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The Russo-Turkish War, 1768-1774: Catherine II and the Ottoman Empire
by Brian L. DaviesThe Russo-Turkish War was one of the most decisive conflicts of the 18th century. In this book, Brian Davies offers a thorough survey of the war and explains why it was crucial to the political triumph of Catherine the Great, the southward expansion of the Russian Empire, and the rollback of Ottoman power from southeastern Europe. The war completed the incorporation of Ukraine into the Russian Empire, ended the independence of the great Cossack hosts, removed once and for all the military threat from the Crimean Khanate, began the partitions of Poland, and encouraged Catherine II to plan projects to complete the "liberation" of the lower Danubian and Balkan Slavs and Greeks. The war legitimated and secured the power of Catherine II, finally made the Pontic steppe safe for agricultural colonization, and won ports enabling Russia to control the Black Sea and become a leading grain exporter. Traditionally historians (Sorel, for example) have treated this war as the beginning of the "Eastern Question," the question of how the European powers should manage the decline of the Ottoman Empire. A thorough grasp of the Russo-Turkish War is essential to understanding the complexity and volatility of diplomacy in 18th-century Europe. This book will be an invaluable resource for all scholars and students on European military history and the history of Eastern Europe.
The Russo-Turkish War 1877 (Men-at-Arms #277)
by Ian Drury Raffaele RuggeriOn 24 April 1877 Tsar Alexander II declared war on the Ottoman Empire. The Sultan had a battle-hardened army ready for war. For the Tsar, this was to be the first major conflict since the abolition of serfdom and the creation of a German-style military reserve system. Ian Drury details the campaigns fought in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877, and the uniforms and organisation of the armies of both sides, in a text backed by numerous illustrations and photographs, including eight full page colour plates by Raffaele Ruggeri.
The Russo-Ukrainian War: From the bestselling author of Chernobyl
by Serhii PlokhyCHOSEN AS A BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE FINANCIAL TIMES AND TELEGRAPH Do you know what is at stake in Ukraine? Urgent, compelling reading from the author of Chernobyl on the defining conflict of our times On 24 February 2022, Russia stunned the world by launching an invasion of Ukraine. In the midst of checking on the family and friends who were now on the front lines of Europe's largest conflict since the outbreak of the Second World War, acclaimed Ukrainian-American historian Serhii Plokhy inevitably found himself attempting to understand the deeper causes of the invasion, analysing its course and contemplating the wider outcomes.The Russo-Ukrainian War is the comprehensive history of a war that has burned since 2014, and that, with Russia's attempt to seize Kyiv, exploded a geo-political order that had been cemented since the end of the Cold War. With an eye for the gripping detail on the ground, both in the halls of power and down in the trenches, as well as a keen sense of the grander sweep of history, Plokhy traces the origins and the evolution of the conflict, from the collapse of the Russian empire to the rise and fall of the USSR and on to the development in Ukraine of a democratic politics.Based on decades of research and his unique insight into the region, he argues that Ukraine's defiance of Russia, and the West's demonstration of unity and strength, has presented a profound challenge to Putin's Great Power ambition, and further polarized the world along a new axis. A riveting, enlightening account, this is present-minded history at its best.BEST BOOKS OF SUMMER 2023: FINANCIAL TIMES * THE TIMES * SUNDAY TIMES CULTURE * TLS
Ruth Maier's Diary: A Jewish girl's life in Nazi Europe
by Ruth MaierRuth Maier was born into a middle-class Jewish family in interwar Vienna. Following the Anschluss of Austria in March 1938, her world collapsed. In early 1939, her sister having left for England, Ruth emigrated to Norway and lived with a family in Lillestrøm, near Oslo. Although she loved many things about her new country and its people, Ruth became increasingly isolated until she met a soulmate, Gunvor Hofmo, who was to become a celebrated poet. When Norway became a Nazi conquest in April 1940, Ruth's effort to join the rest of her family in Britain became ever more urgent.Ruth Maier kept a diary from 1934 until she was deported to Auschwitz in 1942 at the age of twenty-two. Although she was only in her teens, she shows a sophisticated understanding of the political forces shaping Europe. Ruth is lyrical, witty and incisive and explores universal themes of isolation, identity, love, friendship, desire and justice. Most of all, she seeks what it means to be a human being.
