Previous books have promised to describe the combat experience of the World War II GI, but there has never been a book like Patrick O’Donnell’s “Beyond Valor.” Here is the first combat history of the war in Europe in the words of the men themselves, and perhaps the most honest and brutal account of combat possible on the printed page. For more than fifty years the individual stories that make up this narrative — shockingly frank reflections of sacrifice and courage — have been bottled up, buried, or circulated privately. Now, nearing the ends of their lives, our WWII soldiers have at last unburdened themselves.

“Beyond Valor” recaptures their hidden history. A pioneering oral historian, Patrick O’Donnell used his award-winning website, The Drop Zone, to solicit oral- and “e-histories” from individual soldiers. Gradually, working from within the community, O’Donnell convinced some of the war’s most battle-hardened soldiers to tell their stories. The result is WWII seen through the eyes of the men who saw the most intense of its action. O’Donnell focuses on the elite units of the war — the Rangers, Airborne, and 1st Special Service Force — troops that spearheaded the most dangerous operations and often made the difference between victory and defeat.

From more than 650 interviews O’Donnell has chosen oral- and e-histories that form a seamless story line, a pointillistic history of the war in Europe from the first parachute drops in North Africa through the final battles in Germany and the long trip home. It is the story of the war not discussed in polite company. O’Donnell presents the wreckage of entire battalions nearly annihilated, invisible personal scars, and hauntingrevelations of wartime atrocities. But more important are the men who recount lives risked without hesitation for comrades and cause, and those who did not return: the friends who died in their arms. Their stories remind all of us that victory came only at the highest price.

Remembering the infamous cliffs at Pointe-du-Hoc, bloody Omaha Beach, the bitter fighting at the Battle of the Bulge, and Hill 400 in the Hurtgen Forest, the soldiers reveal war as seen, heard, and smelled by the GIs on the front line. Also included is the unique story of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, and the trailblazing African-American “Experimental” Test Platoon that had to fight its own battle behind the lines.

“Beyond Valor” captures the truths that exist among soldiers. It is one of the most inspiring accounts of the war ever produced.

The success of Tom Brokaw’s Greatest Generation has sparked a renewed interest in books about World War II and the people who fought in it. Patrick K. O’Donnell maintains, however, that behind those official histories and carefully crafted memoirs lies a “hidden war”–”a bottled up, buried version shielded even from family members because many of the memories are too painful to discuss.” In Beyond Valor, O’Donnell brings this hidden war to the surface, allowing men from the elite forces to tell their own stories, thus creating a fascinating combat history of WWII.

O’Donnell introduces readers to some of the greatest of the greatest generation–men such as Robert Kinney of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, wounded by a mortar at Anzio (“it tore my fanny open, took a big chunk of meat out of there–I could afford that”). While in the hospital, wounded members of the regiment were asked by one of their officers to return to the front:

We all went down, about forty of us in casts, bandages, arms in slings and everything. He said, “Your buddies up there are catching hell and we’ve got to go back if we can. You don’t have to, we’re not going to order you, but we’re looking for volunteers.” We said, “Hell, we’ll go.” We had just the best-spirited bunch of scrappers you ever saw....

The myth and ceremony of Maya beliefs have been sustained for over five hundred years in spite of massacres, persecution, and discrimination.

Thomas Hart has lived in Guatemala since 1993. He currently works on indigenous health projects with a British development organization based in Quetzaltenango.

Since the arrival of the Europeans, the indigenous people of what is now Guatemala have endured massacres, persecution, and discrimination. Their religious beliefs and practices have been condemned as superstition and witchcraft. Yet the spiritual worldview of the Maya has survived and even flourishes, five centuries after the invaders’ first attempts to destroy it....

In 1812, at the end of the Napoleonic Wars, a congress convened in Vienna in which the fate of Europe was to be determined for the next hundred years. Attending were the great statesmen of the time — the wily French foreign minister, Talleyrand; his brave but misguided British counterpart, Lord Castlereagh; the conservative Austrian chancellor, Prince Metternich; and the idealistic but unstable tsar Alexander. Beginning with Napoleon’s harrowing retreat from Moscow, the pace of the narrative holds throughout the negotiations in the Austrian capital, where the power struggle to both restore a lost world and ensure a stable future took place. Harold Nicolson’s classic is narrative history at its best. “With swift pace, clear focus and a series of brilliant character sketches, this is narrative history at its best.” — The New York Times

Sir Harold George Nicolson KCVO CMG (21 November 1886 1 May 1968) was an English diplomat, author, diarist and politician. He was the husband of writer Vita Sackville-West, their unusual relationship being described in their son’s book, Portrait of a Marriage.
–This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

The Congress of Vienna: A Study in Allied Unity: 1812-1822 ...

