The story of Abraham and Isaac is a story of near universal importance. Sitting near the core of three of the world’s great religious traditions, this nineteen verse story opens a world of interpretive possibilities, raising questions of family, loyalty, faith, and choices that are common to all.This collection of essays takes up the question of how our interpretation of this pivotal text has changed over time, and how, even in unlikely intellectual places, the story influences our...

This book explores the development of tactical air power in Britain between 1940 and 1943 through a study of the Royal Air Force’s Army Co-operation Command. It charts the work done by the Command during its existence, and highlights the arguments between the RAF and Army on this contentious issue in Britain. Much is known about the RAF both in the years preceding and during the Second World War, particularly the exploits of Fighter, Bomber and Coastal Commands, yet the existence of the RA...

Have you ever sat down and pondered – is this really it? Is this how my life is going to pan out? Or do you have a feeling of slight inner discontent, that feeling of the conforming rat-racer stuck on the perpetual wheel of the shallow hedonic treadmill? The treadmill of instant gratification and momentary pleasure but the path that lacks meaning and true spiritual Joy with a capital J. Do you feel that you are drifting into the Wasteland of dead ambition, to paraphrase the master Joseph C...

In the heart of a bustling city, nestled amidst towering buildings, lies a hidden sanctuary—The Wonder Garden. Step into its enchanting realm, where nature's wonders unfold before your eyes. From the vibrant blooms of exotic flowers to the gentle murmur of a babbling brook, this extraordinary garden holds secrets that will ignite your imagination and transport you to a world of wonder and discovery. Join us on an unforgettable journey through The Wonder Garden, where the boundaries of real...

Co-winner of the 2014-2015 Charles P. Stacey AwardTim Cook, Canada’s leading war historian, ventures deep into World War Two in this epic two-volume story of heroism and horror, of loss and longing, sacrifice and endurance.Written in Cook’s compelling narrative style, this book shows in impressive detail how soldiers, airmen, and sailors fought—the evolving tactics, weapons of war, logistics, and technology. It gauges Canadian effectiveness against the skil...

"Everyone knows about the Home Guard but what about the other Secret Intelligence Services (SIS and M16)? You can read about them in [this book]." — This EnglandWhen Winston Churchill made his "we shall never surrender" speech in 1940, he was speaking in the knowledge that Britain's Secret Intelligence Service was planning a civilian British resistance movement to mobilize after the country had been occupied. Britain's planning for clandestine warfare deve...

The WWII historian's bracingly accurate analysis of what might have happened if Hitler ordered Operation Sea Lion to breech the shores of England.In June 1940, German troops gathered just across the English Channel, poised for the invasion of Britain. With France defeated and Britain cowed, Hitler seemed ready for his greatest gamble. In this compelling alternative history, the Germans launch the invasion that, in reality, was never more than a plan.Landing b...

A "truly exceptional" account of how Churchill's experiences in the armed forces helped him lead Britain to victory in World War II ( Booklist).No defense minister in modern times has faced the challenges that Winston Churchill did during the Second World War. Fortunately, he had a unique and intimate inside knowledge of all three services, which allowed him to assess their real needs—a crucial task when money, material resources, and, especially, manpower...

"A fascinating examination of one of the best-known British forces of the Second World War . . . An efficient and increasingly professional military unit." — History of WarWhat was the Home Guard? Who were the men and women who served in it? And what can be said of their real role and significance once the popular myths have been stripped away?Despite the fame of the Home Guard—of Dad's Army—the true story of this wartime organization tends...

This fascinating historical revelation goes to the very heart of British and Allied Intelligence during World War II, specifically in the context of planning, control and implementation of the combined bomber offensive against Germany. There are sound arguments based on official archives that the handling of much air intelligence was faulty and reasons to believe that some departments within Whitehall were influenced by parochial and personal attitudes that interfered with the selection of...

The fall of Singapore 1942 was one of the most decisive defeats of British and Commonwealth troops in the Second World War, driven primarily by Allied complacency. If you want to understand what happened and why – read Battle Story:Detailed profiles explore the military backgrounds of the Allied and Japanese leadersComprehensive maps bring you close to the action with informative details of tactical layout of Singapore IslandPhoto...

July 1940: as Britain stood alone, the Army exhausted and defeated by the Wehrmacht and the Roval Navy, stretched worldwide, only the English Channel and the RAF remained between Britain and the expected German invasion. But the Luftwaffe's ill-prepared and last-minute assault on the RAF was met by a carefully planned system of fighter intervention, the defensive strategy devised by Hugh Dowding, Commander-in-Chief, RAF Fighter Command. Dowding fought and won Britain's most vital victory, ...