Historiske og politiske biografier

"Over the past two centuries, humanity has experienced unprecedented progress. Extreme poverty has declined, life expectancy has doubled, illiteracy has declined. While we as a species are becoming more prosperous, more educated, healthier, and more peaceful, it is useful to remind ourselves of the underlying cause of this progress: innovation. Human innovation--whether it be new ideas, inventions, or systems-is the primary way people create wealth and escape poverty. The health and wealth of the modern world rests on the shoulders of dozens of unsung heroes whose work has saved millions, if not billions, of lives. Despite their contribution to improving humanity, few people know the names of these pioneers. Heroes of Progress takes readers on a journey through the lives of the most important people who have ever lived. From agronomists whose hybrid crops saved billions of lives and intellectuals who changed public policy for the better, to businesspeople whose innovations helped millions rise from poverty, or scientists whose medical breakthroughs eliminated diseases and ended pandemics. If it weren't for the heroes profiled in this book, we'd all be far poorer, sicker, hungrier, ignorant, and less free--if we were fortunate enough to be alive at all. Considering their impact on humanity, perhaps it's time to learn their story?"--

"On the night of July 3, 1870, Elizabeth Tilton confessed to her husband that she'd had an affair with their pastor, Henry Ward Beecher. This secret would soon transfix America, for Beecher was the most famous preacher of the day, founder of the most fashionable church in Brooklyn Heights, a presidential hopeful, an influential supporter of abolition, and a leader of the campaign for women's suffrage. When Beecher tried to silence the Tiltons, it was a whisper network of suffragists, notably Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who spread news of the affair, and it was the radical Victoria Woodhull-an outspoken proponent of 'free love'-who seized on it, as political dynamite, to blow up the myth of monogamy among the political elite. Her public accusations led to even more public trials, which shocked the country and divided the most progressive thinkers of the era. In 1953, the journalist Robert Shaplen revisited the Tilton-Beecher affair in a series of articles for the New Yorker, relying on 3,000 pages of contemporary accounts-court transcripts, love-letters, newspaper reports and illustrations, even political cartoons-to reanimate a scandal that shook the American reform movement and to expose a strand of America's cultural DNA that remains recognizable today--Page 2 of cover.

The year was 1945. The place was San Francisco. The topic was the world.Ashley Hogan tells the story of a moment in human history when Australia became known for its courage and liberalism. At the conference that founded the United Nations, Australia spoke to the Great Powers on behalf of the other nations of the world with a voice that commanded universal respect. That voice belonged to Dr Herbert Vere Evatt.Three years later, Doc Evatt's commitment to an international order that included all nations was rewarded by his election as President of the General Assembly. His belief that lasting peace could not be secured without economic and social justice flowered into the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.Moving in the Open Daylight is a short book about a big story. For a world that has once again become rent by inequality and war, it is an important and inspiring story.

Imagine you are sick of the government. Bureaucrats and aristocrats are constantly telling you what to do, basically enforcing a totalitarian regime. Maybe this is not so hard to imagine after what has been happening in recent years. And then imagine you protest. But the government has come up with a new method to kill people: The guillotine. Way more efficient than simple beheading, some jerk at the top then decides that anyone who is suspicious of rebellion needs their head chopped off, like the crazy lady in Alice in Wonderland.This book will allow you to learn more about: The life of RobespierreThe French Revolution and the TerrorHighlights of Robespierre's life, his ideals and his battlesThe repercussions of Robespierre's actionThe flag of the French Revolution and the Bolshevik and Nazi Revolutions brought with it a 'racist' utopia. And with the breeding ground of civil war leaders and defenders of the revolution justified the tactic of State terrorism and encouraged confrontation between members of the same nation to the point of systematically planning political assassination and promoting the extinction of sectors of the population.

Following on from Volume 1, this is a fascinating and unique first-hand account of war in the air with the RAF in Burma and along the Burma Road to China, flying Lysanders and Hurricane Mk IIs alongside the American Volunteer Group, the 'Flying Tigers'. During the chaotic British withdrawal in early 1942, the rapidly depleted RAF units frog-leapt from one makeshift landing ground to another under constant harassment by Japanese Zeros and Navy 'O's. A year later he returned to Burma with a detachment of Hurricanes in support of the disastrous Arakan Campaign.In between being shot down by friendly fire and flying the last Hurricane out of Burma before the advancing Japanese, Colin Dunford Wood details life in India, with a trip to Egypt just before El Alamein to train on the new Hurricanes IIDs.Colin had an extraordinary war. He was only one of two survivors of 60 Indian army recruits who joined the RAF in WW2 where, despite his poor eyesight and having to cheat on his medical, he went on to fight in four theatres of war: the North-West Frontier, Iraq, Burma and Germany.These diaries are a vivid portrait of war across several continents and campaigns. Rather than follow the ordered chronology of the tidy historian, who has points to make and theories to prove, the narrative follows the haphazard progress of war on the ground and in the air - encompassing fear, boredom, incompetence, luck, romance, and horror - all interlaced with a self-deprecating humour that kept the man sane.

