- Table View
- List View
From Warfare to Welfare: Defense Intellectuals and Urban Problems in Cold War America
by Jennifer S. LightThis study of Cold War era urban planning explores how defense technology was employed to reshape America’s cities.During the early decades of the Cold War, large-scale investments in American defense and aerospace research and development spawned a variety of problem-solving techniques, technologies, and institutions. From systems analysis to reconnaissance satellites to think tanks, these innovations soon found civilian applications in both the private and public sector. City planning and management were no exception.Jennifer Light argues that the technologies and values of the Cold War fundamentally shaped the history of postwar urban America. From Warfare to Welfare documents how American intellectuals, city leaders, and the federal government chose to attack problems in the nation’s cities by borrowing techniques and technologies first designed for military engagement with foreign enemies. Experiments in urban problem solving adapted the expertise of defense professionals to face new threats: urban chaos, blight, and social unrest. Tracing the transfer of innovations from military to city planning and management, Light reveals how a continuing source of inspiration for American city administrators lay in the nation’s preparations for war.
From Warsaw to Rome: General Anders' Exiled Polish Army in the Second World War
by Martin WilliamsIn May 1944, 40,000 Polish soldiers attacked and captured the hilltops of Monte Cassino, bringing to a close the largest, bloodiest battle fought by the western Allies in the Second World War. Days later the Allied armies marched into Rome seizing the first Axis capital.No-one in 1939 could have foreseen an entire Polish Corps engaged on the Italian Front. Most had been held prisoner in the USSR following Polands defeat and their release by Stalin was only achieved through the intense negotiations of British and Polish politicians generals, notably Sikorski and Anders,. The Polish Army was evacuated to Iran in 1942 and subsequently incorporated into the British Army as the Polish II Corps. Their ultimate postwar fate was shamefully ignored until too late.This book, which charts the extraordinary wartime story of the exiled Polish Army in the east, makes extensive use of undiscovered archive material. It reveals in depth the relations between the British and Polish General Staffs and the never ending hardships of the Polish soldiers.
From World War to Cold War: Churchill, Roosevelt, and the International History of the 1940s
by David ReynoldsThe 1940s was probably the most dramatic and decisive decade of the 20th century. This volume explores the Second World War and the origins of the Cold War from the vantage point of two of the great powers of that era, Britain and the USA, and of their wartime leaders, Churchill and Roosevelt. It also looks at their chequered relations with Stalin and at how the Grand Alliance crumbled into an undesired Cold War. But this is not simply a story of top-level diplomacy. <p><p> David Reynolds explores the social and cultural implications of the wartime Anglo-American alliance, particularly the impact of nearly three million GIs on British life, and reflects more generally on the importance of cultural issues in the study of international history. This book persistently challenges popular stereotypes - for instance on Churchill in 1940 or his Iron Curtain speech. It probes cliches such as 'the special relationship' and even 'the Second World War'. And it offers new views of the familiar, such as the Fall of France in 1940 or Franklin Roosevelt as 'the wheelchair president'. <p><p> Incisive and readable, written by a leading international historian, these essays encourage us to rethink our understanding of this momentous period in world history.
From a Dark Sky: The Story of U.S. Air Force Special Operations
by Orr KellyA fascinating history of the most secretive and unsung branch of the US military&’s Special Forces, from World War II through Desert StormVery little is known about USAF Special Operations—yet their exploits have been as daring and their achievements as remarkable as anything accomplished by their brother warriors. Since World War II, these ultra-secretive &“air commandos&” have routinely performed the near-impossible, undertaking missions that typically carry them across enemy lines. From secretly inserting covert operatives into North Korea and participating in clandestine CIA operations in Vietnam and Cambodia to providing air support for partisans in Nazi-occupied France and rescuing dozens of downed fliers trapped deep in enemy territory, these courageous airmen have done the jobs that no one else could do, often in the most technologically advanced war machinery the Air Force has at its disposal. Sometimes called &“ravens&” or &“carpetbaggers,&” the air commandos have a history that has long been buried beneath layers of official cover stories, rumors, and deceptions—until now.An expert in military affairs, Orr Kelly has already written what many believe to be the definitive history of the US Navy SEALs (Brave Men, Dark Waters). Now, he turns his attention to this unsung branch of the military&’s Special Forces, relating a true story of courage, skill, and commitment that spans decades. With uncompromising honesty, he explores both the triumphs (Project 9 in Burma) and the disasters (the failed rescue of hostages in Iran) of these incomparable heroes of the sky, who have never sought recognition or glory.
