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Books From University Presses

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Codebreakers: The Inside Story of Bletchley Park - Thryft
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Alan Stripp, Sir F. H. Hinsley  | Oxford University Press

Codebreakers: The Inside Story of Bletchley Park

$7.90

Goodreads rating: 3.74

$7.90

"Codebreakers: The Inside Story of Bletchley Park" gives you direct access to the clandestine world of WWII intelligence through the first-hand accounts of the very individuals who lived it. If you're drawn to the enigma of secret codes and the high stakes of wartime espionage, this compelling narrative will not only satisfy your curiosity but also provide a profound understanding of how these historical undertakings shaped our modern world. It's a rare opportunity to walk alongside unsung heroes whose genius and determination were pivotal to the Allied victory.
Twelve Who Ruled - The Year Of The Terror In The French Revolution - Thryft
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R.R. Palmer | Princeton University Press

Twelve Who Ruled - The Year Of The Terror In The French Revolution

$5.90

Goodreads rating: 4.12

$5.90

This book would be a good read for history enthusiasts who are fascinated by the French Revolution. With meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Robert Roswell Palmer vividly captures the dark and tumultuous period known as the Reign of Terror. Through his study of the twelve leaders who ruled during this time, Palmer provides a comprehensive analysis of the motivations and actions that drove the revolution. Prepare to be immersed in a gripping account of one of history's most intriguing and influential events.
Christian Martyrs Under Islam: Religious Violence and the Making of the Muslim World - Thryft
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Christian C. Sahner | Princeton University Press

Christian Martyrs Under Islam: Religious Violence and the Making of the Muslim World

$6.34

Goodreads rating: 4.15

$6.34

This book is a captivating exploration of the untold stories of Christian martyrs during the rise of Islam. Through meticulous research and previously untapped sources, the author brings to light the courage and defiance of individuals who stood against the conversion to Islam. It sheds light on a complex historical period and highlights the impact of violence on shaping religious identity. A must-read for history enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of the early Islamic empire and its effect on Christianity.
Introduction To International Relations - Theories And Approaches - Thryft
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Georg Sorensen, Robert H. Jackson  | Oxford University Press

Introduction To International Relations - Theories And Approaches

$6.90 $3.90 43% off

Goodreads rating: 3.82

$6.90 $3.90 43% off

This book is perfect for anyone looking to delve into the complex world of international relations. With its thorough examination of various theories and approaches, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Whether you're a student or someone interested in global politics, this book offers critical analysis and real-life examples to help you grasp the intricacies of international relations. It is an essential resource for those seeking to enhance their knowledge and engage in informed discussions about world politics.
Fixing Failed States: A Framework for Rebuilding a Fractured World
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Clare Lockhart, Ashraf Ghani  | Oxford University Press

Fixing Failed States: A Framework for Rebuilding a Fractured World

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 3.55

$10.90

If you're someone who is passionate about global politics and the complexities of international aid, "Fixing Failed States" might just provide you with a fresh perspective. Insightful and authoritative, the book draws on real-world experiences, confronting challenging issues with an optimism that's both inspiring and grounded in practical knowledge. It’s a critical read for anyone interested in the intricacies of nation-building and the ways in which we can collectively work towards a more stable worldwide community.
Insider Terrorism - Thryft
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Professor Bruce Hoffman, Bruce Hoffman  | Columbia University Press

Insider Terrorism

$7.90

Goodreads rating: 3.97

$7.90

Recommendation: - This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex nature of terrorism and its evolution over time. Bruce Hoffman does an exceptional job in dissecting the motivations, methods, and ideologies behind terrorist groups, challenging our preconceived notions. The book also delves into the role of media in promoting and combating terrorism, shedding light on the intricate relationship between politics, power, and the press. By exploring real-life examples and case studies, Hoffman provides valuable insights that will leave readers with a deeper understanding of this pressing global issue.
Counterinsurgency - Thryft
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David Kilcullen | Oxford University Press

Counterinsurgency

$7.90

Goodreads rating: 4.06

$7.90

David Kilcullen is one of the world's most influential experts on counterinsurgency and modern warfare, a ground-breaking theorist whose ideas "are revolutionizing military thinking throughout the west" ( Washington Post ). Indeed, his vision of modern warfare powerfully influenced the United States' decision to rethink its military strategy in Iraq and implement "the Surge," now recognized as a dramatic success. In Counterinsurgency , Kilcullen brings together his most salient writings on this vitally important topic. Here is a picture of modern warfare by someone who has had his boots on the ground in some of today's worst trouble spots-including Iraq and Afghanistan-and who has been studying counterinsurgency since 1985. Filled with down-to-earth, common-sense insights, this book is the definitive account of counterinsurgency, indispensable for all those interested in making sense of our world in an age of terror.
Makers of Modern Strategy from Machiavelli to the Nuclear Age - Thryft
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Felix Gilbert, Peter Paret, Gordon A. Craig  | Princeton University Press

