Historiske og politiske biografier

Appassionata e paziente opera di ricerca con la quale l'autore, combinando le testimonianze documentali e le evidenze genetiche, si è messo sulle tracce dei propri antenati, sottraendo dall'oblio e restituendo alla memoria collettiva le remote vicende e l'eroismo quotidiano di individui comuni dimenticati da secoli. Nel preservare il ricordo di questi uomini e donne, di cui egli è frutto, prende le mosse per tracciare l'evoluzione di un casale vesuviano, scenario di riferimento, dalle origini ai giorni nostri. Con l'ambizione di aver interpretato il pensiero del filosofo e storico Benedetto Croce secondo il quale "Ogni storia universale, se è davvero storia, è sempre storia particolare..., ogni storia particolare, se è davvero storia e dove è storia, è sempre necessariamente universale...".

The life of Töhötöm Nagy (1908-1979), Jesuit, Mason, and secret service agent, offers fascinating insights into interwar Hungary, the Catholic Church and Vatican diplomacy, Freemasonry, and the activities of communist state security service.As a young Jesuit Nagy was one of the leaders of a successful Catholic youth movement in interwar Hungary. After World War II he played an important role acting as an intermediary between the Vatican, the Red Army, and the Hungarian Catholic Church. After being sent to South America, he was attracted by liberation theology, but left the Society of Jesus, joined the Freemasons, and did social and philanthropic work in the slums of Buenos Aires. However, in the late 1960s he agreed to work for the Hungarian state security service in return for his repatriation. This latter period is reconstructed from the files of the Historical Archives of State Security in Budapest. Éva Petrás writes with empathy but with a sense of distance of the courage and restless energy of her subject. Her discussion of the limits of free choice and Nagy's intense struggle to live a meaningful life make this biography breathtaking.

Hunting Nukes uniquely describes how intelligence should work to inform and direct diplomacy to the advantage of both the United States and the world. Lawless's focus is on intelligence and diplomatic personnel and the need for these indispensable professionals to have the will and expertise to carry out their responsibilities. He describes the apex of it all as the knowledgeable policymaker who recognizes the facts to succeed or the unknowledgeable policymaker who ignores the facts and fails.>For fifteen years, Richard Phillip Lawless served as a clandestine-services officer for the Central Intelligence Agency. His primary duty involved seeking out and exposing undeclared nuclear weapons activities within countries of the highest concern to the U.S. government. Hunting Nukes is his detailed chronicle of those experiences. Among them, Lawless reveals the successful takedown of the South Korean strategic weapons program in the mid-1970s. He describes, in detail, the Agency's operation that detected, penetrated, defined and eventually blocked that country's covert effort. Reentering U.S. Government service in the wake of 9/11, he joined the senior levels of policy-making at the Department of Defense. Lawless recounts his duties as Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, particularly in the 2002-2008 talks with the rogue North Korean regime-the so-called "Six Party Talks." In those cases and others, Lawless details his role in the political and bureaucratic struggles necessary to keep the world's most terrifying weapons out of the hands of the world's least responsible and most dangerous regimes.