From a Dark Sky: The Story of U.S. Air Force Special Operations
by Orr KellyA fascinating history of the most secretive and unsung branch of the US military&’s Special Forces, from World War II through Desert StormVery little is known about USAF Special Operations—yet their exploits have been as daring and their achievements as remarkable as anything accomplished by their brother warriors. Since World War II, these ultra-secretive &“air commandos&” have routinely performed the near-impossible, undertaking missions that typically carry them across enemy lines. From secretly inserting covert operatives into North Korea and participating in clandestine CIA operations in Vietnam and Cambodia to providing air support for partisans in Nazi-occupied France and rescuing dozens of downed fliers trapped deep in enemy territory, these courageous airmen have done the jobs that no one else could do, often in the most technologically advanced war machinery the Air Force has at its disposal. Sometimes called &“ravens&” or &“carpetbaggers,&” the air commandos have a history that has long been buried beneath layers of official cover stories, rumors, and deceptions—until now.An expert in military affairs, Orr Kelly has already written what many believe to be the definitive history of the US Navy SEALs (Brave Men, Dark Waters). Now, he turns his attention to this unsung branch of the military&’s Special Forces, relating a true story of courage, skill, and commitment that spans decades. With uncompromising honesty, he explores both the triumphs (Project 9 in Burma) and the disasters (the failed rescue of hostages in Iran) of these incomparable heroes of the sky, who have never sought recognition or glory.
From a Sealed Room
by Rachel KadishFrom the USA Today bestselling author of The Weight of Ink, &“a tale of war and peace that moves us from Jerusalem to New York and back again&” (San Francisco Chronicle). In this affecting, perceptive novel, Rachel Kadish reflects on the ghosts of the past, the tensions of war, and the difficult bonds of family. When Maya enrolls at Hebrew University in Jerusalem shortly after the Gulf War, she hopes to leave New York and a fraught relationship with her mother behind her. In Israel, she gets to know her older cousin Tami, a housewife whose home has a room sealed against the war&’s Scud missile attacks. Like Maya, Tami feels distanced from the people closest to her—her mother, her husband, her only son. But it will ultimately be Maya&’s visits with Shifra, an elderly recluse and Holocaust survivor who lives in the apartment below her, that give Maya the courage to confront her problems and break free of the burdens of her past. Praise for Rachel Kadish and From a Sealed Room &“A gifted writer, astonishingly adept at nuance, narration, and the politics of passion.&”—Toni Morrison &“Brilliantly braids history, religion, family, and eros. I was moved . . . and very impressed.&”—Russel Banks &“An intense, ambitious story that explores the chasms between the truth and falsehood, past and present.&”—The New York Times Book Review &“What makes this book so rich and historically resonant is the skill and boldness with which Kadish weaves the intersecting stories of three women representing three generations.&”—Chicago Tribune &“A poignant and a surprisingly powerful tale.&”—The Boston Globe
From the Ashes: America Reborn (Guide to the Ashes Series)
by William W. JohnstoneBen Raines--soldier, survival expert, and freedom fighter baptized under the fire of a new rebellion--reveals, in his own words, the underlying principles of the Tri-States doctrine that has made him one of the most controversial figures in the country today. He is the hero of the "Ashes" books that have caused an outpouring of allegiance from readers and Tri-States members committed to their explosive principles. And he is a visionary with the toughness, skill, and courage to give America back to the people. Now, for the first time since the inception of his Tri-States network, bestselling author William W. Johnstone outlines the manifesto of the new nation that Ben Raines has created out of the ashes of the old. This is Ben Raines on the IRA, the IRS, racism, the justice system, welfare, the military, politicians, prison reform, capital punishment, and the government. This is Ben Raines on America.
