无

Includes a complete copy of the Constitution.Fifty-five menmet in Philadelphia in 1787 to write a document that would create acountry and change a world. Here is a remarkable rendering of thatfateful time, told with humanity and humor. "The best popularhistory of the Constitutional Convention available."--LibraryJournal From the Paperback edition.

Filled with extraordinary characters and told at breakneckspeed, Provenance reads like a well-plotted thriller. Butthis is most certainly not fiction. It is the astonishing narrativeof one of the most far-reaching and elaborate cons in the historyof art forgery. Stretching from London to Paris to New York,investigative reporters Laney Salisbury and Aly Sujo recount thetale of infamous con man and unforgettable villain John Drewe andhis accomplice, the affable artist John Myatt. Together theyexploited the archives of British art institutions to irrevocablylegitimize the hundreds of pieces they forged, many of which arestill considered genuine and hang in prominent museums and privatecollections today.

A brilliantly sunny day, and then the explosion; on what hadbeen an ordinary weekday, there is suddenly fire, smoke, confusion,bodies, panic... On May 7, 1915, the ocean liner Lusitania was struck by aterrifying new weapon-and became a casualty of a terrible new kindof war. This is a vivid account of the event that shocked theworld; of the heyday of the luxury liner and the first days of themodern submarine; a critical chapter in the progress of World WarI; and a remarkable human drama. With first-person survivoraccounts and a cast of characters ranging from Winston Churchilland Alfred Vanderbilt to the crew of the German U-boat thattorpedoed a ship full of civilians, this is a true tale of terrorand tragedy, of heroism and miraculous survival.

In A Continent for the Taking Howard W. French, a veterancorrespondent for The New York Times, gives a compelling firsthandaccount of some of Africa’s most devastating recent history–fromthe fall of Mobutu Sese Seko, to Charles Taylor’s arrival inMonrovia, to the genocide in Rwanda and the Congo that leftmillions dead. Blending eyewitness reportage with rich historicalinsight, French searches deeply into the causes of today’s events,illuminating the debilitating legacy of colonization and theabiding hypocrisy and inhumanity of both Western and Africanpolitical leaders. While he captures the tragedies that have repeatedly befallenAfrica’s peoples, French also opens our eyes to the immensepossibility that lies in Africa’s complexity, diversity, and myriadcultural strengths. The culmination of twenty-five years ofpassionate exploration and understanding, this is a powerful andultimately hopeful book about a fascinating and misunderstoodcontinent.

The newest addition to the Penguin Library of American IndianHistory explores the most influential Native AmericanConfederacy More than perhaps any other Native American group, the Iroquoisfound it to their advantage to interact with and adapt to whitesettlers. Despite being known as fierce warriors, the Iroquois werejust as reliant on political prowess and sophisticated diplomacy tomaintain their strategic position between New France and NewYork. Colonial observers marveled at what Benjamin Franklin calledtheir "method of doing business" as Europeans learned to useIroquois ceremonies and objects to remain in their good graces.Though the Iroquois negotiated with the colonial governments, theyrefused to be pawns of European empires, and their savvy kept themin control of much of the Northeast until the American Revolution.Iroquois Diplomacy and the Early American Frontier is a must-readfor anyone fascinated by Native American history or interested in aunique perspective on the dawn of Americ

As the peerless warrior who brought the U.S. Army to its kneesat the Battle of Little Bighorn, Crazy Horse remains one of themost perennially fascinating figures of the American West. NowJoseph Marshall—a masterful storyteller, historian, and descendantof the same Lakota community that raised Crazy Horse—goes beyondthat image in this one-of-a-kind portrait of the legendary leader.Drawing on extensive research and a rich oral tradition that israrely shared outside the Native American community, Marshall givesus a uniquely complete portrait of Crazy Horse, from the powerfulvision that spurred him into battle to the woman he loved but lostto circumstance. The Journey of Crazy Horse celebrates along-standing community’s enduring culture and gives vibrant lifeto its most trusted and revered hero.

"As I Crossed a Bridge of Dreams" is a unique autobiography inwhich the anonymous writer known as Lady Sarashina interspersespersonal reflections, anecdotes and lyrical poems with accounts ofher travels and evocative de*ions of the Japanese countryside.Born in AD 1008, Lady Sarashina felt an acute sense of melancholythat led her to withdraw into the more congenial realm of theimagination - this deeply introspective work presents her vision ofthe world. While barely alluding to certain aspects of her lifesuch as marriage, she illuminates her pilgrimages to temples andmystical dreams in exquisite prose, describing a profound emotionaljourney that can be read as a metaphor for life itself.

Now in paperback—the “amazing”( James Bradley, New York Timesbestselling author of Flags of Our Fathers) never-before-told storyof the greatest escape of the Second World War. In 1944 the OSS set out to recover more than 500 downed airmentrapped behind enemy lines in Yugoslavia. Classified for over halfa century for political reasons, the full account of thisunforgettable story of loyalty, self-sacrifice, and bravery is nowbeing told for the first time.

