Oakpast nov 2010 (24 risultati)

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - Short Flights With the Cloud Cavalryby 'Spin'Cavalry of the Cloudsby 'Contact'Air Combat over the trenches by those who foughtThe first hand accounts of the experiences of men in time of war always make fascinating reading. Their stories are, of course, always as varied as the individuals concerned and the eras to which they belonged, whether they were soldiers, sailors or airmen, the branch of their service, their nationalities, the conflict in which they were participants and in which theatre they fought. This is what makes military history so fascinating. Sometimes many men report a common experience that abided for decades. Occasionally we hear, across time, the voices of a few notable men who fought their own war in their own special way and once their time had past history would never know their like again. That is especially true of the pilots of the First World war. The machinery of flight was a new technology. The aircraft were raw, basic, flimsy and unproven machines and both they and the brave men who piloted them were fighting their first conflict while learning and evolving their skills and equipment, quite literally, as they fought and died. The dogfight days of the early biplanes, triplanes and early mono winged fighters would be short, but their images together with those of the iconic airships which they ultimately destroyed will remain indelibly imprinted on the history of conflict and the development of man's mastery of the air. Heroes to a man, these trailblazers were almost always young, carefree, well educated and modest young men full of the joy of living and commitment to their aircraft and to flying. This special Leonaur edition contains the writings of two such men from the Royal Air Force, written anonymously during wartime, which take the reader back to those dangerous and epic delays of aerial combat over the muddy trenches of the Western Front in Europe during the Great War. Available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket for collectors.…

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - A pivotal battle of the Napoleonic epochHistory records that Napoleon comprehensively defeated the Prussian Army of Frederick William III at the engagement of Saalfeld and the major conflicts of Jena and Auerstedt on the plateau immediately west of the River Saal in modern day Germany in October 1806. French casualties were relatively light-those of the Prussians huge by comparison. The outcome was decisive and led to the occupation and subjugation of Prussia by the French that endured for six years. Napoleon's genius for war was once again ably demonstrated at the expense of Brunswick, Hohenlohe and Ruchel. The victory became a jewel of renown in the imperial crown and the bridge erected across the River Seine and named in honour of the French victory remains to this day an indelible statement of the monumental importance of these engagements to the political stage in Europe during the early years of the nineteenth century. Jena was more than a defeat for the Prussians. It focused minds of the Prussian military on the shortcomings of the feudal system of politics and war that prevailed within their nation. The French had bloodily demonstrated that they would manage armies in an entirely different and more flexible manner and unless radical reform was to be instituted to the Prussian way of making war the future would be bleak. Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and Clauswitz all served in the battle and learnt its lessons of blood and fire well. This concise account of the campaign draws on the writings of the principal historians of the Napoleonic age as it describes each aspect of the action and compares the various theories as to the causes of events. It is supported here by maps of the terrain and battles to assist readers. Available in softcover and hardcover with dustjacket for collectors.…

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - On the South Western FrontierThe California ColumnFrontier Service During the RebellionKit Carson's Fight With the Comanche and Kiowa IndiansUnion men against rebels and Indians in the South WestThe story of the California Column is one of the most remarkable of the American Civil War. Whilst the war was one of a nation divided, each side was not a geographical whole. Much of the war was fought in the east but the vastness of the continent meant that both sides held territory far to the West, separated from their principal forces and seats of government by the American wilderness. In 1862 a force of Union volunteers marched some 900 miles from California to take the war to the Confederacy in New Mexico and western Texas. At the time it was the longest march ever attempted through desert by the U.S Army. Inevitably this incursion into the wild lands of the frontier brought the force into contact and collision with another enemy-the fierce warriors of the Indians of the south western plains. The author of this book was a serving officer of the California Column and he left three separate pieces about his experiences, which have been gathered together in this single volume special Leonaur edition. Of special note is the detailed account of the action now known as the First Battle of Adobe Walls. Near the site of the epic siege by buffalo hunters against Quanah Parker after the war, California Column troops under the command of the legendary Kit Carson held off a vastly numerically superior force of Comanches and Kiowas. Pettis was in command of the units howitzers and it is considered that his actions and the influence of artillery probably saved the Union force from annihilation. Available in softcover and hardcover with dustjacket.…

