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Combined Operations: An Official History of Amphibious Warfare Against Hitler's Third Reich, 1940–1945
by John GrehanFrom the warmer climate of the Mediterranean to the frozen wastes of Norway’s Arctic islands, the Combined Operations organization was a persistent thorn in the side of Hitler’s Third Reich. From mounting attacks against enemy-held coastlines with small teams of less than a dozen men, through to huge expeditions involving thousands of troops and other personnel, the headquarters of Combined Operations oversaw a wide variety of amphibious operations, all undertaken with the sole aim of tying down the Führer’s forces. The raids, both big and small, were mounted as frequently as possible against anywhere boats could reach, keeping the Axis forces constantly on guard. The effects of the early Combined Operations far outweighed the resources committed to the raids, with an extra 30,000 German troops being sent to garrison Norway following the Commando raids, the largest of which included only around 500 men. The Combined Operations organization grew as the war progressed, and it was instrumental in the planning and training of troops and the provision of landing craft for the amphibious assaults which saw the capture of French North Africa, Operation Torch, and the invasion of Sicily, Operation Husky. Its culminating glory came in the summer of 1944, when the largest amphibious operation in history saw a quarter of a million men shipped across the English Channel to the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and its aftermath. Combined Operations is an official history that explores the full story of how the body was set up, its structure, and how it put together the hugely complex tri-service operations. Also detailed is how its headquarters staff operated, and how the planning section functioned – in 1942, for example, the planners envisaged one raid every month, which culminated in the disastrous Dieppe raid in August of that year. The Combined Operations organization was also instrumental in the development and provision of specialist landing craft and ships, and of the clearing of beach obstacles and mines – all of which is explored in detail. As might be expected, a large proportion of the book is dedicated to the various and fascinating projects in preparation for Operation Overlord which saw the culmination of everything that had been learned, in the successes and failures, throughout four years of amphibious warfare.
Time and the Riddle: Thirty-One Zen Stories
by Howard FastA collection of Fast&’s best short fiction, from science fiction and fantasy to philosophy and suspenseThis collection of short stories encompasses twenty years of work by Howard Fast, including some of his best-known and most treasured tales. Not merely fantasy or science fiction, these &“Zen stories&” explore the world&’s mysterious and unanswerable questions, big and small, and the results are at once bizarre, humorous, chilling, and poignant. An American general shoots down what appears to be an angel during a Vietnam War battle, a celebrated author becomes a hunted man, and a mouse is granted human thought and emotion by a group of alien beings. The thirty-one stories in Time and the Riddle showcase Fast&’s range and supreme talent as a storyteller. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Howard Fast including rare photos from the author&’s estate.
Jean-Paul Sartre: A Guide to His Philosophy
by Justus StrellerJean-Paul Sartre&’s most influential existentialist work, Being and Nothingness, broken down into its most fertile ideas In To Freedom Condemned, Sartre&’s most influential work, Being and Nothingness, is laid bare, presenting the philosopher&’s key ideas regarding existentialism. Covering the philosophers Hegel, Heidegger, and Husserl, and mulling over such topics as love, God, death, and freedom, To Freedom Condemned goes on to consider Sartre&’s treatment of the complexities around human existence.
The General Zapped an Angel: New Stories of Fantasy and Science Fiction
by Howard Fast&“The General Zapped an Angel was written for fun, and offers me a chance to smile at the absurdity of human existence. Therefore, these stories of fantasy and science fiction are among the most serious writing I have done.&” —Howard FastNearly forty years after the publication of his first story, &“The Wrath of Purple,&” in the science fiction magazine Amazing Stories, Howard Fast returned to the genre with a set of nine supremely entertaining tales. In this collection, a Vietnam general shoots down what appears to be an angel, a man sells his soul to the devil for a copy of the next day&’s Wall Street Journal, and a group of alien beings bestow a mouse with human thought and emotion. Fast, one of the bestselling authors of the twentieth century, skewers war hawks, oil speculators, and profit-at-all-costs capitalism, issues that are still relevant today. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Howard Fast including rare photos from the author&’s estate.
