Biographies & Memoirs

Explore the stories of remarkable lives in our Biographies & Memoirs section at Thryft. Discover firsthand accounts of influential figures and captivating memoirs that'll inspire and educate. Our collection is carefully curated to ensure you find the perfect narrative to delve into.

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Sterling Seagrave

The Soong Dynasty

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Who were the Soongs? They were descendants of a Chinese runaway who grew up in America under the protection of the Methodist Church in the latter part of the nineteenth century and took the name of Charlie Soong. When Soong returned to China, he made a fortune printing and selling Western Bibles, and secretly backed the republican revolution of Sun Yat-sen against the Manchu dynasty. Of his six children, one daughter, Ching-ling, married Sun Yat-sen and later supported the Chinese Communists against the nationalist until her death in 1981. But all the other Soongs cast their lot with Chiang Kai-shek. One, May-ling married H.H. Kung, a lineal descendant of Confucius and the principal banker of nationalist China, and the eldest son, Harvard-educated T.V. Soong, became the economic wizard of Chiang's rise to power and at various times served Chiang as economic minister, foreign minister and premier. All of them, except Madame Sun Yat-sen, amassed enormous wealth while millions of Chinese starved or were killed in the long fight against Japan and the equally bitter struggle with Mao. The Soongs dominated America's policies in Asia during the Roosevelt era and for a long time after by capitalizing on the powerful support of Henry Luce, the son of a U.S. missionary in China, whose influential Time and Life magazines created the myth that the Chiangs and their supporters were democratic leaders and heroes; on the backing of the U.S. China lobby; and on their own political and public relations skills. What The Soong Dynasty does in fascinating detail is reveal for the first time the truth about this family's rise to power and wealth. It describes the long, complex struggle for control within the republican movement ultimately won by Chiang, and it includes evidence of his strong ties to Shanghai's leading gangsters, the results of a secret FBI investigation ordered by President Truman into the Soong's financial dealings, and many other facts.

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Israel Epstein

Woman in World History : Soong Ching Ling - Mme.Sun Yatsen

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Book by Epstein, Israel

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Roxane Orgill, Francis Vallejo

Jazz Day

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What happens when you invite as many jazz musicians as you can to pose for a photo in 1950s Harlem? Playful verse and glorious artwork capture an iconic moment for American jazz.When Esquire magazine planned an issue to salute the American jazz scene in 1958, graphic designer Art Kane pitched a crazy idea: how about gathering a group of beloved jazz musicians and photographing them? He didn’t own a good camera, didn’t know if any musicians would show up, and insisted on setting up the shoot in front of a Harlem brownstone. Could he pull it off? In a captivating collection of poems, Roxane Orgill steps into the frame of Harlem 1958, bringing to life the musicians’ mischief and quirks, their memorable style, and the vivacious atmosphere of a Harlem block full of kids on a hot summer’s day. Francis Vallejo’s vibrant, detailed, and wonderfully expressive paintings do loving justice to the larger-than-life quality of jazz musicians of the era. Includes bios of several of the fifty-seven musicians, an author’s note, sources, a bibliography, and a foldout of Art Kane’s famous photograph.

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Dolly Parton

Dolly : My Life and Other Unfinished Business

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Dolly Parton's autobiography is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration. Her straightforward and humorous writing style allows readers to delve into her life philosophy - the down-home way of living that brought her tremendous success. Readers will find solace in her journey and be motivated to embrace their unique self.

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Jean Sasson

Mayada: Daughter Of Iraq

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Mayada: Daughter of Iraq is a powerful memoir that details the life of a privileged Iraqi woman who finds herself in a notorious prison, falsely accused of printing anti-government propaganda. The book offers a unique perspective on the terror and horror brought by Saddam Hussein's regime upon the lives and souls of ordinary citizens. This book would be a great read for those interested in memoirs, stories of survival, and the power of sisterhood in the face of adversity.

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Joe Studwell

Asian Godfathers : Money and Power in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia

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"Asian Godfathers" is an insightful book that delves into the lives of the 50 wealthiest families in Southeast Asia, providing an intimate account of their rise to power. Author Joe Studwell's meticulous research sheds light on the historic, economic, and political influences that gave rise to these families. Recommended for those interested in understanding the complex power dynamics of Southeast Asia.