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - With Crook in pursuit of Geronimo and his bandThe author of this book was a U.S soldier in addition to being a well known and highly regarded author on the Apache Wars of the later nineteenth century-in which he was an active participant. He maintained an interest, respect for and in some measure an affection for the Apaches and he also made a serious study of and wrote notable works on their customs and culture. He is perhaps best known for his classic account of the Apache Wars, 'On the Border with Crook.' This small account was written prior to his larger and more expansive work. It originally appeared as a series of articles in the Boston published 'Outing Magazine.' Bourke decided to bring his earlier writings back into print in book form, at a time when the Apaches had once again taken the war trail, to provide the American public with context to then current events. This fascinating account, which centres on the events of the Spring of 1883, concerns Crook's pursuit of the Chiricahua Apaches who broke out of San Carlos reservation to raid through Arizona and Mexico before vanishing into the fastness of the Sierra Madre. Those with any interest or knowledge in this subject will find themselves familiarly introduced to the corps of Apache Scouts, Al Sieber (Zieber), the scout and interpreter, Crook, Gatewood, Chato and of course the renowned Geronimo, as well as other names long associated with this remarkable time in the history of the Apaches and Arizona. This book is an invaluable addition to the library of the early frontier of the South West of America. Available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket for collectors. …

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - The sharp end of the First Afghan WarThe author of this book, Colonel Stacy was a highly regarded and capable British soldier destined to acquire much experience of campaigning and battle upon the Indian Sub-Continent. After the events described here he served with distinction during the Gwalior War and commanded a brigade under Dick in the First Sikh War where his leadership 'from the front,' particularly at the hard fought Battle of Sobraon, brought recognition from Gough. In 1841 the British initiative to place Shah Shuja on the throne of Afghanistan saw Stacy as part of the 'Army of the Indus' with the 43rd regiment and he served with it under Nott. Service in Kelat followed, but after the disaster at Kabul, Stacy returned once more to campaigning and played an active part in the march to Kandahar and once more to Kabul. Stacy's action in the Jungdulluk Pass is especially noteworthy. This is an excellent account of the First Afghan War told by a serving British officer, it is filled with battle detail and dialogue and reveals the difficulties of soldiering in the most difficult terrain which was both familiar to and dominated by the enemy. Available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.…

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - Life and Adventures of 'Billy' Dixonby Billy DixonThe Battle of Adobe Wallsby Edward Campbell LittleTwo essential accounts of the south western plains in frontier daysThis special edition book contains two works-'Billy' Dixon's remarkable autobiography of his life on the south western plains of the American frontier of the post Civil War period and a useful and interesting article taken from the pages of Pearsons Magazine which describes the renowned battle at Abode Walls with contributions from many of the participants. For anybody interested in the history of the West, 'Billy' Dixon's name will be a familiar one. Drawn to the excitement of frontier life when no more than a boy, he lived life in full measure as a teamster, buffalo hunter and scout for the army. Dixon was well known as an outstanding marksman and when the day of battle came in July 1874 there were few among the defenders of Adobe Walls more prepared or more equal to the challenges of those three desperate days of conflict. Here legends were made as the Comanches and Kiowas under the renowned Quanah Parker charged to destruction time and again. By Dixon's side fought the young 'Bat Masterson' soon to be known as another figure of fame on the frontier. After Abode Walls Dixon's involvement with Miles' expedition brought him to yet another heroic fight with hostile Indians in the 'Buffalo Wallow Fight'. Together these two narratives make a unique book. Available in soft cover and hard back with dustjacket.…

