Book Description
For more than 5,000 years, massive empires have met on the battlefield to determine the future course of world history. Ranging from Sumer, the world's first imperial state, to the fall of the Byzantine Empire, this comprehensive three-volume set, which includes both Western and non-Western empires, details the military capabilities of these empires, including the armies, soldiers, technologies, and commanders that powered the imperial juggernaut. From the Near East to Asia, from Western Europe to the New World, these empires spawned every major social institution on which modern society is based, including the first use of total war. With more than 400 illustrations and maps, this set reveals the awesome and destructive power of these early forces, from the dawn of recorded history to the development of gunpowder. Volume I: From the first clashes of the Sumerian Empire in 4000 B.C.E., to the destruction of the Persian Empire, volume one includes all the major imperial entities from Europe to Asia, including the Egyptians, the Hittites, the Israelites; China, India, Persia, and classical Greece. Students will find the historical context within which the empire emerged, an examination of the imperial army, including structure, weapons, tactics, logistics, and manner of warfare; a detailed analysis of at least one major battle; an analysis of the rival commanders; and a section on the lessons of war. Each volume contains more than 100 illustrations, maps, and figures that demonstrate manner of dress, weaponry, imperial location, and course of the battle. Every chapter contains suggestions for further reading. Volume II: Until its destruction by the Romans in 146 B.C.E., Carthage was the primary naval empire of the Mediterranean world. The Norman victory at Hastings in 1066 C.E. was one of the most important events in the Medieval world and resulted in the creation of the modern state of Great Britain. Volume two covers vast territory from Imperial Rome to Korea, including chapters on the Huns, the Arabs, the Barbarians, the Vikings, and the Franks. Students will find the historical context within which the empire emerged, an examination of the imperial army, including structure, weapons, tactics, logistics, and manner of warfare; a detailed analysis of at least one major battle; an analysis of the rival commanders; and a section on the lessons of war. Each volume contains more than 100 illustrations, maps, and figures that demonstrate manner of dress, weaponry, imperial location, and course of the battle. Every chapter contains suggestions for further reading. Volume III: Examining the major events of the Middle Ages, from Europe to the major empires of Asia and the Americas, volume three takes readers from the age of the Medieval knight to the fall of Constantinople in 1453 C.E. Western sections detail the Crusades and the Hundred Years War, while non-Western chapters cover the Japanese, the Mongols and the Ottomans in Asia and the American empires of the Aztecs, Incas, and Mayas. Students will find the historical context within which the empire emerged, an examination of the imperial army, including structure, weapons, tactics, logistics, and manner of warfare; a detailed analysis of at least one major battle; an analysis of the rival commanders; and a section on the lessons of war. Each volume contains more than 100 illustrations, maps, and figures that demonstrate manner of dress, weaponry, imperial location, and course of the battle. Every chapter contains suggestions for further reading.
Customer Reviews:
expensive bummer.......2007-08-07
This is a decent survey of ancient warfare. I was very dissappointed due to so many important battles which are missing from the book.
The graphics and maps are POOR quality. For the cost, there should be some color, it should all be printed on higher quality paper, and what is black and white should be of much higher quality.
I found the presentation cumbersome, this is written for upper eschelon military leaders. I spent a long time in the military, I found this to have the feel of arrogant field grade officers' typical approach to report writing, over the academic format I expected.
A lot of important information is lost in translation, and the effort does not feel as though the subjects of the battles which are addressed are appropriately researched or presented.
* for cost
* for quality of paper and graphics
*** for battles that are presented
0* for battles missing
* for historical context presentation
**** for binding
Some Initial Thoughts.......2005-07-12
I received this 3-volume set a few days ago, and have not read it all, roughly about one-fourth of it. It is the kind of reading one can dip into at just about any point, and I have read those sections that I was particularly interested in: the near eastern ancient world up to the Alexander, and the empire of Attila. I wish Amazon had the table of contents posted, as that reflects the structure of the books; essentially, that the author uses important battles as his climaxes, with material on strategy, tactics, logistics, etc leading up to the battle descriptions, which are then followed by a discussion of the commanders involved in the battle.
