Listening to Whales: What the Orcas Have Taught Us

Book Description

In Listening to Whales, Alexandra Morton shares spellbinding stories about her career in whale and dolphin research and what she has learned from and about these magnificent mammals. In the late 1970s, while working at Marineland in California, Alexandra pioneered the recording of orca sounds by dropping a hydrophone into the tank of two killer whales. She recorded the varied language of mating, childbirth, and even grief after the birth of a stillborn calf. At the same time she made the startling observation that the whales were inventing wonderful synchronized movements, a behavior that was soon recognized as a defining characteristic of orca society.

In 1984, Alexandra moved to a remote bay in British Columbia to continue her research with wild orcas. Her recordings of the whales have led her to a deeper understanding of the mystery of whale echolocation, the vocal communication that enables the mammals to find their way in the dark sea. A fascinating study of the profound communion between humans and whales, this book will open your eyes anew to the wonders of the natural world.

Customer Reviews:

Listening to Whales By: Alexandra Morton.......2005-12-01

'Listening to Whales' was a touching story of how a women's life was enchanted through her passion for marine life. We follow the author, Alexandra Morton, through her life and career- which often go hand in hand- as she evolved as a marine scientist and a woman devoted to her love: the orcas. We are taken from her first job as an acoustics expert in Marineland to her more profound passion which is to examine the killer whales in their natural habitat; the open ocean. This book was not only captivating, but as I read through it I learned so many fun facts about orcas and dolphins and the life of a marine enthusiast.
My favorite aspect of the book was the way she explained how her extreme passion for orcas came to be. I loved learning about how her love for marine life evolved from her love of frogs and grew from there. I find it so fascinating that as a small child something like loving frogs has evolved for decades and turned into her fulltime career. It proved how dedicated she has been to her work for so long and how there is constantly so much more to learn. I loved how she dedicated her young life to follow her dream, and this story showed how far you can come if you are persistent and dedicated.
There wasn't any specific part of the book I didn't like. It was a story of this brilliant woman's dreams and stories, I don't think anyone is to say there was something wrong with it; it's an unedited, unchangeable story of her life. I think she had a good balance of her life-stories and experiences and her knowledge and history of her life with the whales. I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in marine life or anyone who has a passion that they want to persue. It's a very inspiring story, which makes the book good for almost anyone.

Listening to Whales.......2005-11-30

The novel "Listening to Whales: What the Orcas Have Taught Us" tells Alexandra Morton's story of how she dedicated her life to studying marine mammals, in particular killer whales, in captivity and in the wild. In addition, it describes the struggles she encountered along the way, such as caring for her young son on her own. After finishing this novel, the reader feels like she is an expert on killer whales, due to the clear descriptions Morton gives on the lifestyle, habits, and traits of the species. I felt that for the parts of the novel when Morton described her life aside from the whales, though, that she skipped over details, making it seem like events occurring over a long period of time were instead occurring over a matter of a few days. I would definitely recommend this book, especially to anyone interested in learning about killer whales and how important it is for people to protect their species.

learning about whales.......2005-11-30

Alexandra Morton's book, "Listening to Whales" is a fantastic story of how she came to study and love dolphins and killer whales. Morton grabs the reader's attention from the beginning by telling of her childhood and how she came to love animals and research. She was first intrerested in frogs, then snakes, then moved onto dolphins and eventually to killer whales. Morton's story of how she started her career was fascinating, and all about meeting the right people at the right times. She started slow but her passion willingness to learn kept her going. After years of tedious work, Morton finally landed a job at Marineland where her first job was to study the sounds that dolphins make. By using a hydrophone, Morton was able to listen to the dolphins, but there were many problems in her studies. One problem was that the dolphins were too fast for her to write cooresponding notes, and also, she wasn't able to figure out which dolphin was making which noise. Two killer whales that also happened to be in Marineland started Morton's true interest on killer whales.
Morton's career has let her listen to these killer whales, witness a birth, and uncover habits of these creatures that no one at first believed. Morton then goes into the wild to listen to and observe these beauties in their natural habitats. Morton continues to study killer whales in the wild and learns a lot from listening to these whales communicate.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I thought it was interesting that Morton gave a lot of information on her personal life and background and told the readers of how she started her career. I thought the way she opened the book got the reader's attention from the start and built up her ethos. The only weakness to the book I'd say is that it is a little slow at the beginning. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about killer whales, or anyone who wants to hear the story of how a young, animal loving girl, grew up to be a wonderful scientist. This is story is one of "following your dreams". Morton did what she loved and knew she wanted to do, even when discouraged by others. Aspiring scientists and whale lovers would love this book.