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - The incredible story of the girl with the face tattooThe story of the Oatman girls, Olive and Mary Ann, is one of the most famous accounts of the abduction of white women by indigenous Indians in the annals of the history of the American western frontier. The Oatman's, led by their patriarch Royce, were a family of nine. Members of the Mormon faith, they had become dissenters of Brigham Young's leadership and allying themselves with James Brewster and his 'Brewsterites' resolved to move to California in 1850. The original substantial wagon-train they had formed for security split as a result of disagreements within the party and the group to which the Oatman's belonged further fragmented until the family were left travelling alone, against all advice, in hostile Indian territory. On the banks of the Gila River (in present day Arizona) the family were attacked by Indians and all were slaughtered with the exception of two girls, aged 13 and 7 years, who were abducted and a brother. Their brother Lorenzo was felled by a club blow, presumed dead by the assailants, and left among the corpses of his mother, father and siblings, but he regained consciousness and eventually found his way to safety. The girl's captors, Tolkepayas or Yavapais, kept the girls in slavery for a period then sold them to Mohave Apaches. The story of the ordeals of the Oatman girls has inspired fiction and works of history alike. Olive Oatman's face ,with its distinctive tattoo has all but become a western icon. Written during the 1850s this book became a bestseller of its day. This Leonaur edition is available in in softcover and hardback with dustjacket or collectors.…

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - The first lone circumnavigation of the globe under sailThis book is widely regarded a classic of sailing literature because it is an account written by the sailor who made the first solo navigation of the globe under sail. A biography of Joshua Slocum would make riveting reading in its own right, for inherent in him were all the attributes of the ideal seaman of the latter half of the nineteenth century. An unquenchable spirit of adventure propelled him through many voyages and hairsbreadth escapes from the forces of nature and pirates. In 1895 he set sail from America in 'Spray,' a 36' 9'' gaff rigged sloop oyster boat he had rebuilt himself. Navigating mainly without using his chronometer and only by 'dead-reckoning' Slocum sailed 'Spray' without actually touching the helm. His circumnavigation, which took three years to complete, covered a distance of some 46,000 miles. His triumphant return to America went virtually unnoticed-because the newspapers were focussed on the recent outbreak of war between Spain and America. This book, detailing his epic voyage and many adventures, was written shortly after his return, was serialised in magazines and became a rapid bestseller, earning glowing encomiums from many notably figures, especially from highly regarded authors of the time, including Arthur Ransome and Mark Twain, which elevated Joshua Slocum to international fame. This edition of his work is beautifully illustrated and is available in soft cover and hard cover with dust jacket. Leonaur hard covers are ideal for collections or to be presented as a forever treasured gift.…

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - A decisive campaign of the American War of IndependenceThe fast moving political situation of the latter part eighteenth century in America impacted upon the indigenous Indian tribes of the eastern woodlands as old loyalties and allegiances were fractured by the wars between European powers. The French in North America had but lately been deposed by the British when a new war broke out between the American colonists and the Crown. The Iroquois had remained loyal to the British but now the six nations were divided. Four tribes, the Mohawks, Cayugas, Onondagas and Senecas, remained faithful to their British allies whilst the Tuscaroras and Oneidas allied themselves to the new nation of the United States. Now Iroquois fought Iroquois. Nevertheless the power of the four nations, especially operating as guerrilla troops combined with Tory troops and Rangers could not be ignored as a substantial threat. In 1779 Congress decided to break the influence of the Iroquois decisively and forever. General John Sullivan and his troops of the Continental Army embarked on a scorched earth campaign which destroyed numerous Indian villages and brought the Indians and Tories to defeat at the Battle of Newtown. The action all but put an end to attacks by Loyalists and Indians. The survivors reeled back into Canada, but the hardship caused to the tribes by this crushing defeat resulted in many deaths by starvation and cold in the following winter. This history of the Sullivan Campaign is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.…

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - The evil of female exploitationHuman bondage and the exploitation of the weak, poor and vulnerable is as old as human kind itself. It is such a primal aspect of human nature that there have been long periods of history where it was considered the natural order, and in numerous cultures the members of which could dispassionately view the matter without it ever occurring to them that it might be morally reprehensible. Such is the mobility of morality. That situation, of course, prevailed openly in 'modern' western societies until very recently and certainly abides in the wider world less openly to this day. The traffic in young women to be used as labour slaves and especially those to be forced into prostitution has a history equally as long. Indeed, all know that this exploitation persists to the present time and is seemingly impossible to eradicate as it provides enormous revenue for the unscrupulous and gratification for the irrepressible base instincts of men. This book, written at the turn of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, sought in its day to make the public aware of the practice of 'white slavery' in an attempt to promote its eradication. The circumstances of the victims of times past may have been different in detail to those of today's enslaved, but the common thread of exploitation remains the same. This book is an interesting chronicle on the subject from an historical perspective and will engross all those interested in learning more. It poignantly demonstrates that the practice and the battle against human trafficking has been long established and-though the war proceeds without final victory or the expectation of it-long opposed. Available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.…

