A kaleidoscopic picture of British society in the year of the battle of Waterloo; evoking the sights; sounds; and smells of a defining moment in modern British history 1815 was the year of Waterloo; the British victory that ended Napoleon's European ambitions and ushered in a century largely of peace for Britain. But what sort of country were Wellington's troops fighting for? And what kind of society did they return to? Stephen Bates paints a vivid portrait of every aspect of Britain in 1815. Overseas; the bounds of Empire were expanding; at home; the Thames froze over; and the population endured the chill of economic recession. As Jane Austen busied herself with the writing of Emma; John Nash designed Regent Street; Humphrey Davy patented his safety lamp for miners; and Lord's cricket ground held its first match in St John's Wood; a nervous government infiltrated dissident political movements and resorted to repressive legislation to curb free speech. This book offers a richly engrossing picture of a year that resonates to a surprising degree with the Britain of today.
#746137 in Books imusti 2012-06-19 2012-06-19Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.10 x .72 x 5.43l; .56 #File Name: 1780761376224 pagesI B Tauris Company
Review
0 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Results of oppressionBy DudneThe author outlines the tragic recoveries the Soviet prisoners had after the Stalin Gulags. However it is also pointed out the many monuments erected to the victims and other monuments are not to be found even for the survivors of American slavery or for other Soviet victims. Thus showing us that the Leaders of countries have selective remorse for their actions.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. An excellent short historyBy Toe TagFor those who don’t know; Steven F. Cohen is one of the most respected modern historians of 20th century Russian history. This book is the product of his first hand research and interviews with those who suffered during the years the Soviets ran gulags.The writing is superb as is the editing of the work. It is a true small history of the Sviet gulag system and explores the impact the prisons had on both the people and political landscape. The book poses some interesting questions about what to with the survivors of the gulag and the stigma that comes from having been a prisoner in one.I found the book to be fascinating. This is an area I don’t have deep knowledge in and the book provided a comprehensive survey without making it difficult to understand. It also shows the stoic nature of the people who persevere against terrible odds. Many of them are scared for life both personally and professionally.Interestingly enough; if you have heard an interview with the author of this book; you’ll soon realize his style is very similar to the way he presents himself in interviews. So much so that it was as the author was giving an extended classroom lecture that left the students on the edge of their seats.I really don’t have anything to compare this book with. Normally; I like to suggest other books on a similar topic. In this case I need to read more before I can provide a solution to this.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The Aftermath of the GulagBy Thomas HaneyI have reviewed 104 of the 180 pages. The author has done extensive interviews as well as research into the recovery by victims of the genocidal and murderous regime of the monster known as Josef Stalin. Even the spouses of his chief henchmen were known to serve a dozen years in the"gulag" on trumped-up and false charges. Many inmates were tortured and murdered and never had the opportunity of release after Stalin's death in March; 1953. At that time released inmates were often reintegrated into Soviet society and many rejoined the Communist Party. Go figure. It is an interesting and enlightening history.
