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The Flu Pandemic of 1918-1919: A Political and Cultural Approach from a COVID World (Routledge Studies in Modern History)
By Maximiliano Fuentes Codera. 2024
Within the framework of a global political and sanitarian crisis that broke out in March 2020, this book proposes a…
new contemporary look at the great pandemic of the 20th century, the Spanish flu of 1918-1919. Based on its impact in Spain, the book offers a comparative and transatlantic perspective focused on the political and cultural impact of the pandemic in Europe and Latin America. The book focuses on three aspects: the overwhelming presence of influenza between 1918 and 1920, its oblivion and its political and cultural traces in the interwar decades and even more, and its reappearance in the face of the COVID-19. These three aspects are interconnected through a comparative analysis of the crisis of liberalism and democracy of the 1920s and 1930s and the current populist wave that is affecting the world. As such, this book is of great value to those interested in social and medical history across Europe and Latin America through offering a fresh outlook on the effects of the pandemic of the 20th century in the wake of the COVID pandemic that swept across the world.Exploring Ireland’s Viking-Age Towns discusses the emergence of towns, urban lifestyles, and urban identities in Ireland. This coincides with the arrival of…
the Vikings and the appearance of the post-and-wattle Type 1 house. These houses reflect this crucial transition to urban living with its attendant changes for individuals, households, and society. Exploring Ireland’s Viking-Age Towns uses household archaeology as a lens to explore the materiality, variability, and day-to-day experiences of living in these houses. It moves from the intimate scale of individual households to the larger scale of Ireland’s earliest urban communities. For the first time, this book considers how these houses were more than just buildings: they were homes, important places where people lived, worked, and died. These new towns were busy places with a multitude of people, ideas, and things. This book uses the mass of archaeological data to undertake comparative analyses of houses and properties, artefact distribution patterns, and access analysis studies to interrogate some 500 Viking-Age urban houses. This analysis is structured in three parts: an investigation of the houses, the households, and the town. Exploring Ireland’s Viking-Age Towns discusses how these new urban households managed their homes to create a sense of place and belonging in these new environments and allow themselves to develop a new, urban identity. This book is suited to advanced students and specialists of the Viking Age in Ireland, but archaeologists and historians of the early medieval and Viking worlds will find much of interest here. It will also appeal to readers with interests in the archaeology of house and home, households, identities, and urban studies.The Forts & Fortifications of Europe 1815-1945: Germany, Austria-Hungry and Czechoslovakia
By H. W. Kaufmann, J. E. Kaufmann. 1914
&“Extremely well written and presented and gives you every scrap of information you&’ll ever need on cupolas, embrasures and cloches.&”—War…
History Online After the Napoleonic Wars, the borders of Central Europe were redrawn and relative peace endured across the region, but the volatile politics of the late nineteenth century generated an atmosphere of fear and distrust, and it gave rise to a new era of fortress building, and this is the subject of this highly illustrated new study. The authors describe how defensive lines and structures on a massive scale were constructed along national frontiers to deter aggression. The Germans, Austro-Hungarians and Czechs all embarked on ambitious building programs. Artillery positions, barbed-wire networks, casemates, concrete bunkers, trench lines, observation posts all sprang up in a vain attempt to keep the peace and to delay the invader. The strategic thinking that gave rise to these defensive schemes is described in detail in this study, as is the planning, design and construction of the lines themselves. Their operational history in wartime, in particular during the Second World War, is a key element of the account. &“A useful introduction for those wishing to develop a knowledge of fortifications and their impact on the conduct of war.&”—Firetrench &“The maps and plans, especially the plans, are numerous and extremely helpful. They show the arrangement of fortifications in a way that simple text would have found impossible. For those with an interest in European land fortifications of the 19th and 20th centuries, this book is an excellent general survey.&”—The Coast Defense JournalThe First Day on the Somme: Revised Edition
By Martin Middlebrook. 2016
A history of the British Army&’s experience at the Battle of the Somme in France during World War I. After…
