Showing results by narrator "J. A. Smith" in All Categories

Few military conquests lead to truly lasting cultural, political, religious, or societal change. Countries are often occupied by stronger nations, but as those inevitably decline, independence is reasserted and the country usually resumes its previous form. One exception to that is the Norman Conquest of England which took place between 1066 and 1071.

The Punic Wars, a series of three wars involving the Roman Republic and Carthage between 264 and 146 BCE, did much to shape the subsequent history of the world. These wars were among the most important of any fought in the ancient world and led directly to the power and reach of the later Roman Empire. One of these wars also saw the emergence of two men who would become revered as among the greatest military leaders of all time: the Carthaginian leader Hannibal Barca and the Roman General Scipio Africanus....

Every one of the parties working on a project has their own interests, which many times are conflicted with the interests of the project itself. Nothing affects the progression of projects more than this conflict of interests, and yet, the theory of project management disregards it entirely. The Manager’s Dilemma is a groundbreaking project management book. It explains why the Critical Path and the Critical Chain methods fail time and time again, and paves a new road to project efficiency improvement, through the Theory of Constraints and Game Theory.

The most common depictions of Native Americans feature mounted warriors and iconic events such as the Battle of the Little Bighorn and the Wounded Knee Massacre. The best-known Native American leaders include Chief Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, and most people’s impression of such a leader includes the wearing of a feathered headdress. All these archetypes have one thing in common: they are all Sioux, and many are Lakota, one of the coalition of seven Sioux Nations.

William McKinley’s presidency was fairly brief as far as presidencies go, but it was incredibly consequential all the same. The most notable and lasting part of his legacy is no doubt the US acquisition of Guam and Puerto Rico, which remain US territories to this very day.

John Basilone was a man who embodied self-sacrifice. Prior to his passing, he engaged in several incredible battles with America’s foes in the Pacific Theater of World War II. It was during the heat of battle at Guadalcanal that this Marine proved himself a thousand times over. Under heavy fire, he left his position to run across hostile terrain to grab up much-needed ammunition so that he could resupply his gunners. In the end, only Basilone and two other men from his unit were left standing, but they nevertheless managed to hand the Japanese a stunning defeat.

Irena Sendler is one of the often-unsung heroes of the Holocaust. Nevertheless, she deserves credit for her humanitarian efforts. Time and time again, she put her own safety at risk to save others. Her efforts were especially crucial as it pertained to saving the children who fell victim to the horrors of the Holocaust. As a Catholic Pole, Irena Sendler could have rather easily looked the other way and told herself that it was none of her business what was happening around her. But her conscience wouldn’t let her ignore the pleas of all those innocent voices who so desperately needed her aid.

After years of darkness, Eric Livna, newly appointed lord of Tsaftown, returns from the battlefield ready to properly assume his title and become a true husband and father to his family. His marriage to Lady Viola, though arranged and built on mutual duty, has lacked the warmth of true affection, but Eric is hoping to bridge the emotional distance between them.

November 13, 2015. It was a Paris night that began like so many others - until a series of terrorist attacks brought darkness to the City of Light. Stirred by the tragic events at the Bataclan music club, One Night in November locks into the hearts and minds of all those whose paths crossed that fateful fall evening...

Discover the remarkable life of Crazy Horse... Famed Lakota warrior Crazy Horse was more than just a fearless fighter—he was a symbol of resistance and commitment to his people’s way of life. During his life, the Lakota faced relentless pressure from all sides. Rival tribes waged war over land and resources while waves of US settlers, backed by an ever-growing military presence, pushed further into their territory on the Great Plains. Despite these challenges, Crazy Horse stood unwavering, fighting not for personal glory but for the survival of his people and their homeland.

The Apache became one of the best-known of all Native American peoples because they were astonishingly capable guerilla fighters. They fought other Native American tribes, Spanish invaders, the authorities of the new state of Mexico and, from the mid-nineteenth century, increasing numbers of American settlers and soldiers. Under chiefs such as Cochise and Geronimo, they waged wars that struck fear into every new culture they encountered.

Bass Reeves was a man who forged his own destiny and wrote his own life story as he went along. Born into slavery, Reeves rose above all challenges to become one of the most legendary lawmen of the American West. As a deputy US marshal, he held himself to a personal code of conduct that went beyond the badge he wore. For Bass, the line between right and wrong was clear, and he never hesitated to enforce the law—even when it meant pursuing his own friends or family. Justice wasn’t just his duty; it was his calling.

Whether advocating for the peaceful use of nuclear energy or mentoring the next generation of scientists, Bohr’s influence extended far beyond his laboratory. Here in this book, we explore both his life and his life’s work in full.

In the 1850s, the United States was a nation divided. In the North, industrialization and urbanization were both significant drivers of change. In the South, a largely agrarian economy was supported by the institution of slavery. The East and West of the country were also divided, not by social or political differences but by a vast tract of largely untouched, rugged, and often hostile territory. There were just two ways to travel from the East Coast to the Pacific Coast or vice versa.

The construction of Avalon station, known as the crown jewel and economic centerpiece of the Tronis colony, is almost finished. Director Hawthorn, impressed by Gamma Squadron's recent success, has decided to visit the station earlier than planned. Meanwhile, Gamma Squadron remains focused on their mission to eliminate pirate threats and ensure the safety of Tronis.

Among the legendary heroes and outlaws of the Wild West, few names echo louder than that of Wild Bill Hickok. Wild Bill wasn’t just a name whispered in saloons or shouted on the stage of Buffalo Bill’s world-famous Wild West shows. Long before he stepped onto any stage, Wild Bill had carved his path in blood, sweat, and gunpowder. He was a Civil War scout who could read the vast plains like a map, a fearless marshal who faced down lawlessness, and a frontier sheriff whose very name sent ripples through the towns he protected.

Betty White was more than just an actress and comedienne—she was a force of nature who dazzled audiences for nearly a century. Few in show business could match her energy, charisma, or longevity. While many of her peers slowed down, Betty remained active well into her 90s. Incredibly, she lived to be 99 years old, passing away just weeks shy of her 100th birthday. Throughout her extraordinary life, Betty White built a career that spanned over eight decades. She was breaking new ground in radio and television when the mediums were still in their infancy.

Discover the remarkable life of Isoroku Yamamoto... Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto was one of Japan’s most influential military leaders and a key architect of naval warfare during World War II. Born into an impoverished samurai family, he worked his way to the top by attending the Imperial Japanese Naval Academy, where he consistently ranked among the best in his class. Early in his career, he recognized that the future of naval warfare wasn’t in massive battleships but in aircraft carriers and aviation, an idea that would eventually shape Japan’s military strategy.

What happened to the great and powerful wizard Merlin after King Arthur? The old narratives say he disappeared, was cursed and imprisoned by an enchantress, or turned into a bird and entered the esplumoir. But now, a new story comes to light, revealing the lost chapter of the wizard's life a hundred years after the death of the King.

Albert Speer was the man in charge of designing Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich. Yet he was more than just an architect—he was one of Hitler’s closest confidants and a key player in the Nazi war machine. Born into a wealthy German family, Speer’s life was shaped by privilege and ambition. He rose quickly through the ranks of the Nazi Party after impressing Hitler with his grand architectural visions and sharp organizational skills. Before long, he found himself at the heart of the Third Reich, helping to fuel its war effort and shape its image.