Major Brown

Field Marshal Viscount Montgomery of Alamein has attracted the attention of countless historians over the last 70 years but, despite this coverage, views of his character remain controversial and contradictory. His younger brother Brian, himself a successful soldier, enters the fray with this charming and revealing book examining the background of this legendary military commander. He provides a fascinating account of the influences of Monty’s family genes together with a wealth of unknown details about his career. His grandfather, Sir Robert Montgomery, played a key role in crushing the Indian Mutiny and his adventures have intriguing parallels with those of Monty’s two generations later. Dean Farrar, his maternal grandfather, was a powerful Victorian educational and religious figure (Headmaster of Marlborough College and Dean of Canterbury) and author of the iconic Eric, or Little by Little. The author examines in the most entertaining and frank manner Monty’s idiosyncratic character traits; his opposition to tradition, his Nelsonian approach to rules and regulations, his ruthlessness and determination and his unfashionable views on the absolute necessity for self publicity – and the most intensive training to get the maximum from his subordinates, down to the most junior levels.

In 1942 William Brown was posted as a recently commissioned Indian Army Officer to the Gilgit Agency in the very north of the North West Frontier. He travelled widely, learnt the local dialects and built the Chilas Polo ground. After a brief period away from Gilgit, just prior to Partition in early 1947 he was appointed acting Commandant of the Gilgit Scoots.??To his horror he learnt that the Viceroy Lord Mountbatten had ruled that Gilgit, despite being 99% Muslim, should be ceded to Hindu rule. Knowing that this was a disastrous and callous decision that would lead to insurrection, chaos and bloodshed, the 25 year-old acting Major Brown took it upon himself to oust the Indian Governor, fly to Karachi and offer Gilgit to the Pakistanis, who accepted with alacrity.??Brown knew that he was in the eyes of the Indians and Mountbatten, a mutineer who would have been executed, had he fallen into Indian hands. Thus it is all the more extraordinary that six months later he was awarded the MBE, the citation of which was so vague that it gave no indication of the reason.??As well as giving an hour-by-hour account of this unfolding political and military drama, Brown's memoir capture the atmosphere and magic of this remote country at the close of the Empire.

Vols. for 1847/48-1872/73 include cases decided in the Teind Court; 1847/48-1858/59 include cases decided in the Court of Exchequer; 1850/51- included cases decided in the House of Lords; 1873/74- include cases decided in the Court of Justiciary.

Well-balanced, nutritious foods are an important focus for healthy lifestyles. Thomas has narrowed her focus to 10 essential foods for optimal health and well-being. She lists them early in her book and discusses each food's reason for being a part of the list. Each food listed is significant in its ability to provide healthy dosages of either beta carotene, essential amino acids, disease-preventing phytochemicals, calcium, and vitamin B-12, among others. Thomas' writing is factual and straightforward, with a touch of humor to make the book more palatable. She provides a wealth of information on each of her chosen ten essential foods, and then provides an additional chapter on meat, poultry, and dairy. While her focus is primarily on a vegetarian lifestyle, she does give healthy possibilities for those still desiring to include these foods as part of their diet. Two other positive additions to each chapter include a "Lalitha Rants" section where she shares stories in an exasperated nature about health concerns she feels are either misdiagnosed or misinformed to the general public. Much can be learned from her tirades! Also, each chapter includes kid-friendly recipes so that children can incorporate healthy eating habits at a young age. Finally, a useful bibliography lists relevant sources quoted in the book and gives suggestions for other helpful cookbooks and resources. Medical clinics, supplies, recommended products, health accessories, ten essential snacks, and survival choice listings are also listed, making this book thorough and highly informative. Much talk about the importance of organic vegetables and fruits is discussed. This is a follow-up to 10 Essential Herbs, also regarded by many as a valid guidebook for health.