Gilbert’s (The Second World War) majestic opus covers WWI on all major fronts-domestic, diplomatic, military-as well as such bloody preludes as the Armenian massacre of 1915. He describes the introduction of new instruments of war like the submarine, airplane, tank, machine gun and poison gas, explaining how each was employed in great military confrontations such as Verdun and Jutland. He recounts the arrival of the American contingent (British and French brass tended at first to regard them as rabble) and Gen. John J. Pershing’s struggle to prevent U.S. troops from being fed piecemeal into the maelstrom of the western front. Gilbert includes a large amount of contemporary war poetry and doggerel, which conveys the tragedy of the 1914-1918 conflict. On the whole, the author presents WWI from the human perspective, with emphasis on the grisliness and sheer waste of it. His account of the post-Armistice efforts of the international War Graves Commission starkly communicates the epic scale of the slaughter. By the distinguished biographer of Winston Churchill, this is a stunning achievement of research and storytelling on the war to end all wars. Illustrations.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Successfully using a blend of contemporary accounts and overview narrative, Gilbert (The Churchill War Papers, LJ 5/1/93) has produced a readable, one-volume account of the Great War. The impact of new technologies and tactics on humankind is best illustrated by the author’s portrayal of the individual suffering of the generation lost in the conflict. The deaths of the sons and sons-in-law of political and military leaders from all sides exemplifies the extent and tragedy of the loss. The effect of the war on future leaders such as Hitler, Himmler, Churchill, and De Gaulle is shown through their experiences in this war. Profusely illustrated and containing 50 maps, this book is a fine companion volume to the author’s The Second World War (Holt, 1989). Recommended for all collections.
David Lee Poremba, Detroit P.L.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

The acclaimed British historian offers a majestic, single-volume work incorporating all major fronts-domestic, diplomatic, military-for “a stunning achievement of research and storytelling”
(Publishers Weekly)...

From the author of the best-selling A Peace to End All Peace (extraordinarily ambitious, provocative, and vividly writtenWashington Post Book World), a dramatic reassessment of the causes of the Great War. ...

Nonie Darwish is a woman of great courage with an amazing story to tell.
David Horowitz

A book of great humanity, intelligence, and courage.
David Pryce-Jones, senior editor, National Review

Indispensable insight into the world of Islamic radicalism and jihad.
Former Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania

Anyone who wants to understand the real meaning of the clash of civilizations between radical Islam and the West should read this book.
Congressman Tom Tancredo of Colorado

–This text refers to the Paperback edition.

“Nonie Darwish a woman of great courage with an amazing story to tell…. Readers who pick up her book will find their views of the world irrevocably changed before they put it down.”
-David Horowitz, author of Unholy Alliance: Radical Islam and the American Left

“All Americans should note well the reasons why Muslims now consider her an ‘infidel’ — this could be the most important lesson non-Muslims in the West will ever learn.”
-Robert Spencer, author of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades)

“Indispensable insight into the world of Islamic radicalism and jihad…. This inspiring tale of redemption will serve as an uplifting reminder to proponents of democratic values in the Middle East that our message of equality and God-given freedom is inexorable and will yet penetrate the resistance of the jihadists to find its way into the hearts and minds of the people of the Arab World.”
-Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, author of It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good

“Anyone who wants to understand the real meaning of the clash of civilizations between radical Islam and the West should read this book.”
-Congressman Tom Tancredo of Colorado, author of In Mortal Danger: The Battle for America’s Border and Security

“Now They Call Me Infidel is a book of great humanity, intelligence, and courage. If ever there is to be peace between Arabs and Israelis, it will have to be along the lines depicted by Nonie Darwish.”
-David Pryce-Jones, senior editor, National Review

“This is a breakthrough book…. Nonie Darwish is one of the most compelling voices for moderate Islam and against extremist violence.”
-John Loftus, President, the Intelligence Summit

“Nonie Darwish indicts the Middle Eastern and Islamic culture she left behind, exposing what she calls the ‘rigid psychological wall’ imposed by religious and political leaders, the ‘giant machine of oppression’ that dominates society, and the dysfunctional ‘culture of arrogance, pride, and shame.’ Fleeing to the United States, she found happiness – but also a growing infrastructure of radical Islam that she has bravely and effectively confronted.”
-Daniel Pipes, author of Militant Islam Reaches America

“We should all be thankful to Nonie Darwish for writing this insightful book on jihad and the global war on terror. As Darwish states in this great expos, nothing will change in the Islamic world until the voices in the mosques preach love and peace.”
-Paul Vallely, major general, U.S. Army (Ret.), coauthor of Endgame

“This call for peace should be read by everyone and taught in schools…. The free world owes Darwish an invaluable debt for her struggles for freedom.”
-Bat Ye’Or, author of Eurabia: The Euro-Arab Axis

One womans story of why she left the culture of Islamic Jihad to support American liberty and tolerance

Why are so many Muslims embracing jihad and cheering for al-Qaeda and Hamas? Why are even the modern, secularized Arab states such as Egypt producing a generation of angry young extremists?