an immense but useless bombardment, at 7:30 AM on July 1, 1916, the British Army went over the top and attacked the German trenches. It was the first day of the battle of the Somme, and on that day, the British suffered nearly 60,000 casualties, two for every yard of their front. With more than fifty times the daily losses at El Alamein and fifteen times the British casualties on D-day, July 1, 1916, was the blackest day in the history of the British Army. But, more than that, as Lloyd George recognized, it was a watershed in the history of the First World War. The Army that attacked on that day was the volunteer Army that had answered Kitchener&’s call. It had gone into action confident of a decisive victory. But by sunset on the first day on the Somme, no one could any longer think of a war that might be won. Martin Middlebrook&’s research has covered not just official and regimental histories and tours of the battlefields, but interviews with hundreds of survivors, both British and German. As to the action itself, he conveys the overall strategic view and the terrifying reality that it was for front-line soldiers.Revised in 2016 from the 1971 original edition.Praise for The First Day on the Somme&“The remembrance of those lives, difficult as it may be, will start in earnest now, with this wonderful book. It&’s almost like being there yourself... enough said.&”—Books Monthly (UK)The Kaiser's Battle
By Martin Middlebrook. 2007
The author of The First Day on the Somme details what it was like during the 1918 Spring Offensive during…
World War I, which led to Germany&’s defeat. At 9:30 AM on March 21, 1918, the last great battle of the First World War commenced when three German armies struck a massive blow against the weak divisions of the British Third and Fifth Armies. It was the first day of what the Germans called the Kaiserschlacht (the Kaiser&’s Battle), the series of attacks that were intended to break the deadlock on the Western Front, knock the British Army out of the war, and finally bring victory to Germany… In the event, the cost of the gamble was so heavy that once the assault faltered, it remained for the Allies to push the exhausted German armies back and the war was at last over.Praise for The Kaiser&’s Battle&“The clever blending of written and oral accounts from some 650 surviving British and German soldiers makes the book an extremely convincing reconstruction.&” —The Sunday Times (UK)&“Mr. Middlebrook&’s industry and patience are displayed in his amazing collection of eyewitness accounts, the compassion in his commentary, the good sense in his analysis.&” —Daily Telegraphy (UK)Berlin Blockade: Soviet Chokehold and the Great Allied Airlift 1948-1949 (Cold War, 1945–1991)
By Gerry Van Tonder. 2017
When the world held its breath It is 25 years since the end of the Cold War, now a generation…
old. It began over 75 years ago, in 1944long before the last shots of the Second World War had echoed across the wastelands of Eastern Europewith the brutal Greek Civil War. The battle lines are no longer drawn, but they linger on, unwittingly or not, in conflict zones such as Iraq, Somalia and Ukraine. In an era of mass-produced AK-47s and ICBMs, one such flashpoint was Berlin.Allied agreements entered into at Teheran, Yalta and Potsdam for the carving up of postwar Berlin now meant nothing to the Soviet conquerors. Their victory had cost millions of Russian lives troops and civilians so the hammer and sickle hoisted atop the Reichstag was more a claim to ownership than success. Moscows agenda was clear and simple: the Western Allies had to leave Berlin. The blockade ensued as the Soviets orchestrated a determined program of harassment, intimidation, flexing of muscle, and Socialist propaganda to force the Allies out. Truman had already used the atomic bomb: Britain and America would not be cowed. Historys largest airborne relief program was introduced to save the beleaguered city. In a war of attrition, diplomatic bluff and backstabbing, and mobilizing of forces, the West braced itself for a third world war.One Leg: The Life and Letters of Henry Wiliiam Paget, First Marquess of Anglesey, K.G. 1768–1854
By The Marquess of Anglesey. 1996
Letters and unpublished material contribute to this dramatic, humorous, and romantic biography of the heroic nobleman written by his descendant.…
Henry William Paget, first Marquess of Anglesey, was born more than twenty years before the French Revolution. Like his famous contemporary the Duke of Wellington, he became a legend during his lifetime. As a youth he was in one scrape after another; in his forties he figured in a celebrated elopement and duel which caused much scandal; but he is best known for his greatness as a cavalry leader. His brilliant timing of the charge of his &“heavies&” at Waterloo averted disaster in the first crisis of that battle. Having lost a leg by one of the last shots fired on that sanguinary day, he was later known as One-Leg Paget. Anglesey was twice lord-Lieutenant of Ireland. He was still in high office two years before his death at the age of sixty-five. Among the famous figures prominent in this absorbing story are the Prince Regent, Queen Victoria, Sir John Moore, Lord Melbourne, Daniel O&’Connell and, of course, the &“Iron Duke,&” with whom Anglesey was often at odds but of whom in old age he became a very close friend.The Rhodesian War: A Military History (Stackpole Military History Ser.)