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - Actions of French Cavalry 1870by Jean Jacques The¿ophile BonieCavalry at Vionville & Mars-la-Tourby Otto August Johannes KaehlerTwo views of European cavalry warfare in the 19th CenturyIf the American Civil War taught what war would become in the world of the post Industrial Revolution ,the lesson was thoroughly learnt and its consequences best demonstrated in the Franco-Prussian War by Prussia itself. France remained anchored in spirit and much practice to the First Empire and paid the inevitable price exacted by her forward thinking enemy. Although the development of technology, logistical transportation, communications and mass production were making their presence felt in warfare, the fast, completely flexible movement of troops yet remained the province of the horse soldier and this may have provided a 'level playing field' for the protagonists. Yet even in this the Prussians out matched the French by rethinking the potentials of the mounted arm. The war contained cavalry engagements of massive proportions with appalling consequences for loss of life. For those who know anything of the history of cavalry at war the conflict of Mars-la-Tour, covered in depth in the pages of this book, will be significant. Two accounts of the cavalry during the Franco-Prussian War are included here. The first, written by a French cavalry officer shortly after the war, inevitably reveals the war from the French perspective. Bonie was an eyewitness to the events he describes and his text is immediate and poignant. Kaehler's text, from the perspective of the opposing camp, is a work of analytical history, though of equal value. This book originally appeared with a third piece concerning the American Civil War but this has been removed from this edition by the Leonaur editors to give the present edition a clearer more focus. Available in softcover and hardback for collectors.…

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - A unique perspective on the Napoleonic epochExtremely rare, even on the antiquarian market, this book is possibly unique, among those few published accounts of this era translated into English, as a first hand account of the years of Napoleon's wars in central Europe as experienced and reported on by a civilian who subsequently became an officer of the Prussian Army. The author of this dual perspective, Henry Steffens, was a Danish national and academic and in this book he describes his experiences, beginning with a short resume of his early life, the coming of the French Revolution and his observations of the French Army in the field. Shortly after his marriage, he moved with his family to Halle in Germany to take up a post at the University. In 1805 the Battle of Aüerstadt swept the defeated Prussian Army through the city whilst Steffens, clutching his newborn child, found himself running for his life as Bernadotte's infantry hounded their fleeing foes through the streets. Steffens later involved himself in subversive operations against the French including a conspiracy to assassinate the Emperor and was instrumental in raising a corps of volunteers as direct action became inevitable. An intimate of Scharnhorst among other notables of his day, Steffens joined the Prussian Army as a junior officer of Guard Chasseurs. Subsequently joining Blucher's staff (the old general called him affectionately 'Mr. Professor') as an intelligence officer, Steffens served through the campaigns of 1813-14. He saw action at Görschen, Bautzen, on attachment with the Russian Army, at the Battle of Leipzig, Champaubert (Montmirail) and the battle for and occupation of Paris in 1814. This book was originally entitled, 'Adventures on the Road to Paris,' but has been re-titled in this Leonaur edition to give the reader a view of its wider subject matter. Available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket for collectors.…

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - The desert and the kepi blancThe young author of this book thought he knew something of military life. He had served with American forces during the Spanish-American War, but by 1904 he was out of luck and desperate for a new way of life. Like many young men before and after him the 'glamour' of life in the French Foreign Legion exerted its irresistible appeal. Also like many Legion recruits he came to understand just how far from the gruelling reality his idealistic view was. Rosen shortly found himself in North Africa and so began the training which would turn him into a fully fledged Legionnaire. This was the French Foreign Legion of the era prior to the First World War where 'March or Die' was not just a slogan but a way of life-or death! This is a riveting account of what it was to be part of the French mercenary corps in the early years of the twentieth century by one who experienced it. Recommended. Available in softcover and hardcover with dustjacket.…