Discover the riveting story of Stalingrad, a battle that shaped the course of history, with our exclusive book bundle "Stalingrad: Siege and Soviet Victory." This carefully curated collection takes you on an immersive journey through the harrowing events, personal accounts, and lasting impact of one of the most decisive battles of World War II. Dive into the pages of these four captivating volumes and unlock a deeper understanding of the Battle of Stalingrad.Book 1 - "The Battle of Stalingrad: Turning the Tide" Immerse yourself in the heart of the conflict as you witness the ebb and flow of the battle that turned the tide of World War II. Uncover the strategic maneuvers, the heroism of the soldiers, and the monumental moments that shifted the balance of power. With gripping narratives and expert analysis, this volume brings to life the intensity and significance of the battle that changed the course of the war.Book 2 - "Voices from the Ruins: Surviving Stalingrad" Step into the shoes of those who endured the unimaginable horrors of Stalingrad's siege. Through firsthand accounts, memoirs, and interviews with survivors, you'll witness the courage, resilience, and unbreakable spirit of the soldiers and civilians trapped in the city. This poignant volume illuminates the human side of the battle, offering a profound perspective on the indomitable nature of the human spirit.Book 3 - "Stalingrad: The Cold War Echoes" Uncover the far-reaching implications of the Battle of Stalingrad beyond the confines of World War II. Delve into the post-war era and explore how the battle reverberated through the Cold War, influencing military strategies, shaping diplomatic relations, and defining the ideological divide. This volume provides a unique perspective on the enduring legacy of Stalingrad and its impact on global geopolitics.Book 4 - "Stalingrad Revisited: Commemorating the Past, Shaping the Future" Engage with the present and reflect on the commemoration and remembrance of Stalingrad. Discover how the battle is memorialized, study its lasting impact on national identities, and explore the lessons learned from this historic event. This volume examines how Stalingrad continues to shape the future, inspiring efforts for peace, reconciliation, and a deeper understanding of the human experience.With the "Stalingrad: Siege and Soviet Victory" book bundle, you'll have a comprehensive collection at your fingertips, providing a panoramic view of the battle from different perspectives and dimensions. Immerse yourself in the meticulously researched accounts, powerful narratives, and thought-provoking analysis that bring this pivotal moment in history to life.Whether you're a history enthusiast, a student of military strategy, or someone captivated by human resilience, this book bundle is an invaluable addition to your library. Dive into the rich tapestry of Stalingrad's siege, the Soviet victory, and the enduring legacy that still resonates today.Don't miss this opportunity to own the complete "Stalingrad: Siege and Soviet Victory" book bundle. Order now and embark on a journey through the depths of history, where bravery, sacrifice, and the human spirit shine through amidst the chaos of war. This collection is a must-have for anyone seeking a profound understanding of Stalingrad's significance and its lasting impact on our world.

Once described as Louis Riel's alter ego, Manitoba Premier John Norquay skirmished with John A. Macdonald and endured racist taunts while championing the interests of the Prairie West. This biography of an Indigenous political leader sheds welcome light on a neglected historical figure and a tumultuous time for Canada and Manitoba.

"A member of the so-called Silent Generation, Michael Hadley has a great deal to say in his twilight years. Opening with his Depression-era childhood on a lonely lighthouse on the west coast of Vancouver Island, this remarkably nuanced memoir spans decades, countries, and oceans."--

The story of a young man leaving home for the first time to experience life beyond the small conservative Midwest town in South Dakota. The narrative expresses the young man's thoughts and actions on the new experiences and people that cross his path during his time in the military in other countries and the Vietnam War. There are many tales of combat and soldiers' experiences by the author. These stories express strength and will power. Will power and faith walk hand and hand through injury and death as a show of strength in body and soul to live or die. The living helping the wounded and dying call on the same strengths of will power and faith to be able to help someone and comfort them during their painful ordeal. The book is honest and blunt about the issues. The author grew up in a small conservative Midwest town in South Dakota. After high school he decided to enter the army to get training in a field he could use after returning home. He also needed the educational benefits to attend college. In the army he had an eye opening experience. He met many different people from different parts of the US that did not have his same values. He also observed different people from different countries and their values. He made a point to share his values and learn from others their customs and values. This gave him an insight to how to act and react with the people around him. From this point on this learning experience guided him through his life experiences when interacting with other people. His conservative upbringing projected kindness, understanding and a tolerance of other people's differences.

This book discusses examples of how the U.S. Founding Fathers were influenced and inspired by Chinese agriculture, architecture, and philosophy. China, then one of the most stable and powerful civilizations in the world, offered unique perspectives on various aspects of society which were distinct from the Founding Fathers' European heritage. China provided an alternative set of social and political frameworks which supported the Founding Fathers' efforts to craft a unique heritage for their young nation. These Founders sought to establish a political identity that was distinct from European aristocratic traditions.

On the 14th of August 1941, a Polish monk named Maximilian Maria Kolbe was murdered in Auschwitz.Kolbe's life had been remarkable. Fiercely intelligent and driven, he founded a movement of Catholicism and spent several years in Nagasaki, ministering to the 'hidden Christians' who had emerged after centuries of oppression. A Polish nationalist as well as a monk, he gave sanctuary to fleeing refugees and ran Poland's largest publishing operation, drawing the wrath of the Nazis. His death was no less remarkable: he volunteered to die, saving the life of a fellow prisoner.It was an act that profoundly transformed the lives of two Japanese men. Tomei Ozaki was just seventeen when the US dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, destroying his home and his family. Masatoshi Asari worked on a farm in Hokkaido during the war and was haunted by the inhumane treatment of prisoners in a nearby camp. Forged in the crucible of an unforgiving war, both men drew inspiration from Kolbe's sacrifice, dedicating their lives to humanity and justice.In The Martyr and the Red Kimono, award-winning author Naoko Abe weaves together a deeply moving and inspirational true story of resistance, sacrifice, guilt and atonement.

