Books matching: cultural histories
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"Rabid: A Cultural History of The World's Most Diabolical Virus" by Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy is a factual and readable account of the history of rabies that covers an impressive range of geographical and chronological ground. The prose is entertaining and frequently surprising, making it a good introduction to major events in rabies history while highlighting the unusual cultural footprint of this disease. delves into the history, science, theory, and drama of rabies, providing a mix of history, science, theory, and drama, making it a thrilling yet fact-packed read.
provides insights into the history of rabies, the rabies vaccine, and the cultural impact of the disease. It covers topics such as the fascinating biology of the virus, its transmission through infected organisms, and the historical integration with human folklore. The narrative also touches on the connections between rabies and classic subjects of horror stories and films, such as vampires, werewolves, and zombies, providing a comprehensive overview of the disease's impact on human culture.
For more than a week, Achilles sulks while the Trojan War carries on without him. By just the third day of his absence, momentum has shifted decisively toward the Trojans, whose onslaught has repelled...- #2
Save:'From Dawn to Decadence: 500 Years of Western Cultural Life, 1500 to the Present' by Jacques Barzun is a comprehensive survey of Western cultural history over the past 500 years. Barzun takes the readers on a journey through time, touching on various aspects of history, arts, science, and people, weaving a captivating narrative. The book is praised for its impressive scope and depth, offering a thorough exploration of Western civilization since the time of Luther. Barzun's writing style is described as engaging and informative, making the complex subject matter easy to follow and understand.
IT TAKES ONLYa look at the numbers to see that the 20th century is coming to an end. A wider and deeper scrutiny is needed to see that in the West the culture of the last 500 years is ending at the sa... 'Natasha's Dance: A Cultural History of Russia' by Orlando Figes is a comprehensive exploration of Russian cultural history spanning over 250 years, from the era of Peter the Great to the middle of the 20th century. The book is well-organized, with each chapter focusing on a specific theme and presenting a collection of facts that revolve around it. The narrative is articulate and largely chronological, making it a smooth and engaging read for those interested in Russian culture.
The book delves into various aspects of Russian culture, including its ambivalent relations with European culture, the changing dynamics between rural and urban life, the unique Russian Orthodox spirituality, and the complexities of Russia's conquests and colonies in Asia. Figes skillfully weaves together the major cultural trends in Russia, from literature to ballet, painting, music, and film, providing readers with a rich and fascinating portrayal of the triumphs, struggles, and tragedies of Russian culture throughout history.
third). There were all sorts of magical beliefs associated with it in folklore. To go to the banya was to give both your body and your soul a good cleaning, and it was the custom to perform this purge...Rain: A Natural and Cultural History by Cynthia Barnett is a comprehensive exploration of the significance of rain in human history and culture. The book delves into various aspects of rain, from its scientific properties to its impact on society, weaving together stories of how humans have interacted with this life-giving force throughout time. Barnett's writing style combines scientific facts with personal anecdotes, creating a well-rounded narrative that captures the essence of rain and its importance in our lives.
The rain on Mars was gentle, and welcome. Sometimes, the rain on Mars was blue. One night, rain fell so marvelously upon the fourth planet from the sun that thousands of trees sprouted and grew overni...- #5
Save:'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie is a monumental piece of fiction that intertwines the life of Saleem Sinai with the development of India after British rule. Born on the stroke of midnight as India gains independence, Saleem's destiny is tied up with that of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The narrative follows Saleem and the other children born at the same time, whose lives mirror the struggles and triumphs of the nations they are part of. The book delves deep into India's abundant mythology, blending magical realism with historical events to create a captivating and poignant tale.
The writing style in 'Midnight's Children' is described as dense, challenging, and at times surreal. Rushdie's use of language and metaphor is praised for its beauty and depth, making him one of the most literary authors of our time. The plot is ambitious in scope, weaving together magical elements, historical facts, and internal dialogues to create a rich and immersive reading experience that requires devotion and perseverance to fully appreciate.
I was born in the city of Bombay … once upon a time. No, that won’t do, there’s no getting away from the date: I was born in Doctor Narlikar’s Nursing Home on August 15th, 1947. And the time? The time... - #6
Save:'Flapper: A Madcap Story of Sex, Style, Celebrity, and the Women Who Made America Modern' by Joshua Zeitz is a social and cultural history of the iconic flapper of the 1920s. It explores the lives of influential figures like F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Colleen Moore, Clara Bow, and Coco Chanel, who defined the flapper image. The writing style is described as highly readable, engaging, and informative, covering various aspects of the era such as women's fashion, advertising, and societal changes.
FOR ALL INTENTS and purposes, and purely by virtue of chance, America’s Jazz Age began in July 1918 on a warm and sultry evening in Montgomery, Alabama. There, at the Montgomery Country Club—“a rambli... 'Madness in Civilization: A Cultural History of Insanity' by Andrew Scull is a comprehensive exploration of the history of madness from classical times to the present day. The author delves into the various approaches taken towards understanding and treating mental illness, shedding light on the evolution of psychiatric treatments and societal perceptions of madness. Scull's writing style is engaging and informative, providing valuable insights into the complexities of mental health through a cultural lens.
Lisa Morton's 'Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween' offers readers a comprehensive and accessible cultural history of the holiday. The book delves into the origins of Halloween, its evolution through the centuries, and its influence on popular culture, particularly in America. Morton corrects common misconceptions about the holiday's origins and explores how Halloween has been celebrated worldwide, drawing parallels with other cultural festivals like Days of the Dead. The book is filled with interesting facts, stories, and illustrations, providing a nostalgic feel for readers while deepening their knowledge and understanding of Halloween.
How is it possible that religious and community leaders would use the writings of a romantic who was denounced in 1818 as having written ‘more nonsense than any man of his time’ in order to denounce a...'The World That Made New Orleans: From Spanish Silver to Congo Square' by Ned Sublette is a well-researched and beautifully written account that delves into the unique history and culture of New Orleans. Sublette skillfully intertwines the influences of France, Cuba, Spain, and Haiti to explain why New Orleans has always been a city like no other. Readers are taken on a journey through the Creole population, the Mardi Gras Indians, and even the origins of street names, providing a comprehensive understanding of the city's rich tapestry. Despite some minor criticisms of the author's tangential discussions, the book is praised for its accessibility, entertainment value, and informative content.
When the United States took possession of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the city was an urban crossroads of languages, both spoken and musical, with a complex Afro-Louisianan culture already in exis...- #10
Save:'Mountains of the Mind' by Robert Macfarlane is a cultural history exploring the fascination with mountains and mountaineering in Western Europe. The book delves into the changing attitudes towards mountains throughout history, combining elements of climbing history, geology, personal memoir, and religion. Macfarlane weaves together historical accounts, personal experiences, and reflections on the allure and dangers of mountain exploration, aiming to answer the question of why people are drawn to the heights.
The writing style in 'Mountains of the Mind' varies from scholarly examinations to personal reflections, capturing the beauty and mystique of mountains through lyrical and evocative prose. Macfarlane's storytelling skill brings to life the history of mountaineering, the cultural significance of mountains, and the psychological motivations behind risking one's life to climb them. The book offers a rich mix of historical context, personal anecdotes, and philosophical reflections on the enduring fascination with mountains.
That was it – I was sold on adventure. In one of the reading binges which only the expanses of childhood time permit, I plundered my grandfather’s library and by the end of that summer I had read a do...
