John Jasper Owens's Books

Castles of Wales

By: John Paul Davis

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In 1277, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, Prince of Gwynedd, met with Edward I of England in Aberconwy to finalise a treaty that would change the fate of both nations. His hand forced by Edward’s invasion earlier that year, Llywelyn’s acceptance of the terms confirmed not only short-term peace but also that the rule of Wales would pass to Edward on his death. To augment his rising dominance, the English king embarked on a building project that saw the rise of some of the most recognisable fortresses in Europe. Quite literally, an ‘Iron Ring’ of castles. Even before the construction of Edward’s infamous ‘Iron Ring’, castles were by no means rare in Wales. Both before and simultaneous to William the Conqueror’s establishment of timber and stone fortresses in the south and borderlands, a process continued by many of his descendants, native structures also existed. Though often more palatial than protective, such constructions proved decisive to the ongoing wars and were often chosen as sites for future castles. Just as had been the case in England, the story of the castle crosses many centuries. Many began as Roman forts, whereas others date from more modern times. While many are now romantic ruins, others remain cherished family homes, if not hotels or museums. By adopting an identical approach to that seen in Castles of England, the purpose of this book is to throw light on the stories behind them. For as long as there have been castles in Wales, there have been mysteries within their walls. Murders that remain unsolved, treasures unfound, prisoners left to rot in the darkest pits and valiant warriors whose heroic deeds have become a cherished part of the Welsh identity. From blood-soaked heroes to long-lost legends, despotic pirates to wailing hags, Castles of Wales offers a fresh investigation into many of its fascinating fortresses. No country has more castles per square mile than Wales. Even today, there are more than 200 to be enjoyed. Inspired by such a rich tapestry of tales, this book provides an essential introduction to the nation many regard as ‘The Land of Castles’.

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Page Count

330

Publisher

Pen and Sword History

Published Date

ISBN 10

1526749963

ISBN 13

9781526749963

Walking and Exploring the Battlefields of Britain

By: John Kinross

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Walking and Exploring the Battlefields of Britain

By: John Kinross

Each chapter in this guidebook includes a general description, a reference map, a short history section, important data, and the walks and hikes to be found there. The maps are intended to be used as a general guide only, showing the approximate locations of the walks and trails. Detailed trail maps are unnecessary as the islands are small and most of the hikes are short. Antigua has many things going for it. The weather is absolutely perfect and the people are truly warm and friendly. Other islands may boast of having 365 beaches, but Antigua really does offer enough little bays, coves, and inlets that you could visit a different one every day of the year. So, if you dream of spending days strolling on palm-lined beaches, riding the waves on a sailboard, snorkeling in small, hidden coral coves, dancing the night away to pop music, and exploring the well-lit wilderness of a gambling casino, Antigua may just be the place. In 1632, 139 years after Columbus sailed by and named the island after Santa Maria la Antigua of Seville, the first British settlers arrived from St. Kitts. Unlike many early colonists on surrounding islands, Antiguans did not have to endure centuries of conquest and reconquest by various European powers. Only once, in 1666, was the island dominated by France. However, this French rule was ended within three months by the Treaty of Breda. The island may not have had a turbulent history of its own, but it housed a major British naval base. Admirals Rodney and Hood, and later Admiral Nelson, commanded heavily armed fleets based on Antigua. These patrolled the Caribbean, protecting English merchant ships and Great Britain's interests in the New World.The abolition of slavery brought decline to the sugar industry and the island became less important to England. Until the 1960s it remained a relatively quiet and unnoticed island. In 1967, Antigua attained associated state status in the British Commonwealth and, in 1981, was granted full independence. In the last 20 to 30 years, the sleepy island has awakened to the lure of the tourist trade and now draws tens of thousands more visitors than the neighboring islands of Montserrat, St. Kitts, or Nevis. It has also developed into the gateway of the Lesser Antilles. Many international airlines now use Antigua's airport as a transfer point to other islands. The best point to start an exploration is at the pier in St. John's. Directly across the pier is the Westerby Memorial, erected in 1888 to honor the work of Moravian Bishop, George Westerby. Walk along High Street to the Post Office, where you can buy the highly prized and colorful postage stamps of Antigua. Turn left on Thames Street and immediately come to the Tourist Office - the best place to learn more about the island. Follow Long Street to Market Street, where you'll turn left and stop to visit the excellent displays in the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda. This treasury of Antiguan memorabilia is housed in the old Court House. It was constructed in 1750 and is the oldest building in St. John's. One more block will bring you to Newgate Street and the Police Station, built in 1788 and surrounded by a unique style of fence. Continue right on Newgate Street to the most famous spot of the city, St. John's Cathedral. This impressive structure has a turbulent history. The original building was erected in the late 1600s, but deteriorated to the point that it was replaced in the early 18th century. The stone church then stood for 100 years before it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1843. Having learned from past mistakes, the builders of the present-day cathedral treated interior walls with pitch pine to add stability in the event of further tremors. This is just the beginning. Fourteen major walks on the island are described in detail, along with a wide variety of walks on hotel and resort grounds, plus the general information you need about getting to the island and finding what you need.

