Subjects:  1. Civilization    2. General    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History: World    6. World - General    7. History / General    8. World history   

Reviews (129)

Hillariously Nonsensical Plagiarism
The worst book ever written about the Middle East is probably Joan Peters' From Time Immemorial; in this book Alan Dershowitz not only attempts to usurp that dubious honor from Peters, he also heavily plagiarizes half her book in order to do so.
Apologist
I was very disappointed by the book.I wanted an explanation for Israels continuing occupation of Palestinian lands but got only apologistic rhetoric from this obvious pro zionist.Much of his writing I thought quite racist and certainly biased.

poor show, old boy
What a load of turnspeak.
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Subjects:  1. History    2. History - General History    3. History: World    4. Israel - History    5. Middle East - General    6. Middle East - Israel    7. Palestine - History    8. Asian / Middle Eastern history    9. History / Middle East    10. Israel   

Reviews (20)

REVISIONIST HISTORY
I would like to remind the readers, who are crying over the fate of the poor victimized Palestinians, that every inch of the State of Israel was bought from these so-called victims, not only with blood, but with hard cash. Try to remember the little blue box marked "Keren HaKayemet," where even school children donated part of their allowances so more land could be purchased.
The Lemon Tree will open your eyes
After years of seeing the Israel-Arab conflict through the eyes of an agenda driven media,I was pleasantly surprised to learn that behind the bombs and gunfire live very real human beings.Tolan's presentation is heartbreaking and very touching.For the first time I realised that there is two sides to this story and none of the parties can hope to get everything they want unless a compromise is reached.
A wonderful reading journey
I just finished reading "The Lemon Tree" and I truly enjoyed it. Much of my reading took place during the most recent conflict/war in Lebanon. It is so sad that we still have to witness so much bloodshed.
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Subjects:  1. Arab-Israeli conflict    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Ethnic Cultures - General    5. History    6. History (General)    7. History - General History    8. History: World    9. Israelis    10. Middle East - General    11. Palestinian Arabs    12. History / Middle East   

Reviews (1)

Offers strengthening conclusion to attest to religion's importance past, present and future.
Secular progressives have been predicting the demise of religion for over two hundred years; but even those who were to be liberated by such aren't agreeing: such is the message of THE GOD THAT DID NOT FAIL: HOW RELIGION BUILT AND SUSTAINS THE WEST explores both biblical faith and the rejection of its foundations, which has encouraged ignorance of its history as a central force in the development of the West. Readings of religion in ancient Greece and Rome, of Christianity and Judaism and through the decades offers strengthening conclusion to attest to religion's importance past, present and future.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - History - General    2. History    3. History & Theory - General    4. History Of Religion (General)    5. Political History    6. Religion    7. Religion - Church History    8. World - General    9. History / General   

Editorial Review

Filippo Brunelleschi's design for the dome of the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence remains one of the most towering achievements of Renaissance architecture. Completed in 1436, the dome remains a remarkable feat of design and engineering. Its span of more than 140 feet exceeds St Paul's in London and St Peter's in Rome, and even outdoes the Capitol in Washington, D.C., making it the largest dome ever constructed using bricks and mortar. The story of its creation and its brilliant but "hot-tempered" creator is told in Ross King's delightful Read more

Reviews (85)

A slice of Rennaisance life
The subject may be the legendary dome, and the man who built it, but thebest part of the book is its characterization of everyday life during that era.The author knows a lot about Rennaisance Europe, and his writing is enjoyable as well. He is no engineer, so it's never clear why this is such an engineering marvel. For that, see Why Buildings Stand Up, although the readibility of that book pales alongside this one.

Easy-to-read, great intro to the subject; but, never attempts to explain its own title
In this book, author Ross King provides an easy-to-read narrative not only of Brunelleschi's procedure in building the dome of the Florence cathedral, but also of the political context, particularly within the Opera del Duomo, the office of works in charge of the cathedral.It's a nice intro for a general audience, but lacks historical analysis and fails to satisfactorily address the statement made in its own subtitle.
The Dome, Yes, but also much, much, more.
Santa Maria del Fiore may just be the one perfect piece of architecture.I dare you to go to Florence, see it, and not be moved.Read this book, and then go climb il Duomo's stairs, passing the frescoes inside the dome to enter the passage between the two domes.Feel the changes in the sharpness of the stairs' angles.Climb out at the base of the Lanterna with the city's red roofs stretching beneath you at every angle.The experience would be exhilerating of itself, but with Ross King's description of the building process echoing through your head, you might find yourself full of wonder and moved to tears like I was.
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Subjects:  1. 1377-1446    2. Architecture    3. Brunelleschi, Filippo,    4. Buildings    5. Design and construction    6. Domes    7. Europe - Italy    8. Florence    9. Florence (Italy)    10. History - Specific Styles    11. Individual Architect    12. Italy    13. Religious Buildings    14. Renaissance    15. Santa Maria del Fiore (Cathedr    16. Santa Maria del Fiore (Cathedral : Florence, Italy)    17. Architecture / History    18. Brunelleschi, Filippo   

