Best Selling Books by Michael Mann

A history of wars through the ages and across the world, and the irrational calculations that so often lie behind them Benjamin Franklin once said, "There never was a good war or a bad peace." But what determines whether war or peace is chosen? Award-winning sociologist Michael Mann concludes that it is a handful of political leaders--people with emotions and ideologies, and constrained by inherited culture and institutions--who undertake such decisions, usually irrationally choosing war and seldom achieving their desired results. Mann examines the history of war through the ages and across the globe--from ancient Rome to Ukraine, from imperial China to the Middle East, from Japan and Europe to Latin and North America. He explores the reasons groups go to war, the different forms of wars, how warfare has changed and how it has stayed the same, and the surprising ways in which seemingly powerful countries lose wars. In masterfully combining ideological, economic, political, and military analysis, Mann offers new insight into the many consequences of choosing war.

The rousing, magical sequel to Ghostcloud, set on the waterways of a richly reimagined London. Michael Mann returns for the riveting sequel to Ghostcloud! Several months after the ghosts freed the children of Battersea and uncovered Tabatha Margate''s sinister experimentation on ghostclouds and cloudghouls, Luke Smith-Sharma struggles to divide his time between learning the ropes of being a ghostcloud and studying to become a detective. But not everyone made it out of the power station, and as he tries to adjust to “normal” life by pursuing his dreams, the guilt over his friends left behind is eating Luke alive. When a seemingly new threat emerges, Luke''s investigations will take him far beyond the borders of London, forcing him to face his past and confront his deepest fears to try to save Ravi, the friend who was there for him in his darkest hours. With the help of several unexpected allies, Luke and his friends—ghost-girl Alma and human Jess—embark on a new, thrilling adventure as they work together to find Ravi and to finally thwart the evil Tabatha Margate’s plans once and for all!

An expert on power, politics, and empire proposes how the current US regime might save itself.

The Great Recession has prompted many reassessments of the finance-driven economic order that achieved world dominance in the era of globalization. Yet just about every observer has focused on only two issues: why things went wrong, and what we need to do in order to return the system to stability. Virtually no one has questioned whether the system as such can continue. In Does Capitalism Have a Future?, a quintet of globally eminent scholars - Immanuel Wallerstein, Randall Collins, Michael Mann, Georgi Derluguian, and Craig Calhoun - survey the current global landscape and cut their way through to the most crucial issue of all: whether our capitalist system can survive in the medium run. Despite all its current gloom, conventional wisdom still assumes that capitalism cannot break down permanently because there is no alternative. The authors shatter this assumption, arguing that this generalization is not supported by theory, but is rather an outgrowth of the optimistic nineteenth-century claim that human history ascends through stages to an enlightened equilibrium of liberal capitalism. Yet as they point out, all major historical systems - from the Roman Empire to the Qing dynasty in China - have broken down in the end. In the modern epoch there have been several cataclysmic events - notably the French revolution, World War I, and the collapse of the Soviet bloc - that came to pass mainly because contemporary political elites had spectacularly failed to calculate the consequences of the processes they presumed to govern. At present, none of our governing elites and very few intellectuals can fathom an ending to our current reigning system. How possible is a systemic collapse in the medium-run of coming decades is the central question of this debate. While the contributors arrive at different conclusions, they are in constant dialogue with one another and therefore able to construct a relatively seamless - if open-ended - whole. Written by five of world''s most eminent scholars of global historical trends, this ambitious book asks the biggest of questions: are we on the cusp of a radical world historical shift or not?

Publisher Description

Volume 1 examines interrelations between sources of power from neolithic times up to just before the Industrial Revolution in England.

Distinguishing four sources of power in human societies - ideological, economic, military, and political - The Sources of Social Power traces their interrelations throughout human history. This second volume of Michael Mann''s analytical history of social power deals with power relations between the Industrial Revolution and the First World War, focusing on France, Great Britain, Hapsburg Austria, Prussia/Germany and the United States. Based on considerable empirical research, it provides original theories of the rise of nations and nationalism, of class conflict, of the modern state and of modern militarism. While not afraid to generalize, it also stresses social and historical complexity. Michael Mann sees human society as "a patterned mess" and attempts to provide a sociological theory appropriate to this. This theory culminates in the final chapter, an original explanation of the causes of the First World War. First published in 1993, this new edition of volume 2 includes a new preface by the author examining the impact and legacy of the work.

