Lincoln P. Paine's SHIPS OF THE WORLD: AN HISTORICAL HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA was honored as one of the best reference books of the year by the New York Public Library; and Library Journal described it as "clearly the most fascinating book of the year." Now; in two equally fascinating new books; Paine focuses on two of the most interesting areas of maritime history: WARSHIPS OF THE WORLD TO 1900 and SHIPS OF DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION. SHIPS OF DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION tells the stories of 125 vessels that have played important roles in voyages of geographical exploration and scientific discovery; from early Polynesian double canoes to the most technically sophisticated submersibles. Each ship is described in a vivid short essay that captures its personality as well as its physical characteristics; construction; and history. Drawings; paintings; and photographs show the grandeur and grace of these oceangoing vessels; maps help the reader follow the routes of great seafarers and naval campaigns; and chronologies offer a perspective on underwater archaeology sites; maritime technology; exploration; and disasters at sea.
#245522 in Books Marie Vassiltchikov 1988-06-12 1988-06-12Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .80 x 5.20l; .74 #File Name: 0394757777368 pagesBerlin Diaries 1940 1945
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Excellent insights into life in Germany during World War IIBy Richard Niell DonovanI like to read of books about World War II; because it was the biggest story during my lifetime. I have read many books; and this is one of the most insightful. Marie Vasiltchikov came from a privileged family and lived through WWII as an employee of the German government and a friend of influential people. She and many of her friends took part in a covert anti-Nazi effort; including the July 20; 1944 effort to assassinate Hitler. In this book; she gives an intimate day-by-day account of life in Berlin (and other places as well) during the war. I was surprised to learn how early the German people started experiencing shortages of food and other essentials as a result of the war. I was also surprised to see how significantly the British and American bombing impacted the lives of the German people so very early in the war. This is clearly one of the best books I have read about WWII--and I have read many.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Good history that's a page turnerBy GopalI bought this book for a course I'm taking and as I began reading I found it a little boring. However the diary gradually builds a head of steam as the Allied bombings begin; the Valkerie plot is exposed and finally the Russians advance on Germany with Berlin as their main objective. Missie must make her escape but what about her sense of duty towards friends and family; many missing? What about all her comrades swept up in Hitler's mad revenge against the Valkerie conspirators; both those who participated and those who didn't but were named anyway? And how does she and the rest Berlin adjust to a dysfunctional and quickly derailing system who face the obliteration of their treasured cities and homes foisted upon the them by a lunatic leader who refuses to surrender?Missie emerges as an intelligent and keen observer who is able to describe the madness descending on Germany with a dispassion and a lack of self-pity.I was surprised by the shortage of food she had to deal with having been under the impression the standard of living remained fairly high in Germany during the war. I also found the descriptions of the effect of the relentless bombing on her and the populace to be a real education. I was unaware of how bad it was. Surely most of the survivors suffer from PTSD.I remember studying the bombed out skyline of Heidelberg when I was in post-war Germany. Now I understand what it took to create that skyline.I was to learn the attempted assassination of Hitler was largely unpopular in GermanyI was impressed with how the public servants kept at their duty of repairing the infrastructure; the communications; rail lines; roadways; etc in the face of what had to be almost impossible obstacles.The relative unpopularity of the war among the populace intrigued me. I was unclear about that and the size of the Valkerie plot supports Missie's claims about the anti-Nazi attitude of many. Hitler executed 10;000 people for their participation although I suspect many were marginal figures if not innocent. I appreciate Missie's integrity; optimism; strength of character and unusual intelligence that seems to somehow rise above her circumstances. She does not appear to have descended into bitterness or cynicism and has brought the wartime experience of the common man in Germany to life for me in a way no scholarly textbook could. I treasure what we have in the US more than ever.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I grew up in BerlinBy Elizabeth PearsonI really enjoyed the book. I grew up in Berlin during the war; I was 10 to 12 yrs. old.I had to put the book down for a couple of days once in awhile; it affected me quite a bit; since I lived there. We didn't have contact with the Aristocrats. However it is a very good book; I would recommend it highly. My Mom and I stayed in the Zoo Bunker many a time; which was built across the Zoo Train Station. Our Apartment Building also got bombed; while we were taking shelter in the Basement.Elizabeth RodriguezLiz9123@aol.com
