Contemporary academia relies upon categorization. One can study Africa or Europe; East or West; the Middle Ages or the Early Modern period. In this innovative collection of essays; the Mediterranean is taken as a whole. The birthplace of the three principal monotheistic religions; it is shown to be a distinct cultural space characterized by hybridity; diversity; and cultural dynamism. Distinctive both in scope and approach; A Faithful Sea is insistent that regional history is far more than a mere aggregate of various national histories. Addressing a wide array of Mediterranean religious tradition and identity in the Medieval and Early Modern Periods; the essays unite in highlighting the cross-fertilization of people and society within the region. With contributions from leading specialists on Judaism; Christianity; and Islam; readers from all backgrounds will find the concept of "Mediterraneity" both original and powerful.
#915842 in Books Osprey 2011-10-18 2011-10-18Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.84 x 7.87 x 7.25l; .67 #File Name: 184908440896 pages
Review
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful. An outstanding work on a subject not given much coverageBy Daniel JacksonNicholas Millman has written a great volume about the Ki-44's combat record in World War II. Navigating through an area of history replete with holes and misinformation; he has put together a concise narrative that both makes sense and is enjoyable to read. I was surprised to read that both the AVG and the CATF encountered the Ki-44 in combat long before it was recognized in the summer/fall of 1943. What I most like about the book is that Millman does solid research on both the Japanese and Allied sides; leaving the reader with a sense that the subject was treated fairly. He does not attempt to oversell the aircraft or its combat record. It is apparent; however; that the Japanese suffered for producing this formidable aircraft in such small numbers and for not having a more robust pilot training program throughout the war. Despite a rude shock to the Americans when the Ki-44 dominated the skies over China during the summer and fall of 1943; these deficiencies eventually spelled the downfall of the Japanese air forces.14 of 14 people found the following review helpful. A wonderful reference for any Japanese aircraft enthusiastBy Dan SalamoneNicholas Millman is a well respected historian with his own blog on the topic of WWII Japanese aviation. His new title on the Ki-44 is; in this person's estimation; the finest volume yet in the Osprey "Aces" series.The book is a wonderful combination of history; background information; period photography; and also incredibly well done art profiles; which allow the reader to understand both the aircraft; and the men who flew the Ki-44; in an objective light.The story of the struggle against B-29 raids is both compelling; and fascinating. The author touches on the topics of night fighting techniques; as well as the use of air dropped bombs against the Superfortress formations. Also of note is the information on the limited use of the Ki-44 in Burma; by units primarily equipped with the Ki-43 Hayabusa.I can heartily recommend this volume to anyone with even a passing interest in WWII Japanese aviation.13 of 14 people found the following review helpful. Impressive Chronicle of JAAF 'Demon' Aces!By Mike O'ConnorOsprey's 'Aircraft of the Aces' series hits the #100 milestone with this absolutely first-rate history of the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force aces who flew Nakajima's Ki-44 'Shoki' interceptor. Prior to Nicholas Millman's KI-44 'TOJO' ACES OF WORLD WAR 2; little information on the stubby; fast-climbing Ki-44 has been available in English-language publications. Happily; 'Aircraft of the Aces #100' rectifies that situation in splendid fashion.Developed in 1939; the Shoki's design flew in the face of the IJAAF dogfighter tradition. A tough; speedy; hard-climbing; heavily-armed 'heavy fighter;' the Ki-44 was built in limited numbers but saw combat over every South-east Asia front except New Guinea and was a major player in Home Defense ops against B-29s. Eighteen pilots scored all or some of their kills flying the stubby Nakajima fighter.A member of the Pacific Air War History Associates; Millman does an excellent job of summarizing the Ki-44's development and war record over China; Burma; the East Indies; the Philippines and the Home Islands. Thanks to in-depth research; he is able to match up Japanese claims versus actual Allied losses.The text is complimented by over 80 bw photographs and Ronnie Olsthoorn's color profiles and cover artwork. Olsthoorn's work is superlative; I hope Osprey makes more use of his talents.Pacific air war enthusiasts will enjoy KI-44 'TOJO' ACES OF WORLD WAR 2. The blend of authoritative text; imagery and artwork makes for a great addition to the Osprey 'Aces' series. Make no mistake about it; this is one impressive book! Highly recommended.
