Preloved Affordable Biographies & Memoirs Books Online | Based in Singapore – Page 16

Xolela Mangcu

Biko - A biography

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"The first comprehensive biography of an exceptional and inspirational leader who changed South African history. As leading anti-apartheid activist and thinker, Biko created Black Consciousness, which has resonance to this day. His death by torture, at the hands of the police, robbed South Africa of one of its most gifted leaders. Biko’s intellectual legacy cannot be overestimated."

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Mary Robinson

Everybody Matters : A Memoir

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Everybody Matters is an inspirational memoir of Mary Robinson's journey as an activist, lawyer, and politician who worked tirelessly for human rights and social justice. The book is a must-read for those seeking insights into the lives of pioneers and how they overcame obstacles to achieve their goals. Mary Robinson demonstrates her deep conviction and modest pride in guiding her life, and she inspires others to change the world for the better.

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Laura Kalman

Abe Fortas : A Biography

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Abe Fortas was a New Dealer, a sub-cabinet official, the founder of an eminent Washington law firm, a close adviser to Lyndon Johnson, and a Supreme Court justice. Nominated by Johnson to be Chief Justice, he was rejected by Congress and resigned from the Court early in the Nixon administration under a cloud of impending scandal. This engrossing book--the first full biography of Abe Fortas--tells his dramatic story.Drawing on Fortas's previously unavailable personal papers, on numerous archives, and on extensive interviews with his family and associates, Laura Kalman, a historian and lawyer, illuminates Fortas's evolution from New Dealer to Washington lawyer to Great Society liberal, and in so doing also provides a unique view of American liberalism from the 1930s through the 1960s."There was no single Abe Fortas," writes Kalman. "There was a variety of personae, and Fortas moved comfortably from one to another. Kalman describes Fortas's various personae:* the boy who as "Fiddlin' Abe" played the violin in dance bands to earn spending money and who grew to consider chamber music the love of his life;* the Jew who cared more about Israel than Judaism;* the civil libertarian who worked for irascible Harold Ickes as Under Secretary of the Interior during the New Deal, who defended those charged with disloyalty by Joseph McCarthy, and promoted social justice on the Court;* the urbane corporate lawyer whose friends became clients and whose clients became friends;* the brilliant legal tactician who secured Lyndon Johnson's Senate seat in 1948 and whose successful defense of the Gideon case was described by William O. Douglas as "the best single argument" he heard in all his years on the Supreme Court;* the Supreme Court justice who willingly risked compromising his judicial integrity to advise President Johnson;* the man who hobnobbed with the powerful yet was powerless to combat the attacks against him when he was a Supreme Court justice, and whose resignation from the Court contributed to the destruction of the liberal agenda for social reform.Reflecting on the various aspects of Fortas's enigmatic personality and the events of his life, Kalman creates a new portrait of the man that is more insightful and complete than any yet published. Engagingly written and superbly researched, this is the authoritative account of Fortas and the legal and political history he helped to shape.

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Christopher Andrew

Defend the Realm : The Authorized History of MI5

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For over 100 years, the agents of MI5 have defended Britain against enemy subversion. Their work has remained shrouded in secrecy—until now. This first-ever authorized account reveals the British Security Service as never before: its inner workings, its clandestine operations, its failures and its triumphs.

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Diane McWhorter

Carry ME Home: Birmingham, Alabama : The Climactic Battle of the Civil Rights Revolution

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"The Year of Birmingham," 1963, was a cataclysmic turning point in America's long civil rights struggle. That spring, child demonstrators faced down police dogs and fire hoses in huge nonviolent marches for desegregation. A few months later, Ku Klux Klansmen retaliated by bombing the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church and killing four young black girls. Diane McWhorter, journalist and daughter of a prominent Birmingham family, weaves together police and FBI documents, interviews with black activists and former Klansmen, and personal memories into an extraordinary narrative of the city, the personalities, and the events that brought about America's second emancipation.

