Author
E. Alexander (Edward Alexander) Powell
1879-1957
E. Alexander (Edward Alexander) Powell (1879-1957) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by E. Alexander (Edward Alexander) Powell
Where the strange trails go down : $b Sulu, Borneo, Celebes, Bali, Java, Sumatra, Straits Settlements, Malay States, Siam, Cambodia, Annam, Cochin-China
"Where the Strange Trails Go Down" by E. Alexander Powell is a travel narrative written in the early 20th century. The book embarks on an adventurous exploration of the alluring and often uncharted regions of Malaysia, covering places such as Borneo, the Sulu Archipelago, and Java. The author aims to paint a vivid picture of the culture, landscapes, and challenges of these lands, while also introducing the various characters that inhabit these exotic locales, from planters and explorers to native tribes. The opening of the narrative sets the stage by recounting the author's childhood fascination with tales of adventure in far-off lands, inspired by a retired whaling captain's stories. After years of waiting, Powell finally embarks on his own journey to explore these magical places, determined to capture the vivid sights and sound for those confined to ordinary lives. His expedition, aided by influential figures, promises to showcase the unique and colorful aspects of Malaysian life, including the fascinating interplay between civilization and savagery. This section effectively lays the groundwork for a blend of light-hearted adventure and serious reflection on colonialism and the lives of both the colonizers and the indigenous peoples they encounter.
The army behind the army
The Army Behind the Army by E. Alexander Powell is a historical account written in the early 20th century. It explores the often unseen services and technologies that sustained the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I—especially communications, engineering, transportation, and other logistical arms. The focus is on how specialists and technicians, rather than front-line troops alone, made large-scale modern warfare possible. The opening of the volume recasts the Signal Corps as the army’s “nerve-system,” replacing the flag-waving myth with telephones, radios, pigeons, runners, panels, lamps, and an extensive wire network. Powell outlines the corps’ rapid expansion, its recruitment of U.S. telephone talent (including female operators), the creation of color-coded outpost wire, and secrecy tools like buzzerphones and twisted-pair lines. He highlights listening-posts that tapped enemy currents, radio-intercept and direction-finding teams that mapped German nets and even staged a deceptive “false corps net,” and the reliability and heroism of carrier pigeons when every other link failed. A photographic branch—air and ground—trained specialists to map, report, teach, and buoy morale with films that countered enemy propaganda. The section closes with striking innovations: radiotelephony with aircraft, multiplexing many calls over a single wire, trees used as natural radio antennae, and a practical, unbreakable cipher-transmission device. The narrative then turns to the Engineers—motto “Essayons”—showing their vast remit from fighting as needed to building railways, ports, roads, and forests-to-lumber operations, operating inland waterways, shipping complete locomotives, and even fielding armored railcars, before introducing the life-or-death problem of supplying water to armies on the move.
In Barbary : $b Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and the Sahara
"In Barbary : Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and the Sahara" by E. Alexander Powell is a travelogue and historical-cultural survey written in the early 20th century. It follows the author’s journeys through Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and the Sahara, interweaving vivid travel writing with history, politics, and practical guidance to correct common Western misconceptions about Barbary. Expect close attention to landscapes, cities, and peoples (notably distinguishing Berbers from Arabs), alongside a critical-yet-appreciative view of French colonial administration. The opening of the book sets out its mission: to dispel popular myths about North Africa’s peoples, climate, geography, and politics, and to present the whole of French North Africa—its history, resources, and travel conditions—in one volume; it also acknowledges extensive help from French officials while insisting on independent judgment. The narrative then shifts to the author’s “wander-thirst,” his map-prompted decision to go, and a detailed approach to routes and seasons, choosing to enter via Tunis. He describes departure from Marseilles, a brief, violent incident at Bizerta, the sea approach to Carthage (with a priest evoking its vanished glory), and a night arrival in Tunis that contrasts Europeanized boulevards with the preserved Medina. Rich, sensory tours of the souks follow—perfume-sellers, textiles, carpets, saddlery, chéchias, cobblers, and multi-tasking barbers—along with the Kasbah’s grim slave history, panoramic views, the Dar-el-Bey’s ceremonies of justice and blood-money, and the Bardo’s ornate, eclectic palaces, where European gaudiness meets Moorish elegance.
