The law enforcement profession has been in the news quite a bit lately and I was reminded of an excellent book that I read several years ago.
"Signal Zero" by George Kirkham is the true story of a college professor (Kirkham) who actually became a police officer as part of a research project.
Criminology Professor Kirkham thought that he was fairly knowledgeable about police work until he is confronted by the brutal reality of the streets.
Signal Zero is somewhat dated since the events in the book occurred four decades ago, but it still gives a graphic and unflinching look at what police officers deal with everyday.
With the success of the Broadway musical "Hamilton" Alexander Hamilton is getting some much deserved modern recognition. For those interested in Alexander Hamilton's actual life story try the book "Alexander Hamilton The Outsider" by Jean Fritz.
Alexander Hamilton was born in 1755 or perhaps 1757 in the West Indies. After his mother passed away, Alexander moved to New York to pursue his education. In 1755, Hamilton joined a militia and eventually became an General Washington's aide.
Like most of The Founding Fathers, Hamilton was a true Renaissance man and author Jean Fritz does a good job of detailing his many
accomplishments which include: writing a majority of The Federalist Papers , the founding of America's financial system, The U.S. Coast Guard, The New York Post,The New York Bank, The Federalist Political Party, and was America's first Secretary of the Treasury.
It is probable that Alexander Hamilton would have eventually become president, but he was sadly killed in a duel with Aaron Burr in 1804.
Mao Zedong was one of the most powerful men of the Twentieth Century and perhaps the worst mass killer in history.
"Mao Zedong" by Whitney Stewart is a brief narrative of the long and complex life of the founder of Communist China.
Mao Zedong was born in 1893 and tried several occupations before he became a political revolutionary. Ms. Stewart brings to light some details of Mao's personal life such as his failed marriages and abandoned children, but somewhat glosses over his undeniable military leadership abilities.
In 1949, Mao Zedong became the Communist Dictator of China. Mao did achieve some progress, but his arrogance and unwillingness to listen to criticism also created chaos and mayhem especially during the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s.
"Mao Zedong" is a fair introduction to the founder of Communist China, but unfortunately it's short length leaves out many vital details of Mao's life.
