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The Black Regiment Of The American Revolution
by Linda Brennan Cheryl NollThe heroism of America's first Black Regiment during the Revolutionary War is well documented by author Linda Crotta Brennan. Artist Cheryl Kirk Noll complements Brennan's text with large, colorful, detailed illustrations.
The Black Rose
by Thomas B. CostainTHE BLACK ROSE sprang out of Thomas B. Costain’s fascination for two magnificent figures of the 13th century who lived at opposite ends of the world: Bayan of the Hundred Eyes, the greatest, most colourful general of the Mongol armies, and Roger Bacon, the most famous of the early scientists. To fill in the background with authentic details, Mr. Costain read or consulted over 500 books as well as numerous documents and diaries. He even employed a Chinese scholar and a research worker who could read medieval Latin and French.But when he came to weave his tale around the real people and events, he found his characters running away with the story and turning history into high adventure and romance. The result is a superb love story bridging East and West and filled with the tang of the most sought-after spice in the Orient, the black rose.
The Black Scorpions: Serving with the 64th Fighter Squadron in World War II
by James A. Lynch Gregory Lynch Jr."This book richly details life in a fighter squadron. Readers will learn new details and gain a better understanding of the daily experience outside of the intense combat environment. It is well worth reading this contribution to World War II oral history." —The Journal of America's Military PastOn December 6, 1941, despite his objections, James Lynch was discharged from the Army for being over age in grade. After the terrible events at Pearl Harbor, James Lynch was recalled to duty. Within a month he was part of the Air Corps, involved in a secret project to send air support to help General Montgomery and the Eighth Army. He joined the nucleus of officers in charge of the 64th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group. For the next 33 months, he fought across the top of Africa and then up through Italy. The 57th Fighter Group arrived in Egypt just in time for the battle at El Alamein. How the United States was able to get the pink-winged P-40s to the battlefield baffled the Germans for many years. The Black Scorpions chased the Afrika Corps across the top of Africa, culminating in the Palm Sunday massacre where the Squadron helped shoot down 74 planes in a single engagement. For the Italian campaign, the Black Scorpions switched from P-40s to P-47s, changing from fighters to bombers and disrupting the German and Italian lines up the Italian Peninsula. Through all the battles, including a battle with an erupting Mount Vesuvius, James Lynch kept an unauthorized diary. He also collected daily intelligence reports, newspaper stories, souvenirs, pictures, and letters from home. After the war he reminisced with fellow soldiers about their experiences, and eventually felt it was time to write the story of the Black Scorpions—this book is the result.
The Black Sheep: The Definitive History of Marine Fighting Squadron 214 in World War II
by Bruce GambleWith their renowned squadron leader Greg "Pappy" Boyington, Marine Fighting Squadron (VMF) 214 was one of the best-known and most colorful combat units of World War II. The popular television series Baa Baa Black Sheep added to their legend--while obscuring the truly remarkable combat record of the Black Sheep and Boyington. A retired naval flight officer and former historian for the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, Bruce Gamble provides a highly readable account that serves to both correct and extend the record of this premier fighting force.
The Black Ship (Pen And Sword Military Classics Ser.)
