Tag Archives: Military

Books, School of Public Affairs & Social Services

New Books on International Security

June 17, 2019 Ann Leave a comment

Intelligence: The Secret World of Spies, an Anthology, Fifth edition

Edited by Loch K. Johnson and James J. Wirtz

Call number: JK 468 .I6 I467 2019

This book will be of interest for history, political science, and security studies. “A diverse, comprehensive, and highly accessible set of thirty-three readings by leading experts in the field. […] features coverage of many topics including methods of intelligence collection, intelligence analysis, the danger of intelligence politicization, relationships between intelligence officers and the policymakers they serve, covert action, counterintelligence, accountability and civil liberties, and the global struggle against ISIS. New articles focus on a range of important historical and current topics in intelligence, including the President’s Daily Brief, Social Media intelligence (“SOCMINT”), drone warfare, and the implications of Edward Snowden’s controversial intelligence leaks.” — Publisher

The Real North Korea: Life and Politics in the Failed Stalinist Utopia

By Andrei Lankov

Call number: DS 935.774 .L36 2015

View record in IvyCat

Useful for historical research as well as political science and security studies, this paperback edition of the acclaimed 2013 book is fully updated and revised. It is a history of North Korea, but the topical organization and extensive index make it easy for readers to drill right down to specific information. The author draws on sources ranging from international intelligence to personal interviews. “A native of the former Soviet Union … [Lankov] lived as an exchange student in North Korea in the 1980s. He has studied it for his entire career, using his fluency in Korean and personal contacts to build a rich, nuanced understanding. […] Lankov substitutes cold, clear analysis for the overheated rhetoric surrounding this opaque police state. After providing an accessible history of the nation, he turns his focus to what North Korea is, what its leadership thinks, and how its people cope with living in such an oppressive and poor place. He argues that North Korea is not irrational, and nothing shows this better than its continuing survival against all odds.” — Publisher

Databases, Events, Websites

November’s Commemorations

November 7, 2018 Ann Leave a comment

The month of November seems especially rich in historical commemorations, starting on November 1st when Christians celebrate All Saints Day. Guy Fawkes Day on November 5th recalls England’s struggle for religious freedom, and November 19th is the anniversary of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address during the American Civil War. During this month we honor our Native American heritage, especially on Thanksgiving; hold elections; and honor our veterans. The Library of Congress has many resources for students of all ages to explore these topics.

A newly digitized collection of 14 historical newspapers published in Native communities is gathered in the database Chronicling America. These range from coast to coast and cover nearly a century: 1828 to 1922. Many include transcriptions in Native languages along with English language articles that reveal the points of view and concerns of their communities. Try reading the Cherokee writing that Sequoya invented!

Veterans’ Day was originally Armistice Day, celebrating the end of the Great War, which later became known as World War I. November 11th, 2018 will mark 100 years since the cessation of hostilities. Several divisions of the Library of Congress have contributed short introductions highlighting items from their collections relevant to this occasion.

One of the most moving eulogies to veterans is President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. View an autograph manuscript copy from the Library of Congress collections.

We have books on all these topics available for checkout. This month we are displaying children’s books on Native American heritage and Thanksgiving. As you enter the library, look over our showcase of Agriculture resources in the hallway. We hope to see you soon!

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