Ruthless Rulers: The real lives of Europe's most infamous tyrants
by CS DentonThroughout history, all monarchs have lived with the same dichotomy of simultaneously being human and more than human.In our time, when monarchs seem little more than tourist curiosities and democracy is taken for granted, it is easy to forget just how much power pre-democratic rulers once wielded. The rulers and holders of political power in this book were all possessed of vast - in many cases, absolute, - power: power which was often exercised arbitrarily and unjustly.What unites the figures in this book is that they all, in one way or another, failed to live up to the extravagantly high hopes invested in them and, as a consequence, have been judged harshly by history.A few, such as George III, might have been remembered more kindly were it not for mental illness changing their status from that of hero to villain. Some, like Louis XVI, were unfairly transformed into monsters by hostile propaganda, while others, such as Pete the Great, have been both celebrated as heroes and denounced as tyrants, often in the same breath. Finally, there are hose rulers who, like Caligula or Ivan the Terrible, may well fully deserve their evil reputations.Ruthless Rulers is a study in how often rulers were carried away or overwhelmed by their exalted status, while a few were even driven over the edge into madness.
Ryder (Delta Squad #2)
by Diana GardinThis Navy SEAL is putting his life - and heart - on the line to protect a woman on the run, but her dangerous secret threatens to destroy them both in this high-octane novel that proves "no one does romantic suspense like Diana Gardin" (Susan Stoker, New York Times bestselling author). I'm a Navy SEAL and a member of the elite Night Eagle Security team, so you better believe I take every one of my missions seriously. But this one is different. I'm protecting Frannie - she's beautiful, fiercely independent, and on the run from her criminal ex-husband. I know he's dangerous, that he'll do anything to get Frannie back. But there's no way I'll ever let that happen...Trouble is, I can tell Frannie is hiding something from me. Something big. Since she barely got away from her ex alive, I understand that she's wary, but I can't help her if she doesn't let me in. And no matter how badly I want a future with her, I swore I'd never allow myself to be with someone who doesn't trust me. But when Frannie's secret comes out, I have to decide whether her betrayal is enough to make me walk away...or if I'll protect the woman I love no matter the cost.
Ryder (Delta Squad #2)
by Diana GardinThis Navy SEAL is putting his life - and heart - on the line to protect a woman on the run, but her dangerous secret threatens to destroy them both in this high-octane novel that proves "no one does romantic suspense like Diana Gardin" (Susan Stoker, New York Times bestselling author).I'm a Navy SEAL and a member of the elite Night Eagle Security team, so you better believe I take every one of my missions seriously. But this one is different. I'm protecting Frannie - she's beautiful, fiercely independent, and on the run from her criminal ex-husband. I know he's dangerous, that he'll do anything to get Frannie back. But there's no way I'll ever let that happen...Trouble is, I can tell Frannie is hiding something from me. Something big. Since she barely got away from her ex alive, I understand that she's wary, but I can't help her if she doesn't let me in. And no matter how badly I want a future with her, I swore I'd never allow myself to be with someone who doesn't trust me. But when Frannie's secret comes out, I have to decide whether her betrayal is enough to make me walk away...or if I'll protect the woman I love no matter the cost.
S.O.E.: An outline history of the special operations executive 1940 - 46 (Government Official History Ser.)
by M R FootSOE, the Special Operations Executive, was a small, tough British secret service, a dirty tricks department established in July 1940 and encouraged by Churchill to ‘set Europe ablaze’. Recruited from remarkably diverse callings, the men and women who were members of this most secret agency lived in great and constant danger. Their job – as saboteurs, informers, partisans, couriers or secret agents – was to support and stimulate resistance behind enemy lines; their credentials fortitude, courage, immense patience and a devotion to freedom. In this classic study M.R.D. Foot, sheds light on the heroism of individual SOE agents across the world and provides us with a spellbinding account of the Executive’s crucial wartime work. With an introduction by David Stafford.
SA80 Assault Rifles (Weapon)
by Peter Dennis Neil Grant Alan GillilandNow the standard weapon for British soldiers across the globe, the SA80's early years were surrounded in controversy after a series of dismal performances. It was prone to jamming in desert conditions, had several flimsy parts that would often break after repeated use and had an incredibly sensitive magazine catch. When these issues came to light the SA80 was lambasted by the news, leading to the Ministry of Defence ordering an extensive modification programme that dramatically improved reliability.Combat accounts and in-depth analysis of the SA80's performance in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and Iraq guide the reader through its troubled life, while vivid artwork helps to illustrate the transformation it underwent; from an unreliable rifle disliked by the soldiers who used it to being one of the world's most innovative and accurate small arms.
SA80 Assault Rifles (Weapon #49)
by Peter Dennis Neil Grant Alan GillilandNow the standard weapon for British soldiers across the globe, the SA80's early years were surrounded in controversy after a series of dismal performances. It was prone to jamming in desert conditions, had several flimsy parts that would often break after repeated use and had an incredibly sensitive magazine catch. When these issues came to light the SA80 was lambasted by the news, leading to the Ministry of Defence ordering an extensive modification programme that dramatically improved reliability.Combat accounts and in-depth analysis of the SA80's performance in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and Iraq guide the reader through its troubled life, while vivid artwork helps to illustrate the transformation it underwent; from an unreliable rifle disliked by the soldiers who used it to being one of the world's most innovative and accurate small arms.
