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  1. Destroying to Replace

    Mohamed Adhikari
    Series Editor: Alfred J. Andrea

    "This book explores settler colonial genocides in a global perspective and over the long durée. It does so systematically and compellingly, as it investigates how settler colonial expansion at times created conditions for genocidal violence, and the ways in which genocide was at times perpetrated on settler colonial frontiers. This volume will prove invaluable to teachers and students of imperialism, colonialism, and human rights." Lorenzo Veracini, Swinburne University of Technology, and author of The World Turned Inside Out: Settler Colonialism as a Political Idea

    "A succinct, insightful, and highly readable text discussing an issue that deserves to be integral to any world history course. Using four finely crafted, yet widely dispersed, case studies Adhikari strikingly shows how vulnerability and resistance occur as the waves of global capitalism hit indigenous societies." —Robert Gordon, University of Vermont

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  2. Florence in the Age of the Medici and Savonarola, 1464–1498

    Kenneth Bartlett

    Series: Passages: Key Moments in History

    "Bartlett does an excellent job of illustrating events and issues relevant to the historical period. [His introduction] succeeds in placing the history of Renaissance Florence in a broader geographical and chronological context, not only by explaining how the rise of the Medici family was possible but also by illustrating the dynamics that linked the Republic of Florence to other Italian and non-Italian states. . . . The style is very clear, the narrative is effectively structured, and the text, while avoiding oversimplification, is easily accessible. . . . The brilliant first part [of this book] provides an enjoyable and informative introduction to the subject for English-speaking readers. . . . The sources show how Renaissance Florence's extraordinary historical players, such as Cosimo and Piero de' Medici, Lorenzo the Magnificent, and Girolamo Savonarola, were perceived by their contemporaries. The wide range of different kinds of documents, such as chronicles, letters, diaries, and sermons, is ideal for students who want to get a glimpse of what and how fifteenth-century people used to write." —Stefano Dall'aglio, in Renaissance and Reformation

    "A brief narrative overview of the mainly political history of Florence to the end of the fifteenth century that also offers an attractive collection of illustrative documents, aimed to engage student interest and discussion." —Melissa Bullard, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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  3. King Leopold's Congo and the "Scramble for Africa"

    Michael A. Rutz

    Series: Passages: Key Moments in History

     "King Leopold of Belgium's exploits up the Congo River in the 1880s were central to the European partitioning of the African continent. The Congo Free State, Leopold’s private colony, was a unique political construct that opened the door to the savage exploitation of the Congo's natural and human resources by international corporations. The resulting ‘red rubber’ scandal—which laid bare a fundamental contradiction between the European propagation of free labor and ‘civilization’ and colonial governments’ acceptance of violence and coercion for productivity’s sake—haunted all imperial powers in Africa. Featuring a clever introduction and judicious collection of documents, Michael Rutz’s book neatly captures the drama of one king’s quest to build an empire in Central Africa—a quest that began in the name of anti-slavery and free trade and ended in the brutal exploitation of human lives. This volume is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in the history of colonial rule in Africa." —Jelmer Vos, University of Glasgow

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  4. Matteo Ricci and the Catholic Mission to China, 1583–1610

    R. Po-chia Hsia

    Series: Passages: Key Moments in History

    "A highly accessible introduction to the history of the Jesuits in China. Hsia offers a clear and concise overview of the key figures in this crucial episode of intercultural encounter: the first intellectual and cultural meeting of Europeans and Chinese. . . . In addition to providing a broad vision of the European and Asian contexts for Ricci’s work in the introductory essay, Hsia gives a valuable selection of documents from both Chinese and Western sources in translation . . . [including] items that genuinely demonstrate the two sides of this cultural exchange."
         —Liam Matthew Brockey, Professor of History, Michigan State University

     

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  5. Nazi Crimes and Their Punishment, 1943-1950