"Our times again are rich in memoirs, perhaps richer than ever before. It is because there is much to tell. The more dramatic and rich in change the epoch, the more intense the interest in current history. The art of landscape-painting could never have been born in the Sahara. The "crossing" of two epochs, as at present, gives rise to a desire to look back at yesterday, already far away, through the eyes of its active participants. That is the reason for the enormous growth in the literature of reminiscence since the days of the last war. Perhaps it will justify the present volume as well.""The very fact of its coming into the world is due to the pause in the author's active political life. One of the unforeseen, though not accidental, stops in my life has proved to be Constantinople. Here I am camping - but not for the first time - and patiently waiting for what is to follow. The life of a revolutionary would be quite impossible without a certain amount of "fatalism." In one way or another, the Constantinople interval has proved the most appropriate moment for me to look back before circumstances allow me to move forward."

"In the late 1870s, Los Angeles was a violent, dusty, 29-square-mile pueblo with a few thousand souls, largely unchanged since its founding in 1781. By 1930s, its size had swelled to within 96% of its current 468 square miles, housing a staggering 1.2 million people. In just 50 years, L.A. had joined the ranks of other world-class cities. In the tradition of Mike Davis's classic work City of Quartz, Paul Haddad debunks many myths about the City of Angels with a narrative that sheds new light on the fascinating birth of modern Los Angeles."--Provided by publisher.

In 1861, Harriet Jacobs became the first formerly enslaved African American woman to publish a book-length account of her life. In crafting her coming-of-age story, she insisted upon biographical accuracy and bold creativity--telling the truth while giving herself and others fictionalized names. She also adapted conventions from two other popular genres: the sentimental novel and the slave narrative. Then, despite facing obstacles not encountered by white women and Black men, she orchestrated the book's publication and became a traveling bookseller in an effort to inspire passive Americans to support the abolition of slavery. Engaging with the latest research on Jacobs's life and work, this edition helps readers to understand the magnitude of her achievement in writing, publishing, and distributing her life story. However, it also shows how this monumental accomplishment was only the beginning of her contributions, given her advocacy work over the nearly forty years that she lived after its publication. As a survivor of sexual abuse who became an advocate, Jacobs laid a foundation for activist movements such as #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo. This edition also features six appendices, placing at readers' fingertips resources that further illuminate the issues raised by Jacobs's remarkable life and legacy.

Like many people, Evan Snow was just a regular guy, going about his life working a 9 to 5 desk job as a recruiter. At some point around the entrepreneurial awakening in 2014, he serendipitously began obtaining inspiration in the form of TED Talks and motivational speeches creating a desire to do more with his life. Once he received a spark in the form of some key "ah-ha moments", Snow decided to step outside his comfort zone, making many pivotal choices along the way to find his hidden potential. Learning To Choose highlights 7 of these choices and the learning lessons that followed on his path to arts advocacy, community building, and creative entrepreneurship. The goal with sharing the stories within this book is to help inspire others to change their life, their community, and maybe even the world as a result of discovering the higher calling buried within all of us.

During the politically turbulent years of the early twentieth century in central Europe, a child grows up in poverty, serves as a young soldier in WWI, participates in the labor movement, and joins the resistance against fascism and anti-Semitism. As a result, he suffers persecution and is forced into exile. Despite sacrificing his personal freedom, he succeeds in being a loving husband and caring father, and often makes time to share meals with friends and family. Social gatherings allow him to engage in passionate discussions about justice for all, always persevering in his hope and belief in a more equitable and conflict-free society.Anton Alfons's life, his spirit and actions resonate as much today as they did yesterday.

