The Rhine is one of the world's greatest rivers. Once forming the outer frontier of the Roman Empire, it flows 800 miles from the social democratic playground of the Netherlands, through the industrial and political powerhouses of Germany and France, to the wealthy mountain fortresses of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. For five years, Ben Coates lived alongside a major channel of the river in Rotterdam, crossing it daily, swimming and sailing in its tributaries. In The Rhine, he sets out by bicycle from the Netherlands where it enters the North Sea, following it through Germany, France and Liechtenstein, to its source in the icy Alps. He explores the impact that the Rhine has had on European culture and history and finds out how influences have flowed along and across the river, shaping the people who live alongside it. Blending travelogue and offbeat history, The Rhine tells the fascinating story of how a great river helped shape a continent. Read more

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Discover how the Great War transformed the world with World War I for Teens: Major Battles of World War I, Turning Points & Real-Life War Stories—a must-read for teenage history enthusiasts eager to learn about one of the most impactful global events in history - packed with over 30 historic photos.Step back to the early 20th century and uncover the causes that ignited global conflict, the lives of soldiers on the front lines, and the fierce battles that shaped the course of the war and the world. From the assassination that sparked the war to the trench warfare on the Western Front, this book explores the harsh realities faced by those who lived through the conflict.Filled with dozens of photos and eye-opening facts readers are taken on a journey through this dramatic and tragic period in our historyInside World War I for Teens, discover:How imperialism, militarism, and nationalism set the stage for an unprecedented global warThe outbreak of World War I and the events that led to full-scale conflictThe grueling conditions of trench warfare, the new technologies that redefined battle, and the toll they took on soldiersStories of remarkable leaders and unsung heroes, including the brave women who played crucial roles on and off the battlefieldThe critical turning points that led to the Allied victory and how the war's aftermath reshaped nationPacked with 30 historic photos and real-life stories of young people and their extraordinary wartime experiences, this book brings the story of World War I to life. Whether you're a history buff or just beginning to explore this fascinating era, this book promises a fascinating journey through the war that changed everything.Get your copy of World War I for Teens today, and uncover the details of the war that reshaped history! Read more

“… those wanting a deep dive into the specific role played by the 101st Airborne Division will find this book perfect for that purpose.” - The Journal of America's Military PastThere are few names in the annals of military history that evoke such emotion, and in some cases controversy, as the small Belgian town of Bastogne. The 101st Airborne are the best known defenders of Bastogne, but they only constituted one third of the eventual force that saved the city from total annihilation.This book digs deeper into the defense of Bastogne, revealing more details about those indomitable “Screaming Eagles” and the other units that stood with them during that punishingly bitter cold winter of 1944/45. It also presents the perspective of the German soldiers trying desperately to re-take Bastogne that desperate winter. It is a story of sacrifice, dedication to duty, and honor in the face of terrible adversity, but more importantly it’s a human story, one that encapsulates the finest attributes of humankind in the absolute direst of circumstances.Table of Contents1 Setting the Stage2 We're Heading Where?3 First into Bastogne4 Dig in and get ready5 Lights Out6 Disintegration and Destruction7 Hand to Hand, Face to Face8 We're Running out of Everything9 The Value of Momentum10 He Said What?11 Smiling at Me12 What's Merry About All This?13 The Proud Eagle Division14 A Winter's Tale15 Who's Patton? Read more

Albert Nofi has used his many years of research to produce an account of the battle of Waterloo that has all the grandeur and military detail one could want, but which never loses its interest in individual human experience. Here Napoleon rides forward to take personal command of a small detachment of French Marines to fight his way across the Sambre river on the way to Waterloo. Hanoverian exiles who have been fighting Napoleon for a decade under English command are surrounded and wiped out in a classic "last stand" at the hour of victory. The Waterloo Campaign also covers the death of the Duke of Brunswick, the reconciliation of Napoleon and his estranged brother Jerome in the crucible of battle, and the tragic loss and miraculous delivery of many ordinary people.In addition to its popular appeal, Albert Nofi's The Waterloo Campaign has found favor with the most demanding of military enthusiasts. Waterloo is a Military Book Club Main Selection in the U.S. and has been selected for a special European edition. Special features of The Waterloo Campaign include the most complete orders of battle available for the British, French and Prussian armies, a detailed comparison of artillery and musketry capabilities, sidebars profiling many of the personalities of the campaign, weather conditions for each hour of the battle and the best-informed estimates available on unit strengths and casualties, for horses as well as humans, during the campaign.New York educator Albert Nofi appeared frequently as a radio and TV military commentator during the Persian Gulf War, always balancing the grand principles of command against the individual human drama. He is the author of numerous books, including The Spanish American War 1898, The Marine Corps Book of Lists, and The War Against Hitler. Read more

