Najnovšie - Knihy - História strana 23 z 31

An authoritative, illustrated analysis of the official French Navy in World War II, under the command of the Third Republic and of Vichy. At the outbreak of World War II, the Marine Nationale was the most powerful navy in continental Europe, unified in its purpose of defending the nation and the colonial empire. It was the product of the unique 1920s–30s French naval doctrine and armaments development, as a continental power with worldwide interests. The fall of France shattered this unity, as the fleet split between loyalty to Vichy and Free France. In this book, Hugues Canuel presents a sharp, focused operational study of the official French Navy in World War II, from action alongside its British allies in 1939–40 to the fiery end of the Vichy fleet in Toulon harbour in 1942. Based on a wealth of French, British, and American archive material and drawing on the author's years of research, it explores France's warships and their capabilities, the roles the fleet was structured to perform, and the combat they saw – including operations off Norway and tackling German raiders in the Atlantic, operations in Indochina, and the battle with the Allies in Operation Torch. Illustrated throughout with rare photos, spectacular battlescenes, 3D diagrams of engagements and fleet formations, and a map of France’s naval responsibilities, this book is an essential guide to one of the least-known major navies of World War II.

A fascinating study of the British Empire’s Middle Eastern intelligence section during the First World War, drawing on government files and secret publications. In the midst of the First World War, an extra- ordinary intelligence unit operated from Cairo’s Savoy Hotel, combining the skills of archaeologists, academics and soldiers to revolutionise how Britain gathered information and shaped events in the Middle East. Overshadowed by Lawrence of Arabia, the Arab Bureau’s true significance has remained hidden in plain sight ever since. This fascinating study uncovers the Bureau’s remarkable story through newly discovered Arabic documents and previously overlooked archives. At its heart lies an astonishing find: Thawrat al-Arab, an ambitious Arabic-language book and the longest piece of British propaganda produced during the war. From the Arab Bulletin’s secret intelligence reports to sophisticated propaganda campaigns, the Bureau was decades ahead of its time. The team—including archaeologists fresh from desert digs and scholars fluent in local dialects— developed new methods of cultural intelligence that would influence future generations. Eamonn Gearon’s compelling narrative reveals how this unique organisation navigated the complexities of Arab politics, tribal rivalries and Ottoman intelligence, while developing techniques that resonate with today’s challenges in intelligence-gathering. Essential reading for anyone interested in intelligence history, the Middle East or how innovation occurs in wartime, this book transforms our understanding of a crucial moment in world history.

Old photographs without names. Family heirlooms with unknown origins. Objects whispering stories lost to time. In this fascinating journey of historical detective work, experienced genealogist Simon Wills pieces together the mysteries behind everyday artefacts, from portraits and tobacco jars to diaries, and even a simple silver cigarette case, allowing us to create a complete picture of the lives of those lost to history and time. Through meticulous research, many examples and case studies, this book delves into incomplete histories, revealing the identities and achievements of people once on the brink of anonymity. If you’ve ever wondered about the past behind an old family possession, this book will inspire you to look closer, search deeper, and discover the extraordinary tales sometimes hidden in the seemingly ordinary, allowing us to know and understand our ancestors from a different perspective.

With this book, Amy Motlagh considers how racial thinking underpins cultural practices in Iran and the Iranian diaspora. Despite cultural traditions depicting black people and the documented presence of black Iranians, many have insisted that race is not an important aspect of Iranian culture, that "blackness" does not exist in Iran. Instead, it is the notion of being "Persian" that binds all Iranians together. But, as Motlagh argues, the word "Persian" masks a long racial history that depends on the specter of blackness to define what is truly Iranian.   Colorblind critically examines how these concepts express themselves in folklore, ethnography, literature, and films to show how understandings of race and slavery have moved from home country to host, and from host to home. In particular, ambivalence surrounding the concepts of "race" and "blackness" prevents Iranians from fully interrogating their own racial thinking, even while some diasporic Iranians position themselves as racially liminal and non-white. By closely examining these efforts, as well as the cultural and historical foundations they were built on, this book reveals how ideas about race and slavery in Iran have forged a specific conception of modern Iranian cultural identity.

