM 24th Regiment-an infantry regiment of the British Army-which saw much service in the Second Sikh War and suffered greatly in the fighting particularly at Chillianwalla. So there could hardly be a more qualified writer—or one with closer connections to other participants—to take on the task of reporting the war. At the conclusion of the First Sikh War there remained a sense of business unfinished. The Sikhs were yet masters of the Punjab and the Khalsa remained one of the most formidable armies the Sub-Continent had ever seen. Most importantly the centre of Sikh power, the seemingly impregnable and daunting fortress of Mooltan remained defiant. Once again the British Empire learnt the lesson of what a formidable foe the Sikhs were as they joined battle with them at Ramnuggar, Chillianwalla, Mooltan and Googerat. Archer takes us through this campaign in compelling detail embellished by an insight only first hand experience can provide.”-Print ed.
Correspondence of Lieut.-General the Hon. Sir George Cathcart, K.C.B., Relative to his Military Operations in Kaffraria: Relative To His Military Operations In Kaffraria, Until The Termination Of The Kafir War, And To His Measures For The Future Maintenance Of Peace On That Frontier, And The Protection
by George Cathcart"Correspondence of Lieut.-General the Hon. Sir George Cathcart, K.C.B., Relative to his Military Operations in Kaffraria" is a compelling and detailed collection of letters and reports penned by Sir George Cathcart, providing an invaluable firsthand account of his military campaigns in the region known as Kaffraria during the mid-19th century.Sir George Cathcart, a distinguished British Army officer, played a pivotal role in the Cape Frontier Wars, a series of conflicts between the British Empire and the Xhosa people in what is now the Eastern Cape of South Africa. This book compiles his extensive correspondence, offering readers a direct insight into the strategies, challenges, and experiences of a high-ranking military commander during this tumultuous period.Through these letters, Cathcart meticulously details his military operations, including troop movements, engagements with the enemy, and the logistical and strategic considerations that shaped his decisions. His correspondence not only highlights the tactical aspects of warfare but also provides a vivid portrayal of the landscapes, environments, and cultural encounters that defined his campaigns."Correspondence of Lieut.-General the Hon. Sir George Cathcart…" is an essential resource for historians, military scholars, and anyone interested in the colonial history of South Africa. The book's rich primary source material provides a nuanced and detailed understanding of the Cape Frontier Wars and the broader context of British imperial military operations.With its meticulous documentation and firsthand perspective, this book stands as a significant contribution to the historical record, offering readers an authentic view of the experiences and challenges faced by one of Britain's notable military figures in the 19th century.
Countdown: The Blinding Future of Nuclear Weapons
by Sarah ScolesFor fans of Oppenheimer, a riveting investigation into the modern nuclear weapons landscape. Nuclear weapons are, today, as important as they were during the Cold War, and some experts say we could be as close to a nuclear catastrophe now as we were at the height of that conflict. Despite that, conversations about these bombs generally often happen in past tense. In Countdown, science journalist Sarah Scoles uncovers a different atomic reality: the nuclear age&’s present. Drawing from years of on-the-ground reporting at the nation's nuclear weapons labs, Scoles interrogates the idea that having nuclear weapons keeps us safe, deterring attacks and preventing radioactive warfare. She deftly assesses the existing nuclear apparatus in the United States, taking readers beyond the news headlines and policy-speak to reveal the state of nuclear-weapons technology, as well as how people currently working within the U.S. nuclear weapons complex have come to think about these bombs and the idea that someone, someday, might use them. Through a sharp, surprising, and undoubtedly urgent narrative, Scoles brings us out of the Cold War and into the twenty-first century, opening readers' eyes to the true nature of nuclear weapons and their caretakers while also giving us the context necessary to understand the consequences of their existence, for worse and for better, for now and for the future.
Courage Be My Friend: The Vivian Bullwinkel Story
by Jenny DavisSister Vivian Bullwinkel was the only survivor of the Bangka Island massacre during World War II. Her evocative story is told through the eyes of fifteen-year-old Edith ‘ Edie' Kenneison. Sister Bullwinkel enlisted in the Australian Army Nurse Service at the outbreak of World War II and was posted to Singapore. In February 1942, she and hundreds of others attempted to escape the advancing Japanese army but was captured and held as a prisoner of war. Vivian spent the next three years in captivity, working tirelessly to help her fellow prisoners. One of those prisoners was young Edie. Their remarkable friendship would help them survive and became the basis of a lifelong bond.
