Historiske og politiske biografier

This book tells the story of how a Swedish diplomat who saved the lives of thousands of Jews in Hungary became a symbol after his disappearance in January 1945. A variety of aspects are analysed, including secret diplomacy and representations of Wallenberg on film and television as well as in monuments. -- .

This first volume presents the lives and careers of 13 men who held the two highest ranks in Hitler's Sturmabteilung from its inception in 1920 until the defeat of the Third Reich in 1945. It is the first and only comprehensive examination of the senior SA leadership. Sir Ian Kershaw writes of the series: "I know of no comparable compilation."

'A thrilling biography, filled with the imperial ambitions and merciless intrigues' SIMON SEBAG MONTEFIORECleopatra: lover, seductress, and Egypt's greatest queen.A woman more myth than history, immortalized in poetry, drama, music, art, and film.She captivated Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, the two greatest Romans of the day, and died in a blaze of glory, with an asp clasped to her breast - or so the legend tells us.But the real-life story of the historical Cleopatra VII is even more compelling. She was the last of seven Cleopatras who ruled Egypt before it was subsumed into the Roman Empire. The seven Cleopatras were the powerhouses of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, the Macedonian family who ruled Egypt after Alexander the Great. Emulating the practices of the gods, the Cleopatras married their full-blood brothers and dominated the normally patriarchal world of politics and warfare. These extraordinary women keep a close grip on power in the wealthiest country of the ancient world.Each of the seven Cleopatras wielded absolute power. Their ruthless, single-minded, focus on dominance - generation after generation - resulted in extraordinary acts of betrayal, violence, and murder in the most malfunctional dynasty in history. Professor Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones offers fresh and powerful insight into the real story of the Cleopatras, and the beguiling and tragic legend of the last queen of Egypt.Praise for The Cleopatras:'A real treat for those who relish epic histories of family power' SIMON SEBAG MONTEFIORE'Admirably readable' ROBIN LANE FOX'Unlocks the fascinating history of many queens' KARA COONEY 'A vivid account' ADRIAN DODSON

A biography of the remarkable, and in her time scandalous, seventeenth-century writer Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of Newcastle.

Sniper Jackson, first published in 1919, is a first-hand account of trench fighting in Belgium and France in World War One. The book, although somewhat fictionalized, details the activities of a group of British soldiers facing the Germans across a deadly No Man's Land. One soldier, "Sniper Jackson", is a keen marksman and his role and importance in the skirmishes are well-described, a rarely described aspect of most books on World War One. The book also details the close-knit camaraderie among the soldiers, a factor which helped them survive the miserable conditions of the trenches, and the dangers they faced from artillery attacks and enemy advances.

Air Base, first published in 1941 by aviator Boone Guyton, is a fascinating look at the U.S. Navy's flying fleet shortly before Pearl Harbor and America's entry into the Second World War. In a style ranging from amusing to tragic and harrowing, Guyton describes his experiences as a Navy flyer. Following a year of flight-training at Pensacola, Guyton is based in San Diego with a carrier squadron aboard the Lexington and Saratoga. He describes the training cruises of the ship, the patrol flights, dive bombers, and war games, providing insight into the prewar Navy air force. Included are 8 pages of photographs. Following his naval service, Boone Guyton (1913-1996) worked as a test pilot in France until 1940. He returned to the U.S. and continued his work as a test pilot for Vought with the F4 Corsair. Following the war, Guyton settled in Connecticut and continued working as an executive for several aviation companies.