Importantly, the books cover "empires" and not "kingdoms", except as brief background. So Assyria is not covered directly until it becomes an "empire" in the late 8th century BCE, and Byzantium until its fall seems not to be covered directly at all. Roman history essentially begins with Hannibal's invasion, at which point the author apparently deems Rome has become an empire. Though many battles of the Roman Civil Wars of Caesar and Augustus are covered, the Roman Empire itself is covered rather briefly, with Teutoburger Wald and Adrianople being the only battles discussed in detail for the first four centuries CE. (The author uses the BCE, CE dating notation.) Then Chalons is covered in the section on the Huns.
The discussion of Chalons raises some questions I have about the books. The author gives a detailed blow-by-blow account of the battle, whereas several other scholarly books on the subject state that not enough is known about the battle to permit a reconstruction. Since the author gives nary a footnote stating his rationales anywhere in the three volumes, and does not discuss his reasoning in the text itself, it is impossible to tell whether the author's account of Chalons is based on new research, the author's best guess, or just the author's imagination.
Be that as it may, the text of the book reads very easily; I found myself able to bite off huge chunks of it in rather brief sittings. There are also adequate maps and illustrations, but no index. I did note during the discussion of Gaugamela that the author apparently became confused between the left and right wing of the Persian army, and in the discussion of early Egypt he implied that Palestine is to the west of Egypt. So the books must be read with a bit of care, and in fact do not provide a complete military history from 4000 BCE to 1453 CE, but rather detailed snippets of particular times, which, of course, is just what the author intended.
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Encyclopedia of the Byzantine Empire
Jennifer Lawler
Manufacturer: McFarland & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0786415207 |
Book Description
The Middle Ages as they were lived in Eastern Europe are covered in this encyclopedia. An introduction provides an overview of the Byzantine Empire—what life was like, what people wore and ate, how families were formed and cared for, and how the so-called Eastern Empire differed from its Western counterpart.
Over 1500 entries, from Adrianopolis to Zoë, embrace a broad range of topics. Illustrations include genealogies of Byzantine rulers, maps of the Empire at various stages, and photographs of Byzantine buildings and art. A pronunciation guide, a note about transliteration and spelling, a chronology of emperors, a glossary, a suggested readings list, and an index are also included.
Customer Reviews:
Not recommended.......2004-08-24
I was prepared to like this book, as it has a nice look and feel--physically well-constructed with easy to read print arranged in two columns. However, as soon as I started reading, I encountered problems. The maps referred to in the book description are in fact only two--one of the Empire around 1025 and other around 1350. Both maps are very sketchy--only two cities are named on each, Constantinople and Venice. Then we consider the heart of the book, the entries. The Czech Republic is said to be part of the Balkan Peninsula under that entry. Under the entry for the themes, no mention is made of when the themes were initially founded or by whom; Heraclius is said to have founded them under his entry, but there is no cross reference to him under the themes entry. The entry for Belisarius implies he was in Italy continuously until 548 after first going. In his entry, Justinian is stated to have attacked the Visigoths in Spain in the 540s rather than the correct 550s. Most of the entry for Tripoli concerns the city of that name in Lebanon, but it is also stated that this city "was an important part of the trade route through the Sahara", a statement that seems more appropriate for the city of Tripoli in Libya. There is a somewhat detailed entry on Bohemia; I'm not sure why this is so in a book on Byzantium. On the plus side, there are many charts and tables and an extensive bibliography, plus some black-and-white photographs. But in my opinion the book contains too many misleading statements to be of much use either to a specialist or a casual reader. I still give the book two stars as it does in fact have a nice look and feel.
Average customer rating:
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Empires At War: A Chronological Encyclopedia From Sumer To The Fall Of Byzantium
Richard A. Gabriel
Manufacturer: Greenwood Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Byzantine
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ASIN: 0313334110 |
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ARABIA, PRE-ISLAM: An entry from Macmillan Reference USA's Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World
Gordon D. Newby
Manufacturer: Macmillan Reference USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
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ASIN: B000M4QP9E |
Book Description
“Islam and the Muslim World†will help people understand the fastest growing religion in the United States and the dominant religion in a wide area of the rest of the world. This informative and interesting new encyclopedia explores an increasingly important force in the modern world, looking at Islam's role in the modern world, in the context of the religion's history and development over the last 13 centuries, and contains thematic articles, biographies of key figures, definitions, and more, filling a need in this key area of religious studies and serving as a resource for those eager to become better informed.
