A historian of military intelligence presents a revelatory account of ancient Greek battle tactics, including the use of espionage and irregular warfare.There are two images of warfare that dominate Greek history. The better known is that of Achilles, the Homeric hero skilled in face-to-face combat and outraged by deception on the battlefield. The alternative model, also taken from Homeric epic, is Odysseus, 'the man of twists and turns' who saw no shame in winning ...

"Why were Rome's first emperors—the good, the bad, and the ugly—so vulnerable to conspiracies and assassination? . . . an expert analysis . . . compelling." —Adrienne Mayor, author of The Poison King: The Life and Legend of Mithradates and Rome's Deadliest EnemyExploring the history of internal security under the first Roman dynasty, this groundbreaking book answers the enduring question: If there were 9,000 men guarding the emperor, how were three-quarters...

Guarding the Caesars is the story of the survival of the Flavian emperors in Rome. The dynasty produced three of the most famous and productive rulers in the Roman Empire. Vespasian built the Colosseum. Titus won the Great Jewish War of 66–70, and his men were responsible for the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Domitian, perhaps Rome’s greatest builder, is responsible for many of the buildings we connect with Rome today. He was without a doubt among the most controversial of all Ro...

Professor Sheldon uses the modern concept of the intelligence cycle to trace intelligence activities in Rome whether they were done by private citizens, the government, or the military.Examining a broad range of activities the book looks at the many types of espionage tradecraft that have left their traces in the ancient sources:* intelligence and counterintelligence gathering* covert action* clandestine operations* the use of codes and ciphersD...

From acclaimed author Mary Sheldon comes a novel of ambition and desire about a woman who outgrows her life, only to discover a new one--with new dangers--just around the corner. . .Growing up in Palm Springs, Pandora Brown had daydreams that couldn't be contained in the small desert town. She yearned for something more fun, more glamorous, more fulfilling--like her uncle's life as a Hollywood agent. If wishes came true, that's where she'd be. . .And suddenly, Pandora is gi...

Exploring the history of internal security under the first Roman dynasty, this groundbreaking book answers the enduring question: If there were 9,000 men guarding the emperor, how were three-quarters of Rome’s leaders assassinated? Rose Mary Sheldon traces the evolution of internal security mechanisms under the Julio-Claudians, evaluating the system that Augustus first developed to protect the imperial family and the stability of his dynasty. Yet in spite of the intensive precautions taken...

This delightful story captures all the wonders of Santa's amazing toy factory— as well as the magic of Christmas.It's Lizzy's favorite holiday...Christmas! And this year, a very special surprise awaits Lizzy and her best friends, Eric and Petunia— a fantastic journey to the North Pole to visit Santa's workshop. The magical elves, Erlin and Dagil, lead the way aboard an ice boat that sends the group to the very home of Santa Claus himself.

Pato is just a stuffed dinosaur, but he hopes that by emulating the giving and loving nature of Santa Claus, he’ll become real. Can he do enough good deeds to make his wish a reality? This heartwarming story teaches us all to follow our dreams.

The public appetite for spies, both real and fictional, seems inexhaustible. But where and when did spying begin and how has the art and craft of espionage developed over the centuries? Spies in History is a collection of portraits of some of the most famous spies we know, but it also includes some lesser known and more surprising names. A remarkable line-up of distinguished historians, scholars and writers examine the evolution of intelligence and counter-intelligence – from anci...

Children of all ages will delight in listening to these four original stories performed by Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony-winning celebrities:Beloved actress Betty White starts off this collection reading Mary Sheldon's A Day at the Zoo, the story of Lizzy and her troublesome friend Eric on the day they finally get to visit the zoo.Sharon Stone performs Dancing in the Park, the story of a dancer named Claudia who is determined to cheer up a sad little boy i...

Grammy Winner: Best Spoken Word Album for ChildrenIn addition to her acclaimed performances on film— including her Academy Award-winning role in Roman Holiday— Audrey Hepburn was also a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, an organization dedicated to the lives of children. As one of her final projects for young listeners, Hepburn left the world a treasure of exquisitely told fairy tales. This recording features Mary Sheldon's fresh adaptations of " Sleeping Be...

Unable to cope with the demands of her husband and mother-in-law, Maggie leaves them and Alexis, her 8-year-old daughter, behind to live a reclusive life in Paris. Told by her father that her mother never loved her, Alexis can never overcome a sense of loss and abandonment. Now, more than three decades have passed since Maggie and Alexis have had contact with each other. Though each longs for a reunion, neither of them is willing to take the first step, until a troubled teen steps into Ale...