This author, also an accomplished cinematographer, producer, and director, focuses his literary work on military history. Drawing on his extensive experience as a war correspondent for the BBC and CBS, he brings an authentic insight into the complexities of war and the human condition within them. His writing is characterized by deep analysis and a powerful narrative style that immerses readers in the raw reality of the battlefield and the psychology of its characters. The author explores not only the strategic aspects of warfare but also its moral and emotional repercussions.
China stands on the threshold of global domination, a true rival to the United States. Bestselling author Erik Durschmied traces China's passage through a thousand years of war, colonial adventurism, and internecine politics, and seeks to understand what the country is today--as well as what the future holds for a world in which China reigns as the latest economic and military superpower.
Exploring the unpredictable nature of warfare, the book delves into significant historical conflicts, revealing how chance and error have influenced outcomes as much as valor and strategy. Erik Durschmied examines battles from Agincourt to the Gulf War, illustrating how seemingly improbable events can alter the course of history. By analyzing the dynamics of defeat and victory, the narrative uncovers the complex factors that determine the fate of nations in times of conflict.
Focusing on pivotal historical moments, the author explores significant revolutions from the French Revolution to the Iranian Revolution, offering vivid portrayals of the key figures and events that shaped these tumultuous periods. Personal anecdotes enrich the narrative, particularly regarding the Cuban Revolution and the author's encounters with Castro. The book also includes a contemporary analysis of the Arab Spring, illustrating the enduring impact of these upheavals on societies. Through this lens, the author examines the complexities and consequences of revolutionary change.
Exploring the dark history of witch hunts, this book delves into the motivations behind the persecution of those accused of witchcraft. It examines the roles of figures like Joan of Arc and Matthew Hopkins, revealing how personal vendettas, political ambitions, and the desire for self-preservation fueled these brutal acts. Covering a timeline from the Middle Ages to modern times, it provides a gripping narrative that highlights the societal and individual forces at play during these tragic events, shedding light on the true nature of the so-called "butchers" of history.
Collisions between China and the rest of the world are among the most vexing challenges of history. This saga of mayhem and confusion, blunders and mistakes that brought the belligerents no credit, paints a coherent picture of China's rise from isolation to its emerging superpower position.
In his latest book, bestselling author Erik Durschmied looks into the history of the witch delusion and the cruel butchers who hunted and executed so-called witches, from the Middle Ages to modern times. tortured and executed numerous innocent people. Did they act to uphold the received faith, or was it for self-protection? Was it out of personal vindictiveness or for public recognition? For political aims, or sheer greed to confiscate the wealth of their victims? Ranging from medieval times to, shockingly, the alleged SS Witch Project in the twentieth century, Durschmied tells a gripping and grisly tale. With its strong narrative and colourful cast of characters, including Joan of Arc, Luther, (the real) Dr Faust, the unfortunate children of Salem, and SS chief Heinrich Himmler, Whores of the Devil is a passionate investigation of some of the greatest cruelties in history.
How the Myth Makers Changed the World
From Armageddon to the Fall of Rome is the story of myth makers. Brave and reckless, intelligent and foolish, lucky and ill-fated, their battles were won and lost by ruse, trickery, chance, stupidity and by unsurpassed military brilliance. This was the crucible of civilisation, when a single conqueror could change the world." "Erik Durschmied analyses seventeen of ancient history's most fascinating and brutal battles, some of which have been almost forgotten, but all of which changed the shape of the world and set the borders of our future."--Jacket.
From the wooden horse at Troy to a dropped package of cigars at Antietam, world history has been shaped as much by chance and error as by courage and heroism. Drawing from historical accounts and personal documents, Durschmied gives a fascinating look at how the unexpected and the bizarre have dictated world events.