When Working Out Isn't Working Out: A Mind/Body Guide to Conquering Unidentified Fitness Obstacles
by Michael GerrishUncommon guidance for those who fall short of their diet and exercise goalsAlthough there's no shortage of books that offer advice about getting in shape, there are none that address the real hidden blocks that will often prevent your success. Michael Gerrish's When Working Out Isn't Working Out is a cutting-edge fitness guide, geared to supply the clues you need to reveal and move past UFOs (Unidentified Fitness Obstacles). By providing a wealth of little-known facts and self-diagnostic tests, this book helps you find the missing links in your quest to be optimally fit, including:-How family and cultural influences can affect how you view getting fit-How food and chemical allergies limit your energy, weight loss, and strength-How common disorders (SAD, ADD, depression) can often be UFOs-How your emotional history can be a barrier to improved health-How diet and exercise fallacies can keep you from reaching your goals. . .. . .And much, much more!
Children's Book-a-Day Almanac
by Anita SilveyPart fun- and information-filled almanac, part good book guide, the Children's Book-a-Day Almanac is a new way to discover a great children's book--every day of the year!This fresh, inventive reference book is a dynamic way to showcase the gems, both new and old, of children's literature. Each page features an event of the day, a children's book that relates to that event, and a list of other events that took place on that day. Always informative and often surprising, celebrate a year of literature for children with The Children's Book-a-Day Almanac.
The Silent Tower (The Windrose Chronicles #1)
by Barbara HamblyMagic and technology collide in the first book of the Windrose Chronicles by the New York Times–bestselling author and &“fabulously talented writer&” (Charlaine Harris). In a world where wizards are relegated to ghettos, it is no surprise to see one murdered in the street. But for Stonne Caris, a young warrior monk who sees the killing and gives chase to the culprit, there is nothing ordinary about seeing a murderer disappear into a black, inky portal. The Archmage sends him in search of Antryg Windrose—a half-mad mage who understands the nature of these passages between dimensions. On the other side of the Void is Joanna, a programmer as mild as Caris is deadly. She has spent her life in cubicles, staring into computer terminals, as far from heroism as she can get. But when the power that is crossing between dimensions draws her through the Void, she finds herself battling to save a world she never even knew existed. With intricate worldbuilding and complex plot twists, The Silent Tower is a compelling introduction to one of this generation&’s greatest female fantasy writers. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Barbara Hambly, including rare photos and never-before-seen documents from the author&’s personal collection.
Aliens, God, and the Bible: A Theological Speculative Study of the Bible's Alien Mysteries
by Dr. Rev. Joel Curtis GravesInsight into alien mysteries from creation to the Second ComingDiscusses an ongoing alien conflict and what will happen to humans at the end of itDelves into unsolved Bible mysteries
The Confessions of Nat Turner: A Novel (Vintage International Ser.)
by William StyronThe &“magnificent&” Pulitzer Prize–winning and #1 New York Times–bestselling novel about the preacher who led America&’s bloodiest slave revolt (The New York Times).The Confessions of Nat Turner is William Styron&’s complex and richly drawn imagining of Nat Turner, the leader of the 1831 slave rebellion in Virginia that led to the deaths of almost sixty men, women, and children. Published at the height of the civil rights movement, the novel draws upon the historical Nat Turner&’s confession to his attorney, made as he awaited execution in a Virginia jail. This powerful narrative, steeped in the brutal and tragic history of American slavery, reveals a Turner who is neither a hero nor a demon, but rather a man driven to exact vengeance for the centuries of injustice inflicted upon his people.Nat Turner is a galvanizing portrayal of the crushing institution of slavery, and Styron&’s deeply layered characterization is a stunning rendering of one man&’s violent struggle against oppression. This ebook features a new illustrated biography of William Styron, including original letters, rare photos, and never-before-seen documents from the Styron family and the Duke University Archives.