Reviews (32)

The perfect concise history of the Cold War
This book is a masterpiece of what Gaddis once termed "lumping," or the search for overall themes and trends in history.The only negative thing that could possibly be said is that The Cold War is not an in-depth look at a conflict full of details to explore.But those who are reading this book for such an account are missing the point entirely.Gaddis explicitly set out to write a short, thematic, but still informative book on his area of expertise, and he has done so without fault.
Thumbs up for The Cold War
A very concise view of the developments that lead up to and through the Cold War.It is a book designed for those of us interested in the period without a need for the depth that academics or professional historians would need.

Excellent thematic overview of the Cold War -- does not pretend to be a comprehensive history
When reading a work of history, one should always read the author's preface.With luck, the author has done more than merely thank the dozens of vital souls who helped make the book possible but do not share in the royalties.The author will tell you the purpose behind the book's writing -- "this is the book I wanted to write."
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Subjects:  1. 1945-1989    2. 20th Century World History    3. Cold War    4. Europe - Russia & the Former Soviet Union    5. History    6. History - General History    7. History: World    8. International Relations (Specific Aspects)    9. Modern - 20th Century    10. Modern - 20th Century/Nuclear Age    11. United States - 20th Century (1945 to 2000)    12. World politics    13. History / Russia (pre- & post-Soviet Union)   

Subjects:  1. 1990-    2. History    3. Islam    4. Islam - History    5. Lebanon    6. National liberation movements    7. Political    8. Political Doctrines    9. Political parties    10. Politics and government    11. Religion    12. Religion - World Religions    13. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    14. Political Science / General    15. Political Science / Political Freedom & Security / Terrorism    16. Revolutions & coups   

Subjects:  1. Civilization, Western    2. Europe    3. General    4. History    5. Humanities    6. Philosophy    7. Textbooks    8. World - General    9. Art / General   

Reviews (100)

great insight
Imagine the U.S. was occupied by another country. Then, a third country, one that purports to value democracy and freedom, comes along to liberate us. We back them up and tolerate the installation of political cronies and corporate hacks in exchange for some kind of freedom. Then, this country, instead of installing a true democracy, installs a ruthless dictator and, if it is a democracy, is only a shadow one.And then the country continues this policy for 50 years, all the while claiming it supports freedom and democracy.
Insights to Iran
This is a fine read; well written and quite enlightening.It should be required reading for high school history/economics students.Also, the subject leads to dynamic discussions for book clubs.
Messing with other countries businesses
More than a interesting report of specifics of the doings of the English and American governments and corporations, this book shows that there are lessons in 1953 to be learned today about messing with other countries businesses.
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Subjects:  1. History    2. History - General History    3. History: World    4. International Relations - General    5. Iran - History    6. Middle East - General    7. Middle East - Iran    8. Political History    9. U.S. Foreign Relations    10. United States - 20th Century    11. History / Israel    12. Iran    13. Revolutions & coups    14. Terrorism, freedom fighters, armed struggle    15. USA   

Reviews (2)

Its scope needs broadening...
In this extremely short work, Benard seeks to structure a design that will allow for better interaction between the West and the Islamic world. Her credentials are worth noting: she is a senior political analyst at the RAND Corporation, former associate professor of political science at the University of Vienna, and is a specialist in Afghanistan and the Middle East.
A breakthrough toward understanding how to fight terrorism
This slim monograph is a breakthrough in the search for a holistic approach to fighting Islamist terrorism. Cheryl Benard of the RAND Corporation offers a sophisticated yet actionable approach toward development of a coherent counterterrorism strategy, and how the United States can work with current allies in the Islamic world and cultivate new ones. "Civil Democratic Islam" should be helpful in developing practical approaches to the still-failed hearts-and-minds efforts of the democracies in societies that we in the West still fail to respect and understand. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Democracy    2. Islam    3. Islam and civil society    4. Islamic modernism    5. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    6. Political Science    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Religious aspects    10. Islamic countries    11. Islamic studies    12. Non-Classifiable    13. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT   

Reviews (2)