by Dudley PopeA detailed account of the bloodiest mutiny in the history of the Royal Navy, from the author of the Lord Ramage novels. Dudley Pope meticulously recounts the butchering of the officers aboard His Majesty&’s Frigate Hermione in the West Indies in 1797. The captain of the frigate, Hugh Pigot, was a brutal and sadistic commander who flogged his men mercilessly and drove them beyond the limits of endurance. However, nothing could excuse the slaughter of guilty and innocent officers alike as the mutineers went wild and committed crimes beyond anything Pigot could have dreamed up. Not content with that, they then took the ship into an enemy port and gave her up to the Spanish who, unaware of the true facts for some time, nevertheless greeted them with the contempt they deserved. The Spanish took the ship into their service but, due to an amazing episode of red tape and internal wrangling, never actually got the frigate to sea. Meanwhile, the Royal Navy relentlessly hunted down the mutineers over the next ten years, and of the 33 either caught or who gave themselves up, 24 were either hanged and hung in chains upon gibbets, or transported for life… The events culminate with the daring re-capture of the Hermione under the guns of Spanish forts, with Captain Edward Hamilton leading 100 English sailors in six open boats in one of the most brilliant cutting-out expeditions in naval history.&“Hiding high drama behind harsh fact, this true tale of horror and adventure at sea will appeal to naval buffs and historians; romantically-minded landlubbers may object to its factual flavor.&” —Kirkus Reviews
The Black Shrike
by Alistair MacLeanRESEARCH SCIENTISTS needed for rocket project overseas. Top priority work, highest salaries. Box 141. * * * Eight famous scientists answered the ad. Eight left England for Australia. None arrived or were heard from again. The ninth who answered was Bentall, complete with a scientific cover and a girl named Marie, a secret agent like himself. From the moment they were kidnapped at gunpoint from their Fiji hotel, they were plunged into a fantastic plot for world domination, played out on a secret missile site on a remote Polynesian island.
The Black Soldier: 1492 to the Present
by Catherine ClintonBlack soldiers have fought and died in the Americas for centuries, an unbroken chain of warriors stretching back nearly five hundred years. Yet their contribution to our nation's history has been neglected, and the battles they've had to fight against racism and prejudice have often been as challenging as facing the enemy on the field of battle. In this exciting story of African American heroism, Catherine Clinton traces the history of the black soldier, from the first African explorers who accompanied Columbus to African Americans who took up arms in the American Revolution and the Civil War, to those who served their country from the Montana frontier to the sands of Desert Storm. Their heroic tales show that while black soldiers were once systematically ignored in the armed forces, earning little praise and often dying for a nation that granted them few rights, with each successive opportunity to prove themselves in combat and in the ranks, black men and women have risen to the occasion and distinguished themselves. Ultimately it was the sacrifices of these valiant soldiers that led to today's fully integrated armed services.
The Black Swan of Paris: A Novel
by Karen Robards“A truly outstanding novel.”—Heather Morris, #1 bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz“Emotional and powerful.”—Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Girls of ParisFrom New York Times bestselling author Karen Robards comes one of the most anticipated novels of the summer…A world at war. A beautiful young star. A mission no one expected.Paris, 1944Celebrated singer Genevieve Dumont is both a star and a smokescreen. An unwilling darling of the Nazis, the chanteuse’s position of privilege allows her to go undetected as an ally to the resistance.When her estranged mother, Lillian de Rocheford, is captured by Nazis, Genevieve knows it won’t be long before the Gestapo succeeds in torturing information out of Lillian that will derail the upcoming allied invasion. The resistance movement is tasked with silencing her by any means necessary—including assassination. But Genevieve refuses to let her mother become yet one more victim of the war. Reuniting with her long-lost sister, she must find a way to navigate the perilous cross-currents of Occupied France undetected—and in time to save Lillian’s life.For fans of The Nightingale, The Women in the Castle and The Lost Girls of Paris, this exquisite novel illuminates three women’s strength, courage and capacity for unconditional love.
