Here is a masterpiece of historical narrative that stretches from the Ice Age to the Atomic Age; as it tells the story of Europe; East and West. Norman Davies captures it all-the rise and fall of Rome; the sweeping invasions of Alaric and Atilla; the Norman Conquests; the Papal struggles for power; the Renaissance and the Reformation; the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars; Europe's rise to become the powerhouse of the world; and its eclipse in our own century; following two devastating World Wars. This is the first major history of Europe to give equal weight to both East and West; and it shines light on fascinating minority communities; from heretics and lepers to Gypsies; Jews; and Muslims. It also takes an innovative approach; combining traditional narrative with unique features that help bring history alive: 299 time capsules scattered through the narrative capture telling aspects of an era. 12 -snapshots offer a panoramic look at all of Europe at a particular moment in history. Full coverage of Eastern Europe—100 maps and diagrams; 72 black-and-white plates.All told; Davies’'s Europe represents one of the most important and illuminating histories to be published in recent years.
#60134 in Books Edward Dolnick 2002-09-17 2002-09-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .90 x 5.31l; .73 #File Name: 0060955864400 pagesDown the Great Unknown: John Wesley Powell's 1869 Journey of Discovery and Tragedy Through the Grand Canyon1st EditionEdward Dolnick
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A trip worth takingBy E. ClintonThis is an excellent book that tells the story of John Wesley Powell's 1869 river trip through the Grand Canyon. It relies on primary source documents; such as diaries and notes taken by the adventurers. The author also interviewed modern adventurers who have taken boat trips through the dangerous rapids of the Colorado River. Because the author took the time to really learn about and understand the river; the book is highly informative. I learned a great deal about the Colorado River; the canyons; the rocks; and the difficulties faced by Powell and his colleagues. Powell was also a skilled climber even though he had lost an arm at the battle of Shiloh in the Civil War. In sum; this is a great history book that does a wonderful job of helping the reader visualize and understand the challenges that Powell and his men faced.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. These Guys Were Tough !!By G. W. MeadorThis book is about more than a Civil War hero; or the group of totally inexperienced men invited along on his quest. This book is about courage; survival and camaraderie; it's about fear; the unknown and what a group of men did to map; just barely; the wild and raging Colorado River and the "Grand Canyon" it ran through. This is a great adventure story; a story of discovery and tragedy. I found it hard to put down. I would recommend it to anyone interested in history; adventure or the great So. West. These guys were tough...0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Well doneBy Peter BoodyThere is only so much primary material on which to base this story and the author has done a fine job spinning it into a dramatic tale. It may be a little repetitive at times: after all; how many ways can the perilous passage through one rapids after another be described? But I enjoyed going along for the ride without having to suffer the awful perils of the trip.