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - An alternative view of Napoleon and the men of the First EmpireThe author of this book, Alexander Kielland,was a Norwegian academic who had embarked upon a study of the Congress of Vienna when he became, by his own admission, captivated by the personality of the Emperor of the French. That fascination led to the writing of this book which looks upon the career, character traits and methods of the management of power and war of one of the most significant figures in European history. It is clear that Kielland has his own take on his subject and there will be those who take issue with him on some of his conclusions. Nevertheless, this campaign by campaign chronicle of the rise and fall of Napoleon is an absorbing book in which readers will find themselves compulsively reading on; this is in some measure as a result of the large number of 'Napoleon's Men,' considerably more than the usual shortlist of principal characters so often acknowledged, who are introduced within the text. The cast is impressive and small details of how Napoleon touched their lives, their weaknesses, moments of note and their ultimate fates make this account distinctive. Kielland also provides insights into members of the Bonaparte and Beauharnais families and their two-way relationships with Napoleon. The nationality of the writer is of course significant since he has no particular nationalistic 'axe to grind' regarding those about whom he writes, either individually or as nations. Kielland's impartiality helps him to offer the reader insights which are notable in that they are often quite different to those that more partisan observers could possibly offer on the same personalities, countries, causes or events. For those who have a fascination for the Napoleonic Wars this is an interesting and highly entertaining addition to its study. Available in softcover or hardback with dustjacket for collectors.…

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - Fighting and policing on the veldt and in the bushIn parts of the globe during the nineteenth century, particularly those quarters incrementally being coloured red by the growth of the British Empire, many new police forces were formed and their services were as varied as their locations and the native peoples who populated them dictated. Sometimes that meant the activities of the force were virtually military for long periods of time and they were always certainly far removed from the duties of a 'Bobby' of the home country in every way. Never was this more true than for the subject of this book, 'The Mounted Police of Natal.' Formed in 1874 in South Africa it came into being at a time of violence and unrest with which it was involved until the eve of the Great War. Wars and uprisings among the Kaffir tribes of the Cape were raging long before the creation of the NMP, but, naturally, they immediately became embroiled. Everyone who knows of the period is aware of how in 1879 war against the Zulu nation broke out and shook the security of the colony to the core. Brave men of the NMP fought against and died under the assegais of the Zulu impis at Isandlwhana and in many other bloody engagements related in these pages. This riveting account goes on to describe the part played by the force in two Boer Wars, various tribal uprisings, the Zulu Rebellion of 1906 as well as the activities of lone policemen whose 'beat' covered hundreds of square miles and who had to deal with smugglers, witchcraft and murders in remote corners of the empire. This is a highly readable and comprehensive work and is recommended. Available in softcover and hardcover with dustjacket for collectors.…

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - The men who stood beside the Great DukeThe Duke of Wellington was indisputably one of the most able military commanders in British history. He was not only a powerful intellect, but also a man of substantial character. In a time of aristocrats, Wellington was an autocrat able to manage powerful men by force of his still greater will and presence; with success came their inevitable respect. To Wellington, delegation failed to come easily and he clearly doubted the wisdom of it as a policy. He insisted on a knowledge of all things that might concern him and was prepared to issue directives on all matters. It is then, unsurprising that he eclipsed his immediate subordinates, senior figures and highly respected commanders in their own right, who were often given little latitude, and were regularly not fully briefed as to Wellington's strategy and grand tactics; for example, at Waterloo, amid flying shot, the duke terrified his staff by appearing to be the only person in possession of the plan of battle. All this, however, does nothing to diminish the clear contribution many of those closest to the Great Duke made towards the success of his campaigns. While having lessons to learn from Wellington they were more than capable military men-if not actually possessed of quite the same degree of military 'genius' as their commander in chief. This book chronicles eight of Wellington's lieutenants as they fought for him in the Peninsula and at Waterloo. Lord 'Daddy' Hill earned his nickname because of his extraordinary concern for the wellbeing of his soldiers; he was Wellington's most trusted general and was, unusually, given independent command by Wellington. The fiery Craufurd, leader of the Light Division, could always be depended upon to take the fight to the enemy-sometimes whether it was prudent to do so or not. Picton, the hard swearing Welshman was never easy to company but was an essential commander on the field of conflict. Accounts of the campaigns and actions of these notable soldiers are joined in this riveting book by those of Beresford, Lynedoch, Hopetoun, Anglesey and Combermere. Available in softcover and hardcover with dustjacket.…