This is the biography of Australia's first naval architect, Walter Reeks (1861 - 1925). A man who produced innovative, sometimes unorthodox designs across a broad range of vessels, from commercial craft to recreational yachts. Best known as the pioneer of the Sydney fleet of ferries, Reeks rose to prominence immediately after his arrival in Sydney from Liverpool in 1885. He went on to design more than 300 vessels up until his death in 1925 at the age of 64. Clients included the well-heeled to those with less resources. Craft were built throughout Australia and New Zealand, many becoming stalwarts of local, regional, state and national trading routes and industries. Others went on to win coveted yachting titles, some with Reeks at the helm. Despite these professional successes and his wide-reaching acclaim, this is also the story of sorrow and tragedy, the death at a young age of his first wife Mary in 1895, and the murder of his son Kent in 1914 casting large, grieving shadows on Reeks' family life. Yet, this is the story of a man who not only achieved so much professionally but was a dedicated supporter and protagonist of maritime pursuits throughout Australia, as well as to engineering, education and volunteering more generally. Reeks was a member of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron for over 40 years, being made a life member in 1900, serving as vice-commodore between 1906 and 1910, and notably being its official measurer for an unsurpassed stint of 39 years. During this period, Reeks also designed many of Sydney's leading yachts and investigated the potential for an Australian challenge to the America's Cup, a dream he was still chasing some four decades later. A life of serving, adventure, cutting-edge innovation, risk-taking and saying 'Yes!' are highlights of Reeks' journey. While his achievements, as we reflect back on his career, are immense, their collective weight and worthiness would likely not have been realised by Reeks himself. They were just the next project, the next step forward, the next outcome, the next compromise between the practical and the ideal, between his design parameters and his client's needs. It was definitely a life well lived and one worth telling.

The Crucible: An Autobiography by "Colonel Yay", first published in 1950, is the dramatic firsthand memoir of Filipina-American Yay Panlilio's (1913-1978) time in the Philippines with the resistance group known as "Marking's Guerrillas." The book includes descriptions of encounters with the Japanese army, espionage, sabotage, constant moving to avoid capture, torture and execution, communication with Allied forces, the struggle to obtain adequate food and medical supplies, and also the romance between Yay Panlilio and former boxer Marcos Augustin, the determined leader of the guerrilla force (and Yay's future husband). In 1945, Ms. Panlilio returned to the U.S. With her children. Overall, an insightful and moving account of the day-to-day struggles of a brave band of Filipino fighters against a brutal, uncompromising opponent.

"Becoming A Better You: Know Plato and How to Use His Wisdom" by Elliot Hawthorne is a transformative journey into the philosophy of Plato, tailored for the modern reader. It presents 80 of Plato's most impactful quotes, offering a practical, easy-to-read format that demonstrates their relevance in today's world. This book is essential for anyone seeking self-improvement and a deeper understanding of life, providing invaluable insights into self-mastery, character development, and personal responsibility. Hawthorne's interpretation of Plato's teachings is not just a study of ancient philosophy, but a guide to living a purposeful, informed life in our fast-paced world.

Life is about struggles. What if one doesn't face any? Do you think you can have a life without challenges? Not really. Many people in the world go through things that affect them in several ways and some of these struggles are an indirect cause of the choices they made in life. Making decisions is hard and when it comes to making the wrong choices, it never bodes out well. However, one can always learn from their mistakes. That's what my life is all about. From a very young age, I made choices of my life. One would say they were the wrong choices, but I believe it brought me to where I am today. From getting into trouble at home with the parents and grandmother, to getting into trouble out in the streets, I learned much more about life than most people do at my age. I walked the darkest streets of my neighborhoods, and suffered through the darkest days of my life locked up in prison. And when I finally went out, I breathed a sense of freedom that I had never felt before. This book is about all those real-life struggles that I faced in my life, and while it may not be perfect, I believe there is a lot to learn. Here, I am going to describe all my struggles and how it led me to success.