    Michael S. Bryant

    Series: Passages: Key Moments in History

    "With this timely book in Hackett Publishing's Passages series, Michael Bryant presents a wide-ranging survey of the trials of Nazi war criminals in the wartime and immediate postwar period. Introduced by an extensive historical survey putting these proceedings into their international context, this volume makes the case, central to Hackett’s collection for undergraduate courses, that these events constituted a 'key moment' that has influenced the course of history. Appended to Bryant's analysis is a substantial section of primary sources that should stimulate student discussion and raise questions that are pertinent to warfare and human rights abuses today." —Michael R. Marrus, Chancellor Rose and Ray Wolfe Professor Emeritus of Holocaust Studies at the University of Toronto

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  6. Protests in the Streets: 1968 Across the Globe

    Edited by Elaine Carey
    General Editor: Alfred J. Andrea

    Series: Critical Themes in World History

    "A really interesting and provocative take on 1968. This book addresses the truly global dimensions—and the unexpected, often long-term consequences—of that year of protest. It’s an original and highly usable comparative history sure to attract student interest." —Peter N. Stearns, George Mason University

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  7. Sanctified Violence: Holy War in World History

    Alfred J. Andrea and Andrew Holt

    "This rich and engaging book looks at instances of sanctified violence, the holy wars related to religion. It covers it all, from ancient to present day, including examples of warfare among Sikhs, Hindus and Buddhists, as well as Christians, Jews and Muslims. It is a comprehensive and readable overview that provides a lively introduction to the subject of holy war in its broadest sense—as ‘sanctified violence’ in the service of a god or ideology. It is certain to be a useful companion in the classroom, and a boon to anyone fascinated by the dark attraction of religion and violence." —Mark Juergensmeyer, University of California, Santa Barbara

    "With Andrea and Holt as sure-footed guides, Sanctified Violence tackles a vast subject: the global history of holy war in its many forms across the millennia. From cosmic struggles between forces of good and evil at the dawn of mythic time to apocalyptic battles at history’s end, this book explores the transcendental impulses and religious ideologies that fuel and shape collective violence in virtually every culture and age. Modern military chaplains and armed Buddhist monks keep company with medieval Templars and Aztec Flower warriors. Sanctified Violence never pretends to have all the answers to difficult questions about warfare and the sacred, but rather invites reflective readers to appraise their complicated relationship for themselves. Richly illustrated, each chapter offers a detailed commentary on its major historical sources and poses questions for further analysis, making the volume ideal for the classroom." Brett E. Whalen, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

    Contents: Introduction: What Is Holy War?, Chapter 1: Holy Wars in Mythic Time, Holy Wars as Metaphor, Holy Wars as Ritual, Chapter 2: Holy Wars of Conquest in the Name of a Deity, Chapter 3: Holy Wars in Defense of the Sacred, Chapter 4: Holy Wars in Anticipation of the Millennium, and an Epilogue: Holy Wars Today and Tomorrow.

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  8. Seven Myths of Africa in World History

    David Northrup
    Series Editors: Alfred J. Andrea and Andrew Holt

    Series: Myths of History

    "Northrup’s highly accessible book breaks through the most common barriers that readers encounter in studying African history. Each chapter takes on a common myth about Africa and explains both the sources of the myth and the research that debunks it. These provocative chapters will promote lively discussions among readers while deepening their understanding of African and world history. The book is strengthened by its incorporation of actors and issues representing the African diaspora and African Americans in particular." —Rebecca Shumway, College of Charleston

    "This is a very good book. . . . Northup uses the seven myths formula to address some major issues in African historiography. These range from addressing older debates about whether Africa has a history at all, to Ethiopian exceptionalism, to the effects of long distance trade, to ethnic formation, to the Afro-pessimist-Afro-optimist debate. His approach to these topics is wide ranging. . . . All of this is delivered in an accessible, jargon-free, undergraduate-friendly style. . . . Perhaps the best thing about the book is that it does not stop with confronting popular misconceptions and myth making about Africa. It also addresses debates within the discipline. . . . Using material from this book would be a way to expose students to debates within the field and help to dispel the notion that there is an agreed upon narrative about Africa’s past." —Erik Gilbert, Arkansas State University, in International Journal of African Historical Studies

