Rob Johnson, the author behind the Pilot Ollie and Pilot Polly series, initially penned these books for his own children. Driven by their curiosity about his travels and experiences, he aimed to share the wonders of aviation and global exploration. The books are crafted to be both entertaining and educational, blending engaging narratives with informative insights into the world of flying. Johnson draws upon his extensive career as a commercial airline pilot to bring the skies to life for young readers.
The First World War in the Middle East swept away five hundred years of Ottoman domination. In The Great War and the Middle East, Robert Johnson, military historian and former soldier, examines in detail the strategic and operational course of the war in the Middle East. Johnson argues that, far from being a sideshow to the war in Europe, the Middle Eastern conflict was in fact the center of gravity in a war for imperial domination and prestige.
How can you off-balance your enemy? When is the best moment to deliver a counter-attack? What is the effect of shock action or defence in depth? Certain tactical concepts have stood the test of time. This ground-breaking book examines, in a series of case studies, 25 of the key tactics that have achieved victory through the ages. Drawing on examples of battles from around the globe, on land, at sea and in the air, and across history, the authors reveal the enduring value of each tactic in clear and compelling descriptions and analysis. General Robert E. Lee, although heavily outnumbered achieved a remarkable victory through an audacious flanking manoeuvre at Chancellorsville in 1863; the same bold move had been used over 600 years before by the king of France at Bouvines. For the Parthian general Surenas at Carrhae in 53 BC and again for Kitchener at Omdurman in 1989, an overwhelming concentration of firepower ensured a decisive outcome, while drawing the enemy led to victory both for Saladin at Hattin in 1187 and for the Russians against Napoleon in 1812. The book examines how Allied armies seized and retained the initiative through the airborne landings in Normandy in 1944, and how Soviet General Zhukov pierced enemy lines and penetrated in depth using Blitzkriegtactics in Mongolia in 1939
With a humorous take on Greek culture, this book offers a delightful exploration of its quirks and charms. The narrative is filled with wit and engaging anecdotes that will resonate with fans of Greek traditions and lifestyle. Readers can expect to encounter a vibrant portrayal of Greek life, making it an enjoyable read for anyone interested in the lighter side of this rich heritage.
Von Tschetschenien bis Afghanistan, von Kasachstan bis Tadschikistan: die Länder im Herzen Asiens sind aus dem Gleichgewicht geraten. Dabei ziehen sie viel mehr in den Abgrund als sich selbst – ein ganzer Kontinent, selbst wir im Westen werden die Folgen spüren… Riesige Erdölvorkommen, korrupte Diktatoren, islamische Gotteskrieger, ethnische Spannungen, Drogen- und Waffenhandel in großem Stil – ein unheilvoller Cocktail macht Zentralasien zu einem gefährlichen Pulverfass, das nur allzu bald explodieren könnte. Besonders brisant: Nirgendwo sonst auf der Welt kämpfen die Großmächte USA, Russland, China und Iran derart verbissen um Macht und Ressourcen wie zwischen Kaukasus und Hindukusch. Wie es soweit kam, wohin sich Zentralasien in näherer Zukunft bewegen wird und was dies für den Westen bedeutet, analysiert Rob Johnson in seinem scharfsinnigen Buch. Dabei lenkt er unseren Blick nicht nur auf die blutigen Kriege in Tschetschenien und Afghanistan, sondern auch auf die von der Weltöffentlichkeit bisher kaum beachteten, aber gleichermaßen explosiven Konflikte in Usbekistan und Turkmenistan oder in Chinas Provinz Xinjang.