Makers of Modern Strategy from Machiavelli to the Nuclear Age

$18.82

Goodreads rating: 4.03

$18.82

This book is a comprehensive examination of war throughout history, analyzing the strategic characteristics and political and social functions of conflicts. It offers a broad perspective on war, featuring essays on major theorists, political and military leaders, and even impersonal forces. The book not only explores the theory and practice of war but also places military thought and action within their political, social, and economic contexts. With its diverse themes and historical insights, this book is ideal for anyone interested in understanding the complex nature of war throughout the ages.
Outlaw,The, and Other Stories - Thryft
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Mochtar Lubis | Oxford University Press

Outlaw,The, and Other Stories

$4.73

Goodreads rating: 3.9

$4.73

Recommendation: - This book provides a captivating insight into the social changes and tensions experienced by Indonesians before and after their country's independence from the Netherlands. Through a collection of well-crafted short stories, Mochtar Lubis skillfully explores the struggles, aspirations, and resilience of individuals navigating a transforming society. For readers interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Indonesia's historical and cultural context, "Outlaw, The, and Other Stories" is a must-read that beautifully captures the essence of a nation in transition.
June, 1941 : Hitler and Stalin - Thryft
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John Lukacs | Yale University Press

June, 1941 : Hitler and Stalin

$13.39

Goodreads rating: 3.66

$13.39

"June, 1941: Hitler and Stalin" is a must-read for history lovers. The author, John Lukacs, questions long-held beliefs and sheds light on the complex relationship between Hitler and Stalin before the German invasion of Soviet Russia. Lukacs presents evidence showing that Hitler had moments of dark foreboding before the invasion, while Stalin was stunned and came close to a breakdown. This book offers penetrating insights and a new portrait of Hitler and Stalin and is an excellent addition to any history enthusiast's reading list.
Dialogues with Chin Peng : New Light on the Malayan Communist Party - Thryft
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C.C. Chin, Karl Hack  | Singapore University Press

Dialogues with Chin Peng : New Light on the Malayan Communist Party

$9.83

Goodreads rating: 3.8

$9.83

This book could be a valuable read for those interested in the history of the Malayan Communist Party. The unique feature of this book is the presentation of history as dialogue and debate, which offers a well-rounded perspective of both sides of the conflict. This book also includes previously unseen Communist Party documents and propaganda posters, which enhance the reader's understanding of this historical period.
The French Revolution: A Very Short Introduction - Thryft
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William Doyle | Oxford University Press

The French Revolution: A Very Short Introduction

$4.71

Goodreads rating: 3.52

$4.71

73% off est. retail
This book is a must-read for history enthusiasts who wish to gain insights into one of the most significant events in modern European history. William Doyle carefully examines the causes, course, and consequences of the French Revolution in a concise and accessible manner. The book sheds light on the genesis of modern political ideologies like democracy, liberalism, and nationalism and their relationship with the revolution. It provides a nuanced understanding of the challenges that the revolutionaries faced and the compromises they had to make to effect change. Doyle's erudition and mastery of the subject make this book an excellent starting point for anyone interested in the French Revolution and its impact on the world.
The U.S. Army/Marine Corps Counterinsurgency Field Manual - Thryft
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U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Department of the Army, David H. Petraeus  | University Of Chicago Press

The U.S. Army/Marine Corps Counterinsurgency Field Manual

$5.07

Goodreads rating: 3.82

$5.07

85% off est. retail
This book is a must-read for military personnel and historians who want to understand the challenges of insurgencies and counterinsurgencies. It provides a comprehensive guide to the principles of counterinsurgency warfare that emphasize adaptation, learning, and understanding local politics and customs. The manual also highlights the paradoxical and counterintuitive nature of counterinsurgency operations, making it a valuable tool for those dealing with modern warfare.
No One's World : The West, the Rising Rest, and the Coming Global Turn - Thryft
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Charles A. Kupchan | Oxford University Press, Usa

