Examining a series of El Nino-induced droughts and the famines that they spawned around the globe in the last third of the 19th century; Mike Davis discloses the intimate; baleful relationship between imperial arrogance and natural incident that combined to produce some of the worst tragedies in human history. Late Victorian Holocausts focuses on three zones of drought and subsequent famine: India; Northern China; and Northeastern Brazil. All were affected by the same global climatic factors that caused massive crop failures; and all experienced brutal famines that decimated local populations. But the effects of drought were magnified in each case because of singularly destructive policies promulgated by different ruling elites. Davis argues that the seeds of underdevelopment in what later became known as the Third World were sown in this era of High Imperialism; as the price for capitalist modernization was paid in the currency of millions of peasants’ lives.
#1468443 in Books Osprey 1999-09-01 1999-09-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.90 x .23 x 7.24l; #File Name: 185532841098 pages9781855328419
Review
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Typos on the RappahannockBy Richard BergSmith's is one of the better Osprey volumes; with some evocative Hook 'paintings' (I hesitate to use the word "art")and nicely detailed maps of the fighting in and around the town and Marye's Heights. While the narrative is a bit choppy; in terms of style; it makes its point. The detailed OoB is quite valuable . . .and would be more so if it weren't for the disturbing number of typos (The 22nd Mass regiment with 2100+ men? A battery with 21 Napoleons.) Not definitive; nor is it intended to be; but valuable nonetheless.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Irish Brigade interest.By james brennanGreat book relating not only the Irish Brigade but entire campaign. Colored pictures greatly enhance experience. I would recommend it's purchase.12 of 12 people found the following review helpful. Errors AboundBy Duncan LangI hate to nit-pick; but I found Fredericksburg 1862 and Chancellorsville 1863 to be replete with errors; at least the versions I read; both Military Book Club editions. The lists of errors I sent to Osprey went on for a three and six pages respectively. Many of them were relatively minor; but there were enough of them; and some not so minor; to cause me to consider the books greatly flawed. Let me note here that I live near Fredericksburg and volunteer once a month at the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center; so I am fairly familiar with the battles in question. I also want to point out up front that Osprey was very receptive to my comments and implied that future editions may incorporate some changes. I own more than 75 Osprey titles and that this is certainly not the norm for their products; many of which are excellent.Some types of problems I noted with the books included:- spelling errors such as Sedgewick for Sedgwick (not always; but several times); Siegel for Sigel and Hero Van Borke for Heros von Borcke.- geographic errors such as inaccurate descriptions of the road net; an incorrect locations for geographic features; and faulty relative positions.- graphical errors such as inaccurate troop dispositions (multiple instances); incorrect unit symbology and faulty depiction of vegetation on maps.- factual errors such as placing events on the wrong date; incorrectly identifying unit commanders and referring to Chancellorsville as a farmhouse rather than an inn.I recommend waiting for a revised edition.