Cow Country
by Edward Everett DaleStep into the rugged and romantic world of the American West with Edward Everett Dale's Cow Country. This evocative work paints a vivid portrait of life on the vast cattle ranges, capturing the essence of the cowboy era that defined a significant chapter of American history.Dale, a distinguished historian and storyteller, offers readers an immersive experience into the daily lives, struggles, and triumphs of cowboys and ranchers who tamed the wild landscapes of the West. With meticulous attention to detail, he chronicles the evolution of the cattle industry, from its humble beginnings to its rise as a cornerstone of the American economy.Cow Country is rich with authentic anecdotes, historical accounts, and personal reflections that bring to life the colorful characters who inhabited this world. Dale's engaging narrative delves into the routines of cattle drives, the challenges of frontier life, and the unyielding spirit of the men and women who carved out a living in a harsh and unforgiving environment.Beyond the romanticized image of the cowboy, Cow Country explores the economic and social dynamics that shaped the cattle industry. Dale provides a comprehensive look at the impact of technological advancements, market changes, and government policies on the lives of those in the cow country.This book is not just a historical account; it is a celebration of a way of life that has become an iconic part of American heritage. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of Western lore, or simply intrigued by the cowboy mythos, Cow Country offers a captivating journey into the heart of the American frontier.Edward Everett Dale's Cow Country is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the true spirit of the American West and the enduring legacy of the cowboys who helped shape it. Join Dale on this remarkable adventure and experience the grit, glory, and grandeur of the cow country.
Cow Country Cavalcade: Eighty Years of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association
by Maurice Frink"Cow Country Cavalcade" by Maurice Frink is an insightful and comprehensive chronicle of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA), detailing its profound impact on the cattle industry and the development of the American West over eight decades. First published in 1954, this historical account delves into the founding, evolution, and achievements of one of the most significant agricultural organizations in the United States.Maurice Frink, an accomplished historian with a keen interest in Western history, provides a meticulously researched narrative that captures the spirit and challenges of the cattle industry from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. The book begins with the establishment of the WSGA in 1872, a response to the burgeoning cattle trade and the need for a unified voice to address the concerns of stock growers in Wyoming.The narrative is enriched by a wealth of historical anecdotes and firsthand accounts that provide a deeper understanding of the daily lives of cattlemen and the operational challenges they faced. Frink explores topics such as cattle drives, roundups, rustling, range wars, and the implementation of grazing regulations, offering a comprehensive look at the complexities of cattle ranching. He covers the significant events, influential personalities, and key decisions that guided the WSGA through periods of growth, economic downturns, and social change."Cow Country Cavalcade: Eighty Years of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association" is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of the American West, the cattle industry, or agricultural organizations. Maurice Frink's thorough research and engaging writing style make this book a captivating and informative tribute to the resilience and innovation of Wyoming's cattlemen and the enduring legacy of the WSGA.
Cracking the Nazi Code: The Untold Story of Agent A12 and the Solving of the Holocaust Code
by Jason BellThe thrilling true story of Agent A12, the earliest enemy of the Nazis, and the first spy to crack Hitler&’s deadliest secret code: the framework of the Final Solution.In public life, Dr. Winthrop Bell was a Harvard philosophy professor and wealthy businessman. As an MI6 spy—known as secret agent A12—in Berlin in 1919, he evaded gunfire and shook off pursuers to break open the emerging Nazi conspiracy. His reports, the first warning of the Nazi plot for World War II, went directly to the man known as C, the mysterious founder of MI6, as well as to various prime ministers. But a powerful fascist politician quietly worked to suppress his alerts. Nevertheless, Dr. Bell's intelligence sabotaged the Nazis, in ways only now revealed in Cracking the Nazi Code. As World War II approached, Bell became a spy once again. In 1939, he was the first to crack Hitler&’s deadliest secret code: Germany&’s plan for the Holocaust. At that time, the führer was a popular politician who said he wanted peace. Could anyone believe Bell&’s shocking warning? Fighting an epic intelligence war from Eastern Europe and Russia to France, Canada, and finally Washington, DC, agent A12 was a real-life 007, waging a single-handed struggle against fascists bent on destroying the Western world. Without Bell&’s astounding courage, the Nazis just might have won the war.