By Paul Moorcraft, Peter McLaughlin. 2010
A military history of the former British colony of Southern Rhodesia—now Zimbabwe—spanning from 1890 to the 1970s. In this exciting…
book, authors Paul Moorcroft and Peter McLaughlin examine the military history of Southern Rhodesia, from the first resistance to colonial rule through the period of UDI by the Smith government to the Lancaster House agreement that transferred power. They recount the Rhodesian security forces&’ operations against the Black nationalist guerillas, and the intensity of the fighting and courage of the participants will surprise and enthrall readers. Atrocities were committed by both sides, but equally the protagonists were playing for very high stakes. But this is more than just a book on military operations. The authors provide expert analysis of the historical situation and examine events up to the present day, including Mugabe&’s operations against rival tribes and white farmers. For a thorough work on its subject, this book cannot be bettered. It is essential reading for those wishing to learn more about a counter-insurgency campaign. The ingenuity of the Rhodesian military fighting against overwhelming odds and restricted by sanctions is impressive, but the outcome culminating in the Lancaster House Agreement was inevitable.Praise for The Rhodesian War&“An outstanding exception to most accounts of the Rhodesian civil war . . . achieved impressive objectivity in concentrating on operational issues.&” —Anthony Verrier, author of The Road to Zimbabwe&“The book is full of intrigue and plots. South African intelligence wanted to assassinate Mugabe, but there might also have been plans afoot to kill of Britain&’s Prince Charles during his visit to Harare.&” —Heidi Kingstone, The Star (South Africa)The Zeppelin Offensive: A German Perspective in Pictures and Postcards
By David Marks. 2019
Airship propaganda that&’s &“a visual treat . . . it will appeal to all those interested in how artwork was harnessed to…
convey information in time of war&” (Firetrench). Books on the Zeppelin raids during the First World War have, traditionally, focused on the direct impact of Britain, from the devastating effects on undefended towns and cities, the psychological impact of this first weapon of total war to the technological and strategic advances that eventually defeated the &“Baby Killers.&” Now, drawing on the largest postcard collection of its kind and other period memorabilia, David Marks tells the story of the Zeppelin during the First World War from a viewpoint that has rarely been considered: Germany itself. From its maiden flight in July 1900, the Zeppelin evolved into a symbol of technology and national pride that, once war was declared, was at the forefront of German&’s propaganda campaign. The Zeppelin links the rampant xenophobia at the outbreak of the conflict against England (it almost never was called Britain), France, Russia and their allies to the political doctrines of the day. The postcards that profusely illustrate this book show the wide-ranging types of propaganda from strident Teutonic imagery, myths and legends, biting satire and a surprising amount of humor. This book is a unique contribution to our understanding of the place of the Zeppelin in Germany&’s culture and society during the First World War. &“Well-recommended for its unique visual and psychological insights.&” —Over the Front &“Perfectly conveys the early optimism of the Zeppelin as both a symbol of national prestige and the weapon which would win the War.&” —Donna&’s Book BlogA New Excalibur: The Development of the Tank 1909–1939
By A. J. Smithers. 1972
The story of the inventors, engineers, soldiers, and politicians behind the emergence of the armored fighting vehicle. The birth…
and infancy of the tank had an enormous number of technical problems to be solved—but the issues with its construction paled in comparison to the endless squabbles among the people involved. This fascinating study of the vehicle which was born out of the stalemate of the Western Front in the First World War looks at all the obstacles that had to be overcome. As is inevitable in almost any work of history set in the first half of the century, the figure of Winston Churchill looms large—but the role that he played in this instance is remarkable even by his standard, when it is remembered that at the crucial time he was First Lord of the Admiralty and theoretically had nothing to do with warfare on land. Foremost among the leading actors in the drama are Sir Eustace Tennyson-d&’Eyncourt, Sir Ernest Swinton, Bertie Stern, Sir William Tritton, and Walter Gordon Wilson. This is the first exhaustive study of the men behind the earliest tanks. The story of their furious quarrels and the machines they produced combine to make a remarkable and compelling study.Jutland: The Naval Staff Appreciation
