Books matching: 19th century american history
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- #1
Save:"The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson delves into two parallel stories set during the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. One storyline follows the ambitious architect Daniel Burnham as he strives to create the greatest World's Fair ever seen, while the other narrative focuses on Dr. H.H. Holmes, who becomes the first mass murderer in U.S. history. intricately weaves together the challenges of organizing the fair with the chilling crimes committed by Holmes, creating a captivating blend of history and true crime. Readers are taken on a journey through the bustling city of Chicago, where the grandeur of the fair contrasts with the darkness of Holmes' actions, all presented in a narrative that reads like a suspense novel.
THE DATE WAS APRIL 14, 1912, a sinister day in maritime history, but of course the man in suite 63–65, shelter deck C, did not yet know it. What he did know was that his foot hurt badly, more than he ... Eric Foner's "Reconstruction: America's Unfinished Revolution 1863-1877" is a comprehensive examination of the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. The book delves into the political, social, and economic complexities of the time period, highlighting the struggles faced by freed slaves, the violence against black Americans, and the failure of Reconstruction to bring about lasting change. Foner's writing style is detailed and thorough, drawing on extensive research to provide a nuanced understanding of the historical events and their impact on American society.
ON January 1, 1863, after a winter storm swept up the east coast of the United States, the sun rose in a cloudless sky over Washington, D.C. At the White House, Abraham Lincoln spent most of the day w...- #3
Save:The Last Days of Dogtown by Anita Diamant is a historical fiction novel set in a dying village in New England during the early 1800s. The book follows a diverse cast of characters, including widows, orphans, African Americans, and outcasts, as they navigate the challenges of survival and community in a harsh and unforgiving landscape. Through interconnected stories, the author paints a vivid picture of the town's gradual decline, portraying themes of loss, loneliness, and resilience.
The narrative style of The Last Days of Dogtown is characterized by unhurried and spare storytelling, focusing on the lives of individual characters and their interconnected experiences. The book does not have a traditional plot structure or central protagonist, instead offering a series of linked stories that explore the lives and relationships of the village's inhabitants, ultimately highlighting the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.
Blood and Thunder: An Epic of the American West by Hampton Sides is a meticulously researched narrative that delves into the clash between American Manifest Destiny and the Western Native American tribes, primarily focusing on the life of Kit Carson. The book spans the U.S. Western expansion from the mountain man era through the end of the Civil War, providing a comprehensive account of the historical events and key figures of the American Southwest.
Sides' writing style is praised for its ability to bring history to life, making the book read like a novel while maintaining a balance between critical and sympathetic viewpoints of Kit Carson and the American settlement of the southwest. The narrative is engaging and educational, shedding light on the complexities of the human history of the American southwest, particularly highlighting events such as the Navajos' Long Walk in the 1860s and Kearny and his Western Army's march to California.
In the two decades he had lived and wandered in the West, Christopher Carson had led an unaccountably full life. He was only thirty-six years old, but it seemed he had done everything there was to do ...- #5
Save:Set in the early 19th century American wilderness during the fur trade, 'The Revenant' by Michael Punke follows the survival journey of Hugh Glass after being left for dead by his companions following a grizzly bear attack. The narrative delves into Glass's relentless pursuit for revenge against those who betrayed him, showcasing his resilience and determination in the face of extreme adversity. The book vividly portrays the challenges of survival in the untamed wilderness, his encounters with various groups, and the raw, graphic details of his quest for retribution.
Punke's writing style in 'The Revenant' is described as straightforward and unengaging by some readers, while others appreciate the well-researched historical details and the author's ability to blend fictional elements with actual events. The book offers a gripping and visceral narrative, painting a vivid picture of the day-to-day struggles of Hugh Glass and the harsh realities of survival in the unforgiving wilderness.