amazing.......2005-11-29

Listening to Whales is a wonderful story of a woman's life in the wild and the beautiful creatures she has devoted her life to. This auto-biography of the life of Alex Morten follows her journey through studying dolphin noises to captive dolphins to captive orcas and finally spending 25 years in the wilderness off the western coast of Canada studying killer whales in the wild. This story is so powerful and definitely shows us how important and intelligent these creatures are. Aside from retelling the moving story of how the whales thrived in those empty waters to completely leaving the same land with the coming of fish farms, this novel teaches the reader so much about this whale species, their culture and their environment. This is a must read for anyone interested in the preservation of the once pristine waters that are home to the killer whales and other marine animals--such as dolphins, porpoises, salmon, seals and otters--and for anyone who finds these beautiful and smart animals at all intriguing. Morton will make any reader fall in love with orcas as she takes the readers out on the waters in her boat, watching the whales live, play, love, and die. The end of the novel becomes more of a commentary on the industries--fish farming in particular--that destroy natural ecosystems. Morton leaves the touching story of her whales as they leave the once peaceful waters near her home, and throws a lot of political jargon at the reader. Though what she has to say is quite shocking, and definitely will leave the reader understanding the terrible effects of such an industry, the constant barrage of numbers and statistics that Morton uses to get her point across can become quite tiresome. However, it makes the final beautiful pages of this novel all the more emotionally touching. This book is amazing, and will definitely leave any reader feeling the same love that Morton does towards killer whales.

A researcher's life study of the complex marine mammal, the killer whale.......2005-11-29

The book, Listening to Whales: What the Orcas Have Taught Us, is a spellbinding story of a woman's stuggle through life as she relentlessly studies killer whales. She brings us with her through her life's work of note taking and photo identification of the whales as she raises children, survives as a single mom in the wilderness, and falls in love. Alexandra Morton also teaches us of our human errors and our insensitive treatment of nature, as we do whatever is needed to fill our own pockets with more money, acting naive to how it is affecting the world around us. I especially enjoyed the peace and serenity of the novel. The setting and the whales themselves calms the nerves. I think it makes us all somewhat jealous of life outside of busy streets and many people. However, like with all autobiographies, the author can not control what has already happened, which makes the story move slow at the times when not a lot happened in the author's life. I would definitely recommend this novel, especially to anyone wishing to learn about whales and to anyone who loves reading about the serene and complexity of nature.

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Listening to Whales: What the Orcas Have Taught Us
Alexandra Morton
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OVH2HE

Book Description

Created for those who work and play on the shores and in the shallow subtidal of the Pacific, this easy-to-use field guide is suitable for amateurs and professionals alike. Featuring a "quick key" and filled with interesting details, this comprehensive book will enable you to readily identify 128 species of nmarine algae commonly found along the coast from Alaska to Baja California. Each species is accompanied by at least one color photograph, and text that covers identifying characteristics, range, and habit. Contains 138 color photographs, 14 line drawings that illustrate algal structures and life cycles, 3 easy-to-use keys to help sort and identify specimens and 9 recipes for cooking with seaweed.

Customer Reviews:

A great book.......2005-09-06

The color photographs are very useful. This book is a good choice for the amateur. I know Abbott and Hollenberg is a standard, but many of us don't need such a comprehensive volume.