The Black Swan of Paris: The heart-breaking, gripping historical thriller for fans of Heather Morris
by Karen RobardsA world at war. A beautiful young star. A mission no one expected.'A truly outstanding novel, brilliantly written, that captured me and held me in its grip from page one. The Black Swan of Paris reminds us of the power of love, hope and courage'Heather Morris, #1 bestselling author of The Tattooist of AuschwitzParis, 1944Celebrated singer Genevieve Dumont is both a star and a smokescreen. An unwilling darling of the Nazis, her position of privilege allows her to go undetected as an ally to the resistance.When her estranged mother, Lillian de Rocheford, is captured by Nazis, Genevieve is shaken. She knows it won't be long before the Gestapo succeeds in torturing information out of Lillian that will derail the upcoming allied invasion. The resistance movement is tasked with silencing her by any means necessary - including assassination.But Genevieve refuses to let her mother become yet one more victim of the war. Reuniting with her long-lost sister, she must find a way to navigate the perilous cross-currents of Occupied France undetected - and in time to save Lillian's life.For fans of Danielle Steele's The Spy, Jane Thynne's Black Roses and Heather Morris' The Tattooist of Auschwitz, this exquisite novel illuminates three women's strength, courage and capacity for unconditional love.PRAISE FOR THE BLACK SWAN OF PARIS'Emotional and powerful'Pam Jenoff, bestselling author of The Lost Girls of Paris'Beautifully written and completely absorbing. 'Noelle Salazar, bestselling author of The Flight Girls'An extraordinarily suspenseful, emotional read'Kelly Rimmer, bestselling author of The Things We Cannot SayReader Reviews:'Perfect! This novel was the first I've read by this author but I will definitely be reading more of her work. It was pacy, exciting, heart-breaking in places, with a truly believable romance sub-plot that was centred around characters I cared about.''A high octane read which is a real page turner and captures the heightened tension of the war perfectly. A brilliant read that I would recommend.''This is an excellent WWII historical fiction novel and it is for anyone that loves a good plot, suspense, and anyone that loves to read about the impressive underdog of the Resistance in France during the Occupation.'Robards paints a beautiful capture of the true Parisian Paris during WWII. Her first historical fiction should be praised for the attention to detail, emotional and action packed novel.'
The Black Swan of Paris: The heart-breaking, gripping historical thriller for fans of Heather Morris
by Karen RobardsFrom the number one New York Times bestselling author comes an historical thriller that will take your breath away.A world at war. A beautiful young star. A mission no one expected.Paris, 1944Celebrated singer Genevieve Dumont is both a star and a smokescreen. An unwilling darling of the Nazis, her position of privilege allows her to go undetected as an ally to the resistance.When her estranged mother, Lillian de Rocheford, is captured by Nazis, Genevieve is shaken. She knows it won't be long before the Gestapo succeeds in torturing information out of Lillian that will derail the upcoming allied invasion. The resistance movement is tasked with silencing her by any means necessary - including assassination.But Genevieve refuses to let her mother become yet one more victim of the war. Reuniting with her long-lost sister, she must find a way to navigate the perilous cross-currents of Occupied France undetected - and in time to save Lillian's life.For fans of Danielle Steele's The Spy, Jane Thynne's Black Roses and Heather Morris' The Tattooist of Auschwitz, this exquisite novel illuminates three women's strength, courage and capacity for unconditional love.'A truly outstanding novel, brilliantly written, that captured me and held me in its grip from page one. The Black Swan of Paris reminds us of the power of love, hope and courage'Heather Morris, #1 bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz'Emotional and powerful'Pam Jenoff, bestselling author of The Lost Girls of Paris(P)2020 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
The Black Tulip: A Novel of War in Afghanistan
by Milton BeardenSet in the treacherous mountains of Afghanistan and the equally hazardous headquarters of the CIA Operations Directorate in Washington, The Black Tulip is a fast-paced thriller, based on real events, by the legendary spy who masterminded the plot to arm Afghan freedom fighters in their holy war against the Soviets. A longtime veteran of the CIA, Bearden knows the tricks of the trade, the price of honor, the bonds of blood, and the enduring lure of retribution.
The Black Watch: A Concise History (Concise History Ser.)
by Trevor RoyleThe Black Watch was formed at Aberfeldy in Perthshire in the early eighteenth century as an independent security force, or 'watch', to guard the approaches to the lawless areas of the Scottish Highlands.Instantly recognisable due to the famous red hackle cap badge and the traditional dark blue and green government tartan kilt from which it got its name, The Black Watch was renowned as one of the great fighting regiments of the British Army and served with distinction in all major conflicts from the War of Austrian Succession onwards. In a highly controversial move, the regiment served under the operational control of the US Army during the counter-insurgency war in Iraq in December 2004.The Black Watch prided itself on being a 'family regiment', with sons following fathers into its ranks, and this new concise history reflects the strong sense of identity which was created over the centuries. In 2006, as part of a radical review of the country's defence policy, The Black Watch was amalgamated into the new Royal Regiment of Scotland. This new account of the famous regiment is therefore a timely memorial to its long and distinguished history.