"Jane Eyre: An Autobiography" by Charlotte BrontëEmbark on a timeless journey through the hauntingly beautiful narrative of "Jane Eyre: An Autobiography" by Charlotte Brontë. This classic novel, a masterful blend of romance, mystery, and social commentary, introduces us to the indomitable spirit of Jane Eyre-a resilient orphan who rises from the shadows to forge her own destiny.In the gloomy halls of Lowood School, where young Jane endures hardship and cruelty, her unyielding spirit catches the eye of Mr. Rochester, the enigmatic and brooding master of Thornfield Hall. A complex and passionate relationship develops between them, fraught with secrets and the echoes of a mysterious past. As Jane confronts the challenges of love, morality, and self-discovery, readers are drawn into a world of Gothic intrigue and emotional depth.Brontë's exploration of societal norms and the struggle for independence is as relevant today as it was when "Jane Eyre" was first published in 1847. The novel is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit and a celebration of the triumph of love over adversity. Through Brontë's evocative prose, readers are transported to the windswept moors of Yorkshire, where the landscape mirrors the emotional turbulence of Jane's own heart."Jane Eyre: An Autobiography" is a literary masterpiece that continues to captivate readers with its timeless themes, unforgettable characters, and the enduring appeal of a woman's quest for love and identity in a world that seeks to confine her. Immerse yourself in this enduring classic and experience the transformative journey of a singular heroine whose story resonates across the ages.

The O.S.S. and I, first published in 1957, is the fast-paced, detailed account of William Morgan's service as a member of the O.S.S. (Office of Strategic Services, the predecessor of the modern-day CIA) during the Second World War. Morgan, a psychologist, served first as an instructor and evaluator of O.S.S. candidates, testing their mental and physical suitability for hazardous, dangerous duty as spies and saboteurs behind enemy lines. Morgan then went on a mission himself, parachuting into occupied France and working with French resistance guerrillas (the Maquis) to undermine German military efforts prior to the Allied invasion in June 1944. Of special interest are the detailed descriptions of the training exercises, designed to test the applicant's creative-thinking and problem-solving skills. Included are eight pages of photographs.

A book in three parts: a personal memoir of the author, an essay on the life and bloodline of Jesus and finally the history of five brother all serving in India in the 19th Century. A combination of family history as well as an exploration by the author on the culture of occult philosophy.

The Caring General is the first published biography of Sir Harold Goodeve Ruggles-Brise. Born to the distinguished family of Spains Hall, Essex, he was an outstanding soldier who saw active service in South Africa and on the Western Front in the Great War. Harold married into one of the most famous aristocratic families in Scotland by taking as his wife Lady Dorothea Stewart Murray, oldest daughter of the 7th Duke of Atholl. Drawing extensively on their previously unpublished letters and diaries, The Caring General paints a vivid picture of army life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the battlefield and the home front.Born in 1864 Harold attended Winchester College and went up to Oxford. He excelled as a sportsman, particularly as a cricketer, playing for MCC, Essex and winning an Oxford Blue. Harold was a Grenadier, being commissioned into 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards and whilst stationed in Bermuda became a friend of Prince George of Wales. Lady Dorothea accompanied her husband on his posting to Gibraltar although he was soon to sail for South Africa as Brigade Major, Guards Brigade. This was Harold's first experience of war and he distinguished himself on and off the battlefield. His letters are detailed and candid, covering some of the most significant characters and actions in the war. With mentions in dispatches and staff appointments with 9th and 11th Divisions behind him, Harold returned home and was awarded the Queen's Medal with seven clasps.At home, Harold was to mastermind the military element of Queen Victoria's funeral before promotion to Colonel, 3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards. He went on to hold the prestigious position of Commandant at the Hythe School of Musketry where our soldiers received outstanding training in the use of rifle and machine gun. The trumpet of war sounded in 1914 and Harold headed for Belgium in command of 20th Brigade, part of the famous 7th Division. In late 1914 they found themselves near Ypres, heavily outnumbered by German forces. During brutal fighting 20th Brigade suffered appalling losses, the Grenadiers being decimated. Harold was stretchered off the battlefield with near fatal wounds.After a painful recovery Harold commanded and trained 40th (Bantam) Division and headed for France. His letters describe life in the trenches near Lens, trench raids, the ruined Somme landscape and attacks on key German positions. Returning home he commanded 73rd Division Home Forces before returning to France in 1918 as Haig's Military Secretary. It fell to Harold to inform Sir Hubert Gough that he was being relieved of his command. Lady Dorothea served in a Voluntary Aid Detachment and her letters to Harold contain fascinating accounts as varied as her witnessing a fatal air raid on Hythe and having tea with the wife of Napoleon III.In retirement Harold dedicated himself to supporting veterans, becoming General Secretary of The Officers' Association. Harold died in 1927 having lived by both the motto of Winchester College, 'Manners Makyth Man' and Sandhurst, 'Serve to Lead'.