From the Battle of Britain to the Korean War: Serving in the Women's Voluntary Service and Auxiliary Air Force, 1940–1954
by Stephen WadeIn 1941, Beryl Baxter, a dressmaker from Grimsby, signed up to do her bit in the Battle of Britain. She was to serve as a plotter as aircraftswoman in the WAAF and, upon discharge in 1949 she began life as a welfare worker for the Women's Voluntary Service. Her postings included the Korean War, Japan, Hong Kong and Iraq. Throughout these years of service she fulfilled the roles of mother, sister and girlfriend to thousands of servicemen, both conscripts and regulars. Presenting a dramatic narrative from several theaters of war, this book recalls Beryl's life, based on a large archive of letters and documents that she preserved, allowing the reader to go on these journeys to war alongside a brave and enterprising independent woman.
From the Battlefield to the Stage: The Many Lives of General John Burgoyne
by Norman S. PoserKnown today chiefly for his surrender to the American forces at Saratoga, New York, in 1777, General John Burgoyne was one of the most interesting – and extraordinary – figures of the eighteenth century.In From the Battlefield to the Stage Norman Poser provides a rounded biography, covering not only the Saratoga campaign but also elements of Burgoyne’s eventful life that have never been adequately explored. At the age of twenty-eight, Burgoyne eloped with Charlotte Stanley, the daughter of the immensely wealthy and influential Earl of Derby. Though initially furious, the earl, convinced of the young officer’s good character, eventually forgave the couple, and the Stanley family became a major influence in Burgoyne’s life and career. He was a socialite, welcome in London’s fashionable drawing rooms, a high-stakes gambler in its elite clubs, and a playwright whose social comedies were successfully performed on the London stage. As a member of Parliament for thirty years, Burgoyne supported the rule of law, fought the corruption of the East India Company, and advocated religious tolerance.From the Battlefield to the Stage paints a vivid portrait of General John Burgoyne, remembering him not only for his role in one of Britain’s worst military disasters but also as a brave, talented, humane man.
From the Channel to the Ypres Salient: The Belgian Sector 1914 -1918 (Battleground)
by Chris BakerThe sector north of Ypres is best known for the inundation of much of the ground to the east of the Yser that acted as a block to the German advance in the autumn of 1914. From that time on military activities were extremely limited. Much of this line was manned by Belgian troops, with some assistance from the French army at its southern end and of the British army on the Channel coast. The role of the Belgian army in the Great War is little known, apart from the opening months, when 'brave little Belgium' held on to its important fortified cities, notably Liege and Antwerp, for longer than German planning had anticipated. It was not until mid October 1914 that the Belgian army was forced back to the area of the Yser, when its defences were bolstered by French troops whilst Haig's I Corps came up on its southern flank. At this crucial phase of the campaign, the harsh decision was taken to open the dykes at the end of October 1914 and thereby flooding much of the low lying ground east of the Yser and so effectively halting major German offensive operations. For almost four years the Belgian army rested reasonably secure behind this sodden landscape, although certain key points were the scene of frequent, if limited, tussles. 'Free' Belgium was reduced to two significant towns that could be regarded as secure and out of the range of most German artillery - the coastal resort of La Panne (De Panne) and the much bigger settlement of Furnes (Veurne), Over these years the Belgian army was rebuilt under the dynamic leadership of the king, Albert I, and by the time of the general allied advance in September 1918, the Belgian army was able to take its place in the Advance to Victory, in an allied Army that was commanded by King Albert. Although this phase of the war is outside the scope of the book, it is important to realise that the Belgian army was a very active player in these last few months. Amongst the achievements of Belgian troops at this stage of the war was the final capture of Passchendaele. This book concerns itself with the years of defence and the reconstruction of the army behind the Yser. Relatively little of Belgium's efforts in the Great War remained, but recent years have seen action to preserve what does. Most significant of these, perhaps, is the so called Trench of Death near Diksmuide. Although always preserved, it has recently been very successfully refurbished and is now most effectively and informatively presented. Other remains from the war have also been developed so as to be more informative and the result is that touring this area provides a fascinating insight into one of the most unusual sectors of the Western Front and which is conveniently close to the much visited Ypres Salient. In this book Chris Baker brings his extensive knowledge of the Belgian army (helped by his ability to read French and Dutch) and of the Flanders region to produce a much needed insight into Belgium's army role for most of the war as the protector of the northern flank of the whole of the Allied line.