This comprehensive history of modern South Asia explores the historical development of the Subcontinent from the beginning of the eighteenth century to the present day from local and regional, as opposed to European, perspectives. Michael Mann charts the role of emerging states within the Mughal Empire, the gradual British colonial expansion in the political setting of the Subcontinent and shows how the modern state formation usually associated with Western Europe can be seen in some regions of India, linking Europe and South Asia together as part of a shared world history. This book looks beyond the Subcontinent’s post-colonial history to consider the political, economic, social and cultural development of Pakistan and Bangladesh as well as Sri Lanka and Nepal, and to examine how these developments impacted the region’s citizens. South Asia’s Modern History begins with a general introduction which provides a geographical, environmental and historiographical overview. This is followed by thematic chapters which discuss Empire Building and State Formation, Agriculture and Agro-Economy, Silviculture and Scientific Forestry, Migration, Circulation and Diaspora, Industrialisation and Urbanisation and Knowledge, Science, Technology and Power, demonstrating common themes across the decades and centuries. This book will be perfect for all students of South Asian history.

«Heat 2 é um romance brilhante e cativante, com personagens perfeitos e uma narração poderosa que é uma das evocações mais autênticas que li dos criminosos e dos polícias que os caçam. O primeiro romance de Michael Mann (e Meg Gardiner) é um tour de force que funciona de forma independente, mas também homenageia o filme icónico de Mann e o aprofunda, colocando todos os seus personagens-chave numa nova história, que tem lugar antes e depois de Heat – Cidade Sob Pressão, cheia de detalhes surpreendentes e com uma grande voltagem emocional.» DON WINSLOW «SEMPRE tive a intenção de ampliar as histórias que apareciam no Heat – Cidade Sob Pressão. Os personagens já tinham vidas ricas e complexas antes de 1995, o ano em que o meu filme decorria. Heat 2 é uma nova história que abrange os primeiros anos de vida dos personagens do Heat – Cidade Sob Pressão e também é uma sequela que nos apresenta o seu futuro. É o antes e o depois do filme, começando no dia que se segue ao fim do Heat – Cidade Sob Pressão com um Chris Shiherlis desesperado a tentar fugir de Los Angeles. Quando escrevi e realizei Heat – Cidade Sob Pressão, era a minha prática habitual criar biografias completas de todos os personagens para saber de onde vêm, como se transformaram em quem são e o que queriam para o seu futuro. Este contexto profundo não foi criado apenas para o filme, mas foi a base para os atores que interpretaram os seus papéis. Heat 2 inclui um Neil McCauley mais jovem e perigoso e que ainda mantém algumas relações pessoais; ainda não é o Neil do filme, que "não tem nenhuma dependência, que pode deixar radicalmente toda a sua vida para trás em exatamente trinta segundos". O romance também nos traz um Vincent Hanna atormentado pelo seu passado e que ainda não se transformou no caçador que dirá à sua ex-mulher, Justine, no filme: "Tudo o que sou é o que serei". Heat – Cidade Sob Pressão era apenas uma parte destas vidas. Para mim, Heat 2 é uma oportunidade fascinante de mostrar os seus passados e projetar os seus futuros com todo o detalhe.» MICHAEL MANN Um dia depois do fim de Heat – Cidade Sob Pressão, Chris Shiherlis (Val Kilmer) encontra-se escondido em Koreatown; está ferido, meio inconsciente e a tentar desesperadamente fugir de Los Angeles. É perseguido pelo detetive do Departamento de Polícia de Los Angeles, Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino). Horas antes, Hanna matara o companheiro de Shiherlis, Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro), num tiroteio sob as luzes estroboscópicas ao pé de uma pista do aeroporto de Los Angeles. Agora, Hanna está decidido a capturar ou matar Shiherlis, o último sobrevivente dos homens de McCauley, antes que desapareça da cidade. Em 1988, sete anos antes, McCauley, Shiherlis e o resto do gangue atacaram na Costa Oeste, na fronteira com o México e, por último, em Chicago; ganham dinheiro selvaticamente e vivem no limite. O detetive de homicídios de Chicago, Vincent Hanna, um homem que não se reconciliou com o seu passado, cumpre com a sua vocação: a perseguição de um gangue ultraviolento de assaltantes de casas. Enquanto isso, as consequências dos golpes de McCauley e da perseguição de Hanna terão repercussões inesperadas numa trama paralela ao longo dos anos posteriores a Heat – Cidade Sob Pressão. Heat 2 situa os seus personagens, homens e mulheres reais, vívidamente descritos, em mundos completamente novos: desde as entranhas de organizações criminosas rivais na América do Sul até aos cartéis transnacionais no Sudeste Asiático. O romance mostra-nos as vidas de todos eles que, no universo de Heat, enfrentarão novos adversários em circunstâncias letais para além de todos os limites.