An in-depth, authoritative account of the fall of 1914 on the Western Front and the First Battle of Ypres, a true turning point in World War I and in modern warfare—by the founding editor of MHQ: The Quarterly Journal of Military HistoryThe Marne may have saved Paris and prevented a devastating setback for the Allies, but it did not spell eventual defeat for Germany. Ypres did.The final months of 1914 were the bloodiest interval in a famously bloody war, a killing season. They ended with the First Battle of Ypres, a struggle in West Flanders, Belgium, whose importance has been too long overlooked—until now. Robert Cowley’s fresh, novelistic account of this crucial period describes how German armies in France were poised to sweep north to capture the Channel ports and knock England out of the war—and were only held back by a brilliant improvisation from a cobbled-together handful of desperate British, French, and Belgian troops.In a re-examination of events that have too long seemed set in stone, Cowley combines a wide array of source materials with sharp portrayals both of military leaders and of the men they led. We follow Albert of Belgium, the world’s last warrior king; French General Ferdinand Foch, a former professor of military science; and Hendrik Geeraert, an alcoholic barge keeper, who pulled off Albert’s literal last-ditch effort. Many other memorable characters emerge, including Sir John French, a British commander, who displayed his greatest talent for maneuver in the bedroom; along with both a young Adolf Hitler and Winston Churchill.The vast brawl of four armies in Flanders was a turning point that irrevocably changed the nature of modern warfare. In this visceral account, based on thirty years of research and picking up where Barbara Tuchman’s The Guns of August left off, Cowley details the crucial decisions that determined the outcome of the Great War—which may have been decided by a single, extraordinary afternoon. Read more

"The perspective of 15 years, painstaking research, thousands of interviews, extensive analysis and evaluation, and the creative talent of John Toland [paint] the epic struggle on an immense canvas. . . . Toland writes with the authority of a man who was there. . . . He tastes the bitterness of defeat of those who surrendered and writes as if he had the benefit of the eyes and ears of soldiers and generals on the other side of the line. . . . If you could read only one book to understand generals and GIs and what their different wars were like this is the book."—Chicago Sunday Tribune  "The author has devoted years to studying memoirs, interviewing veterans and consulting military documents, both German and American. He also has revisited the old battlefields in Belgium and Luxembourg. . . . Toland has told the whole story with dramatic realism. . . . It is a story of panic, terror and of high-hearted courage."—New York Times Book Review  "For the first time in the growing literature of World War II, the inspiring story of the stubborn, lonely, dogged battle of the Americans locked in this tragic salient is told. . . . gripping . . . You cannot put it down once you start it."—San Francisco Chronicle Read more

"Gentleman, we may not make history tomorrow, but we shall certainly change the geography," so said General Plumer the day before 600 tons of explosives were detonated under the German position on Messines Ridge. The explosion was heard by Lloyd George in Downing Street and as far away as Dublin. Until 1918, Messines was the only clear cut Allied victory on the Western Front, coming at a time when Britain and her allies needed it most: boosting Allied morale and shattering that of the Germans. Precisely orchestrated, Messines was the first true all-arms modern battle which brought together artillery, engineers, infantry, tanks, aircraft and administrative units from a commonwealth of nations to defeat the common enemy. So why is its name not as familiar as the Somme, Passchendaele or Verdun? This book examines the battle for the Messines-Wytschaete Ridge from the British, ANZAC and German perspectives. Illustrated with archive photographs and maps, it is a major contribution to our understanding of one of the seminal battles of the First World War. Read more