For over a century, the Middle East has weathered seemingly endless conflicts, ensnaring political players from around the world. And perhaps no nation has displayed a greater range of policies toward, and experiences in, the region than Germany, as this short and accessible volume demonstrates. Beginning with Kaiser Wilhelm’s intermittent support for Zionism, it follows the course of German-Mideast relations through two world wars and the rise of Adolf Hitler. As Steininger shows, the crimes of the Third Reich have inevitably shaped postwar German Mideast policy, with Germany emerging as one of Israel’s staunchest supporters while continuing to navigate the region’s complex international, religious, and energy politics.

When Theoderic the Great entered the city of Rome in 500, as an Ostrogothic king, the citizens in Rome could have been forgiven for thinking an Emperor had returned. Everything he did, from his journey, to his arrival, and actions in the city itself, were in imitation of Roman expressions of imperial power. The role of the Emperor, however, remains complex and multifaceted, and the very powers Theoderic was seeking to emulate had complex histories of their own. It was only when Augustus, Rome’s first Emperor, died in 14 AD that Rome at last admitted the truth that a Princeps now ruled, where the Senate had once held power.Anthony Smart provides a new study of the Roman Emperor, from Augustus through the late fifth century AD, with interwoven studies on later medieval imperial rulers. The book is divided into three. The first section looks at sources (e.g. coins, speeches, histories). The second looks at themes (such as war, peace, religious unity and emotional control). The final section looks at specific examples of imperial power, and how these figures altered or modified the very nature of imperial rule. Throughout the book the author returns to the following questions: what did it mean to be an Emperor in this world? How did they govern? Were they proactive, or reactive? Is it right to say that an Emperor is what an Emperor does, or is the reality rather more complex than that? And crucially, who creates the image of the Emperor? The court, the senate, or the people of Rome?

Colchester is popularly the oldest recorded city in England, dating from before the Roman invasion. Under the Romans, Camulodunum, as it was known, was a major city. Later, Saxon settlers and the Normans used Roman ruins for their buildings, not least for the Norman castle. During the late Middle Ages Colchester became rich again on the wool trade and by the eighteenth century became known as a garrison town. Today, Colchester is at the heart of a fast-growing area and was awarded city status in 2022. A–Z of Colchester reveals the history behind the city, its streets and buildings, industries, and the people connected with it. Alongside the famous historical connections are unusual characters, tucked-away places and unique events that are less well known. Readers will discover tales of scandal, clockmakers, radicals, the Great British Earthquake of 1883 which destroyed many local buildings, and zedonks in Colchester Zoo, among many other fascinating facts in this A–Z tour of Colchester’s history. Fully illustrated throughout, this book will appeal to all those with an interest in this ancient Essex city.

An illustrated account of the action-packed combat missions carried out by the Luftwaffe's powerfully armed Junkers Ju 88C day and nightfighters. The Junkers Ju 88A was the Luftwaffe's most effective medium bomber during much of World War 2, and its high speed and surprising agility made it an ideal candidate for conversion into a Zerstörer (destroyer) fighter. Initially designed to be used as a long-range bomber escort, the solid-nosed Ju 88C fighter boasted powerful cannon that made the aircraft ideally suited to the nightfighter role. Its unrivalled endurance also meant the Ju 88C could undertake sweeps of the Bay of Biscay from the French Atlantic coast in search of Allied maritime patrol aircraft hunting U-boats. Luftwaffe historian Chris Goss charts the action-packed service history of the Ju 88C through first-hand accounts and combat reports from the crews that flew the twin-engined Zerstörer into combat. Newly commissioned profile artworks and more than 50 photographs of aircraft and crews help detail the aircraft’s conversion from a fast bomber into a deadly heavy fighter that proved to be the scourge of Allied bomber and patrol aircraft.