Cliches and action
This book is rife with cliches and stereotypes.It is a cast of characters of bad guys cut from perhaps to much of a need to see the 'other' as intrinsically negative.There is the 'bad' white "neo-colonialist" who wants to topple a poor native government just as his ancestors did in the 17th century.There is the 'bad' Afrikaner 'thugs' who are vilified just as they have been since 1950, no one bothering to ask if perhaps there is more diversity among the Afrikaners than meets the eye, no one bothering to point out that just because they are South African whites doesnt mean they are Afrikaners(descendants of the Dutch), but rather members of the English speaking community.
Lessons from a Failed Coup
Equatorial Guinea isn't much of a nation, even for Africa."In most atlases, the country lies hidden under the staple," writes Adam Roberts.But it has oil, and that makes quite the difference. In _The Wonga Coup: Guns, Thugs and a Ruthless Determination to Create Mayhem in an Oil-Rich Corner of Africa_, Roberts has told the story of an attempted coup by international businessmen and mercenaries in March 2004.The aim was not to gain political power, or to help the blighted nation's poor start claiming some of their country's riches.The aim was simply to get "a large splodge of wonga" as one of the plotters called a big infusion of cash.(Surprisingly, the _OED_ says that "wonga" is British, not African, slang.)The plot, for many reasons explained here, did not work, and plenty of the plotters and their henchmen suffered, but it has had some effects on Equatorial Guinea, and also reflects the current larger problems in the economic development of Africa.The book is well researched, and at times reads like an adventure novel, sort of a failed _The Dogs of War_.
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Subjects:  1. 21st century    2. Africa - General    3. Africa - West    4. Central Africa - History    5. Coups d'âetat    6. Equatorial Guinea    7. History    8. History - General History    9. History: World    10. Mercenary troops    11. Political corruption    12. Revolutions & coups   

Editorial Review

"I wonder what is the appropriate first action when you come from a country at war and set foot on peaceful soil. Mine was to rush to the tobacco-kiosk and buy as many cigars and cigarettes as I could stuff into my pockets." Most war correspondents observe wars and then tell stories about the battles, the soldiers and the civilians. George Orwell--novelist, journalist, sometime socialist--actually traded his press pass for a uniform and fought against Franco's Fascists in the Spanish Civil War during 1936 and 1937. He put his politics and his formidable conscience to the toughest tests during those days in the trenches in the Catalan section of Spain. Then, after nearly getting killed, he went back to England and wrote a gripping account of his experiences, as well as a complex analysis of the political machinations that led to the defeat of the socialist Republicans and the victory of the Fascists. ... Read more

Reviews (82)

War: ugly, torpid
This work lacks human interest. This is war coverage, a journalist's tale on the front lines - but does not make for literature of depth and humanity.

Free Mind
George Orwell (Eric Blair) shows how someone can be an idealist but, at the same time, is able to keep all his observation and reasoning capacity.
Insightful
I say insightful because I, of course, had read 1984 and Animal Farm in high school. I knew about Orwell's participation in the Spanish Civil War with the POUM/"Trotskyite" sympathzing Independent Labour Party and that it influenced his work in both of the aforementioned works. But hearing it from Orwell's own words, his description of the Barcelona May Days and the reaction to it in the international press, of the Communist Party led suppression of the POUM in Catalonia, etc... All made the book very insightful. If you've read 1984 and/or Animal Farm, this is a must read to completely understand those books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1931-1939    2. 1936-1939    3. Civil War    4. Civil War, 1936-1939    5. Europe - Spain & Portugal    6. History    7. History: World    8. Literature - Classics / Criticism    9. Personal narratives    10. Politics and government    11. Spain    12. Catalonia    13. History / Spain & Portugal    14. Journeys    15. Orwell, George   

Editorial Review

Steve Coll's Read more

Reviews (110)

Shared values vs Shared interests.US, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and the rise of Radical Islamic Terrorism
One of the best books written about the emergence of religion based terrorism directed against several causes and several societies.
Superlative History of Today's 'Great Game' And How It Led to 9/11
In the 19th century, the British and Russian empires played what Rudyard Kipling called the 'Great Game' in southwest Asia: an intriguing blend of two-faced Machiavellian diplomacy, manipulation of tribes north of the Indian subcontinent, and constant, savage warfare.
What an unlucky country
This is a superb book and at 738 pages it is a long read and full of information and facts but if the reader can stick it out it is well worth it. Plenty of notes and an impressive bibliography ensure the reader it has been well researched.
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Subjects:  1. 1989-2001    2. Afghanistan    3. Asia - Central Asia    4. Central Intelligence Agency    5. Conspiracy & Scandal Investigations    6. History    7. History - General History    8. History: World    9. Middle East - General    10. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    11. Soviet occupation, 1979-1989    12. United States    13. United States.    14. History / Middle East   

