Showing results by narrator "Benjamin Becker" in All Categories

Former Chief of Staff to President George H.W. Bush and New York Times bestselling author of The Man I Knew, Jean Becker shares touching and pivotal life lessons from a leader that left a mark on people's hearts and souls.

The Bismark was the greatest warship ever built, with guns so powerful and accurate it could destroy an enemy ship while safely staying outside the line of fire. But the Allies had to sink it...or risk losing the war. William Shirer, famed World War II correspondent and author of The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, captures every suspenseful moment of the perilous mission.

Some say he was the greatest warrior in history, building an empire that extended from Europe to Africa and on to India and Central Asia. In a stirring narrative, famed historian John Gunther tells the story of Alexander the Great who, at only age 21, became King of Macedonia and set off on a 12-year journey to conquer the known world and extend the boundaries of Greek civilization.

Focusing particularly on George Washington's youth, Sterling North fully captures the spirit of the man as he examines his childhood in colonial Virginia, his early experiences as a member of the militia, and his many other adventures leading up to the Revolutionary War. The fully rounded person who emerges from this captivating portrait is uncomfortable with words, shy with women, totally at home in the outdoors, and deeply in love with the country he helped found.

One of the leaders and founders of Texas, Sam Houston confronted all of the prevailing issues of his day. Adopted into a Native American tribe, he fought for fair treatment of Indians in the halls of Congress. Faced with the dissolution of the Union during the Civil War, he tried to lead Texas away from secession. A frontiersman, soldier, and patriot, Houston's influence can be felt well beyond the borders of the Lone Star State.

British-born Thomas Paine came to Philadelphia in 1774. He clearly heard the colonists' cries for liberty. They stirred his own political philosophy and ideals for freedom. He committed the powerful mixture to print with revolutionary pamphlets such as Common Sense. Paine helped set the stage for the Declaration of Independence and profoundly influenced the course of our nation's history and ideology.

Nathan Hale was an American patriot and soldier. Educated at Yale, he volunteered for service in the Continental Army at the outbreak of the war for independence. He rose to the rank of captain, whereupon he volunteered for a mission to reconnoiter the British position on Long Island. He was captured by the British, quickly tried, and hanged. Before his hanging, he uttered the infamous last words, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."

In a time where thousands pushed westward to find their fortune, Stephen Austin went west to found a colony. The fierce struggle between Austin's settlers and the Mexican government would lead to the birth of Texas and countless stories of heroes and heroism. Jailed by Mexican authorities, Austin fought a long, bitter struggle for the survival of Texas. Many may not know that Austin's dream almost did not come true.

A biography of the Civil War general known for his part in the disastrous battle at the Little Big Horn in 1876.

A revered citizen-soldier of the American Revolutionary War, South Carolina-born Francis Marion has been dubbed by some the "father of the U.S. Army Special Forces." This innovative patriot earned the nickname the "Swamp Fox" from a British colonel who all too often lost track of Marion when the clever soldier made stealthy retreats into American swamp lands.

The controversial founder of Vermont, Ethan Allan's story unfolds on the backdrop of 18th-century life in the New England frontier. In intercolonial disputes over land grants, Allen took a firm stance against the powerful colony of New York. Later he led the Green Mountain Boys in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point. A hero to some, a traitor to others, Allen's story resonates with the military and political obstacles encountered by a colony and a nation fighting for freedom.

The famous "coonskin" politician was always more than the self-promoted backwoods Everyman. An astute and agile leader, Crockett would come of age during the Creek Wars, and die a hero at the battle of the Alamo in Texas. Today we can distinguish between the legend and the history of Davy Crockett, as we survey the facts of his life and the fantasies of more than a century of stories told in songs, films, and books.

"Listen my children and you shall hear of the midnight ride of Paul Revere." This opening line, from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's tribute poem "Paul Revere's Ride", celebrates a highlight of this Boston-born folk hero's life and times. Like many of his contemporaries, Paul Revere was not only a businessman and family man, but also a soldier and spy. Minutemen were patriots ready at a moment's notice to serve the cause of the Revolution.

A naval hero in the American Revolution, John Paul Jones's story merges with another story, that of the birth and growth of the American navy. The story of this patriot of the sea also gives readers insight into early nautical strategy and technology, and the political and economic causes that sparked the wars of which these naval battles.

A leader in American victories against the British in the American Revolutionary War, Lafayette also championed the Americans' cause at peace talks in France. A life story interwoven with issues of international diplomacy, military expertise, and contributions to another nation's fight for freedom, Lafayette is an important reminder that not all the heroes of the American Revolution were American.

The life story of Major Robert Rogers, the New England frontiersman who recruited companies of colonial soldiers, known as Rogers' Rangers, to fight for the British in the French and Indian War, is a compelling mix of military intrigue and national identity. This feisty major codified colonial military strategies into a document, known as Standing Orders, and put these principles to practice in many battles, campaigns, and scouting.

A rogue, slave trader, and murderer, Jim Bowie would die a hero at the famous battle of the Alamo. In this purely American story of reinvention, Bowie leaves his comfortable life in New Orleans to help fight for Texas independence. His resilience and fortitude at the Alamo earned him the admiration of his fellow Texans, and, after his death, Bowie's legend would grow and serve as inspiration for generations to come.

Newbery Medal winner Armstrong Sperry has such an affinity for life on the high seas that his readers will imagine themselves right beside the bold John Paul Jones, luring enemy craft into danger and engaging them in close combat. Jones, a talented young captain, became an invaluable figure in America's fight for independence when he offered his sailing skills to the Continental Navy.

The growing friction between the colonies and England in the mid- to late 18th century is outlined here, as the book captures the revolutionary spirit that eventually led to the American War of Independence. Included is biographical information on Patrick Henry, as it traces his rise to fame as he grew to embody the new American identity.