How They Succeeded

The Gilded Age produced not only some of the richest men and women of all time; its freedom and opportunities built a nation of people of superlative character. This fantastic book from 1901 provides an in-depth look at the lives and choices of some of the most famous among them. The idea is to document the traits that make for great entrepreneurs.  
 

Dark Side of the Island

The Greek islands, sun-drenched and tranquil, evoke pictures from a tourist brochure. It takes a special imagination to dredge their blood-soaked history when, as a subject land in WW II, island revolts were crushed by the occupying Germans.
In those days, Hugh Lomax was sent by the British to aid the Greeks in their struggle. He succeeded brilliantly, but on leaving for another assignment was betrayed. Those who collaborated with him were executed and survivors, not unnaturally, held Lomax responsible for the carnage.

A history of the Goths, who rose as a power in the early third century and, under their famous leader Alaric, succeeded in sacking Rome in 410.