From the City, From the Plough: Imperial War Museum Wartime Classics
by Alexander BaronSpring 1944, the south coast of England. The Fifth Battalion, Wessex Regiment, wait patiently and nervously for the order to embark. There is boredom and fear, comedy and pathos as the men all drawn from different walks of life await the order to move.With an economy of language that belies its emotional impact, From the City, From the Plough is a vivid and moving account of the fate of these men as they embark for the beaches of Normandy and advance into France, where the battalion suffers devastating casualties.Based on Alexander Baron's own wartime experience, From the City, From the Plough was originally published to wide acclaim and reportedly sold over one million copies. This new edition of the 1948 classic includes a contextual introduction from IWM which sheds new light on the dramatic true events that so inspired its author.(P)2019 Headline Publishing Group Ltd
From the Cold War to the War on Terror: The Personal Story of an RAF Armourer and Engineer from Nuclear Weapons to Bomb Disposal
by Mick HaygarthA bomb-disposal expert shares stories from conflict zones ranging from the Falklands to Kosovo to Iraq.Michael Haygarth left home just before his seventeenth birthday to join the Royal Air Force as a Weapons Technician. At the time, everything seemed routine—but his thirty-eight-year career turned out to be anything but. Training with nations all over the world; fast roping out of helicopters with US Army Rangers; being driven around Basra in a beaten-up taxi wearing civilian clothes with a 9mm pistol in his waistband; convoying at speed around Baghdad with the US Army looking for unexploded bombs—all were way beyond the usual experiences of an RAF Engineer.In his early career, he was a member of a Buccaneer Nuclear Weapon Loading Team stationed in RAF Germany at the height of the Cold War. Frequently woken by sirens in the early morning hours, he’d rush to work wondering if it was yet another practice or the start of nuclear Armageddon. After further tours, and having passed his Bomb Disposal courses, he was then sent to the Falkland Islands. He also served in Kosovo as part of a huge multinational force tasked with clearing thousands of bombs and cluster munitions, as well as working with the International Crimes Tribunal to clear numerous mass graves. He was responsible for all UK Bomb Disposal operations in and around Pristina.Next came an operational tour to Iraq, where he made further use of his bomb disposal expertise. After promotion to Squadron Leader, he worked in the Ministry of Defense and then took charge of the RAF’s only Bomb Disposal Squadron as it withdrew from Iraq, and was instrumental in refocusing the squadron to carry out operations in Afghanistan alongside the Army. His final role, in what was a truly exceptional career, was in charge of the RAF’s only expeditionary Engineering Squadron as it worked through the busiest period in its history during the UK forces’ withdrawal from Afghanistan and the escalation of events in support of operations in the Baltic states and Syria. In this book, he tells his remarkable story.
From the Dardanelles to Oran: Studies of the Royal Navy in War and Peace, 1915–1914
by Arthur J. MarderThis collection of thought-provoking essays by arguably the 20th century's greatest naval historian was first published in 1974, but their continuing relevance fully justifies this reprint. It opens with a stimulating reappraisal of the naval attack on the Dardanelles, the success of which would have made the disastrous Gallipoli land campaign that followed completely unnecessary. Marder identifies a number of relatively minor issues that made a failure of what was in reality a great strategic opportunity to shorten the war. Other chapters cover what the Royal Navy did and did not learn from the Great War, and Churchill's controversial time at the Admiralty before he became Prime minister in 1940, while Marder's analysis of the inter-war Ethiopian Crisis asking whether military aggression can be countered by sanctions has powerful echoes of current political concerns. The final essay looks at one of the most contentious episodes of the Second World War, the British pre-emptive strike on the fleet of their one-time allies at Oran after the French surrender in 1940.Because Marder's view of history emphasises the human dimension over abstract forces, his work is always approachable in style and of as much interest to the layman as the professional historian. This book is no exception.