The Creek War of 1813 and 1814
by Henry S. Halbert T. H. BallImmerse yourself in the dramatic and pivotal events of early American history with Henry S. Halbert and T. H. Ball's The Creek War of 1813 and 1814. This meticulously researched account offers a comprehensive and detailed examination of the Creek War, a crucial conflict that reshaped the southeastern United States and significantly impacted the future of Native American and American relations.Halbert and Ball, both esteemed historians, provide an in-depth narrative of the causes, battles, and aftermath of the Creek War, highlighting the key figures and strategic maneuvers that defined this tumultuous period. Through their scholarly yet engaging prose, readers gain a vivid understanding of the complexities and stakes involved in the struggle between the Creek Confederacy and the United States.The book delves into the socio-political landscape of the early 19th century, exploring the internal divisions within the Creek Nation and the external pressures from American expansionism. It chronicles significant events such as the Battle of Burnt Corn, the Fort Mims massacre, and the decisive Battle of Horseshoe Bend, where future President Andrew Jackson emerged as a prominent military leader.The Creek War of 1813 and 1814 is not just a recounting of military engagements; it also provides valuable insights into the cultural and personal dimensions of the conflict. Halbert and Ball’s thorough research and balanced perspectives shed light on the experiences and motivations of both the Creek people and American settlers, offering a nuanced view of this historical epoch.This book is an essential read for history enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone interested in the Native American history and early American warfare. Halbert and Ball's work stands as a definitive account of the Creek War, providing readers with a deeper appreciation of the war's significance and its lasting legacy on American history.
The Crisis of British Sea Power: The Collapse of a Naval Hegemon 1942 (Routledge Studies in Second World War History)
by James LevyThis work is a close examination of the conditions surrounding and precipitating the last gasp of British naval hegemony and events that led to its demise. Great Britain undertook a massive naval building program in the late-1930s in order to deter aggression and secure dominance at sea against her nascent enemies, Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. But the failure of the policy of Appeasement to deter war or delay it into the early 1940s left the building program only partially complete, and the exigencies of war led to the cancellation of the critical but costly and time-consuming “Lion” class battleships, and the slow delivery of the “1940 battlecruiser” (HMS Vanguard) and two vital fleet carriers. Adding to these issues, the fall of France spurred the USA to initiate her own, even larger, naval building program, and together with the entry of the powerful and capable Imperial Japanese Navy completely overwhelmed Britain’s position as the world’s premier naval power. This book will be of value to those interested in the history of the Second World War, British strategy, and the British navy.
Crusading Against Christians in the Middle Ages
by Mike Carr Nikolaos G. Chrissis Gianluca RaccagniThis is the first book-length study into crusading against Christians, examining this complex phenomenon from the twelfth to fifteenth centuries and across numerous regions, from France to Russia and from southern Italy to the Baltic. Whilst the crusades are an immensely popular topic, those launched against Christian rulers and communities have been comparatively overlooked in the past, with existing studies typically focusing on a particular area, period, or campaign. This volume brings together the expertise of thirteen scholars on a variety of primary and secondary sources not often accessible to Anglophone readership, as well as their knowledge of national discourses which have often shaped historiography. It aims to serve as the first port of call for anyone who wishes to approach crusades against Christians within and without the specialism of crusader studies, and to provide the basis for a thorough comparative analysis of this phenomenon, covering its variety as comprehensively as possible.
The Cure for Drowning
by Loghan PaylorEvocative, magical and luminously written, The Cure for Drowning is not only a brilliant, boundary-pushing love story but a Canadian historical novel that boldly centres queer and non-binary characters in unprecedented ways.Born Kathleen to an immigrant Irish farming family in southern Ontario, Kit McNair has been a troublesome changeling since, at ten, they fell through the river ice and drowned—only to be nursed back to life by their mother's Celtic magic. A daredevil in boy's clothes, Kit chafes at every aspect of a farmgirl's life, driving that same mother to distraction with worry about where Kit will ever fit in. When Rebekah Kromer, an elegant German-Canadian doctor's daughter, moves to town with her parents in April 1939, Rebekah has no doubt as to who 19-year-old Kit is. Soon she and Kit, and Kit's older brother, Landon, are drawn tight in a love triangle that will tear them and their families apart, and send each of them off on a separate path to war. Landon signs up for the Navy. Kit, now known as Christopher, joins the Royal Air Force, becoming a bomber navigator relied on for his luck and courage. Rebekah serves with naval intelligence in Halifax, until one more collision with Landon changes the course of her life and draws her back to the McNair farm—a place where she'd once known love. Fallen on even harder times, the McNairs welcome all the help she is able to give, and she believes she has found peace at last. Until, with the war over, Kit and Landon return home.Told in the vivid, unforgettable voices of Kit and Rebekah, The Cure for Drowning is a powerfully engrossing novel that imagines a history that is truer than true.
