The Conquest of the River Plate (1535-1555) by Ulrich Schmidel (DigiCat) (3 Reviews)    Price verified 12 hours ago

Within the pages of 'The Conquest of the River Plate (1535-1555),' readers encounter a fascinating juxtaposition of narratives that provide a comprehensive understanding of the exploration and colonization of the River Plate region by European adventurers. This anthology melds the starkly vivid accounts of Ulrich Schmidel and Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, offering a range of literary styles from diaristic entries to elaborate recountings, set against the backdrop of 16th century Latin American exploration. The collection is notable not only for its historical significance but also for the varied perspectives it presents on the cultural and physical encounters between European explorers and Indigenous peoples, making it a complex tapestry of conquest and coexistence. The contributing authors, each remarkable figures of their time, bring forward a richness of experience and insight. Ulrich Schmidel and Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca were among the earliest Europeans to document their expeditions in the Americas, the former being a soldier and the latter an explorer whose narratives have contributed profoundly to our understanding of early colonial endeavors and the resultant cultural exchanges. Their accounts align with the broader movements of European exploration and conquest while providing a deeply personal look at the trials and transformations faced by these adventurers. 'The Conquest of the River Plate (1535-1555)' is a must-read for those interested in the early narratives of the Americas, providing a unique lens through which to examine the encounter between different worlds. Through the eyes of Schmidel and Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, readers gain access to the multifaceted experiences of the conquest, offering invaluable historical insights and fostering a nuanced discussion on the narratives of exploration and colonization. This anthology invites readers to engage with its rich tapestry of perspectives, exploring the complexities of cultural interaction and the ...

Genre: History

The Sailor's Word-Book by W. H. Smyth (DigiCat) (7 Reviews)    Price verified 7 hours ago

W. H. Smyth's 'The Sailor's Word-Book' is a comprehensive and detailed reference guide to the language and terminology used in the maritime industry. This invaluable resource provides definitions, explanations, and origins of nautical terms, ensuring a clear understanding for both seasoned sailors and landlubbers alike. Smyth's writing style is straightforward and informative, making this book a must-have for anyone interested in maritime history and literature. The meticulous attention to detail and the extensive coverage of nautical jargon make this book an essential guide for those looking to delve deeper into the world of seafaring. The Sailor's Word-Book is a timeless classic that continues to be a valuable resource for scholars, sailors, and enthusiasts of naval history. W. H. Smyth's profound knowledge and passion for the sea are evident in every page of this meticulously researched book, making it a standout work in the field of maritime literature. I highly recommend 'The Sailor's Word-Book' to anyone looking to expand their knowledge of nautical terminology and the rich history of seafaring.

Genre: History

The Worst Country in the World: The true story of an Australian pioneer family (Australia: a personal story Book 1) by Patsy Trench (186 Reviews)    Price verified 4 hours ago

In 1801 Mary Pitt left her home in Fiddleford in Dorset with her five children and sailed across the globe to live in a penal colony. Colonial New South Wales was then barely fourteen years old. It was an experiment that looked as if it was going to fail. What on earth made Mary choose to go there? The Worst Country in the World tells the story of the early days of colonial Australia as seen through the eyes of Mary and her family. It describes how the land that was originally considered not fit to be lived in struggled to become the 'lucky' country it is now. It is a personal story of family history told by Mary's descendant, an Anglo-Australian Londoner who once lived in Australia and has a deep affection for it. It is about struggle and snobbery, reinvention and revaluation. "Set against the backdrop of the Australian migrant experience, 'The Worst Country in the World' is not only a great read but a thought-provoking one too, especially for those with links to Australia, which reinvented itself from a convict colony to one of the 'luckiest' countries in the world." Karen Clare, Family Tree magazine "This book relates the author's family history over five generations, using a variety of techniques, each of which alone would pay rich dividends for students to emulate... It provides a rich scenario for Patsy's imagination, building on meticulous research in archives, to present us with a sensitive novel about Australia's beginnings interspersed with reflections relating to the present day.' Dorset Family History Society.