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Simon Sebag Montefiore

Speeches That Changed the World

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Recommendation: This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the power of words and their impact on the world. Through gripping historical footage and transcripts, it captures the essence of 20 of the most significant speeches of the 20th century and over 30 other momentous orations from throughout history. Dive into the stories of the speakers, learn why the world changed as a result, and witness the true power of persuasive communication. Experience the profound impact of these speeches and be inspired by the courage and conviction of those who delivered them.

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Amanda Foreman

The Duchess

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Sex, intrigue and adultery in the world of high politics and huge wealth in late eighteenth-century England. Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, was one of the most flamboyant and influential women of the eighteenth century. The great-great-great-great aunt of Diana, Princess of Wales, she was variously a compulsive gambler, a political savante and operator of the highest order, a drug addict, an adulteress and the darling of the common people.This authoritative, utterly absorbing book presents a mesmerizing picture of a fascinating world of political and sexual intrigues, grand houses, huge parties, glamour and great wealth – always on the edge of being squandered by the excesses and scandals of individuals.Georgiana’s extraordinary life has now been made into a major film - starring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes - which is due for release in summer 2008.

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David Leigh, The Guardian, Luke Harding

WikiLeaks : Inside Julian Assange's War on Secrecy

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Title: WikiLeaks Binding: Paperback Author: Luke Harding & David Leigh Publisher: Guardian Books

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John Piper

John Calvin and His Passion for the Majesty of God

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John Piper fires readers' passion for the centrality and supremacy of God by unfolding Calvin's exemplary zeal for the glory of God.John Calvin's aim, he wrote, was to 'set before, as the prime motive of his existence, zeal to illustrate the glory of God' - a fitting banner over all of the great Reformer's life and work. 'The essential meaning of Calvin's life and preaching,' writes John Piper, 'is that he recovered and embodied a passion for the absolute reality and majesty of God. Such is the aim and burden of this book as well.'As Piper concisely unfolds this predominant theme in Calvin's life, he seeks to fire every Christian's passion for the centrality and supremacy of God, so that God's self-identification in Exodus 3 as 'I am who I am' becomes the sun in our solar system too.

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Frank Freidel

The Presidents : Of the United States of America

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George Washington spoke of the 'Republican model of Government' as 'the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people'. At its heart was the presidency. As the nation grew strong, the presidency evolved into the world's mightiest office. Washington, as the first president, devoutly wished that the precedents he established 'be fixed on true principles'. Tempered by the times, each president has lent his talents and some have given their lives, to Washington's 'great experiment'. The profiles presented in The Presidents reflect how each president, in his own way has committed himself to Washington's first precedent: 'The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty'. This newly revised and re-designed book is published with the White House Historical Association. The important stories of the lives and administrations of each of the forty-three American presidents from George Washington to George W. Bush are illustrated by portraits in the White House collection. Gilbert Stuart's famous p

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Jeremy Paxman

The English

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This book is an excellent read for someone interested in understanding the complexities of English identity. Paxman provides a thorough exploration of the subject matter, covering everything from history to current events with wit and insight. His interviews with various people add depth to the book and make it an engaging read for those who want to learn more about English culture and society.

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Dan Karlan, Jeremy Salter, Allan Lazar

The 101 Most Influential People Who Never Lived - How Characters of Fiction, Myth, Legends, Television, and Movies Have Shaped Our Society, Changed Our Behavior, and Set the Course of History

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Think characters don’t shape history? Think again. This book dives into how fictional legends, from the omnipresent Santa Claus to Buffy, have influenced societal norms and personal ideals. If you’re curious about the intersection of mythology, pop culture, and real-world impact, this unique read is up your alley. It's storytelling and sociology, wrapped up in one compelling narrative – perfect for trivia lovers and culture enthusiasts.

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Valerie Plame Wilson

Fair Game : My Life as a Spy, My Betrayal by the White House

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Recommended for those interested in espionage and politics. It provides an insider's perspective into the workings of the CIA and its role in contemporary political affairs.

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Armand M. Nicholi Jr.

The Question of God : C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud Debate God, Love, Sex, and the Meaning of Life

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The Question of God is a great read for those who are interested in the debate between faith and reason and want to explore this topic through the lens of two great thinkers. Nicholi's analysis of Freud and Lewis's arguments is insightful and thought-provoking. This book is perfect for readers who want to delve deeper into the question of whether God exists and the meaning of life.

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Dorothy Herrmann

Helen Keller : A Life

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This book is recommended for those who seek inspiration from real-life stories of triumph against all odds. It explores the life of Helen Keller, a charismatic and high-strung woman who had to overcome the challenges of being blind and deaf. The book highlights her love affair, successful education at Radcliffe College, and her passion for advocating for the disabled. The author explores Keller's relationship with Annie Sullivan, her teacher, and how it influenced her life. The book presents Keller in a unique light that neither condemns her as a fraud nor venerates her as a saint. Readers will be inspired by Keller's story of perseverance and determination to chart her own path in life.

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Robert K. Massie

Peter the Great

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This book would be a great read for those who are fascinated by history and the powerful figures that shaped nations. "Peter the Great" offers an enthralling journey through the life of a charismatic ruler who brought about monumental changes in Russia. Robert K. Massie weaves a captivating narrative, taking readers back to seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Europe and Russia, and allowing them to witness the transformation of a nation from its own Middle Ages to the era of Enlightenment. Get ready to be captivated by the monumental portrait of Peter the Great and his lasting legacy in Russia.

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Carter J. Eckert

Park Chung Hee and Modern Korea : The Roots of Militarism, 1866-1945

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"Park Chung Hee and Modern Korea" provides an in-depth look into the foundational period of modern Korean militarism, tracing the roots of South Korea's authoritarian state through Japanese occupation. This book is recommended for history enthusiasts who want a deeper understanding of South Korea's transformation and the impact of militarism on modern Korean society.

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Omer Englebert

Saint Francis Of Assisi - A Biography

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Reviewers have judged St. Francis of A Biography to be that rarity among books about a popular work of inspiring spiritual reading that is also an acclaimed work of modern scholarship. With spiritual insight and careful historical judgment, Omer Englebert blends the many facets of St. Francis' personality into a portrait of a saint who can inspire men and women today. A Servant Book.

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Geraldine Goh

Great Chinese Emperors - Tales of Wise and Benevolent Rule

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Great Chinese Emperors - Tales of Wise and Benevolent Rule /// This is a great product sourced from BIML - Bible In My Language, the leader in foreign language Bibles and outreach materials from Baltimore, Maryland in the USA. BIML stocks Bibles in more than 600 languages.

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Ian Kershaw

Hitler 1889-1936 : Hubris

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From his illegitimate birth in a small Austrian village to his fiery death in a bunker under the Reich chancellery in Berlin, Adolf Hitler left a murky trail, strewn with contradictory tales & overgrown with self-created myths. One truth the sheer scale of the evils that he unleashed on the world has made him a demonic figure without equal in this century. Kershaw's Hitler brings us closer than ever before to the character of the bizarre misfit in his 30-year ascent from a Viennese shelter for the indigent to uncontested rule over the German nation that had tried & rejected democracy in the crippling aftermath of WWI. With extraordinary vividness, Kershaw recreates the settings that made Hitler's rise the virulent anti-Semitism of prewar Vienna, the crucible of a war with immense casualties, the toxic nationalism that gripped Bavaria in the 20s, the undermining of the Weimar Republic by extremists of the Right & the Left, the hysteria that accompanied Hitler's seizure of power in 1933 & then mounted in brutal attacks by his storm troopers on Jews & others condemned as enemies of the Aryan race. In an account drawing on many previously untapped sources, Hitler metamorphoses from an obscure fantasist, a drummer sounding an insistent beat of hatred in Munich beer halls, to the instigator of an infamous failed putsch &, ultimately, to the leadership of a ragtag alliance of right-wing parties fused into a movement that enthralled the German people. This volume, 1st of two, ends with the promulgation of the infamous Nuremberg laws that pushed German Jews to the outer fringes of society, & with the march of the German army into the Rhineland, Hitler's initial move toward the abyss of war.

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Isabella Dusi

Vanilla Beans And Brodo : Real Life In The Hills Of Tuscany

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Isabella Dusi, a native Australian, settled in Montalcino, a beautiful mountain eyrie famous for its wine and the proud nature of its inhabitants. Her acceptance into this close-knit community was a hard-won thing and has inspired Isabella to capture the true spirit of Montalcino.  Vanilla Beans & Brodo  tells of the violent history of this medieval village, which has lefts its mark on the character traits of the Montalcinese, and also offers a rare insight into the anxiety, joy, fun, and pressure of daily life as it unfolds with the seasons. An evocative story of the rivalry between village neighborhoods, of football fever and festival pageantry, Isabella Dusi destroys the myth that Tuscan villages are tranquil places, and instead reveals a life infinitely rich and full of dramas.

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Alan Greenspan

The Age of Turbulence : Adventures in a New World

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The most remarkable thing that happened to the world economy after 9/11 was ...nothing. What would have once meant a crippling shock to the system was absorbed astonishingly quickly, partly due to the efforts of the then Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, Alan Greenspan. The post 9/11 global economy is a new and turbulent system - vastly more flexible, resilient, open, self-directing, and fast-changing than it was even twenty years ago. "The Age of Turbulence" is an incomparable reckoning with the nature of this new world - how we got here, what we're living through, and what lies over the horizon, for good or ill, channelled through Greenspan's own experiences working in the command room of the global economy for longer and with greater effect than any other single living figure.

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H.C. Robbins Landon

1791, Mozart's Last Year

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The last month of the year 1791 witnessed what H.C. Robbins Landon calls "the greatest tragedy in the history of music": the premature death of the thirty-five-year-old Mozart. Surrounded by enigma and intrigue, allegations of poisoning, and sexual scandal, this event continues to grip the popular imagination today--as was demonstrated by the astonishing success of the play and movie Amadeus. Curious and controversial as the circumstances of Mozart's death are, the truth has been obscured by accumulated layers of mythology. Drawing on his unrivaled knowledge of the sources, Professor Landon cuts through fantasy and mystification to present the facts--including a substantial amount of unpublished information--and reconstruct the moving story of the last year of Mozart's life. The composition of such works as the Requiem and the operas The Magic Flute and La clemenza di Tito is discussed in detail, and new light is thrown on Mozart's relations with the Freemasons and with Salieri, among others. One of the world's leading musicologists, H.C. Robbins Landon is justly renowned for his rare ability to communicate the excitement of discovery. This is a major contribution to the literature of Mozart.

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Lim Lee Chin

Pioneers Of Singapore

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Recommended for history buffs and Singaporeans interested in heritage. The book showcases the lives and achievements of the pioneering figures in Singapore's history in an illustrated format, making it an easy and interesting read. It is a testimony to the hard work and perseverance of these individuals, and a must-read for those keen on learning about Singapore's heritage.

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Lily Xiao Hong Lee, Sue Wiles

Women of the Long March

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The Long March, a year-long retreat made by the Chinese Communist Red Army escaping from destruction by the Nationalist forces, is a central turning point in the history of modern China. Thirty women marched with the top leaders, including Mao Zedong and Deng Xioping, during the 6,000-mile trek, and 3,000 women were among the ranks. This book, one of the few to focus on the women, tells their story through the biographies of three key players. Just 17 when they became lovers, Mao's second wife, He Zizhen, bore his children along the way and was forced to leave them behind; Kang Kequing, wife of Zhu De, endured the same hardships as the men, shouldered arms, and fought alongside her male comrades; Commander Wang Quanyuan was captured with her battalion by enemy cavalry that forced the women to become concubines. Drawing on interviews and published and unpublished sources, this book details their experiences on the March and subsequent lives in Communist China.

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Bryan Magee

Confessions Of A Philosopher

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"Confessions Of A Philosopher" is a great read for anyone curious about philosophy. Bryan Magee's personal experiences and infectious enthusiasm make this book an engaging introduction to the subject. Magee's ability to untangle complex philosophical questions and relate them to everyday life makes the book accessible and relatable. Overall, this book is perfect for those who want to explore philosophy in a fun and accessible way.

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Jan Wong

Red China Blues: My Long March from Mao to Now : My Long March from Mao to Now

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Red China Blues gives readers a first-world perspective of China from the height of Maoism to Deng Xiaoping's capitalist reforms. Through the author's personal experiences, she provides insight on how communism affected individuals in China, and how the Chinese society struggled to cope with communist ideals. This book is suitable for readers interested in history and political science.

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Ellen T. White

Simply Irresistible : Unleash Your Inner Siren and Mesmerize Your Man, with Help from the Most Famous and Infamous Women in History

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Simply Irresistible is a fun and empowering read that teaches women how to hone their seductive skills by drawing inspiration from the most iconic and influential women in history. The book offers practical advice on modern seduction, presenting different archetypes of the siren and sharing the histories of real-life women who have successfully used their allure to charm and captivate men. The book is both humorous and informative, offering a range of quizzes, quotes, and personal stories that are sure to entertain and inspire readers. If you're looking to enhance your seductive skills and unleash your inner siren, this is the book for you.

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Pierre Rigoulot, Kang Chol-Hwan

Aquariums of Pyongyang : Ten Years in the North Korean Gulag

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North Korea is today one of the last bastions of hard-line Communism. Its leaders have kept a tight grasp on their one-party regime, quashing any nascent opposition movements and sending all suspected dissidents to its brutal concentration camps for "re-education." Kang Chol-hwan is the first survivor of one of these camps to escape and tell his story to the world, documenting the extreme conditions in these gulags and providing a personal insight into life in North Korea. Part horror story, part historical document, part memoir, part political tract, this record of one man's suffering gives eyewitness proof to an ongoing sorrowful chapter of modern history.

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Robert Service

Stalin : A Biography

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Overthrowing the conventional image of Stalin as an uneducated political administrator inexplicably transformed into a pathological killer, Robert Service reveals a more complex and fascinating story behind this notorious twentieth-century figure. Drawing on unexplored archives and personal testimonies gathered from across Russia and Georgia, this is the first full-scale biography of the Soviet dictator in twenty years.Service describes in unprecedented detail the first half of Stalin's life--his childhood in Georgia as the son of a violent, drunkard father and a devoted mother; his education and religious training; and his political activity as a young revolutionary. No mere messenger for Lenin, Stalin was a prominent activist long before the Russian Revolution. Equally compelling is the depiction of Stalin as Soviet leader. Service recasts the image of Stalin as unimpeded despot; his control was not limitless. And his conviction that enemies surrounded him was not entirely unfounded.Stalin was not just a vengeful dictator but also a man fascinated by ideas and a voracious reader of Marxist doctrine and Russian and Georgian literature as well as an internationalist committed to seeing Russia assume a powerful role on the world stage. In examining the multidimensional legacy of Stalin, Service helps explain why later would-be reformers--such as Khrushchev and Gorbachev--found the Stalinist legacy surprisingly hard to dislodge.Rather than diminishing the horrors of Stalinism, this is an account all the more disturbing for presenting a believable human portrait. Service's lifetime engagement with Soviet Russia has resulted in the most comprehensive and compelling portrayal of Stalin to date.

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Bear Grylls

True Grit

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True Grit is a collection of extraordinary true stories of survival and endurance from adventurers, explorers, soldiers, and spies. The book is filled with eye-watering tales of bravery and resilience that will keep readers gripped throughout. It is perfect for those who seek inspiration and motivation to never quit in the face of adversity.

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Paul A. Shapiro, Patrick Desbois

The Holocaust by Bullets : A Priest's Journey to Uncover the Truth Behind the Murder of 1.5 Million Jews

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If you're interested in WWII history, particularly the Holocaust, this book provides a unique perspective on the often-overlooked mass murders committed by mobile killing squads in Ukraine. Father Patrick Desbois uses eyewitness accounts and innovative methodology to provide a haunting, definitive account of this tragic chapter in history. This book will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression and deepen your understanding of the horrors of the Holocaust.

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David Landau

Arik : The Life of Ariel Sharon

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From the former editor in chief of Haaretz, the first in-depth, comprehensive biography of Ariel Sharon, the most dramatic and imposing Israeli political and military leader of the last forty years.The life of Ariel Sharon spans much of modern Israel’s history. A commander in the Israeli Army from its inception in 1948, Sharon participated in the 1948 War of Independence, played decisive roles in the 1956 Suez War and the Six-Day War of 1967, and is credited here with the shift in the outcome of the Yom Kippur War of 1973.After leaving the professional army, Sharon became a political leader and served in numerous governments, most prominently as the defense minister during the 1982 Lebanon War in which he bore “personal responsibility,” according to the state’s commission of inquiry, for massacres of Palestinian civilians by Lebanese militia. As a general and as a politician, he championed the construction of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and Gaza. But as prime minister, he performed a dramatic orchestrating Israel’s unilateral disengagement from the Gaza Strip.Landau brilliantly chronicles Sharon’s surprising about-face, combining the immediacy of firsthand reportage with the analysis and independent insight of a historian’s perspective. Sharon suffered a stroke in January 2006 and remains in a persistent vegetative state. This biography recounts the life of the man who is considered by many to be Israel’s greatest military leader and political statesman, illustrating how Sharon’s leadership transformed Israel, and how his views were shaped by the changing nature of Israeli society.

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Peter Sís

Tibet: through the Red Box

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A father's diary, an artist's memoir. By the author of the best-selling Three Golden Keys. While my father was in China and Tibet, he kept a diary, which was later locked in a red box. We weren't allowed to touch the box. The stories I heard as a little boy faded to a hazy dream, and my drawings from that time make no sense. I cannot decipher them. It was not until I myself had gone far, far away and received the message from my father that I became interested in the red box again . . . In New York, Peter Sis receives a letter from his father. "The Red Box is now yours," it says. The brief note worries him and pulls him back to Prague, where the contents of the red box explain the mystery of his father's long absence during the 1950s. Czechoslovakia was behind the iron curtain; Vladimir Sis, a documentary filmmaker of considerable talent, was drafted into the army and sent to China to teach filmmaking. He left his wife, daughter, and young son, Peter, thinking he would be home for Christmas. Two Christmases would pass before he was heard from Vladimir Sis was lost in Tibet. He met with the Dalai Lama; he witnessed China's invasion of Tibet. When he returned to Prague, he dared not talk to his friends about all he had seen and experienced. But over and over again he told Peter about his Tibetan adventures. Weaving their two stories together - that of the father lost in Tibet and that of the small boy in Prague, lost without his father - Sis draws from his father's diary and from his own recollections of his father's incredible tales to reach a spiritual homecoming between father and son. With his sublime pictures, inspired by Tibetan Buddhist art and linking history to memory, Peter Sis gives us an extraordinary book - a work of singular artistry and rare imagination. This title has Common Core connections. Tibet Through the Red Box is a 1999 Caldecott Honor Book and the winner of the 1999 Boston Globe - Horn Book Award for Special Citation.

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Chris Lear

Running with the Buffaloes : A Season Inside With Mark Wetmore, Adam Goucher, And The University Of Colorado Men's Cross Country Team

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Top five Best Books About Running, Runner's World Magazine Top three Best Books About Running, readers of Runner's World Magazine(December 2009) In RUNNING WITH THE BUFFALOES, writer Chris Lear follows the University of Colorado cross-country team through an unforgettable NCAA season. Allowed unparalleled access to team practices, private moments, and the mind of Mark Wetmore--one of the country's most renowned and controversial coaches--Lear provides a riveting look inside the triumphs and heartaches of a perennial national contender and the men who will stop at nothing to achieve excellence. The Buffaloes' 1998 season held great promise, with Olympic hopeful Adam Goucher poised for his first-ever NCAA cross-country title, and the University of Colorado shooting for its first-ever national team title. But in the rigorous world of top-level collegiate sports, blind misfortune can sabotage the dreams of individuals and teams alike. In a season plagued by injury and the tragic loss of a teammate, the Buffaloes were tested as never before. What these men managed to achieve in the face of such adversity is the stuff of legend and glory.With passion and suspense, Lear captures the lives of these young men and offers a glimpse of what drives a gifted runner like Adam Goucher and a great coach like Mark Wetmore. Like Lance Armstrong's It's Not About the Bike, RUNNING WITH THE BUFFALOES is at once a glowing celebration of a sport and an inspiration to anyone who has ever had the courage to beat the odds and follow a dream.

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Glenn Knight

The Prosecutor

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"The Prosecutor" would be a good read for those interested in a memoir of a prominent judicial figure in Singapore. This book offers an intimate account of the personal and professional life of Glenn Knight, the first Director of Commercial Affairs and Deputy Public Prosecutor in Singapore. Readers who enjoy legal thrillers and criminal investigations will find this book fascinating as it sheds light on highly publicised cases such as the Adrian Lim murders and the Pan El and JB Jeyaretnam cases. The book's unique feature is its portrayal of Knight's interaction with major legal personalities of Singapore, giving readers an inside look at the workings of the country's judicial system.

