Who gets to define what makes a hero or a villain? Stephen Basdeo provides the reader with a quick introduction into the history of the Empire and then goes on to showing how the perception of what constitutes as a hero or villain shifted over the decades. Literary representations from politicians to highwaymen formed popular opinions that are still found in media today, from Quatermain movies to romanticised pirates.
The book is heavily illustrated and an engaging read, a nice companion to current news about statues being taken down in order to finally come to terms with the Empire's legacy.
NetGalley, Anja Kwiatkowski
Who gets to define what makes a hero or a villain? Stephen Basdeo provides the reader with a quick introduction into the history of the Empire and then goes on to showing how the perception of what constitutes as a hero or villain shifted over the decades. Literary representations from politicians to highwaymen formed popular opinions that are still found in media today, from Quatermain movies to romanticised pirates.
The book is heavily illustrated and an engaging read, a nice companion to current news about statues being taken down in order to finally come to terms with the Empire's legacy.
NetGalley, Anja Kwiatkowski
[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars
William Nester does in 288 pages what Andrew Roberts tried to do in 1150: Capture the essence of the great but flawed Winston Churchill. In his recent acclaimed bio of the British PM, Roberts even tosses in the kitchen sink. Nester doesn’t need to. Sometimes less is really more!
We learn about Churchill as child, adventurer, reformer, scapegoat, Cassandra, commander, and cold warrior. Meticulously researched, rich in anecdote and quote, this vivid text shows how Churchill’s bold leadership kept the West free. A triumph!
5 out of 5 Stars
NetGalley, Literary Soirée
[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars
William Nester does in 288 pages what Andrew Roberts tried to do in 1150: Capture the essence of the great but flawed Winston Churchill. In his recent acclaimed bio of the British PM, Roberts even tosses in the kitchen sink. Nester doesn’t need to. Sometimes less is really more!
We learn about Churchill as child, adventurer, reformer, scapegoat, Cassandra, commander, and cold warrior. Meticulously researched, rich in anecdote and quote, this vivid text shows how Churchill’s bold leadership kept the West free. A triumph!
5 out of 5 Stars
NetGalley, Literary Soirée
Such an interesting book. I have read about children in care before in novels.
Good information. Makes you quite sad learning of these children.
Good, informative read.
NetGalley, Alisha Woods
Such an interesting book. I have read about children in care before in novels.
Good information. Makes you quite sad learning of these children.
Good, informative read.
NetGalley, Alisha Woods
I know very little about the Korean War but that’s not a problem when I have this book in front of me. Gerry Van Tonder's 'Korean War - Imjin River' is a good enough place as any to begin a brain dump on this conflict, and this volume, which runs to 128 pages, Is profusely illustrated with contemporary photos and clear maps.
The specific period covered is April 1951 to July 1953 and includes the Gloucestershire Regiment’s glorious stand on the Imjin River. This is a good summary of events during this conflict and forms part of the Pen & Sword Cold War series covering the years 1945 to 1991. The book benefits from a good index and detailed bibliography and brings the reader right up-to-date with current events in North Korea, South Korea and beyond.
A recommended read, and I shall be looking out for other books in this series.
Read the full review [link=https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-reviews/RPDXH56CU566R/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B0886KLXVS]here[/link]
Paul Nixon
I know very little about the Korean War but that’s not a problem when I have this book in front of me. Gerry Van Tonder's 'Korean War - Imjin River' is a good enough place as any to begin a brain dump on this conflict, and this volume, which runs to 128 pages, Is profusely illustrated with contemporary photos and clear maps.
The specific period covered is April 1951 to July 1953 and includes the Gloucestershire Regiment’s glorious stand on the Imjin River. This is a good summary of events during this conflict and forms part of the Pen & Sword Cold War series covering the years 1945 to 1991. The book benefits from a good index and detailed bibliography and brings the reader right up-to-date with current events in North Korea, South Korea and beyond.
A recommended read, and I shall be looking out for other books in this series.
Read the full review [link=https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-reviews/RPDXH56CU566R/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B0886KLXVS]here[/link]
Paul Nixon
The book 'why did Hitler hate the Jews?' is an academic study that attempts to find an answer to Hitler's anti-Semitism and how it influenced the Holocaust. The book also feels academic, but reads very smoothly, making it worthwhile for non-fiction enthusiasts. The author goes over Hitler's personal life and tries to show his development, his anti-semitism thoughts, and how he became the man we all know. The author does this with a clear timeline. Both psychological and ethical issues are addressed throughout the book. The book is very diverse and contains many things that I did not know before. Many myths about Hitler are also debunked and sometimes corrected. For example, Hitler did not have Jewish ancestors. A myth which I always thought was true. The author uses reliable sources to substantiate his views. I feel this is a very important book to understand who Hitler was and why he became so bitter. We can -and should- NEVER justify his actions, but it can be instructive for the future.. Read more
NetGalley, Anoeska Nossol
The book 'why did Hitler hate the Jews?' is an academic study that attempts to find an answer to Hitler's anti-Semitism and how it influenced the Holocaust. The book also feels academic, but reads very smoothly, making it worthwhile for non-fiction enthusiasts. The author goes over Hitler's personal life and tries to show his development, his anti-semitism thoughts, and how he became the man we all know. The author does this with a clear timeline. Both psychological and ethical issues are addressed throughout the book. The book is very diverse and contains many things that I did not know before. Many myths about Hitler are also debunked and sometimes corrected. For example, Hitler did not have Jewish ancestors. A myth which I always thought was true. The author uses reliable sources to substantiate his views. I feel this is a very important book to understand who Hitler was and why he became so bitter. We can -and should- NEVER justify his actions, but it can be instructive for the future.. Read more
NetGalley, Anoeska Nossol