Genre: History

U.S. History: An Enthralling Guide to America's Major Events, Including the Revolutionary and Civil Wars (Exploring the Past) by Billy Wellman (5 Reviews)    Price verified 2 hours ago

Dive Deep into America's History: Discover the Events That Shaped a Nation Three manuscripts in one book: • American History: An Enthralling Overview of Major Events that Shaped the United States of America • The American Revolution: An Enthralling Overview of the American Revolutionary War and Its Impact on the History of the United States of America • The American Civil War: An Enthralling Overview of the War Between States For those who are interested in learning about America, this is a great introductory book. It should whet your appetite to learn more. This detailed guide is an easy-to-follow, concise read providing a comprehensive understanding of America's roots and how it came to be the superpower it is today. In the first part of this book, you will learn about the following: • The early explorers of the Americas • The Thirteen Colonies and the difficulties the settlers faced • The French and Indian War, starring a young George Washington • The American Revolution and the causes behind it • The Louisiana Purchase and how it helped shape the modern US • The California Gold Rush and its impact on US history • How World War One brought about the Roaring '20s • The Great Depression and how it happened • The bombing of Pearl Harbor and World War II • President Truman and the Cold War • Recent presidents and modern-day events Embark on a riveting journey through the tumultuous era that birthed a nation. The American Revolution. is more than just a history; it's an exploration into the heart and soul of early America, through battlefields, diplomatic strife, and the forging of a new identity. In the second part of this book, focused on the American Revolution, you will learn about: • Militaristic Genius: Learn how General Washington employed Roman tactics to outmaneuver British forces. • Diplomatic Endeavors: Delve into the intense efforts to reconcile before war became inevitable. • Voices of the Era: ...

Genre: History

PAGASA: This is the Future of War (Future War Book 6) by FX Holden (2,861 Reviews)    Price verified 2 hours ago

"F.X. Holden is a master at delivering top-notch, rapid, breathtaking scenes that exceed the prescience of Tom Clancy, the micro-accurate battle action of WEB Griffen, the intrigue of Steve Berry, all wrapped in the closeup action of a Stephen Coonts thriller. Pagasa: This is the Future of War by F.X. Holden has earned my highest recommendation, if your thrill meter can record this level of action." - Tom Gauthier, Readers Favorite, 5 STARS China moves to take over Pagasa Island in the South China Sea, putting it on a collision course with the USA that very quickly takes the region to the brink of total war. Set in an all-too-possible future, PAGASA is 'a whirlwind of a novel' that follows the lives of ordinary men and women facing extraordinary peril, on all sides of the conflict. On Pagasa, Philippine Seabee Captain, Heraldo Bezerra, and his small force of combat engineers come under attack from Chinese Coast Guard frigates and commandos of the elite Jiaolong special forces. In Hong Kong, pilot Karen 'Bunny' O'Hare signs on to act as an aerial bodyguard for US flagged merchant marine vessel, the White Star Orion, which is shipping vital materials to PAGASA to help the Philippine Government fortify the island. In the Celebes Sea east of the Philippines, Captain of the Constellation class frigate, USS Congress, races to rendezvous with the White Star convoy, knowing he is sailing his ship into the eye of an approaching storm. At Batu Bay in Brunei, maritime militia leader Abdul Ibrahim, receives a visit from a Chinese client bearing heavy calibre gifts and a simple request: sink the Orion. And high in the skies over PAGASA, China Southern Command Special Aircraft Squadron leader, Li Chen, takes China's untried Zhi Shen J-16 fighter into combat with US stealth drones, to fight for the control of the seas first sailed by her ancestors during the Han dynasty in 210 BC. Long form review: USA BookLife Holden is back with another dynamic novel in his accomplished ...

Genre: History

Poor Man's Air Force: A guide to how small drones might be used in domestic unrest or low intensity conflicts by Don Shift (22 Reviews)    Price verified 2 hours ago

Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are changing the tactical landscape of warfare. The use of drones in conflicts has the potential to alter centuries of ground warfare in the same way as disruptive technologies like smokeless powder, the repeating firearm, tanks, and radios did in the past. Not just a rhetorical discussion of drone warfare, this book looks at practical usage by the prepared citizen, partisan, and soldier. In 2022, Ukrainian use of modified consumer-grade drones for attack surprised the world who had only really seen them used in intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance roles. Lurid videos of grenades being dropped on unaware troops heralds a terrifying new reality in warfare: the poor man's air force. Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are bringing an aerial observation and attack capacity to forces, large and small, that have never had such an advantage before. From warfare, to terrorism, and even self-defense, we have only seen the cusp of what drones can do. Quadcopters have taken aerial hunting and attacks out of the domain of scout helicopters and delivered it to the squad and individual level. In future conflicts, be they full-scale international wars, civil wars, or domestic unrest, use of drones will be commonplace. Their ease of use will make killing easier, enabling those who cannot or would not be soldiers or insurgents to participate in violence. Drones are a new threat as IEDs were and will be used in similar ways to both sniper attacks and bombings against civilian, military, and government targets. Thanks to their inherent intelligence gathering nature and developing attack capabilities, drones have the ability to level the playing field or dramatically tilt in favor of the side with aerial assets. In a civil conflict or during the aftermath of a major destabilizing event, drones will play a huge part in both self-defense and any violence. Proliferation of small unmanned aerial systems will occur rapidly, so their ...

Genre: History