The Curse of Pietro Houdini: A Novel
by Derek B. MillerFrom the Dagger Award–winning author of Norwegian by Night comes a vivid, thrilling, and moving World War II art-heist-adventure tale where enemies become heroes, allies become villains, and a child learns what it means to become an adult—for fans of All the Light We Cannot See.August, 1943. Fourteen-year-old Massimo is all alone. Newly orphaned and fleeing from Rome after surviving the American bombing raid that killed his parents, Massimo is attacked by thugs and finds himself bloodied at the base of the Montecassino. It is there in the Benedictine abbey&’s shadow that a charismatic and cryptic man calling himself Pietro Houdini, the self-proclaimed &“Master Artist and confidante of the Vatican,&” rescues Massimo and brings him up the mountain to serve as his assistant in preserving the treasures that lay within the monastery walls. But can Massimo believe what Pietro is saying, particularly when Massimo has secrets too? Who is this extraordinary man? When it becomes evident that Montecassino will soon become the front line in the war, Pietro Houdini and Massimo execute a plan to smuggle three priceless Titian paintings to safety down the mountain. They are joined by a nurse concealing a nefarious past, a café owner turned murderer, a wounded but chipper German soldier, and a pair of lovers along with their injured mule, Ferrari. Together they will lie, cheat, steal, fight, kill, and sin their way through battlefields to survive, all while smuggling the Renaissance masterpieces and the bag full of ancient Greek gold they have rescued from the &“safe keeping&” of the Germans. Heartfelt, powerfully engaging, and in the tradition of City of Thieves by David Benioff, The Curse of Pietro Houdini is a work of storytelling bravado: a thrilling action-packed adventure heist, an imaginative chronicle of forgotten history, and a philosophical coming-of-age epic where a child navigates one of the most enigmatic and morally complex fronts of World War II and lives to tell the tale.
Cyber Sovereignty: International Security, Mass Communication, and the Future of the Internet (Global Power Shift)
by Lev ToporThe internet has become a battleground for global power struggles, with nations and even terrorist organizations wielding cyber-attacks to exert control. As the absence of binding international laws and norms leaves cyberspace largely unchecked, countries are seeking to establish their Sovereign Cyber Domains (SCD) - tightly controlled cyberspaces. In this illuminating monograph, the author explores how Russia, China, Iran, and others perceive the internet as a means for the United States and its allies to maintain global dominance and influence foreign audiences, driving their pursuit of strict regulations over domestic cyber affairs and mass communication. Yet, even the United States is now susceptible to foreign cyber operations, mainly foreign influence that undermines its domestic affairs. Even International Blocs like the European Union had expressed concerns about foreign influence and privacy rights abuses, leading to regulatory initiatives like the General Data Protection Regulation, Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act. As nations prioritize cybersecurity and sovereignty over free speech and convenience, the book predicts a future of increased regulation across all layers of the cyber domain, mirroring the historical emergence of the concept of sovereignty.Drawing on a combination of political science, international relations, and cyber domain practices, this monograph offers valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and students. By analyzing existing cyber sovereignty processes and predicting future trends, the book contributes to international relations theories, sheds light on the challenges of an unregulated cyber domain, and provides guidance for a secure and controlled digital future.
D-Day Landing Craft: How 4,126 ‘Ugly and Unorthodox’ Allied Craft made the Normandy Landings Possible
by Andrew WhitmarshThe contribution of landing craft and their crews to the 1944 Normandy campaign was enormous, and often overlooked. Most of the more than 132,000 Allied troops who landed on the beaches on D-Day came ashore from landing craft. The book examines why so many different types of landing craft were used in the operation; how they were built in both the UK and North America, over several years and with many competing war production requirements and operational needs. In the lead up to D-Day the Allies never seemed to have enough landing craft, their availability and production regularly discussed by top Allied leaders. This account is essential to anyone who wants to fully understand the course of D-Day, and the nature of Allied preparations for the campaign.
