Winner of the National Jewish Book AwardWinner of the Washington Institute Book PrizeOne of the Best Books of the YearSt. Louis Post-Dispatch * Kirkus ReviewsIn this groundbreaking work; Bruce Hoffman—America’s leading expert on terrorism—brilliantly re-creates the crucial thirty-year period that led to the birth of Israel. Drawing on previously untapped archival resources in London; Washington; D.C.; and Jerusalem; Anonymous Soldiers shows how the efforts of two militant Zionist groups brought about the end of British rule in the Middle East. Hoffman shines new light on the bombing of the King David Hotel; the assassination of Lord Moyne in Cairo; the leadership of Menachem Begin; the life and death of Abraham Stern; and much else. Above all; he shows exactly how the underdog “anonymous soldiers†of Irgun and Lehi defeated the British and set in motion the chain of events that resulted in the creation of the formidable nation-state of Israel. One of the most detailed and sustained accounts of a terrorist and counterterrorist campaign ever written; Hoffman has crafted the definitive account of the struggle for Israel—and an impressive investigation of the efficacy of guerilla tactics. Anonymous Soldiers is essential to anyone wishing to understand the current situation in the Middle East.
#51917 in Books Chang Jung 2014-09-09 2014-09-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.16 x 1.29 x 6.13l; .81 #File Name: 0307456706464 pagesEmpress Dowager CIXI The Concubine Who Launched Modern China
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A different point of viewBy WingHang WongI really enjoyed how this book presented this infamous empress from a different point of view. Like Cleopatra; although she's made her share of mistake; the reason history vilified her appears to do more with her gender than her actual impact in history. So many movies and TV shows that portray her focuses on her 'evilness' and completely negates all the good she's done for her country - especially given her limited power.On top of presenting a different view; this book is also well written. Some people may not appreciate the style; but it reads almost like a fiction; which made it more entertaining for me.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating WomanBy NetadminImpressive biography by Jung Chang. She covers the empress reign deftly; objectively. Great biography about China coming of age in 20th century. I read Ms Chang Wild Swans; her family's history before this; and it's fascinating; brief look back in history. Research is meticulous and Corroborated by stories written by other ex-court women during this reign.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A fresh look at a fascinating figureBy Pam KYears ago; I read "Imperial Woman" by Pearl S. Buck; a novelized version of the life of Tzu Hsi (as Cixi was known to Westerners at the time). Buck told the tale of a brilliant opportunist; a Manchu concubine who used sex; murder and mayhem to claw her way to the top of her society. It was a sensational and; I now realize; flawed account of this towering personality.Jung Chang has reached deep into both Chinese culture and newly-opened archives to set the record straight. As a writer; she is sympathetic; yet fair-minded in her analysis of Cixi; whose real story is as unlikely as a fairy tale.Here; a rather plain and insignificant 16 year old girl actually did become the ruler of the most populous country in the world; through sheer force of intelligence and personal charisma (and rather less sex and mayhem). Yet Cixi did embody the deep contradictions inherent in her world — at once peace-loving and scholarly; yet capable of savage torture and gross inequity. She loved her country's medieval beauty even as she dragged it into the modern age. She proved herself capable of murder; but unlike the far bloodier Mao; Cixi was also capable of regretting it and recalibrating her path forward. She was a remarkable person by any measure; but most especially as a woman who drew her stunning power from within a deeply misogynistic culture.Well-illustrated and researched; "Empress Dowager Cixi;" at its best; offers Western readers real insights into a deeply different culture...insights that still resonate today.