Harrowing stories of Auschwitz, Pearl Harbor, and D-Day continue to live on, but this unbridled look at The Greatest Battles of World War II explores the lesser-known monstrosities unlike other World War II books.WWII did more than just change the fate of world history—in just six years, every corner of the globe became involved in some of the most violent crimes against humanity to ever occur.From the Battle of Stalingrad to the Battle of Midway, each of the World War 2 battles directly influenced the trajectory of the war and the world as we know it.The strength of every country’s military, intelligence, and political powers were put to the test in a war that gruesomely claimed an estimated 60 million lives, including casualties.Whether you have a great fascination for history, or you’re just looking to uncover new facts, The Greatest Battles of World War II paints a picture of the key battles of World War 2 and the impact of each on the course of the war and future of global affairs.Despite the relatively short war, there are mountains of heinous yet hugely impactful events that took place—battles to war crimes alike.You may already know about the evils of concentration camps and terrible murders of innocent people. Now, it’s time to take a look at what the history books may not have taught you.Inside The Greatest Battles of World War II, you will discover:every major event and battle from the invasion of Poland and Dunkirk to Operation Overlord and the fateful day of June 6, 1944, when Nazi efforts all came crashing down.the intricately planned military and intelligence efforts on the part of the US and its allies, which were key to the victory and end of the war.what the fate of the war might have been if these battles had gone differently, and how even the minutest details enabled the takedown of Hitler and the Nazi Party.how each and every event contributed to the drawn-out war, the eventual victory of the Allied Powers, and their far-reaching impact on the world, politics, and modern history. …plus key facts of every battle and military move for a well-rounded WWII education without the distracting and unnecessary details.The impact that World War II had on global military affairs, international politics, and national security is everlasting, and the battles of World War II played a crucial role in its influence.If you’re ready to discover World War II with clear detail and unfiltered historical accuracy, then this book is written specifically for you.Uncover the raw truth of The Greatest Battles of World War II and learn the full story! Read more

#1 Bestseller in the U.K.From the New York Times bestselling author and master of martial fiction comes the definitive, illustrated history of one of the greatest battles ever fought—a riveting nonfiction chronicle published to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Napoleon’s last stand.On June 18, 1815 the armies of France, Britain and Prussia descended upon a quiet valley south of Brussels. In the previous three days, the French army had beaten the Prussians at Ligny and fought the British to a standstill at Quatre-Bras. The Allies were in retreat. The little village north of where they turned to fight the French army was called Waterloo. The blood-soaked battle to which it gave its name would become a landmark in European history.In his first work of nonfiction, Bernard Cornwell combines his storytelling skills with a meticulously researched history to give a riveting chronicle of every dramatic moment, from Napoleon’s daring escape from Elba to the smoke and gore of the three battlefields and their aftermath. Through quotes from the letters and diaries of Emperor Napoleon, the Duke of Wellington, and the ordinary officers and soldiers, he brings to life how it actually felt to fight those famous battles—as well as the moments of amazing bravery on both sides that left the actual outcome hanging in the balance until the bitter end.Published to coincide with the battle’s bicentennial in 2015, Waterloo is a tense and gripping story of heroism and tragedy—and of the final battle that determined the fate of nineteenth-century Europe. Read more

The dramatic story of 1914—the start of World War I—presenting an expansive, dynamic history of the start of this truly global conflict.Most countries did not know what they were getting into during the precarious days of 1914. Global citizens believed they were going to get a short conflict that would settle old scores in a matter of weeks—but it was soon clear that was not going to be the case. From the Balkans to East Prussia, France, and Belgium, nineteenth-century warfare came face to face with twentieth-century technology and the ensuing, brutal clash of empires resulted in deadlock. And it was a truly global war, stretching from Europe to Oceania, from the Middle East to North America. It affected civilians as well as soldiers and governments, and for the first time, the world was faced with the fact that neutrality was practically impossible. Understanding such a complex conflict is difficult, and over the last hundred years, it has been made even more so by a repeatedly blinkered approach to the history of it, with a focus almost entirely on English-language sources and a narrow view of the conflict through two main prisms—the Eastern Front and the Western Front. But what about the rest of the world? Countries like Australia and Canada willingly sent their young men to Europe. Danes were conscripted into the German army, North Africans immediately traveled to fight and die for France; and in colonies as remote as Samoa, men ran for ports and a chance to fight. Ring of Fire will set out to rebalance our conceptions of a war that truly reshaped the world. Using access to an enormous quantity of primary material, largely untouched by general historians, the authors will tell the story of 1914 with a firm eye on presenting a truly comprehensive, inclusive popular history, a people's narrative that draws on source material from over twenty languages. Read more