Family secrets, despite their quiescence, do not die entirely. They merely compost over the decades, becoming part of a soil which produces new consequences for old decisions.Ruth and Todd are a generation apart. She is a pillar of the church and he is on the point of leaving it. One day Ruth, who is 93, invites Todd to a Bequest Society luncheon at the Port Adelaide football club - she has surrendered her driving licence and would welcome both a companion and a ride. At church Todd and Ruth talk about the footy. At the club they talk about their lives and their church. When Ruth reveals how, at age six, she was seriously injured, falling nine metres into the empty hold of the old Windjammer her family lived on, it marks the start of a quest by Ruth and Todd to better understand her family and its secrets. For it was on the day of this accident that Ruth's father mysteriously disappeared from her life.Friendship cuts through Ruth and Todd's differences to shed light not only on past secrets but on what is passing in their lives now: her church and his faith.

"A deluxe hardcover edition of Keller's classic memoir The Story of My Life--presented in complete and unredacted form--along with the brilliant, still-underappreciated personal essays of The World I Live In, in which Keller reflects on the senses, language, philosophy, dreams, and belief. Includes a selection of more than a dozen essays, speeches, and letters--most of them out-of-print, previously uncollected, or previously unpublished--revealing Keller's thoughts on religion and faith, women's rights and workers' rights, racial injustice, and the peace movement. Chapters from her later memoir Midstream recall her friendship with Mark Twain, and memories of her mother"--

Plongez dans le monde fascinant de l'un des grands maîtres de l'art moderne avec "Histoire d'Édouard Manet et de son ¿uvre". Cette étude approfondie examine la vie et l'influence artistique d'Édouard Manet, un peintre français révolutionnaire dont les ¿uvres ont bouleversé le paysage artistique du 19ème siècle.Le livre offre un aperçu détaillé de la vie de Manet, depuis son enfance jusqu'à sa carrière artistique. Il met en lumière son évolution en tant qu'artiste, ses inspirations et la manière dont il a défié les conventions artistiques de son époque pour créer des ¿uvres provocantes et innovantes qui ont fait avancer l'art moderne.L'étude ne se contente pas d'examiner la vie de Manet, elle explore également ses ¿uvres d'art emblématiques, révélant comment chaque tableau reflète les courants artistiques et sociaux de l'époque. Des ¿uvres telles que "Le déjeuner sur l'herbe" et "Olympia" sont examinées en détail, dévoilant leur importance dans l'histoire de l'art."Histoire d'Édouard Manet et de son ¿uvre" est une exploration fascinante et éclairante de la vie et du travail d'un artiste qui a façonné le cours de l'art moderne. Il offre une vision précieuse du génie créatif de Manet et de l'impact durable de son ¿uvre.

Embarquez pour un voyage au coeur de l'ère tumultueuse de la Révolution française dans ce récit captivant d'amour, de trahison et d'intrigues politiques. Centré sur la relation énigmatique entre Marie Antoinette, dernière reine de France, et le comte Axel de Fersen, un noble suédois, ce récit tisse une riche tapisserie d'amour courtois et de passion interdite.Marie Antoinette, souvent représentée comme le symbole de la décadence de la monarchie française, est ici présentée sous un jour plus personnel. Attirée par le charismatique et loyal Fersen, son lien avec lui offre un contraste frappant avec le climat politique traître de la Révolution française. Leur correspondance, remplie de déclarations d'amour, donne un aperçu intime de leur relation, montrant un aspect de Marie Antoinette souvent caché dans l'histoire.Le comte Axel de Fersen, quant à lui, sert de fidèle allié à la reine. Leur relation va au-delà d'une simple romance courtoise, révélant un engagement profond et un dévouement mutuel malgré les tumultes de la Révolution.Extrait : " IL convient à un livre comme celui-ci d¿avoir des parties romanesques ; mais je n¿ai pas voulu qüil fût un roman. Aucun épisode n¿est fictif ; de rares détails sont supposés vrais, d¿après des inductions vraisemblables ; je prends soin, là où elle se dérobe, de ne jamais violenter l¿histoire. La discrétion des deux personnages, les ratures ou les lacunes dans le Journal de Fersen, dans ses lettres et celles de Marie-Antoinette, rendent délicates à suivre les phases des sentiments. On serait aujourd¿hui ridicule de qualifier « innocente idylle » une liaison si forte et tragique. Sur l¿intimité de la Reine et de son ami je me garde pourtant d¿une conclusion décisive. Ni l¿un ni l¿autre n¿a fait d¿aveux à personne ¿ à personne du moins qui les ait trahis, nul témoignage contemporain n¿impose une présomption, encore moins une certitude. Quant aux rumeurs publiques, on sait le peu qüelles valent à l¿égard d¿une femme assassinée chaque jour par les plus atroces calomnies et trop souvent insouciante de mettre contre elle les apparences."

