Books matching: early battles
21 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Catastrophe 1914: Europe Goes to War' by Max Hastings delves into the events leading up to World War I and the first months of the conflict. Hastings explores the political and social systems of various European empires that collapsed during the war, shedding light on the futility and barbarity of the conflict. The author presents a detailed account of how the war unfolded, highlighting the role of different nations and key figures, while also emphasizing the impact of trench warfare and advancements in weaponry on the course of the war.
The quirky little melodrama that unfolded in Bosnia on 28 June 1914 played the same role in the history of the world as might a wasp sting on a chronically ailing man who is maddened into abandoning a... - #2
Save:Gods and Generals, a prequel to 'The Killer Angels', focuses on the lives of four Civil War generals - Robert E. Lee, Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson, Winfield Scott Hancock, and Joshua Chamberlain. The book delves into the personal lives and careers of these men before and during the early battles of the Civil War, providing a fictionalized but accurate historical account of a tumultuous period in American history. Through the author's skill and passion, history comes alive as he explores the struggles, motivations, and relationships of these fallible yet influential figures during the years leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg.
THE COACH rolled through the small iron gates, up the slight rise, toward massive white columns. Lee had not seen Arlington for nearly three years, saw again the pure size, the exaggerated grandeur. I... - #3
Save:'1914' by Allan Mallinson focuses on the events surrounding the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in the early stages of World War I. Mallinson delves into the strategic decisions, military operations, and the impact of the BEF during the intense fighting of August, September, and October 1914. The book also explores the lack of preparation and strategic planning by the British government, shedding light on the challenges faced by the BEF as it navigated the chaotic and destructive battles of the war's onset. Mallinson's writing style is described as detailed and informative, providing a unique perspective on the lead-up to WWI and the role of the British Army in the conflict.
- #4
Save:Contrary to common understanding, Christianity as we know it was not established fully formed in the first decades after the death of Jesus. Rather the growth, spread and eventual victory of the interpretation of the religion that we know of today was only one of several different factions often at odds with one another over very significant doctrinal and theological differences. His research details an early Christian world of confusion, with the words of the disciples who were with Jesus, and the apostles who preached and wrote about him, being taken and subjectively interpreted by a multitude of contemporary groups. Anyone who wants to understand the emergence of the New Testament as a canonical anthology can profit from reading this book. Ehrman expresses no curiosity about how Jesus spent the formative years before his baptism, no interest in how the Dead Sea Scrolls illuminate the Jesus story, no doubts about the miracles or the resurrection, and no awareness that the apostle Paul might have been moved by darker impulses beside evangelical zeal in his missions among the gentiles. One of Ehrman's best, I think. Thought provoking and speculative, yet grounded, this book explores alternative early Christianities before Proto Orthodox Christianity won the battle and shoved the rest aside. If you are looking for proof that Dan Brown got it right in the Da Vinci Code, this is NOT the book for you. But if you are looking for a serious, but readable tome on the varieties of Christianity in the years before the Council of Nicea, you could not do much better than Ehrman. It is only in the last third of the book that Ehrman attempts to justify his proposition of the proto orthodox. Crucial to this discussion is the authorship of the books of the New Testament. My main criticism of his book is that he seems totally uncritical about the orthodox faith that emerged from the history. A very enjoyable read and a fascinating insight into the beliefs of the early Christians before the Church finally decided what should and shouldn't be kept out of the New Testament. To literalist Christians, Ehrman's work will be shocking, even heretical. His scholarship is beyond reproach, however, and he goes to great lengths to explain how Biblical historians know what they know and on what evidence they base their inferences. Ehrman doesn't mince words when he discusses the forgeries both in and out of the Bible, so do be aware the topic gets plenty of ink. So what are the repercussions of the victory of proto orthodox Christianity How has our world been shaped by this Ehrman feels the significance of this victory can scarcely be overstated. It's hard to say whether I actually liked this book or not. I will say that it was exactly what I expected from Dr. Ehrman, being familiar with his writing. Ehrman has documented this development superbly. He highlights the uneven quality of the original texts, the controversies and corruptions that bedeviled their preservation and publication, and the personal failings and animosities that constantly threatened to derail the entire process of finding agreement on what should go into the canon. Ehrman is very good at speaking in plain and understandable language about topics that folks often try and make complex and hard to understand. A main point of this history is that the present form of Christianity, that we tend to think of as the 'right' or orthodox viewpoint, is merely the one that won the debates. Ehrman has done a convincing job of reverse engineering what these other groups believed. This book takes a broad look at the canon of the New Testament i.e. the process whereby books were gradually and then finally established by the 5th Century as the ones to be included therein and forms a study of the works that were left out and the various early Christian sects that supported them.