Sabine’s War: The Incredible True Story Of A Resistance Fighter Who Survived Three Concentration Camps
by Eva TaylorAn astonishing tale of romance, resistance and bravery
Sabotage
by Don Pendleton?A rash of killings among returning American soldiers puts Mack Bolan on the front line of a conspiracy to destabilize the U.S. military at home and abroad.
The Saboteur: The Aristocrat Who Became France's Most Daring Anti-nazi Commando
by Paul KixIn the tradition of ‘Agent Zigzag’ comes a breathtaking biography of WWII’s ‘Scarlet Pimpernel’ as fast-paced and emotionally intuitive as the best spy thrillers. This celebrates unsung hero Robert de La Rochefoucauld, an aristocrat turned anti-Nazi saboteur, and his exploits as a British Special Operations Executive-trained resistant
The Saboteur of Auschwitz: The Inspiring True Story of a British Soldier Held Prisoner in Auschwitz
by Colin RushtonFor fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Librarian of Auschwitz and The Choice, this is the incredible true story of a British soldier POW.In 1942, young British soldier Arthur Dodd was taken prisoner by the German Army and transported to Oswiecim in Polish Upper Silesia. The Germans gave it another name, now synonymous with mankind’s darkest hours. They called it Auschwitz.Forced to do hard labour, starved and savagely beaten, Arthur thought his life would end in Auschwitz. Determined to go down fighting, he sabotaged Nazi industrial work, risked his life to alleviate the suffering of the Jewish prisoners and aided a partisan group planning a mass break-out.This shocking true story sheds new light on the operations at the camp, exposes a hierarchy of prisoner treatment by the SS and presents the largely unknown story of the military POWs held there.
Sabra and Shatila: September 1982
by Bayan Nuwayhed Al-HoutNow available for the first time in English, this classic book is the most comprehensive, authoritative account of the Sabra and Shatila massacre and what happened and who was responsible. *BR**BR*Taking place over three bloody days in the Lebanese capital Beirut, the Sabra and Shatila massacre was committed against Palestinian refugees by Lebanese militias, aided and supervised by the Israeli Army, which had encircled the district. Driven by the horror of what occurred, author Bayan Nuwayhed al-Hout, interviewed survivors and set up an oral history project immediately after the massacre to preserve testimonies. *BR**BR*Containing interviews with the victims families, in addition to statistical data and attempts to determine the number of victims, this book is a courageous attempt to make sense of what happened and an important political document in its own right.
Sabre Squadron
by Cameron Spence* AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW *With the outbreak of Gulf War hostilities a unit from 22 SAS slipped quietly over the border and into the enemy's backyard. It would be six weeks before any of the patrol again reached safety.Sabre Squadron recounts in graphic detail their scud-busting operations deep inside Iraq. They were operating alone and out of reach of reinforcements, with the threat of detection and its fatal consequences ever present. Yet their determination to wreak havoc behind enemy lines remained undimmed, culminating in an attack that decisively reconfirmed the regiment's awesome reputation.Cameron Spence, a senior NCO on the operation, takes you as close to the fighting SAS as you are ever likely to get, conveying the relentless tension, black humour and camaraderie punctuated by explosive, nerve-shredding action that characterized the mission.This is the true story of an SAS operation of breathtaking audacity and flair, carried out under unimaginable pressure, in the face of impossible odds.'A brilliantly authentic account of war with an SAS patrol, it's a fantastic read' - ANDY MCNAB, bestselling author of Bravo Two Zero'Tense and at times terrifying... a well told action story' - SUNDAY TELEGRAPH'A terrific read' - THE TIMES'Blood, guts and military macho - as authentic as anything you are likely to read' - MAIL ON SUNDAY
Sabres on the Steppes: Danger, Diplomacy and Adventure in the Great Game
by Sir John UreBack in the day when men were men and Britain ruled the world, the two great world powers went head to head over control of central Asia - from the Caucasus to Kabul. This was the stage of open warfare but also espionage, subterfuge and reckless adventure. Following on from the derring do of Shooting Leave, John Ure tells the story of British soldiers, missionaries and mercenaries, horse traders and opportunists who travelled to make their name in the Great Game.Praise for Shooting Leave:'Extremely entertaining ... deserves to be a surprise Christmas bestseller.' Robert Harris.'Gripping stuff.' Peter Hopkirk.'Anyone with red blood in his or her veins will be stirred by these stories ... The perfect read.' Country Life.
Sacrament
by Clive BarkerA famous photographer lying in a coma holds the key to the salvation of the world. But first he must travel back into the traumatic events of his childhood.