An evocative celebration of the seventh day in all its rich variety Closed shops and roast dinners. Bulky newspapers and the hum of lawnmowers. Strolls to nowhere in particular and visiting snoozing grandparents. Television theme tunes cueing bath time and a sudden dread of the looming week ahead… Through an assortment of rituals and activities, Sundays came to be the unique day in our week – whether tedious, pleasant or somewhere in-between. But have they changed over time? Has anything interesting ever happened on a Sunday? Have we forgotten how to do Sunday? And, in our rushed modern lives, should we now try to recapture that distinctive, unhurried Sunday feel? Offering answers to those questions and more through a mix of travelogue and social history, Sunday Best entertainingly charts the story of what author Daniel Gray argues is the People’s Day. Told through Sundays whiled away in places from the Hebrides to Hyde Park – via Sunderland, Scarborough, the Peak District and beyond – Gray’s latest book is a charming journey in time and place.

Packed with illustrations, this is the first history of MarinegruppenkommandoSüd, Germany’s southern naval command that fought a fast and furious war at the far end of the Mediterranean. As Germany and Italy overran Yugoslavia and Greece in early 1941, the Kriegsmarine established a new theatre command, tasked with establishing German control over the eastern Mediterranean and coordinating actions with the Italian, Romanian and Bulgarian navies. With the invasion of the USSR that summer, the Black Sea would also become a battleground, and Naval Group South would be established. For the first time, Kriegsmarine historian Lawrence Paterson outlines the dizzying array of Kriegsmarine combat units that fought under Naval Group South – S-boats and U-boats, flotillas of escort ships, landing ships, artillery vessels, patrol boats, submarine hunters and minesweepers – and how they operated, including their organization, their complex logistics, and vital intelligence and communications. Combat was frequently fast and furious, ranging from pitched battles with the Soviet Black Sea Fleet and operations supporting Operation Barbarossa to combat against naval units of Tito’s Partisans off the Croatian coast. Superbly illustrated with rare photos, artwork of dramatic actions, 3D diagrams and maps, this explores the little-known naval war fought by Germany’s smaller craft, at the farthest reach of German naval power in Europe.

The definitive history of the sixteenth-century uprising that revolutionized Europe. The German Peasants' War was the greatest popular uprising in Western Europe before the French Revolution. In 1524 and 1525, it swept across Germany with astonishing speed as thousands of people massed in armed bands to demand a new and more egalitarian order. The peasants took control of vast areas of southern and middle Germany, torching and plundering the monasteries, convents, and castles that stood in their way. But they would prove no match for the forces of the lords, who put down the revolt by slaying somewhere between seventy and a hundred thousand peasants in just over two months. In Summer of Fire and Blood, the first history of the German Peasants' War in a generation, leading historian Lyndal Roper uncovers the far-reaching ramifications of this doomed rebellion. Though the victors portrayed the uprising as naive and chaotic, Roper's deeply researched account reveals instead a coherent mass movement inspired by the radical principles of the Protestant Reformation. Told through the voices of and beliefs of the people themselves, this is the thrilling, tragic story of the peasants' fight to change the world.

Illustrated throughout, this uncovers the hundreds of British and French warships in the Dunkirk evacuation, whose actions have been overshadowed by the fame of the ‘Little Ships’. In this book, naval historian Angus Konstam examines the backbone of the Dunkirk evacuation fleet: the warships of the Royal Navy and French Navy that were ordered into action to rescue the British Expeditionary Force. Nearly 50 destroyers, an anti-aircraft cruiser, and more than 200 MTBs, minesweepers, trawlers, and other small warships were involved, as many as could be spared without recklessly endangering naval strength. He highlights the lack of decent anti-aircraft defences available to the Allies in 1940, and shows how improvised weaponry were used to help fend off the Stukas. Dunkirk was the first naval operation of World War II to be carried out under sustained air attack, and nearly a fifth of the destroyers and a quarter of the smaller vessels were sunk, with more badly damaged. Illustrated with archive photos, profiles illustrating the range of both British and French warships involved, and dramatic original artwork, this studies the naval side of the greatest evacuation of World War II.

