Focusing on the Burma campaign of 1942-45, this book delves into the exploits of 'Mad Mike' Calvert, a daring commander under General Orde Wingate. It highlights Calvert's pivotal role in the Chindits' operations, showcasing his bravery and tactical ingenuity in challenging conditions. The narrative captures the essence of military leadership and the unique challenges faced during the campaign, providing insights into both the historical context and the remarkable figures who shaped it.
Focusing on the pivotal role of Kwame Nkrumah in Ghana's independence and the broader African liberation movement, this book offers new insights and analyses into his life and legacy. It addresses the often oversimplified perceptions of Nkrumah, especially among younger generations, by presenting previously unpublished materials and perspectives. The author, David Rooney, draws from extensive research, including CIA documents, to highlight Nkrumah's significant contributions to political independence and his influence within the Non-Aligned Movement.
The manner of their meeting was unprecedented. During the lawless mayhem that followed the capture of Badajoz by Wellington, a 14 year old Spanish girl sought the protection of Captain Harry Smith. They fell in love and married shortly after. From then on their lives and careers were inextricably linked and Juana not only followed her able, brave and ambitious husband but built her own formidable reputation.The book describes their lives together starting with the remaining battles of the Peninsula War.Harry Smith was already a favorite of Wellington, who insisted most unusually on giving away Juana in marriage. His card was marked and his career prospered. He distinguished himself in numerous campaigns and theaters. Most particularly he was credited with the victory at Aliwali in India.It will however be the couple's achievements and legacy in South Africa that they are best associated with, after the exceptional circumstances of their first meeting. Travelers to Natal are reminded of this by the towns of Ladysmith and Harrysmith. The outlines of their lives are known to many, but the details in this carefully researched book will come as a revelation.
Introduction: Korean Air Lines Flight 007, 1983 -- Order : sundial at the Forum, Rome, 263 BCE -- Faith : Castle Clock, Diyār Bakr, 1206 -- Virtue : the hourglass of Temperance, Siena, 1338 -- Markets : stock exchange clock, Amsterdam, 1611 -- Knowledge : Samrat Yantra, Jaipur, 1732-35 -- Empires : observatory time ball, Cape Town, 1833 -- Manufacture : Gog and Magog, London, 1865 -- Morality : electric time system, Brno, 1903-6 -- Resistance : telescope driving-clock, Edinburgh, 1913 -- Identity : golden telephone handsets, London, 1935 -- War : miniature atomic clocks, Munich, 1972 -- Peace : plutonium timekeeper, Osaka, 6970.5500 650|s| |a|Clocks and watches |x|History.
"A captivating, surprising history of timekeeping and how it has shaped our world. For thousands of years, people of all cultures have made and used clocks, from the city sundials of ancient Rome to the medieval water clocks of imperial China, hourglasses fomenting revolution in the Middle Ages, the Stock Exchange clock of Amsterdam in 1611, Enlightenment observatories in India, and the high-precision clocks circling the Earth on a fleet of GPS satellites that have been launched since 1978. Clocks have helped us navigate the world and build empires, and have even taken us to the brink of destruction. Elites have used them to wield power, make money, govern citizens, and control lives-and sometimes the people have used them to fight back. Through the stories of twelve clocks, About Time brings pivotal moments from the past vividly to life. Historian and lifelong clock enthusiast David Rooney takes us from the unveiling of al-Jazari's castle clock in 1206, in present-day Turkey; to the Cape of Good Hope observatory at the southern tip of Africa, where nineteenth-century British government astronomers moved the gears of empire with a time ball and a gun; to the burial of a plutonium clock now sealed beneath a public park in Osaka, where it will keep time for 5,000 years. Rooney shows, through these artifacts, how time has been imagined, politicized, and weaponized over the centuries-and how it might bring peace. Ultimately, he writes, the technical history of horology is only the start of the story. A history of clocks is a history of civilization"-- Provided by publisher
Politics and Technologies in Twentieth-Century London
Focusing on the intricate relationship between infrastructure, politics, and societal behaviors, this book delves into the history of traffic congestion in London. It examines how congestion is generated, mitigated, and perpetuated through various case studies of traffic interventions. By challenging the notion that this issue is a recent phenomenon, it offers a comprehensive perspective on the evolution of road use and driving culture in Britain, making it a significant contribution to the existing literature on the topic.
Exploring themes of mystery and hidden truths, this book delves into the depths of human emotions and relationships. It uncovers the secrets that individuals keep, revealing how the past shapes their present. The narrative weaves through complex character dynamics, leading to unexpected revelations that challenge perceptions and ignite introspection. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into a captivating journey of discovery, ultimately questioning what is truly hidden beneath the surface of everyday life.
Exploring the tactics and impact of guerrilla warfare, this book delves into the most notorious surprise attacks throughout history. It highlights the strategic ingenuity of smaller, unconventional forces that have challenged larger armies, revealing the psychological and cultural implications of such conflicts. Through detailed accounts and analysis, readers gain insight into the evolution of guerrilla tactics and their lasting effects on warfare and society.
Revelatory biography of a legendary commander and his role in shaping post-war China
Highly successful when first published in 1997.