A full-color field guide.......2003-08-11

Jennifer Mondragon and Jeff Mondragon are a pair of marine biologists who have personally traversed the Pacific coast from southern California to Alaska. In Seaweeds Of The Pacific Coast: Common Marine Algae From Alaska To Baja California, Jennifer and Jeff effectively collaborate to provide the reader with a full-color field guide featuring eye-catching photographs combined with basic information about identifying characteristics, range, and habitat concerning 128 species of marine algae commonly found in the Pacific coast region. Seaweeds Of The Pacific Coast is very highly recommended as being an superbly organized and thoroughly "user friendly" quick reference which is suitable for marine biology professionals and non-specialist general readers alike.

A guide to the literature and distributions of the marine alage of the Pacific coast of North America (Memoirs of the Southern California Academy of Sciences)

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A guide to the literature and distributions of the marine alage of the Pacific coast of North America (Memoirs of the Southern California Academy of Sciences)
Elmer Yale Dawson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

The Marine Algae of the Pacific Coast of North America (Bibliotheca phycologica)

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The Marine Algae of the Pacific Coast of North America (Bibliotheca phycologica)
William Albert Setchell
Manufacturer: Stechert-Hafner
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

The Marine Algae of the Pacific Coast of North America - Parts 1 & 2

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The Marine Algae of the Pacific Coast of North America - Parts 1 & 2
William, Albert Setchell , and Nathaniel, Lyon Gardner
Manufacturer: Wexford College Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Complete reprint of both parts one and two of this classic work, including all drawings and plates.

The Marine Plant Biomass of the Pacific Northwest Coast

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The Marine Plant Biomass of the Pacific Northwest Coast

Manufacturer: Oregon State Univ Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

jp-unknown2 | Specialty Stores | Books
ASIN: 0870714473

A guide to the literature and distribution of the marine alage of the Pacific coast of North America (Memoirs of the Southern California Academy of Sciences)

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A guide to the literature and distribution of the marine alage of the Pacific coast of North America (Memoirs of the Southern California Academy of Sciences)
Elmer Yale Dawson
Manufacturer: Southern California Academy of Sciences
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

THE MARINE ALGAE OF THE PACIFIC COAST OF NORTH AMERICA. PART I. MYXOPHYCEAE . PART II. CHLOROPHYCEAE.

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THE MARINE ALGAE OF THE PACIFIC COAST OF NORTH AMERICA. PART I. MYXOPHYCEAE . PART II. CHLOROPHYCEAE.
W. & N. Gardner Setchell
Manufacturer: University of California Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WPLMN2

Book Description

The perfect trip planner for America's #1 vacation destination
* Orlando is the top destination in the U.S., with visitor totals expected to hit 48 million in 2005
* Disney World is not only a favorite family vacation spot, but the nation's #1 honeymoon destination as well, with a total of 14.3 million Magic Kingdom visitors in 2002
* Other area parks also boast impressive attendance: 6.9 million people visited Universal Studios Florida and 5.1 million stopped off at SeaWorld in 2002
* Includes a giant, full-color foldout map

Customer Reviews:

tells it like it is.......2007-07-23

I agree with others that the book is quite critical, but he's just telling the truth. We had to go to this place for a family event, and the book helped us prepare. He's right. It's over-rated, over-priced and not as entertaining as many other smaller amusement parks, museums, or other attractions. The food is very average at best, and over-priced, and the rides are no better than Disneyland in the 50s. The place is basically a gift shop. We were much better prepared for the trip because of this book.

One big negative disappointment.......2005-01-23

I was so disappointed in this book. The author was so negative that the book was one great big downer. After the misery of making it through this book, it became clear that it was written by someone who just doesn't get the whole disney thing. I returned the book and purchased birnbaums and fodors guides which are about 100% better and written in a positive manner. My husband and I have been to disney world and disneyland many times over the years and are planning our first trip with our children. No one who feels that the majority of the theme parks are too "hokey" for them, has any business writing a guide for others.

