Edited by Allan Nevins

Preface: Brand Whitlock, U.S. Ambassador to Belgium, began keeping a diary during theGerman invasion. The diary spans over twenty notebooks, covering the Great War and its immediate aftermath, focusing on Belgium.The selection in the book ends with Whitlock’s resignation as Ambassador.The diary provides a frank account of the revictualing of Belgium, the suffering of theBelgian people under German occupation, European politics post-Armistice, and Whitlock’s personal growth. Whitlock had a dual view of Belgium: admiration for its cultural heritage and a critical perspective on its modern industrial state.He had limited time to acquaint himself with Belgium before the war, focusing initially on the aristocratic and artistic circles of Brussels.

Chapter I: The German Invasion Germany declared war on Russia on August 1, 1914, and invaded Luxembourg and Belgium shortly after.Belgium refused Germany’s ultimatum to allow troops to pass through, leading to the German invasion on August 4.The Belgian army,under King Albert, made a heroic stand at Liege, delaying theGerman advance.Whitlock describes the mobilization of the Belgian army, the patriotic fervor, and the impact on civilians.The King addressed Parliament, emphasizing national unity and resistance.Whitlock recounts his interactions with various diplomats and the challenges faced by Americans and Germans in Brussels.The fall of Liege and the subsequent German advance are detailed, with Whitlocknoting the bravery of the Belgian soldiers and the suffering of the civilian population.

Overall, the document provides a detailed account of the early days of World War I in Belgium, the German invasion, and the establishment of relief efforts to support theBelgian population. Whitlock’s diary offers insights into the political, social, and humanitarian challenges faced during this period.

D. Appleton-Century Company, Incorporated, 1936, 734 pages

By Samuel Eliot Morison

The biography“John Paul Jones: A Sailor’s Biography”by Samuel Eliot Morison provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the life and naval career of John Paul Jones, a prominent figure in American naval history.

John Paul Jones was born inScotland and began his seafaring career at a young age. Heapprenticed on merchant ships, gaining valuable experience.and as aMerchant Marineheworked in the West Indies trade, eventually becoming a shipmaster. His career was marked by a controversial incident in Tobago, where he killed a mutinous sailor in self-defense.Jones joined the Continental Navy in 1775, driven by a desire to fight for American Independence. He was commissioned as a lieutenant and later promoted to captain.He commanded several ships, including the Providence and the Alfred. He conducted successful raids and captured numerous British vessels, gaining a reputation for his boldtactics.As captain of the Ranger, Jones led a daring raid on Whitehaven, England, in 1778,aiming to disrupt British shipping and boost American morale.Jones achieved a significant victory by capturing the British warship Drake in a fierce battle off the coast of Ireland.

Jones’s most famous battle occurred in 1779 when he commanded the BonhommeRichard against the British ship Serapis. Despite severe damage to his ship, Jones emergedvictorious, cementing his legacy.But he faced numerous challenges, including difficulties with prize money, conflicts with other officers, and the complexities of international diplomacy.

In his final years Jones served in the Russian Navy under Catherine the Great but faced political intrigue and professional setbacks, and spent his last years in France, struggling with health issues and financial difficulties. He died inParis in 1792.

Samuel Eliot Morison’s biography of John Paul Jones offers a detailed and scholarly account of the sailor’s life, blending historical accuracy with engaging narrative. The book is enriched with visual aids, original sources, and contributions from various experts,making it a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of Jones’s character and achievements.