Beneath a Panamanian Moon: A Mystery
by David TerrenoireOne of the freshest thrillers in recent years is this unique blend of Stephen Hunter meets Carl HiassenWANTED: Private firm seeks former military personnel for overseas assignment. Must be proficient in firearms and explosives. Experience in special operations a plus. Successful candidate must also play piano. $1.5K/day. Compensation package includes death benefits to next of kin.John Harper is the most reluctant spy in the history of the craft. He's retired, quit, run in from the cold, traded in his gun for a Steinway baby grand, and settled comfortably into D.C., where the only dangers are jealous husbands and underdone hors d'oeuvres. But men who know how to handle Gershwin and a Glock are rare, and when a Panamanian resort hotel advertises for a piano player with lethal skills, the government sends Harper into the twisted company of American mercenaries, camera-shy Colombians, and a revolution set for New Year's Eve, when Harper is scheduled to play his farewell performance before the fireworks begin. David Terrenoire's Beneath a Panamanian Moon brings long-overdue humor to an often grim genre while crafting a razor-sharp thriller that's fast, funny, and unforgettable. John Harper will stay with you long after you've closed the book on the final, explosive scene.
The Fall of Cromwell’s Republic and the Return of the King: From Commonwealth to Stuart Monarchy, 1657–1670
by Timothy VenningThis book completes the series of studies of the 'British Revolution of the Three Kingdoms of England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland' and covers the period from the fall of the 'failed state' and Protectorate in 1657 to the restoration of the Stuart monarchy and Charles II in 1660, examines the Restoration settlement in depth and a high point in Stuart pro-French and Catholic policy - contrary to the 1660 Restoration understanding when Charles II vowed reluctance 'go on {his} travels again' and follows the Stuart Restoration and pro-French - and pro-Catholic foreign policy to 1670. Cromwell's death had signaled the end of an overarching figure who held the failing state together and began England's nascent 'great power' foreign and 'colonial' policy. It covers Richard Cromwell's emergence and as a figure far from the 'Tumbledown Dick' of popular legend. Also, the remarkable role of General George Monck as the genial military man guiding the failing and chaotic state to Restoration and stability. Monck underpinned the gentry and merchant class as the root of state and society which outlived civil wars, military dictatorship, political chaos and Stuart monarchical rule.
Michael Phelps: The Untold Story of a Champion
by Bob SchallerA revealing biography of the Olympic champion swimmer Michael Phelps that includes exclusive interviews with his family, teammates, and friends and never-before-revealed details about his life.Michael Phelps is an American sports hero, perhaps the greatest Olympic athlete the world has ever known. His unprecedented eight gold medals in the 2008 Summer Olympics have made him a superstar. But his journey to Olympic immortality is every bit as compelling as his achievements in the pool. From learning to cope with ADHD to the story of how Phelps became the greatest swimmer ever, Phelps' tale is told in full detail here for the first time. The author, Bob Schaller, has known Phelps and his coach for more than eight years, and has extensively interviewed him, along with his mother, sisters, coach, and teammates. Filled with revelations, career statistics, and insightful analysis of how Phelps achieved the seemingly impossible, this is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn the complete story behind the legend.
Bounty: HM Armed Vessel 1787 (Shipcraft Ser. #30)
by Kerry JangThe ‘ShipCraft’ series provides in-depth information about building and modifying model kits of famous warships. Previously, these have generally covered plastic and resin models of 20th century subjects but, like the previous volume on Nelson’s Victory, this is a radical departure – not only a period sailing ship but one for which kits are available in many different materials and scales. This requires some changes to the standard approach, but the main features of the series remain constant. Bounty, a merchant vessel purchased to undertake a special mission to the South Pacific, will always be remembered for the drama of the mutiny against Captain Bligh and his epic open-boat voyage that followed. The events inspired many books, and at least three major movies, and make the ship one of the most popular of all ship modelling subjects. Despite the ship’s fame, and the vast range of kits it has inspired, there are question marks over many aspects of the vessel’s fitting and, especially, how it was painted. This volume tackles these questions, reconstructing convincing color schemes for the ship both as a merchant vessel and in naval service. The modelling section reviews the strengths and weaknesses of available kits, lists commercial accessory sets for super-detailing, and provides hints on modifying and improving the basic kit, including the complexities of rigging. This is followed by an extensive photographic gallery of selected high-quality models in a variety of scales, and coverage concludes with a section on research references – books, monographs, large-scale plans and relevant websites. Following the pattern of the series, this book provides an unparalleled level of visual information – paint schemes, models, line drawings and photographs – and is simply the best reference for anyone setting out to model this imposing three-decker.
