A noted historian examines the impact of culture and politics on the wartime attitudes and experiences of Americans and their expectations concerning the postwar world.

"Dr. Grordbort, maker of rayguns, rocketships and raspberry cordial presents a comprehensive tome of action and adventure from the heroes of Earth's armed forces as they seek to bring human civility to our solar system's uncouth denizens. Heroical exploits, mighty tanks, dazzling wave-weapons and more are all packed into a sumptuous volume that is sure to make your life at least 23.5% better than it was before!"--Page 4 of cover.

The Roman triumph's resurgence is documented from the Tetrarchy through the end of the Macedonian dynasty in Byzantium and to Charlemagne's successors in the early medieval West.

In the late summer and fall of 1777, after two years of indecisive fighting on both sides, the outcome of the American War of Independence hung in the balance. Having successfully expelled the Americans from Canada in 1776, the British were determined to end the rebellion the following year and devised what they believed a war-winning strategy, sending General John Burgoyne south to rout the Americans and take Albany. When British forces captured Fort Ticonderoga with unexpected ease in July of 1777, it looked as if it was a matter of time before they would break the rebellion in the North. Less than three and a half months later, however, a combination of the Continental Army and Militia forces, commanded by Major General Horatio Gates and inspired by the heroics of Benedict Arnold, forced Burgoyne to surrender his entire army. The American victory stunned the world and changed the course of the war. Kevin J. Weddle offers the most authoritative history of the Battle of Saratoga to date, explaining with verve and clarity why events unfolded the way they did. In the end, British plans were undone by a combination of distance, geography, logistics, and an underestimation of American leadership and fighting ability. Taking Ticonderoga had misled Burgoyne and his army into thinking victory was assured. Saratoga, which began as a British foraging expedition, turned into a rout. The outcome forced the British to rethink their strategy, inflamed public opinion in England against the war, boosted Patriot morale, and, perhaps most critical of all, led directly to the Franco-American alliance. Weddle unravels the web of contingencies and the play of personalities that ultimately led to what one American general called "the Compleat Victory."

Now in the 21st Century you either come to New Orleans for Mardi Gras or witness on the many news outlets the greatest free show on earth. Super Krewe floats that light up the night, Super Krewe members throwing thousands of dollars of beads, marching groups and bands from all over the country and world, parade route security, massive crowd control, and on and on. No one who is on the outside has any idea what it takes to produce such a large undertaking. It was not always like that- the production of Mardi Gras has evolved over many years with the last 30 or so sky rocketing with new super crew organizations and technology. This is my story as a ten year old, about a Parade in the late 50’s early 60’s that is what makes legends. It is about the Westbank Communities of the Mississippi River across from New Orleans. These communities wanted to start their own Mardis Gras Parade. Follow along reading this part fiction-narrative-memoire as I recount my yearlong recollection of how my best friend and Uncle, George, made a Parade called the “Poseidon” happen for an 8.5 mile stretch of connected communities; along with giving me lifelong memories.