By William Schleihauf. 2016
The legendary hidden report on the Royal Navy&’s failures at the WWI Battle of Jutland is revealed for the first…
time in this transcribed edition. Jutland, the largest naval battle of the First World War, was the most controversial engagement in the Royal Navy&’s history. Falling well short of the total victory expected by the public, it sparked fierce debate among senior naval officers, many of whom had been directly involved in the battle. The first attempt to produce an objective record was delayed and heavily censored. That report was followed by a no-holds-barred critique of the fleet&’s performance intended for training purposes at the Naval Staff College. This became the now-infamous Naval Staff Appreciation, which was deemed too damaging to be published. All proof copies were ordered destroyed. Despite the orders, however, a few copies survived. Now this long-suppressed work is finally revealed in this edition featuring expert modern commentary and explanatory notes.“McKay’s artful renderings provide a fitting tribute to this amazing vessel and those who participated in her planning and construction.”…
—Pirates and PrivateersSovereign of the Seas was the most spectacular, extravagant and controversial warship of the early seventeenth century. The ultimate royal prestige project, whose armament was increased by the King’s decree to the unheard-of figure of 100 guns, the ship finally cost the equivalent of ten more conventional warships. A significant proportion of this total was spent on her gilded decoration, which gave the ship a unique combination of firepower and visual impact in battle that led her Dutch opponents to dub her the “Golden Devil.” It is unsurprising that such a high-profile ship should be well-documented, but there are no contemporary plans and much of the visual evidence is contradictory. In this book, John McKay sets out to analyze the data and reconstruct the design and appearance of the ship in a degree of detail never previously attempted. The results are presented as a folio of superbly drafted plans, isometric drawings and colored renderings, covering every aspect of the design from the hull form to the minutiae of sails and rigging. Each section is accompanied by an explanatory text, setting out the rationale for his conclusions, so the book will be of value to historians of the period as well as providing superb reference for any modeler tackling of one of the most popular of all sailing ship subjects.“A magnificent book on a magnificent ship.” —Nautical Research Journal“Very few books of warships contain the level of detail provided here.” —FiretrenchCold War Command: The Dramatic Story of a Nuclear Submariner
By Richard Woodman, Dan Conley. 2014
A British nuclear submariner sheds critical light on the Royal Navy&’s Cold War operations in this revealing military memoir. The…
role played by the Royal Navy's submarines throughout the Cold War remains largely shrouded in secrecy. In Cold War Command, Captain Dan Conley, RN (Ret.), offers an insider&’s look at commanding nuclear hunter-killer submarines. As captain of the HMS Courageous and HMS Valiant, Conley was tasked with covertly following Soviet submarines in order to destroy them should there be any outbreak of hostilities. Conley recounts his early career in diesel submarines, as well as his exceptional success against the Soviet Navy at the height of the Cold War. He was involved in the initial deployment of the Trident nuclear weapon system and divulges previously unknown facets of nuclear weapons strategy and policy during this period. He also describes the Royal Navy's shortcomings in ship and weapons procurement, assessing how these failures led to the effective bankrupting of the Defense budget as it entered the 21st century.Neville Chamberlain's Legacy: Hitler, Munich and the Path to War
By Nicholas Milton. 2019
A biography reassessing the man whose name became a synonym for appeasement: &“An important read for anyone with an interest…