This third volume of Michael Mann''s analytical history of social power focuses on the interrelated development of capitalism, nation-states and empires.

Michael Mann, guionista y director cuatro veces nominado al Óscar por El último mohicano, The Insider, Ali, Miami Vice, Collateral y Heat, colabora en su primera novela con la escritora ganadora del Edgar Award Meg Gardiner; un explosivo regreso al universo y los personajes de su famosa película policiaca, con una historia completamente nueva que transcurre en los años anteriores y posteriores del icónico film. Un día después del final de Heat, Chris Shiherlis (Val Kilmer) se encuentra escondido en Koreatown; está herido, medio inconsciente y tratando desesperadamente de escapar de Los Ángeles. Lo persigue el detective del Departamento de Policía de Los Ángeles Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino). Horas antes, Hanna había matado al compañero de Shiherlis, Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro), en un tiroteo bajo las luces estroboscópicas al pie de una pista del aeropuerto de Los Ángeles. Ahora Hanna está decidido a capturar o matar a Shiherlis, último superviviente de los hombres de McCauley, antes de que desaparezca de la ciudad. En 1988, siete años antes, McCauley, Shiherlis y el resto de la banda recorren dando golpes la Costa Oeste, la frontera con México y, por último, Chicago; ganan dinero salvajemente y viven al límite. El detective de homicidios de Chicago Vincent Hanna, un hombre que no se ha reconciliado con su pasado, cumple con su vocación: la persecución de una banda ultraviolenta de asaltantes de viviendas. Mientras tanto, las consecuencias de los golpes de McCauley y de la persecución de Hanna provocarán repercusiones inesperadas en una trama paralela a lo largo de los años posteriores a Heat. Heat 2 sitúa a sus personajes, hombres y mujeres reales, vívidamente descritos, en mundos por completo nuevos: desde las entrañas de organizaciones criminales rivales en Sudamérica hasta los cárteles transnacionales en el sudeste asiático. La novela nos muestra las vidas de todos ellos, que en el universo de Heat se enfrentarán a nuevos adversarios en circunstancias letales más allá de todos los límites. Heat 2 es fascinante, conmovedora y trágica, una obra maestra de ficción criminal con las mismas ambiciones extraordinarias, alcance y riqueza de personajes del mítico film.

Michael Mann is one of the most influential sociologists writing today. His three-volume work The Sources of Social Power, the third volume of which has just been completed, has transformed our way of thinking about power and has rewritten the history of human societies. No one interested in understanding how the modern world was shaped, how we got to where we are today, and where we''re likely to be heading can afford to ignore this modern classic. Michael Mann is, as John Hall aptly describes him, "a Max Weber for our times." In this new book Michael Mann reflects on the meaning of his project as a whole, both as a contribution to social theory and as a guide to the options and constraints that face the contemporary world now and in the near future. He gives sustained attention to the situation of the United States, the nature of the challenge that may come from China, the unrestrained and perhaps unrestrainable power of finance, and the looming crisis of environmental degradation. This concise and accessible book is the ideal introduction to the work and thought of one of the most original social scientists in the world today. Students and scholars will find the book invaluable, and general readers will find in this book a clear and masterful guide to the key challenges we face in the years and decades ahead.

Fascists presents a new theory of fascism based on intensive analysis of the men and women who became fascists. It covers the six European countries in which fascism became most dominant - Italy, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania and Spain. It is the most comprehensive analysis of who fascists actually were, what beliefs they held and what actions they committed. The book suggests that fascism was essentially a product of post World War I conditions in Europe and is unlikely to re-appear in its classic garb in the future. Nonetheless, elements of its ideology remain relevant to modern conditions and are now re-appearing, though mainly in different parts of the world.

