The Story of Ireland: A History of the Irish People

Neil Hegarty. Irish fiction writer Hegarty emphasizes the external political and cultural forces shaping the destiny of the Emerald Isle and chips away at the usual myths by presenting a sweeping panorama that includes the first Christian communities, Columbanuss powerful sermons, the Viking settlements, the early great documents of the new land, and the long reach of the Roman Catholic Church into Irish affairs. Without succumbing to a dry academic tone, Hegarty offers a finely researched and timely celebration of Ireland's turbulent history and conservative people.--Publisher's Weekly (Check Catalog)

City of Fortune: How Venice Ruled the Seas

Roger Crowley. The only seas Venice ruled were the Mediterranean and Black, but it dominated European trade from 1000 to 1500. While mildly neglected compared to Britain and France, Venice receives a stirring account from British historian Crowley. The author concentrates on its golden years and the wars that made them possible, passing over its great but less-pugnacious cultural accomplishments. An action-packed political and military history that will remind readers of the Italian sea power that prevailed for centuries before Western European nations arrived on the scene.--Kirkus (Check Catalog)

Vanished Kingdoms: The Rise and Fall of States and Nations

Norman Davies. Distinguished British historian Davies delves into 15 once-great, now-fallen states, from the ancient Visigoths to the Soviet Union. The author again displays an enormous breadth of knowledge in this selective yet comprehensive historical study of thriving kingdoms that eventually gave way to internal or external forces such as implosion or conquest. A fine concluding chapter, "How States Die," offers a robust roundup for the diligent reader. As usual with Davies, an exceedingly accomplished and dauntingly thorough study.--Kirkus (Check Catalog)

Pearl Harbor: FDR Leads the Nation Into War

The History Channel resident historian Gillon reminds readers that everyone expected war. Having broken Japan's diplomatic code, American officials knew that morning that Japan's embassy had been ordered to destroy its code machines. Little useful activity and no important decisions resulted, and Gillon wisely cuts away from the confusion to deliver background information and generous biographies of FDR, Eleanor and a dozen leading figures.
An excellent introduction to Roosevelt and his times with heavy emphasis on events surrounding Pearl Harbor.--Kirkus (Check Catalog)