The Black and Tans: The British Special Police In Ireland (History Press Ser.)
by Richard BennettA history of the infamous British temporary policemen sent to Ireland during the Irish War of Independence in the early 1920s.They could arrest and imprison anyone at any time. They murdered civilians. They wore a strange mixture of dark green tunics, khaki trousers, black belts, and odd headgear, including civilian felt hats. The Irish named them after a famous pack of wild dogs on County Limerick—The Black and Tans.Although they were only a small proportion of British forces in Ireland, they were the toughest, the wildest and the most feared. They knew nothing and they cared nothing about Ireland. They were sent there in March 1920 by Lloyd George’s coalition cabinet to make Ireland “a hell for rebels to live in.”Richard Bennett’s book is an accurate and authoritative account of an ugly and harrowing period in Anglo-Irish history—a period that the English have struggled to forget, and that the Irish cannot help but remember.
The Blackbirder (Femmes Fatales : Women Write Pulp Ser.)
by Dorothy B. HughesA suspenseful World War II–era novel from &“the world&’s finest female noir writer . . . [featuring] a resourceful spy heroine&” (Sarah Weinman, Los Angeles Review of Books). Julie Guilles has escaped to New York from Nazi-occupied France. But that doesn&’t mean she&’s safe. The German invasion put an end to her glamorous, sheltered life in Paris three years ago, and because she entered America illegally, she has to live in the shadows, a refugee without papers, never quite sure whom she can trust. When an old acquaintance is gunned down in front of her apartment building, Julie worries she could be next. To evade the NYPD, FBI, and Gestapo—basically anyone who might want to arrest, deport, or kill her—she must make her way to Santa Fe, New Mexico, in search of &“the Blackbirder.&” She&’s heard whispers about the trafficker who supposedly carries people across the southern border—for a hefty price. Julie has nothing but a smuggled diamond necklace with which to pay, and before the danger&’s over, she may once again have to take a perilous stand in the war that&’s plunged the world into chaos . . . Palpably tense from the first page, The Blackbirder is a dark, riveting tale of intrigue and espionage from an &“extraordinary&” Mystery Writers of America Grand Master (The New Yorker). &“Without question this is the best book that Dorothy Hughes has written.&” —The New York Times &“Sleek suspense . . . grand reading.&” —Kirkus Reviews &“The master.&” —Sara Paretsky, author of the V. I. Warshawski Novels
The Blackbirder: Book Two of the Brethren of the Coast
by James L. NelsonIn a blind rage, King James, ex-slave and now Marlowe's comrade in arms, slaughters the crew of a slave ship and makes himself the most wanted man in Virginia. The governor gives Marlowe a choice: Hunt James down and bring him back to hang or lose everything Marlowe has built for himself and his wife, Elizabeth.Marlowe sets out in pursuit of the ex-slave turned pirate, struggling to maintain control over his crew -- rough privateers who care only for plunder -- and following James's trail of destruction. But Marlowe is not James's only threat, as factions aboard James's own ship vie for control and betrayal stalks him to the shores of Africa.
The Blackcollar Series, Books 1-2: Blackcollar and The Backlash Mission (The Blackcollar Series)
by Timothy ZahnThe first two novels in the epic sci-fi series from the #1 New York Times–bestselling and Hugo Award–winning author of Star Wars: Thrawn. Decades after the Earth and the Terran Democratic Empire were conquered by the hostile, reptilian Ryqril, one man must find and resurrect the only fighting force that can free humanity . . . Blackcollar: Resistance member Allen Caine was preparing for the most important mission of his life—until the plan takes a turn and he ends up abandoned on the outpost planet of Plinry. His only hope to salvage the mission and buy time for TDE is to reform the legendary Blackcollars, the genetically enhanced guerilla force famed for their exploits battling the Ryqril. But if he’s going to find them, he will have to become one of them. The Backlash Mission: After completing his yearlong Blackcollar training, Caine is returning to Earth at the head of an elite squad of warriors to strike at the puppet human government collaborating with the alien Ryqril. The only problem: There is already a strong Blackcollar element on Earth—in the criminal underworld. And Caine doesn’t know if they are going to fight alongside him or against him. As with his million-copy bestselling Star Wars novels, the Blackcollar series shows once again that Timothy Zahn “is a master of tactics and puts his own edge on complex hard-SF thrillers” (Kevin J. Anderson, New York Time–bestselling author).