in the prelude to World War II.&” —The NYMAS Review Neville Chamberlain has gone down in history as the architect of appeasement, the prime minister who by sacrificing Czechoslovakia at Munich in September 1938 put Britain on an inevitable path to war. In this radical new appraisal of one of the most vilified politicians of the twentieth century, historian Nicholas Milton claims that by placating Hitler, Chamberlain not only reflected public opinion but also embraced the zeitgeist of the time. Chamberlain also bought Britain vital time to rearm when Hitler&’s military machine was at its zenith. It is with the hindsight of history that we understand Chamberlain&’s failure to ultimately prevent a war from happening. Yet by placing him within the context of his time, this fascinating new history provides a unique perspective into the lives and mindset of the people of Britain during the lead up to the Second World War. Never before have Chamberlain&’s letters been accessed to tell the story of his life and work. They shed new light on his complex character and enable us to consider Chamberlain the man, not just the statesman. His role as a pioneer of conservation is revealed, alongside his work in improving midwifery and championing the introduction of widows&’ pensions. Neville Chamberlain&’s Legacy is a reminder that there is often more to political figures than many a quick judgment allows.Llanelly West to Camarthen (West Wales Railways)
By John Hodge. 2020
A pictorial survey of the 20 miles of railway line between the junction station at Llanelly and the county town…
of Carmarthen in West Wales. Railway historian John Hodge looks at the development of the lines in West Wales, between these locations, taking in the history of the local industry that was once a feature in this area. This book covers each station and main location along the route, with good photographic coverage and interesting long captions explaining the location&’s significance. Additional text is provided for several locations, giving more historical detail and anecdotal information: Llanelly West/Old Castle CrossingPembrey & Burry PortCarmarthen Bay Power StationLando HaltKidwelly Flats HaltKidwellyFerrysideCarmarthenCarmarthen JunctionCarmarthen New StationCarmarthen Junction ShedCarmarthen Shed The work is of interest to railway historians and those who accurately model railways, having a good coverage of the subject throughout its pages.&“Narrative summaries of each of the major locations are provided, but the real strength of the book lies in the several hundred photographs which the author has brought together. These include the huge and diverse range of steam motive power to be found at Carmarthen shed over the years, a fine selection of views of Carmarthen station itself, everyday and special trains passing through rural and often highly scenic locations, and useful views of the intermediate stations and signal boxes which will be particularly valuable to the modeller and historian.&” —West Somerset Railway AssociationJohn Knox
By Rosalind K. Marshall. 2008
A bestselling biography of one of the Reformations&’ central characters from the author of Mary Queen of Scots: Truth or…
Lies. Following John Knox&’s career in Scotland, England, France, Switzerland, and Germany, Rosalind K. Marshall explains in straightforward terms the issues and beliefs which concerned the theologian so deeply. She also focuses on his relationship with the opposite sex, discussing the notorious First Blast of the Trumpet against the Monstrous Regiment of Women, his dealings with Mary, Queen of Scots, and the patient, revealing letters he wrote his mother-in-law. This book untangles truth from mythology in the life of this strange, complex, and determined man and constructs a balanced picture of sixteenth-century Scotland that places Knox clearly within the context of change and reformation which was sweeping the whole of Europe. The result is a richer and more complex portrayal of both Scotland and Knox than any hitherto available, and the first modern paperback of one of the most famous of all Scottish figures. Praise for John Knox and the books of Rosalind K. Marshall &“A rare gift to the reading public.&” —International Review of Scottish Studies &“An admirable new biography . . . a remarkable study, illuminating both a character and an age.&” —Antonia Fraser, award-winning author of Cromwell, on Mary of Guise &“Dr Marshall . . . uses exactly the right mixture of flowing, readable narrative . . . to breathe life into the historical dust.&” —Jack Firth on Bonnie Prince CharlieThey Flew Hurricanes
By Adrian Stewart. 2006
A celebration of the renowned WWII aircraft and the aviators who flew them—includes rare photographs. The Hawker Hurricane, together…
with the Spitfire, is the most famous aircraft of the Second World War. Many pilots, including Douglas Bader, thought it was superior to the Spit—but together they saved Britain from Nazi invasion and possible defeat. Adrian Stewart has produced a gloriously atmospheric and nostalgic book capturing the spirit of these great aircraft and the pilots who flew them. It tracks the aircraft as it was developed and improved, and follows it to the many theaters of the war where it saw service. Among the lesser-known are Burma and hazardous convoy protection in the Arctic and Mediterranean, flying from makeshift carriers. This book will fascinate specialist aviation historians and those who enjoy a rattling good war story, and includes a superb selection of rare photographs.The Royal Navy in the Napoleonic Age: Senior Service, 1800–1815
