History

Common Sense was a series of pamphlets written by Thomas Paine. It was first published anonymously on January 10, 1776, during the American Revolution. Paine wrote it with editorial feedback from Benjamin Rush, who came up with the title. The document denounced British rule and, through its immense popularity, contributed to stimulating the American Revolution. The second edition was published soon thereafter. A third edition, with an accounting of the worth of the British navy, an expanded appendix, and a response to criticism by the Quakers, was published on February 14, 1776. Paine donated the copyright for Common Sense to the states, and as one biographer noted, Paine made nothing from the estimated 150,000 to 600,000 copies that were eventually printed (various sources disagree on the number of printed copies in Paine's lifetime). In fact, he had to pay for the first printing himself. [Adapted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Sense_%28pamphlet%29 under the terms of the GNU-FDL] more...

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In his first book since What Went Wrong? Bernard Lewis examines the historical roots of the resentments that dominate the Islamic world today and that are increasingly being expressed in acts of terrorism. He looks at the theological origins of political Islam and takes us through the rise of militant Islam in Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, examining the impact of radical Wahhabi proselytizing, and Saudi oil money, on the rest of the Islamic world. more...

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David Shotter shows how the Roman republic was destabilised by the consequences of the unplanned growth of Rome's empire. more...

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The first volume of Churchill's Noble-Prize winning six-part chronicle of World War II. The Gathering Storm depicts the rise of Hitler and the indifference of the leaders of the European democracies to the clouds of the gathering storm. Churchill incorporates contemporary documentation and his own reminiscences in this opening memoir. more...

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Praise for Bernard Lewis.  . "For newcomers to the subject[el]Bernard Lewis is the man.". TIME Magazine.  . “The doyen of Middle Eastern studies.". The New York Times.  . “No one writes about Muslim history with greater authority, or intelligence, or literary charm.”. British historian Hugh Trevor-Roper.  .  . "Bernard Lewis combines profound depth of scholarship with encyclopedic knowledge of the Middle East and, above all, readability.". Daily Telegraph (London).  . "Lewis speaks with authority in prose marked by lucidity, elegance, wit and force.". Newsday (New York).  . "Lewis' style is lucid, his approach, objective.". Philadelphia Inquirer.  . "Lewis writes with unsurpassed erudition and grace.". Washington Times.  . An objective, easy-to-read introduction to Islam by Bernard Lewis, one of the West’s leading experts on Islam.  . For many people, Islam remains a mystery. Here Bernard Lewis and Buntzie Ellis Churchill examine Islam: what its adherents believe and how their religion has shaped them, their rich and diverse cultures, and their politics over more than 14 centuries. Considered one of the West’s leading experts on Islam, Lewis, with Churchill, has written an illuminating introduction for those who want to understand the faith and the global challenges it confronts and presents. Whatever your political, personal, or religious views, this book will help you understand Islam’s reality.  . Lewis and Churchill answer questions such as...  . • How does Islam differ from Judaism and Christianity?. • What are the pillars of the Islamic faith?. • What does Islam really say about peace and jihad?. • How does the faith regard non-Muslims?. • What are the differences between Sunni and Shi’a?. • What does Islam teach about the position of women in society?. • What does Is more...

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