Publisher: e-artnow
Vasco Núñez de Balboa is a biography by Frederick A. Ober. de Balboa was a Spanish explorer, governor, and conquistador. He is best known for having crossed the Isthmus of Panama to the Pacific Ocean.
Some time ago at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos I was with a group of people and we talked about the most memorable moments of our lives. One of us, the first to speak, talked about the day he secured his first job. Another spoke of the day he passed his University degree examination. For another group member, it was the day he retired from the Nigerian Army. The following person said that his most memorable day was the day he heard that his wife was off the danger list after a severe surgical operation. Then, the elderly man who had been listening intently to our discussion cut in and said, 'As far as I am concerned, the most memorable day of my life was when my autobiography, which showcased the story of my life from birth to date was publicly presented and launched'. He added that his autobiography contained his footprints on the sand of history which he wants to pass on to the present and future generations as a source of inspiration. According to him, his autobiography also contained the memorable relationships he had with his children. He was pleased that his autobiography had gone to various parts of the world for people who did not even know him to read about him. Listening to him speak, I shook my head and said, 'The words of elders are words of wisdom'. This book is intended to tell the story, without exaggeration, of his humble life of dedication and sacrifice to his family, society at large, and his Creator.Show book
Growing up in the Deep South of the USA during the tumultuous 1960s and 1970s, Sidney Kate’s early life was marked by turbulence and uncertainty. Born into a complex, blended family, her journey unfolds against a backdrop of racial tension, gender inequality, and intergenerational challenges. Through her collection of stories, Sidney Kate explores coming of age during a time of profound change. She delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the struggles faced by a young woman determined to break free from societal constraints. Set against the often harsh realities of the times, this book brings to life the characteristics that defined each era. As we follow Sidney Kate’s journey, we witness her remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, as she deals with abuse, sexual promiscuity, abortion, and the unique challenges of raising a gifted neurodivergent child. She also negotiates the highs and lows of marriage and divorce—her one constant throughout being her unwavering rebellion against the stifling norms of her time. Sidney Kate’s life serves as an inspiring reminder that there is always room for hope, even in the darkest of times. One’s learning experiences never cease. Together, these stories constitute a poignant exploration of nature versus nurture, from birth to loss, as well as a testament to the indomitable strength of the human spirit.Show book
A chronicle of the divergent journeys of a father, who fled post-war Vietnam on a small boat to find refuge in the United States, and his American-born daughter, who ventures to Vietnam as an adult, capturing the stark contrast between their perspectives on their shared homeland, as they search for common ground and a path toward mutual healing. “Combines the fraught tension of Ava Chin’s Mott Street and the tenderness of Elliot Tiber’s Taking Woodstock."—Kirkus ReviewsShow book
Among the leaders of the 20th century, arguably none shaped the course of history as much as Vladimir Lenin (1870-1942), the Communist revolutionary and political theorist who led the Bolshevik Revolution that established the Soviet Union. In addition to shaping the Marxist-Leninist political thought that steered Soviet ideology, he was the first Soviet premier until his death and set the Soviet Union on its way to becoming one of the world’s two superpowers for most of the century, in addition to being the West’s Cold War adversary. As it turned out, the creation of the Soviet Union came near the end of Lenin’s life, as he worked so hard that he had burned himself out by his 50s, dying in 1924 after a series of strokes had completely debilitated him. In the initial aftermath of Lenin’s death, Trotsky had been his ally’s heir apparent, and for those inclined to believe the Soviet experiment had started promisingly but gone astray, Trotsky became the embodiment of the betrayed promise of the early Bolshevik revolution. There were certain ironies in this widespread sympathetic interpretation of Trotsky’s legacy, because Trotsky had overseen and spearheaded campaigns of persecution against Russians suspected of “counterrevolutionary” leanings, and he had written a long tract defending these “terroristic” measures as necessary safeguards of the revolution. Near the end of his life, Lenin expressly stated that the regime's power should not be put in the hands of the current General Secretary of the Communist Party, Joseph Stalin. Of course, Stalin managed to do just that, modernizing the Soviet Union at a breakneck pace on the backs of millions of poor laborers and prisoners. If Adolf Hitler had not inflicted the devastation of World War II upon Europe, it’s quite likely that the West would consider Stalin (1878-1953) the 20th century’s greatest tyrant.Show book
This book consists of the following three titles: - Ayn Rand: Ayn Rand, born Alisa Zinov'yevna Rosenbaum in 1905 in St. Petersburg, Russia, had a formative early life that significantly influenced her later philosophical ideas. Growing up in a middle-class Jewish family, Rand experienced the upheavals of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of Bolshevism. These events deeply affected her worldview and instilled in her a strong opposition to collectivism and authoritarianism. - John Stuart Mill: John Stuart Mill, a British philosopher and political economist, remains one of the most influential thinkers of the 19th century. Born in 1806, Mill was exposed to rigorous intellectual training from an early age, particularly through his father, James Mill, a prominent utilitarian philosopher. This early exposure shaped Mill's understanding of the world, leading him to become a key figure in the development of utilitarianism, a moral theory that evaluates actions based on their ability to promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. - Mary Wollstonecraft: Mary Wollstonecraft was a pioneering British writer and philosopher whose ideas on women’s rights and education laid the foundation for modern feminism. Born on April 27, 1759, in Spitalfields, London, she grew up in a time when society severely restricted women's opportunities. Despite these limitations, Wollstonecraft’s determination, intellect, and relentless pursuit of knowledge allowed her to challenge the status quo and advocate for gender equality. Her life was shaped by personal struggles, societal constraints, and an unwavering belief in the power of education.Show book
The purpose of "Abducted: A Boy's Story of Survival and Courage" is to bring attention to the issue of child abduction, inspire and uplift readers, and empower survivors of trauma while also serving as a cautionary tale to raise awareness and prevent future abductions.Show book