The Blackhorse in Vietnam: The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam and Cambodia, 1966–1972
by Donald SnedekerThis military history chronicles the combat operations of the Blackhorse Regiment, which paved the way for armored cavalry tactics in the Vietnam War. South Vietnam, September 1966. When the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment came ashore at Vung Tau, it faced a number of challenges. In addition to the threat of the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army, the terrain and weather posed their own dangers, adversely affecting the use of bulletproof vehicles and helicopters. The dearth of doctrine and tactics for the employment of armored cavalry in a counterinsurgency was equally challenging—especially during pre-deployment training and initial combat operations. But despite all this, the leaders of Blackhorse Regiment found a way to accomplish their mission. Within a year of their arrival in Vietnam, Blackhorse troopers overcame ambushes that featured anti-tank weapons, numerous landmines, and coordinated assaults. They not only defeated an enemy division twice their size, but also demonstrated how to succeed while operating on and off the roads, in the jungle, and during both the wet and dry seasons. By the spring of 1967, army leaders were beginning to realize the value of troops stationed in Vietnam. And with the Blackhorse Regiment leading the way, armor came to be considered an essential part of the combat team. Written by a Blackhorse veteran, this regiment history features firsthand accounts from soldiers who served in Vietnam and Cambodia.
The Blackout in Britain and Germany, 1939–1945
by Marc WiggamThis book is the first major study of the blackout in the Second World War. Developing a comparative history of this system of civil defense in Britain and Germany, it begins by exploring how the blackout was planned for in both countries, and how the threat of aerial bombing framed its development. It then examines how well the blackout was adhered to, paying particular regard to the tension between its military value and the difficulties it caused civilians. The book then moves on to discuss how the blackout undermined the perception of security on the home front, especially for women. The final chapter examines the impact of the blackout on industry and transport. Arguing that the blackout formed an integral part in mobilising and legitimating British and German wartime discourses of community, fairness and morality, the book explores its profound impact on both countries.
The Blackshirts’ Dictatorship: Armed Squads, Political Violence, and the Consolidation of Mussolini’s Regime (Routledge Studies in Fascism and the Far Right)
by Matteo MillanOn October 1922 Mussolini became head of the Italian government, a situation that would last for twenty years. That power was obtained was largely due to the widespread violence perpetrated by blackshirts throughout Italy (squadristi). Violence however did not end. Old and new blackshirts played a major role in making Italy a fascist country. Contrary to the claims of many scholars that have depicted blackshirts after the March on Rome only as troublemakers for Mussolini, the book shows that they played a crucial role in establishing a full and totalitarian dictatorship. Squadristi carried out processes of fascistisation, crushed opponents and convinced bystanders and dubious people, consolidating fascist power in many aspects of social, political and even intimate life. By resorting to new archives, a long chronology and a focus on individual perspectives, this book gives voice to the perpetrators of fascist violence and offers new insights into the lives of squadristi throughout the dictatorship, outlining their beliefs, outlooks and expectations. The book shows that post-1922 squadrismo was not a side effect of Fascism's twenty-year history. On the contrary, violence represents one of the essential components of any definition of Italian Fascism.
The Blacksmith's Girl: A World War I Cornish Romance
by Rosemary AitkenOn the windswept shores of Cornwall, two heartsick women find an uncommon bond in this WWI historical romance by the author of Flowers for Miss Pengelly. Cornwall, 1916. Verity Tregorran, one of the local blacksmith’s nine daughters, is finding it hard to hide her long-abiding love for Ned Chegwidden, the boy next door, now serving in the trenches of World War I. But if her parents knew of Verity’s attachment to someone outside the family’s strict Christian sect, they would be horrified. Loitering on the coastal path one evening, Verity witnesses something suspicious on the cliffs which causes her to fear the involvement of German spies. There’s only one person she can turn to: Effie Dawes, wife of the local police constable, who is now fighting overseas himself. Effie meanwhile has a tragedy of her own to face, as a scandal threatens to rock Verity’s family. But the two unlikely friends remain determined in their efforts to discover what really happened on the cliffs.
