Czar Ivan IV (1530-1584), the first Russian ruler to take the title czar, is known as one of the worst tyrants in history, but few people among the general public know how he got such an infamous reputation. Relying on extensive research based heavily on original Russian sources, this definitive biography depicts an incredibly complex man living in a time of simple, harsh realities. Robert Payne, the distinguished author of many historical and biographical works, and Russian schol...

This antiquarian volume contains 'Mao Tse-tung: Ruler of Red China', a book written by Robert Payne and published by in 1950 shortly after Mao came to power. Although devoid of many documents and pieces of information that were to become available after the original publication of this text, the book explores the party's history and foundation in considerable detail. Written in clear, accessible language and full of interesting information, this text will be of considerable utility to thos...

"More than KILLING PATTON"—A ReviewerThis is the story of the life and mind of George C. Marshall, soldier and statesman, as told by a distinguished writer whose own background makes him particularly qualified to discuss some of the more controversial aspects of General Marshall's work since World War II.Showing in quite an extraordinary way how Marshall represents the strengths and weaknesses of the American tradition, this book's study of the life of a great contemporary ...

Drawn into the circuit of men cruising for sex in and around a train station, restless adolescent Henri begins a frenzied pursuit of a dangerously charismatic older man, with sometimes violent and ultimately tragic consequences. Premiering at Cannes in 1983, Patrice Chéreau’s L’Homme blessé (The Wounded Man) was one of France’s first major cinematic releases to depict homosexual desire and queer sexual cultures in an unapologetic and complex way. It is a film that continu...

Originally published in 1951, this is the story of the life and mind of George C. Marshall, soldier and statesman, as told by a distinguished writer whose own background makes him particularly qualified to discuss some of the more controversial aspects of General Marshall's work since World War II.Robert Payne carefully places George Marshall against the Virginia background from which he came and takes him from there through his education at V.M.I., his experiences as a young office...

Robert Payne's The Splendor of France is a captivating journey through the rich history, culture, and artistic achievements of one of the world's most enchanting nations. Blending historical narrative with vivid descriptions, Payne explores France's grandeur from its ancient roots to its modern cultural influence, celebrating its artistic heritage, architectural marvels, and the spirit of its people.The book takes readers on a tour of France's most iconic landmarks—the maj...

«Reimagining the Family is a ground-breaking volume that brings together important literary voices. Robert Payne explores literary representations of lesbian mothering with sensitivity, depth and rigour. This highly innovative, well-researched and well-written book will be essential reading for researchers across a wide spectrum of fields.»(Professor Natalie Edwards, The University of Adelaide)«Reimagining the Family: Lesbian Mothering in Contemporary French Lit...

“Three-Dimensional Leadership: A Balanced Approach to Leadership Success” is the leadership perspective of the author born out of 24 years of military service and 18 years of ordained ministry. The call for better leaders transcends environment and organization and despite all the books, presentations and theories given, the call continues to go forth and to even get louder. “Three-Dimensional Leadership" answers this call by asserting the need for leaders to balance their focus between co...

This is a comprehensive account of the eight religious wars between the Christian West and the Muslim East that dominated the Middle Ages. Calling themselves "pilgrims of Christ," thousands of Europeans from all stations in life undertook the harsh and bloody quest to reclaim Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Christ's tomb for Christendom.Robert Payne brings to life every step of the Crusaders' thousand-mile journey: the deprivation; the desperate, rapacious, and bru...

This lavishly-illustrated tour through the film career of Greta Garbo (1905-1990) provides a biographical background of the star and an analysis of her very special mystique. Payne describes how Garbo's timeless beauty worked its magic in such films as Flesh and the Devil, Anna Christie, Mata Hari, Grand Hotel, Queen Christina, Camille, and Ninotchka. Remarkable photos show the transformation of working-class girl Greta Gustafsson into a Hollywood bit player, and later into an icon of cine...

Drawn into the circuit of men cruising for sex in and around a train station, restless adolescent Henri begins a frenzied pursuit of a dangerously charismatic older man, with sometimes violent and ultimately tragic consequences. Premiering at Cannes in 1983, Patrice Chéreau’s L’Homme blessé (The Wounded Man) was one of France’s first major cinematic releases to depict homosexual desire and queer sexual cultures in an unapologetic and complex way. It is a film that continu...

Here, from New York Times bestselling historian Robert Payne, is the extraordinary story of the Roman Empire - from its birth to the rise of the Caesars through the era of excess and its final collapse.