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Benito Mussolini

My Rise And Fall

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Recommendation: "My Rise and Fall" provides a unique perspective of Italian fascism through the eyes of its founder and leader. The book is an excellent read for history buffs interested in learning about the rise and fall of Mussolini and Italian Fascism. It offers a vivid portrayal of Mussolini's early years as an agitator, experiences in World War I, and the formation and revolutionary struggles of the Fascist Party. The second volume is particularly striking as it describes the coup d'etat that deposed Mussolini and his last year in power before his execution by Italian partisans.

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Chris Emmett

Hong Kong Policeman : Law, Life and Death on the Streets of Hong Kong: An English Police Inspector Tells It as It Was

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Hong Kong in 1970 was the fastest expanding city in the world, a city that lived on three levels - the expatriates, nearly always British who lived in almost complete isolation; the vast mass of Chinese residents struggling to get by and improve their lot; and finally the criminal and corrupt underside which not only fought among itself but also affected the life of everyone else in the Crown Colony through fear and corruption. Fighting to hold this in check - and by and large succeeding - were the Hong Kong police force. At the officer level, many were British. Into this heady and dangerous mix steps a young Merseyside policeman, Chris Emmett. His account of those times brings vividly to life the crime, prostitution, drugs, triad street gangs and corruption that was an important part of the fabric of Hong Kong of those days.

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Timothy Auger

S R Nathan in Conversation

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This book offers a unique insight into Singapore's history, politics, and culture through the eyes of former President S.R. Nathan. With his extensive experience in government and diplomacy, Nathan provides a thoughtful and candid analysis of Singapore's place in the world, as well as its future prospects. His emphasis on the importance of education and harmony makes this book a valuable read for anyone interested in Singapore's success story.

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Trust No One

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This book could be a good read for those interested in true stories about surviving abuse and overcoming adversity. It is a powerful and harrowing account of the author's experiences in a corrupt social care system, and her fight to bring justice to other victims. The book's most distinctive feature is its unflinching and raw portrayal of the abuse and mistreatment that the author endured, which will leave a lasting impact on readers. It is a gripping and inspiring story of resilience and bravery in the face of unimaginable trauma.

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Michael Ignatieff

Isaiah Berlin - A Life

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This book could be a good read for those interested in exploring the life and ideas of one of the greatest intellectuals of the 20th century. Through the insightful interviews conducted by Michael Ignatieff, readers will gain unprecedented access to Isaiah Berlin's thoughts, memories and conflicts, making it a must read for anyone seeking to understand his brilliance in intellect and his impact on philosophy and politics.

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William S. Taubman, Sergei Nikitich Khrushchev

Khrushchev on Khrushchev

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The son of the late Soviet leader offers a portrait of his father's life and political career, focusing on the years 1964-1971

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Svetlana Alexievich, Larry Heinemann, Sergio Rapetti

Zinky Boys : Soviet Voices from the Afghanistan War

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Zinky Boys could be a great read for anyone interested in learning about the Soviet-Afghan War from a unique perspective. It offers an insight into the realities of war from the firsthand accounts of the officers, grunts, nurses, and prostitutes. The candid and affecting testimony of the people affected by the war presents a shocking and brutal picture of the war and its lasting effects. The book is an unforgettably powerful account of the war that sheds light on the similarities between the Soviet-Afghan War and the American experience in Vietnam.

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John W. Dean

Worse Than Watergate

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Former White House counsel and bestselling author John Dean reveals how the Bush White House has set America back decades -- employing a worldview and tactics of deception that he claims will do more damage to the nation than Nixon at his worst.

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Fred Inglis

Clifford Geertz - Culture Custom And Ethics

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Recommendation: - Geertz's groundbreaking theory of symbolic action challenges traditional scientific inquiry in the human sciences, making it an essential read for those interested in new perspectives on culture and society. - This comprehensive overview of Geertz's work provides a lively introduction to his influential essays, such as the celebrated and controversial analysis of the Balinese cock fight, which sparks engaging debates. - With a focus on cultural studies, this book offers a refreshing approach to understanding the intricate relationship between culture and politics, challenging conventional concepts and offering a more nuanced perspective. Highly recommended for students and scholars in anthropology and cultural studies.