The Bleeding Wound: The Soviet War in Afghanistan and the Collapse of the Soviet System (Cold War International History Project)
by Yaacov Ro'iBy the mid-1980s, public opinion in the USSR had begun to turn against Soviet involvement in Afghanistan: the Soviet–Afghan War (1979–1989) had become a long, painful, and unwinnable conflict, one that Mikhail Gorbachev referred to as a "bleeding wound" in a 1986 speech. The eventual decision to withdraw Soviet troops from Afghanistan created a devastating ripple effect within Soviet society that, this book argues, became a major factor in the collapse of the Soviet Union. In this comprehensive survey of the effects of the war on Soviet society and politics, Yaacov Ro'i analyzes the opinions of Soviet citizens on a host of issues connected with the war and documents the systemic change that would occur when Soviet leadership took public opinion into account. The war and the difficulties that the returning veterans faced undermined the self-esteem and prestige of the Soviet armed forces and provided ample ammunition for media correspondents who sought to challenge the norms of the Soviet system. Through extensive analysis of Soviet newspapers and interviews conducted with Soviet war veterans and regular citizens in the early 1990s, Ro'i argues that the effects of the war precipitated processes that would reveal the inbuilt limitations of the Soviet body politic and contribute to the dissolution of the USSR by 1991.
The Bletchley Girls: War, secrecy, love and loss: the women of Bletchley Park tell their story
by Tessa Dunlop'Dunlop is engaging in her personal approach. Her obvious feminine empathy with the venerable ladies she spoke to gives her book an immediacy and intimacy.' Daily Mail 'An in-depth picture of life in Britain's wartime intelligence centre...The result is fascinating, and is made all the more touching by the developing friendships between Dunlop and her interviewees.' Financial Times The women of Bletchley Park have a unique story to tell. Although critical to the success of the project to break the German and Japanese codes in the Second World War, their contribution has been consistently overlooked and undervalued. Through unprecedented access to surviving veterans, this book reveals how life at 'The Park' and its outstations was far removed from the glamorous existence usually portrayed. The women speak vividly of their lives in the 1930s, why they were selected to work in Britain's most secret organisation, and the challenges of re-entry into civilian life. Forbidden to talk about their vital war work, they often found it hard to adjust to the expectations of both their immediate families and society as a whole. By spending time with these fascinating female secret-keepers who are still alive today, Tessa Dunlop captures their extraordinary journeys into an adult world of war, secrecy, love and loss. Through the voices of the women themselves, this is a portrait of life at Bletchley Park beyond the celebrated code-breakers. The Bletchley Girls is the story of the women behind Britain's ability to consistently outsmart the enemy.
The Bletchley Girls: War, secrecy, love and loss: the women of Bletchley Park tell their story (Extraordinary Lives, Extraordinary Stories of World War Two #7)
by Tessa Dunlop'Lively...in giving us the daily details of their lives in the women's own voices Dunlop does them and us a fine service' New Statesman'Dunlop is engaging in her personal approach. Her obvious feminine empathy with the venerable ladies she spoke to gives her book an immediacy and intimacy.' Daily Mail'An in-depth picture of life in Britain's wartime intelligence centre...The result is fascinating, and is made all the more touching by the developing friendships between Dunlop and her interviewees.' Financial TimesThe Bletchley Girls weaves together the lives of fifteen women who were all selected to work in Britain's most secret organisation - Bletchley Park. It is their story, told in their voices; Tessa met and talked to 15 veterans, often visiting them several times. Firm friendships were made as their epic journey unfolded on paper.The scale of female involvement in Britain during the Second World War wasn't matched in any other country. From 8 million working women just over 7000 were hand-picked to work at Bletchley Park and its outstations. There had always been girls at the Park but soon they outnumbered the men three to one.A refugee from Belgium, a Scottish debutante, a Jewish 14-year-old, and a factory worker from Northamptonshire - the Bletchley Girls confound stereotypes. But they all have one common bond, the war and their highly confidential part in it. In the middle of the night, hunched over meaningless pieces of paper, tending mind-blowing machines, sitting listening for hours on end, theirs was invariably confusing, monotonous and meticulous work, about which they could not breathe a word.By meeting and talking to these fascinating female secret-keepers who are still alive today, Tessa Dunlop captures their extraordinary journeys into an adult world of war, secrecy, love and loss. Through the voices of the women themselves, this is a portrait of life at Bletchley Park beyond the celebrated code-breakers, it's the story of the girls behind Britain's ability to consistently out-smart the enemy, and an insight into the women they have become.