Nonie Darwish knows why. When she was eight, her father died while leading Fedayeen raids into Israel. Her family moved from Gaza back to Cairo, where they were honored as survivors of a shahida martyr for jihad. She grew up learning the same lessons as millions of Muslim children: to hate Jews, destroy Israel, oppose America, and submit to dictatorship.

But Darwish became increasingly appalled by the anger and hatred in her culture, and in 1978 she emigrated to America. Since 9/11 she has been lecturing and writing on behalf of moderate Arabs and Arab-Americans. Extremists have denounced her as an infidel and threatened her life.

In this fascinating book, she speaks out against the dark side of her native culturewomen abused by Islamic traditions; the poor and uneducated mistreated by the elites; bribery and corruption as a way of life. Her former friends and neighbors blamed all the their troubles on Jews and Americans, but Darwish rejects their bigotry and calls for the Arab world to make peace with the West.

The only hope for the future, she writes, is for America to continue waging its War on Terror, seeding the Middle East with the values of democracy, respect for women, and tolerance for all religions.

Nonie Darwish is a woman of great courage with an amazing story to tell.
David Horowitz

A book of great humanity, intelligence, and courage.
David Pryce-Jones, senior editor, National Review

Indispensable insight into the world of Islamic radicalism and jihad.
Former Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania

Anyone who wants to understand the real meaning of the clash of civilizations between radical Islam and the West should read this book.
Congressman Tom Tancredo of Colorado

–This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Now They Call Me Infidel: Why I Renounced Jihad for America, Israel, and the War on Terror

They Must Be Stopped: Why We Must Defeat Radical Islam and How We Can Do It

Praise for Brigitte Gabriel and the New York Times Bestseller Because They Hate

“Riveting, compelling and spellbinding. This is a must read for the entire American public.”–Steve Emerson, author of the New York Times bestseller American Jihad

“A compelling and captivating personal story with a powerful lesson about threats to freedom in our time.”–R. James Woolsey, Director of Central Intelligence, 1993-95

“Her writing is eloquent and her passion tremendous.”–Publishers Weekly

“This book gives dire warning of what is to come ifthe Western world does not take responsible action to protect its people.The United States is the primary target as Islamic Radicalism attempts to spread its worldwide dominance.”–Paul E. Vallely, Maj. General US Army (Ret.), coauthor of Endgame: The Blueprint for Victory in the War on Terror

“Brigitte Gabriel’s story is at once intensely personal and possessing global significance . . .[her] words should be read, and studied carefully, by all the law enforcement and government officials of the West–as well as by everyone who values freedom.”–Robert Spencer, author of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades)

They Must Be Stopped is New York Times bestselling author Brigitte Gabriels warning to the world: We can no longer ignore the growth of radical Islam–we must act soon, and powerfully. Gabriel challenges our western and politically-correct notions about Islam, demonstrating why radical Islam is so deadly and how we can halt its progress.

Brigitte Gabriel speaks her mind:

*Fundamentalist Islam is a religion rooted in 7th century teachings that are fundamentally opposed to democracy and equality.

*Radical Islamists are utterly contemptuous of all infidels and regard them as enemies worthy of death.

*Madrassas in America are increasing in number, and they are just one part of a growing radical Islamic army on US soil.

*Radical Islam exploits the US legal system and Americas protection of religion to spread its hatred for western values.

*America must organize a unified voice that says enough to political correctness, and demands that government officials and elected representatives do whatever is necessary to protect us.

Brigitte Gabriel has fearlessly faced down critics, death threats, and political correctness, and is one of the most sought after terrorism experts in the world. They Must Be Stopped is her clarion call to action. Gabriel thoroughly addresses the historical and religious basis of radical Islam, its frightening encroachment into societies around the world, and its abuses of democracy in the name of religion.

They Must Be Stopped: Why We Must Defeat Radical Islam and How We Can Do It...

“This work is unique. There is no other similarly detailed study in the literature of Andean history or anthropology.” –John Hyslop, author of Inka Settlement Planning and other studies of Inka history and culture

This work is unique. There is no other similarly detailed study in the literature of Andean history or anthropology. (John Hyslop, author of Inka Settlement Planning and other studies of Inka history and culture )

In the year 1572, the Spanish chronicler Sarmiento de Gamboa completed one of the earliest official versions of the history of the Inka empire. In his account, he stated that the ancestors of the Inkas originated from a cave at a place to the south of the imperial city of Cuzco called Pacariqtambo. The History of a Myth explores how and why this version of the origin myth (there were others) came to form the basis of an official history....