A brilliantly concise narrative of the days leading to theoutbreak of history's greatest conflagration, 1939 takesreaders hour by hour through the nail-biting decisions thatdetermined the fate of millions. Richard Overy, a leading historianof the period, masterfully recreates the jockeying for advantagethat set Europe's greatest powers on a collision course. WouldStalin join Hitler in a bid to divide Poland and flout the West?Would Britain and France succeed in forcing Germany to reason? Andhow far would a defiant Poland push its claim to exist? In thesummer of 1939, the course of events was anything but assured, asthis exceptionally absorbing book drives home.

A renowned historian contends "that the Americanwarrior, not technology, wins wars." (Patrick K. O'Donnell, authorof Give Me Tomorrow ) John C. McManus coverssix decades of warfare in which the courage of American troopsproved the crucial difference between victory and defeat. Based onyears of archival research and personal interviews with veterans,Grunts demonstrates the vital, and too often forgotten, importanceof the human element in protecting the American nation, andadvances a passionate plea for fundamental change in ourunderstanding of war.

“Reads like a novel. A fast-paced page-turner, it haseverything: sex, wit, humor, and adventures. But it is animpressively researched and important story.” —David Fromkin, author of Europe’s Last Summer Vienna, 1814 is an evocative and brilliantly researched accountof the most audacious and extravagant peace conference in modernEuropean history. With the feared Napoleon Bonaparte presumablydefeated and exiled to the small island of Elba, heads of some 216states gathered in Vienna to begin piecing together the ruins ofhis toppled empire. Major questions loomed: What would be done withFrance? How were the newly liberated territories to be divided?What type of restitution would be offered to families of thedeceased? But this unprecedented gathering of kings, dignitaries,and diplomatic leaders unfurled a seemingly endless stream ofpersonal vendettas, long-simmering feuds, and romanticentanglements that threatened to undermine the crucial work athand, even as their hard-fought policy dec

When prize-winning warcorrespondent Tony Horwitz leaves the battlefields of Bosnia andthe Middle East for a peaceful corner of the Blue Ridge Mountains,he thinks he's put war zones behind him. But awakened one morningby the crackle of musket fire, Horwitz starts filing front-linedispatches again this time from a war close to home, and to his ownheart. Propelled by his boy... (展开全部) When prize-winning war correspondent Tony Horwitzleaves the battlefields of Bosnia and the Middle East for apeaceful corner of the Blue Ridge Mountains, he thinks he's put warzones behind him. But awakened one morning by the crackle of musketfire, Horwitz starts filing front-line dispatches again this timefrom a war close to home, and to his own heart. Propelled by hisboyhood passion for the Civil War, Horwitz embarks on a search forplaces and people still held in thrall by America's greatestconflict. The result is an adventure into the soul of theunvanquished South, where the ghosts of the Lost Cause ar

Heroism in battle has been celebrated throughout history, yetit is one of the least understood virtues. What makes some men andwomen perform extraordinary deeds on the battlefield? What makesthem risk their lives in the pursuit of victory?Max Hastings, oneof our foremost military historians, has seen combat up close andwritten about it for decades. In Warriors , he brings us theexperiences of fourteen soldiers who fought in the wars of thenineteenth and twentieth centuries. From an exuberant cavalryofficer in Napoleon’s army to an abused orphan who in World War IIbecame America’s youngest general since Custer, to an Israeliofficer who recovered from a devastating injury to save hiscountry, each portrait depicts a unique and remarkable story. Atribute to soldierly valor and a deeply insightful study of combat,this is an essential book for anyone who wishes to understand whatit means to be at war.

Gather Together in My Name continues Maya Angelou’s personalstory, begun so unforgettably in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.The time is the end of World War II and there is a sense ofoptimism everywhere. Maya Angelou, still in her teens, has givenbirth to a son. But the next few years are difficult ones as shetries to find a place in the world for herself and her child. Shegoes from job to job–and from man to man. She tries to returnhome–back to Stamps, Arkansas–but discovers that she is no longerpart of that world. Then Maya’s life takes a dramatic turn, and shefaces new challenges and temptations. In this second volume of her poignant autobiographical series,Maya Angelou powerfully captures the struggles and triumphs of herpassionate life with dignity, wisdom, humor, and humanity.

American history has never seen a more tumultuous or moresignificant year than 1863. During this crucial time the tide ofthe Civil War turned inexorably from the Confederacy to the Union,with momentous consequences that are still being felt today. It wasa year of upheaval unparalleled in our national experience: twelvemonths of searing brutality and ennobling sacrifice, 365 stirring,dramatic days that changed our country forever. Integrating the events of this epochal year into a panoramicnarrative, Joseph E. Stevens presents a grand portrait of the Unionand Confederacy at war. He captures two nations struggling todefine the American experiment and create a new understanding offreedom on the bloody battlefields of Stones River,Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Chickamauga, andChattanooga. He also traces the astonishing political, economic,and social transformations that marked 1863 as a watershed. 1863 features a remarkable cast of characters: larger-than-lifeleaders li