Reviews (11)

Thin and disappointing
Golly, but I feel like the odd man out here. Other reviewers have praised this book highly. To me it was thin in content and pretty uninformative. Maybe there's just not a lot to say about the historical Trojan War. Thus most of Strauss's narrative is a paraphrase of Homer. It is full of silly sidelines like "An unbandaged would might have been a common sight in the Greek camp." As my son would say: "Duh!"
Great book on historical speculation on the trojan war
Mr. Strauss does a great job bringing the bronze age art of war to life.He references many existing sources and some new ones, such as a newly discovered papyrus that show Greek soldiers of the era (The papyrus was stored away in a museum only to be recently discovered. . .makes you think what else is hidden away and lost to us on some dusty shelf). However, I have always been a little leery of a work of fiction being used to exemplify historical knowledge.However if it get people reading about history I can live with it. If this is what MR. Strauss was after then he has accomplished his task.I recommend this book to all historians, lovers of Homer's works and wargammers who would like to recreate the battles of the Iliad.

A Victorious Review
Because of my interest in classics, I was delighted to hear the interview with Barry Strauss on NPR when I was in the car several weeks ago. I ordered his new book right away and have just finished reading it.His scholarly and entertaining account is appealing because his informative descriptions of ancient times are clear, clever, and catchy.How I wish I could be a student in one of this fine professor's classes! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Greece    2. History    3. History - Military / War    4. History: World    5. Military - Other    6. Military History - Ancient    7. Trojan War    8. History / Ancient / Greece   

Reviews (29)

A light-hearted, yet thoroughly informative text on Freemasonry
Having read many texts on this subject this one does a commendable job filtering out the less than useful volumes of information on the workings of Freemasonry. It covers a broad range of areas from history, myths, symbolism and personal experiences. It include information on how to join, what to expect and where Freemasonry is heading.
Reader beware
Would have been a better book if the author had stuck to the subject of Freemasonry instead of spreading misinformation about the OTO.The author does a disservice to the reader who might not know any better, as well to the many fine Masons who enjoy membership in both Freemasonry and the OTO.Perhaps if he had spoken to one of these Brothers some of his misconceptions might have been corrected and I would encourage the Brother to consider interviewing a few Masons who are also OTO members for any subsequent editions or other books so that information is more factual and less sensationalized.

A lot of answers at your fingertips, but not much esotericism
As a petitioner for initiation into the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, I've found myself scouring the Internet with question after question. What is the history of Freemasonry? What is the relationship of Freemasonry to religion and to politics? Does Freemasonry have roots in the Rosicrucians or Knights Templar or ancient mystery cults? Finally, in this book, I found an enjoyable, accessible compendium of answers to most of these questions.
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Subjects:  1. Freemasonry    2. History    3. History: World    4. Sociology    5. World - General    6. Freemasonry & secret societies    7. History / World   

Reviews (128)

Good research, disjointed storytelling
This book covers a lot of ground and Barry has done some great research.What Barry does not do is maintain a consistently engaging narrative. As others have noted, the book could have used some judicious editing.It probably could have lost 100 pages in my view.
Four Books in One But Everyone Should Know This
There are essentially four separate threads in this book:
A Story that Needs to be Told
A Story that Needs to be Told
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. History    3. History: American    4. Infectious Diseases    5. Influenza Epidemic, 1918-1919    6. Medical / Nursing    7. Medicine    8. Modern - 20th Century    9. U.S. History - Early 20th Century    10. United States    11. United States - 20th Century    12. History / Modern / 20th Century    13. Medical   

Reviews (122)

All you need to know about this book...
This is one of the books Ann Coulter lists on her website under the link "Reading for Right-Wingers".
One of the best intro books on the subject!
One of the best! You cannot go wrong reading this as an intro to Islam. Truly an insiders look. A must read for everyone who loves freedom!

Jesus Loves You, Muhammad Doesn't. End of Argument!
When I first learned about their book "unveiling Islam", it surprised me, not because it was promoted as a methodological and balanced attempt to compare the Islam and Christianity from a textual perspective, but because it was done by authors who described themselves as Ex-Muslims.I expected evidence based insider comparison on the superiority of the Christian faith to its Muslim counterpart.It took me twenty pages to learn the book was nothing but another sensational attempt to score a timely hit in church propaganda.