What you see depends on where - and when - you are looking from. As this enthralling book shows, maps have shaped our view of the world throughout history, and are themselves shaped by the ideas, prejudices, systems of power and creativity of their age. Jerry Brotton examines twelve world maps from global history - from the mystical representations of ancient civilizations and the medieval mappaemundi to the satellite-derived imagery of today - to show how, by reading them, we can better understand the worlds that produced them. You will never look at a map in quite the same way again. 'Marvellous historical writing that captivates the reader and reveals the aura with which artefacts from the past entrance us.' Robert Mayhew, History Today 'A mesmerising and beautifully illustrated book . . . Rich and endlessly absorbing.' Sinclair McKay, Daily Telegraph 'A highly rewarding study . . . you will emerge with a detailed insight into how maps reflect, expose and manipulate the societies in which they are made.' Simon Garfield, Mail on Sunday 'Conveyed with beguiling erudition . . . maps prove to be less conveyors of information than theatrical performances.' Andrew Linklater, Spectator 'A brilliant exercise in global history.' Stephen Howe, Independent, Books of the Year

From the romantic conflicts of the Victorian Great Game to the war-torn history of the region in recent decades, Tournament of Shadows traces the struggle for control of Central Asia and Tibet from the 1830s to the present. The original Great Game, the clandestine struggle between Russia and Britain for mastery of Central Asia, has long been regarded as one of the greatest geopolitical conflicts in history. Many believed that control of the vast Eurasian heartland was the key to world dominion. The original Great Game ended with the Russian Revolution, but the geopolitical struggles in Central Asia continue to the present day. In this updated edition, the authors reflect on Central Asia's history since the end of the Russo-Afghan war, and particularly in the wake of 9/11.

This pictorial history of the war as seen by Homer includes almost all of his works done in oils, watercolors, drawings, lithographs, and wood engravings.

Dieses Buch legt auf der Basis von 150.000 Seiten Abhörprotokollen erstmals eine überzeugende Mentalitätsgeschichte des Krieges vor. In von Briten und Amerikanern eigens eingerichteten Lagern wurden deutsche Kriegsgefangene aller Ränge und Waffengattungen heimlich abgehört. Sie sprachen über militärische Geheimnisse, über ihre Sicht auf die Gegner, auf die eigene Führung und auf die Judenvernichtung. Das Buch zeigt die Kriegswahrnehmung von Soldaten in historischer Echtzeit und vermittelt eine faszinierende und erschreckende Innenansicht des Zweiten Weltkriegs durch jene Soldaten, die große Teile Europas verwüsteten. Zudem wird im Vergleich zu anderen Kriegen herausgearbeitet, was am Fühlen und Handeln der deutschen Soldaten spezifisch für den Nationalsozialismus war und was nicht.