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Sailor In The Sky
by Graham Jooste"He was the outstanding fighter pilot of the 1939-1945 war. His inspired leadership, added to his gunnery and implacable determination, made him second to none, a fact acknowledged by us all. Sailor was perhaps, a man more than any other, that could say in all truth: 'I Fear No Man'." Air Vice Marshall Johnnie Johnson, CBE DSO DFC, WW2 Fighter Ace Adolph Gysbert Malan, universally known as "Sailor", is regarded as one of the very greatest fighter pilots of the Second World War. As Graham Jooste's detailed, compelling and timely biography reveals, Sailor began life on a South African farm before joining the merchant navy. Even before the war, he quickly distinguished himself as a pilot. He would go on to play a vital part as one of the "Few" during the Battle of Britain in the summer of 1940, when the outcome of the whole war hung in the balance. While the bulk of the book rightly concentrates on Sailor's wartime experiences, Graham Jooste also details his political involvement in post-war South Africa, at a time when, to his horror, the ruling National Party had embraced an openly racist ideology and began to implement the country's notorious Apartheid system.
Sailor and Fiddler: Reflections of a 100-Year-Old Author
by Herman WoukIn an unprecedented literary accomplishment, Herman Wouk, one of America's most beloved and enduring authors, reflects on his life and times from the remarkable vantage point of 100 years old.Many years ago, the great British philosopher Sir Isaiah Berlin urged Herman Wouk to write his autobiography. Wouk responded, "Why me? I'm nobody." Berlin answered, "No, no. You've traveled. You've known many people. You have interesting ideas. It would do a lot of good." Now, in the same year he has celebrated his hundredth birthday, Herman Wouk finally reflects on the life experiences that inspired his most beloved novels. Among those experiences are his days writing for comedian Fred Allen's radio show, one of the most popular shows in the history of the medium; enlisting in the US Navy during World War II; falling in love with Betty Sarah Brown, the woman who would become his wife (and literary agent) for sixty-six years; writing his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Caine Mutiny; as well as a big hit Broadway play The Caine Mutiny Court Martial; and the surprising inspirations and people behind such masterpieces as The Winds of War, War and Remembrance, Marjorie Morningstar, and Youngblood Hawke. Written with the wisdom of a man who has lived through two centuries and the wit of someone who began his career as professional comedy writer, the first part of Wouk's memoir ("Sailor") refers to his Navy experience and writing career, the second ("Fiddler") to what he's learned from living a life of faith. Ultimately, Sailor and Fiddler is an unprecedented reflection from a vantage point few people have lived to experience.
Sailor in the Desert: The Adventures of Philip Gunn, DSM, RN in the Mesopotamia Campaign, 1915
by David GunnSailor in the Desert is the personal account of a Royal Navy sailor's experiences during the Mesopotamian campaign of 1915. As an able seaman on an armed sloop supporting the British expedition up the River Tigris, Philip Gunn's recollections give a rare perspective of this ill-fated campaign.At the outbreak of war, Phillip Gunn was serving on HMS Clio, a naval sloop fitted with sails and guns stationed in China and immediately tasked with hunting the soon-to-be-famous German cruiser Emden, but failed to prevent her escape. Gunn and Clio were next in action defending the Suez Canal against an attempted Turkish invasion before joining the expedition to invade Turkish-held Mesopotamia (Iraq). When the River Tigris became too shallow for Clio, Gunn took over a Calcutta River Police launch. He towed improvised gunboats to bombard the enemy in close support of the advancing land forces, whose assaults on enemy positions he witnessed. Though he repeatedly came under fire, it was malaria which finally struck him down during the pivotal Battle of Ctesiphon. He was fortunate to survive the journey back downriver. Sailor in the Desert is an authentic account drawn from Phillip Gunn's unpublished memoirs as well as conversations with the author, his son David. It is illustrated with archive photographs and colour paintings by Philip Gunn himself.As featured in the Cotswold Journal and Aberdeen Press & Journal.