The Second World War is famed for being the conflict that changed the face of warfare, and it is the last that changed the face of the world. In addition to remembering those that passed away in those dark days of war, a sincere debt of gratitude is owed to all those now in their twilight years who gave all that they had for King and Country.

The dramatic story of the Newton brothers, SOE agents in Nazi-occupied France during the Second World War

Title: Abraham Lincoln: The Practical Mystic by Francis GriersonDive into the profound wisdom and spiritual insights of one of America's greatest leaders with "Abraham Lincoln: The Practical Mystic" by Francis Grierson. In this enlightening exploration, Grierson unveils the hidden dimensions of Lincoln's character, revealing a side of the revered president that history often overlooks.Grierson, a mystic and visionary himself, delves into Lincoln's life, unraveling the layers of his personality to expose a man deeply connected to the mystical and spiritual realms. Beyond the iconic image of the tall, stoic figure, Grierson presents Lincoln as a practical mystic, someone who seamlessly integrated his intuitive insights with the pragmatic demands of leadership.From the crucible of the Civil War to the pivotal moments of his presidency, Grierson illustrates how Lincoln's mystical perspective guided his decisions, offering a fresh and compelling interpretation of the man behind the myth. Drawing on historical records, personal anecdotes, and Lincoln's own writings, Grierson paints a portrait of a leader whose strength and resilience were derived not only from political acumen but also from a profound connection to the mystical forces that shape our world.As you journey through the pages of "Abraham Lincoln: The Practical Mystic," you'll gain a deeper understanding of Lincoln's spiritual journey and the impact it had on the course of American history. Grierson skillfully combines historical narrative with spiritual exploration, making this book a captivating read for history enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and anyone intrigued by the intersection of mysticism and leadership.Discover the untold story of Abraham Lincoln - a practical mystic whose enduring legacy transcends the pages of history. Grierson's masterful narrative invites you to see Lincoln in a new light, unlocking the mysteries of a leader whose vision extended far beyond the challenges of his time.

"Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph" is a memoir written by T. E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia. The book recounts Lawrence's experiences during the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Lawrence played a key role in organizing and leading Arab forces against the Ottoman Turks in the Arabian Peninsula.The title "Seven Pillars of Wisdom" refers to the seven great cities of the Arab world mentioned in the Book of Proverbs in the Bible. The book is not only a historical account of the events but also a literary work, known for its vivid and poetic prose. Lawrence wrote much of the book while recovering from injuries sustained during the war.The memoir covers Lawrence's personal reflections, the challenges faced during the Arab Revolt, and his interactions with various Arab leaders. Lawrence explores the complexities of Arab politics, tribal dynamics, and the difficulties of achieving a unified Arab front against the Ottoman Empire. The narrative also delves into Lawrence's internal struggles with his identity, loyalty, and the moral implications of war."Seven Pillars of Wisdom" was initially published privately in 1926 and later in a more widely distributed edition in 1935. Lawrence's work has had a significant impact on the understanding of the Arab Revolt and the geopolitics of the Middle East during and after World War I. The book remains a classic in the genre of military memoirs and has been praised for its literary qualities and its contribution to the understanding of the Arab world.

In this timeless classic, delve into the extraordinary life of one of America's founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin. An architect of the nation and a polymath of unparalleled brilliance, Franklin takes you on an intimate journey through his remarkable life. From his humble beginnings in Boston to his groundbreaking experiments with electricity, Franklin's autobiography is a riveting tale of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge.