Showing results for "Recollections" in History

Discover the gripping memoirs of a British infantryman who fought bravely in the Napoleonic Wars. Join Graham Keeling as he narrates the vivid experiences and heartfelt reflections of a soldier navigating the trials of war.

Parks Canada is known worldwide as a leader in nature conservation, but we do much more than that. Together with our partners, we commemorate the people, places, and events that have shaped what we now call Canada. Join us to meet experts from across the country, as we explore the sites, stories and artifacts that bring history to life. ReCollections will take you on a journey, coast-to-coast-to-coast, from a Viking Age Norse settlement in Northern Newfoundland to a sacred Haida village site in Gwaii Haanas, where the rainforest meets the wild Pacific Ocean... with many stops in between. Each ...

Benjamin Harris was a young shepherd from Dorset who joined the army in 1802 and later joined the dashing 95th Rifles. His battalion was ordered to Portugal, where he marched under the burning sun, weighed down by his kit and great-coat, plus all the tools and leather he had to carry as the battalion's cobbler—'the lapstone I took the liberty of flinging to the Devil'. Rifleman Harris was a natural storyteller with a remarkable tale to unfold, and his recollections have become one of the most popular military books of all time.

Joseph Anderson joined the army aged 15 eventually becoming an officer and rising to command the 50th Regiment as a Lt-Colonel. His fascinating military life involved him in many of the battles you may know the names of: Calibria, Maida, Catrone, Egypt, Alexandria, Talavera, Torres Vedras, Busaco, Coimbra, Fuentes D'Onoro, Punniar. His career took him to the Peninsular and Africa to fight the French, and later on to India to fight the rebels. Amongst his adventures, he's arrested, takes charge of a prison, and is shot through during a charge.

Step into the fascinating world of an aristocratic Frenchwoman as she recounts her vivid memories of the opulent Ancien Régime, the glittering court of Marie Antoinette, the tumultuous Revolution, and her life in exile, which included a chapter in Upstate New York. This remarkable memoir, penned for her son, captures the essence of an era and concludes with the dramatic return of Napoleon from Elba in 1815. (Summary by barbara2)

In the vibrant backdrop of Liverpool during the latter half of the 19th century, a city alive with affluent merchants and struggling immigrants, we meet William Bower Forwood—an industrious man carving out his legacy in the cotton trade while navigating the complexities of public life. Known as the New York of Europe and the Black Spot on the Mersey, Liverpool serves as the stage for Forwoods remarkable journey, from defying the American blockade during the Civil War to engaging in civic leadership aimed at uplifting his beloved city. In these memoirs, he reflects on the diverse social ...

Recollections of the Civil War captures the tumultuous events of the American Civil War through a unique lens of historical, political, and personal insights. This remarkable collection of reminiscences, penned by Mr. Dana, reflects his dedicated purpose over several years and was completed just months before his passing on October 17, 1897. For an enriching experience, be sure to visit the e-book catalog page, where youll find captivating illustrations and a helpful index. (Summary by Preface and WoollyBee)

This captivating 1906 collection offers a heartfelt glimpse into the life of Oscar Wilde through the memories of his closest friends. Wilde himself believed that his genius resided in his life experiences, while his talents shone through his literary works. Join us as we explore the vibrant anecdotes that paint a vivid portrait of this extraordinary figure. (Summary by David Wales)

George Cary Egglestons gripping Civil War memoir opens with a thought-provoking essay on the living conditions and political sentiments of Virginias citizens before secession. The narrative is filled with vivid accounts of the men and women of the South during the Confederacy, capturing their struggles and resilience. Eggleston honors notable war heroes like Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and Jeb Stuart, while offering a sharp critique of Jefferson Davis and the inefficiencies of his government. The book concludes powerfully with reflections on the wars aftermath and a tribute to the ...

Written by the officer who became General Longstreet’s most trusted associate, this collection of firsthand accounts, memoirs, and diaries grants the listener an inside view into the workings of the Confederate army staff - the unknown soldiers, the well-known commanders, politicians, nurses, and civilians - relating the events of the Civil War as Lt. Colonel Gilbert Moxley Sorrel experienced it.