Embark on a spiritual journey with Rabindranath Tagore's "Sadhana," a collection of profound essays that delve into the understanding of self-realization, inner growth, and spiritual enlightenment. As a seminal work by the Nobel laureate, "Sadhana" draws from Tagore's profound understanding of the Vedantic and Upanishadic teachings to offer insights into the essence of human existence."Sadhana," which translates to "spiritual practice," encapsulates Tagore's exploration of the journey of spiritual awakening and the individual's relationship with the universe. The book intricately weaves themes of love, humanity, and unity with the cosmos, advocating a sense of interconnectedness and oneness that transcends religious boundaries.With its thought-provoking discussions on concepts like the manifestation of the divine in everyday life, and the infinite within the finite, "Sadhana" invites readers to introspect, to explore their inner selves, and to aspire towards a higher state of consciousness. It proposes that true enlightenment and fulfillment come not from material possessions, but from understanding and embracing the infinite expanse of the cosmos within one's own soul."Sadhana" is more than just a book; it is a spiritual guide for those seeking to understand the profound depths of their existence and their purpose in the universe. It invites the reader to look beyond the constraints of their physical existence and embark on a path of spiritual enlightenment." Perhaps it is well for me to explain that the subject-matter of the papers published in this book has not been philosophically treated, nor has it been approached from the scholar's point of view. The writer has been brought up in a family where texts of the Upanishads are used in daily worship; and he has had before him the example of his father, who lived his long life in the closest communion with God, while not neglecting his duties to the world, or allowing his keen interest in all human affairs to suffer any abatement. So in these papers, it may be hoped, western readers will have an opportunity of coming into touch with the ancient spirit of India as revealed in our sacred texts and manifested in the life of today."

This book, newly updated, contains now several html tables of contents that will make reading a real pleasure!The first table of contents (at the very beginning of the book) lists the titles of all novels included in this volume. By clicking on one of those titles you will be redirected to the beginning of that work, where you'll find a new toc that lists all the chapters and sub-chapters of that specific work.This book contains the complete novels of charles dickens in the chronological order of their original publication. Inside you will read about...Providing for his family as a childBeginnings as an authorIncreasing fameThe republic of my imaginationRumors and infidelityReturn to america and last yearsAnd much more! With their compelling plots, larger-than-life characters and vivid descriptions of victorian life, dickens' stories have captivated generations. These radio adaptations bring out all the hope and happiness, pathos and tragedy, satire and social realism of his seven classic masterpieces.

Beverly Taylor has a master's degree in psychology and worked as a probation officer for many years with problem families, delinquent children and abused women. Among her varied experiences, Ms. Taylor includes, living in Italy and studying philosophy at the University of Florence. After her retirement, she was a volunteer in the Israeli Defense Force at the outbreak of the war with Lebanon.She published a book of poems and one of short stories. One story and other articles appeared in "Jewish Currents." Another was in "The Reporter," a newspaper in Florida.Her play "Spinning and Spinning" was listed in the theatre yearbook, "Best Plays of 1995-96." Ms. Taylor has written many other plays, stories, and poems. She has had plays produced in New York and Florida to good reviews. She has written four historical dramas, of which three are of major Jewish historical figures.

This is a gripping story that begins in February 2022, when the author and his family shared the fate of millions of Ukrainian refugees driven out of their cities and villages by the Russian invasion. Over a year later, the intense panic of the first weeks and months has subsided, and the author is able to convey the story through a clearer lens. This is not a hate-filled recounting of their experiences¿despite ongoing attacks. Instead, it focuses on the moments of love, friendship, unity, courage, and faith that Ukrainians experienced since the onset of the war. While war can be experienced as an out-of-control fire, it can also bring forward the healing warmth of kinship.

He exhorted them to set aside old superstitions. And he led them in armed confrontations with the mighty British police forces.The extraordinary life of this great leader comes alive for a new generation of readers in this biography that is as engaging as it is inspiring.

