Alan Ogden Boeken

The little known exploits of seventeen courageous SpecialOperations Executive [SOE] officers in Italy during WW2are vividly recounted by Alan Ogden in this inspiring newstudy of SOE and the Italian Resistance. Through theirgallantry, ingenuity and determination, a small handfulof SOE missions were able to arm and inspire thousands ofItalians to fight the occupying German army from 1943onwards and in the process give invaluable support to theadvancing Allied armies as they pushed north towardsAustria. The author has been in contact with many of thefamilies of these SOE heroes and has had access tohitherto unpublished letters, photographs and diaries.The picture that emerges is one of a heroic struggle notonly against a ruthless and experienced enemy but alsoagainst the elements, hunger and harsh landscapes of theItalian Alps and Apennine Mountains. These seventeenextraordinary stories of individual SOE officersillustrate the many and varied tasks of SOE missionsthroughout the different regions of Italy from 1943-45and thus provide a fascinating collage of the history ofSOE during the prolonged and difficult Italian campaign.

Focusing on the Saxon settlers in Transylvania, the book highlights their architectural legacy through the impressive fortress churches of the Seibenburgen. It offers a detailed introduction to the region's history and architecture, followed by a captivating photographic journey around key areas like Sibiu and Sighisoara. The author's black and white images evoke the solemnity of these historic structures, many of which face neglect today. This work serves as a valuable resource for descendants of Transylvania Saxons, tourists, and those interested in Romanian history.

The Oxus in Afghanistan's High Pamir is one of the greatest rivers of the world, and also one of the least known. Running through the core of Central Asia, it is unusual in a myriad of ways—the most surprising of which is that it never reaches the sea. Through the centuries, the majestic Oxus has been the source of legends. For explorers and travelers in Central Asia, the Oxus provided an enduring mystery—where exactly was its source? In 2008 Bill Colegrave and two colleagues set out to find the true source and settle the argument for once and all. No easy task, but they succeeded. This is a vivid account of this quest, and also tells of the author's previous precarious visits to one of the most unstable regions of the world. Bill Colegrave brings to life an extraordinary cast of characters—including those Victorian adventurers, soldiers, and statesmen who traveled before him, as well as his fellow explorers and guides on his own extraordinary adventure.

This is the definitive story of the journeys made by English travelers to Romania between 1602 and 1941. Alan Ogden interweaves the impressions of previous generations into the witty account of his own journeys made in the summer and winter of 1998, providing readers with a comprehensive and perspicacious review of today's Romania.

Master of Deception is a biography of Peter Fleming, elder brother of Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond. Peter Fleming worked as a travel writer and journalist, serving with distinction throughout World War II and played a crucial role in British intelligence operations in the Far East. This biography ranges from the personal life of Fleming such as his marriage to Celia Johnson, a famous actor of the time, to his extensive military intelligence career which took him from Norway and Greece to the Far East. Framed through the life of Peter Fleming this book offers an in-depth study of British intelligence operations in the Far East during World War II.

The monasteries and painted churches of Moldavia stand today as a testament to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the Romanian people. These monuments, unique in the world, reflect a cultural legacy inherited from Byzantium and the Roman Empire. After the fall of Byzantium and the expansion of Ottoman rule throughout the Balkan Peninsula, the Romanian principalities became the most important depository of the Byzantine heritage. It was here that this tradition was preserved, creating the historical phenomenon that the great Romanian historian Nicolae Iorga would refer to as “Byzantium after Byzantium.” The monasteries and painted churches of Northern Moldavia stand today as true Revelations of Byzantium . This full-color album is written and photographed by Alan Ogden, the author of Romania Revisited and Fortresses of Faith . The author provides a comprehensive introduction discussing the art and architecture before presenting each church separately in words and pictures to reveal its unique history and artistic beauty. Also included is an introduction to the history of Moldavia and Romanian lands during the Middle Ages by Kurt W. Treptow, a noted specialist on Romanian history, and original illustrations by renowned artist, Octavian Ion Penda.

The narrative highlights the bravery of individuals involved in SOE missions within Nazi-allied countries, showcasing their resilience against daunting challenges. Despite the high casualty rates among SOE personnel, their operations significantly disrupted German strategies and questioned the loyalty of its allies, leaving a lasting impact on the war effort.

Set against the backdrop of a high ledge, the narrative unfolds as Johnny contemplates suicide while engaging in conversations with a diverse cast, including a policeman, a priest, his mother, and girlfriend Eileen. These interactions reveal the characters' varying degrees of hypocrisy and callousness, offering a satirical exploration of human behavior. The play combines humor with keen observation, highlighting the complexities of relationships and societal attitudes towards mental health.

Revealing new insight into Paddy Leigh Fermor's many Romanian journeys.

Celebrates the magnificent architectural legacy of the German fortress- churches of Transylvania.