Joan of Arc's life and her accomplishments, as seen through the eyes of her childhood friend, are described with irony and brilliant insight into human nature. This was Twain's last book and he considered it to be his best.

In this captivating LibriVox recording, explore three chapters from the Memoirs of American Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman, focusing on his experiences in California during the years 1846-1848. While many of his contemporaries engaged in the Mexican-American War, Sherman found himself in administrative roles within the newly acquired territory of California. Joined by fellow Lieutenants Henry Halleck and Edward Ord, Sherman embarked on a remarkable 198-day voyage from New York to California aboard the converted sloop USS Lexington. The close quarters of the ship fostered deep ...

Written in the mid-1800s during a time of significant European immigration and the transportation of prisoners to Australia, this captivating account by Haygarth immerses us in the realities of life in the Australian bush. He vividly depicts the challenges and adventures of living on a remote cattle and sheep station, far from the nearest neighbor, with trips to town only a few times each year, often hundreds of miles away. Through personal experiences, Haygarth shares encounters with bushrangers (thieves), the intricacies of building and managing a station, taming wild horses, and lending a ...

Brady, a multifaceted journalist, historian, adventure writer, and Episcopal priest, shares his personal journey as a missionary on the American frontier. His vivid recollections bring to life the unique experiences of a missionary, blending work with pleasure, joy with hardship, and fun with pathos. With honesty, he states, “the experiences are personal and actually occurred as they are set down, to the best of my recollection.” While only one story is creatively woven together from multiple true incidents, the essence of his narrative captures the spirit of the average ...

The memoirs of Civil War generals are some of our most common sources that we look at when learning about this tumultuous conflict. But what about the voices of the common soldier? Frank Wilkeson aimed to rectify this and reassert the importance of looking at the accounts of the men who carried the muskets, served the guns, and rode into the heat of battle. Recollections of a Private Soldier in the Army of the Potomac is a wonderfully refreshing account of the American Civil War that takes listeners to the heart of what it would have been like to have served in the front ranks.

This is an account of the Civil War from the perspective of the ordinary soldier. Wilkeson lived on the frontlines of the conflict and provides an unbiased view of this bloody war. He joined the Union Army in 1864 and experienced some of the ferocious battles of Grant’s Overland Campaign.

Step into the tumultuous era of Abraham Lincolns presidency, a time overshadowed by uncertainty and the looming threat to the nation itself. This captivating biography, meticulously crafted by Ward Hill Lamon—Lincolns first Secret Service agent and trusted confidant—offers an intimate glimpse into the challenges Lincoln faced as he navigated his way to the presidency. Edited by his daughter, Dorothy Lamon, this account reveals the dramatic details of Lincolns perilous journey to his inauguration, his approach to daily presidential dilemmas, and his intricate relationships with the ...

Explore the life of General Robert E. Lee, a prominent figure in the American Civil War, through the poignant reflections and letters of his youngest son, a fellow Confederate Army officer. First published in 1905, this collection offers a unique glimpse into the personal and historical context of Lees life. Note that in many letters, the recipients name follows General Lees signature; the White House referenced is actually his elder sons home in Virginia. - Summary by David Wales

This book fleshes out the man and reveals the workings of a great military mind and a warm, understanding, and generous human being. It shows all the facets of the general during the war; at the conclusion, when he was an outspoken proponent of a reasonable peace which would allow the South to rejoin the Union; and after the war, when he served as president of Washington College.

Born in Edinburgh in June 1815, John Westgarth was the son of the surveyor-general of customs for Scotland. He received his education at the high schools of Leith and Edinburgh, followed by Dr. Bruce’s school in Newcastle-on-Tyne. After entering the office of G. Young and Company, which was engaged in the Australian trade, Westgarth recognized the immense potential of the new land and decided to emigrate. He arrived in Melbourne in December 1840, a burgeoning town of just a few thousand residents. When the new colony established its legislative council, Westgarth topped the poll for ...