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Page Count

200

Publisher

Hunter Publishing (NJ)

Published Date

ISBN 10

1556501560

ISBN 13

9781556501562

The Kings and Queens of Britain

By: John Cannon,Anne Hargreaves

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The Kings and Queens of Britain

By: John Cannon,Anne Hargreaves

This authoritative and accessible guide to the British monarchy spans the Romano-British rulers of 55 BC to the present day House of Windsor. Generously illustrated with maps, photos, paintings, and genealogies, it contains a wealth of information on the rulers of Britain, including their policies, personalities, key dates, and legacies. There are almost 600 entries, which are organised by regions up to 1066 and by royal lines thereafter. Feature articles throughout the guide provide in-depth information on key royal topics, including Coronations, Regalia, the Tower of London, and - new to this edition - Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral. Revised and updated to include recent events, such as the second marriage of Prince Charles, this new edition also contains a topical introductory article on the changing role of the monarchy. There is a useful glossary, a list of recommended further reading, and a new appendix of recommended web links, accessed and kept up to date via a companion website. Comprehensive and elegantly written, this fascinating guide to the British monarchy is an essential reference resource for teachers and students of British history, and for anyone with an interest in Britain's rulers through the ages.

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Page Count

416

Publisher

OUP Oxford

Published Date

ISBN 10

0191580287

ISBN 13

9780191580284

Fighting to Lose

How the German Secret Intelligence Service Helped the Allies Win the Second World War

By: John Bryden

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Fighting to Lose

How the German Secret Intelligence Service Helped the Allies Win the Second World War

By: John Bryden

Startling new revelations about collaboration between the Allies and the German Secret Service. Based on extensive primary source research, John Bryden’s Fighting to Lose presents compelling evidence that the German intelligence service — the Abwehr — undertook to rescue Britain from certain defeat in 1941. Recently opened secret intelligence files indicate that the famed British double-cross or double-agent system was in fact a German triple-cross system. These files also reveal that British intelligence secretly appealed to the Abwehr for help during the war, and that the Abwehr’s chief, Admiral Canaris, responded by providing Churchill with the ammunition needed in order to persuade Roosevelt to lure the Japanese into attacking Pearl Harbor. These findings and others like them make John Bryden’s Fighting to Lose one of the most fascinating books about World War II to be published for many years.

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Page Count

510

Publisher

Dundurn

Published Date

ISBN 10

1459719611

ISBN 13

9781459719613

A History of Watauga County, North Carolina

By: John Preston Arthur

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A History of Watauga County, North Carolina

By: John Preston Arthur

This well-known history of Watauga County, North Carolina, is considered one of the best ever written. From Watauga County's 'Yankee Ancestry' to its role in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, nothing is overlooked.

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Page Count

460

Publisher

The Overmountain Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0932807666

ISBN 13

9780932807663

Book's by John Jasper Owens

Castles of Wales

Castles of Wales

Walking and Exploring the Battlefields of Britain

Walking and Exploring the Battlefields of Britain

The Kings and Queens of Britain

The Kings and Queens of Britain

Fighting to Lose

Fighting to Lose

A History of Watauga County, North Carolina

A History of Watauga County, North Carolina

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