A Sacred Storm: Where history meets fantasy, for fans of Bernard Cornwall and George RR Martin (The Wanderer Chronicles #2)
by Theodore BrunBook II of the Wanderer Chronicles'A masterly debut... If Bernard Cornwall and George RR Martin had a lovechild, it would look like A Mighty Dawn. I devoured it late into the night, and eagerly await the sequel.' -- Antonia Senior on A Mighty DawnForged in fire. Bound by honour. Haunted by loss.8th Century Sweden: Erlan Aurvandil, a Viking outlander, has pledged his sword to Sviggar Ivarsson, King of the Sveärs. But violence is stirring in the borderlands. As the fires of an ancient feud are reignited, Erlan is bound by honour and oath to stand with King Sviggar. But, unbeknownst to the old King his daughter, Princess Lilla, has fallen under Erlan's spell. As the armies gather Erlan and Lilla must choose between their duty to Sviggar and their love for each other. Blooded young, betrayed often, Erlan is no stranger to battle. And hidden in the shadows, there are always those determined to bring about the maelstrom of war...
The Sacred Sword (Ben Hope #7)
by Scott MarianiFROM THE #1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR ‘Deadly conspiracies, bone-crunching action and a tormented hero with a heart . . . packs a real punch’ Andy McDermott
Sad Wind from the Sea (Playaway Adult Fiction Ser.)
by Jack HigginsThe very first novel written by Jack Higgins, re-packaged to celebrate 50 years of bestsellerdom.
The SADF and Cuito Cuanavale: A Tactical and Strategic Analysis
by Dr Leopold Scholtz“A shooting war is often followed by a second war. This war is not fought with bullets or artillery shells, not with tanks or bombers, but rather with words. The war is, in effect, fought again on paper.”In 1987–1988 the dusty Angolan town of Cuito Cuanavale was the backdrop for the final battles of the Border War. Ever since the war ended, the fighting around Cuito has been the subject of a fierce public debate over who actually won the war.While the leadership of the former South African Defence Force (SADF) claims it was never defeated, the supporters of the Angolan MPLA government, Cuba and SWAPO insist that the SADF was vanquished on the battlefield. They contend that the SADF wanted to overrun Cuito Cuanavale and use it as a springboard for an advance on Luanda.But was Cuito Cuanavale ever really an objective of the SADF? Leopold Scholtz tackles this question by examining recently declassified documents in the SANDF archives, exploring the strategic and tactical decisions that shaped the six main battles, from the SADF’s stunning tactical success on the Lomba River to the grinding struggle for the Tumpo Triangle.His incisive analysis untangles what happens when war, politics and propaganda become entwined.
Sadie was a Lady: An engrossing saga of family trouble and true love
by Joan JonkerA young girl escapes her cruel family home, but discovers that sometimes you can't leave the past entirely behind... Sadie Was a Lady is a touching, funny, heart-warming saga from one of Liverpool's favourite writers, Joan Jonker. Perfect for fans of Katie Flynn and Nadine Dorries.'As usual our Joan has come up with an easy-read story, full of laughter and smiles' - Liverpool EchoBeautiful, blonde-haired Sadie Wilson suffers abuse from her slovenly mother and lecherous father in order to protect her younger siblings from a similar fate. The neighbours avoid her parents like the plague and Sadie has no friends to turn to for help. But when Harry, the kind-hearted boy next door, sees Sadie crying because her father has lost all their money, he offers to pay her sixpence for a kiss. With coins in her pocket, Sadie goes to Paddy's market to buy underclothes she so desperately needs and it is there that she meets Mary Ann and a lively bunch of Liverpudlian stallholders who are to be her salvation. Even though she is rescued by Mary Ann's friends and starts a new life, Sadie's thoughts still return to her brothers and sisters back at home. And no matter how many admirers she has, there's a place in her heart for just one lad whose kisses she can't seem to forget... What readers are saying about Sadie Was a Lady: 'Could not put this book down. It was heart-warming and charming. Enjoyed all the characters and kept me entertained throughout the book''This was the first of Joan Jonker's books I read, and I could not put it down. The atmosphere of Liverpool of yesteryear simply came alive, with hard working people who though poor in life, were rich at heart and gave all they had... my heart has never left this story, and I simply cannot forget the characters'
Sadopaideia (Harper Perennial Forbidden Classics)
by‘Sadopaideia’ is a shocking, explicit, classic tale of Sado Masochism at the heart of English high society. Set in London and the Dorset coast, in an era of English history where corporal punishment was freely dispensed, the characters represent the core principles of disobedience, chastisement and compliance.
Safe
by Vanessa HarbourIn the chaotic last days of World War II, Jacob and Kizzy are tricked into a life or death journey. Far from home, they are attacked and only just escape. They hide in a seemingly deserted mansion, but they keep hearing strange noises... Investigating, they find it shelters not only forty abandoned horses but a small band of lost children, displaced by the war. With danger on every side, can Kizzy and Jakob keep them safe and get them all home?