Book Description
“Islam and the Muslim World†will help people understand the fastest growing religion in the United States and the dominant religion in a wide area of the rest of the world. This informative and interesting new encyclopedia explores an increasingly important force in the modern world, looking at Islam's role in the modern world, in the context of the religion's history and development over the last 13 centuries, and contains thematic articles, biographies of key figures, definitions, and more, filling a need in this key area of religious studies and serving as a resource for those eager to become better informed.
Book Description
With its dramatic range of habitats, from the beaches of the Atlantic to the wetlands of the Chesapeake Bay and the alpine forests of the Appalachians, the Mid-Atlantic region is home to 346 species of birds. For amateur and experienced birders alike, few areas offer so many opportunities to see such a rich variety of avian life. Four of America's top fifteen birding sites--Hawk Mountain, Pennsylvania; Brigantine and Cape May, both in New Jersey; and Chincoteague, Virginia--can be found here, as can numerous other premier bird-watching destinations, including Assateague Island National Seashore, Shenandoah National Park, and the Great Dismal Swamp. A day's drive takes birders from West Virginia's cranberry bogs to Maryland's Swallow Falls or from Pennsylvania's Presque Isle to Delaware's Bombay Hook to see, for example, Bald Eagles, Hermit Thrushes, Northern Saw-whet Owls, and Chuck-will-widows.
Birds of the Mid-Atlantic Region and Where to Find Them is the only comprehensive field guide to bird life in the area that also directs readers to public sites where each species can be found. Noted ornithologist John H. Rappole provides extensive information about every species: description, identification details for distinguishing similar species, habitat preference, vocalization, range, and Mid-Atlantic seasonal occurrence, abundance, and distribution. Each entry is accompanied by a color photograph, making identification easy for amateur bird watchers, and by a range of maps. A helpful guide to sites lists the best places to spot specific birds, from common species to rarities, and how to reach the sites by car. Birds of the Mid-Atlantic Region and Where to Find Them will appeal to dedicated bird watchers and curious commuters, lifelong residents and seasonal visitors alike, offering all a deeper understanding of the region's natural wonders.
Customer Reviews:
Not what I thought it would be.......2006-04-21
I was disappointed in this book. Most of it is a field guide to the birds that isn't necessary if you own a good field guide already, such as Sibley. I expected more detailed descriptions of the birding sites listed, as I have seen in other guides. The descriptions about birding sites in this book were very basic. This might be helpful for a new birder.
WHAT AN AWESOME AND USEFUL GUIDE!.......2003-11-19
You won't find another guide with ALL of this information so nicely organized and explained. The guidance on where to find the individual species you may have been longing to see but didn't know where to find is wonderful and most welcome. We also like to peruse all the excellent birding sites that the author describes to get ideas of promising bird outings to take. The photos are excellent and show the many species of the region to good advantage. A great guide for birders of all levels!
Average customer rating:
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Thomas Hardy A to Z: The Essential Reference to His Life and Work (Literary a to Z)
Sarah Bird Wright
Manufacturer: Checkmark Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Reference
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19th Century
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ASIN: 0816050678 |
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The Parliament of Birds (Hesperus Poetry)
Geoffrey Chaucer
Manufacturer: Hesperus Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Chaucer, Geoffrey
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Similar Items:
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Geoffrey Chaucer: Love Visions
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Troilus and Criseyde (Penguin Classics)
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The Riverside Chaucer
ASIN: 1843911019 |
Book Description
In this collection of poems, among his very best, Chaucer showcases his lyrical skills to perfection. Verging from tragic to comic, the overriding theme of the poetry is love, in its many guises. Chaucer tells of his passion for reading, which allows him to eavesdrop on a "parliament of birds" on St Valentine’s Day; he tells how he, as an inveterate reader, forsakes his books on the first of May to wander into the fields; he complains of being short of money; and he complains to his scribe for copying his verses badly. All in all, in the course of the poetry he reveals a lot about himself, and does so throughout in an engaging and civilized manner.
Book Description
An ideal pocket guide to over 180 species of bird found throughout Scotland. Each species is illustrated in full colour with a comprehensive description, plus the bird's English, Latin and Gaelic names. For ease of use the birds are grouped together by the type of habitat in which they can be found, including gardens, farmland, woodland, freshwater, heath and hills, and coasts. A places to visit section details over 70 of the best sites for bird-watching, complete with directions to them and what to expect to see when you get there.