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - Experiences of the momentous fleet battle of the Great War at seaThe narratives of the fighting at Jutland which are collected in this book were all written by officers or men who were present at the battle, and they are, therefore, first-hand evidence of the detailed events of the fighting. The book is not a criticism; it is a record of personal experiences. One has often felt that a great gap would be filled in the histories of old-time naval battles if one could read true stories of all the hundred and one personal incidents of the fighting that must have occurred in the days of old. Imagine the adventure that could be contained in a book truly describing the fighting incidents of Trafalgar! What an insight it would give us into the character and courage of the men who served Nelson. So this book of the Fighting at Jutland is an endeavour to fill a like gap for the one fleet action of the War of 1914-18. (From the Introduction) This book benefits from the inclusion a useful supporting narrative of the action in detail and at large to give the experiences of the individual authors context and to clarify their role in the wider conflict, as well as numerous photographs, illustrations, maps and diagrams demonstrating the manoeuvring of vessels. Available in softcover and hardcover with dustjacket.…

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - The legendary German general of the bush war in AfricaFor many the Great War means the Western Front, that gruelling, slogging stalemate of attrition that was the mud and blood of trench warfare. Yet this was truly a 'world war' fought between nations, many of whom were imperial powers with footholds, interests or colonies across the globe which were often in close proximity to those who were now their enemies. Conflicts took place on land, sea and in the air; the battlegrounds could be tropical jungle or bleached desert. For many of those interested in the war of 1914-18 these so called 'side-show' campaigns are, liberated from the standstill of the European theatre, of special interest. These were mobile wars where the talents of good commanders found the potential for expression and where often exotic terrain and colonial troops brought unique colour and singular events into being. Never was this more applicable than in East Africa where British and German territories lay 'cheek by jowl'. The men who fought these campaigns included Africans, both black and white, who knew the bush well and were equal to its challenges. The author of this book was one of the most remarkable commanders in the entire war not only in the East African Campaign, for he was never truly beaten in battle though quite often the odds were decidedly against him. This was a German with a genius for guerrilla warfare whose achievements could rival the exploits of Lawrence of Arabia. Inevitably, his account of his experiences during the First World War, originally published shortly thereafter, make essential and riveting reading for all those interested in the subject. Available in softcover and hardcover with dustjacket.…

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - The great clash between the U.S Army and the Plains Indian tribesEveryone who has been fascinated by the history of the American western frontier has much for which to thank Cyrus Townsend Brady, the author of this book. Brady was a prolific author of both fiction and non fiction and in both genres his abiding interest and knowledge of the history of his own country is a well demonstrated. This book, 'Indian Fights and Fighters,' captivated readers upon its publication and its success made the series of which it was part highly popular, although it was the fourth, not the first in his 'American Fights and Fighters Series.' Several more 'Fights and Fighters' books, based upon similar themes, followed. Brady relates-with some scholarship and with the help of maps, plans and illustrations-the principal engagements of the Plains Indian Wars in the period after the Civil War. The book draws on the first hand accounts of many of the people who were involved and is notable for bringing before the reader accounts by those who had not previously been published. Herein is a veritable cornucopia of western incident, campaigns, battles, fights and massacres, the full list of which is too numerous to catalogue here. They include the Fetterman Massacre, the Wagon Box Fight, Beecher's Island, the Fight on Beaver Creek, the Washita, the Rosebud and many, many more. This book has become an invaluable, highly regarded and enduring classic of the History of the West. Available in softcover and hardcover with dustjacket for collectors.…

