Biography & Autobiography : Historical

On Christmas morning in the year 800, Pope Leo III placed the crown of imperial Rome on the brow of a Germanic king named Karl. With one gesture, the man later hailed as Charlemagne claimed his empire and forever shaped the destiny of Europe. Becoming Charlemagne tells the story of the international power struggle that led to this world-changing event. Illuminating an era that has long been overshadowed by legend, this far-ranging book shows how the Frankish king and his wise counselors built an empire not only through warfare but also by careful diplomacy. With consummate political skill, Charlemagne partnered with a scandal-ridden pope, fended off a ruthless Byzantine empress, nurtured Jewish communities in his empire, and fostered ties with a famous Islamic caliph. For 1,200 years, the deeds of Charlemagne captured the imagination of his descendants, inspiring kings and crusaders, the conquests of Napoléon and Hitler, and the optimistic architects of the European Union. In this engaging narrative, Jeff Sypeck crafts a vivid portrait of Karl, the ruler who became a legend, while transporting readers far beyond Europe to the glittering palaces of Constantinople and the streets of medieval Baghdad. Evoking a long-ago world of kings, caliphs, merchants, and monks, Becoming Charlemagne brings alive an age of empire building that continues to resonate today. more...

Price: $10.95

Amazing Grace tells the story of the remarkable life of the British abolitionist William Wilberforce (1759-1833). This accessible biography chronicles Wilberforce's extraordinary role as a human rights activist, cultural reformer, and member of Parliament. At the center of this heroic life was a passionate twenty-year fight to abolish the British slave trade, a battle Wilberforce won in 1807, as well as efforts to abolish slavery itself in the British colonies, a victory achieved just three days before his death in 1833. Metaxas discovers in this unsung hero a man of whom it can truly be said: he changed the world. Before Wilberforce, few thought slavery was wrong. After Wilberforce, most societies in the world came to see it as a great moral wrong. To mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the British slave trade, HarperSanFrancisco and Bristol Bay Productions have joined together to commemorate the life of William Wilberforce with the feature-length film Amazing Grace and this companion biography, which provides a fuller account of the amazing life of this great man than can be captured on film. This account of Wilberforce's life will help many become acquainted with an exceptional man who was a hero to Abraham Lincoln and an inspiration to the anti-slavery movement in America. more...

Price: $17.95

No one in history had a more eventful career in matrimony than Henry VIII. His marriages were daring and tumultuous, and made instant legends of six very different women. In this remarkable study, David Starkey argues that the king was not a depraved philanderer but someone seeking happiness -- and a son. Knowingly or not, he elevated a group of women to extraordinary heights and changed the way a nation was governed. Six Wives is a masterful work of history that intimately examines the rituals of diplomacy, marriage, pregnancy, and religion that were part of daily life for women at the Tudor Court. Weaving new facts and fresh interpretations into a spellbinding account of the emotional drama surrounding Henry's six marriages, David Starkey reveals the central role that the queens played in determining policy. With an equally keen eye for romantic and political intrigue, he brilliantly recaptures the story of Henry's wives and the England they ruled. more...

Price: $13.95

Ambrose presents a comprehensive and invaluable introduction to the life and works of the saint. more...

Price: $125.00

American Presidents from MobileReference describes early life,. political career, significant events, legislation, programs, appointments, personal. life, and post-presidential career of all American Presidents. Audience. Audience: Intended for everyone interested in American History, including middle. school, high school, undergraduate and graduate students. Features.:.; Illustrated with portraits of all presidents.; Biography, including early life, political career, and post-presidential. career.; Concise description of major event during presidency including legislation,. programs, and appointments.; Search for the words or phrases.; Navigate from Table of Contents or read page by page.; Access the guide anytime, anywhere - at home, on the train, in the subway.; Always have the guide available for a quick reference.; Designed for optimal navigation on PDA, Smartphone, Tablet, and desktop devices.; Formatted to display on all electronic devices including Smartphones and Mobile Devices with a small display.; Add Bookmarks, text annotations and mark-ups.; Automatic synchronization between the handheld and the desktop PC. You. could read half of the book on the handheld, then finish reading on the desktop. Annotations and drawings are also synchronized. Table of Contents. 1. George Washington (April 30, 1789 -March 3, 1797) Party: none, VP: John. Adams (Federalist policies). 2. John Adams (March 4, 1797-March 3, 1801) Federalist, VP: Thomas Jefferson. 3. Thomas Jefferson (March 4, 1801-March 3, 1809) Democratic-Republican, VP:. Aaron Burr, George Clinton. 4. James Madison (March 4, 1809-March 3, 1817) Democratic-Republican, VP: George. Clinton[D], Elbridge Gerry[D]. 5. James Monroe (March 4, 1817-March 3, 1825) Democratic-Republican, VP: Daniel. Tompkins. 6. John Quincy Adams (March 4, 1825-March 3, 1829) Democratic-Republican, VP:. John Calhoun. 7. Andrew Jackson (March 4, 1829-March 3, 1837) Democrat, VP: John Calhoun[R],. Martin Van Buren. 8. Martin Van Buren (Mar more...

Price: $9.99