A grand narrative history of the re-emergence of Europe following the collapse of the Roman Empire. At the approach of the first millennium; the Christians of Europe did not seem likely candidates for future greatness. Weak; fractured; and hemmed in by hostile nations; they saw no future beyond the widely anticipated Second Coming of Christ. But when the world did not end; the peoples of Western Europe suddenly found themselves with no choice but to begin the heroic task of building a Jerusalem on earth.In The Forge of Christendom; Tom Holland masterfully describes this remarkable new age; a time of caliphs and Viking sea kings; the spread of castles and the invention of knighthood. It was one of the most significant departure points in history: the emergence of Western Europe as a distinctive and expansionist power.
#65105 in Books Wukovits John 2017-03-14 2017-03-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.13 x 6.38l; .0 #File Name: 0306824302352 pagesTin Can Titans The Heroic Men and Ships of World War II s Most Decorated Navy Destroyer Squadron
Review
50 of 51 people found the following review helpful. The story of DesRon 21By Marc L. TavasciAs he did with "Hell From the Heavens"; John Wukovits has once again come up with a stirring recollection of life aboard a U.S. Navy destroyer during World War II; but several this time instead of just one. This is the tale of Destroyer Squadron 21; or DesRon 21 as it was known. From the terrible battles around Guadalcanal through the final surrender in Tokyo Bay; DesRon 21 was there almost every step of the way. The book tells the story of the various ships which made up the squadron; some in more detail than others; by using personal recollections of those who were there and official ship records. The tales cover a gamut of missions: convoy escorts; night-time bombardments; anti-submarine actions; invasion bombardments; rescue of fellow sailors and/or airmen; picket duty and of course; naval combat. The squadron's actions around Guadalcanal; The Slot and the other Solomon Isles take up about half the book and comprise the majority of the naval combat; followed by events in New Guinea; the Philippines; Iwo Jima and Okinawa.As you read about the exploits of of DesRon 21; you'll not only learn about the horrors of naval combat in the Pacific; but you’ll learn about the brave men who came from all parts of the U.S. to serve their country. The book is filled with small vignettes from a variety of men who served; and these stories are woven nicely into the greater narrative. Some ships didn’t see much action as they joined at later dates or had shorter lives than their counterparts; but nearly all are represented in some depth at one point.The book does a great job of discussing the growth of the U.S. Navy from its shoestring days off Guadalcanal through the end of the war when it was the mightiest navy to ever sail the oceans. Along the way there are changes in commanders; tactics and weapons which helped make the final victory possible; although sometimes the changes didn’t always work out for the best.This book will really give you a feel for life about a destroyer and makes a great companion of Wukovits’ other works on naval combat. Definitely worth picking up!2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great Personal Histories of Pacific Destroyer Battles of WWIIBy J. B. PaleyThe author has woven the personal recollections of naval warriors of the great Pacific battles of WWII into a coherent a account of life aboard destroyers from 1941-1945. Very interesting and authentic historical read!2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Leading the Missouri into Tokyo Bay on Surrender Day; 1945By CustomerFor the world that knows of the famous picture of the Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri--it was a great surprise to me to learn that the Missouri was not the lead ship entering Tokyo Bay that fateful day....it was these destroyers...the Tin Can Titans...and their remarkable combat history in the South Pacific; especially the O'Bannon. The heroics and tragedies from 1942-1945 were amazing to read of their captains and crews.