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  9. Seven Myths of Military History

    John D. Hosler
    Series Editors: Alfred J. Andrea and Andrew Holt

    "This brief, provocative, and accessible book offers snapshots of seven pernicious myths in military history that have been perpetrated on unsuspecting students, readers, moviegoers, game players, and politicians. It promotes awareness of how myths are created by 'the spurious misuse and ignorance of history' and how
    misleading ideas about a military problem, as in asymmetric warfare, can lead to misguided solutions. Both scholarly and engaging, this book is an ideal addition to military history and historical methodology courses. In fact, it could be fruitfully used in any course that teaches critical thinking skills, including courses outside the discipline of history. Military history has a broad appeal to students, and there’s something here for everyone. From the so-called 'Western Way of War' to its sister-myth, technological determinism, to the ‘academic party game’ of once-faddish ‘Military Revolutions,’ the book shows that while myths about history may be fun, myth busting is the most fun of all."
     —Reina Pennington, Norwich University

    “Why does military history generate so many myths? Is it because easily digestible myths make the subject easier to teach and study? Or because such myths help to paper over the simple but depressing fact that mankind has, since its very origins, permitted the slaughter of millions, often for the most minor of reasons? While such questions are difficult if not impossible to answer, in bringing together seven of the world’s finest military historians to dispel seven of these myths, John Hosler provides a great service in laying bare the myths’ origins. Anyone interested in the subject should read this book first, before embarking on further study.”
     —Kelly Devries, Loyola University Maryland

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  10. Seven Myths of Native American History

    Paul Jentz
    Series General Editors: Alfred J. Andrea and Andrew Holt

    Series: Myths of History

     "Seven Myths of Native American History will provide undergraduates and general readers with a very useful introduction to Native America past and present. Jentz identifies the origins and remarkable staying power of these myths at the same time he exposes and dismantles them."
    Colin G. Calloway, Dartmouth College

    "Misconceptions continue to shape public perceptions of American Indians. Deeply ingrained cultural fictions, what Jentz (history, North Hennepin Community College) refers to as myths, have had a lasting hold on popular understanding of Native Americans. In this readable and engaging overview, Jentz provides an important corrective, one that not only catalogs key stories and stereotypes but also lays a foundation for challenging them. As the title indicates, Jentz seeks to demystify seven fundamental ideas about American Indians through critical histories. Following a helpful introductory discussion, he devotes a chapter to each myth. Specifically, he unpacks (1) the noble savage, (2) the ignoble savage, (3) wilderness and wildness, (4) the vanishing native, (5) the authentic Indian, (6) the ecological Indian, and (7) the mystical native. Throughout, Jentz employs clear language and tangible examples to clarify each myth and its significance. [T]his work will greatly benefit nonspecialists, including high school teachers and students. The volume will be useful as either a textbook in introductory courses in Native American studies or as secondary reading. Summing Up: Highly recommended."
    —C. R. King, Washington State University, in Choice

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  11. Seven Myths of the Civil War

    Edited, with an Introduction, by Wesley Moody; Series Editors: Alfred J. Andrea and Andrew Holt

    Series: Myths of History

    "Readers of this book who thought they knew a lot about the U.S. Civil War will discover that much of what they 'knew' is wrong. For readers whose previous knowledge is sketchy but whose desire to learn is strong, the separation of myth from reality is an important step toward mastering the subject. The essays will generate lively discussion and new insights." —James M. McPherson, Professor Emeritus, Princeton University

