Offers an account - from the Kurdish perspective - of a fascinating and complex tribal society under the British Mandat; when the Yazidis resisted integration into modern Iraq and failed to identify with the aspirations of mainstream Kurdish society and the rising Kurdish movement.
#1077185 in Books Osprey Publishing 2000-05-25 2000-05-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.87 x 6.99 x 7.23l; #File Name: 1855329654112 pages9781855329652
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy SecretagentmanInformative0 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Osprey's look at the battle of MarengoBy Steven PetersonOsprey produces a variety of series of books on military matters. One series is "Campaign." This volume examines Napoleon's victory--a close affair--at Marengo; in Italy; in 1800. Immediately before his Italian campaign; fought against Austria; he had been thwarted in Egypt.This volume; as others in the "Campaign" series; examines several issues--the leaders; their armies; opposing plans and maneuvers; the order of battle; and the culminating battle (or battles). Austrian leaders are described with a mini-biography (e.g.; General Melas; Kaim; Zach; Batorkez;and Futak). French leaders? Napoloeon Bonaparte himself; as well as Generals Berthier; Lannes; Victor; Massena; and Desaix.The story of Marengo begins with the siege of Genoa; in which the Austrians besieged a force led by Massena; who ultimately surrendered before French forces could relieve him (the order of battle for the siege is depicted on page 29). A poor start to the campaign. . . .The story also tells of Napoleon's forces moving forward against the Austrians. The preliminary battle was at Casteggio-Montebello (order of battle on page 50 and a useable map of the conflict on pages 42-43). The French were roughly handled and defeated in this fight presaging Marengo.Marengo began with the Austrians trying to take the initiative and--again--handling the French forces roughly (order of battle on pages 62-64; maps of different phases of the battle on pages 55; 70; and 74-75. To buy time to avoid defeat; Napoleon sacrificed his Guard. Pages 86-87 and page 91 outline Napoleon's last gasp counterattack--which succeeded. In the end; a sanguinary victory for the French; when ther battle could easily have gone the other way.A couple interesting pieces to this book at the end: wargaming Marengo and how the battlefield stands today.All in all; a nice addition to the Osprey Campaign series.8 of 14 people found the following review helpful. Battlefield Guide UseBy StephenI recently used this book on a visit to Marengo battlefield (June 2005).Well illustrated; excellent maps and photos. "The Battlefield Today" section was unusual feature; as was the "Wargaming" section.Unfortunately; the battlefield is in a suburban/urban area of Italy. A few landmarks are visible; but few are easily accessible. In June of 2005; the museum was closed for "repairs". Americans used to well preserved battle sights such as Antietam or Gettysburg will be disappointed.This book is not for those without previous knowledge of military history/organization. The maps are complicated; not all abbreviations/acronyms are defined. Trying to follow the narration with the maps can be very difficult.At the actual sight; matching pictures from the text to the local area was a challenge. It would have been helpful if the author had marked picture sights to a map of the Marengo area.I agree with previous reviews that this account gives the Austrians more credit and coverage than many other previous works. The general sense is a closely fought battle; with the Austrians overextending themselves in pursuing the French after initial success.