Naval Institute Press, 1999, 453 pages

By Ardis Cameron

Published in 1956, Peyton Place became a bestseller and a literary phenomenon. A lurid and gripping story of murder, incest, female desire, and social injustice, it was consumed as avidly by readers as it was condemned by critics and the clergy. Its author, Grace Metalious, a housewife who grew up in poverty in a New Hampshire mill town and had aspired to be a writer from childhood, loosely based the novel’s setting, characters, and incidents on real-life places, people, and events. The novel sold more than 30 million copies in hardcover and paperback, and it was adapted into a hit Hollywood film in 1957 and a popular television series that aired from 1964 to 1969. More than half a century later, the term ""Peyton Place"" is still in circulation as a code for a community harboring sordid secrets. In Unbuttoning America, Ardis Cameron mines extensive interviews, fan letters, and archival materials including contemporary cartoons and cover images from film posters and foreign editions to tell how the story of a patricide in a small New England village circulated over time and became a cultural phenomenon. She argues that Peyton Place, with its frank discussions of poverty, sexuality, class and ethnic discrimination, and small-town hypocrisy, was more than a tawdry potboiler. Metalious’s depiction of how her three central female characters come to terms with their identity as women and sexual beings anticipated second-wave feminism. More broadly, Cameron asserts, the novel was also part of a larger postwar struggle over belonging and recognition. Fictionalizing contemporary realities, Metalious pushed to the surface the hidden talk and secret rebellions of a generation no longer willing to ignore the disparities and domestic constraints of Cold War America. ; Published in 1956, Peyton Place became a bestseller and a literary phenomenon. A lurid and gripping story of murder, incest, female desire, and social injustice, it was consumed as avidly by readers as it was condemned by critics and the clergy. Its author, Grace Metalious, a housewife who grew up in poverty in a New Hampshire mill town and had aspired to be a writer from childhood, loosely based the novel's setting, characters, and incidents on real-life places, people, and events. The novel sold more than 30 million copies in hardcover and paperback, and it was adapted into a hit Hollywood film in 1957 and a popular television series that aired from 1964 to 1969. More than half a century later, the term "Peyton Place" is still in circulation as a code for a community harboring sordid secrets.In Unbuttoning America, Ardis Cameron mines extensive interviews, fan letters, and archival materials including contemporary cartoons and cover images from film posters and foreign editions to tell how the story of a patricide in a small New England village circulated over time and became a cultural phenomenon. She argues that Peyton Place, with its frank discussions of poverty, sexuality, class and ethnic discrimination, and small-town hypocrisy, was more than a tawdry potboiler. Metalious's depiction of how her three central female characters come to terms with their identity as women and sexual beings anticipated second-wave feminism. More broadly, Cameron asserts, the novel was also part of a larger postwar struggle over belonging and recognition. Fictionalizing contemporary realities, Metalious pushed to the surface the hidden talk and secret rebellions of a generation no longer willing to ignore the disparities and domestic constraints of Cold War America.

Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2015.

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By RYAN CROPP

IFROM THE COVER: In the 1960s, DONALD HORNE offered Australians a compelling reinterpretation of the Menzies years as a period of social and political inertia and mediocrity. His book The Lucky Country was profoundly influential and, without doubt, one of the most significant shots ever fired in Australia's endless culture war. Ryan Cropp's landmark biography positions Horne as an antipodean Orwell, a lively, independent and distinct literary voice 'searching for the temper of the people, accepting it, and moving on from there'. Through the eyes - and unforgettable words - of this preternaturally observant and articulate man, we see a recognisable modern Australia emerge.

'A compulsive read about a writer who shaped the way we Australians think about ourselves' -Judith Brett

Melbourne. La Trobe University Press. 2023. 375p.

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Robert Drewe

Aged six, Robert Drewe moved with his family from Melbourne to Perth, the world's most isolated city – and proud of it. This sun-baked coast was innocently proud, too, of its tranquillity and friendliness.

Then a man he knew murdered a boy he also knew. The murderer randomly killed eight strangers – variously shooting, strangling, stabbing, bludgeoning and hacking his victims and running them down with cars – an innocent Perth was changed forever.

In the middle-class suburbs which were the killer's main stalking grounds, the mysterious murders created widespread anxiety and instant local myth. 'The murders and their aftermath have both intrigued me and weighed heavily on me for three decades. To try to make sense of this time and place, and of my own childhood and adolescence, I had, finally, to write about it.'

The result is The Shark Net, a vibrant and haunting memoir that reaches beyond the dark recesses of murder and chaos to encompass their ordinary suburban backdrop.