The faith and character of Theodore Roosevelt are examined in context with his life and achievements in this biography.

For many of those who are even familiar with his name, George Whitefield is thought of as a preacher, a man connected with the Great Awakening in the 1700s. While this is true, it is only part of the story. As a student at Oxford University, he experienced a spiritual awakening under the influence of John Wesley's Methodists and immediately began tending to prisoners, caring for the poor, and preaching the Christian gospel. He met with astounding success, in time speaking to larger crowds than had ever gathered in the history of England. Whitefield became the most famous man of his age. His impact upon the American colonies, however, may have been his most lasting gift. In seven tours of the colonies, Whitfield preached from Georgia to Maine, calling the colonists to spiritual conversion and challenging them in their sense of national destiny. He befriended men like Benjamin Franklin, converted men like Patrick Henry, and inspired men like George Washington. Furthermore, when he learned that England intended to tighten her control over the colonies, Whitefield warmed his American friends in sermon after sermon and even accompanied Benjamin Franklin to make the American case in the Court of Saint James. Many of the colonists considered him the father of their revolution. Forgotten Founding Father captures the early struggles and international successes of this amazing leader. The result is a portrait of a gifted but flawed human who yielded himself as a tool in the hands of a sovereign God. Also portrayed is how important Whitfield was to the American cause and how much Americans today owe to him -- a story that will inspire a new generation with a past vividly and truthfully retold.

Alan Friedman tells the story of Silvio Berlusconi, the billionaire media mogul turned Prime Minister, who has dominated Italian life for the past twenty years.

Winston Churchill was one of the most extraordinary leaders of the twentieth century. What enabled him to stand so steadfastly when all those around him seemed to turn back in fear? What enabled him to inspire whole nations to endure the unendurable and to achieve the unachievable when all those around him had already surrendered all hope?The Character and Greatness of Winston Churchill is a remarkable study of Churchill's leadership skill and answers these questions and more. The result is an account that is no less inspiring today than it was three-quarters of a century ago when the great man's shadow fell large across the world stage.According to Henry Kissinger, "Our age finds it difficult to come to grips with Churchill.The political leaders with whom we are familiar generally aspire to be superstars rather than heroes. The distinction is crucial. Superstars strive for approbation; heroes walk alone. Superstars crave consensus; heroes define themselves by the ... future they see it as their task to bring about. Superstars seek success in a technique for eliciting support; heroes pursue success as the outgrowth of their inner values." Winston Churchill was a hero.

Auf der Suche nach einer Zukunft ist nicht nur eine Geschichte. Diese Geschichte ist eine wahre Geschichte eines 13-jährigen Jungen namens Abdul, der wie jeder andere eine einfache Zukunft haben wollte. Abdul verliess seine Heimatstadt Keren mit seiner Grossmutter, um eine Zukunft zu suchen. Dieses Buch erzählt, wie er vier verschiedene Länder durchquert, um in das Land zu gelangen, von dem er geträumt hat. Abdul erzählt von den Schwierigkeiten, mit denen er allein auf seiner Flucht durch die verschiedenen Grenzen konfrontiert war. Wie es sich anfühlt, auf Dornen zu laufen und durch die Saharahitze zu fahren, um Europa zu erreichen. Abdul erzählt ebenfalls von einigen Szenen, die er auf seinem Weg gesehen hat, welche schwer zu glauben und unmöglich zu vergessen sind.

American Grit is a compelling narrative about racial identity, resilience, and heroism. In 2008, John Suzuki embarks on a poignant journey to Minidoka, one of the ten former U.S. concentration camps authorized by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066 after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, where tens of thousands of American men, women, and children were incarcerated solely because of their race. Here, he encounters a remarkable testament of bravery - an Honor Roll listing the names of Japanese American men who volunteered from Minidoka to enlist and fight in the U.S. Army, while their families remained imprisoned by the U.S. Army. Inspired by this unparalleled act of courage, Suzuki sets out to tell the story of Shiro "Kash" Kashino, a man who was incarcerated at Minidoka and later emerged as an American war hero in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the U.S. Army. Despite learning of Kash's death in 1997, the author remains undeterred and, collaborating with Louise Kashino, his beloved widow, weaves an unforgettable tale of courage, perseverance, and love during a dark chapter in American history.American Grit is not just Shiro's story but is also a stark reminder of ruinous hardships endured by over 122,000 victims of American concentration camps while celebrating their heroism during and after World War II. As Suzuki delves into this profound and transformative journey, he invites readers to reflect on the importance of learning from our history to shape a better future. The book is a tribute to Shiro, Louise, and all of the heroes of the era whose stories of courage and resilience inspire us to honor the past by educating the future.