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Rupa

Words of Glory : Inspiring Speeches from the Greatest Leaders

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Ian Schott

Hitler

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Recommendation: This book provides a concise and informative summary of Adolf Hitler's life, making it a good read for individuals looking to gain insight into one of the most infamous figures in history. Its concise nature may appeal to readers who want to learn about Hitler, but do not have the time to delve into more detailed biographies.

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Nigel Hamilton

Bill Clinton : An American Journey

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This book would appeal to readers who are interested in the personal and political life of Bill Clinton, and how they evolved together. The book offers insights into the sexual politics of the time and its impact on Clinton's life. The book also covers Clinton's rise to power and his ultimate election as President. Readers would appreciate the detailed account of his life, including his time at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. Overall, this book provides a thorough examination of Bill Clinton's journey, making it a good read for anyone interested in politics and personal life of historical figures.

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Han Fook Kwang, Warren Fernandez, Sumiko Tan

Lee Kuan Yew: the Man and His Ideas : The Man and His Ideas

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Lee Kuan Yew passed away on 23 March 2015 at the age of 92. This book, which was first published in 1998, tells the story of his life from when the Japanese occupied Singapore in 1941 until 1998 when he was Senior Minister. Based on 13 exclusive interviews held over 30 hours, this book chronicles the events, people and political fortunes that were to shape Lee’s view of the world, as well as the path he set for the transformation of Singapore. It delves into the choices he made, the political turnings he took, the insights gained and lessons learnt, some of which were expounded to the authors for the first time, with wit, wisdom, candor and vivid recollection. Written by three leading journalists from The Straits Times.

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Margaret Thatcher

The Downing Street Years

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This book is a captivating account of Margaret Thatcher's time as Prime Minister, revealing her determination and resilience in achieving her goals. Through her frank accounts of her dealings with foreign statesmen and her own ministers, readers gain insight into the challenges and triumphs that defined her political career. If you're interested in leadership, politics, or the life of an influential woman, this book is a must-read.

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Lee Kuan Yew

The Singapore Story Abridged Edition [Paperback] Lee Kuan Yew

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This book could be a good read for you if you are curious about the history and development of Singapore and the role of Lee Kuan Yew in it. Lee Kuan Yew, a renowned political genius, shares his personal experiences, from his boyhood to his political career, providing valuable insights into the making of modern Singapore. Discover how his visionary leadership transformed a small island nation into a thriving global hub of economic success. Get inspired by the tenacity and strategic thinking of a leader who shaped the destiny of a nation.

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Yair Reiner, Kang Chol-Hwan, Pierre Rigoulot

The Aquariums of Pyongyang : Ten Years in the North Korean Gulag

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"Destined to become a classic" (Iris Chang, author of The Rape of Nanking ), this harrowing memoir of life inside North Korea was the first account to emerge from the notoriously secretive country -- and it remains one of the most terrifying.Amid escalating nuclear tensions, Kim Jong-un and North Korea's other leaders have kept a tight grasp on their one-party state, 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. Sent to the notorious labor camp Yodok when he was nine years old, Kang observed frequent public executions and endured forced labor and near-starvation rations for ten years. In 1992, he escaped to South Korea, where he found God and now advocates for human rights in North Korea.Part horror story, part historical document, part memoir, part political tract, this book brings together unassailable firsthand experience, setting one young man's personal suffering in the wider context of modern history, giving eyewitness proof to the abuses perpetrated by the North Korean regime.

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Amanda Foreman

Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire

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Recommendation: If you're seeking a riveting historical biography filled with scandal and intrigue, "Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire" is the perfect choice. Amanda Foreman masterfully brings to life the tumultuous world of one of the most flamboyant women of the eighteenth century. From political maneuvering to controversial love affairs, this captivating tale will leave you enthralled from start to finish.

