by C. J. Bartlett (1984)
"When this highly successful survey first appeared in 1984 it dealt with the period 1880-1970. Now, this long-awaited Second Edition - which has been entirely redesigned and reset in a more readable format - brings the story up to date, following the themes through to 1990, and covering the momentous events of the last 20 years." "The book is an analytical account of the international rivalries of the great powers in the country since the centre of gravity of international politics began to move out of Europe into a wider arena. This shift was the result of the intensifying imperial rivalries of the European powers beyond the boundaries of Europe itself, and also of the rise to more than regional influence of two non-European newcomers, the United States and Japan. The new order has been characterised by growing global interdependence, where power struggles in one part of the world can, and increasingly do, have profound repercussions elsewhere." "Domination by the great powers has taken many forms in the period, from the competition of the European empires before the First World War, through Hitler's dream of world hegemony, to the bi-polarisation of the Cold War. Professor Bartlett traces the interconnections, and the widening fall-out, of these international rivalries, showing how the fates of Europe, America and Asia have become ever more intimately entwined as the century proceeded." "After the Second World War, a bi-polar world, held taut by the mutual antagonism of the American and Soviet blocs, became the new reality. It was only in the 1960s that the limitations and inadequacies of this bi-polar model in turn became apparent. Nevertheless, as the new chapters of the Second Edition make clear, the global rivalry of the two superpowers persisted, until the collapse of the USSR itself inaugurated a fresh pattern of global power-politics in the post-Soviet world."--Jacket.
Noel Ignatiev
How the Irish Became White explodes a number of myths surrounding race in our society. Focusing on how the Irish were assimilated as "whites" in America, Noel Ignatiev uncovers the roots of conflict between Irish Americans and African Americans and draws a powerful connection between Irish "success" in nineteenth-century American society and their embrace of white supremacy. - Jacket flap.
Plutarch
This story is set in the mid-fourth century B.C., in the city-state of Syracuse on the island of Sicily. It's the story of two father-and-son tyrant rulers who called themselves kings, both named Dionysius (pronounced Die-oh-nee-see-us). But the main character is Dion (pronounced Dion as in Lion), who was a relative, mentor, and finally mortal enemy to the second Dionysius. It has been pointed out that Dion and his siblings Megacles and Aristomache, as the children of Hipparinus, a wealthy and powerful man, had a social status that the upstart Dionysius I lacked, which suggests that envy might have been partially to blame for the increasing conflict between the families. However, Dionysius was clever enough to make use of Dion's good connections in his dealings with other rulers, where he himself, perhaps, might not have been shown as much respect.
Aidan Hegarty
'John Mitchel A Cause Too Many' by Co Derry writer Aidan Hegarty is a very interesting biography of the Young Irelander born in Dungiven. It is an easy read but that is not to say it is not well researched. It covers that period in Irish History dominated by the Famine and the emergence of the Young Ireland Movement. It is certainly a recommended read for any student who wishes to read about mid-19th century Irish History but wants to avoid chapter after chapter of detail. It is, in my view, a worthwhile read and gives an interesting insight into John Mitchel and his lesser known American Story. (Screenog)
Susan Dunn
"The election of 1800 was a revolution in the modern sense of a radical new beginning, but it was also a revolution in the sense of a return to the point of origin: the principles of 1776. Federalist incumbent John Adams, and the elitism he represented, faced Republican Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson defeated Adams, but through a quirk in Electoral College balloting he tied with his own running mate, Aaron Burr. A constitutional crisis ensued. Congress was supposed to resolve the tie, but would the Federalists hand over power peacefully to their political enemies, Jefferson and his Republicans? For weeks of end, nothing was less certain. The Federalists delayed and plotted, while the Republicans threatened to take up arms." "Susan Dunn illuminates the many facets of this watershed moment in American history. She captures its great drama, gives us portraits of the founding fathers, and examines the enduring significance and consequences of the crisis. The year 1800 marked the end of Federalist elitism, led the way to peaceful power shifts, established a place for states' rights in the political landscape, and set the stage for the Civil War."--BOOK JACKET.