The last frontier : $b The white man's war for civilisation in Africa
"The Last Frontier: The White Man's War for Civilisation in Africa" by E. Alexander Powell is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work explores the complexities of European imperialism in Africa, particularly focusing on the French colonial expansion and its impacts on native cultures. Powell's narrative likely delves into themes of adventure, conquest, and the moral implications of colonialism, shedding light on the experiences of both the colonizers and the indigenous peoples. The opening of this narrative sets the stage by discussing the historical context of the French expansion in Africa. Powell emphasizes how the rapid acquisition of land and resources by European powers has been an astonishing feat, reframing the continent's vastness through a lens of exploration and colonization. He introduces the reader to the various territories under French influence, like Morocco and Algeria, while reflecting on the lives of the pioneers who faced significant dangers. The author draws parallels between Africa's colonization and the earlier westward expansion in America, hinting at the challenges and changes brought about by such incursions. Through both historical events and vivid descriptions, the author portrays the struggle between these European colonizers and the native populations as pivotal to understanding the broader implications of Western intervention in Africa.
Gentlemen rovers
"Gentlemen Rovers" by E. Alexander Powell is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book pays tribute to a group of American adventurers and soldier-of-fortune types, who are largely overlooked by history despite their significant contributions to the nation's expansion and military exploits. The text draws attention to figures like John Parker Boyd, who served valiantly in various conflicts and is emblematic of the spirited individuals who shaped America's early years. The opening of the book introduces General John Parker Boyd, who finds himself in the midst of military affairs in India during the 18th century. It captures his transition from a young, ambitious American to a commander in the British-supported forces against powerful foes like Tippoo Sultan. The narrative vividly describes his experiences, detailing his successes and struggles, including moments of near capture and subsequent heroics. This section sets the stage for an exploration of Boyd's remarkable exploits, providing an engaging glimpse into the life of a soldier of fortune and highlighting the adventurous spirit that defined the era.
The new frontiers of freedom from the Alps to the Ægean
"The New Frontiers of Freedom from the Alps to the Ægean" by E. Alexander Powell is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book chronicles the tumultuous political landscape of southeastern Europe following World War I. Powell explores the dramatic changes in national boundaries, the birth of new nations, and the struggles of different ethnic groups navigating their identities amidst the shifting landscapes of power. The opening of the narrative sets the stage for a journey undertaken by the author and his wife through the newly formed frontiers from northern Italy down to the Aegean. They travel by motorcar and naval vessels through regions now defined by recent treaties, and Powell vividly describes the complexities of these "redeemed lands." He reflects on the sociopolitical implications of transitions, the cultural contrasts between newly amalgamated groups, and the lingering sentiments stemming from centuries of regional history. Their journey serves as a tangible metaphor for the challenges faced by nations asserting their identities in a world that has been forever altered by conflict and diplomacy.
The road to glory
"The Road to Glory" by E. Alexander Powell is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work focuses on the untold stories of adventurers and unsung heroes who played significant roles in shaping the territories of the United States, particularly in the context of territorial expansion and conflict in the early 19th century. It highlights figures who, despite their contributions, have largely been overlooked by history, paving the way for events like the Texas liberation and other frontier conquests. The opening of the narrative sets the tone by introducing the perspective of valorous but underappreciated men, including the adventurer Philip Nolan and his efforts to bring wild horses from Texas to Louisiana. We learn of Nolan's expeditions, his subsequent confrontation with Spanish forces, and his tragic fate. Powell’s introduction incorporates historical context, outlining the complexities of American expansion and the motivations of these adventurers, intertwining tales of heroism with the political dynamics of the time. The narrative promises thrilling accounts that reflect on the legacy of these men, suggesting that their daring exploits were crucial to the emerging American identity.