Brooklyn Secrets: An Erica Donato Mystery (Erica Donato Mysteries #3)
by Triss Stein"Brooklyn's rich history comes to life in Stein's wonderful descriptions, and Erica is an engaging tour guide."—BooklistErica Donato, Brooklyn girl, urban history grad student and single mom, is researching the 1930s when Brownsville was the home of the notorious organized criminals the newspapers called Murder Inc. She quickly learns that even in rapidly changing Brooklyn, Brownsville remains much as it was. It is still poor, it is still tough, and it still breeds fighters and gangs.Doing field research, Erica stops in at the landmark local library and meets Savanna, a young woman who is the pride of her mother and her bosses, and headed for an elite college and a future. A few days later, Savanna is found beaten and left for dead. Her anguished mother is everywhere, insisting someone knows something. After a massive, angry demonstration, a young girlfriend of Savanna's is found dead, too. Is there a connection? Did perfect Savanna have a few secrets?Erica's curious. But she's focused on the 1930s and has located a few women who are happy to share memories. Two are childhood friends who disagree on much but guard secrets, too—ones kept for a lifetime. Never one to resist looking deeper than her research requires, Erica keeps encountering an apparent derelict white man, a vengeful rejected girlfriend, the role of boxing as a way out of poverty, and fading evidence of long-ago crimes.
Breaking Point (Mcgarvey Ser.)
by David HagbergDavid Hagberg brings us another Kirk McGarvey adventure, in which the CIA director becomes entangled in the rising tensions between China and Taiwan. When a revolutionary leader is rescued from a Chinese prison, the Chinese government pushes the United States to the brink of war, and McGarvey has to make a choice with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.
The Redcoats of Wellington’s Light Division in the Peninsular War: Unpublished & Rare Memoirs of the 52nd Regiment of Foot
by Gareth Glover Robert BurnhamThe Light Division is rightly regarded as the most famous force within Wellington’s army in the Peninsular War. Often the first into every battle and the last to withdraw, the men of the Light Division were trained to act independently and think for themselves as well as operating in their battalion formations. The regiments which comprised the Light Division were present at almost every battle, large or small, throughout the Peninsular War. Many people, however, associate the Light Division with the men of the 95th Rifles, wearing in the distinctive green uniforms made famous in the Sharpe novels. What is less understood is that the majority of the Light Division actually consisted of troops dressed in the traditional red uniforms. These were men who, although equally capable of skirmishing as light infantry, actually spent the vast majority of their time formed as regular infantry, fighting in line, column or square. The 95th Rifles has literally a dozen or more memorialists including many famous ones such as Kincaid, Harry Smith, Harris, Costello, Leach, Simmons and others, who have been published and republished countless times. But the 52nd Foot – the first of the regiments of the Light Division to be trained as light infantry – has, until now, been largely unrepresented. After decades of research, Gareth Glover has unearthed a collection of short memoirs from soldiers of the 52nd (Oxfordshire) Regiment which have never been published before and one previously published, but now virtually unobtainable. This collection will undoubtedly add an essential element to our understanding of the role of the Light Division both in battle and on campaign.
Bound by Sin (The Cin Craven Novels #3)
by Jenna MaclaineAs the Civil War rages among mortal men, Cin Craven is locked in an epic battle of her own—fighting the renegade vampires whose unquenchable appetites she knows all too well. At her side are the immortal warriors of The Righteous—among them her husband, her lover, her soul-mate Michael. With a passion bordering on possession, Cin's love for Michael knows no bounds. But when a ruthless plantation owner kidnaps Cin's cousin, the most terrifying battle of all awaits. Cin is drawn to the irresistible lure of dark magic to stop their enemies, while Michael staunchly opposes it—putting their love and loyalty to the ultimate test.RT Book Reviews raves that Jenna Maclaine's Bound by Sin drops "more hints about a dangerous future ... ensuring that readers will want to stick around for the whole ride."
