PDF Errislannan: Scenes from a Painter's Life by Alannah Heather in Arts-Photography

Description

History at War is a unique book. It throws light on important unexplored aspects of the pursuit of historical truth. It tells how; alone among historians; Noble Frankland fought in the bomber offensive during the Second World War and then; together with Sir Charles Webster; wrote its official history; how he transformed the Imperial War Museum from a dying institution into one of the worlds leading historical centres for the study of the conflicts of the twentieth century; how he played a major part in television documentary productions; including in particular The World at War; and how he wrote a series of original; rigorously researched historical works. In History at War he describes the battles he had to fight against the mandarins and media merchants who sought to impose a spin on history to suit their own ends; and were ruthless and unscrupulous in their methods. Its meticulous documentation gives a guarantee of authenticity to his staggering account of how those in high places tried to distort history; which might otherwise seem scarcely credible. The revelations about Bomber Harris relations with his superior; Lord Portal; during the war and their joint opposition to the two authors account of the strategic air offensive; still a highly topical issue; will set alight a new debate among military and other historians. Unlike most books on the theory and practice of history; it does not confine itself to what can be written on the page. It also covers Dr Franklands experience of demonstrating history in museum galleries; on the television screen; on sites such as Duxford Airfield near Cambridge; and on board HMS Belfast in the Pool of London. The problem for historians of publishing a full and unbiased account and analysis of controversial events and episodes in politics and international affairs is as acute in the 1990s as it ever has been. All readers with a concern for the truth will learn much about such issues from this unflinching and penetrating book. Robert Crawford; Director-General; Imperial War Museum: ...it is brilliant; rivetingly trenchant; and should be required reading for all aspirant historians. Professor R.B. Wernham; former Professor of Modern History; Oxford: It really is a splendid and fascinating story; and a sharp warning to historians to beware of mandarins and great commanders. In Francis Bacons categorization: Some books are to be tasted; some to be swallowed; and a few to be chewed and digested."It certainly rates among the few. Professor Geoffrey Best in TLS: The subtitle is exactly right for a book by Noble Frankland; a tough character who views the successive phases of his post-war life as battles to bring truths and lessons plainly before the public; and who can happily conclude that he has been generally successful. In at least two fields -- the history of the most painfully controversial of Allied campaigns in the Second World War; and the rescue and make-over of the least well-known of Londons great museums -- his achievements have been of great national value and importance...this astringently truth-telling professional autobiography... required reading for historians of the British Establishment from Attlee to Macmillan... Piers Mackesey; Fellow of British Academy and former Fellow of Pembroke College; Oxford: ...I admired History at War on many levels -- characterizations of Webster; Bradley; Willis; etc; the balance between Museum Trustees and the chief executive; functioning of Civil Service; Bomber Command; the picture of [Noble Franklands] developing career and the qualities it called for; etc. I often laughed aloud at the wit and the penetrating observations of functioning individuals. Also much enjoyed final reflections on history by a practitioner. Havent enjoyed a book so much for ages. Professor Brian Bond; Department of Military History; Kings College; London; in Notes and Queries: What makes this book unusual; perhaps even unique; among historians mem