No One's World : The West, the Rising Rest, and the Coming Global Turn

$13.87

Goodreads rating: 3.66

$13.87

68% off est. retail
No One's World is a great read for those interested in understanding the shifting global geopolitical landscape. Charles A. Kupchan challenges the commonly held belief that the Western bubble will never burst. He emphasizes that the world is headed for political and ideological diversity and emerging powers will not defer to the West. This book can be recommended to anyone interested in politics and global affairs, as it provides a detailed strategy for striking a bargain between the West and the rising rest.
War and Peace - Thryft
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Leo Tolstoy, Louise Maude, Henry Gifford  | Oxford University Press

War and Peace

$7.65

Goodreads rating: 4.16

$7.65

56% off est. retail
This book is for someone who loves historical fiction and is looking for a deep and immersive read. War and Peace's most unique feature is its vast cast of interconnected characters which allows the reader to experience the impact of the Napoleonic Wars on multiple lives and perspectives. It is a timeless classic that gives a comprehensive reflection of human life, relationship, war and peace.
Out of Ashes : A New History of Europe in the Twentieth Century - Thryft
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Konrad H. Jarausch | Princeton University Press

Out of Ashes : A New History of Europe in the Twentieth Century

$14.78

Goodreads rating: 3.57

$14.78

69% off est. retail
Out of Ashes is a comprehensive and gripping account of Europe's history in the 20th century. It delves into the optimism at the beginning of the century, the devastation of two world wars and the Holocaust, and the eventual rise of democracy and peace. The author provides a balanced view of the paradox of European modernity and how it led to both destruction and progress. This book would be an excellent choice for history enthusiasts who want to gain a deeper understanding of Europe's tumultuous past.
Pearl Harbor - Warning And Decision - Thryft
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Roberta Wohlstetter | Stanford University Press

Pearl Harbor - Warning And Decision

$3.88

Goodreads rating: 3.99

$3.88

This book is a must-read for history buffs interested in the events leading up to the Pearl Harbor attack. Through meticulous research, Wohlstetter offers an insightful analysis of the situation, and presents facts that debunk popular theories of military negligence or a political plot. Her investigative and analytical approach makes this book an important and unique addition to any historical library.
Ukraine And The Art Of Strategy - Thryft
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Lawrence Freedman | Oxford University Press

Ukraine And The Art Of Strategy

$3.88

Goodreads rating: 3.88

$3.88

"Ukraine and the Art of Strategy" provides an insightful perspective into the complex events that led to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Lawrence Freedman offers a detailed account of Putin's strategic-making, exploring his use of 'information warfare' and attempts to influence the American election. The book is a must-read for those interested in global politics and strategic studies.
Restless Giant : The United States from Watergate to Bush v. Gore - Thryft
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James T. Patterson | Oxford University Press, Usa

Restless Giant : The United States from Watergate to Bush v. Gore

$13.90 $5.90 58% off

Goodreads rating: 3.81

$13.90 $5.90 58% off

92% off est. retail
Restless Giant is a well-researched and detailed account of the political and cultural changes in America from the 1970s to 2000. It offers a nuanced perspective on the "culture wars" and the country's relationship with the world, as well as highlighting the progress made in areas such as civil rights. This book could be a good read for history buffs and anyone interested in understanding the recent past and present-day America.
The Art of War - Thryft
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B.H. Liddell Hart, Samuel B. Griffith, Sun Tzu  | Oxford University Press

The Art of War

$6.57

Goodreads rating: 3.96

$6.57

The Art of War is an excellent read for those interested in strategy and tactics both within and beyond the military realm. Sun Tzu's succinct yet comprehensive recommendations transcend time and discipline. This book has been read and revered by generations and is a must-read for anyone interested in strategic thinking.
Rights of Man, Common Sense, and Other Political Writings - Thryft
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Mark Philp, Thomas Paine  | Oxford University Press

Rights of Man, Common Sense, and Other Political Writings

$5.28 $3.70 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.01

$5.28 $3.70 30% off

The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of political thought and social change. Paine's writings provide an essential insight into the importance of individual rights, natural justice, and the need for political control by the people. The author's ideas have shaped the Western liberal democratic tradition and also inspired social liberation movements all over the world. The book itself is fully annotated, providing helpful notes and up-to-date bibliographies to further explore the topic.
The Fall of the Roman Empire : A New History - Thryft
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Peter Heather | Oxford University Press

