John Sweetman Books

Exploring the interplay between Islamic artistic traditions and European perceptions of Islam, this book delves into how these influences shaped Western visual arts. It examines the cross-cultural exchanges and artistic dialogues that emerged, highlighting the ways in which Islamic aesthetics were integrated into European art. The work offers insights into the historical context and the evolving representations of Islamic culture, showcasing the rich tapestry of artistic collaboration and adaptation across cultures.

In 1917, David Lloyd George declared that airmen were ‘the cavalry of the clouds ... the knighthood of this war’. But such a romantic image, lavishly embroidered post-war by writers of adventure stories and Hollywood film makers, was roundly condemned by British veteran Harold Balfour and German ace Manfred von Richthofen. Both were aware of the harsh and deadly reality of aerial warfare and the impact of mounting casualties on families at home. For the first time, bombing raids hit civilians in their own houses as well. In Cavalry of the Clouds John Sweetman traces the evolution of air power in North-West Europe, which culminated in the formation of a separate air force, the RAF. Extensively researched, Cavalry of the Clouds draws on a wide range of personal correspondence involving British, Australian, Canadian, South African, American and German airmen, as well as a wealth of more formal records and documents.

Focusing on land battles in Europe from the Great Peloponnesian War to World War II, this reference book provides detailed entries that cover terrain, weaponry, troop statistics, casualties, and commanders' tactics. Additionally, it offers essential political context for each battle, enhancing the reader's understanding of its significance and historical implications.

A page-turning detective memoir - fascinating insider insight into prominent Irish crimes and the forensics that helped to solve them.

The bridge was a popular feature in painting throughout the period from 1700 to 1920, but why did so many artists choose to portray the structures? This study traces the history of the bridge in painting and printmaking through a range of works, including William Etty's The Bridge of Sighs, Claude Monet's The Railway Bridge, Wassily Kandinsky's Composition IV and C.R.W. Nevinson's Looking Through Brooklyn Bridge, revealing its complex role as both symbol and metaphor, and as a place of vantage, meeting and separation.

Based on interviews and correspondence with those closely associated with, and actually involved in, the Dambusters Raid.

BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY: HISTORICAL, POLITICAL & MILITARY. All too many historians have dismissed FitzRoy James Henry Somerset, first Baron Raglan, as at best, an indifferent and, at worst, an incompetent on the basis of his association with the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade. Yet as this long overdue biography of a pivotal military figure of the 19th Century reveals Raglan's achievements over fifty years should not be judged on so narrow a basis. Commissioned in 1804 he served under Sir Arthur Paget and the Duke of Wellington, throughout the Peninsular War losing an arm at Waterloo. He held key posts, including Military Secretary for an astonishing 25 years and Master General of the Ordnance and his influence was far reaching. In this first full biography of Raglan, John Sweetman examines not just the man himself but the workings of an Army that was straggling to keep up with social and technological change

The full story of one of the UKs most influential aeronautical engineers, an individual who contributed to many Hawker aircraft designs, from the biplanes of the 1920s to jet fighters.

The bitter war between Russia and Turkey, aided by Britain and France, was the setting for legends. This book details the suicidal Charge of the Light Brigade, the reports made by the first real war correspondent, William Russell of the Times and the deeds of Florence Nightingale. schovat popis