Double Eagle (Alan Saxon Mysteries #2)
by Keith MilesAlan Saxon, pro golfer and amateur sleuth, has hit rock bottom. After a disastrous season on the golf circuit, he is hounded by his bank, harassed by his ex-wife and on the verge of losing his current girlfriend. So, when his friend and fellow pro golfer, Zuke Everett, invites him to trade another dreary English winter for a tournament at the posh new Golden Haze Golf Club in sunny California, he leaps at the chance.However, Saxon soon finds himself enmeshed in a tenacious web of violence and intrigue as he attempts to find his friend's killer and free himself from suspicion. Beatings, betrayal and police badgering are par for this, the most treacherous course of Saxon's life.Double Eagle, Miles' second Saxon mystery, with its clever plotting, humor and breathless suspense, will delight readers—whether they golf or not.
Cloudland: A Crime Novel
by Joseph OlshanA stunning literary thriller set in rural Vermont from the much praised author of Nightswimmer and Clara's HeartOnce a major reporter for a national newspaper, Catherine Winslow has retreated to the Upper Valley of Vermont to write a household hints column. While out walking during an early spring thaw, Catherine discovers the body of a woman leaning against an apple tree near her house. From the corpse's pink parka, Winslow recognizes her as the latest victim of a serial killer, a woman reported missing weeks before during a blizzard. When her neighbor, a forensic psychiatrist, is pulled into the investigation, Catherine begins to discover some unexpected connections to the serial murders. One is that the murders might be based on a rare unfinished Wilkie Collins novel that is missing from her personal library. The other is her much younger lover from her failed affair has unexpectedly resurfaced and is trying to maneuver his way back into her affections.Elegant, haunting and profoundly gripping, Cloudland is an ingenious psychological trap baited with murder, deception and the intricacies of desire.
Italian Heavy Cruisers: From Trento to Bolzano
by Maurizio Brescia Augusto de ToroA technical history of seven Italian heavy cruisers: Trento, Trieste, Bolzano, Zara, Fiume, Gorizia, Pola—a perfect companion volume to Italian Battleships.When the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922 effectively banned the building of battleships, competition between the major navies concentrated on the next most powerful category, heavy cruisers limited to ten thousand tons displacement and eight-inch guns. Italy followed this trend, the first design for what became Trento and Trieste being ordered in 1924. These were the fastest of the first generation ‘Treaty’ cruisers but were very lightly armored, and the succeeding Zara class of four ships were slower but better protected. However, before the final ship of this class (Pola) had been completed, there was a return to the earlier fast, lightly protected concept with the Bolzano, although this ship also incorporated aspects of the Zara design. The political background, design history and technical features of these classes are covered in great depth in this volume. They were important ships, subject to incremental improvement so no two were identical, and model makers will appreciate the space devoted to the variations in appearance, using both description and illustration. As major units of the Italian battle fleet, they were more active than most during the war and their careers are fully detailed, including analyses of damage suffered. Tragically, they were all sunk, and the circumstance of each loss is explored. As befits a technical history, the book is thoroughly illustrated with ship and armament plans, detail drawings and color camouflage schemes, as well as an outstanding collection of photographs.
The Ultimate Guide to Transfer Artist Paper: Explore 15 New Projects for Crafters, Quilters, Mixed Media & Fine Artists
by Lesley RileyTAP into your creativity! Get inspired with the ultimate guide to Lesley Riley’s best-selling TAP Transfer Artist Paper! Create innovative projects by transferring photos and art onto your surface of choice. Learn the artful process of transferring onto fabric, paper, canvas, wood, metal, mica, glass, Lutradur, kraft•tex, cork, leather, encaustic, and polymer clay—as well as how to paint, draw, color, and layer on TAP. There’s no end to the mixed-media crafts you can create! TAP is a premium-quality paper that makes for excellent gifts, mementos, decoration, and more. Don’t miss out on all the fun: start TAP’ing into the endless craft possibilities! Discover techniques and valuable tips and tricks for transferring photos and art onto a variety of surfaces Includes 15 original TAP projects to help crafters think outside the box New and improved TAP formula is easy to use and printer-friendly with crisp and colorfast results
Jitter Joint: A Novel Of Suspense
by Howard SwindleIn Jitter Joint, award-winning journalist Howard Swindle delivers Jeb Quinlin, a Dallas homicide detective combating crime-and his own personal demons."The weak and pitiful shall perish..."Jeb Quinlin has been issued an ultimatum by his boss and his wife: dry out or get out. So he hits his favorite bar for a last fifth of Wild Turkey and reluctantly enters detox. Once inside, Jeb is forced to confront his years of alcoholism with the help of Librium, hard-core therapy, and AA meetings. But someone is taking the words of the Big Book too far, as rehab patients begin to die mysteriously, each tagged with one of AA's Twelve Steps. Now Jeb is on a sobering hunt for the Twelve-Step killer, a twisted psychopath who's taking the battle with the bottle to horrifying new heights...