As German pressure on Europe escalated in the late 1930s, a young Belgian pacifist completing his Ph.D. in chemistry watched with horror the preparation for the inevitable invasion of his country. In the face of advancing German troops, his passion for freedom and his growing hatred of Hitler led him and a group of his friends into the resistance movement and five years of privation, danger, and, for some, torture and death, at the hands of the Gestapo.This dramatic memoir traces Herman Bodson’s transformation from a pacifist and scientist to, in his own words, “a cold fighter and a killer” in the Belgian underground, an expert in explosives and sabotage. Serving first in the OMBR (Office Militaire Belge de Resistance), he later formed a group of underground fighters in the Belgian Ardennes. They undertook blowing up military trains and installations-including the sabotage of a bridge which resulted in the deaths of some six hundred German soldiers-cutting German communication lines, and rescuing downed American fliers. Bodson also served as a medical aide to an American military doctor at Bastogne in the crucial days of the Battle of the Bulge. The powerfully told narrative follows him through the liberation of Belgium and his postwar efforts with the Belgian Special Force to unmask traitors and bring them to justice. This, then, is the story of a man who gets caught up in a war and rather quickly becomes an efficient and clandestine killer, avenging the Nazi murder of a comrade in arms and revolting against an intolerable regime. It is also the story of the heroic resistance movement-how it came to be and how it fought bravely for the cause of human dignity and freedom. Bodson’s honest and absorbing inside account of the underground effort in occupied Belgium adds much to the record of World War II and provides insight into the intellectual and emotional responses that have led to the birth of underground movements in many nations. It is a compelling story of a people united in a comradeship in the defense of freedom. Read more

If someone asked how well you know World War II, would you say you're well-educated?What if you were asked to identify every way it has shaped our current reality, right down to international geography?Are you curious about the little-known ripple effects that dictate the world you grew up in?The Immediate Aftermath of World War II offers the most in-depth history lesson still relevant today: the rise of America as a superpower, the downfall of European powers, and the dramatic change of the modern world into two radically different sects.The obvious is true that the war temporarily destroyed and forever changed our world.You already know that World War II was the most pivotal event in history—economically, politically, socially, and militaristically.What many don't know is that even after the Paris Peace Treaties were signed, the lasting effects of the war would impact everything from the development of nuclear powers and the Cold War to the creation of new countries and boundary lines.WWII forever changed what it means to go to war. After putting down this book, you'll understand exactly why.Inside The Immediate Aftermath of World War II, you'll discover:How the Cold War split the world into two factions and formed new, powerful alliances, creating Red Scare paranoia about communist infiltration in the West.What the Soviet Union did to rise to power and remain there, spreading communism throughout Europe and invading the Eastern world to create influence.The changing of the Middle East's borders, creating the state of Israel, and leading the Arab-Israel wars.The dawn of the Atomic Age and how the development of nuclear bombs began as a fearmongering campaign and snowballed into a full-on arms race.How exactly NATO came to be, and the Soviet Union's pact in response created the separation of the world into two opposing blocs and caused the crystallization of today's power dynamics.The events leading up to the Korean and Vietnam Wars and how the U.S.'s changing military landscape and priorities led to these infiltrations.How the American Empire became a global superpower, resulting in the military occupation of international lands and the subsequent idea of the U.S. as the police officer of the world. ...plus the nitty-gritty details of the ideological and arms-based power struggles everywhere, from Latin America to Japan.It's obvious just how impactful WWII was, but the real impact is never-ending.It's time for the no-holds-barred education on how the war completely shaped modern history in The Immediate Aftermath of World War II. Get your complete history lesson today! Read more

A Storm in Flanders is novelist and prizewinning historian Winston Groom's gripping history of the four-year battle for Ypres in Belgian Flanders, the pivotal engagement of World War I that would forever change the way the world fought -- and thought about -- war. In 1914, Germany launched an invasion of France through neutral Belgium -- and brought the wrath of the world upon itself. Ypres became a place of horror, heroism, and terrifying new tactics and technologies: poison gas, tanks, mines, air strikes, and the unspeakable misery of trench warfare. Drawing on the journals of the men and women who were there, Winston Groom has penned a breathtaking drama of politics, strategy, and the human heart. Read more

