Paul Chrystal

Bioterrorism and Biological Warfare, by Paul Chrystal, is a fascinating historical look at the use of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and such, as a weapon, whether by states, organizations, or individuals.

My knowledge of the topic is limited to two distinct aspects: some of the science from when I had an interest and in relation to terrorism from some coursework from Campus the Hague Leiden University, their Centre for Terrorism & Counterterrorism, so this history approach is new to me.

Many readers will be somewhat familiar with older methods, mostly dead bodies and feces from the Middle Ages. Then of course the periodic threats of pathogens in the mail and similar things. What many of us don't have is a chronology of the design and use of these agents as weapons. And that gap, for me anyway, is filled nicely by this volume. Enough detail to keep me interested but not too bogged down in minutiae of either the scientific or political nature.

Perhaps the most unnerving aspect is the availability of such agents, easily made/extracted and even distributed with potentially wide-ranging harm. This is largely where the terrorism aspect plays big. You don't have to kill millions to terrorize a population or paralyze a government, just demonstrate you might have the ability to do so. Terrorists, particularly political ones, don't have killing people as their goal, they want to enact change of some sort or have certain demands met. It is the threat that terrorizes more so than the act itself.

I would recommend this to readers who want to know more about the history, where we are today, and how they connect. As you can tell, my interest is mainly related to terrorism and counterterrorism, but there is plenty here if your interests are completely different, plus there is an extensive bibliography that gives you the opportunity to read more in whatever areas most interest you.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (more)

The History of Sweets by Paul Chrystal is an awesome non-fiction book!

I love diving into a great non-fiction book that teaches me something I've always been nosy about. Candy, sweets and chocolate are a popular food item that I've always been curious about, but it wasn't something I actively looked into. When I saw this book I figured it was the perfect way to give into my curiosity and learn about something at the same time.

A lot of the history in this book centres around the United Kingdom, but it's still a great read regardless. This book has an abundance of information about sweets and it's written in an easily readable way. I found it was information but also felt very friendly. It didn't feel like a boring textbook, and instead kept me interested and active in my reading. I do think the order of the chapters felt kind of dull and didn't flow well, but that's just my personal opinion. The information itself was helpful and beneficial. I will have lots of facts to tell people later.

Three out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.… (more)

military-history, historical-figures, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-setting, history-and-culture, nonfiction, Western Roman Empire*****

Well documented extensive research into the early history of invasion and development of the foreign land known as Britannia and the subjugation of it's indigenous peoples takes up the first third ending it with the new BCE/CE system. The ascent and rise of Constantine and the adoption of Christians by the Romans is also documented. It is also an excellent military history of the establishment of governmental administration. Thence it moves on to the establishment of Yorkshire. Withdrawal of Roman troops became more dramatic after the murder of Constantine and the rise in Italy of Alaric of the Visigoths. About here I felt overwhelmed and simply gave up. But a military historian would not have done so. The author is well known and respected in his field and I do not hesitate to give this latest effort 5 stars.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Pen & Sword/Pen & Sword History via NetGalley. Thank you!… (more)