How an ancient land became a great democracy. Longlisted for Best Non Fiction in the Indie Book Awards 2026 'Tony Abbott should be congratulated ... This history of Australia is vivid, readable, provocative' Geoffrey Blainey, historian'I think it's very good' Tom Holland, historianAustralia is one of the world's great success stories: a land long hidden from outsiders, chosen as a convict dumping ground, where - since 1788 - people from many backgrounds have built one of the freest, fairest and most prosperous countries on earth. By the standards of a harsher time, the early governors tried to respect the original inhabitants and to encourage the convict outcasts of the British Isles to make a new start to a better life. This Indigenous heritage, British foundation and immigrant character have shaped the land of the 'fair go' especially for those willing to 'have a go'. It's not perfect, even now, yet mostly we have a history to be proud of. Within a century of settlement, Australia had not only the world's highest standard of living but had become a global pioneer for democratic freedoms such as the secret ballot, the payment of MPs and voting rights for women. A country largely created by settlement and negotiation has evolved from 'White Australia' at the time of federation into one of the world's most colour-blind societies and has managed the transition from an old 'Anglo' identity to a civic patriotism based on an overriding commitment to Australia and its values. This book is intended to give anyone interested - as every Australian should be - an account of our past that's positive, while not oblivious to our mistakes and imperfections as a nation. If to be an Australian is still to have won the lottery of life, the history that's produced us is surely something to savour. Now a major TV documentary available to stream at Sky News Australia. PRAISE'Tony Abbott's book is inspired by love of country, yet he comes to grip with our flaws. This is a fresh, powerful, highly readable single-volume history of Australia that deserves a wide audience' Paul Kelly, editor-at-large, The Australian'Scholarly researched, scrupulously fair-minded and very engagingly written, this is big narrative history at its best. It explains why Australia is such a wonderfully unique place, and why history is all the better when written by those who themselves helped make it' - Andrew Roberts, author, Churchill: Walking with Destiny'Not quite the "white armband" version of history I was expecting in the first half, nor a "Liberal Party highlights package" in the second half. I enjoyed reading it' - Peter FitzSimons, author, KokodaThis is an immensely readable account of how - as I frequently call it - the "Australian Achievement" has been built' - Hon John Howard OM AC, former prime minister of Australia'Tony Abbott's latest book is a powerful antidote to the poison of little and bad history ... we have much to be thankful for and to build on' Hon John Anderson AC, former deputy prime minister of Australia and leader of the National Party'The former prime minister has done a good job with Australia: A History' Frank Bongiorno, historian'if you have a serious interest in Australian history, the book will go on your shelves' Hon Kim Beazley AC, former deputy prime minister of Australia'Tony Abbott has written with reverence and richness, bringing our nation's past, although both painful and proud, to life with striking clarity' Nova Peris OAM OLY, first Aboriginal-Australian Olympic gold medallist and former Labor senator'This book is a compelling reminder of our inheritance, which gives us a reason to be proud of who we are and the country we've become' - Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, federal senator for Northern Territory'Tony Abbott brings history to life in a way that is both enlightening and deeply engaging' Brett Lee, former Australian international cricketer'This book helps us rediscover our past with honesty and respect, so we can better

British Airways has an almost unique history. Spanning over a century from the first flight of Aircraft Transport and Travel Ltd from London to Paris in 1919 to the modern fuel-efficient aircraft of its current fleet, British Airways has proudly connected Britain to the World and the World to Britain. Over that journey through the rapidly evolving early years of pioneering aviation, taking days to cross continents with biplanes and seaplanes, through the post-war piston-engine luxury, the iconic jet age of the fabulous Boeing 707 and 747, the supersonic marvel of Concorde into the modern era of travel, British Airways has seen many historic events and carried literally billions of customers. Along the way that journey has generated vast amounts of treasured items, many of which are now displayed or stored at British Airways headquarters near Heathrow in its truly incredible museum, the Speedbird Centre. Much of the archive has true national importance and is kept as part of the nation’s heritage. From simple in-flight mementos to the Olympic torch, the items featured in this book represent just a flavour of that collection and bring decades of flight to life.