The Fall of the Roman Empire : A New History

$13.24

Goodreads rating: 4.15

$13.24

For half a millenium the empire of Rome stretched from Hadrians Wall to the river Euphrates, a massive fortified state founded on military might and the pilllars of civilizationwritting, the city, and the rule of law. But beyond these frontiers lay other lands, the lands of seemingly anarchic warrior tribes, the land of the Barbarians. The opening scenes of Gladiator are based on the victories of Marcus Aurelius over one such tribe, the Marcommani. Two hundered years later the Romans still seemed invincible, routing 30,000 Alamanii at the battle of Strasbourg. However, within a generation, the foundations of this order were shaken to their core, and Roman armies, as one contemporary put it, "vanished like shadows". What had happened? Covering the last 100 years of Empire, a period full of great battles, treachery, and characters as wild as Attila the Hun, Peter Heather shows how the Empire gave way before the relentless and deliberate onslaught of the Huns, Goths and Vandals. These tribes, originating in Eastern Europe, finally conquered large tracts of the old Empire, sacking Rome itself and defeating Roman armies on land and sea.
Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era - Thryft
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James M. McPherson | Oxford University Press

Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.38

$11.90

Filled with fresh interpretations and information, puncturing old myths and challenging new ones, Battle Cry of Freedom will unquestionably become the standard one-volume history of the Civil War. James McPherson's fast-paced narrative fully integrates the political, social, and military events that crowded the two decades from the outbreak of one war in Mexico to the ending of another at Appomattox. Packed with drama and analytical insight, the book vividly recounts the momentous episodes that preceded the Civil War--the Dred Scott decision, the Lincoln-Douglas debates, John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry--and then moves into a masterful chronicle of the war itself--the battles, the strategic maneuvering on both sides, the politics, and the personalities. Particularly notable are McPherson's new views on such matters as the slavery expansion issue in the 1850s, the origins of the Republican Party, the causes of secession, internal dissent and anti-war opposition in the North and the South, and the reasons for the Union's victory. The book's title refers to the sentiments that informed both the Northern and Southern views of the conflict: the South seceded in the name of that freedom of self-determination and self-government for which their fathers had fought in 1776, while the North stood fast in defense of the Union founded by those fathers as the bulwark of American liberty. Eventually
Abraham's Promise - Thryft
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Philip Jeyaretnam | University Of Hawaii Press

Abraham's Promise

$4.47

Goodreads rating: 3.41

$4.47

76% off est. retail
"Abraham's Promise" takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery and nostalgia as Abraham, the protagonist, reflects on his life and how the culture and society of Singapore have changed over the years. It is a well-written and thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of idealism, cynicism, and maturation. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories with historical and cultural insights.
The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas - Thryft
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John Boyne | Oxford University Press

The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas

$4.26

Goodreads rating: 4.15

$4.26

The story of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is very difficult to describe. Usually we give some clues about the book on the back cover, but in this case we think that would spoil the reading of the book. We think it is important that you start to read without knowing what it is about.If you do start to read this book, you will go on a journey with a nine-year-old boy called Bruno. (Though this isn't a book for nine-year-olds. And sooner or later you will arrive with Bruno at a fence.Fences like this exist all over the world. We hope you never have to encounter such a fence.--back flap
Undertones of War - Thryft
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Edmund Blunden | University Of Chicago Press

Undertones of War

$6.50

Goodreads rating: 3.7

$6.50

“I took my road with no little pride of fear; one morning I feared very sharply, as I saw what looked like a rising shroud over a wooden cross in the clustering mist. Horror! But on a closer study I realized that the apparition was only a flannel gas helmet. . . . What an age since 1914!”In Undertones of War , one of the finest autobiographies to come out of World War I, the acclaimed poet Edmund Blunden records his devastating experiences in combat. After enlisting at the age of twenty, he took part in the disastrous battles at the Somme, Ypres, and Passchendaele, describing them as “murder, not only to the troops but to their singing faiths and hopes.”All the horrors of trench warfare, all the absurdity and feeble attempts to make sense of the fighting, all the strangeness of observing war as a writer—of being simultaneously soldier and poet—pervade Blunden’s memoir. In steely-eyed prose as richly allusive as any poetry, he tells of the endurance and despair found among the men of his battalion, including the harrowing acts of bravery that won him the Military Cross.Now back in print for American readers, the volume includes a selection of Blunden’s war poems that unflinchingly juxtapose death in the trenches with the beauty of Flanders’s fields. Undertones of War deserves a place on anyone’s bookshelf between Siegfried Sassoon’s poetry and Robert Graves’s Goodbye to All That .
The Long Hangover : Putin's New Russia and the Ghosts of the Past - Thryft
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Shaun Walker | Oxford University Press