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LIFE

The American Journey of Barack Obama

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For decades Americans have turned to LIFE to see, understand, and remember the most important events and people of our time. Just as LIFE once opened up the glittering Kennedy White House, LIFE now focuses its lens on Barack Obama.The American Journey of Barack Obama covers the candidate from his childhood and adolescence to his time as editor of The Harvard Law Review and his Chicago activist years, culminating with the excitement and fervor of the historic 2008 Democratic National Convention. The unfolding drama of Obama's life and political career is cinematic in scope, and never has it been presented so compellingly.In addition to a powerful array of photographs that were taken by many of the country's greatest photographers (and some that were snapped, in the quiet moments, by Obama family members themselves), this book also includes a Foreword by Senator Edward M. Kennedy, an incisive narrative biography and original essays by some of our finest writers, including Gay Talese, Charles Johnson, Melissa Fay Greene, Andrei Codrescu, Fay Weldon, Richard Norton Smith, Bob Greene and several others. Many readers will find a new understanding of Obama. All readers will feel that they are bearing witness to a singular, undeniably American story.

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Maya Angelou

His Day Is Done - A Nelson Mandela Tribute

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His Day Is Done is a powerful and moving tribute to Nelson Mandela's unwavering courage and resolute determination. This book celebrates the life and remarkable soul of Mandela, whose leadership, strength, and perseverance helped end apartheid in South Africa. Maya Angelou authentically and elegantly captures Mandela's legacy in a way that is truly heartfelt and gripping for readers. This book is perfect for those who are looking to learn more about the man behind the legend and his lasting impact on the world.

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Lee Kuan Yew at 80 : 80 Quotes from a Life = Li Guangyao at 80: Ba Shi Ming Yan

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This book is a must-read for anyone interested in leadership and policy-making. Lee Kuan Yew's quotes offer invaluable insights into how he transformed Singapore from a third-world country to a first-world nation. The book highlights his emphasis on long-term planning, meritocracy, and the rule of law. It is a great resource for aspiring leaders and scholars of political science.

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Richard A. Clarke

Against All Enemies : Inside America's War on Terror

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Recommendation: Against All Enemies could be a good read for someone interested in understanding the American government's response to the 9/11 attacks and their War on Terror. The book provides insights into the workings of key organizations such as the Department of Homeland Security and al Qaeda. The most unique feature of the book is the author's firsthand account of his experiences as a counter-terrorism expert.

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Dinesh D'Souza

Ronald Reagan - How An Ordinary Man Became An Extraordinary Leader

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This book gives readers an insightful look into how Ronald Reagan went from being an actor to becoming one of the most successful US Presidents. Through Reagan's leadership, the country experienced an incredible economic boom that left a lasting impact. With meticulous research and captivating storytelling, D'Souza offers readers a unique perspective on one of the most fascinating political figures of the 20th century. If you're interested in US history, politics, or leadership, this book is a must-read.

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Roy Hattersley

Who Goes Home? : Scenes from a Political Life

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This autobiography presents an account of Roy Hattersley's lifetime in the Labour party. It begins with his schooldays in post-war Sheffield, through his arrival into Parliament in Harold Wilson's first intake in 1964, to his election as deputy leader of the party under Neil Kinnock. During this period, the Honourable Member for the Sparkbrook constituency of Birmingham never forgot his Yorkshire roots (or his passion for Sheffield Wednesday FC). This memoir evokes a 50-year-old journey that has taken the Labour party from Attlee's Welfare Statism and nationalization programme to Tony Blair's modernist tendency.

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Peggy Noonan

What I Saw at the Revolution #

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Recommended for political enthusiasts, insights on policymaking.