Many volumes have been written about the long reign ofElizabeth I. Now, for the first time, comes a brilliant new workthat focuses on the critical year her reign ended, a time in whichEngland lost its childless queen and a Machiavellian struggleensued to find her successor. December 1602. After forty-four years on the throne, QueenElizabeth is in decline. The formidable ruler whose motto is Sempereadem (I never change) has become a dithering old woman, missingteeth and wearing makeup half an inch thick. The kingdom has beenweakened by the cost of war with Spain and the simmering discontentof both the rich and the poor. The stage has been set, at longlast, for succession. But the Queen who famously never married hasno heir. Elizabeth’s senior relative is James VI of Scotland, Protestantson of Elizabeth’s cousin Mary Queen of Scots. But as a foreignerand a Stuart, he is excluded from the throne under English law. Theroad to and beyond his coronation will be filled with conspiracyand dupli

With What's So Great About America , Dinesh D'Souza isnot asking a question, but making a statement. The former WhiteHouse policy analyst and bestselling author argues that in theaftermath of September 11, 2001, American ideals and patriotismshould not be things we shy away from. Instead he offers thegrounds for a solid, well-considered pride in the Western pillarsof "science, democracy and capitalism," while deconstructingarguments from both the political Left and political Right. As an"outsider" from India who has had amazing success in the UnitedStates, D'Souza defends not an idealized America, but America as itreally is, and measures America not against an utopian ideal, butagainst the rest of the world in a provocative, challenging, andpersonal book.

A Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter examines the truehistory of the discord between Israel and Palestine with surprisingresults Though the origins of the Arab-Israeli conflict have traditionallybeen traced to the British Mandate (1920-1948) that ended with thecreation of the Israeli state, a new generation of scholars hastaken the investigation further back, to the Ottoman period. Thefirst popular account of this key era, Jerusalem 1913 showsus a cosmopolitan city whose religious tolerance crumbled beforethe onset of Z ionism and its corresponding nationalism on bothsides-a conflict that could have been resolved were it not for theonset of World War I. With extraordinary skill, Amy Dockser Marcusrewrites the story of one of the world's most indelibledivides.

They Came Before Columbus reveals a compelling,dramatic, and superbly detailed documentation of the presence andlegacy of Africans in ancient America. Examining navigation andshipbuilding; cultural analogies between Native Americans andAfricans; the transportation of plants, animals, and textilesbetween the continents; and the diaries, journals, and oralaccounts of the explorers themselves, Ivan Van Sertima builds apyramid of evidence to support his claim of an African presence inthe New World centuries before Columbus. Combining impressivescholarship with a novelist’s gift for storytelling, Van Sertimare-creates some of the most powerful scenes of human history: thelaunching of the great ships of Mali in 1310 (two hundred masterboats and two hundred supply boats), the sea expedition of theMandingo king in 1311, and many others. In They Came BeforeColumbus, we see clearly the unmistakable face and handprint ofblack Africans in pre-Columbian America, and their overwhelmingimpact on the civilizatio

California has always been our Shangri-la–the promised land ofcountless pilgrims in search of the American Dream. Now the GoldenState’s premier historian, Kevin Starr, distills the entire sweepof California’s history into one splendid volume. From the age ofexploration to the age of Arnold, this is the story of a place atonce quintessentially American and utterly unique. Arguing that America’s most populous state has always beenblessed with both spectacular natural beauty and astonishing humandiversity, Starr unfolds a rapid-fire epic of discovery,innovation, catastrophe, and triumph. For generations, California’s native peoples basked in theabundance of a climate and topography eminently suited to humanhabitation. By the time the Spanish arrived in the early sixteenthcentury, there were scores of autonomous tribes were thriving inthe region. Though conquest was rapid, nearly two centuries passedbefore Spain exerted control over upper California through thechain of missions that s

Gibbon’s masterpiece, which narrates the history of the RomanEmpire from the second century a.d. to its collapse in the west inthe fifth century and in the east in the fifteenth century, iswidely considered the greatest work of history ever written. Thisabridgment retains the full scope of the original, but in a compassequivalent to a long novel. Casual readers now have access to thefull sweep of Gibbon’s narrative, while instructors and studentshave a volume that can be read in a single term. This uniqueedition emphasizes elements ignored in all other abridgments—inparticular the role of religion in the empire and the rise ofIslam.

A funny, raucous, and delightfully dirty history of 1,000years of bedroom-hopping secrets and scandals of Britain’sroyals. Insatiable kings, lecherous queens, kissing cousins, and wantonconsorts—history has never been so much fun. Royal unions have always been the stuff of scintillating gossip,from the passionate Plantagenets to Henry VIII’s alarming headcount of wives and mistresses, to the Sapphic crushes of Mary andAnne Stuart right on up through the scandal-blighted coupling ofPrince Charles and Princess Diana. Thrown into loveless, arrangedmarriages for political and economic gain, many royals were drivento indulge their pleasures outside the marital bed, engaging indelicious flirtations, lurid love letters, and rampant sex withvoluptuous and willing partners. This nearly pathological lust made for some of the mosttitillating scandals in Great Britain’s history. Hardly harmless,these affairs have disrupted dynastic alliances, endangered lives,and most of all, fed the sala