Product Description
D.H. Lawrence (1885-1930) made a contribution to poetry that, in the words of Lousie Bogan, "can now be recognized as one of the most important, in any language, of our time." Birds, Beasts, and Flowers!, his first great experiment in free verse, was published when he was thirty-eight. This Black Sparrow edition re-sets the text in the format of the first edition (New York: Thomas Seltzer, 1923) and restores several "indecent" lines suppressed by the original publisher. Lawrence's original jacket artwork is reproduced on the jacket in full color.
Many of these individual poems are popular in anthologies - they are best read, however, in the context and continuum of the whole book. In preparing the original collection for publication, Lawrence grouped the poems in a purposeful sequence and prefaced many of the subsections with brief quotations from the third edition of John Burnet's Early Greek Philosophy, which particularly interested him at the time.
Customer Reviews:
D H Lawrence is a masterful poet!.......1999-05-04
His use of descriptive words allows the reader to experience his emotions as he reads the poems to himself. This is a must read book...really.
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Remember the Birds (Salmon Poetry)
Louise C. Callaghan
Manufacturer: Salmon Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Anthologies
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ASIN: 1903392519 |
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Cockatiels (Keeping Unusual Pets)
Belinda Ogle
Manufacturer: Heinemann Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0431124205 |
Book Description
In 1981 Hanif Kureishi was voted most promising playwright of the year by the London theater critics for his plays Borderline and Outskirts. Since then he has gone on to write acclaimed screenplays, including the script for My Beautiful Laundrette, which received an Academy Award nomination for best screenplay, and prize-winning works of fiction. This selection of plays shows his development as a writer finding his own territory within the diverse ethnic and cultural milieus of 1990s England and illuminating the conflicts he finds with his characteristically powerful and humorous style.
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From Witchery to Sanctity: The Religious Vicissitudes of the Hawthornes
Otto Bird , and
Katharine Bird
Manufacturer: St. Augustine's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1587312522 |
Book Description
Although Nathaniel Hawthorne, the renowned author of The Scarlet Letter, shunned organized religion, his stories were heavily weighted with sin and guilt. The fascinating history of generations of Hawthornes and their journey from Puritanism to Catholicism offers a penetrating glimpse into an extraordinary family. As one critic remarked, it is a story enveloped "with a veil woven of intermingled gloom and brightness."
The Birds bring this story of the powerful forces that shaped the Hawhornes to life. We see the vivid portrait of William Hawthorne, who arrived from England in 1630, and his son John, who became the most notorious Hawthorne in his efforts to battle the devil by stamping out witchcraft in the infamous Salem witchcraft trials. As a judge, overseeing public morality, John also had Quakers assaulted, arrested, and sent to trial. When one couple could not pay a fine, Hawthorne had their two children sold into slavery.
Such inhumanity became the subject of Nathaniel Hawthorne's fiction two centuries later. In his introduction to The Scarlet Letter, he avers to his seventeenth-century ancestors as bitter persecutors.
But if Nathaniel could win no solace from religion, his daughter, Rose, found peace becoming a Catholic nun and founded a women's religious order, The Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, which to this day is dedicated to working with the sick and dying. Rose said that the strongest influence on his life was her father and the sympathy he consistently showed for those in poverty and disease.
The Birds have made an important contribution to understanding Nathaniel Hawthorne and the complex ideas that shaped him as one of the nineteenth-centuries greatest writers - and the conscience of his age.
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The Owl and the Nightingale (Penguin Classics)
Anonymous
Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Contemporary
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ASIN: 0140442456 |
Books:
- Employment, Labor Unions and Wages (Economists of the Twentieth Century)
- Engaging Ideas: The Professor's Guide to Integrating Writing, Critical Thinking, and Active Learning in the Classroom (Jossey Bass Higher and Adult Education Series)
- Extraordinary Knowing: Science, Skepticism, and the Inexplicable Powers of the Human Mind
- Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna (National Geographic)
- Field Notes from a Catastrophe: Man, Nature, and Climate Change
- Fight Back: Tackling Terrorism, Liddy Style
- Following Muhammad: Rethinking Islam in the Contemporary World (Islamic Civilization and Muslim Networks)
- Fundraising Mistakes That Bedevil All Boards (And Staff Too): A 1-hour Guide To Identifying And Overcoming Obstacles To Your Success
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