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - A three volume excursion into the dark realmsIf the genre of supernatural fiction were a windowless corridor there would be those authors who stood at the light of the door only to peep playfully within and those who ventured farther along it to where the light was dimmer and the fear more palpable. Inevitably, in this analogy, there would be those who occupied a place far from the light where the darkness was almost complete. There, perhaps, one would find the work of Guy de Maupassant. It is a place uncomfortable to occupy and, for some, to visit. It is difficult to know how much of the deep disturbance of the troubled and driven characters within these often erotic stories comes from the author's interest in psychology and how much inspiration came from his own proclivities. Certainly his self-penned epitaph 'I have coveted everything and enjoyed nothing,' is revealing. In 1892 ravaged by syphilis, wracked by obsessions and paranoia the author attempted suicide by cutting his own throat. He was committed to a private asylum and died the following year. He was 42 years old. Guy de Maupassant is recognised as a giant of nineteenth century French literature, a protégé of Flaubert, an inspiration to H. P Lovecraft, among others, and an acknowledged master of the short story-a form in which he was very prolific. Indeed, this special Leonaur three volume collection of his excursions into the supernatural and strange contains almost 140 stories. De Maupassant produced fine prose in an economical style for which he became famous, but some more recent translations have been criticised for having lost his essential elegance of style; to preserve the integrity of the writing as far as possible the Leonaur editors have utilised earlier translations.In volume one the reader will discover two novelettes, 'Little Louise Roque' and 'Mad' together with forty five short stories including, 'Beside a Dead Man,' 'The Golden Braid,' 'The Spectre,' 'The Devil,' 'He ' and many othersLeonaur editions are available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket for collectors.…

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - The final volume of this special Leonaur collectionIf the genre of supernatural fiction were a windowless corridor there would be those authors who stood at the light of the door only to peep playfully within and those who ventured farther along it to where the light was dimmer and the fear more palpable. Inevitably, in this analogy, there would be those who occupied a place far from the light where the darkness was almost complete. There, perhaps, one would find the work of Guy de Maupassant. It is a place uncomfortable to occupy and, for some, to visit. It is difficult to know how much of the deep disturbance of the troubled and driven characters within these often erotic stories comes from the author's interest in psychology and how much inspiration came from his own proclivities. Certainly his self-penned epitaph 'I have coveted everything and enjoyed nothing,' is revealing. In 1892 ravaged by syphilis, wracked by obsessions and paranoia the author attempted suicide by cutting his own throat. He was committed to a private asylum and died the following year. He was 42 years old. Guy de Maupassant is recognised as a giant of nineteenth century French literature, a protégé of Flaubert, an inspiration to H. P Lovecraft, among others, and an acknowledged master of the short story-a form in which he was very prolific. Indeed, this special Leonaur three volume collection of his excursions into the supernatural and strange contains almost 140 stories. De Maupassant produced fine prose in an economical style for which he became famous, but some more recent translations have been criticised for having lost his essential elegance of style; to preserve the integrity of the writing as far as possible the Leonaur editors have utilised earlier translations.Volume three of this special three volume Guy de Maupassant collection of strange tales contains one novella 'The Heritage' and thirty seven fine examples of his shorter fiction, among these the reader will discover 'The Olive Grove,' 'A Traveller's Tale,' 'The Grave,' 'A Queer Night in Paris,' 'Moonlight,' 'The Moribund.' 'The Horrible,' 'The Man with Blue Eyes' and many more.Leonaur editions are available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket for collectors.…

