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Last days in old Europe: Trieste 79, Vienna 85, Prague 89 by Richard BassettPart memoir, part reflection, this book brings to life central Europe during the last ten years of the Cold War. It begins in Trieste in 1979 where the embers of the Habsburg Empire still burnt brightly, and then moves to the darker, claustrophobic world of Vienna in 1985. It recreates the farce and tragedy of the last days of communism.
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Plantagenet queens and consorts: Family, duty and power by Steven J. CorviThis book examines the lives and influence of 12 figures, comparing their different approaches to the manipulation and conservation of political power in what is always described as a man’s world. Beginning with Eleanor of Provence, loyal spouse of Henry III, the author follows the thread of Queenship: Philippa of Hainault, Joan of Navarre, Katherine Valois, Elizabeth Woodville, Anne Neville, and others, to Henry VII’s Elizabeth of York.
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Battles of the Crusades 1097-1444: From Dorylaeum to Varna by Kelly DevriesBattles of the Crusades introduces 20 key battles from this period of religiously inspired conflict in Europe and the Middle East. Beginning with the battle of Dorylaeum (1097) and finishing with the battle of Varna (1444), examples from every era and campaign are featured.
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The agitator: William Bailey and the first American uprising against Nazism by Peter DuffyThis story of an anti-fascist's dramatic and remarkable victory against Nazism in 1935 is an inspiration to anyone compelled to resist when signs of oppression are on the horizon. This is the captivating story of Bailey's courage and vision in the Bremen incident, the pinnacle of a life spent battling against fascism.
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What you have heard is true: A memoir of witness and resistance by Carolyn ForchéCarolyn Forché is twenty-seven when the mysterious stranger appears on her doorstep. The relative of a friend, he is a charming polymath with a mind as seemingly disordered as it is brilliant. She's heard rumours from her friend about who he might be: a lone wolf, a communist, a CIA operative, a sharpshooter, a revolutionary, a small coffee farmer, but according to her, no one seemed to know for certain. This is the powerful story of a poet's experience in a country on the verge of war, and a journey toward social conscience in a perilous time.
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We need to talk about Putin: Why the West gets him wrong by Mark GaleottiWho is the real Vladimir Putin? What does he want? And what will he do next? Professor Mark Galeotti uncovers the man behind the myth, addressing the key misperceptions of Putin and explaining how we can decipher his motivations and next moves. From Putin’s early life in the KGB and his real relationship with the USA to his vision for the future of Russia, and the world, Galeotti draws on new Russian sources and explosive unpublished accounts to give unparalleled insight into the man at the heart of global politics.
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21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah HarariHow can we protect ourselves from nuclear war, ecological cataclysms and technological disruptions? What can we do about the epidemic of fake news or the threat of terrorism? What should we teach our children? Yuval Noah Harari takes us on a thrilling journey through today’s most urgent issues.
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West Island: Five twentieth-century New Zealanders in Australia by Stephanie JohnsonFive notable twentieth-century New Zealanders who made their lives in Australia are the subject of this fascinating biographical investigation by award-winning author Stephanie Johnson. Roland Wakelin, Dulcie Deamer, Jean Devanny, Douglas Stewart and Eric Baume had little in common in personality, proclivities and politics. Yet they all experienced fame and/or notoriety in the West Island while being largely forgotten in their country of origin.
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Before Wallis : Edward VIII's other Women by Rachel TretheweyThis book is about the women Edward VIII adored before Wallis dominated his life. Each of the three women could have changed the course of history. By examining their lives and impact on the heir to the throne, Rachel Trethewey questions whether he ever really wanted to be king.
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Cults and Secret Societies
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| The road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple by Jeff GuinnThe horrific descent of charismatic small-town pastor turned cult leader Jim Jones, who in 1978 led 918 of his Peoples Temple followers into taking their own lives before he took his own. The Road to Jonestown was a 2018 Edgar Award Finalist for Best Fact Crime. |
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| The Templars: The rise and spectacular fall of God's holy warriors by Dan JonesAn engaging account of the Knights Templar, the order of holy warriors established in 1119 and violently destroyed two centuries later. There is a well-researched separation of fact from myth, including discussions of enduring legends and conspiracy theories about the order. A fascinating read for both general readers and fans of medieval history. |
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| Hunting Charles Manson: The quest for justice in the days of Helter Skelter by Lis WiehlA propulsive account of the infamous 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders orchestrated by Charles Manson and carried out by members of his "family." Former federal prosecutor Lis Wiehl utilizes her ample legal expertise to incorporate new research, exclusive interviews, and parole hearings into this "must read" |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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