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Deborah Scroggins

Wanted Women : Faith, Lies, and the War on Terror: The Lives of Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Aafia Siddiqui

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This book provides a unique perspective on the lives of two Muslim women, Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Aafia Siddiqui, who took opposite paths in life due to their different beliefs. The book discusses their struggles against extremism, exploring their pasts as well as the controversial details of their lives. It is a must-read for those interested in the complexities of faith, feminism, and power in today's world.

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Eric Hansen

Motoring With Mohammed - Journeys To Yemen And The Red Sea

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In 1978 Eric Hansen found himself shipwrecked on a desert island in the Red Sea. When goat smugglers offered him safe passage to Yemen, he buried seven years' worth of travel journals deep in the sand and took his place alongside the animals on a leaky boat bound for a country that he'd never planned to visit.As he tells of the turbulent seas that stranded him on the island and of his efforts to retrieve his buried journals when he returned to Yemen ten years later, Hansen enthralls us with a portrait -- uncannily sympathetic and wildly offbeat -- of this forgotten corner of the Middle East. With a host of extraordinary characters from his guide, Mohammed, ever on the lookout for one more sheep to squeeze into the back seat of his car, to madcap expatriates and Eritrean gun runners- and with landscapes that include cities of dreamlike architectural splendor, endless sand dunes, and terrifying mountain passes, Hansen reveals the indelible allure of a land steeped in custom, conflicts old and new, and uncommon beauty.

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Arthur Dunkelman

The Enchantress, Emma, Lady Hamilton : The Jean Kislak Collection

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Catalogue of the Jean Kislak collection of material related to Emma, Lady Hamilton 1765-1815 . Née Amy Lyon, Hamilton rose from humble beginnings to become wife of Sir William Hamilton, British minister to the Kingdom of Naples and mistress of Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson. Introductory essays by five scholars. Frontispiece. Color illustrations throughout, including correspondence between Emily Hamilton and Nelson. Bibliography of the Kislak collection. xxiv, 135+ 1 pages. stiff paper wrappers, illustrated endpapers. 4to.

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Richard P. Feynman

The Pleasure of Finding Things Out : The Best Short Works of Richard P. Feynman

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The Pleasure of Finding Things Out is a must-read for anyone interested in science and the world of ideas. Feynman's unique style of explaining complex concepts in simple terms makes this book accessible to a wide range of readers. The collection of interviews, speeches, lectures, and articles provides a fascinating insight into the mind of one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century. So, if you want to discover the joy of scientific exploration and learn about the life of a remarkable scientist, this book is for you!

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Alison Plowden

The Young Elizabeth

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The first volume of Plowden's acclaimed Elizabethan quartet charts the first 25 years of Elizabeth's life Alison Plowden's captivating portrait of the young Elizabeth Tudor, bringing to life her many identities as ruler, woman, and politician, is a triumph of narrative history. Elizabeth I is perhaps England's most famous monarch. She was born in 1533, the product of the doomed marriage of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Her mother was condemned as a witch and after her death, Elizabeth was disinherited and finally imprisoned by her jealous half-sister, Mary. Her childhood was one of fear and danger, as she was aware from the outset that the eyes of the world were upon her and that to survive she would have to rely on her own judgment and strength of character. Many tried to use her for their own ends, however she rose out of the shadows and on the death of her sister, she became Gloriana—England's most iconic queen.

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Tan Siok Sun

Goh Keng Swee : A Portrait

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Dr Goh Keng Swee's public career spanned two eventful decades. He was a founding and key member of Singapore's ruling political party, and played a significant role in creating and shaping the destiny of Singapore today. His areas of responsibility were wide-ranging, including finance, defence and education. Yet for all his accomplishments, he was a private man and few were fully aware of all the influences that shaped his thoughts and actions.During his periods of service as Minister for Finance, Defence and Education during the 1960s and 1970s, Dr Goh oversaw Singapore's achievement of Independence, the creation of the Singapore Armed Forces, the start of National Service, and the establishment of the Jurong Industrial Estate.Based on extensive research, including interviews with family members, friends and colleagues, this is an anecdotal account of Dr Goh's life story told by the author, his daughter-in-law. The author traces Dr Goh's footsteps from his humble beginnings in Melaka, to his days at Raffles College and the London School of Economics, to his service in the Singapore Government, and, finally, to his retirement.The book traces the evolution of Dr Goh's thought, as he moved on in life: a top student in school, a civil servant under colonial rule, a young Nationalist, and finally one of the key architects of post-independence Singapore. Dr Goh's story is one of daring, moral courage and of friendships forged over many years. Above all, his achievements in helping create the modern landscapes of institutions, environments and values that constitute Singapore today represent a vital legacy for the nation's present and future generations.