Each year, the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps selects one book that he believes is both relevant and timeless for reading by all Marines. The Commandant’s choice for 1993 was We Were Soldiers Once . . . and Young.
In November 1965, some 450 men of the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, under the command of Lt. Col. Hal Moore, were dropped by helicopter into a small clearing in the Ia Drang Valley. They were immediately surrounded by 2,000 North Vietnamese soldiers. Three days later, only two and a half miles away, a sister battalion was chopped to pieces. Together, these actions at the landing zones X-Ray and Albany constituted one of the most savage and significant battles of the Vietnam War.
How these men persevered–sacrificed themselves for their comrades and never gave up–makes a vivid portrait of war at its most inspiring and devastating. General Moore and Joseph Galloway, the only journalist on the ground throughout the fighting, have interviewed hundreds of men who fought there, including the North Vietnamese commanders. This devastating account rises above the specific ordeal it chronicles to present a picture of men facing the ultimate challenge, dealing with it in ways they would have found unimaginable only a few hours earlier. It reveals to us, as rarely before, man’s most heroic and horrendous endeavor....

Dennis Sherman is Professor of History at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, the City University of New York. He received his B.A. (1962) and J.D. (1965) degrees from the University of California at Berkeley and his Ph.D. (1970) from the University of Michigan . . He was Visiting Professor at the University of Paris (1978-79; 1985). He has received the Ford Foundation Prize Fellowship, the Council for Research on Economic History fellowship, and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities. His publications include A Short History of Western Civilization, 8th edition (co-author); Western Civilization: Sources, Images, and Interpretations, 5th edition; World Civilizations: Sources, Images, and Interpretations, 2nd Edition (co-author); a series of introductions in the Garland Library of War and Peace; several articles and reviews on nineteenth-century French economic and social history in American and European journals, and short stories on literary reviews. –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

This volume of primary, secondary and visual sources provides an introduction to the sources historians use, the interpretations historians make, and covers the history of Western civilization from the Renaissance to the 1990s. A broad selection of documents, photographs, maps and charts is presented, along with introductions, commentaries, guides and questions designed to place each section in a meaningful context and facilitate understanding of its historical significance.

Western Civilizations: Sources, Images, and Interpretations, From the Renaissance to the Present

The French Revolution and Human Rights: A Brief Documentary History

“This outstanding documentary history will be of interest not only to students (and teachers) of the French Revolution but also to anyone interested in the history of human rights. It offers an unprecedented range of documents on a compelling and timely theme, introduced by the author’s characteristic insight and clarity.”

This brief documentary history includes 38 documents that explore the issue of rights and citizenship in Revolutionary France and the movement that helped define modern notions of civil rights.

The French Revolution and Human Rights: A Brief Documentary History (Bedford Series in History & Culture)
...

Alison Simis a costumed guide at Hampton Court Palace, who has worked at the Tower of London and lectured on Tudor food for the Mary Rose Trust. Sheis the author ofThe Tudor Housewife and Food and Feast in Tudor England.

How did the Tudors enjoy themselves? For the men and women of Tudor England there was, just as there is today, more to life than work.400 years before the invention of television and radio, they did not lead boring or mundane lives. Indeed, in many ways the richness of Tudor entertainment shames us. While continuing the medieval tradition of tournament and pageantry, the Tudors also increasingly read and attended the theater. Dancing and music were also popular, and were considered just as important as hunting and fighting for an ambitious Tudors social skills. Church festivals provided the perfect excuse for revelry, and christenings and weddings were, as they are today, great social occasions. Here, Alison Sim explores the full range of entertainments enjoyed at that time covering everything from card games and bear baiting to interior design.Pleasures and Pastimes in Tudor England

A Compendium of Common Knowledge, 1558-1603: Elizabethan Commonplaces for Writers, Actors & Re-enactors

The Compendium of Common Knowledge at elizabethan.org has long been the go-to website for authors, students, actors, re-enactors, and Elizabethan enthusiasts of all kinds. Now in paperback from Popinjay Press, anyone can have the Compendium on hand wherever they go!

The Compendium of Common Knowedge offers insight into ordinary lives-both common and noble-in the England of Queen Elizabeth I and Shakespeare. In this little book you’ll find notes on Elizabethan food, occupations, games, and pastimes, also religion, manners, attitudes, and education-the little details that make up daily life, that everyone knows without thinking. The Compendium, used on-line by Renaissance fairs and schools all over the world, provides a unique reference for writers, students, actors, re-enactors, and Elizabethan enthusiasts of all kinds.

A Compendium of Common Knowledge, 1558-1603: Elizabethan Commonplaces for Writers, Actors & Re-enactors ...