By mid-1942 the Allies were losing the Mediterranean war: Malta was isolated and its civilian population faced starvation. In June 1942 the British Royal Navy made a stupendous effort to break the Axis stranglehold. The British dispatched armed convoys from Gibraltar and Egypt toward Malta. In a complex battle lasting more than a week; Italian and German forces defeated Operation Vigorous; the larger eastern effort; and ravaged the western convoy; Operation Harpoon; in a series of air; submarine; and surface attacks culminating in the Battle of Pantelleria. Just two of seventeen merchant ships that set out for Malta reached their destination. In Passage Perilous presents a detailed description of the operations and assesses the actual impact Malta had on the fight to deny supplies to Rommel’s army in North Africa. The book’s discussion of the battle’s operational aspects highlights the complex relationships between air and naval power and the influence of geography on littoral operations.
#1569319 in Books 2008-01-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .70 x 6.00l; .82 #File Name: 0252075277224 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy august c.as listed9 of 12 people found the following review helpful. Well done history of interesting person and timeBy Alex StewartOne can only criticize this book for the word "Mammy" in the title if one has not read the book. Note the quotation marks. A central theme in the book is the racial stereotypes and misperceptions of Mary Ellen Pleasant. Actually the book needs to focus on the racial context because of Pleasant's struggles for equality and because of her need to keep opaque many details of her life; personality and business affairs. Despite the somewhat sketchy nature of what we know of these matters; the topic is still fascinating and the book is pleasantly written.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy SabrinaI'm very interested in San Francisco history; and during my research I've come across numerous references of Mary Ellen Pleasant. The references ranged from extraordinary claims of being a Voodoo priestess to a courageous abolitionist; and everything in between. Her lineage; birthplace; and even appearance remain subjects of debate. I was thrilled to find that this book was meticulously researched and addressed the wide-range of stories and discrepancy of facts.It addresses racism in the West; stereotypes; all the different stories surrounding Pleasant; and how silences can speak volumes when history has tried to erase or mask the voices of black women. And yet Pleasant amassed a fortune despite being a black female living in the 19th century. She refused to be constricted by gender or race; overcoming barrier after barrier as an entrepreneur and a 'capitalist by profession'I liked this closing comment; and I think it summed her up nicely: Pleasant cannot be reduced to a single identity or legend.A fascinating read for researchers interested in San Francisco history and racism.