Step into the captivating world of Belgium's past with our comprehensive book, "The History of Belgium." This text-only masterpiece takes you on an enthralling journey through the annals of time, unraveling the ancient and medieval stories, cultural treasures, and historical milestones that have shaped this European gem.From the Celts and Belgae who first inhabited its lands to the rise of powerful dynasties like the Merovingians and Carolingians, each chapter unfolds a new chapter in Belgium's evolution. Dive deep into the medieval powerhouses of Flanders and Brabant, witness the epic Battle of the Golden Spurs, and explore the medieval crossroads of the Duchy of Brabant.As you turn the pages, you'll traverse the turbulent times of the Protestant Reformation, experience the struggles for independence during the Eighty Years' War, and witness the legacy of the Spanish Netherlands era. The Treaty of Westphalia reshapes borders, while the Age of Enlightenment brings fresh ideas to the forefront.Delve into the transformative periods of the French Revolution and Napoleonic Era before discovering Belgium's new status after the Congress of Vienna. The Belgian Revolution of 1830 marks a turning point, and the Industrial Revolution propels the nation into a new era of economic growth.Both World Wars, the challenges and progress of the interwar years, and the occupation and resistance during World War II provide a riveting narrative. Post-war reconstruction and prosperity lead to Belgium's pivotal role in European integration.Explore the intricate landscape of Belgian politics and linguistic divisions, and delve into the world of Belgian surrealism, art, and culture. Savor the tantalizing flavors of Belgian cuisine, from waffles to chocolate, and discover the nation's rich natural heritage with its diverse wildlife."The History of Belgium" is an amazing text-only journey that invites you to uncover the mysteries, stories, and hidden gems of this remarkable nation. Each page is a gateway to a new chapter of Belgium's history, culture, and heritage, offering you a unique and immersive experience.Don't miss the opportunity to add this enlightening and enriching book to your collection. Immerse yourself in the historical wonders of Belgium, and discover the nation's enduring spirit, creativity, and diversity through the pages of this remarkable book. Buy "The History of Belgium" now and embark on a captivating voyage through time and culture. Read more

In 11 Days In December, master historian and biographer Stanley Weintraub tells the remarkable story of the Battle of the Bulge as it has never been told before, from frozen foxholes to barn shelters to boxcars packed with wretched prisoners of war.In late December 1944, as the Battle of the Bulge neared its climax, a German loudspeaker challenge was blared across GI lines in the Ardennes: "How would you like to die for Christmas?" In the inhospitable forest straddling Belgium, France, and Luxembourg, only the dense, snow-laden evergreens recalled the season. Most troops hardly knew the calendar day they were trying to live through, or that it was Hitler's last, desperate effort to alter the war's outcome. Yet the final Christmas season of World War II matched desperation with inspiration. When he was offered an ultimatum to surrender the besieged Belgian town of Bastogne, Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe defied the Germans with the memorable one-word response, "Nuts!" And as General Patton prayed for clear skies to allow vital airborne reinforcements to reach his trapped men, he stood in a medieval chapel in Luxembourg and spoke to God as if to a commanding general: "Sir, whose side are you on?" His prayer was answered. The skies cleared, the tide of battle turned, and Allied victory in World War II was assured. Christmas 1944 proved to be one of the most fateful days in world history. Many men did extraordinary things, and extraordinary things happened to ordinary men. "A clear cold Christmas," Patton told his diary, "lovely weather for killing Germans, which seems a bit queer, seeing whose birthday it is." Peace on earth and good will toward men would have to wait. 11 Days in December is unforgettable. Read more