For days, the boy had argued with the man in the wolf-skin hat. Has it really been days? The wounded man had battled his fever and pain, never certain whether conversations he heard were real, or mere... - #6
Save:'Nothing Like It in the World: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 1863-69' by author Stephen E. Ambrose is a fascinating history that delves into the planning and construction of the transcontinental railroad. The narrative focuses on the race to lay tracks from both termini of the railroad, culminating in the joining at Promontory, Utah. Ambrose weaves together elements of politics, finance, fraud, and intrigue, providing a detailed account of this monumental undertaking. is described as an engaging read that offers insight into the challenges faced by those involved in building the railroad, while also highlighting the significant impact it had on American society during the 19th century.
AUGUST 13, 1859, was a hot day in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The settlement was on the western boundary of the state, just across the Missouri River from the Nebraska village of Omaha. A politician from th... - #7
Save:'The Last Stand: Custer, Sitting Bull, and the Battle of the Little Bighorn' by Nathaniel Philbrick is a comprehensive study of the Battle of Little Bighorn, focusing on both sides of the conflict. The author delves into the events leading up to the battle, providing insights into the personalities of key figures such as Custer, Sitting Bull, and other commanders involved. Philbrick skillfully combines historical accounts, eyewitness testimonies, and research to present a detailed narrative of the infamous battle and its aftermath, humanizing the individuals involved and shedding light on lesser-known aspects of the story.
High up in his floating tower, Captain Grant Marsh guided the riverboat Far West toward Fort Lincoln, the home of Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer and the U.S. Army’s Seventh Cavalry. This w... - #8
Save:Based on the opinions provided, 'Ride the Wind' by Lucia St. Clair Robson is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of Cynthia Ann Parker, a white woman kidnapped by the Comanche tribe as a child. The book follows Cynthia Ann's journey as she grows up among the Comanches, marries a chief, and has children, including Quanah, who becomes the last free Comanche chief. The novel provides a detailed portrayal of the clash between Native Americans and settlers during the 19th century, capturing the brutality and cultural complexities of the time.
The plot of 'Ride the Wind' unfolds through a mix of historical events and fictionalized storytelling, showcasing the life of Cynthia Ann Parker/Naduah and her experiences within the Comanche tribe. The narrative delves into the daily life, customs, and conflicts of the Comanches, shedding light on the challenges faced by both Native Americans and white settlers during a tumultuous period in American history.
A rolling sea of deep grass flecked with a foam of primroses washed up on islands of towering oaks and pecans and walnuts. The pale blue sky was fading at the edges as the sun heated up the day. Soon ... Desperate Passage by Ethan Rarick recounts the tragic journey of the Donner Party in 1846 as they face extreme hardships while traveling to California. The book delves into the horrors of starvation, divisions within the group, failed attempts to cross the high peaks, and the desperate measures, including cannibalism, taken for survival. Rarick provides a well-rounded account, incorporating viewpoints from survivors, rescuers, and historical records to paint a vivid picture of the harrowing journey.
The narrative in Desperate Passage is engaging and informative, offering insights into the characters of the travellers and dispelling myths surrounding their interactions with Native Americans. Rarick's writing style is straightforward and factual, focusing on the events and decisions that led to the Donner Party's entrapment in the Sierra Nevada mountains, making it a compelling non-fiction account of survival and tragedy.
- #10
Save:The 'Civil War Chronicle' by J. Matthew Gallman is a detailed historical effort chronicling the American Civil War from November 1860 to May 1865. The book offers a collection of letters, notations, reports, and firsthand accounts from both Union and Confederate participants, providing insights into various significant events such as the New York Draft Riots, the Battle of Gettysburg, Sherman's March to the Sea, and the experiences of slaves seeking refuge on Union-held islands. The writing style is described as engaging and informative, with a day-by-day chronological setup that offers a unique perspective on the Civil War.
The book stands out for its rich collection of primary sources, including photos, newspaper stories, letters, and diary entries, which provide a comprehensive view of the Civil War from multiple perspectives. Readers appreciate the book's layout, which features a two-column approach for easy readability, as well as the well-placed illustrations that enhance the content. Despite some omissions in the articles for brevity, the book is praised for its ability to capture the essence of the era through gripping firsthand accounts that resonate with readers across generations.
