In 1990 Namibia gained its independence after a decades-long struggle against South African rule
- &, before that, against German
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In 1809, New Yorkers were buzzing about a series of classified ads concerning the whereabouts of Dutch historian Diedrich Knickerbocker. They were unaware that Washington Irving had invented the man entirely & placed the ads himself. Knickerbocker`s purported manuscript, ”A History of New York”, was Irving`s own. Told from Knickerbocker`s point of view, ”A History of New York” is a chronicle of New York`s fifty years under Dutch rule in the 1600s that plays fast & loose with the facts, to uproarious effect. ”A History of New York” propelled Irving to the heights of literary stardom. ...

What did we know about birds a thousand years ago, & how has our understanding developed? A History of Ornithology offers a complete history of birdwatching in Britain, a classic for every nature lover's bookshelf. Today there is a huge interest in birdwatching as a hobby, & over the years amateur birdwatchers have contributed enormously to our understanding of the birds around us. At the same time, ornithology has developed as a science
- in the field, in the laboratory, & in the universities
- & birds have played their part in pushing forward the frontiers of biological knowledge. Peter Bircham looks at the history of British ornithology, spanning a millennium & exploring along the way the first bird book, the earliest British lists, various notable scientists, collectors & artists, the first studies of migration, & the challenges presented by classification. He traces the development of the British Ornithologists' Union & other organisations, & finishes with a review of the current state of ornithology in Britain.A History of Ornithology is an authoritative & engrossing account, packed full of fascinating stories
- not only about the birds but also about the many colourful characters who have studied them through the ages. This beautifully illustrated book will hold great appeal both for the student of ornithology & for the enthusiastic amateur naturalist.


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It is impossible to understand Palestine today without a careful reading of its distant & recent past. But until now there has been no single volume in English that tells the history of the events--from the Ottoman Empire to the mid-twentieth century--that shaped modern Palestine. The first book of its kind, A History of Palestine offers a richly detailed interpretation of this critical region`s evolution. Starting with the prebiblical & biblical roots of Palestine, noted historian Gudrun Krmer examines the meanings ascribed to the land in the Jewish, Christian, & Muslim traditions. Paying special attention to social & economic factors, she examines the gradual transformation of Palestine, following the history of the region through the Egyptian occupation of the mid-nineteenth century, the Ottoman reform era, & the British Mandate up to the founding of Israel in 1948. Focusing on the interactions of Arabs & Jews, A History of Palestine tells how these connections affected the cultural & political evolution of each community & Palestine as a whole. ...

Anita Prazmowska provides a wide-ranging survey of Poland's history, from early settlements, through the establishment of the Kingdom of Pol&, to the present day modern state. This expanded second edition has been revised throughout in the light of the latest research, & brings the story right up to date. A new Bibliography also features. ...

Did you ever wonder which civilisation first took to water in small craft? Who worked out how to measure distance or plot a course at sea? Or why the humble lemon rose to such prominence in the diets of sailors? Taking one hundred objects that have been pivotal in the development of sailing & sailing boats, the book provides a fascinating insight into the history of sailing. From the earliest small boats, through magnificent Viking warships, to the technology that powers some of the most sophisticated modern yachts, the book also covers key developments such as keeps & navigational aids such as the astrolabe, sextant & compass. Other more apparently esoteric objects from all around the world are also included, including the importance of citrus fruit in the prevention of scurvy, scrimshaw made from whalebone & the meaning of sailor`s tattoos. Beautifully illustrated with lively & insightful text, it`s a perfect gift for the real or armchair sailor, the book gives an alternative insight into how & why we sail the way we do today. ...

Scotland's history has been badly served over the years. Defined by its relationship to Engl&, Scotland's popular history is full of near-mythical figures & tragic events, her past littered with defeat, failure & thwarted ambition. The martyrdom of William Wallace, the tragedy of Mary Queen of Scots & the forlorn cause of Bonnie Prince Charlie all give the impression of 'poor' Scotland; a victim of misfortune, leading to the country's inevitable submission to the Auld Enemy. After the Union in 1707, Scotland's increasing reliance on England culminated in a crisis of confidence & identity that tortures the country to this day. But how accurate is this version of events? Using the very latest in historical research & by placing Scotland's story in the wider context of British, European & global history, some of the myths that pervade the past will be exploded to reveal a Scotland which forged its own destiny, often with success. ...

Scotland is one of the oldest countries in the world with a vivid & diverse past. Yet the stories & figures that dominate Scottish history
- tales of failure, submission, thwarted ambition & tragedy
- often badly serve this great nation, overshadowing the rich tapestry of her intricate past. Historian Neil Oliver presents a compelling new portrait of Scottish history, peppered with action, high drama & centuries of turbulence that have helped to shape modern Scotl&. Along the way, he takes in iconic landmarks & historic architecture; debunks myths surrounding Scotland`s famous sons; recalls forgotten battles; charts the growth of patriotism; & explores recent political developments, capturing Scotland`s sense of identity & celebrating her place in the wider world.

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As an antidote to more sober accounts of Scotland`s history, Ian Crofon offers a colourful chronology of the eccentric, the infamous, the bawdy, the horrific & the hilarious people & events that have spattered across the pages of our nation`s story. From the Royal High School riot to Marocco the Wonder Horse, from the War of the One-Eyed Woman to the MP cleared of stealing his ex-mistress`s knickers, A History of Scotland Without the Boring Bits

Includes:: a host of little-known tales that you won`t find in more conventional works of history, including the chatelaine who struck a general over the head with a leg of mutton, the cow that gave birth to fourteen puppies, the clan chief who ripped out the throat of his enemy with his teeth, the surgeon who was so fast with the saw that he inadvertently took off his patient`s testicles as well as his leg, the mathematician who calculated that the Christian religion would finally disappear in the year 3153. Ian Crofton`s alternative history of Scotland looks at the country`s seedy underbelly with a quizzical eye. It is full of the mischievous humour & lightly-worn scholarship so praised by the critics in his Dictionary of Scottish Phrase & Fable.

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` Spain is different` was for a long time the explanation proffered by historians when they sought to explain the course of the nation`s exceptionally rich & varied history. Spain was the only region in the medieval West (along with Sicily) to experience Islamic conquest; the first nation to lay claim to a global empire & the first to lose it; & the country in which the extreme forces of the Left & the Right were to act out one of the bloodiest confrontations Europe has known. Today, however, as Spain has become firmly integrated into the political & economic structures of the European Union, the long-held notion that the country is a nation apart no longer seems valid. Simon Barton probes the extent to which Spain should be regarded as an exceptional case & provides a highly-readable, lucid & balanced account of its vibrant & colourful history, from its origins to the present day. This second edition of a highly successful text has been revised & expanded in the light of new scholarship, & now features additional maps & figures. Barton brings the story right up to date with coverage of recent events, such as the 2004 Madrid bombings & the general election of 2008. ...