The definitive account of Passchendaele, the months-long battle that epitomizes the immense tragedy of the First World War Passchendaele. The name of a small, seemingly insignificant Flemish village echoes across the twentieth century as the ultimate expression of meaningless, industrialized slaughter. In the summer of 1917, upwards of 500,000 men were killed or wounded, maimed, gassed, drowned, or buried in this small corner of Belgium. On the centennial of the battle, military historian Nick Lloyd brings to vivid life this epic encounter along the Western Front. Drawing on both British and German sources, he is the first historian to reveal the astonishing fact that, for the British, Passchendaele was an eminently winnable battle. Yet the advance of British troops was undermined by their own high command, which, blinded by hubris, clung to failed tactics. The result was a familiar one: stalemate. Lloyd forces us to consider that trench warfare was not necessarily a futile endeavor, and that had the British won at Passchendaele, they might have ended the war early, saving hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of lives. A captivating narrative of heroism and folly, Passchendaele is an essential addition to the literature on the Great War. Read more

After the Napoleonic Wars the borders of Europe were redrawn and relative peace endured across the region, but the volatile politics of the late nineteenth century generated an atmosphere of fear and distrust, and it gave rise to a new era of fortress building. In the neutral states situated between France and Germany - The Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland - the need for extensive fixed defences was particularly urgent, and this is the subject of this highly illustrated new study. The strategic thinking that gave rise to these defensive schemes is described in detail, as is the planning, design and construction of the lines themselves. Their operational history in wartime, in particular during the Second World War, is a key element of this expert account. Read more

A revelatory history of Antwerp—from its rise to a world city to its fall in the Spanish Fury—by the New York Times Notable author of The Edge of the World.Before Amsterdam, there was a dazzling North Sea port at the hub of the known world: the city of Antwerp. In the Age of Exploration, Antwerp was sensational like nineteenth-century Paris or twentieth-century New York. It was somewhere anything could happen or at least be believed: killer bankers, easy kisses, a market in secrets and every kind of heresy. For half the sixteenth century, it was the place for breaking rules—religious, sexual, intellectual. And it was a place of change—a single man cornered all the money in the city and reinvented ideas of what money meant. Another gave the city a new shape purely out of his own ambition. Jews fleeing the Portuguese Inquisition needed Antwerp for their escape, thanks to the remarkable woman at the head of the grandest banking family in Europe. Thomas More opened Utopia there, Erasmus puzzled over money and exchanges, William Tyndale sheltered there and smuggled out his Bible in English until he was killed. Pieter Bruegel painted the town as The Tower of Babel. But when Antwerp rebelled with the Dutch against the Spanish and lost, all that glory was buried and its true history rewritten. The city that unsettled so many now became conformist. Mutinous troops burned the city records, trying to erase its true history. In Europe’s Babylon, Michael Pye sets out to rediscover the city that was lost and bring its wilder days to life using every kind of clue: novels, paintings, songs, schoolbooks, letters and the archives of Venice, London and the Medici. He builds a picture of a city haunted by fire, plague, and violence, but one that was learning how to be a power in its own right as it emerged from feudalism. An astounding and original narrative that illuminates this glamorous and bloody era of history and reveals how this fascinating city played its role in making the world modern. Read more

An awe-inspiring history of the five most legendary “classic” races in world cycling.The Tour de France may provide the most obvious fame and glory, but it is cycling's one-day tests that the professional riders really prize. Toughest, longest and dirtiest of all are the so-called 'Monuments', the five legendary races that are the sport's equivalent of golf's majors or the grand slams in tennis. Milan–Sanremo, the Tour of Flanders, Paris­–Roubaix, Liège–Bastogne–Liège and the Tour of Lombardy date back more than a century, and each of them is an anomaly in modern-day sport, the cycling equivalent of the Monaco Grand Prix. Time has changed them to a degree, but they remain as brutally testing as they ever have been. They provide the sport's outstanding one-day performers with a chance to measure themselves against each other and their predecessors in the most challenging tests in world cycling. From the bone-shattering bowler-hat cobbles of the Paris–Roubaix to the insanely steep hellingen in the Tour of Flanders, each race is as unique as the riders who push themselves through extreme exhaustion to win them and enter their epic history. Over the course of a century, only Rik Van Looy, Eddy Merckx and Roger De Vlaeminck have won all five races. Yet victory in a single edition of a Monument guarantees a rider lasting fame. For some, that one victory has even more cachet than success in a grand tour. Each of the Monuments has a fascinating history, featuring tales of the finest and largest characters in the sport. In this updated edition of The Monuments Peter Cossins tells the tumultuous history of these extraordinary races and the riders they have immortalised. Read more