London. Penguin. 2001. 343p.

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Booker T. Washington

"Up from Slavery" is a powerful autobiography written by Booker T. Washington, a prominent African American leader and educator. In this compelling book, Washington shares the story of his incredible journey from his childhood as an enslaved person to becoming a leading figure in the fight for racial equality and education.

Through his personal narrative, Washington provides valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs faced by African Americans during the post-Civil War era. His determination, resilience, and commitment to education serve as an inspiration to all readers.

"Up from Slavery" not only chronicles Washington's life but also offers a profound reflection on the importance of perseverance, hard work, and the pursuit of knowledge in overcoming adversity. This autobiography is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers and remains an essential read for anyone interested in American history and the ongoing struggle for equality.

Protect Gutenberg. The Outlook Magazine. 1900. 198p.

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By GAIUS SUETONIUS TRANQUILLUS. Translated by Robert Graves. Revised with an introduction by J. B. RIVES

"Twelve Caesars" is a riveting historical account that delves into the lives and reigns of the most influential Roman emperors. Written by renowned ancient historian Suetonius, this timeless classic offers a vivid portrayal of the power, politics, and scandals that shaped the Roman Empire. From the ambitious Julius Caesar to the tyrannical Nero, each emperor's story unfolds with intrigue and drama, shedding light on their triumphs and downfalls. A compelling narrative that brings ancient history to life, "Twelve Caesars" is a must-read for history enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

NY. Penguin. 1957. 2007. 463p.

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By W. E. BURGHARDT DU BOIS,

John Brown, a pivotal figure in American history, was a fervent abolitionist known for his radical activism against slavery in the mid-19th century. Born in 1800, Brown's unwavering commitment to the abolitionist cause led him to participate in notable events like the Pottawatomie Creek Massacre and the infamous raid on Harpers Ferry.

Brown's unyielding belief in the inherent rights of all individuals, regardless of color, propelled him to challenge the oppressive institution of slavery through direct action. His bold tactics and militant approach set him apart from other abolitionists of his time, making him a polarizing figure in the nation's tumultuous political landscape.

Despite facing criticism, condemnation, and ultimately execution for his actions, John Brown's legacy endures as a symbol of resistance against injustice and a beacon of hope for those who fight for equality and human rights. His unwavering dedication to the abolitionist movement continues to inspire generations to strive for a more just and equitable society.

PHILADELPHIA. GEORGE W. JACOBS & & COMPANY COMPANY PUBLISHERS. 1909. 284p.

By Jodi Lane

This review focuses on the life and career of Joan Petersilia, one of the most important corrections scholars of the past fifty years. The article discusses her formative years, her career spanning from college through her final appointment at Stanford Law School, her major research projects, and her impact on policy, practice, and the academic field of criminology. For more than forty years, Joan chose to do research that affected the real world, treating policymakers and practitioners as equal partners in efforts to improve the implementation of justice, especially that occurring postconviction. Her unique style allowed her to easily communicate the ideas and research from academe to a wide range of audiences, including the general public, policymakers, and practitioners. By doing so, Joan made a significant impact on the criminal justice system and was recognized for her body of work by receiving the 2014 Stockholm Prize, arguably the most prestigious recognition in criminology.

Annual Review of Criminology, Volume 7, Page 1 - 17

By Malcolm X with the assistance of Alex Haley

“This is the absorbing personal story. of the man who rose from hoodlum, thief, dope peddler, and pimp to become the most dynamic leader of the Black Revolution. It is, too, a testament of great emotional power from which every American can learn much: But, above all, this book shows the Malcolm X that very few people knew, the man behind the stereotyped image of the hate-preacher-a sensitive, proud, highly intelligent man whose plan to move into the mainstream of the Negro Revoltition was cut short by a hail of assassins' bullets, a man who felt certain he would not live long enough to see this book…”

NY. Grobe Press. 1964. 482p.

USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-UP

By Erik H. Erikson

FROM THE PREFACE: “This study of Martin Luther as a young man was planned as a chapter in a book on emotional crises in late adolescence and early adulthood, But Luther proved too bulky a man to be merely a chapter. His young manhood is one of the most radical on record: whatever he became part of, whatever became part of him, was eventually destroyed or rejuvenated. The clinical chapter became a historical book. But since clinical work is integral to its orientation, I will, in this preface, enlarge briefly on my colleagues and my patients, and our common foci of preoccupation…”

NY. W.W-Norton & Company. 1962. 289p.

USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-UP.

FROM THE PROLOGUE: “ Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong, have governed my life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind. These passions, like great winds, have blown me hither and thither, in a wayward course, over a deep ocean of anguish, reaching to the very verge of despair. I have sought love, first, because it brings ecstasy ecstasy so great that I would often have sacrificed all the rest of life for a few hours of this joy. I have sought it, next, because it relieves loneliness--that ter- rible loneliness in which one shivering consciousness looks over the rim of the world into the cold unfathomable lifeless abyss. I have sought it, finally, because ni the union of love I have seen, in a mystic miniature, the prefiguring vision of the heaven that saints and poets have imagined. This is what I sought, and though it might seem too good for human life, this is what--at last I- have found. With equal passion I have sought knowledge…”

London. George Allen And Unwin Ltd. 1967. 240p.

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By Mary Gordon

FROM THE INTRODUCTION: “…March 14, 1999. The city of Rouen, the province of Normandy, the country of France, the continent of Europe. It is 5 p.M. on an unseasonably warm spring day. People have flung their jackets over their shoulders. They are sitting outside in cafés, reckless from the sunlight, which seems miraculous, unearned, suggestive of improvidence. We are in the marketplace, the place where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. An attempt has been made to make this a viable city center; there is an open space for a market and, next to it, a cathedral. It is one of those good ideas that didn't work; it might have worked had there been a genius to design it, but it was not designed by a genius. The church is in the shape of an overturned boat, and the motif is meant to be nautical: Rouen is a seafaring city. But the idea fails; it provides us only with the always dispiriting spectacle of over- strained originality. The church has the sad, earnest quality of mediocre modern architecture, and we are left with a sense of betrayal, because we think that plainmaterials and an abundance of light ought to equal beauty, and when they don't, not only art, but nature as well, has let us down…”

London. Orion Books. Phoenix. 2000. 187p.

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By Roland H. Bainton

FROM THE COVER: “Accused of heresy, threatened with excommunication and death, Martin Luther spoke these fateful words as he took his unyielding position against the abuses of the medieval church. Here is an outstanding modern contribution to religious literature--a vivid portrait of the man who, because of his unshakable faith in his God, helped to bring about the Protestant Reformation.”

NY. Bantam. 1950. 338p.

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By Le Ly Hayslip with Jay Warts

FROM THE COVER: “-Le Ly Hayslip was just twelve years old when U.S. helicopters landed in her tiny village in central Vietnam. As the government and Viet Cong troops ravaged the area, both sides recruited children as spies and saboteurs. Le Ly was one of those chil- dren. Before the age of sixteen, she had suffered near starvation, imprisonment, and the deaths of beloved family members--but miraculously found the strength to keep going, ultimately fleeing to the United States. Almost twenty years after her escape, she returned to the devastated country and loved ones she'd left behind. Scenes of this joyous reunion are interwoven with the brutal war years, creating an extraordinary portrait of the nation, then and now--and of one courageous woman who held fast to her faith in humanity. First published in 1989, When Heaven and Earth Changed Places was hailed as an instant classic. Now, more than two decades later, this indispensable memoir continues to be one of our most important accounts of a conflict we must never forget.

NY. Anchor. 2017. (1989). 460p.