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Rick Geary, Andy Helfer

Trotsky

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Trotsky: A Graphic Biography could be a good read for history buffs, graphic novel enthusiasts and those interested in politics. Geary’s graphic novel style offers a unique visual representation of a politically complex and controversial figure’s life. The book provides insight into Trotsky’s rise and fall within the Bolshevik movement and his personal relationships.

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Paul Trynka

Iggy Pop : Open Up and Bleed

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This biography provides an in-depth understanding of Iggy Pop's life, particularly his struggles with addiction, mental health, and commercial success. It offers real-life stories from his friends and fellow musicians and portrays his huge influence on the music scene. The book also delves into his relationship with his friend and mentor David Bowie. This book is a fascinating psychological study of a Jekyll/Hyde personality.

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David Frum

The Right Man : The Surprise Presidency of George W. Bush

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The Right Man is the first inside account of a historic year in the Bush White House, by the presidential speechwriter credited with the phrase axis of evil. David Frum helped make international headlines when President George W. Bush's 2002 State of the Union address linked international terrorists to Iran, Iraq, and North Korea. But that was only one moment during a crucial time in American history, when a president, an administration, and a country were transformed. Frum not only worked with Bush in the Oval Office, but travelled with him aboard Air Force One, and studied him closely at meetings and events. He describes how Bush thinks-what this conservative president believes about religion, race, the environment, Jews, Muslims, and America's future. Frum takes us behind the scenes of one of the most secretive administrations in recent history. Most significant, he tells the story of Bush's how a president whose administration began in uncertainty became one of the most decisive, successful, and in the US at least, popular leaders of our time. Frum is a front-row observer and participant. Not since Peggy Noonan's account of her time in the Reagan White House has an insider portrayed a sitting president with such precision, verve, honest admiration, and insight. The Right Man will command international attention for its thoughtful account of George W. Bush in the midst of his greatest challenge. It will be an essential reference for anyone seeking to understand who the US president really is and how he is likely to lead his country and the western world in the future.

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Richard Appignanesi

Introducing Freud : A Graphic Guide

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"Introducing Freud: A Graphic Guide" could be a great read for those who are curious about Freud and his groundbreaking views on psychoanalysis. This book is illustrated, engaging and contains a narrative that is witty yet informative. The most captivating feature of this book is its ability to break down complex psychological theories and terminologies into the everyday language people use and understand today. This is a must-read for any individual who wants to gain a basic understanding of Freud's life and his contribution to the world of psychology."

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Bob Woodward

Bush at War : Inside the Bush White House

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"Bush at War" is a compelling read that gives readers an insider's look at the decision-making process during one of the most challenging periods in American history. Woodward's access to closed-door meetings and briefings provides a unique perspective on the events that unfolded after 9/11. This book offers readers a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the Bush administration and the decisions that helped shape the country's response to the attacks. If you're interested in politics or recent American history, "Bush at War" is definitely worth a read.

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Paul M. Handley

The King Never Smiles: A Biography of Thailands Bhumibol Adulyadej [Paperback] Paul M. Handley

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This book is an in-depth look into the life of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, providing a fascinating insight into the country's revered monarch. Handley's biography balances the king's impressive accomplishments with critical analysis of the country's political climate during his reign. If you're interested in history, political figures or Thailand's monarchy, this book is sure to keep you engaged.

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Dive Into Real-Life Stories

Biographies and memoirs offer unparalleled insights into the lives and minds of individuals who've shaped our world. Be it political icons, celebrities, or unsung heroes, Thryft brings you a rich assortment of stories that reveal extraordinary experiences and life lessons. Embark on a journey through time as you explore the personal tales that have influenced history and culture.