Hourly History

I've read a variety of these bite-size history books and this is definitely one of the more decent ones. It's a relatively quick read, but offered a concise history on Houdini, I learned a few things.

There can be no doubt that Stalin is one of the most notorious and controversial figures in history. He presents a puzzling paradox for both psychologists and sociologists; he was simultaneously revered, feared, loved, and hated during his lifetime. So much has been written about the life of Joseph Stalin and yet upon closer inspection, he still seems to present us with quite an enigma. His cruelty towards his political opponents and dissidents is well known, but so are his efforts to go out show more of his way in lifting up the most downtrodden and desperate members of Soviet society, giving them the chance that Tsarist Russia would not.
Inside you will read about...
✓ A Change of Weather ✓ The Real Revolution Begins ✓ From Exile to Supreme Leader ✓ A Brave New Word ✓ Stalin’s Gambit ✓ Stalin Makes a Comeback ✓ Defending the Capitol ✓ Going West Stalin is known as a brutish dictator who struck a bargain with Hitler as if he was an old friend, yet it was this same Stalin who would almost singlehandedly save Europe from Nazi occupation. Who was Stalin? What did he really want? In this book we explore the complexities and nuances of the living, breathing conundrum who called himself Joseph Stalin. Series Information: World War 2 Biographies Book 4 show less

An introduction to the Napoleonic Wars

The Napoleonic wars and their after effects had a lasting impact on France, Europe, and the world. This short book provides a quick but fulfilling outline on the causes, involvements, and the lasting impacts.

I enjoyed this book because it broke down the details of how the conflicts occurred, and how they related to the French Revolution, and also other events (particularly the Louisiana purchase in America).

There is a bibliography at the end, with a show more wealth of additional material to consider. I recommend this for all casual historians. show less

American tragedy

This is first part is my general review for all the Hourly History books. I find them of value to:


1) See if the subject is personally interesting


2) Become conversant in the material


3) Pursue additional information starting with the bibliographies provided

I have long pondered the tradgedy of the American Indian, which is an extremely complicated story, because it is the story of many different groups of people. Even in this book several different tribes are discussed, and they show more have different aims and goals.

As I read the last paragraph, I pondered about what justice can be offered, and it all comes down to land ownership, which is common for the whole conflict between European and Native American. If the government is willing to pay a settlement to the Sioux, why not buy out all the land and give it back to the Sioux, according to original agreement? These things are always messy, but surely something equitable can be accomplished.

I look forward to learning more, but even more so, I look forward to peace and justice for all. show less