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  Mesoamerican Warfare: The...

  Editors Charles River

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  Throughout history, warfare has played an important role in the development of many cultures around the world, and Mesoamerica is no exception. As J.M. Francis and T.M. Leonard noted, “The history of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica was one of violence, though no more so than that of any other region of the ancient world. It was a universe of shifting alliances and mutual antagonisms, in which increasingly strong political entities forged themselves and then broke apart.” 
  	Of course, the history of warfare in Mesoamerica is a long one, tracing its origins back to the Preclassic period with the Olmecs, who were the first group to expand their influence. There is clear evidence they had a military development, but it seems to have been mainly focused on protecting their trade networks instead of on conquest. After the Olmecs, Teotihuacan rose as the first main center of military expansion during the Classic period, extending its influence across Mesoamerican territory. After its collapse, the vacuum of power created an unstable period, and new expanding polities emerged, including Cacaxtla, Xochicalco, and Tula. They became important regional centers that took control of most of central Mesoamerica through the use of military interventions. After their decline, during the Postclassic period, the Aztecs eventually emerged as the dominant empire in Mesoamerica and continued expanding their control and influence until the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. 
  	Perhaps not surprisingly, there are many misconceptions about Prehispanic warfare, so it is important to keep in mind that military conflicts in Mesoamerica were greatly diverse and cannot be summarized by simply analyzing Aztec militarism.

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  Don't You Dare

  Gayla Turner

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  "Don't You Dare" is a compelling story that weaves together a current-day journey of discovery and a true-life love story between two women that took place over a hundred years ago. Newspaper headlines and stories back then didn't mention LGBTQ people. The LGBTQ community loved and lived in the background of society because it was too dangerous to do otherwise. All were hidden, just like the wedding photos belonging to author Gayla Turner's grandmother – Ruby. This unforgettable book begins with the discovery of these hidden wedding photos dated June 8, 1915. As these photos unveiled an awe-inspiring secret, Gayla Turner embarked on a seven-year journey to find out more about her grandmother and the woman standing next to her dressed as the groom.Curiosity led to extensive research that uncovered a love story between Ruby and the mystery woman in the photos. The author also uncovered a secret lesbian social club that was formed in the early 1900s by a local businesswoman. Women from as far away as Chicago traveled by train to the little farm town of Amherst, Wisconsin, to attend her exclusive parties. The local town people thought Cora held private tea and card parties so single young ladies could talk about how to find a husband. Little did they know, finding a man was not a subject of their conversations.

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  Uncertain Allies - General...

  Eric Setzekorn

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  Uncertain Allies looks at the United States military's experience in the China-Burma-India (CBI) theater during World War II through the eyes of Joseph Stilwell, the commanding general of American forces in those three countries. Historian Eric Setzekorn focuses on two themes: uncertain allies and ambiguous missions. 
   
   
   
  Despite being allies, relationships between the Americans and Chinese, as well as Americans and the British, were marked by a lack of trust in the CBI theater. This was problematic because most combat personnel under Stilwell's command were Chinese. The lack of trust impacted tactical and operational planning. The second reoccurring theme, ambiguous missions, refers to the poorly defined goals for the theater. The CBI's mission was vague, and Stilwell lacked clear objectives. 
   
   
   
  Underlying both themes is the key flaw in Stilwell's conduct: a failure to understand the American political context. Stilwell advocated for a transactional military and political relationship despite indications that President Roosevelt, other leaders, and the American public desired a long-term cooperative relationship. Stilwell's proposals to make military aid and American support on a quid pro quo basis inevitably ran into staunch opposition. The result was a dangerous disconnect between American military operations and national policy.

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  The Magic in Your Genes - Your...

  Cairelle Crow Perilloux

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  Combines traditional genealogy with magical practices in a unique guide to deepen your relationship with ancestors.   Have you been searching for a way to find deeper connection with your ancestors? Would you like to infuse some magic into your genealogy? The Magic in Your Genes provides a clear and accessible route enabling both novices and adepts to deepen their ancestor work and genealogy practice.   The book offers a primer on the basics of DNA and genetic genealogy practices, so no prior knowledge is required to put the book to use. Magical tips and techniques are placed throughout to help the reader utilize both technical and magical resources as appropriate to the content in each chapter.   Written in a conversational style, the book is easy to understand by those with limited knowledge of genetics and genealogy, yet the book’s technical aspects on DNA and genetic testing are based on current standards as set forth by professional associations.   Included are: Real-life stories and insights from a variety of Pagans, Wiccans, and witches who have done genetic genealogy testing and have used their personal results to explore their own magical identity and deepen their relationship with their ancestors The author’s own experiences with DNA testing and genealogy and how it is utilized by her in various forms of art, writing, and her own spiritual and magical practice Correspondences, recipes, rituals, and spellsRecommended resources, a glossary of terms, and information regarding major genealogical groups and societies   The Magic in Your Genes is geared to those with a known recent genealogical history (parents, grandparents) but is also appropriate for those who are adopted or who have other situations, such as a misattributed parentage event.

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  The True History of Merlin the...

  Anne Lawrence-Mathers

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  A medieval historian examines what we really know about the man who was "Merlin the Magician" and his impact on Britain. 
   
   
   
  The historical Merlin was no rough magician: he was a learned figure from the cutting edge of medieval science and adept in astrology, cosmology, prophecy, and natural magic, as well as being a seer and a proto-alchemist. His powers were convincingly real—and useful, for they helped to add credibility to the "long-lost" history of Britain which first revealed them to a European public. Merlin's prophecies reassuringly foretold Britain's path, establishing an ancient ancestral line and linking biblical prophecy with more recent times. Merlin helped to put British history into world history. 
   
   
   
  Anne Lawrence-Mathers also explores the meaning of Merlin's magic across the centuries, arguing that he embodied ancient Christian and pagan magical traditions, recreated for a medieval court and shaped to fit a new moral framework. Linking Merlin's reality and power with the culture of the Middle Ages, this remarkable book reveals the true impact of the most famous magician of all time.

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  Dereliction of Duty

  H.R. Mcmaster

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  ""The war in Vietnam was not lost in the field, nor was it lost on the front pages of the New York Times or the college campuses. It was lost in Washington, D.C."" 
  —H. R. McMaster (from the Conclusion) 
  Dereliction Of Duty is a stunning analysis of how and why the United States became involved in an all-out and disastrous war in Southeast Asia. Fully and convincingly researched, based on transcripts and personal accounts of crucial meetings, confrontations and decisions, it is the only book that fully re-creates what happened and why. McMaster pinpoints the policies and decisions that got the United States into the morass and reveals who made these decisions and the motives behind them, disproving the published theories of other historians and excuses of the participants. 
  Dereliction Of Duty focuses on a fascinating cast of characters: President Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, General Maxwell Taylor, McGeorge Bundy and other top aides who deliberately deceived the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the U.S. Congress and the American public. 
  McMaster’s only book, Dereliction of Duty is an explosive and authoritative new look at the controversy concerning the United States involvement in Vietnam.

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