"Here for the first time is the definitive untold story of Donald Trump's years as a reality TV star. Trump himself admits he might not have been president without The Apprentice. Now, just as he uncovered the chaos inside the daytime favorite The View in his bestselling Ladies Who Punch, Ramin Setoodeh chronicles Trump's dramatic tenure as New York's ultimate boss in the boardroom, a mirage created by Survivor producer Mark Burnett and NBC boss Jeff Zucker. With unprecedented access, including hours of interviews with Trump, his boardroom advisers George Ross and Carolyn Kepcher, Eric Trump, and some of the most memorable contestants, and writing with flair and authority, Setoodeh shares all the untold tales from this legendary show that has left its mark on popular culture, shaped the legend of its star, and ultimately changed American history."--

Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Bureaucrat, Jeff Rich's ground-breaking memoir and essay collection, will change how you see government, politics, working life, and bureaucrats. Thirteen Ways of Looking At a Bureaucrat reflects on politics, government, power, and the most challenging social and political issues of our time, from democracy to political crisis, from mental health to child sexual abuse, and from alcohol to the pandemic. With historical depth, this book reveals the hidden life of a thinking government official. It will show you how we are governed, and how ordinary virtues can govern democracies better.

James A. Nist lived an extraordinary life in his 24 years. Raised on a New Jersey farm, he graduated high school at 16 and earned both a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University and a private pilot's license. In 1942, he joined the Navy as an aviation cadet, earning his wings and an officer's commission in the Naval Reserve. He became proficient in three of the Navy's high-performance combat aircraft: the SBD Dauntless dive-bomber, the F6F Hellcat fighter and the F4U Corsair fighter. In 1945, he deployed to the Pacific aboard the carrier USS Bunker Hill and flew combat missions over Japan, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Drawing on Nist's letters and personal papers and official Navy documents, historian Bryan J. Dickerson tells the story of his great uncle's life and service during World War II.

A revealing, in-depth biography of Mike Pence, the most secretive and ingratiating vice president in modern history, from a reporter with remarkable access.No journalist has covered Mike Pence for as long or as closely as Tom LoBianco. The seasoned political reporter was at the first campaign rally governor Pence held in his hometown of Columbus, Indiana. He was there when Pence returned to Washington as Donald Trump's vice president. Drawing on his deep ties both within the Beltway and in Indiana state politics, as well as reams of research and deep access to the vice president and his staff, LoBianco offers a revealing portrait of the devout Christian who shocked many of his closest followers when he joined the campaign and became one of the strongest champions of Donald Trump. He also explores the rumors?much debated inside the Beltway and among pundits in the media?surrounding the Vice President's ambitions to succeed and even "overthrow" Trump.LoBianco dissects Pence's entire political life, from his detours in the '90s, to his rapid ascension through the first decade of the twenty-first century, to the White House, and provides an inside account of how Pence nearly crashed and burned his career while governor, only to miraculously rise from the ashes thanks to the unlikely election of Trump. He also gives a rare look inside the "shadow government" Pence has built?a conservative machine at Trump's call for now, but one that could just as easily step in if Trump is removed from office.Piety & Power cuts to the core of the nation's most enigmatic politician, and unearths new, important, and fascinating anecdotes about Pence's faith, his marriage to Karen Pence, his bizarre, obsequious relationship with Trump, his deeply buried personality, his ascent to power under John Boehner, and his presidential aspirations and plans for America's future.From the explosive revelations of the Russia investigation to the sea change affecting the Republican party and its direction under Trump, it is vital that Americans know more about the man who could ascend to the Oval Office. Piety & Power provides insights and answers as it sheds light on this ambitious Midwestern politician, his past, and his possible future.

A vivid biography in cinematic snapshots of David Lloyd George, one of the world's greatest statesmen.Brought up in rural North Wales, David Lloyd George attended neither a grand school nor ancient university. He was very much an outsider. And yet he rose through the ranks with charisma, fierce intelligence and fighting spirit to become, as Churchill put it at his funeral, a man who 'stood, when at his zenith, without a rival'.But his rise was not without its hardships, and in Rivals in the Storm, experienced MP and author Damian Collins focuses on the impact of Lloyd George's personality on other leading politicians, in driving progressive reforms through government, changing the course of the First World War to lead the Allies to victory, and cementing Britain's alliance with America.Covering Lloyd George's emergence as the dominating political personality in Great Britain to the aftermath of his resignation, this fascinating biography takes you inside the rooms where the important decisions happened, and shows the bitter struggles as well as the triumphs of this great man of his or any other age, who nonetheless fell short of his own high expectations.