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Alex Josey

Lee Kuan Yew: The Struggle for Singapore

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Con Coughlin

Saddam : King of Terror

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An unprecedented biography, drawn from the author's exclusive access to high-ranking defectors, intelligence officials, and even Saddam's own relatives -- fully illustrated with photos from his early life to the present Two weeks before September 11, 2001, Saddam Hussein placed his troops on their highest military alert since the Gulf War. As al-Qaeda terrorists set their attacks on America in motion, the Iraqi dictator was prepared to go to war for a second time with the United States. How did an illegitimate child from Tikrit become the West's greatest adversary, and one of the most dangerous and murderous dictators of modem times? King of Terror is the most insightful and illuminating portrait of the Iraqi president to date-and a fascinating study of the making of a tyrant. Con Coughlin, executive editor of London's award-winning Sunday Telegraph, has covered the Middle East for decades -- on the front lines, narrowly escaping kidnapping and violence. He has cultivated exclusive contacts among the Western intelligence community and numerous defectors from Saddam's inner circles -- including former generals, political associates, and bodyguards as well as childhood friends. Coughlin knew immediately that American and British declarations of war against terrorism after the September 11th attacks would sooner rather than later encompass Saddam Hussein as well as Osama bin Laden. Coughlin shows that any operation against terrorism will be incomplete as long as Saddam remains in power -- that international policies will have to change from cautious tolerance to active intervention, a change that is already becoming a reality. Coughlin also provides the first complete portrait of Saddam's childhood ever published, compiled from the author's inter-views with Saddam's contemporaries and relatives who have never before spoken publicly about him According to Coughlin, Saddam has a younger sister no one knew about, and he idolizes his mother, although his childhood was deeply marred by his shame about being fatherless. From his earliest years, he looked to his mother's brother as a father figure, and Coughlin tells how it was this uncle who first introduced Saddam to a life of crime and political rebellion. King of Terror meticulously traces Saddam's bloody rise to power, from Saddam's first murder and his time in prison, to an eyewitness account of Saddam storming Iraqs presidential palace in a tank, to his almost feral ruthlessness in disposing of his opponents, even dose friends and relatives, to create his regime -- a complex mechanism in which family and tribe are central, held together by Saddam's carefully orchestrated reign of fear. In King of Terror, we see both the bizarre, almost pathological behavior of an international pariah and the unshakable power of a tyrant who has defied the world's censure and holds a nation in his grasp.

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Andrew Mango

Ataturk : The Biography of the Founder of Modern Turkey

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This book would be a good read for anyone interested in the formation of modern Turkey and the life of its founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The book provides a detailed account of his life and times, and how his vision and tactics transformed Turkey into a regional power. The author, Andrew Mango, writes in a clear and engaging manner, and offers a nuanced perspective on Ataturk, highlighting both his admirable qualities and controversial decisions. Overall, this biography offers a rich and informative insight into the life and legacy of a transformative leader.

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John Hurst

The Walkely Awards : Australia's Best Journalists in Action

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Madeleine K. Albright

Madam Secretary : A Memoir

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Madam Secretary is an insightful memoir about Madeleine Albright, a pioneer for women in politics. Her account of working in a male-dominated environment is inspiring, and she writes candidly about the personal challenges she faced. Albright’s unique perspective on world leaders and her tireless advocacy for women’s rights make this book a must-read for anyone interested in political history and women’s empowerment.

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Ronald Reagan, Nancy Reagan

I Love You, Ronnie - The Letters Of Ronald Reagan To Nancy Reagan

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No matter what else was going on in his life or where he was—travelling to make movies for G.E., in the California governor's office, at the White House, or on Air Force One, and sometimes even from across the room—Ronald Reagan wrote letters to Nancy Reagan, to express his love, thoughts, and feelings, and to stay in touch. Through letters and reflections, the characters, personalities, and private lives of a president and his first lady are revealed. Nancy Reagan comments on the letters and writes with love and insight about her husband and the many phases of their life together.

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Nelson Mandela

Conversations With Myself

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"Conversations With Myself" is a must-read for those seeking a more intimate understanding of Nelson Mandela. Through personal writings, readers gain insight into his darkest hours while imprisoned, as well as his political consciousness and galvanizing role on the world stage. This book includes photographs from his life, journals from his time on the run, and conversations with friends in recorded interviews. Overall, "Conversations With Myself" provides a more revealing and moving glimpse into Mandela's life than his autobiography "Long Walk to Freedom."