    "Wesley Moody's clear, engaging book tackles enduring Civil War myths with grace, candor, and persuasive evidence. By exploring a wide range of subjects including the war's causes, soldiers, leaders, prisons, and battlefields, this volume's group of talented historians accomplishes more than myth busting. Each scholar reveals deeper, more satisfying stories hidden beneath Civil War fallacies and falsehoods. As a result, Civil War students and enthusiasts will find more than facts in this compelling book; they’ll encounter the complexities of real war, the long shadows of memory, and the hard work that historians conduct to illuminate the past." —Jason Phillips, Eberly Professor of Civil War History, West Virginia University

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  12. Seven Myths of the Crusades

    Edited, with an Introduction and Epilogue, by Alfred J. Andrea and Andrew Holt

    Series: Myths of History

    "Crusade historians frequently lament the wide gulf that separates modern scholarship from popular beliefs regarding the holy wars of the Middle Ages. In this lively book a group of those scholars tackle seven of the most intractable myths that obscure our view of the crusades. With erudition, energy, and a dose of humility this book makes the case that solid historical research brings us ever closer to historical accuracy—and that matters. The myths of the crusades may be legion, but breaking down seven of them is an excellent place to start."
          —Thomas F. Madden, St. Louis University

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  13. Seven Myths of the Russian Revolution

    Jonathan Daly and Leonid Trofimov

    "This fascinating volume is a major contribution to our understanding of the Russian Revolution, from World War I to consolidation of the Bolshevik regime. The seven myths include the exaggeration of Rasputin’s influence; a purported conspiracy behind the February Revolution; the treasonous Bolshevik dependence on German support; the multiple Anastasia pretenders to the royal inheritance; the antisemitic claims about “Judeo-Bolsheviks”; distortions about America’s intervention in the civil war; and the “inevitability” of Bolshevism. In each case the authors analyze the facts, uncover the origins of the myth, and trace its later perseverance (even in contemporary Russia). To assist readers, the volume includes three reference guides (people, terms, dates), nine maps, and twenty-nine illustrations. The result is immensely valuable for undergraduate courses in Russian history."
    —Gregory L. Freeze, Raymond Ginger Professor of History, Brandeis University

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  14. NEW
    Seven Myths of the Spanish Inquisition

    Gretchen D. Starr-LeBeau
    Series Editors: Alfred J. Andrea and Andrew Holt

    “Gretchen Starr-LeBeau has given us a deeply researched, wide-ranging correction of the various myths attached to the Spanish Inquisition. Her ability to track and explain the development of those myths over time is remarkable. The volume is wonderfully written and consistently accessible for a student audience. I learned a great deal from it and look forward to assigning it in my classes.”
    —Lu Ann Homza, William and Mary

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  15. Shackles of Iron: Slavery Beyond the Atlantic

    Stewart Gordon
    General Editor: Alfred J. Andrea

    Series: Critical Themes in World History

    "Gordon’s survey of the topic makes it clear that slavery in the Americas can be understood much better if we put it in this larger context, in terms of both time and place. His chapters on East African and Mediterranean slavery are especially valuable, since these were contemporary with so-called Atlantic slavery and can provide students with valid points of comparison, revealing both the similarities and the variable nature of early-modern bondage. The final chapter is especially timely, reminding readers that much of what we think of as enslavement hasn’t really gone away, but simply slipped below the radar of the world media. All in all, Gordon makes it clear that, though it has arisen in different guises and at many different times and places, slavery has been and remains deeply rooted in human society. A rewarding introduction for anyone looking to better understand slavery as a world-wide institution."
         —Robert Davis, The Ohio State University

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  16. The Cuban Missile Crisis and the Cold War

    Michelle Getchell

    Series: Passages: Key Moments in History

    "Getchell does an exemplary job of explaining the context, development, and results of the Cuban Missile Crisis. She has an expert grasp on the latest research in the field, and her prose is engaging, making this book a pleasure to read." —Renata Keller, author of Mexico's Cold War: Cuba, the United States, and the Legacy of the Mexican Revolution