Frommers Walt Disney World 2005.......2004-10-06

An excellent source of comprehensive information for those planning a vacation to Walt Disney World. I appreciated the detail as well as the recommendations. Anyone heading for Central Florida should definitely pick up a copy. It is the perfect size to take along with you so you can refer back to it while on your trip. The fold out map was a definite bonus in addition to the numerous and detailed locator maps found throughout the book. I would definitely recommend it to anyone planning a trip to Disney.

Just the information we needed!.......2004-04-26

This was our fourth trip to WDW, but the first as just a couple. We found this guidebook to be very helpful, full of information for both in and out of the major parks. I had to agree with the guide re: some of the higher-end restaurants within WDW. We had tried some of them on previous visits and found the food to be *very* ordinary for what we were charged, which was considerable. On the other hand, their recommendation to try Akershus in the Norwegian pavilion at Epcot was right on the money--excellent, very fresh food; charming service and nice surroundings. I don't know as we would have dined there without the detailed description and recommendation in this book.

I don't agree that this guide only gives approval to the luxury locations. Bubbalou's Bodacious BBQ was a little joint in Winter Park that was very inexpensive and delicious, and I'm sure we would never have tried it (or even known about it, for that matter) if they hadn't highlighted it as a "find." We also tried an Italian restaurant on 192 that we probably would have ignored as being one of the many "lots of so-so food + tourist hype" restaurants on that strip had Frommer's not recommended it. The food was excellent, the service very helpful and attentive, and it was a nice meal all around for a moderate (not inexpensive) cost.

I appreciated the candor and detail of this guide; the lack of photos didn't concern me as I could find all the pictures I needed for almost everything on the internet.

Not just Critical...downright Negative!.......2004-01-24

I agree wholeheartedly with another reader who stated that this book was extremely negative! While it is chuck full of helpful facts (like the weather at various times of the year) and a nice big fold out map of Orlando, it is also chuck full of sarcasm and downright negative commentary. I have been to Disney World before and had a marvelous experience at many of the locations the author refers to as "overrated" or restaurants the author(s) deem uneatable! I find it very interesting that the only restaurants in Disney World receiving their rave reviews were the gourmet Victoria and Alberts ($200 for a meal!) and other restaurants at high-end resorts. Some of us people enjoy comfort foods and meals during our vacations (at the highest in the $15 price range). Note that the gourment Victoria and Albert's are fabulous (they are!), but many of the other locations are great for the atmosphere. For example, the drive-in restaurant at MGM-Studios was a fabulous time for us...the food was great (think a step above Denny's for food...not gourmet, but not bad) and the atmosphere was SO wonderfully Walt Disney! Every attention to theme you could imagine. Isn't that WHY we spend our hard earned money to go enjoy the Disney theme parks? To be immersed in the themes and stories, and child-like joy! If you're looking for that, buy another book, because this book will make you want to avoid WDW all together!

Product Description

From forts to blockhouses, garrison houses to trading posts, stations to presidios, missions to ranches and towns, this work provides a history of the primary fortifications established during 400 tumultuous years in what would become the United States of America. Under each states heading, this substantial volume contains alphabetized entries with information regarding each structures history. The earliest forts established by the Danes, Dutch, English, French, Portuguese, Swedes and Mexicans and by the temporary appearance of the Russians are listed. The colonial American forts, many of which were previously established by the European powers, are covered in detail. Beginning with the American Revolution, each of the American military fortifications, militia forts, settlers forts and blockhouses is listed and described. Helpful appendices list Civil War defenses (and military hospitals) of Washington, D.C.; Florida Seminole Indian war forts; Pony Express depots; Spanish missions and presidios; and twentieth-century U.S. forts, posts, bases, and stations. A chronology of conflicts that paralleled the growth of the United States is also provided, offering insight into the historical context of fort construction.