Sailor in the Whitehouse
by Robert F. CrossThis behind-the-scenes look at Franklin D. Roosevelt's extraordinary skill as a blue-water sailor explores how FDR's love of the sea shaped his approach to public service and even influenced the course of events in World War II. Family and friends, Secret Service agents, and others reveal never-before-told stories of their days afloat with America's greatest seafaring president, including how he escaped injury when fire broke out aboard his small schooner, how ships were modified to accommodate his disability, and details of his wartime ocean rendezvous with Winston Churchill. Sailing pals discuss his abilities as a skipper along with his enjoyment of an evening cocktail at sea during the days of Prohibition. Letters and other documents illustrate how the sea was never far from Roosevelt's thoughts.Robert Cross examines Roosevelt's great affection for the sea in the context of an era dominated by the Great Depression and two world wars. While some criticized Roosevelt for taking too many seagoing trips-he lagged hundreds of thousands of miles at sea and was sometimes out of touch with the White House and the Secret Service for hours-FDR was quick to explain that his lengthy voyages allowed him to personally assess the world situation instead of relying solely upon White House briefing books. The author argues that the skills required to be a good sailor have much in common with those needed to be a successful politician: the ability to alter courses, make compromises, and shift positions as the situation warrants. Cross describes FDR as a master at dealing with the unexpected, allowing him to excel in the Navy Department, the governor's mansion, and the White House, as well as the open sea. From luxury ocean liners and presidential yachts to submarines and kayaks, this book lists all of the vessels on which FDR sailed and includes some never-before-published photographs.
Sailor' Malan—Freedom Fighter: The Inspirational Story of a Spitfire Ace
by Dilip Sarkar MBEAdolph Gysbert Malan was born in Wellington, South Africa. A natural leader and driven individual with a totally positive outlook, aged fourteen Malan became an officer cadet in the South African Merchant Navy, before being commissioned into the Royal Navy Reserve. Well-travelled and worldly-wise, aged twenty-five the intrepid adventurer applied for a Short Service Commission in the RAF. Universally known as ‘Sailor’ in the RAF, Malan became a fighter pilot. Shortly after war was declared, Malan was involved in the infamous ‘Battle of Barking Creek’, in which 74 Squadron mistakenly destroyed friendly Hurricanes. Then, over Dunkirk in May 1940, Malan’s exceptional ability was immediately demonstrated in combat and a string of confirmed aerial victories rapidly accumulated. The following month, Malan scored the Spitfire’s first nocturnal kill. By August 1940 he was commanding 74 Squadron, which he led with great distinction during the Battle of Britain. In March 1941, Malan was promoted and became the first Wing Commander (Flying) at Biggin Hill, leading the three-squadron-strong Spitfire wing during operations over northern France. After a break from operations, Malan went on to command a succession of fighter training units, passing on his tactical genius and experience, and producing his famous ‘Ten Rules of Air Fighting’ which are still cited today. By the war’s end, Group Captain Malan was the RAF’s tenth top-scoring fighter pilot. Leaving the RAF in 1945 and returning to South Africa, he was disgusted by Apartheid and founded the ‘Torch Commando’ of ex-servicemen against this appalling racist policy. This part of Malan’s life is equally as inspirational, in fact, as his wartime service, and actually tells us more about the man than just his RAF record. Tragically, in 1963, he died, prematurely, aged just fifty-three, of Parkinson’s. Written with the support of the Malan family, this biography is the full story of a remarkable airman and politician.
Sailor: Battle of Britain Legend: Adolph Malan (Images Of War Bks.)
by Philip KaplanI do not think that Malan could join a squadron without improving it, however good it was. Not by sword waving, but by a strength of mind and integrity that are at once recognizable and effective...he was the best pilot of the War' – Air Commodore Al Deere, C.B.E., D.S.O., D.F.C.Malan was thirty years of age during the Battle of Britain, old for a fighter pilot, but his maturity gave his leadership a firm authority. The Battle of Britain produced many airmen of great skill and accomplishment; high achievers who made their mark in one of history's most memorable and demanding campaigns. But only a few of these men distinguished themselves in such a way as to become legends in their own lifetimes. Among the greatest of these was Sailor Malan. Here is the story of this talented man, eloquently told by Philip Kaplan who manages to strike a balance between objectivity and reverence in order to commit Malan's story to paper. Featured too are a series of evocative black and white illustrations which supplement the descriptive text and work to create a real sense of the character of the man, flourishing as he did in this dramatic wartime context. As Malan continues to inspire young Aviators, this record looks set to preserve his legacy for a new generation of pilots as well as hardy Aviation enthusiasts.
Sailors Behind the Medals: Waging War at Sea, 1939–1945
by Chris BilhamTwenty-three riveting true stories of the heroic acts that earned WWII Royal Navy sailors their awards for gallantry.Includes photos. The story of the Royal Navy in the Second World War is an epic, consisting of both dramatic battles such as the River Plate and Matapan, and drawn-out campaigns such as the escort of convoys to Malta and northern Russia. Sailors Behind the Medals examines the careers of twenty-three sailors whose part in these actions resulted in the award of their medals. The author illustrates a cross-section of the wartime navy: long-service regulars, volunteers, recalled veterans of the Great War, Hostilities Only ratings. They served on nearly every kind of warship and in all the main theaters of the war, and their individual acts of gallantry under extreme conditions make for inspiring reading. Also included is an examination of the medals that were awarded for gallantry.