From the Don to the Dnepr: Soviet Offensive Operations, December 1942 - August 1943 (Soviet (Russian) Military Experience #Vol. 1)
by David M. GlantzThis book provides an in-depth study of the Soviet Army during the offensive operations that started with Battle of Stalingrad in December 1942 and went until Spring 1943. The lessons learned by the Soviet Army from these experiences helped design the military steamroller that decimated the German panzer divisions at Kursk in the Summer of 1943.
From the Dreadnought to Scapa Flow, Volume I: The Road to War 1904–1914 (From The Dreadnought To Scapa Flow Ser.)
by Arthur Marder“A masterpiece . . . an indispensable source on the Royal Navy’s development in the decade before the First World War.” —War in HistoryThe five volumes that constitute Arthur Marder’s From the Dreadnought to Scapa Flow represented arguably the finest contribution to the literature of naval history since Alfred Mahan. A. J. P. Taylor wrote that “his naval history has a unique fascination. To unrivalled mastery of sources he adds a gift of simple narrative . . . He is beyond praise, as he is beyond cavil.”The five volumes were subtitled The Royal Navy in the Fisher Era, 1904–1919 and they are still, despite recent major contributions from Robert Massie and Andrew Gordan, regarded by many as the definitive history of naval events leading up to and including the Great War. This first volume covers many facets of the history of the Royal Navy during the pre-war decade, including the economic and political background such as the 1906 Liberal Government hostility towards naval spending. Inevitably, however, attention moves to the German naval challenge, the arms race and the subsequent Anglo-German rivalry, and, finally, the British plans for the blockade of the German High Seas Fleet. A new introduction by Barry Gough, the distinguished Canadian maritime and naval historian, assesses the importance of Marder’s work and anchors it firmly amongst the great naval narrative histories of this era.This ebook edition will bring a truly great work to a new generation of historians and general readers.“[An] extensive and masterly classic work of the Royal Navy in the Great War. A prodigious work of scholarship.” —Scuttlebutt (Friends of the RN Museum)
From the Dreadnought to Scapa Flow, Volume II: To The Eve of Jutland 1914–1916 (From The Dreadnought To Scapa Flow Ser.)
by Arthur MarderThe five volumes that constitute Arthur Marder's From the Dreadnought to Scapa Flow represented arguably the finest contribution to the literature of naval history since Alfred Mahan. A J P Taylor wrote that 'his naval history has a unique fascination. To
From the Dreadnought to Scapa Flow, Volume III: Jutland and After May to December 1916 (From The Dreadnought To Scapa Flow Ser.)
by Arthur J. MarderVolume III in this definitive WWI naval history presents an in-depth analysis of the Battle of Jutland, with a new introduction by historian Barry Gough. Arthur Marder's five-volume history From the Dreadnought to Scapa Flow is one of the finest contributions to naval history, chronicling the dramatic conflicts of the First World War with an &“unrivalled mastery of sources&” and &“a gift of simple narrative&” (A.J.P. Taylor). The third volume presents an in-depth analysis of the clash between the German High Seas fleet and the British Grand Fleet and Battlecruiser Fleet at Jutland, as well as its immediate aftermath. Marder's intricate charting of this great battle is still recognized as the authoritative statement on these events. A new introduction by Barry Gough, the distinguished Canadian maritime and naval historian, assesses the importance of Marder's work and anchors it firmly amongst the great naval narrative histories of this era.