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Huzir Sulaiman: Collected Plays 1998-2012

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This anthology consists of twelve plays by Huzir Sulaiman, Checkpoint Theatre’s Joint Artistic Director. Based in Singapore, Huzir is one of Southeast Asia’s preeminent playwrights. The twelve plays in this collection bear testimony to his gift of imagining characters and deploying language to offer unexpected insights into the personal, the social and the political. Huzir Sulaiman: Collected Plays 1998 – 2012 offers readers an opportunity to acquaint themselves with an impressive body of work that has lit up the stage over the past 14 years, and to discover for themselves the virtuosic use of language and impeccable craft which have cemented Huzir Sulaiman as one of the most important playwrights of his generation. The collection is edited by and contains an introductory essay by Kathy Rowland, the respected theatre writer and researcher. Kathy co-founded and was managing editor of the online arts magazine, kakiseni.com, which launched the BOH Cameronian Arts Awards, Malaysia’s first Performing Arts Awards. She edited and introduced Krishen Jit: An Uncommon Position, published by the Contemporary Asian Arts Centre of Singapore.

Author: Huzir Sulaiman, Kathy Rowland (Ed.)
Format: Soft cover
Publisher: Checkpoint Theatre, Singapore
Publication Date: 2013

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Hunter S. Thompson

The Great Shark Hunt : Strange Tales from a Strange Time

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America, with all its warts, lies naked under the laser-like scrutiny of legendary outlaw journalist and brilliant reporter Hunter S. Thompson. Fearlessly, he hurls himself into each assignment, gouges out the truth, then returns with a fresh story no one else on earth could write. From Nixon to napalm, Las Vegas to Watergate, Carter to cocaine, hippies to himself, Thompson's razor-sharp insight and crystal clarity capture the crazy, hypocritical, degenerate, and redeeming aspects of the explosive and colorful '60s and '70s. Thompson is a rebel and an artist, and we are all richer for it."No other reporter reveals how much we have to fear and loathe, yet does it so hilariously."-- Chicago Tribune

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Liao Yiwu, Wenguang Huang, Philip Gourevitch

The Corpse Walker : Real-Life Stories, China from the Bottom Up

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The Corpse Walker is a compilation of twenty-seven extraordinary oral histories that opens a window, unlike any other, onto the lives of ordinary, often outcast, Chinese men and women. Liao Yiwu (one of the best-known writers in China because he is also one of the most censored) chose his subjects from the bottom of Chinese people for whom the “new” China--the China of economic growth and globalization-—is no more beneficial than the old. By asking challenging questions with respect and empathy, he manages to get his subjects to talk openly about their lives.Here are a professional mourner, a trafficker in humans, a leper, an abbot, a retired government official, a former landowner, a mortician, a feng shui master, a former Red Guard, a political prisoner, a village teacher, a blind street musician, a Falun Gong practitioner, and many others–people who have been battered by life but who have managed to retain their dignity, their humor, and their essential, complex humanity.Liao crafted the interviews (conducted between 1990 and 2003) with sensitivity and patience, working both from notes and from his own memory of these remarkable conversations. The result is an idiosyncratic, powerful, and richly revealing portrait of a people, a time, and a place we might otherwise have never known.

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Hoe Yeong Loke

Speaking Truth To Power: Singapore's Pioneer Public Servants

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It is said that the duty of public servants is to "speak truth to power" — to give honest, sound and sometimes unpopular advice to political leaders. Underneath the narrative of the Singapore story, as personified by Lee Kuan Yew and the first-generation leaders, lie the lesser-known tales of dedicated public servants in the nation-building process. Singapore's development cannot be fully understood without considering the role of those in public service during the transition to independence from the 1950s to 60s. Featuring oral history interviews from the National Archives of Singapore with 11 pioneer public servants, Speaking Truth to Singapore's Pioneer Public Servants reveals first-hand, personal accounts of the civil service's transition from the colonial era, their relationship with the political leaders, and how Singapore's economic development was driven by sound public administration in those critical years. The annotated interviews make for an easily readable format for researchers and general audiences alike. Some of Singapore's pioneer public servants featured in the book Wee Chong Jin, The First Local Chief Justice Goh Koh Pui, Chairman of the PSA Abdul Wahab Ghows, Solicitor-General and High Court Judge Hedwig Anuar, Director of the National Library Kwa Soon Bee, Pioneer of Singapore's Healthcare System Alan Choe, HDB's First Architect-Planner, and Founder of the URA Chan Chin Bock, Chairman of the EDB J. Y. Pillay, The Man Behind Singapore Airlines Ngiam Tong Dow, The Maverick Perm Sec Tommy Koh, Singapore's Representative at the United Nations Winston Choo, The First Chief of Defence Force

