The twentieth century is usually seen as "the century of total war." But as the historian David Bell argues in this landmark work; the phenomenon actually began much earlier; in the era of muskets; cannons; and sailing ships—in the age of Napoleon. In a sweeping; evocative narrative; Bell takes us from campaigns of "extermination" in the blood-soaked fields of western France to savage street fighting in ruined Spanish cities to central European battlefields where tens of thousands died in a single day. Between 1792 and 1815; Europe plunged into an abyss of destruction. It was during this time; Bell argues; that our modern attitudes toward war were born. In the eighteenth century; educated Europeans thought war was disappearing from the civilized world. So when large-scale conflict broke out during the French Revolution; they could not resist treating it as "the last war" -- a final; terrible spasm of redemptive violence that would usher in a reign of perpetual peace. As this brilliant interpretive history shows; a war for such stakes could only be apocalyptic; fought without restraint or mercy. Ever since; the dream of perpetual peace and the nightmare of total war have been bound tightly together in the Western world—right down to the present day; in which the hopes for an "end to history" after the cold war quickly gave way to renewed fears of full-scale slaughter. With a historian's keen insight and a journalist's flair for detail; Bell exposes the surprising parallels between Napoleon's day and our own—including the way that ambition "wars of liberation;" such as the one in Iraq; can degenerate into a gruesome guerrilla conflict. The result is a book that is as timely and important as it is unforgettable.
#8639 in Books Adam Hochschild 1999-10 1999-09-03Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.08 x 6.00l; 1.06 #File Name: 0618001905366 pagesKing Leopold s Ghost A Story of Greed Terror and Heroism in Colonial Africa
Review
40 of 41 people found the following review helpful. This book changed my lifeBy Kevin K kamisenduSo I don't usually do leave reviews of books but I had to this time. I bought this books about 8 Pontus ago but I read the last few weeks only and I think it was the perfect timing with what is going on in my life right now as I'm making big choices concerning my future right now. If I didn't read this book right I probably would have missed on what might just be my life goal and something I plan on focusing for a good part of my life once I get more ready for it. I know this is not much of a book review as of now but I just wanted to show how much the story of my people have affected me and how I really want to do something about all the suffering that have been going and keeps on happening now. I myself grew up in Kinshasa; my dad was an army colonel who fought against Mobutu in the 90's and had to flee the country for a few years because of that. This year (2017) I'm about tombe 18 and I surprised that it's only now that I get to know the story of my people and what that so-called King Léopold II have done. Throughout my read I came to decide that one day I want to be a change in my countries history too; a positive change; I want to be the African voice to change the Congo and make it one of the great countries. I know I sound a little too exited now and kind of dreaming but I'm still a kid so I guess it's okay right? One day hopefully once I do start making a change someone finds this "review" and call me out on it.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A poignant reminder of that which many would like to forgetBy lebKing Leopold's ghost tells the story of exploitation; and suffering in the Congo as well the human rights movement to stop many of the abuses. Overall an excellent and engaging read for anyone interested in learning about a largely overlooked aspect of colonial history.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating; easy to readBy IkatI knew that; among African colonies; the Belgian colonies suffered the most. But I had no idea of the magnitude. Or of America's post-colonial adventures.This is a well written; easy to read book which meticulously details the history of this horrific period. It will forever change your understanding of the Congo; and of much of colonialism in Africa.Highly recommended.