From the Dugouts to the Trenches: Baseball during the Great War
by Jim LeekeBaseball, like the rest of the country, changed dramatically when the United States entered World War I, and Jim Leeke brings these changes to life in From the Dugouts to the Trenches. He deftly describes how the war obliterated big league clubs and largely dismantled the Minor Leagues, as many prominent players joined the military and went overseas. By the war’s end more than 1,250 ballplayers, team owners, and sportswriters would serve, demonstrating that while the war was “over there,” it had a considerable impact on the national pastime. Leeke tells the stories of those who served, as well as organized baseball’s response, including its generosity and patriotism. He weaves into his narrative the story of African American players who were barred from the Major Leagues but who nevertheless swapped their jerseys for fatigues, as well as the stories of those who were killed in action—and by diseases or accidents—and what their deaths meant to teammates, fans, and the sport in general.From the Dugouts to the Trenches illuminates this influential and fascinating period in baseball history, as nineteen months of upheaval and turmoil changed the sport—and the world—forever.
From the Forest (Saga of Recluce #23)
by L. E. Modesitt Jr.L. E. Modesitt, Jr. continues the Saga of Recluce, the long-running, best-selling epic fantasy series. In a new story arc, From the Forest follows the early life of a man known by many names depending on who you ask—hero, tyrant, emperor.Alayiakal, who will one day be known by many names —not all of them flattering—has to climb the ranks of Cyador’s Mirror Lancers, fighting against unforeseen weapons and ancient technology.Alayiakal, however, has secrets of his own to protect: his ties to the Great Forest and his magus abilities. He must silently pretend to be a conventional soldier favored by fate—until that very same fate forces him to choose.Saga of Recluce#1 The Magic of Recluce / #2 The Towers of the Sunset / #3 The Order War / #4 The Magic Engineer / #5 The Death of Chaos / #6 Fall of Angels / #7 The Chaos Balance / #8 The White Order / #9 Colors of Chaos / #10 Magi’i of Cyador / #11 Scion of Cyador / #12 Wellspring of Chaos / #13 Ordermaster / #14 Natural Order Mage / #15 Mage-Guard of Hamor / #16 Arms-Commander / #17 Cyador’s Heirs / #18 Heritage of Cyador / #19 The Mongrel Mage / #20 Outcasts of Order / #21 The Mage-Fire War / #22 Fairhaven Rising/#23 From the ForestStory Collection: Recluce TalesOther Series by L.E. Modesitt, Jr.The Grand IllusionThe Imager PortfolioThe Corean ChroniclesThe Spellsong CycleThe Ghost BooksThe Ecolitan MatterAt the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
From the Frontline: Family Letters and Diaries: 1900 to the Falklands and Afghanistan
by Hew PikeFrom the Frontline is an extraordinary record of a familys military service over the last 100 years. Thanks to careful editing, each individual tells his story through letters and diaries which capture the military scene and reflect family ties that bind them all closely. The eight family members served in South Africa, West Africa, Korea, Aden, the Falklands and Afghanistan as well as both World Wars. One lost his life and others were wounded. Two became generals, many were decorated. Their records may span a century when warfare changed greatly. Yet the tone of the letters remains surprisingly constant reflecting confidence in their fellows, a pride in service to Crown and Country, love of family and understatement of the dangers. Being thinking men, their views on the conduct of operations is sometimes critical as are their opinions of their leaders. This collection is highly unusual and totally enthralling.
From the Grand Canal to the Dodder: Illustrious Lives
by Beatrice M. DoranThe Dublin suburbs situated between the Grand Canal and the River Dodder consist of distinct neighbourhoods, each with their own character and style. It is an area that was, and continues to be, home to poets, writers, artists, politicians and academics, all of whom, in their own way, contributed to Irish life. Those featured include: Jack B. Yeats, artist; Mother Mary Aikenhead, Founder of the Religious Order; Brendan Behan, writer and dramatist; Mary Lady Heath, aviator and international athlete; Sophie Bryant, mathematician, educationist and suffragette; James Franklin Fuller, architect and Seamus Heaney, poet. In this book, Dr Beatrice M. Doran tells of the lives of some of the most fascinating people who once lived on the leafy roads and avenues of this interesting area of the city.