Feeding the Nation in World War II: Rationing, Digging for Victory & Unusual Food
by Craig ArmstrongOne of the main dangers to Britain during the Second World War was the possibility of the country being starved out of the war. Indeed, it was what Churchill feared the most. Before the war, Britain was hugely dependent upon foreign imports of food and supplies, but with unrestricted submarine warfare these lifelines were in danger of being cut and the amount of imports hugely reduced. Britain was not unprepared. Lessons had been learned during the First World War, when people had been encouraged to grow more of their own food. The Ministry of Food, in particular, had detailed plans in the event of a future war and the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign rightly went down in history as one of the great successes of the British Home Front. For the farmers of Britain the war meant a massive upheaval, as the government ordered them to plough up millions of acres of land to grow valuable arable crops. Meanwhile, with rationing a daily and inescapable part of life, the people of Britain had to get used to different foodstuffs, including powdered egg, Spam and even whale meat. Incredibly, the diets of many British people actually improved during the war and the fact that the country avoided starvation demonstrated not only the success of government planning, but also the determination and ingenuity of the wartime generation.
The St. Louis Anthology (Belt City Anthologies)
by Ryan Schuessler&“A dazzling portrait of a Midwestern city whose relationships among socio-economics, religion, civil rights, and class are consistently complex&” (Kirkus). St. Louis is a fragmented place. It&’s physically dissected by rivers, highways, walls, and fences, but it&’s also a place where one&’s race, class, religion, and zip code may as well be cards in a rigged poker game, where the losers face a dramatically shorter life expectancy. But despite these many divisions, St. Louis can also be a city of warmth, love, and beauty―especially in its contrasts. This collection features nearly seventy essays penned by St. Louis writers, journalists, clerics, poets, and activists including Aisha Sultan, Galen Gritts, Vivian Gibson, Maja Sadikovic, Nartana Premachandra, Sophia Benoit, Robert Langellier, Samuel Autman, Umar Lee, and more. Here you&’ll learn about: The rent strike of 1969 Religious life in Pruitt-Igoe public housing Protest art in Ferguson Segregation in the Vandeventer neighborhood A church closing in Kinloch And much more.
The Absconded Ambassador: Genrenauts Episode 2 (Genrenauts #2)
by Michael R. UnderwoodLast Week, She Was Working Open Mics. Now She’s Headed to Outer Space.Rookie Genrenaut Leah Tang gets her first taste of space flight when the team scrambles to fix a story breach in Science Fiction World, the domain of starships, weird aliens, and galactic intrigue.On the space station Ahura-3, Ambassador Kaylin Reed is on the verge of securing a peace treaty to guarantee the end of hostilities between some of the galaxy's most ferocious races. When Ambassador Reed is kidnapped the morning before the signing, it throws the station into chaos. So now it’s up to Leah and her team to save the day and put the story to rights. At any cost.The second episode of Genrenauts, a science fiction series in novellas. If you like Leverage, Redshirts, or Quantum Leap, check out Genrenauts for a brand-new adventure."If you like the TV show Leverage or the books of Jasper Fforde, Genrenauts is absolutely the series for you. Exploring genre tropes while saving the world has never been more fun." — Between the CoversAt the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.