Brothers in arms
"Brothers in Arms" by E. Alexander Powell is a historical account published in the early 20th century, specifically in 1917 during World War I. This book explores the close relationship between the United States and France, particularly in the context of their allied efforts in the war. It emphasizes themes of patriotism, sacrifice, and the mutual historical connection that ties these nations. In "Brothers in Arms," Powell reflects on the arrival of French envoys in the United States during the Great War, highlighting the significance of this collaboration as a continuation of a long-standing friendship forged in earlier conflicts. He narrates the historical landmarks along the journey of the French commissioners, connecting their visit to important moments in American history. The author also discusses the necessity of American involvement in the war, portraying it as a moral obligation to uphold democracy and liberty. With compelling anecdotes and appeals to patriotism, Powell captures the spirit of the time while advocating for unity in the face of adversity.
The end of the trail : $b The far west from New Mexico to British Columbia
"The end of the trail: The far west from New Mexico to British Columbia" by Powell is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book appears to chronicle the transformation and remaining vestiges of the American frontier, traveling from New Mexico up to British Columbia. Its likely topic is an exploration of both landscape and society at the western edge of North America, focusing on how pioneering, settlement, and modern development have changed the nature of the West. This work would interest readers fascinated by the closing days of the North American frontier and the varied peoples and cultures that inhabited it. The opening of the book provides a sweeping introduction to the legacy of westward migration, emphasizing the idea that the American journey has reached its final geographical limit at the Pacific. Powell contrasts romantic images of the “Wild West” with the changing, but persistent, realities of frontier life in the early 1900s, focusing first on New Mexico. The narrative delves into the dramatic transformation of places like Deming and the Mimbres valley, where irrigation and new settlers have reinvented what was once considered barren desert. The author uses firsthand travel experiences—often by motor car or rugged conveyances—to paint vivid pictures of modern pioneers, Hispanic and Native communities, the remnants of cowboy and prospector culture, and the unique social and economic landscapes of the region. This beginning sets the tone for an engaging blend of travel memoir, local color writing, and keen observation of the changing American West.
Italy at war and the Allies in the West
"Italy at War and the Allies in the West" by E. Alexander Powell is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book presents an in-depth exploration of Italy’s role and experiences during World War I, particularly focusing on its battles and strategies along the extensive 450-mile front. The author shares his observations and insights as a correspondent who has directly witnessed the struggles and hardships faced by Italian forces against the Austro-Hungarian army. The opening of the work sets the stage for understanding the significant yet often underappreciated efforts of Italy in the Great War. Powell vividly describes the logistical challenges and the extreme conditions Italian soldiers endured while holding the line against formidable enemy forces. He emphasizes the long-suffering spirit of the troops, recounting their struggles—such as building trenches from solid rock and facing fierce weather conditions—and the strategic importance of their front. Additionally, the narrative touches on the sociopolitical landscape of Italy during the war, highlighting the country's aspirations for territorial expansion and the deep-seated desire for national pride, all of which weave through Powell's compelling depiction of a wartime Italy.
Fighting in Flanders
"Fighting in Flanders" by E. Alexander Powell is a historical account written during the early 20th century, specifically in the context of World War I. The book recounts Powell's experiences as a war correspondent embedded with the Belgian forces during the early stages of the conflict, following the German invasion and the defense of Belgium. The narrative promises to be an evocative portrayal of the grit and resilience of the Belgian people amidst the turmoil of war, as well as the author's personal journey and observations on the front lines. At the start of the text, Powell introduces the chaotic environment surrounding the Belgian forces, depicting the challenges faced by war correspondents eager to report on the unfolding tragedy. He emphasizes the drastic changes in Belgium, where peaceful landscapes are marred by conflict, as well as the camaraderie and determination found among the soldiers and citizens facing invasion. Powell shares anecdotes of various correspondents, including their attempts and struggles to gain access to battlefronts, highlighting characters like the adventurous photographer Donald Thompson. These opening chapters set the tone for a deeply human and personal exploration of war's impact, providing an intimate look at both the horrors and the moments of levity found amidst a devastating conflict.
Vive la France!
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