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Selected and Edited with an Introduction by L. Jesse Lemisch

FROM THE INTRODUCTION: “In the following pages we meet the many-sided Franklin. We see him through his own eyes and sometimes through the eyes ofothers: bis wife, his son, Abigail Adams, fellow-scientist Joseph Priestley, to name a few. H e is father, son, brother, husband, lover; he is scientist,in- ventor,educator, diplomat, propagandist, politician, hu- morist; he reveals his own ambition and advises us on the way to wealth and in the art of conversation; he explains his religion and tells us how he did good. Franklin introduces himself to us in his Memoirs- as he always called his autobiography. We meet him at the punchbowl where, from time to time, he steps aside from the ball to hurriedly relate his reminiscences. He comes to aquiet corner of the halland speaks candidly, but he is still dressed for a public ball. He tells us the truth but is careful to keep his distance: "Let all Men know thee, but no man know thee thoroughly," said Poor Richard…”

NY. Signet Classic. 1961.

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Edited by Sean Wilentz

FROM THE INTRODUCTION: “No president of the United Stales-and probably no figure in all of American history-is as widely revered as Abraham Lincoln. For several decades, scholars and the general public alike have uniformly ranked Lincoln, George Washington, and Franklin D. Roosevelt as the three greatest presidents, and Lincoln almost always heads the list. The number of biographies and commentaries written in the United States about Lincoln is exceeded only by those written about Jesus Christ. As emancipator, commander-in-chief, orator, and martyr, Lincoln-or the image of Lincoln- stands for the nation's highest values. Yet as historians know, this is not the whole story. Before he was murdered, Lincoln was the butt of ridicule and worse from all across the political spectrum-in the North as well as the South. Since then, scholars have continually disagreed, sometimes sharply, about whether Lincoln truly earned the accolades he has received--and, if he did, what has made him so deserving.

NY. Palgrave. 2009. 266p.

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By Joseph J. Ellis

FROM THE PREFACE: “No Event in American history which was so improbable at the time has seemed so inevitable in retrospect as the American Revolution. On the inevitability side, it is true there were voices back then urging prospective patriots to regard American independence as an early version of manifest destiny. Tom Paine, for example, claimed that it was simply a matter of common sense that an island couldnot rule a continent. And Thomas Jefferson's lyrical rendering of the reasons for the entire revolutionaryenterprise emphasized the self-evident character of the principles at stake. Several other prominent American revolutionaries also talked as if they were actors in a historical drama whose script had already been written by the gods. In his old age, John Adams recalled his youthful intimations of the providential forces at work….”

NY. Vintage. 2002. 307p.

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By Joseph J. Ellis

FROM THE PREFACE: “My own relationship with George Washington began early. I grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, and attended St. Mary's grade school, about eight miles down Mount Vernon Boulevard from the estate where the great man once walked the earth. Because my school was so prox- imate to Mount Vernon, my teachers-all nuns--forced us to make frequent pilgrimages to the historic site where the spirit of America's greatest secular saint resided. Back then the tour was less historically informed than it is now. I don't recall slavery being mentioned at all. I do recall being told that the story of Washington's wooden teeth was a myth--my first encounter with the notion that you could not always trust what you read in history books. I remember this clearly because the high point of the tour was Washington's dentures, which were encased in glass and looked to me like a really gross instrument of torture made of metal and bone. The only other thing I remember is the majestic view of the Potomac from the piazza on the east side of the mansion….”

NY. Vintage. 2005. 354p.

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By Joseph J. Ellis

FROM THE PREFACE: “ The idea for this book first came to me while listening to twenty-eight middle school boys recite the Gettysburg Address from memory in front of their classmates and proud parents. My son Scott was teaching science at the Greenwood School in Putney, Vermont, and had invited me to judge the annual oratorical contest. Idon't remember exactly when it happened, but at some point during the strenuous if repetitious effort to get Lincoln's words right, it dawned on me that the first clause in the first sentence of Lincoln's famous speech was historically incorrect. Lincoln began as follows: "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this Continent a new Nation." No, not really. In 1776 thirteen American colonies declared themselves independent states that came together temporarily to win the war, then would go their separate ways…”

NY. Vintage. 2016. 305p.