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - A second foray into the strange imagination of Guy de MaupassantIf the genre of supernatural fiction were a windowless corridor there would be those authors who stood at the light of the door only to peep playfully within and those who ventured farther along it to where the light was dimmer and the fear more palpable. Inevitably, in this analogy, there would be those who occupied a place far from the light where the darkness was almost complete. There, perhaps, one would find the work of Guy de Maupassant. It is a place uncomfortable to occupy and, for some, to visit. It is difficult to know how much of the deep disturbance of the troubled and driven characters within these often erotic stories comes from the author's interest in psychology and how much inspiration came from his own proclivities. Certainly his self-penned epitaph 'I have coveted everything and enjoyed nothing,' is revealing. In 1892 ravaged by syphilis, wracked by obsessions and paranoia the author attempted suicide by cutting his own throat. He was committed to a private asylum and died the following year. He was 42 years old. Guy de Maupassant is recognised as a giant of nineteenth century French literature, a protégé of Flaubert, an inspiration to H. P Lovecraft, among others, and an acknowledged master of the short story-a form in which he was very prolific. Indeed, this special Leonaur three volume collection of his excursions into the supernatural and strange contains almost 140 stories. De Maupassant produced fine prose in an economical style for which he became famous, but some more recent translations have been criticised for having lost his essential elegance of style; to preserve the integrity of the writing as far as possible the Leonaur editors have utilised earlier translations.In volume two of this special three volume Leonaur edition of the genius of Guy de Maupassant readers will find fifty four stories of his incredible visions of the other worldly and strange. In these pages are 'A Dead Woman's Secret,' 'A Night in Whitechapel,' 'A Widow,' 'After Death,' 'Belhomme's Beast,' 'Christmas Eve,' 'Countess Satan,' 'Graveyard Sirens,' 'Room No. Eleven' and many other wonderful and evocative classics of the art of the short story.Leonaur editions are available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket for collectors.…

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - Thirty-four masterful strange tales by the grand master of the nature of fearThere has been much written about Montague Rhodes James that needs no repetition here. To those who know anything of the literature of the supernatural his name and work stands on the highest tier in the Pantheon of the greatest writers of the genre. James brought his horrors to his readers genteelly wrapped in the fine prose of an academic often describing the apparently logical lives and worlds of fictional nondescript academics and antiquarians. Brilliantly, his menaces creep into the safe lives of unsuspecting, undynamic personalities-into the very fabric of the ordinary in notably commonplace scenarios. In this lies the James genius, for he understood well that it is the subtle menace of approaching horror that builds the most terror and that what we all fear most, born out of our primeval fear of darkness, is the unknown and the unfathomable. James' ghosts rarely come shrieking out of a closet. They hint at their presence, they unsettle and then they approach with dreadful inexorability. Among those who know the genre of supernatural fiction well many regard M. R. James as its finest exponent. For those who are yet to experience his delicious chills this volume will be a revelation and an abiding pleasure.This special Leonaur edition of all the M. R. James supernatural and weird fiction completed and published in his lifetime contains the enduringly popular 'Canon Alberic's Scrap-Book,' 'Lost Hearts' and 'The Ash-Tree' as well as less familiar gems such as 'The Tractate Middoth' and 'Mr Humphreys and His Inheritance.' In all, a feast of thirty-four small masterpieces including James' strange novella for younger readers 'The Five Jars.'Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket-ideal for collectors or as a special gift to be forever treasured.…

Buch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - An incredible heroine of the ConfederacyThere are several accounts told through the ages, and concerning several conflicts, of women who went to war for the cause they espoused and who not only performed extraordinary feats of daring and bravery, but acted disguised and undetected in the roles of men. The history of the American Civil War offers several examples where the women concerned came from both sides of the conflict and all are incredible. Several of these dauntless Amazons have left posterity riveting accounts of their experiences, but among them all this book, written by the Cuban born Loreta Janeta Velazquez, is widely regarded not only as an extraordinary narrative among those where all are extraordinary, but also as an account of a woman's wartime experiences that has virtually no equal in history. This was an exceptional woman by any standards and her story will inform, astonish and entertain. Indeed, it has long been the subject of disputed veracity in its entirety, but modern historians have confirmed much of its authenticity. If it does contain a few 'tall stories' it will not be exceptional among memoirs irrespective of the gender of the author. Loreta enlisted for the South in 1861 as a regular soldier and, of course, as a man, under the name of Lieutenant Harry Buford. She fought at First Bull Run, Balls Bluff, Fort Donelson and at Shiloh. This remarkable woman then gave up uniform to travel behind the Union lines, there working as a spy, gathering intelligence and undertaking other dangerous and subversive activities on behalf of the Confederacy. This is an indispensable book for all those interested in outstanding women of action. Available in softcover and hardcover with dustjacket.…