Forgotten continent : the battle for Latin America's soul by Michael Reid

"This book argues that rather than failing the test, Latin America’s efforts to build fairer and more prosperous societies make it one of the world’s most vigorous laboratories for capitalist democracy. In many countries—including Brazil, Chile and Mexico—democratic leaders are laying the foundations for faster economic growth and more inclusive politics, as well as tackling deep-rooted problems of poverty, inequality, and social injustice. They face a new challenge from Hugo Chávez’s oil-fuelled populism, and much is at stake. Failure will increase the flow of drugs and illegal immigrants to the United States and Europe, jeopardize stability in a region rich in oil and other strategic commodities, and threaten some of the world's most majestic natural environments. " - Editorial Reviews

John Warden and the renaissance of American air power by John Andreas Olsen

"This is one of those rare books that resolves arguments once and for all! Few people have done more for the United States than John Warden, and fewer still have been more controversial. Author John Olsen presents the true story of Warden's achievements and perceived shortfalls in an authoritative and even-handed manner. Only an author of Olsen's stature could reach to the very heart of Warden's ideas and explain them so cogently. Highly recommended!" -- Walter Boyne, former director, National Air and Space Museum

Louis Johnson and the arming of America : the Roosevelt and Truman years by Keith D McFarland

"This scholarly biography of Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson (1891–1966) will be an important resource for the study of American defense policy. After serving in WWI, Johnson was active in veterans' affairs until he was appointed assistant secretary of war in 1937. Under FDR, he did valuable work in preparing for wartime procurement and mobilization; later, in 1948, his work as a Democratic fund-raiser brought him to the Pentagon as secretary of defense. " - Editorial Reviews

Why air forces fail : the anatomy of defeat by Robin D S Higham

"The failures of armies, navies, and even entire nations have been well documented by historians. Air forces, however, have received little attention. Why Air Forces Fail examines several air forces that have suffered defeat and explains the complex, often deep-seated foundations for these catastrophes. The contributors to Why Air Forces Fail consider cases of Russian, Polish, French, British, Italian, German, Argentine, and U.S. air force defeats, looking beyond purely military factors to explore the cultural, political, and technical causes of failure. The book includes both overviews and analytical narratives that examine more than the aerial battlefield, and each case concludes with reading lists and suggestions for further research. Why Air Forces Fail is a much-needed and long-overdue addition to military and aeronautical history." - Editorial Reviews

On the edge of Earth : the future of American space power by Steven James Lambakis

“This book clearly outlines both organizational and scientific issues. It will trigger public debate, generate controversy, and add creatively to the policy debate. An exceptionally good job of clarifying issues and meeting the hard questions head-on.”—John D. Stempel

First light : the true story of the boy who became a man in the war-torn skies above Britain by Geoffrey Wellum

"Geoffrey Wellum was one of the youngest fighter pilots in the Battle of Britain. Enlisting in the RAF weeks before the outbreak of World War 2, Wellum found himself fighting the Germans as a Spitfire pilot at just 18 years of age. This is his gripping memoir of his experiences. " - Editorial Reviews