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William David Freeman, John Campbell

The Iron Lady : Margaret Thatcher, from Grocer's Daughter to Prime Minister

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The Iron Lady, the definitive Margaret Thatcher biography, is available just in time for the movie starring Meryl Streep as one of the most infamous figures in postwar politics. Whether you love her or hate her, Margaret Thatcher's impact on twentieth-century history is undeniable. From her humble, small-town upbringing to her rise to power as the United Kingdom's first female prime minister, to her dramatic fall from grace after more than three decades of service, celebrated biographer John Campbell delves into the story of this fascinating woman's life as no one has before. The result of more than nine years of meticulous research, The Iron Lady is the only balanced, unvarnished portrait of Margaret Thatcher, one of the most vital and controversial political figures of our time.

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Julianne Schultz, Debra Adelaide, Peter Bishop

Griffith Review 33: Such is Life

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There seems no end to our hunger for the stories of real people facing impossible odds or dealing with the mundanity of life. Yet not every life story finds - or deserves - an audience in addition to Facebook.Such is Life presents a dazzling selection of new memoir, personal essay and biography by some of the best Australian and international writers, with narratives that help make sense of the world and our conflicts about privacy, truth and perspective.Award-winning author Lloyd Jones reveals how childhood rugby and a reverence for the All Blacks shaped his adult sensibilities and success beyond the Wellington suburbs.Carrie Tiffany comes to terms with pain and shame; Shakira Hussein falls between identities and cultures in the wake of 9/11. Debra Adelaide learns the value of an official identity; Meera Atkinson's friendship transcends pubescent pop star fandom; and David Carlin attempts to write the history of Circus Oz.In essays, Frank Moorhouse tests the boundaries of privacy and stigma; Peter Bishop salutes teachers - real and literary - who nurture our creative imagination; A.J. Brown gets behind the writing of his new biography of Michael Kirby; and Matthew Ricketson surveys recent political memoirs.Marion Halligan, Toni Jordan and Anna Dorrington explore the legacy of mothers and children, while John Tranter, Brian Geach and Andrew Sant investigate rites of fatherhood.Raimond Gaita and Kate Holden consider what is honoured or lost when adapting memories to book or film; plus Virginia Lloyd, Rosie Scott, Sheila Fitzpatrick and much more.

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Nicholas Tarling

Studying Singapore's Past : C.M. Turnball and the History of Modern Singapore

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C.M. (Mary) Turnbull's contributions to historical writing on Singapore extended from her 1962 thesis, published in 1972 as The Straits Settlements, 1826-67: Indian presidency to crown colony, to her magisterial history of Singapore, first published in 1977 and re-issued in 2009 in an updated edition as A History of Modern Singapore, 1816-2006. Her approach to history involved detailed work with documents and published materials, with a particular focus on political and economic history. One contributor to the present volume described the book as an "exercise in endowing a modern 'nation-state' with a coherent past that should explain the present."As styles in history evolved, younger scholars including some of her former students and colleagues began exploring new approaches to historical research that drew on non-English-language source material and asked fresh questions of the sources. Mary enjoyed controversy and expected debate, and had a deep interest in these accounts, which were in many ways a natural progression from her own publications even when they raised questions about her interpretations and conclusions.Studying Singapore's Past had its origins in a conference organized to discuss her work. The volume includes ten contributions, some from long-established scholars of Singapore's history, others from a new generation of researchers. Their work offers an evaluation of established understandings of Singapore's history, and gives an indication of new directions that researchers are exploring. In publishing the book, the editor not only pays tribute to a distinguished historian but also makes a contribution to the historiography of Singapore and to ongoing debates about Singapore's past.

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Sandra Mackey

The Saudis : Inside the Desert Kingdom

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The book is recommended for those who seek to understand the kingdom from an insight outside of the Kingdom. Mackey provides a well-detailed account of Saudi Arabia's unique culture and politics, its metamorphosis from a desert kingdom to world power, its struggle to maintain an influential stance in the modern world. Her insider knowledge is invaluable to anyone seeking to comprehend the complexities of the kingdom.