Distinguishing four sources of power - ideological, economic, military and political - this series traces their interrelations throughout human history. This third volume of Michael Mann''s analytical history of social power begins with nineteenth-century global empires and continues with a global history of the twentieth century up to 1945. Mann focuses on the interrelated development of capitalism, nation-states and empires. Volume 3 discusses the ''Great Divergence'' between the fortunes of the West and the rest of the world; the self-destruction of European and Japanese power in two world wars; the Great Depression; the rise of American and Soviet power; the rivalry between capitalism, socialism and fascism; and the triumph of a reformed and democratic capitalism.

A riveting, magical escapade about finding friendship and the courage to set yourself free against all odds. Kidnapped and forced to shovel coal underground, in a half-bombed power station, 12-year-old Luke Smith-Sharma keeps his head down and hopes he can earn his freedom from the evil Tabitha Margate. Then one day he discovers he can see things that others can’t. Ghostly things. A ghostly girl named Alma, who can bend the shape of clouds to her will and rides them through the night sky. With Alma’s help, Luke discovers his own innate powers and uncovers the terrible truth of why Tabatha is kidnapping children and forcing them to shovel coal. Desperate to escape, Luke teams up with Alma, his best friend Ravi, and new girl Jess. Can Luke and his friends get away before they each become victims to a cruel and sinister scheme? Debut author Michael Mann delivers a wildly imaginative middle grade fantasy set in a smoke-stained world that’s sure to entertain readers who are eager for an adventure with paranormal superpowers. A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

This third volume of Michael Mann''s analytical history of social power begins with nineteenth-century global empires and continues with a global history of the twentieth century up to 1945. Mann focuses on the interrelated development of capitalism, nation-states, and empires. Volume 3 discusses the "Great Divergence" between the fortunes of the West and the rest of the world; the self-destruction of European and Japanese power in two world wars; the Great Depression; the rise of American and Soviet power; the rivalry between capitalism, socialism, and fascism; and the triumph of a reformed and democratic capitalism. -- from back cover of Volume 3.

The title of Beyond the Line refers to the imaginary "Line" drawn between North and South, a division established by the Peace Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis in 1559. This is an early modern time and Eurocentric construction, according to which the southern oceanic world has long been taken as symbol of expansionist philosophies and practices. An obvious motivation for changing this "Line" division is the growing influence of the "Global South" in the contemporary economic and political setting. However, another motivation for changing opinions in regard to the "Line" is equally important. We observe an emergent consciousness of the pivotal role of the oceanic world for human life. This requires the reformulation of former views and raises numerous questions. A diversity of connections comes to the mind, which demands the composition of a catalogue of case studies with an oceanic horizon. Through this operation, different problems are being linked together. Which problems encounter historians with their research on fishes in the archives? How to trace records about pirates of non-European descent in the Indian Ocean? Which role play the Oceans as mediators for labor migrations, not only of the Black Atlantic but also of people moving from Asia to Africa and vice versa? What do we know about workers on the oceans and their routes? When considering oceans as "contact zones," with which criteria can their influence in different literary texts be analyzed? Is it possible to study nationalisms taking into account these transoceanic relationships? And how do artists address these questions in their use of the media? Against the background of this catalogue of oceanic questions, "old" stories are told anew. Sometimes, their cultural stereotypes are recycled to criticize political and social situations. Or, in other cases, they are adopted for elaborating alternative options. In this sense, the contributions concentrate on countries like India, Kenya, Angola, or Brazil and cover different academic fields. A variety of objects and situations are explored, which have been and still are determinant for the construction of cultural narratives in view of the modified relationship with the geographically southern oceanic regions.

This second volume of Michael Mann''s analytical history of social power deals with power relations between the Industrial Revolution and World War I, focusing on France, Great Britain, Hapsburg Austria, Prussia/Germany, and the United States. Based on considerable empirical research, it provides original theories of the rise of nations and nationalism, of class conflict, of the modern state and of modern militarism. While not afraid to generalize, it also stresses social and historical complexity. Michael Mann sees human society as "a patterned mess" and attempts to provide a sociological theory appropriate to this. This theory culminates in the final chapter, an original explanation of the causes of World War I. First published in 1993, this new edition of Volume 2 includes a new preface by the author examining the impact and legacy of the work. -- from back cover of Volume 2.

A retired detective enters the dreams of a serial killer in order to catch him and almost loses his own sanity.