The Long Hangover : Putin's New Russia and the Ghosts of the Past

$11.97

Goodreads rating: 4.19

$11.97

In The Long Hangover , Shaun Walker presents a deeply reported, bottom-up explanation of Russia's resurgence under Putin. By cleverly exploiting the memory of the Soviet victory over fascism in World War II, Putin's regime has made ordinary Russians feel that their country is great again. Walker not only explains Putin's goals and the government's official manipulations of history, but also focuses on ordinary Russians and their motivations. He charts how Putin raised victory in WWII to the status of a national founding myth in the search for a unifying force to heal a divided country, and shows how dangerous the ramifications of this have been. This book explores why Russia, unlike Germany, has failed to come to terms with the darkest pages of its Stalin's purges, the Gulag, and the war deportations. The narrative roams from the corridors of the Kremlin to the wilds of the Gulags and the trenches of East Ukraine. It puts the annexation of Crimea and the newly assertiveRussia in the context of the delayed fallout of the Soviet collapse. The Long Hangover looks to a lost the millions of Russians who lost their country and the subsequent attempts to restore to them a sense of purpose.
War in European History - Thryft
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Michael Eliot Howard | Oxford University Press

War in European History

$11.33

Goodreads rating: 3.95

$11.33

`Wars have often determined the character of society. Society in exchange has determined the character of wars. This is the theme of Michael Howard's stimulating book. It is written with all his usual skill and in its small compass is perhaps the most original book he has written. Though he surveys a thousand years of history, he does so without sinking in a slough of facts and draws a broad outline of developments which will delight the general reader.' A. J. P. Taylor, Observer
The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire : From the First Century A.D.to the Third - Thryft
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Edward N. Luttwak | Johns Hopkins University Press

The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire : From the First Century A.D.to the Third

$10.46

Goodreads rating: 4.01

$10.46

Originally published in 1976, a book which looks at the success of the Roman Empire from the 1st to the 3rd century A.D. and attributes this success to the imperial military strategy.At the height of its power, the Roman Empire encompassed the entire Mediterranean basin, extending much beyond it from Britain to Mesopotamia, from the Rhine to the Black Sea. Rome prospered for centuries while successfully resisting attack, fending off everything from overnight robbery raids to full-scale invasion attempts by entire nations on the move. How were troops able to defend the Empire’s vast territories from constant attacks? And how did they do so at such moderate cost that their treasury could pay for an immensity of highways, aqueducts, amphitheaters, city baths, and magnificent temples? In The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire, seasoned defense analyst Edward N. Luttwak reveals how the Romans were able to combine military strength, diplomacy, and fortifications to effectively respond to changing threats. Rome’s secret was not ceaseless fighting, but comprehensive strategies that unified force, diplomacy, and an immense infrastructure of roads, forts, walls, and barriers. Initially relying on client states to buffer attacks, Rome moved to a permanent frontier defense around 117 CE. Finally, as barbarians began to penetrate the empire, Rome filed large armies in a strategy of "defense-in-depth," allowing invaders to pierce Rome’s borders. This updated edition has been extensively revised to incorporate recent scholarship and archeological findings. A new preface explores Roman imperial statecraft. This illuminating book remains essential to both ancient historians and students of modern strategy"A fascinating book, well written and forcefully argued... Luttwak's formulations are as refreshing as they are convincing... He has done for Roman historians what they have not done for themselves." - Z. Yavetz, New Republic
The Coming of the French Revolution - Thryft
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Georges Lefebvre, R.R. Palmer  | Princeton University Press

The Coming of the French Revolution

$7.86

Goodreads rating: 3.79

$7.86

This classic work details what happened in France during the year 1789, the first year of the French Revolution. Lefebvre's signature contribution was writing history "from below" -- a Marxist approach -- and his particular specialty was the French Revolution as viewed from the experiences of the peasantry. Placing the "common people" at the center of his analysis, Lefebvre emphasized the class struggles within France and the significant role they played in the coming of the Revolution. First published in 1939 for the sesquicentennial of the Revolution, the book was suppressed by the Vichy government as a piece of revolutionary literature after the outbreak of the Second World War and the subsequent collapse of the Third Republic. R.R. Palmer, a distinguished historian of the French Revolution, translated the book into English in 1947. Although recent historians have reinterpreted the Revolution and disputed Lefebvre's conclusions, The Coming of the French Revolution remains essential reading for anyone interested in the origins of this great turning point in the formation of the modern world.
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
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John Boyne | Oxford University Press

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

$6.90 $4.90 29% off

Goodreads rating: 4.15

$6.90 $4.90 29% off

68% off est. retail
Exploring the world through a child's eyes can be both endearing and heartrending. "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" masterfully juxtaposes innocence with the grim realities of history. Reading this might change not just your perspective on human relationships but also on how children perceive the world amidst conflict. It's a powerful reminder of how innocence operates amidst adversity, shaking our sense of humanity and history.