To the outside world, Russia appears jubilant in its newfound freedom. Yet, while the public is euphoric for the future, the government and the Army aTo the outside world, Russia appears jubilant in its newfound freedom. Yet, while the public is euphoric for the future, the government and the Army are filled with unbridled division and dissension. The Bolsheviks manipulate the workers and the soldiers to their advantage, hoping to gain uncontrolled power circumventing the Provisional Government and betraying the once popular concept of a Constituent Assembly. Every conceivable collection of interests becomes a Soviet that dominates its field demanding recognition from a disintegrating government. All is ripe for the inevitable Communist takeover in October....more
The Soviet strengthens and takes outrageous steps to make the Executive Committee of the Provisional Government inconsequential. The Tsar and his famiThe Soviet strengthens and takes outrageous steps to make the Executive Committee of the Provisional Government inconsequential. The Tsar and his family are taken prisoner. Agitators are inserted everywhere by the Bolsheviks to cause mayhem. Workers refuse to return to work. Soldiers refuse commands. And yet the middle-class cheers naively for the turmoil unaware that the seeds of the bourgeoisie’s demise are being cultivated by ignorance. ...more
Anarchy reigns and Petrograd descends into chaos. The Soviet and the Duma compete for control of the government as the old order disintegrates. MilitaAnarchy reigns and Petrograd descends into chaos. The Soviet and the Duma compete for control of the government as the old order disintegrates. Military units fragment. Politicians attempt to hobble together an arrangement of control despite competing polarized emerging powers. And everyone turns against Alexi II. Abdication becomes the only alternative to a new government. But the people’s representatives are blind to their own inconsistent demands. ...more
A must read for any history/philosophy/political science student. The Oriental perspective of man is different from the Occidental. If a leader is virA must read for any history/philosophy/political science student. The Oriental perspective of man is different from the Occidental. If a leader is virtuous, the people will become so. It is a top down theory. Order is maintained through ceremony and an unswerving adherence to tradition and the individual's sacrifice for the family and clan. Confucius teaches how a ruler should be. This work emphasizes happiness through routine and by knowing one's place in society. Those of the lowest tier should not aspire to the greatest, and those on the top should not imitate the practices of the lower classes. Although much may seem archaic, many of his lessons would benefit modern man....more
This historical novel takes place over a three-day period in March at the beginning of the Russian Revolution. It is heavy with well-drawn characters This historical novel takes place over a three-day period in March at the beginning of the Russian Revolution. It is heavy with well-drawn characters and captures the chaotic events which will lead to the end of the Romanov dynasty. The hapless and insufferable Tsar Nicholas II is painted as completely inept and out-of-touch with the people. Nor is the government capable of controlling the course of events. Beware: this is the first of four books concerning the month. You must dedicate many hours to reading exhaustive details about a plethora of people, but it is worth it if you are a Russophile. ...more
A very long work, but immersive. Like August 1914, this work has so many characters that it is off-putting. Stick with it because you’ll be engrossed A very long work, but immersive. Like August 1914, this work has so many characters that it is off-putting. Stick with it because you’ll be engrossed in Russia during a hectic period where the fractured Duma resorts to demagoguery, the government is ready to fall, the regime is accused of treason, the Press is censored, the Army dispirited, inflation runs amuck and the society is on the verge of the Revolution in November, 1917. It parallels our current world....more
The story that began the most celebrated fantasy epic. The courage and companionship of a halfling with dwarves on a mission to recover their kingdom The story that began the most celebrated fantasy epic. The courage and companionship of a halfling with dwarves on a mission to recover their kingdom accompanied by the wizard Gandalf hopefully encourages the young who either have this book read to them or pick it up themselves. Selflessness has its rewards....more
A review of the evolution of American Sailing Ships. This requires an understanding of the various types of ships otherwise you will be lost because CA review of the evolution of American Sailing Ships. This requires an understanding of the various types of ships otherwise you will be lost because Chappelle assumes the reader has a nautical vocabulary....more
This book details how American trade dictated the development of speed at any expense. Chappelle should have a glossary of terms attached because the This book details how American trade dictated the development of speed at any expense. Chappelle should have a glossary of terms attached because the reader spends much of his effort looking up nautical vocabulary....more
This is the story of the American clipper ship and contains accounts of captains, sailors, passengers and shipwrights bringing life to an era that lasThis is the story of the American clipper ship and contains accounts of captains, sailors, passengers and shipwrights bringing life to an era that lasted less than ten years....more
An essential work by a shipwright for any hobbyist involved in building clipper ship models. The details are astounding and are recorded for posteritiAn essential work by a shipwright for any hobbyist involved in building clipper ship models. The details are astounding and are recorded for posterities sake because Campbell had interviewed sailors and other shipwrights who had experience in sailing or building these incredibly beautiful inventions....more
The problem with this book – besides its length – is lack of editing. Characters are introduced as major players within the first 45 pages and never hThe problem with this book – besides its length – is lack of editing. Characters are introduced as major players within the first 45 pages and never heard of again. A minor character reappears 700 pages later! With so many characters, how is the reader able to recall the particulars of one he read days ago? This work is really two books: one concerning the Tsar and a prime minister, the other the battle of Tannenberg. It would have been far better had they been placed in chronological order, instead of splitting the story of the battle in two with 350 pages intervening about the assassination of Stolypin that had taken place three years before followed by a history of Tsar Nicholas that occurred even earlier!...more
The Baron in the Trees (1957) A spoiled noble in a childish snit, takes to the trees and remains there for life. How he lives and his adventures and loThe Baron in the Trees (1957) A spoiled noble in a childish snit, takes to the trees and remains there for life. How he lives and his adventures and loves are chronicled. Too many inconsistencies to make it recommended. Invisible Cities (1972) Kublai Khan listens to Marco Polo describe thirty plus cities he has visited in his travels. The imagery is like a description of an opium dream. Hardly entertaining because there seems to be neither a conflict nor a plot. Don’t waste your time. If on a Winter’s Night a Traveler (1979) Various novels end abruptly infuriating the protagonist – a reader – who tries to discover and read the rest of the truncated work, only to find he has been misdirected into another work which similarly ends midstream. Don’t bother. ...more