Sailors to the End: The Deadly Fire on the USS Forrestal and the Heroes Who Fought It
by Gregory A. Freeman“Riveting. . . . A compassionate account of a dramatic incident in modern naval history, told with cinematic immediacy and narrative skill.” —Kirkus ReviewsThe aircraft carrier USS Forrestal was preparing to launch attacks into North Vietnam when one of its jets accidentally fired a rocket into an aircraft occupied by pilot John McCain. A huge fire ensued, and McCain barely escaped before a 1,000-pound bomb on his plane exploded, causing a chain reaction with other bombs on surrounding planes. The crew struggled for days to extinguish the fires, but, in the end, the tragedy took the lives of 134 men. For thirty-five years, the terrible loss of life has been blamed on the sailors themselves, but this meticulously documented history shows that they were truly the victims and heroes.“[A] thorough, absorbing account.” —Library Journal
Saint André Bessette
by Patricia Edward JablonskiAn ordinary Brother of Holy Cross, Saint André Bessette spent most of his life answering the door for his religious community. Through his extraordinary devotion to Saint Joseph and his prayers for those in need, thousands of people were miraculously healed and helped. Inspired by God to build the Oratory of Saint Joseph, Brother André Bessette is beloved in his native Canada and beyond. Saint André Bessette was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in October 2010.
Saint Anthony of Padua
by Margaret Charles KerryThis much-loved thirteenth-century priest lived and taught in Northern Italy. Anthony committed his life to helping those who were doubtful or confused. With joyful preaching he turned many towards Jesus.
Saint Augustine's Sin
by Garry WillsAccording to Pulitzer Prize winner Garry Wills, most readers of Augustine interpret his meditation on sin in the "Confessiones" as an indication of his obsession with sex. But as Wills suggests in his discussion of book two of Augustine's influential work, sexual transgression is not Augustine's main focus as he reflects on the nature of human sinfulness. Instead, Augustine seeks to understand man's power to transgress-how it is that good creatures can choose evil deeds. He describes his own shame after participating in a minor theft as a teenager and interprets this act--and all other acts of sin--in light of the three founding sins of the Bible: the fallen angels' rebellion, the temptation of Adam, and Cain's fratricide. With a brilliant introduction and notes throughout, this is a rewarding interpretation of a seminal work translated with new vividness and authority.
Saint Augustine: A Life
by Garry WillsPulitzer Prize winner Garry Wills brings the same fresh scholarship, lively prose, and critical appreciation that characterize his well-known books on religion and American history to this outstanding biography of one of the most influential Christian philosophers. <P><P> Saint Augustine follows its subject from his youth in fourth-century Africa to his conversion and subsequent development as a theologian. It challenges the widely held misconceptions about Augustine's sexual excesses and shows how, in embracing classical philosophy, Augustine managed to enlist "pagan authors" in the defense of Christianity. The result is a biography that makes a spiritual ancestor feel like our contemporary.
Saint Bakhita of Sudan
by Susan Helen WallaceThe name "Bakhita," which means "fortunate," was sarcastically bestowed upon this young child when she was kidnapped into slavery. After being taken to Italy and put into service as a nanny, she was sent to live with the Canossian Sisters in Venice, eventually becoming part of their community. For twenty-five years, she joyously carried out humble services in the convent, including taking care of the wounded during World War I. This African saint's engrossing life story, heroic choices, and forgiving heart make her a wonderful role model!
Saint Brigid and the Cows
by Eva K. BetzThe life of Saint Brigid who lived in the sixth century, from her childhood when she lived with a teacher and began giving things to poor people. She spent her life loving animals and children, setting up convents and schools, and sharing her wisdom and love for God. Ages 6-9. Pictures are described.
Saint Catherine Laboure of the Miraculous Medal
by Joseph I. DirvinCatherine was a village girl, who as a Sister of Charity, received visions of the Blessed Virgin. What made Catherine so remarkable, was her ordinariness. During her long life as a religious sister, almost no one knew of her visions.
