Gerald De Gaury (1897–1984)

Published in 1955, we have a biography based mainly on Spanish sources, about a famous Spanish General, Gonzalo de Cordoba, who fought in Granada, and in Southern Italy. He was promoted mainly by that very good recruiter, Isabella the Catholic of Castile, and after her death, his fortunes declined rapidly, due to the machinations of King Ferdinand of Aragon. The book reveals a good deal about the precarious Spanish finances that limped from the looting of Granada, to the end of Ferdinand's reign. The matter is mostly political, for the author though an ex-officer, relied heavily on Charles Oman's "Art of War" in the Renaissance". It is well worth the read if one wishes a view of Spain before Mexico and Peru lent their incomes to European Spain.… (mere)

Proporcionando una visión excepcional de uno de los lí­deres musulmanes más extraordinarios y carismáticos de los tiempos modernos, este relato biográfico detalla la vida completa del Rey Faisal de Arabia Saudita. Desde las comandantes expediciones en las fronteras de su padre a la edad de 15 años y desde el primer ministro leal hasta la construcción y reforma dentro de Arabia Saudita, este relato coloca la historia de la vida del rey Faisal en el complejo contexto histórico de Medio Oriente y el mundo. - Providing exceptional insight into one of the most extraordinary and charismatic Muslim leaders of modern times, this biographical account details the full life of King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. From commanding expeditions on his father´s frontiers at the age of 15 and being a loyal Prime Minister to building and reforming within Saudi Arabia, this account seamlessly and elegantly places King Faisal´s life story in the complex historical context of the Middle East and the world over.… (mere)