Ancient Christians knew of far more Gospels than the four that eventually came to be included in the New Testament. Most of them have been lost to us in all but name. Some are quoted sporadically by e... Elaine Pagels' book "Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas" delves into the political and intellectual battles that shaped the New Testament canon. Pagels contrasts the more egalitarian and individualistic views of the apocryphal Gospel of Thomas with the authoritarian and mystical approach of the Gospel of John. She explores the differences between these texts, highlighting the heresies identified by orthodox figures like Bishop Irenaeus and the implications for early Christian thought. Through a mix of scholarly analysis and personal reflections, Pagels discusses the formation of Christian doctrine, the suppression of certain teachings, and the ongoing quest for spiritual understanding.
On a bright Sunday morning in February, shivering in a T-shirt and running shorts, I stepped into the vaulted stone vestibule of the Church of the Heavenly Rest in New York to catch my breath and warm...- #6
Save:'Dawn of Empire' in the series 'Eskkar Saga' by Sam Barone follows the story of Eskkar, a young warrior tasked with fighting back against barbarian tribes harassing Mesopotamian villagers. As Eskkar builds the first walls and defenses around the town of Akkad, the plot intertwines with the development of his relationship with his slave, Trella. The story is a mix of historical background, action-packed battles, political scheming, and the challenges faced by Eskkar and Trella as they strive to defend their city against invaders. Despite some historical inaccuracies and improbable character developments, the book captivates readers with its vivid scenes, engaging protagonist, and a storyline that builds towards a hectic and unforgettable ending.
“Awake, Eskkar, awake now! Nicar sent for you. You must come at once!” Eskkar realized the words had been spoken several times, accompanied by vigorous shaking. Now they ceased being mere sounds and b... - #7
Save:'Contact' in the series 'Crossover' by Walt Socha follows the journey of second-generation time travelers from modern and ancient Americas as they navigate through cultural clashes, desperate measures, and complex relationships in early Ireland. The plot is driven by well-planned action scenes, vulnerable characters, and the exploration of how actions define individuals rather than beliefs. The writing style is described as nuanced, well-researched, and engaging, with a focus on Viking stories, romance, and the human experience.
“Just a dozen knives and axe heads for now. And maybe a couple pouches of seeds.” Larry frowned as the ship bumped into the crude catwalk of planks and upright logs. Old Ros had promised to rebuild it...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Crossover ) - #8
Save:'John Crow's Devil' by Marlon James is a novel set in a Jamaican village in the late 1950s, where two reverends engage in a battle for the soul of the community. The book delves into themes of religion, magic, good vs. evil, and redemption, all played out in a visceral and intense narrative. The writing style incorporates Jamaican dialect, vernacular, and spoken word prose, creating a unique and immersive reading experience that may be challenging for some readers but ultimately captivating for those who appreciate the poetic and dark storytelling.
- #9
Save:'Ghosts' by Dolly Alderton is a contemporary novel that follows the life of Nina Dean, a 32-year-old food writer navigating the complexities of modern dating and relationships. The story delves into Nina's experiences with online dating, her blossoming relationship with the mysterious and charming Max, and her struggles with aging parents. Through witty and relatable storytelling, the author explores themes of friendship, love, career, and family, capturing Nina's journey of self-discovery and growth amidst the challenges of everyday life.
Living in suburban North London was nothing but an act of pragmatism for my parents. Whenever I asked them why they chose to leave East London for the suburbs when I was ten, they would refer to funct... - #10
Save:The Song of Departure by Max Gallo is a detailed exploration of Napoleon Bonaparte's life, focusing on his early years, rise in politics, and military achievements. The book delves into Napoleon's inner thoughts and motivations, presenting a personal perspective on the historical figure. Gallo's writing style immerses readers in Napoleon's world, offering a blend of historical facts and fictionalized elements to create a compelling narrative that captures the essence of the Napoleonic Age.
