Born in Jedburgh in 1780, Mary Fairfax was the daughter of one of Nelson's captains, and in common with most girls of her time and station she was given the kind of education which prizes gentility over ability. Nevertheless, she taught herself algebra in secret, and made her reputation in celestial mechanics with her 1831 translation of Laplace's Mecanique celeste as The Mechanism of the Heavens. As she was equally interested ...
In dieser neuen Zusammenstellung sind erstmals die Reisetagebucher von Alexander von Humboldt (Sudamerika), Ferdinand Freiherr von Richthofen (China), Heinrich Schliemann (Kleinasien) und Mary French Sheldon (Ostafrika) vereint. So ergibt sich ein Querschnitt durch die klassische Reiseliteratur. Reisen bildet. Schon beim Zuhoren. ...
So offen und personlich wie noch nie: die Autobiographie Gregor Gysi hat linkes Denken gepragt und wurde zu einem seiner wichtigsten Protagonisten. Hier erzahlt er von seinen zahlreichen Leben: als Anwalt, Politiker, Autor, Moderator und Familienvater. Seine Autobiographie ist ein Geschichts-Buch, das die Erschutterungen und Extreme, die Entwurfe und Enttauschungen des 20. Jahrhunderts auf sehr personliche Weise erlebbar macht. Kaum ein deutsc ...
Regarded as one of the greatest Presidents of The United States, Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) led a full and vibrant life that reflected his storied personality and presence. «The Autobiography of Theodore Roosevelt» is an invaluable literary work and a true gift to readers, as it is a glimpse into the psyche of such an enigmatic historical figure. Roosevelt led a life rich in accomplishments not limited to his being the youngest president in ...
Few figures are more seminal in the abolitionist movement in America than John Brown. His firebrand approach to the movement arose out of his religiously inspired and deep-seated belief that slavery was not only morally unjust but that its removal from American society could only be achieved through armed insurrection. Following his capture in 1859 during an unsuccessful raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry and his subsequent hanging he b ...
A Venetian adventurer, author, and lifelong womanizer, the name of Casanova has become interchangeable with the art of seduction since the 18th century. In his most notable book, «Story of My Life,» Casanova narrates countless tales of the people with whom he interacted: lovers, European royalty, clergymen, and artists such as Goethe, Voltaire, and Mozart. His writing demonstrates his talent for dialogue, while his life seems an inadvertent test ...
When he was nominated as vice president on the 1880 Republican ticket, Chester Alan Arthur had never held elected office. Expectations of him – or of the vice presidential office – were virtually non-existent. Years earlier in 1839, Daniel Webster had turned down the vice presidency with the quip I do not propose to be buried until I am dead. But six months into President James Garfield's term, he was assassinated – and the unknown vice pre ...
"Two Years Before the Mast" is the true story of Richard Henry Dana's voyage aboard the «Pilgrim» on a trip around Cape Horn during the years 1834 to 1836. Intended as an account of «the life of a common sailor at sea as it really is», «Two Years Before the Mast» details a voyage from Boston to San Francisco to trade goods from the east for cow hides. «Two Years Before the Mast» is a classic depiction of maritime life in the 19th centu ...
One of America's most famous patriots, Benjamin Franklin was more than just a founding father of the country. He was a prolific writer, tradesman, scientist, and philosopher who had major influences in France, England, and America. Franklin made it clear through his works that he believed in both spirituality and science at the same time, and he wrote about how the two ideas can converge. He was quite famous during his life, but his fame li ...
