David Rooney Knihy

Během druhé světové války se romantická krajina Barmy stala kulisou těžkých americko-japonských bojů. Autor se zabývá měsíci největších bojů v období od března 1944 do května roku 1945, kdy byli Japonci z Barmy definitivně vytlačeni. Popisuje všechny důležité střety obou armád, stejně jako se detailně věnuje popisu zázemí všech zúčastněných vojsk a rozboru politické situace té doby. Pro českého čtenáře bude tato publikace zajímavá již proto, že tyto události byly donedávna považovány za tzv. zapomenutou válku, ale i proto, že autor využívá pamětí přímých účastníků bojů.... celý text

Introduction: Korean Air Lines Flight 007, 1983 -- Order : sundial at the Forum, Rome, 263 BCE -- Faith : Castle Clock, Diyār Bakr, 1206 -- Virtue : the hourglass of Temperance, Siena, 1338 -- Markets : stock exchange clock, Amsterdam, 1611 -- Knowledge : Samrat Yantra, Jaipur, 1732-35 -- Empires : observatory time ball, Cape Town, 1833 -- Manufacture : Gog and Magog, London, 1865 -- Morality : electric time system, Brno, 1903-6 -- Resistance : telescope driving-clock, Edinburgh, 1913 -- Identity : golden telephone handsets, London, 1935 -- War : miniature atomic clocks, Munich, 1972 -- Peace : plutonium timekeeper, Osaka, 6970.5500 650|s| |a|Clocks and watches |x|History.

This captivating history explores the evolution of timekeeping and its profound impact on civilization. For millennia, various cultures have created clocks, from ancient Rome's sundials to medieval China's water clocks, and from hourglasses that sparked revolutions to the precise GPS satellites launched since 1978. Clocks have been instrumental in navigation, empire-building, and even near-catastrophes. They have empowered elites to control lives and govern societies, while also serving as tools for resistance. Through twelve significant clocks, the narrative vividly recounts pivotal moments in history. Historian David Rooney takes readers from the unveiling of al-Jazari's castle clock in 1206 Turkey to the Cape of Good Hope observatory, where British astronomers influenced imperial power with a time ball and a gun. He also discusses a plutonium clock buried in Osaka, designed to keep time for 5,000 years. Rooney illustrates how time has been imagined, politicized, and weaponized throughout the ages, suggesting that the technical history of horology is just the beginning. Ultimately, the story of clocks reflects the broader narrative of human civilization.

Exploring themes of mystery and hidden truths, this book delves into the depths of human emotions and relationships. It uncovers the secrets that individuals keep, revealing how the past shapes their present. The narrative weaves through complex character dynamics, leading to unexpected revelations that challenge perceptions and ignite introspection. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into a captivating journey of discovery, ultimately questioning what is truly hidden beneath the surface of everyday life.

Exploring the tactics and impact of guerrilla warfare, this book delves into the most notorious surprise attacks throughout history. It highlights the strategic ingenuity of smaller, unconventional forces that have challenged larger armies, revealing the psychological and cultural implications of such conflicts. Through detailed accounts and analysis, readers gain insight into the evolution of guerrilla tactics and their lasting effects on warfare and society.

Highly successful when first published in 1997.

A must-read book for those intrigued by the ever-shifting landscape of unconventional warfare and its profound impact on contemporary global dynamics. Throughout history, conflicts have given rise to unconventional forms of warfare, often propelled by personal, religious, tribal, or national ambitions. Historian David Rooney highlights pivotal figures such as the Maccabees, Napoleon, the Boer Wars, Michael Collins, Mao Tse Tung, T. E. Lawrence, Castro, Guevara, the Guerrillas of World War II, and Al Qaeda's Osama Bin Laden, illustrating the evolution of guerrilla theories. In today's era of swiftly forsaking convention and tradition for immediate results, the adoption of unconventional strategies by twenty-first-century warriors appears more prevalent than ever. Public discourse surrounding this topic is vibrant, and understanding its evolution is vital for increased awareness. Dive into the riveting exploration of unconventional warfare throughout the ages with historian David Rooney's insightful narrative. This compelling account not only unveils the trailblazing leaders who reshaped military strategies but also delves into the timely relevance of non-conventional approaches in today's fast-paced world. A must-read for those intrigued by the ever-shifting landscape of unconventional warfare and its profound impact on contemporary global dynamics