    In October 1962, when the Soviet Union deployed nuclear missiles in Cuba, the most dangerous confrontation of the Cold War ensued, bringing the world close to the brink of nuclear war. Over two tense weeks, U.S. president John F. Kennedy and Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev managed to negotiate a peaceful resolution to what was nearly a global catastrophe. Drawing on the best recent scholarship and previously unexamined documents from the archives of the former Soviet Union, this introductory volume examines the motivations and calculations of the major participants in the conflict, sets the crisis in the context of the broader history of the global Cold War, and traces the effects of the crisis on subsequent international and regional geopolitical relations. Selections from twenty primary sources provide firsthand accounts of the frantic deliberations and realpolitik diplomacy between the U.S., the U.S.S.R., and Fidel Castro's Cuban regime; thirteen illustrations are also included.

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  17. The East India Company, 1600–1858

    Ian Barrow

    Series: Passages: Key Moments in History

    "Ian Barrow has written a concise yet engaging, rich, and detailed history of the East India Company—its rise to power, evolution, and eventual demise. This book will be read with great interest by students as well as those general readers seeking a better knowledge of the world's first multi-national corporation and its important influence in the creation of the modern South Asian world."  —Michael Dodson, Indiana University Bloomington

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  18. The Greco-Persian Wars

    Erik Jensen

    Series: Passages: Key Moments in History

    "Erik Jensen's The Greco-Persian Wars offers a refreshing introduction to a critical (but often misunderstood) historical event in world history. Rejecting dated models of East-West confrontation, this book usefully frames the Persian invasions of Greece in terms of imperial expansion and frontier development, and also considers the long-term evolution of Greco-Persian relations after 480–479 BC. The source selections draw on both Achaemenid documents as well as Greek narratives to contextualize the conflict." —John Hyland, Christopher Newport University

    "I like Jensen’s book very much. This 'key moment' in world history has traditionally been read almost exclusively through Greek eyes, and having these translations of the Persian sources provides the opportunity and impetus for a fresh interpretation of this classic encounter. . . . The Introduction provides an excellent background to the Persian sources and sheds invaluable light on the people and society that produced them." —Robert GarlandColgate University

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  19. The Indian Rebellion, 1857–1859

    James Frey

    Series: Passages: Key Moments in History

    "Frey's concise and readable history of the Indian Rebellion is an excellent introduction to one of the most important wars of the nineteenth century. The rebellion lasted more than a year and pitted broad sections of north Indian society against the British East India Company. British victory consolidated colonial rule that would only be dislodged by twentieth-century nationalist movements. Frey provides a crystal-clear account of the causes, principal events, and consequences of the rebellion. Equally importantly, he deftly discusses why the rebellion remains controversial. Well-chosen documents add texture to the analysis. This is the best short history of the rebellion in print."
         —Ian Barrow, Middlebury College

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  20. The Perry Expedition and the "Opening of Japan to the West," 1853–1873

    Paul H. Clark

    Series: Passages: Key Moments in History

    "In this concise volume, Clark provides a nice split between detailed yet engaging narrative history—of the sort required to understand Japan in the context of the nineteenth century world—and primary sources that include updated translations, previously unused sources, classic texts, and helpful visual materials. A welcome addition to world, East Asian, and Japanese history courses." —Michael Wert, Marquette University

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  21. The Russian Revolution and Its Global Impact

    Jonathan Daly and Leonid Trofimov

    Series: Passages: Key Moments in History

    "Thoughtful, readable, and concise, this little book sets the Russian Revolution in its global context. Though primarily focused on the period from 1917 to the 1930s, it nicely illustrates the many ways in which the effects of the Revolution are still being felt today." —Rex Wade, George Mason University

    For more on the 100th anniversary of the Russian Revolution read Jonathan Daly and Leonid Trofimov's post Commemorating the Russian Revolution from Vladimir Lenin to Vladimir Putin on the Hackett Publishing blog, The Hackett Colloquium.  

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