D-DAY The Oral History: The Turning Point of WWII By the People Who Were There
by Garrett M. GraffA LANDMARK NEW ACCOUNT OF THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT DAY OF WW2, IN THE WORDS OF THE PEOPLE WHO LIVED IT'A sprawling history of D-Day from the point of view of participants on both sides.' -Kirkus'A masterpiece of oral history. Stirring, surprising, grim, joyous, moving and always riveting.' -Evan ThomasOn 6th June 1944, the Allied invasion began. For hours, wave after wave of soldiers, sailors, and airmen crossed the channel and stormed the Normandy coast, fighting to gain a foothold in Nazi-occupied Northwest Europe. It was the largest combined air and seaborne invasion ever, involving over 150,000 Allied troops on the ground, and its eventual success became a critical turning point in the war, spelling the beginning of the end for the Third Reich.As the events of that day fade from living memory, it's more important than ever to understand what it felt like to be there and to live through it, on both sides. In this definitive work, Garrett M. Graff, the bestselling author of The Only Plane in the Sky: The Oral History of 9/11, compiles over 600 US, Canadian, UK, French and German voices to tell the full story of exactly how that historic day unfolded, in visceral detail - as well as the weeks and months leading up to it. From paratroopers to fighter pilots to nurses, generals, French villagers, German Defenders to Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt, this is the most intimate re-telling of D-Day published to date. Praise for THE ONLY PLANE IN THE SKY: "The most moving and chilling oral history you will read." The Times"Incredibly evocative and compelling." The Washington Post"A hugely powerful new book." Dan Snow"Astonishing book about an astonishing, terrifying atrocity, relived in real time by those who were there. I read it in one sitting & was utterly gripped from start to finish." Piers Morgan
D-DAY The Oral History: The Turning Point of WWII By the People Who Were There
by Garrett M. GraffA LANDMARK NEW ACCOUNT OF THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT DAY OF WW2, IN THE WORDS OF THE PEOPLE WHO LIVED IT'A sprawling history of D-Day from the point of view of participants on both sides.' -Kirkus'A masterpiece of oral history. Stirring, surprising, grim, joyous, moving and always riveting.' -Evan ThomasOn 6th June 1944, the Allied invasion began. For hours, wave after wave of soldiers, sailors, and airmen crossed the channel and stormed the Normandy coast, fighting to gain a foothold in Nazi-occupied Northwest Europe. It was the largest combined air and seaborne invasion ever, involving over 150,000 Allied troops on the ground, and its eventual success became a critical turning point in the war, spelling the beginning of the end for the Third Reich.As the events of that day fade from living memory, it's more important than ever to understand what it felt like to be there and to live through it, on both sides. In this definitive work, Garrett M. Graff, the bestselling author of The Only Plane in the Sky: The Oral History of 9/11, compiles over 600 US, Canadian, UK, French and German voices to tell the full story of exactly how that historic day unfolded, in visceral detail - as well as the weeks and months leading up to it. From paratroopers to fighter pilots to nurses, generals, French villagers, German Defenders to Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt, this is the most intimate re-telling of D-Day published to date. Praise for THE ONLY PLANE IN THE SKY: "The most moving and chilling oral history you will read." The Times"Incredibly evocative and compelling." The Washington Post"A hugely powerful new book." Dan Snow"Astonishing book about an astonishing, terrifying atrocity, relived in real time by those who were there. I read it in one sitting & was utterly gripped from start to finish." Piers Morgan
D-Day Remembered: From the Invasion to the Liberation of Paris
by Richard Holmes Imperial War Museum80th ANNIVERSARY EDITIONProduced in collaboration with Imperial War MuseumsRelive the day that changed the course of history. On 6 June 1944, D-Day marked the beginning of a campaign that involved more than a million men and helped seal the fate of Hitler's Germany.Written by esteemed military historian Richard Holmes and including rare documents, diaries and secret memos from the archives of the Imperial War Museums, D-Day Remembered details the planning, execution and aftermath of the most momentous event of the Second World War.