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Peter Wright, Paul Greengrass

Spycatcher: The Candid Autobiography of a Senior Intelligence Officer

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Recommendation: Spycatcher is a thrilling firsthand account of the inner workings of espionage and surveillance. Peter Wright's experience as a senior intelligence officer provides unique insights into the world of espionage and makes for an exciting and informative read. Readers interested in the Cold War and intelligence operations will find this book particularly fascinating.

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James R. Lilley, Jeffrey Lilley

China Hands - Nine Decades Of Adventure, Espionage, And Diplomacy In Asia

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This book is a great recommendation for anyone interested in U.S.-China relations. James Lilley's personal experience, from his childhood in China to his career as a CIA agent and diplomat, provides an insightful and informative account of the subject. He offers an up-close and candid look into the U.S. government's inner workings during a time of great upheaval in Asia.

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Peter Popham

The Lady and the Peacock: The Life of Aung San Suu Kyi

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This book is a must-read for anyone looking to be inspired by the extraordinary life of Aung San Suu Kyi. It captures her remarkable journey as a pro-democracy leader in Burma, from her years under house arrest to her unwavering commitment to her people. The book will leave you in awe of her courage and fortitude, and her ability to remain a symbol of hope in the face of adversity. Aung San Suu Kyi's story will resonate with anyone seeking inspiration and a reminder of the power of resilience.

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Chris Patten

Not Quite the Diplomat : Home Truths About World Affairs

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Not Quite the Diplomat would be a great read for someone interested in the inner workings of international diplomacy. Chris Patten offers candid personal experiences, and his own opinion on some of the biggest issues in world affairs. His frank and witty writing style will keep readers engaged throughout the book.

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Robert A. Caro

Means Of Ascent

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In Means of Ascent, Book Two of The Years of Lyndon Johnson, Robert A. Caro brings alive Lyndon Johnson in his wilderness years.Here, Johnson’s almost mythic personality—part genius, part behemoth, at once hotly emotional and icily calculating—is seen at its most nakedly ambitious. This multifaceted book carries the President-to-be from the aftermath of his devastating defeat in his 1941 campaign for the Senate-the despair it engendered in him, and the grueling test of his spirit that followed as political doors slammed shut-through his service in World War II (and his artful embellishment of his record) to the foundation of his fortune (and the actual facts behind the myth he created about it). The culminating drama—the explosive heart of the book—is Caro’s illumination, based on extraordinarily detailed investigation, of one of the great political mysteries of the century. Having immersed himself in Johnson’s life and world, Caro is able to reveal the true story of the fiercely contested 1948 senatorial election, for years shrouded in rumor, which Johnson was not believed capable of winning, which he “had to” win or face certain political death, and which he did win-by 87 votes, the “87 votes that changed history.” Telling that epic story “in riveting and eye-opening detail,” Caro returns to the American consciousness a magnificent lost hero. He focuses closely not only on Johnson, whom we see harnessing every last particle of his strategic brilliance and energy, but on Johnson’s “unbeatable” opponent, the beloved former Texas Governor Coke Stevenson, who embodied in his own life the myth of the cowboy knight and was himself a legend for his unfaltering integrity. And ultimately, as the political duel between the two men quickens—carrying with it all the confrontational and moral drama of the perfect Western—Caro makes us witness to a momentous turning point in American the tragic last stand of the old politics versus the new—the politics of issue versus the politics of image, mass manipulation, money and electronic dazzle.

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Brent Walth

Fire at Eden's Gate : Tom Mccall and the Oregon Story

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This book would be a great read for someone interested in the political history of the state of Oregon, particularly during the tenure of the iconic governor Tom McCall. The author, Brent Walth, provides a detailed and well-researched account of McCall's career, showcasing his leadership amidst the tumultuous times in Oregon's history. The most unique and distinctive feature of this book is the insider perspective on McCall's life, accompanied by accounts of his achievements and challenges, which makes the book a highly informative and intriguing read.

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