The two attempts by Khubilai Khan, the Mongol Emperor of China, to invade Japan in 1274 and 1281 represent unique events in the history of both countries. It pitted the samurai of Japan against the fierce warriors of the steppes who had conquered half the known world.
The Mongol conquest of Korea left them with a considerable quantity of maritime resources, which enabled them to thin seriously for the first time about crossing the Tsushima strait between Korea and Japan with an army of invasion. The first invasion, which began with savage raiding on the islands of Tsushima and Iki, made a landfall at Hakata Bay and forced the samurai defenders back inland. Luckily for the Japanese defenders, a storm scattered the Mongol invasion fleet, leading them to abandon this attempt.
In the intervening years the Japanese made defensive preparation, and the Mongol increased their fleet and army, so that the second invasion involved one of the largest seaborne expeditions in world history up to that time. This attempt was aimed at the same landing site, Hakata Bay, and met stiffer opposition form the new defences and the aggressive Japanese defenders. Forced buy a series of major Japanese raids to stay in their ships at anchor, the Mongol fleet was obliterated by a typhoon - the kami kaze (divine wind) - for the loss of as many as 90 per cent of the invaders. Although further preparations were made for an assault by the Mongols at the end of the 13ht and beginning of the 14th centuries, this proved to be the last realistic threat of an invasion of the home islands till 1945.

This new edition of the Encyclopedia of Native Tribes of North America is revised and expanded, including newly commissioned color plates, an extended and illustrated glossary, an appendix that covers major museum and cultural exhibits, and updated census information for both the U.S. and Canada.Respected researcher Michael G. Johnson meticulously details every aspect of each tribe's history, arts, crafts and material culture. His clear and detailed text is complemented by hundreds of stunning illustrations and photos, both archival and current.Far removed from the oversimplifications and stereotypes of the "noble savage," the Encyclopedia of Native Tribes of North America is a testament to the history and cultural significance of North America's native populations. With a wealth of information and a rich collection of images, it is truly a feast for both the mind and the eyes.This remarkably thorough and beautifully illustrated encyclopedia provides a complete reference to all of North America's native populations and covers 10 distinct regions.The Encyclopedia of Native Tribes of North America includes:* A comprehensive classification of native languages;* Detailed color maps that show the distribution ofeach culture;* A thorough history of each tribe and its affiliations; and* Hundreds of specially commissioned illustrations that demonstrate tribal dress, art, crafts and daily life, past and present. This new edition features numerous updates based on new scholarship, an expanded and illustrated glossary, an appendix that covers major museum and cultural exhibits, and updated census information for both the U.S. and Canada.

In 1805, Bavaria allied itself with France and Bavarian troops served with Napoleon during the 1809 campaign against Austria, and participated in the Russian campaign of 1812, before eventually abandoning the Emperor's cause in 1813 prior to the battle of Leipzig. They then engaged Napoleon's troops in combat at the battle of Hanua in an unsuccessful attempt to cut off their retreat to France. This book by Otto von Pivka provides an in depth examination of the organisation, equipment, weaponry and uniforms of Napoleon's Bavarian allies. The fascinating text is accompanied by numerous illustrations and eight full page colour plates.

The Praetorian Guard of Imperial Rome was the power behind the throne, with the ability to make or break an emperor. As the main body of troops in Rome, they were the emperor's instrument to discourage plotting and rebellion and to crush unrest. The emperor's most immediate line of defence, they could also be his most deadly enemies. This book details the organization, dress and history of the Praetorian Guard from the time of the late Republic to the Guard's effective destruction at the battle of Milvian Bridge in AD 312. Numerous illustrations vividly depict the uniforms and weaponry of this elite fighting unit.