The Impact of Coincidence in Modern American, British, and Asian History
Twenty-One Unusual Historical Events
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Anthem Press
Published:10th Oct '23
Should be back in stock very soon
Attempts to show whether a set of watershed historical events occurring at a time are interlinked or overlap each other, sometimes by intent but often merely by happenstance, covering case studies such as the American expansion into the Pacific, the creation of the Soviet gulags in Siberia, and the end of the Vietnam War.
In 21 case studies, this short book examines the distinctive coincidental history of America, Britain, and various Asian countries during the twentieth century.
In 21 short case studies, this short book examines the distinctive coincidental history of America, Britain, and various Asian countries during the twentieth century. It covers a wide range of historical events, from American expansion into the Pacific to the creation of the Soviet gulags in Siberia to the end of the Vietnam War. Its main goal is to show how watershed historical events can often become layered or overlap each other, sometimes by intent but often merely by happenstance. As Ian Fleming once famously opined about actions in war: “Once is happenstance. Twice is a coincidence. Three times is enemy action.”
“Bruce Elleman’s new book is a concise and useful addition to the otherwise larger studies on twentieth-century world history. His book presents twenty-one coincidental episodes that the author suggests may have changed the course of history. He lets the reader decide. This short book revisits many familiar topics that are presented in new ways, challenging readers to ask new questions. The importance of this book lies in the author’s posing alternative possibilities for historical causation.” — Robert Antony, Professor, Shandong University, China
“This engaging collection of historical vignettes offers thought-provoking insights and unique perspectives on some of the major historical events of the twentieth century while also showing how some truly obscure and seemingly minor incidents may be more significant than one might imagine.” — Harold Tanner, Professor, College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
“Professor Bruce Elleman is a global historian with a formidable knowledge, especially of East Asia (including the territory of the former Soviet Union) and of naval affairs. His books explore history from perspectives that have escaped the attention of the most attentive historians. This book will be an ‘easy read for students and anyone curious about World history. It could serve a large range of needs, from specialist to casual.’” — HiroakiKuromiya, Professor of History Emeritus, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
ISBN: 9781839989605
Dimensions: 153mm x 229mm x 26mm
Weight: 454g
112 pages