The Bletchley Girls: War, secrecy, love and loss: the women of Bletchley Park tell their story (Extraordinary Lives, Extraordinary Stories of World War Two #7)
by Tessa Dunlop'Lively...in giving us the daily details of their lives in the women's own voices Dunlop does them and us a fine service' New Statesman'Dunlop is engaging in her personal approach. Her obvious feminine empathy with the venerable ladies she spoke to gives her book an immediacy and intimacy.' Daily Mail'An in-depth picture of life in Britain's wartime intelligence centre...The result is fascinating, and is made all the more touching by the developing friendships between Dunlop and her interviewees.' Financial TimesThe Bletchley Girls weaves together the lives of fifteen women who were all selected to work in Britain's most secret organisation - Bletchley Park. It is their story, told in their voices; Tessa met and talked to 15 veterans, often visiting them several times. Firm friendships were made as their epic journey unfolded on paper.The scale of female involvement in Britain during the Second World War wasn't matched in any other country. From 8 million working women just over 7000 were hand-picked to work at Bletchley Park and its outstations. There had always been girls at the Park but soon they outnumbered the men three to one.A refugee from Belgium, a Scottish debutante, a Jewish 14-year-old, and a factory worker from Northamptonshire - the Bletchley Girls confound stereotypes. But they all have one common bond, the war and their highly confidential part in it. In the middle of the night, hunched over meaningless pieces of paper, tending mind-blowing machines, sitting listening for hours on end, theirs was invariably confusing, monotonous and meticulous work, about which they could not breathe a word.By meeting and talking to these fascinating female secret-keepers who are still alive today, Tessa Dunlop captures their extraordinary journeys into an adult world of war, secrecy, love and loss. Through the voices of the women themselves, this is a portrait of life at Bletchley Park beyond the celebrated code-breakers, it's the story of the girls behind Britain's ability to consistently out-smart the enemy, and an insight into the women they have become.(P)2016 Hodder & Stoughton
The Bletchley Riddle
by Ruta Sepetys Steve SheinkinA stunning collaboration between award-winning and bestselling authors Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin, this middle grade historical adventure follows two siblings at Bletchley Park, the home of WWII codebreakers, as they try to unravel a mystery surrounding their mother&’s disappearance.Remember, you are bound by the Official Secrets Act…Summer, 1940. Nineteen-year-old Jakob Novis and his quirky younger sister Lizzie share a love of riddles and puzzles. And now they&’re living inside of one. The quarrelsome siblings find themselves amidst one of the greatest secrets of World War II—Britain&’s eccentric codebreaking factory at Bletchley Park. As Jakob joins Bletchley&’s top minds to crack the Nazi's Enigma cipher, fourteen-year-old Lizzie embarks on a mission to solve the mysterious disappearance of their mother.The Battle of Britain rages and Hitler&’s invasion creeps closer. And at the same time, baffling messages and codes arrive on their doorstep while a menacing inspector lurks outside the gates of the Bletchley mansion. Are the messages truly for them, or are they a trap? Could the riddles of Enigma and their mother's disappearance be somehow connected? Jakob and Lizzie must find a way to work together as they race to decipher clues which unravel a shocking puzzle that presents the ultimate challenge: How long must a secret be kept?