The Empire Books

I was very pleases with the service and the quality of the book would do business again with them.

The second volume in the outstanding Scholarly Resources "World Beat" series, Expanding Empires: Cultural Interaction And Exchange In World Societies From Ancient To Early Modern Times is a selection of profoundly insightful, expertly documented, scholarly essays concerning the changes and legacies that various empires contributed to world history ranging from the influence of Alexander the Great, to the first Imperial Unification of India, to the dynasties of China, and more. Collaboratively compiled and edited by historians Wendy F. Kasinec (University of Arizona) and Michael A. Polushin (The Hewlett Foundation), this is a varied yet wide-ranging compendium of sixteen informed and informative essays. Expanding Empires is a welcome and much appreciated contribution to World History and International Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

THIS should be required in every sixth grade class and every home in the 1st world! This will tell how the World Bank is the BIGGEST menace on planet, creating UNTOLD misery, poverty and funds US military industrial sales, hence massacres, for resources. If you want to see what REALLY goes on in the world, and what REALLY determines its fate, this is it. (A Fate Worse Then Debt is also #1) Ms. George, Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou... Susan George changed my life. Incredible corruption exposed!

A delightful little book that gives the reader a basic understanding of the conflict.

Nicely written. Easy to understand. Nicely illustrated. Does not give into to political correctness. A joy to read.

Very thought provoking. Dr. Bailey's book describes the free society our ancestors set forth and how we today have let that idealology slowly wither as we allow tolerance and distruction in our churches, our schools and at our borders. Let us all be reminded of our roots and who created us and to live out purposes on earth with honesty, integrity and moral values. Is that such a cost for freedom?

Although this is considered a history book, it could as easily be considered an art book. The book is divided into two parts. The first part is written, the second is illustrated. The first part is essentially an essay, as it goes through the conquest of Mexico in less than tirty pages. The text is very easy to read and can be read by adolescents. The second part is the true gem of this book as the illustrations are by Keith Henderson,who illustrated the two-volume edition of "The Conquest of Mexico" by Prescott. Henderson was so impressed with Prescott's "The Conquest Of Mexico" that he created these pen and ink drawings in 1922. The original prints have long been out of print but have been revived here. The ilustrations are exceptional and not to be missed by any history buff or lover of art that deals with the Aztecs and their conquest.

Colin Cross gives an interesting look at the peak times and fall of the British empire. His overall idea is that the empire is an accident of history and was destined to fall. The reason for its fall included the spread of self determination, economic profitability outside of the empire and the flow of nationalistic ideas in the former empire. He provides an excellent look at the heyday of empire form 1914-1945 when the empire begins to crumble. The signs of stress begin from 1918 onwards and by 1940 are becoming apparent. World War II would be a catalyst that driven by Ghandi would result in the fall of the empire. The Suez crisis confirmed that the British did not have the power they once did and the empire collapsed swiftly afterward. The crown jewel of India was one of the first to fall with a new leadership emerging from the congress there. This book provides an interesting look and although it is not the most recent scholarship it still bears looking at. For those who want to see a good overview of the fall of empire this is an excellent place to start.

This is truly one of my favorite books (arcane though it is). Sphrantzes' court history is personal, immediate and very human. Unlike most Byzantine historians the reader gets a sense of the author's personality. All of the characters are well rounded with normal strengths and weaknesses. I find the story of Constantine XI last days to be very moving as he struggles to save his city from the assault of the Turks. Sphrantzes portrait shows Constantines' strength as well as his despair in those final days.

Great end notes too.

Though most Indians know a bit about key Moghul emperors such as Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shajahan, and Aurangjeb, we draw a blank when it comes to the period after that. We simply jump to 1857, when Bahadur Shah Zafar died in tragic circumstances.

This book covers part of the gap from 1739 to 1803. Nadir Shah invaded Delhi in 1739, and brought the great Moghul emperor, Mohammad Shah to his knees. This was a formal announcement of the waning power of the Moghul dynasty, which had been on the decline since the death of Aurangzeb. The book ends in 1803, by when the British had replaced the Moghuls. It also covers the interesting period when the Marathas were in the ascendant, though in the end they failed to consolidate their power.

The book is written in a simple style, and focuses on the political and military history, a kind of traditional view of history, which is so rare now. There is a great deal of detail, with each key player having been covered in a satisfactory manner. To a person living in Delhi, most of this history is within touching distance, and very real. For instance, once you have read this book, you will see Safdarjung Enclave in a different light. When you travel across North India, you will be reminded again and again of the battles which were fought, and go over those scenes in your mind. For that is the power of Sir Jadunath Sarkar's writing - real history written so that it reads like engrossing fiction.

There is a lot to learn about power, deceit, treachery, loyalty in this book. Many of these emotions and power plays recur every day in Delhi, a city which according to legends goes back some 5,000 years.

There are some interesting nuggets, and surprises. For instance, Muhammad Shah 'Rangeela' comes across as much more humane, and real. He voluntarily gave himself up to Nadir Shah as a hostage, in order to save his people in Delhi from being butchered. We were always told that Muhammad Shah was interested only in wine and women - perhaps, but Jadunath Sarkar also shows us his other, more positive side, along with the failings.
Similarly, we get to see Safdarjung's positive and negative sides, both. Sir Jadunath Sarkar writes like a historian of the old school, trying to draw political and military lessons, from history, but also telling us a lot about human drama, and how we deal with life.

This book, written almost 75 years ago, has been out of print for some time. The book is now (2007) available in India as a four-volume paperback set, published by Orient Longman, Delhi for Rs.1195.

A must-buy if you like a good story and are interested in Moghul or Indian history. People interested in buildings from the Moghul period will also find much fascinating detail here.

Though short and aimed at high school students, this volume is an effective summary of various theories for why Rome fell. It will be very useful for high school and college students taking general ancient history courses. For adult readers, it's a nice, though brief introduction to the subject. For more in-depth coverage, see the author's bibliography in the back of the book.