During World War II, Portugal played its cards uncommonly well as a neutral and subsequently became a member of NATO. This membership resulted in a modernizing of its navy and its integration into the Atlantic Alliance. By 1960, when other colonial powers were abandoning their empires, Portugal made the decision to cling to its possessions, as they had been Portuguese for over 400 years. Without them Portugal saw itself as only a small European country, whereas with them, it would be a great nation. Portugal ultimately would fight a 13-year debilitating war against various nationalist...

In 1961, Portugal found itself fighting a war to retain its colonial possessions and preserve the remnants of its empire. It was almost completely unprepared to do so, and this was particularly evident in its ability to project power and to control the vast colonial spaces in Africa. Following the uprisings of March of 1961 in the north of Angola, Portugal poured troops into the colony as fast as its creaking logistic system would allow; however, these new arrivals were not competent and did not possess the skills needed to fight a counterinsurgency. While counterinsurgency by its nature...

Li Po thinks he is the luckiest man. He loses his job, his house burns down along with his possessions, he injures his ankle and has to walk in the mud in a rainstorm. How could he possibly be so lucky? A simple story of appreciation and resilience that will help you and your children see the world in a different light.

Wildlife warrior, professor of snakes, entertainer, Olympian: John Cann is a truly remarkable Australian. Written in John's engaging and affable voice, The Last Snake Man tells the story of John and his fascinating family, who entertained Australians for nearly a century with their incredible snake shows.