From the Ground Up: Stories from the men and women who built, serviced and flew aircraft in WWII (W&N Military)
by Edward Smithies'Fascinating ... this collection illuminates corners of the wartime world ... it provides a valuable and often entertaining window' GUARDIAN'The horrors have not been suppressed. Everyone who speaks was very young then. You sense their wonder that they did the things they recall' INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAYWhen we remember the Second World War in the air, we think of fighter pilots and bomber crews. But what was it like for the men and women working as ground crew and in the aircraft factories who also played a crucial role in defeating Hitler? What was it like making history? What sense did these individuals have of what they were doing, either at the time or later? Did they feel they were caught up in the tide of great events? Or were they simply doing their demanding and often dangerous duty?Originally published as ACES, ERKS AND BACKROOM BOYS
From the Ground Up: The Story of “Brother Van”, Montana Pioneer Minister, 1848-1919
by Robert W. LindThis book, which was first published in 1961, is a biography of Rev. William Wesley Van Orsdel (1848-1919), known as “Brother Van”, a Methodist circuit rider in Montana who made a significant contribution to the spread of Methodism in Montana and the early development of the state’s public institutions. Throughout his career, Brother Van founded churches, universities, and hospitals; he converted and ministered to homesteaders, miners, and Native Americans; he worked with the elites and the poor, the famous and the forgotten in a career that spanned nearly 50 years.“To paint a word picture of the pioneer preacher and the pioneer territory which captures the real feeling which Brother Van had for Montana and which Montana had for Brother Van is almost impossible. But Bob Lind, a part of the Church which Brother Van helped to establish, has come closer than any writer to date.“Lind’s picture of Brother Van and his times is reliably accurate, though it was no easy task to detach fact from fiction in giving account of a man about whom stories grew like grass on the Montana prairie. He found in Brother Van’s life so much adventure and color that he only needed to tell the story as it was.“When you finish reading this book you will have met the best of the early frontier in the Rocky Mountain west. You will follow a man who made a pulpit for preaching the Good News out of the freighter’s or cowboy’s camp, the cabin or the ranch home, the Indian tepee, the barroom or the street corner. And you will see that to all of his congregations, formal or informal, he always gave his best in word and song.”—George A. Harper, Foreword
From the Imjin to the Hook: A National Service Gunner in the Korean War
by James JacobsThe British Armys considerable contribution to The Korean War 1950 1953 was largely composed of conscripts or national servicemen. Plucked from civilian life on a lottery basis and given a short basic training, some like Jim Jacobs volunteered for overseas duty and suddenly found themselves in the thick of a war as intensive and dangerous as anything the Second World War had had to offer.As a member of 170 Independent Mortar Battery RA from March 1951 to June 1952 Jim was in the frontline at the famous Battle of the Imjin River. By great luck, he evaded capture and death unlike so many. He returned to the UK only to volunteer again for a second tour with 120 Light Battery from March 1953 to March 1954. During this period, he was in the thick of the action at the Third Battle of the Hook during May 1953.In this gripping memoir, Jim calmly and geographically recounts his experiences and emotions from joining the Army through training, the journeys by troopship and, most importantly, on active service in the atrocious and terrifying war fighting that went on in a very foreign place.
From the Land of Shadows: War, Revolution, and the Making of the Cambodian Diaspora (Nation of Nations #14)
by Khatharya UmIn a century of mass atrocities, the Khmer Rouge regime marked Cambodia with one of the most extreme genocidal instances in human history. What emerged in the aftermath of the regime's collapse in 1979 was a nation fractured by death and dispersal. It is estimated that nearly one-fourth of the country's population perished from hard labor, disease, starvation, and executions. Another half million Cambodians fled their ancestral homeland, with over one hundred thousand finding refuge in America.From the Land of Shadows surveys the Cambodian diaspora and the struggle to understand and make meaning of this historical trauma. Drawing on more than 250 interviews with survivors across the United States as well as in France and Cambodia, Khatharya Um places these accounts in conversation with studies of comparative revolutions, totalitarianism, transnationalism, and memory works to illuminate the pathology of power as well as the impact of auto-genocide on individual and collective healing. Exploring the interstices of home and exile, forgetting and remembering, From the Land of Shadows follows the ways in which Cambodian individuals and communities seek to rebuild connections frayed by time, distance, and politics in the face of this injurious history.