From the Trojan Horse to a photograph snapped in Vietnam; world history has been shaped as much by chance and error as by courage and heroism. Despite impossible odds; invincible armies fall in bitter defeat to weaker opponents. How and why does this happen? What decides the fate of battle? In this fascinating book; Erik Durschmied takes us through the major conflicts of history—from Agincourt to the Civil War; from Crimea to the Gulf War—and reveals how; in war; it is the improbable and the inconceivable that determine events.Writing with the style and flair that made him an award-winning war correspondent; Durschmied explores the fistful of nails that could have won Waterloo for Napoleon; the barrel of schnapps that proved disastrous for an Austrian emperor; and the three cigars that changes the course of Antietam; and many other instances when chance decided history’s path. Conflicts are decided by the caprice of weather; erroneous intelligence; unlikely heroism; strange coincidence; or individual incompetence—in short; by the unpredictable “hinge factor.â€Skyhorse Publishing; as well as our Arcade imprint; are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in history--books about World War II; the Third Reich; Hitler and his henchmen; the JFK assassination; conspiracies; the American Civil War; the American Revolution; gladiators; Vikings; ancient Rome; medieval times; the old West; and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller; we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
#918319 in Books 2015-04-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .90 x 6.00l; .0 #File Name: 1626162018432 pages
Review
2 of 5 people found the following review helpful. The book describes the history; structure; makeup and allies involved with Hezbollah since its inception.By Ira KrullThis is an excellent overview and historical record of Hezbollah; all of its various sub-groups; how it functions; how it raises funding; with what other groups or countries it collaborates; how it operates to bring about terrorist operations; and especially; Iran's incredible history; current interactions; funding; collaborations; and deep involvement with Hezbollah's various arms and its terrorist acts; mostly against Israel; Israelis or other Jews; around the world. Being written by someone who has worked in counter-espionage for a long time; and who has known Hezbollah's various terrorist activities from the outside; the book quite accurately summarizes all or most of the various; terrorist acts perpetrated by Hezbollah and its associates; especially Iran; mostly against Israel; Israelis; America; and Saudi Arabia; in particular. The book is perhaps the best discussion anywhere; in a single text; about Hezbollah; and as such; succeeds very well in describing how it has come to where it is today on the world stage. Unfortunately; the book does not attempt to explain or propose who the world might better deal with getting rid of Hezbollah; or at least negating its various; terrorist activities around the world. It does not (I am not quite finished with reading the book) yet discuss just how the world at large could collaborate in a more productive and successful manner to stop all or most of Hezbollah's future; terrorist acts. That is perhaps its biggest disappointment but perhaps the author just does not want to give anything away that might help Hezbollah continue along its rapacious attempts to kill more and more Israelis and Jews; as well as Americans of all faiths; anywhere in the world? At times; the book is a slow read; especially when it proceeds to describe every little nuance of another terrorist act; phone calls made here there and everywhere in preparation or conductance; between the various operatives. Do we really need to know every little detail about every terrorist act ever perpetrated by Hezbollah? Me thinks not. Other than this; rather minor complaint; the book does a very credible job of describing and explaining just what Hezbollah is all about; where it has been; and with whom it has been and remains; in bed with. If anyone ever doubted that Iran is the real enemy of the West; Europe; America and Israel; this book will very quickly convince you otherwise about such doubts? They are in bed together; have been for very; very long; and in all likelihood; will be for quite some time to come. Our desire to have an "agreement" now in 2013; by those confused about retaining sanctions against Iran for seeking nuclear weaponry and their delivery systems; and Iran's history of terrorist atrocities for decades and decades against the West; should read this book several times. It is a real; eye-opener!3 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Must Read !By 30-Something MommyAwesome in scope. A must read for all interested in the Levant and all Middle East politics. Very Highly recommended !1 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Dr. Levitt has the clearest and most direct path ...By Flora V SpiciarichDr. Levitt has the clearest and most direct path I have yet seen; between events and decisions from Iran and the conflicts in Syria and Palestine.This is material you have not seen before presented with clarity.A must read. Feel free to Google Dr. Levitt's back ground and experience.I simply cannot suggest it any other way.
