There was a German bomber flying right towards us – a Dornier, one of their biggest. It was so low we could see the pilot flying it and the gunner in the nose of the bomber pointing his machine gun at us…Schoolboy in Kent, during the Battle of BritainMy legs pressed harder around my father's waist; my arms nearly choked him. The humming of Japanese aircraft was loud enough for everyone to hear now, and panic spread like ink on a blotter.Child saying ...

BLUE JACKETS OF '76. CHAPTER EARLY EXPLOITS UPON THE WATER. — GALLOP'S BATTLE WITH THE INDIANS. — BUCCANEERS AND PIRATES. — MORGAN AND BLACKBEARD. — CAPT. KIDD TURNS PIRATE. — DOWNFALL OF THE BUCCANEERS' POWER. In May, 1636, a stanch little sloop of some twenty tons was standing along Long Island Sound on a trading expedition. At her helm stood John Gallop, a sturdy colonist, and a skilful seaman, who earned his bread by trading with the Indians that at that time thronged the shores of the...

The American Ship and the American Sailor—New England's Lead on the Ocean—The Earliest American Ship-Building—How the Shipyards Multiplied—Lawless Times on the High Seas—Ship-Building in the Forests and on the Farm—Some Early Types—The Course of Maritime Trade—The First Schooner and the First Full-Rigged Ship—Jealousy and Antagonism of England—The Pest of Privateering—Encouragement from Congress—The Golden Days of Our Merchant Marine—Fighting Captains and Trading Captains—Ground Between Fr...

Old Friends at Cambridge and Elsewhere, authored by John Willis Clark, is a rich tapestry of reflective essays that delve into the intricate social and intellectual lives of Cambridge University during the late 19th century. The text showcases Clark's keen observational skills and literary finesse, weaving personal anecdotes with historical context to illuminate the dynamics among the University's esteemed scholars and notable figures. His prose embodies a blend of nostalgia and respect, c...

In "The Care of Books," John Willis Clark examines the pressing need for the preservation and maintenance of books, weaving together an insightful narrative that underscores the interplay between literature, art, and the material aspects of books. Clark's literary style is marked by meticulous attention to detail and a reverence for the tangible heritage of literature, presenting a blend of historical analysis and practical advice. Through eloquent prose, he contextualizes the book within ...

In a pluralistic world of competing truth claims, how can one discern what is truly representative of God? How can we live and communicate what is authentically "spiritual?" How do we bridge the religious impasse between believers and a post-Christendom and pluralistic context where individuals may consider themselves to be spiritual, yet are offended by the person of Jesus? Can relativism be an effective means of evaluating truth from falsehood? What role should race, gender, and socioeco...

In "Old Friends at Cambridge and Elsewhere," John Willis Clark offers a rich tapestry of reflections that intertwine the social, intellectual, and cultural currents of late 19th-century Cambridge. Combining an autobiographical style with insightful biography, Clark's narrative weaves personal anecdotes with broader historical contexts, shedding light on the lives and thoughts of luminaries from academia and the arts. His prose is marked by a vivid lyricism that invites the reader into the ...

Not since gunpowder was first employed in warfare has so revolutionary a contribution to the science of slaughtering men been made as by the perfection of aircraft and submarines. The former have had their first employment in this world-wide war of the nations. The latter, though in the experimental stage as far back as the American Revolution, have in this bitter contest been for the first time brought to so practical a stage of development as to exert a really appreciable influence on th...

Aircraft and Submarines: The Story of the Invention, Development, and Present-Day Uses of War's Newest Weapons is a comprehensive historical account that delves into the remarkable evolution of two of the most transformative military technologies of the early twentieth century. Authored by Willis J. Abbot, this book offers readers an in-depth exploration of the origins, advancements, and strategic significance of both aircraft and submarines in modern warfare. Beginning with the earliest d...

Geoffrey Page was one of the most remarkable fighter pilots of World War Two. Shot down in a fireball during the Battle of Britain his hands were burnt to the bone and his face badly charred. Despite his horrific injuries Page went onto fly at D-Day, the Battle of Normandy, and Arnhem. On appointment in 1944 he was the youngest Wing Commander in the RAF, aged 24.During two years in hospital under the care of the legendary pioneering surgeon Archibald McIndoe he endured fifteen pain...

In "The Care of Books", John Willis Clark presents a thorough exploration of the preservation and maintenance of books, blending practical guidance with historical context. Written during the late 19th century, Clark's work reflects the emerging concerns related to book conservation in an age marked by industrialization and mass publication. His literary style combines erudition with accessibility, employing vivid examples and a structured approach that appeals to bibliophiles and scholars...

Dive into the daring deeds of wartime pilots in the throes of World War II.Our story centres on Geoffrey Myers, an intelligence officer with the RAF 257 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. He's a dedicated serviceman, but also a husband fearing for his wife's safety in German-occupied France.Can Geoffrey and his squadron overcome the relentless challenges of war? And will he find out what happened to his wife, hidden away in occupied France?For Geoffrey, it's not...