This is what you want from a biography. An honest attempt at representing the person in question as they were, as opposed to how a certain era wished This is what you want from a biography. An honest attempt at representing the person in question as they were, as opposed to how a certain era wished they were/weren't. Now I must mention that this is the first biography of Rhodes I've read and of course I will have to engage with more of them to see what the different points of view are, as well as what has been included/omitted, dependent upon the wishes of the biographer. Still, as far as my experience with biographies goes, this seems to hit the sweet spot. Rhodes is one of those larger than life figures mentioned in connection to classic British imperialism in its halcyon days and it has been very interesting to learn more about his upbringing and the world which surrounded him at the time. Recommended. ...more
This is a highly interesting concept. A star explodes into a Supernova, its remnants reach the Earth. Everyone over 13 years old dies and the planet iThis is a highly interesting concept. A star explodes into a Supernova, its remnants reach the Earth. Everyone over 13 years old dies and the planet is inherited by children. Adults realize this is happening quite early and try to train the children to take over the world while still maintaining old systems: thus you end up with a 12 year old US President, for example. This is absurd SF and it must be taken as such, simply an imaginative exercise. Of course some of the things proposed would be virtually impossible. What I didn't enjoy is that even in such an absurd format it still managed to retain some very problematic stereotypes: China is ancient land, its children mellower - America's children started blasting guns the second the adults were out etc, etc. Fun for a fast read. ...more
The more you learn about Churchill, the easier it is to understand why he is and will probably forever be the foremost British man in history. There sThe more you learn about Churchill, the easier it is to understand why he is and will probably forever be the foremost British man in history. There simply isn't anyone of his caliber. You might argue that just applies to modern British history - I kind of argue it applies to all of it. To be able to steer a broken ship through a hurricane while blindfolded must mean you are a sailor of incredible skill; to do it while your crew is in mutiny and yelling and screaming over each other is incredible to the point of being stupendous.
Churchill was very, very far from being a perfect man. He was obsessed with war - in fact there was no greater thrill for him in life - was racist, xenophobic and often times a down-right pig. He had the emotional capacity of a walnut, but the social one of a court's jester who reads every single face in the room before they've had time to fake it. He was absolutely the right man to take Britain through WWII. History is unable to deny him that. ...more
A little heavy on the apocalyptic language and definitely written in the rhythm of a fire siren with regards to the subject, I do think this could havA little heavy on the apocalyptic language and definitely written in the rhythm of a fire siren with regards to the subject, I do think this could have been way better. Sometimes it's a little repetitive or uses language picked up directly from academic studies, which don't seem to fit in with the general tone. It is outdated and some information found in here can be directly crossed off due do subsequent investigations. Worth a try. ...more
Hastings is just generally a solid writer. He has the same steady hand everywhere, and although he has written about a lot of wars, you can pretty mucHastings is just generally a solid writer. He has the same steady hand everywhere, and although he has written about a lot of wars, you can pretty much trust that you're getting at least a decent rendering of the particular conflict at hand. He manages to paint a detailed picture while never losing sight of the need for a broad one, and there are always interesting facts to follow up on from archival material that he has worked through. Worth a read. ...more
Macro and micro level history combines to give an overall account of both sides in this war. What I enjoyed most was the fact that the US' conduct in Macro and micro level history combines to give an overall account of both sides in this war. What I enjoyed most was the fact that the US' conduct in this particular theater of operations was not glossed over, as well as the fact that the Japanese (as fanatical and single minded as they were), weren't treated as just some savages who fought in barbaric ways. Enjoyable and well paced. ...more
Loved it! Detailed history, many many accounts of particular skirmishes, battles or company stories mixed together with long analyses of operations anLoved it! Detailed history, many many accounts of particular skirmishes, battles or company stories mixed together with long analyses of operations and logistical details make for a very good read. Almost equal focus given to the Western and Eastern fronts, which I enjoyed. Completely worth the read for any history nerd. ...more
Balanced. Focused. Well researched. Three ways of describing this book. Without assigning blame on any part (a task which I must admit, looks HerculeaBalanced. Focused. Well researched. Three ways of describing this book. Without assigning blame on any part (a task which I must admit, looks Herculean), this rather long book takes you through the process of how, why, when and who made Brexit happen. It looks at media coverage, campaign financing, politicians who were involved (and why they were involved). It covers the things we've seen on the telly and the ones we're not really supposed to know, the back stabbings, the ruthlessness, the power struggles. I commend the author for being able to write this in such a clear voice, as the resulting book is worth everyone's read. ...more
Big history book treating big historical points in a big way. Often painted in broad strokes, as they are necessary to encompass such long spans of tiBig history book treating big historical points in a big way. Often painted in broad strokes, as they are necessary to encompass such long spans of time. I'm not entirely sure it's a "new history of the world"... but hey, titles have to be catchy in the mass market world. Recommended to any history buff. ...more
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