DescriptionA cluster of five countries, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, are commonly referred to as Central America. Although these nations differ in their histories and politics, they share at least one factor; they have been caught up in the turmoil of America's foreign policy in this region. This audiobook depicts the chain of events that have led to the Central America we view on television.
DescriptionWith his distinctive blend of frontline determination and a journalist's knack for a good story, CBS anchorman Dan Rather looks at the awesome struggles and everyday accomplishments he's witnessed at home and around the globe. Ranging from the Iraq conflict to poverty in China, from tragedies like the Oklahoma City bombing to triumphs in courage, Deadlines and Datelines offers a unique chance to share the insights of one of America's premier newsmen. Though not without its lighter moments, Rather's essays offer a wide range of thought-provoking observations and show yet again the skill and intelligence that have made him an important part of our world for more than four decades.
DescriptionOne Christmas in Washington is a fascinating, in-depth look at one of the most crucial periods in modern history: the Washington war conference of 1941, when two proud and accomplished statesmen struggled to overcome biases, suspicion, and hubris to create what turned out to be the war-winning alliance. The authors take a penetrating look at the high-level meetings and the scenes behind the scenes: the social events and intrigues, Churchill's booming intrusion into the daily life of the White House, the strained relationship between Churchill and Eleanor Roosevelt, and the key role played by Roosevelt's close advisor, Harry Hopkins. As with any such gathering of world leaders, high politics and low gossip contributed to the momentous events of this time.
DescriptionThe late William Casey, former director of the CIA, here gives an autobiographical account of his World War II service with the OSS (Office of Strategic Services, which later evolved into the CIA) and the role such early intelligence organizations played…
DescriptionI first began to appreciate fully all we owed the World War II generation when I was covering the 40th and 50th anniversaries of D-Day for NBC News. When I wrote in The Greatest Generation about the men and women who came out of the Depression, who…
DescriptionWhy has one game, alone among the thousands of games invented and played throughout human history, not only survived but thrived within every culture it has touched? What is it about its 32 figurative pieces, moving about its 64 black and white squares ac…
DescriptionThe modern state was born of warfare, claims Professor Almond in this enlightening discourse - and the modern state system came to dominate, penetrate, and transform the whole world in the course of the past several hundred years. He supports this thesis with an extraordinary account of the wars of the past 300 years. He also examines the 3 great challenges that face modern countries: creating effective institutions, relating people to government, and fostering economic growth while reconciling it with equity.
DescriptionJapan's rapid rise to prominence on the world stage is a phenomenon interesting on many levels. This small island nation has become a world power in less than a century and a half - and particularly during the years since the end of World War II. To help us understand Japan, Professor Rohlen traces the roots of the Japanese commitment to learning beyond the Meiji era in the 19th century to Japan's feudal and Confucian past. He also explicates contemporary educational practices in Japan and compares them to education in the United States.
DescriptionAt the helm was "Big Bill" Millman, a 19-year-old Navy boxing champ who "wouldn't take any crap from anybody." Frank Lavine was part of the deck crew. He was 22, and completely unprepared for the kind of battle he'd soon face against the British marines.
DescriptionA series of engrossing sketches reveals an India that may be surprising to many Westerners. Instead of a single country, the listener will discover, India is a nation of several civilizations in different states of development. The author, a well-regarded writer, reporter, and lecturer, covers the country from its ancient cultures to her encounters with the film directors and poets and the complicated machination of the world's largest democracy.