Customer Reviews:

Proper Citation of Sources.......2006-12-31

I believe that Mr. Hannings has used without license, either intentionally or unintentionally, much of my internet material in listing the forts of the United States. I have found so far over 150 entries in Mr. Hannings' book that are much too similar to my own website listings, including several fort names that I invented because I could not find a proper name during my research. For much of the book, though, the actual data that Mr. Hannings writes about each fort is not in question, and otherwise it makes an interesting and useful resource. Rather, the way he has listed several forts by town or group (especially the listings for Maine, New Hampshire, Virginia, and some other states) is what bothers me, including as noted before the inclusion of several sites that could only have come from 'data mining' my website. Several sources I used to find these sites are not to be found at all in Mr. Hannings' bibliography, so I question the integrity of his of research. In fact, several of my errors have showed up in Mr. Hannings' book as well, again re-enforcing my opinion. I won't even mention all of the typographical errors present in the book. Normally I would have been flattered by the use of my material in such a book, but proper credit must be given to ALL sources used, including websites. Therefore, as a military historian I do NOT recommend this book to any serious student of American fortifications without a warning to beware. Pete Payette, editor American Forts Network

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Do we need another potted compilation?
Ironic
How the Little Corporal Thought
Understanding Napoleon
A MUST for students of military strategy.

Napoleon On the Art of War
Jay Luvaas
Manufacturer: Free Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Strategy | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Military Science | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0684872714

Book Description

In the capstone work of his career, distinguished military historian Jay Luvaas brings together in one volume the military genius of Napoleon.

Unlike Sun Tzu or Carl von Clausewitz, Napoleon never wrote a unified essay on his military philosophy. Yet, as one of the world's great strategists and tacticians, he sprinkled wisdom throughout his many and varied writings. Jay Luvaas spent over three decades poring through the thirty-two volumes of Napoleon's correspondence, carefully translating and editing all of his writings on the art of war, and arranging them into seamless essays. The resulting book captures the brilliant commander's thoughts on everything from the preparation of his forces to the organization, planning, and execution of his battles -- all buttressing Napoleon's view that "in war there is but one favorable moment; the great art is to seize it." Napoleon on the Art of War will be essential reading for military buffs, students of history, and any business leader looking for timeless insights on strategy.

Download Description

A landmark distillation more than thirty years in the making: the first ever synthesis, arrangement, and translation of the thinking of one of history's greatest military strategists.

Customer Reviews:

Do we need another potted compilation?.......2001-10-02

I have many other books on the great man himself. Along comes this "must-have" book and I plonk down my money. Afterwards, I realise that many of these maxims and one-liners are already embedded in my other books. The truly bad thing about books like this is that it takes things out of context.
It is probably a great read for business managers.

Ironic.......2001-08-13

This book is a very good compilation of Napoleon's writings, in which is discussed the policy, composition, discipline, and strategy that armies must employ to be successful. There is a quote in the book from Kircheisen, a Napoleonic Scholar, stating that Napoleon's ability to successfully wage war was not in the realm of strategy, instead it was grounded in organization and attention to detail, which leads me to the intrinsic irony of this book: In the end Napoleon did not follow many of his own axioms.

Ultimately it was his total failure in the Russian Campaign that caused his downfall. This incident demonstrated to the rest of Europe that Napoleon was not the living reincarnation of the god of war; quite to the contrary, he was a mediocre strategist. His failure was the result of his lack of organization, and his inability to compete with the Scorched Earth Policy and a small typhus endemic. In fact, his failure was so total that his "Grand Army" was decimated from 422,000 men strong to a mere 10,000: that is 97.6% casualties. This complete failure was caused because he did not heed the things that he himself propounds in this book.

That begs the question: Can this book truly be reflective of Napoleon?

If you want to know how to run an army: read this book.

If you want to keep your idealized version of Napoleon: avoid this book because it will demonstrate just how absurd his command was in the end.

How the Little Corporal Thought.......2001-04-11

There is probably no man in history that has been written about widely as Napoleon, with writings either praising him or decemating him littering bookshelves world wide. However, this selection is quite different, as it is an assortment of letters, mandates, orders etc. that Napoleon decreed or wrote for numerous purposes throughout his time. The accumulation of these letters into chapters of different broad topics makes for a read that provides more insight into the mind of Napoleon than any of thousands of other books ever kind. The reason for the insight is this cannot be biased, for it is Napoleon's own words. The portion describing military training and education is especially notable, and it would be wise reading for anyone considering the military field. Other sections describing leadership of all types, preperation, motivation etc. all show clearly why Napoleon was the man he was, and why so many millions followed him blindly. Anyone in a leadership position could do well to learn from the greatest leader of all time, and this book provides an opportunity for just that.