Saint Catherine of Siena
by Alice GurtayneSt. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) ranks as one of the greatest, most interesting, most influential and most popular saints in all of Church history. She was a twin, the 23rd of 25 children, a mystic, a stigmatic and a miracle-worker. Her penances were so great that she eventually ate no food--save Communion--and did not require sleep. Through her personal influence, thousands of people returned to the Faith. Her crowning achievement consisted of persuading Pope Gregory XI to return the Papacy to Rome, thus ending the ”Babylonian Captivity.” During much of Catherine’s brief life she labored valiantly to end the ”Great Western Schism” (two Popes), to reconcile the warring states of Italy, and to have the Church preach a crusade against the Turks. St. Catherine died at age 33, the victim of her own strenuous efforts and penances on behalf of the Church. Her 400 letters--to Popes and to religious and political leaders of high and low estate--testify to these efforts. Toward the end of her life, while in ecstasy, she dictated her famous Dialogue with God the Father, which has become one of the great spiritual treasures of the Church. For this writing and for her letters, Pope Paul VI declared her a Doctor of the Church. St. Catherine of Siena is so appealing because she literally consumed herself for the sake of souls and for the welfare of Christ’s Church.
Saint Catherine of Siena: Doctor of the Church
by Igino Giordani Thomas J. TobinAt the Second Vatican Council, the Church experienced the nearness and the activity of Saint Catherine of Siena. That encounter of the Church with the world had already come about in the fourteenth century through the extraordinary courage of a young woman of Siena. She was proclaimed a doctor of the church both because of her teaching and her determination to bring the Pope from Avignon to Rome. Catherine is a religious, but a religious who was totally involved in the politics of her world and her Church.
Saint Clare of Assisi
by Marianne Lorraine TrouvéThis noblewoman was so moved by St. Francis of Assisi's preaching that she gave up all of her worldly goods and devoted her life to Jesus. St. Clare eventually founded an order of nuns called the Poor Clares.
Saint Damien of Molokai
by Virgina Helen RichardsJoseph De Veuster was an ordinary boy growing up in Belgium, planning to take over the family farm as he grew older, until he was called to a new vocation--the life of a priest. Joseph became Father Damien and was sent as a missionary to Hawaii and, eventually, to Molokai to become a priest for those suffering from leprosy.
Saint Edith Stein
by Mary Lea Hill FSPTransforming suffering into sainthood, Edith Stein lived in the complexities of modern political situations with the simplicity of one who is confident in God's ultimate reliability. A Jewish convert to the Catholic faith, Edith became a Carmelite nun. But with the rise of the Nazis, Edith was deported to the Auschwitz concentration camp due to her Jewish heritage. This story of prejudice reveals that God's loving presence brings courage, strength, and peace.
Saint Edmund Campion: Priest and Martyr
by Evelyn WaughFor adventure, suspense, and sheer drama, Evelyn Waugh's biography of St. Edmund Campion rivals "Braveheart". And it's told with the grace and skill that won Waugh millions of fans for his "Brideshead Revisited".
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
by Mari Goering Jeanne Maria GrunwellThe Encounter the Saints series offers intermediate readers down-to-earth portrayals of the saints. Each story vividly recreates for the reader the saint's place of origin, family life, and corresponding historical events.
Saint Faustina Kowalska
by Susan Helen WallaceGrowing up in war-torn Poland, Faustina felt the calling to give her life to God as a religious sister. As Jesus' "secretary," she carried out the important mission of teaching the world to trust in the limitless mercy of God. Jesus revealed the devotion to Divine Mercy through her, and with prayers and faith, she brought this message to the whole world! Blessed with many extraordinary gifts, including visions, prophecy, and invisible stigmata, few people knew the real depths of her spirituality.
Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini
by Marylou Andes MscThe inspiring story of "Mother Cabrini," the first American citizen to be declared a saint! As a child growing up in Italy, Frances dreamt of becoming a missionary to China. But it seemed that God wanted her to go to America instead. When Pope Leo XIII told her, "Go West, not East," she knew what God's plan was for her. Mother Cabrini and her sisters set up schools, hospitals, and orphanages throughout the states--especially helping vast communities of Italian immigrants
Saint Francis (Christian Encounters)
by Robert WestThis inspiring biography explores the life and faith of Saint Francis of Assisi, the thirteenth-century Italian mystic who founded the Franciscan order.Born to a wealthy cloth merchant in Assisi, Italy, Francis didn’t seem destined for the life of prayer and poverty that he chose. But Francis took the gospel literally and followed all that Jesus said and did without limit. His devotion led to a life filled with miracles and wonders.Bankrolled by his father, and blessed with natural good looks and personality, Francis indulged in worldly pleasure as a young man. He had a ready wit, sang merrily, and delighted in fine clothes and showy display. But serious illness brought Francis to see the emptiness of his frolicking ways and led him to a life of prayer and unbridled devotion to Scripture. Francis gave over all his possessions to the poor and embraced a life of simplicity and poverty, transforming him from a self-centered youth to a man living for God and a model of complete obedience. This biography brings his incredible transformation vividly to life.