By Mark Jessop. 2020
&“Takes us into areas that aren&’t always covered . . . stand[s] out from the crowd of Napoleonic Naval studies.&” —History of War …
In 1801, the newly forged United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland commenced its existence at war with France and her allies—and remained so until 1815. After 1812, she had to shoulder the extra burden of a war against the United States of America. With conflict on multiple fronts, hardships continued to be inflicted at home. Trade was made precarious. People became bone-weary of hostilities and the threat of invasion ran high. Napoléon Bonaparte was no ordinary opponent, and the United States navy showed the world the worth of her ships, but what stood in their way was the Royal Navy. Despite notable losses, after the victory of Trafalgar in 1805 she dominated the seas. Although not the only means, her warships were the nation&’s first line of defense that helped keep British shores safe. As the era ended it was obvious the navy had to change. Steam began to alter perspectives with new opportunities. But the Royal Navy would remain what it had been: A naval superpower. Britain&’s oldest continual military force. The senior service.Schnellboote: A Complete Operational History
By Lawrence Paterson. 2015
&“A detailed account of the fast patrol boats built and used by the Kriegsmarine during WWII . . . a…
book for every naval history enthusiast.&”—Firetrench The Kriegsmarine&’s Schnellboote—fast attack boats or S-boats to the Allies—were the primary German naval attack units in coastal waters throughout the Second World War. Operating close to their various bases they became a devastatingly effective weapon in nearly all the Kriegsmarine&’s theatres of war, from the Baltic to the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. It was in the English Channel, however, that they scored their most notable successes, destroying some forty warships and more than one hundred merchant ships. In addition to interception and attack, they were also used for minelaying, landing sabotage troops and general escort duties. There has been, to date, no comprehensive operational history of the S-boat in all the theatres in which it saw service, but due to the relatively small number of units it is possible to recount the duties and fates of each individual craft, and in this new book the author examines the career of each in detail. In addition, operations alongside the commando units of the Kleinkampfverbande are covered, and the smaller S-boats, designed primarily for their use, are described. As the War progressed, S-boats suffered from the increased Allied mastery of the seas and skies but they were a formidable foe right to the end; this new book is the first to do full justice to their record of success. &“An important addition to the body of coastal forces literature, and should be essential reading for anyone interested in the wars of the &‘Narrow Seas.&’&”—BattlefleetYangtze Showdown: China and the Ordeal of HMS Amethyst
By Brian Izzard. 2015
Tells the &“epic tale of the entrapment of HMS Amethyst by the Chinese Communists . . . a good sea story and a look…
inside the early days of the Cold War&” (Strategy Page). The attack on the British frigate Amethyst on the Yangtze River by Chinese Communists in 1949 made world headlines. There was even more publicity when the ship made a dramatic escape after being trapped for 101 days. Eulogized by the British as an example of outstanding courage and fortitude, the &“Yangtze Incident&” was even made into a feature film, which depicted the ship and her crew as innocent victims of Communist aggression. The truth was more complex, and so sensitive that the government intended that the files should be closed until 2030. However, these have now been released and in making use of these documents this book is the first to tell the full story. What emerges is an intriguing tale of intelligence failure, military over-confidence and a hero with feet of clay—it is by no means as heroic as the well-publicized official version, but every bit as entertaining. While the reputations of diplomatic and naval top brass take a knock, the bravery and ingenuity of those actively involved shines even more brightly. Written with verve and including much new and surprising information, this book is both enjoyable and informative. &“[A] masterly work . . . gripped with tension and it is hard to put down . . . the feat of legends which will forever be celebrated throughout the endless history of the Royal Navy.&”—Australian Naval Institute &“A classic piece of post war naval adventure in a highly readable and well researched manner.&”—Scuttlebutt