Understanding Napoleon.......2000-06-25

Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of the French, is one of the Great Captains of history, and ruled as a civilian head of state. He was a true lawgiver, reformer, builder, and patron of the arts. The greatest actor of the day, Talma, was Napoleon's friend. The French Civil Code, the Code Napoleon, is still in effect in France, and it still affects law in Italy, Germany, and Louisiana. Few, if any, in history have shaped an era, and posterity, as did Napoleon, and yet few ever try and find out what he was really like.

Jay Luvass has made a gallant effort and largely succeeded. This little gem of a book is a must for every Napoleonic library, large or small, and it is full of the thoughts of the great French Emperor, whose terrible Grande Armee 'stabled their horses in every capitol of continental Europe.'

One of the best ways to get to know historical figures is to read what they have written. Most of that for the Emperor is in the volumes of his Coreespondence. Luvaas has done us all a favor by putting some of the best of it in this volume.

Only by reading what the Great Man has written can we gain insights into the 'mind and method' as well as the sense of humor, ethics, morals, and personality of one of the most intelligent, fascinating men who ever graced the world stage.

A MUST for students of military strategy........1999-11-15

NAPOLEON. The world has viewed him as a hungry conqueror, a man always victorious in his days, and the greatest general the world has ever known.He is popular in books and encyclopedias as the master of strategies and tactics, the God of war, a military genius,etc.etc.Then try to read this book, and you'll find that the key to his successes is only one: Never be irresolute, calculate everything prudently, move with confidence and spirit and never leave anything to Fate.In this book you'll find how he used his army from the creation of the fighting forces until the operational art to the gate of victory. He also said that military education, fortification and high morality played an important role in war.But he also made some fatal mistakes that caused his failure in battle, you can find it all in the chapter"Generalship and the art of command".If you're truly interested in military strategies and tactics, this book is certainly presented for you. Jay Luvaas has in this book reflected the mind of history's greatest conqueror.Go and get it. This masterpiece will forever change the way we view THE EMPEROR.

Romanticism and War: A Study of British Romantic Period Writers and the Napoleonic Wars

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Romanticism and War: A Study of British Romantic Period Writers and the Napoleonic Wars
J. R. Watson
Manufacturer: Palgrave Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This book is a study of war and the perceptions of war. It deals specifically with the British Romantic period writers who lived through the Napoleonic wars, and the way in which those wars affected the writing of Scott, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Shelley, Byron and many of their contemporaries. Watson discusses the particular fascination of those wars, and the way in which they affected a way of thinking about war that lasted until the early twentieth century.

Warfare in the 16th-19th Centuries: The Age of Empires (Battle Zones)

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Warfare in the 16th-19th Centuries: The Age of Empires (Battle Zones)
Mark Bergin , and Andrew Robertshaw
Manufacturer: Peter Bedrick
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Military & Wars | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Science & Technology | Teens | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1577685938

Book Description

Battle Zones is a new historical series presenting warfare across a variety of historical periods. Every aspect of warfare is explored by looking at the structures of armies and the individual roles of the different ranks within them. Photos and stunningly realistic illustrations show how warfare changed throughout different periods of history. A chronological timeline brings each book to a close, indicating all the main dates and developments in warfare across specific periods. Perfect for research and browsing, these book focus on the structure and politics of war, rather than on grisly details. Supplements school curriculum in history.

David our model in warfare: A sermon preached before the 20th Worcestershire Volunteer Rifles, on Sunday, December 16th, 1860

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David our model in warfare: A sermon preached before the 20th Worcestershire Volunteer Rifles, on Sunday, December 16th, 1860
John G Sheppard
Manufacturer: T. Mark
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B00089HG6E

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