Sheffield grew rapidly during the Industrial Revolution to become one of the largest cities in the country by the nineteenth century. It was best known for its cutlery industry, producing stainless steel locally, and its steel and coal industries played a vital role in the war effort in the Second World War, leading to the city being targeted by German aerial bombardment. Despite the industrialisation, Sheffield has more green spaces than most cities in Britain and more trees per head of population than any other city in Europe. Lying on the edge of the Peak District, many streets climb into the hills with views beyond the city boundaries.Drawing on archive material as well as his own, extensive, local knowledge Robert Nicholls presents a fresh look at Sheffield - from a slightly different angle – as he delves into lesser known but fascinating tales from the city’s past. Quirky Sheffield celebrates the unusual and often strange history of Sheffield and its characters over the years. This fascinating insight into Sheffield will be of interest to all those who want to know more about the city’s quirky history.

Pioneering merchants and traders, soldiers’ wives and children, and slaves are among the many civilians who settled alongside the Roman army at Hadrian’s Wall. These people’s lives can be traced through the things they left behind. Children lost socks and wooden swords when they played, and wives and daughters wore fancy hairpins that fell out when they went to the bathhouses. Hunting dogs were fed and bred for soldiers’ sport, and slaves kept fort hypocausts burning. Roman Life on Hadrian’s Wall pieces together this wide-ranging archaeological evidence to reveal these people’s stories. It will inform and change how you think about everyday Roman life at this remote frontier, the most-visited Roman remains in Britain.

Mick Graham, acclaimed artist and veteran soldier of the Royal Tank Regiment, has been interested in tanks his entire life. As a young lad in the late 1960s he used to play on the obsolete Bundeswehr M47s and M48s heading down range at Hohne, Germany, where his father was stationed. He went on to fire at these same ‘hard targets’ as a Chieftain tank gunner in the early 1980s. Always cherishing these moments, he dabbled in painting during his military career but never felt his work was anything special. Having resumed painting seven years ago, today, Mick’s stunning depictions of tanks in their natural environment with incredible attention to detail are highly sought after by veterans, serving soldiers, museums and companies such as Royal Mail.Lavishly illustrated with more than a hundred original artworks, this book tells the story of an ex-tankie with a unique and self-taught talent for bringing back to life the memories of service members, young and old.

Starting with leaflet drops in 1940, the aerial offensive against the Nazis’ homeland grew into a huge armada that pulverised much of Germany, seriously damaging her ability to make war and killing hundreds of thousands. By day, the Flying Fortresses of the Mighty Eighth US Airforce confronted the day fighters of Luftflotte Reich, and then it was the turn of Bomber Command’s Lancasters to fight off the deadly predators of the Nachtjagd (night hunters). The tactics and technology of Allied escort fighters evolved quickly though the war years, as they did for the defending German fighters. For the Allied airmen who fought this war the price was frighteningly high, for those who opposed them – in the air and on the ground – it was even higher. As the bombing increased, Nazi high command was forced to devote more and more resources to try and defeat the Allied campaign, just when those same resources were desperately needed elsewhere, both on the Russian Front and, after D-Day on 6 June 1944, on the new Western Front. Written from the ‘other side’ and told as much as possible through the words of the veterans, this is an important book on one of the most controversial campaigns of the Second World War.

Gosport has been associated with the Royal Navy for much of its history. Although the naval presence has been heavily reduced today, a few establishments remain but the town has many reminders of its history as a major naval base on Portsmouth Harbour. The first naval fortifications were built during the reign of King Charles II and further fortifications, training establishments, hospitals, barracks and other buildings were added in subsequent centuries. Many of the buildings have been converted to other uses and the harbour is now a marina.A-Z of Gosport reveals the history behind Gosport, its streets and buildings, businesses, and the people connected with the town. Alongside the famous historical connections, are unusual characters, tucked away places and unique events that are less well-known. Readers will discover tales about the Explosion! Museum, the ‘Gosport Tragedy’ folk song, an enclosed Victorian garden and the scientist who identified a rare genetic disorder among many other fascinating facts in this A-Z tour of Gosport’s history. It is fully illustrated with photography and will appeal to all those with an interest in this town on the Hampshire coast.