Books matching: historical change
100 result(s)
- #1
The book follows the journey of John and his brother as they travel through time, starting from a plague-ridden 14th century England. Given the choice to either die slowly in agony or wake up 99 years later each day, they opt to journey forward in time. Each day brings new experiences and challenges as they witness changes in technology, lifestyle, and faith across different centuries. The novel explores themes of human nature, morality, and the impact of historical events on individuals, all through the lens of time travel.
The first thing you need to understand is what it means to sell your soul. It is not a matter of shaking hands with a shadowy figure, or bartering promises with a burning bush. What do you have to sel... 'Between the Woods and the Water' by Patrick Leigh Fermor is the middle book of his memoir recounting his walk across Europe to Constantinople in 1934. The book follows Fermor as he traverses Hungary and Romania, encountering a variety of landscapes, people, and historical events. Fermor's descriptive prose beautifully captures the idyllic scenery and the complex social landscape of Central Europe as it teeters on the brink of war. The narrative is rich in historical details, showcasing a world that was soon to be altered by the Second World War and the redrawing of national boundaries.
The first part of this narrative, A Time of Gifts, ended on a bridge over the Danube between Slovakia and Hungary, and as it must be unlucky to change in midstream, please let me begin the second part...- #3
'The Years' by Annie Ernaux is a unique blend of memoir and social history that spans from 1941 to the early 21st century. Through the author's own experiences, readers are taken on a journey through the changing world, cultural shifts, and personal memories. Ernaux's writing style incorporates a mix of personal recollections, social commentary, and historical events, creating a narrative that feels both intimate and detached. The book explores themes of generational change, societal norms, political events, and the evolution of personal values over nearly seven decades.
—the woman who squatted to urinate in broad daylight, behind the shack that served coffee at the edge of the ruins in Yvetot, after the war, who stood, skirts lifted, to pull up her underwear and then... - #4
Leo Africanus by Amin Maalouf is a historical fiction novel that follows the life of al Hasan ibn Muhammad al Wazzan al Fasi, known as Leo Africanus. The book beautifully captures Leo's tumultuous life journey from Granada to Fez, Morocco, and his encounters with major historic figures during a time of great upheaval. Maalouf's writing style, described as poetic and thoughtful, immerses the readers in Leo's personal and professional struggles, as well as the political and cultural landscape of the 15th and 16th centuries.
In that year, the sacred month of Ramadan fell in high summer. My father rarely left the house before nightfall, as the people of Granada were short-tempered during the daytime. Quarrels were frequent... - #5
'HOMESTEAD' by Rosina Lippi is a captivating account of life in an Austrian village spanning from 1909 to 1977, narrated through the perspectives of various women who are constrained by the societal norms of a close-knit yet supportive community. The intertwined stories of these women offer a complex yet continuous narrative that delves into the challenges and intricacies of their lives, set against the backdrop of a changing world. The book provides insights into the evolution of the village over time, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of its inhabitants as they navigate through love, loss, family, and societal expectations.
The storytelling in 'HOMESTEAD' is praised for its ability to transport readers to the isolated Austrian village, immersing them in the lives of the characters and the unique culture of the community. Through a series of interconnected short stories, the author skillfully weaves together the experiences of different women, shedding light on universal themes such as love, resilience, tradition, and the passage of time. Readers appreciate the depth of the narratives, the rich historical context, and the way in which each chapter builds upon the previous ones, creating a tapestry of interconnected lives that culminates in a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of human experiences.
- #6
'The Moon and the Bonfires' by Cesare Pavese is a contemplative novel that follows an unnamed narrator as he returns to his rural Italian village after living in America. The story delves into the narrator's memories of his childhood, his time in America, and his interactions with the people in his village post-World War II. focuses on the themes of identity, belonging, and the impact of war on individuals and communities, with a narrative that intertwines past and present through flashbacks and reflections.
- #7
The Sleepwalkers is a trilogy of novels set in Germany at different times, focusing on The Romantic 1888, The Anarchist 1903, and The Realist 1918. The novels introduce various characters across different periods, exploring themes of values, decline, and philosophical musings. The writing style transitions from romantic nostalgia to deep philosophical modernism, pushing the boundaries of literary fiction. The Realist, the final novel in the trilogy, stands out for its outstanding execution, bringing together themes and ideas explored in the previous novels.
The plot of The Sleepwalkers delves into the decline of values through characters like Joachim von Pasenow, who grapples with moral dilemmas, and amoral figures like Huguenau. The trilogy weaves a complex narrative touching on philosophical, moral, and psychological levels, requiring deep concentration from the reader. The Realist, in particular, presents a diverse set of characters with strengths and weaknesses, engaging the audience with varying writing styles that offer radical subjective viewpoints.
HUGUENAU, whose forefathers might well have been called Hagenau before Alsace was occupied in 1692 by Condé’s troops, had all the characteristics of the town-bred Alemanni. He was thick-set, inclined ... 'The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State' by Friedrich Engels is a seminal work that delves into the historical evolution of monogamy, family structures, and political systems. Engels explores how economic changes and governmental structures have shaped our current understanding of family dynamics. The writing style is lauded for being straightforward and clear, making complex ideas accessible to readers. Engels challenges traditional notions about the role of women in society and provides a scientific analysis of the factors that led to their subjugation.
Morgan was the first person with expert knowledge to attempt to introduce a definite order into the history of primitive man; so long as no important additional material makes changes necessary, his c...- #9
'A History of the World in 12 Maps' by Jerry Brotton explores the significance of maps throughout history, delving into key maps from different eras and regions. The author discusses the social, political, religious, and technological aspects of mapmaking, using each map as a focal point to analyze the worldviews and intentions of the mapmakers. covers a wide range of maps, from ancient ones like Ptolemy's Geography to modern tools like Google Earth, providing a detailed look at how maps reflect and shape our understanding of the world.
"Rise of the Warrior Cop: The Militarization of America's Police Forces" by Radley Balko delves into the alarming evolution of law enforcement in the United States. It traces the history of policing from the pre-colonial era to the modern-day militarization fueled by the War on Drugs. Balko highlights the blurring lines between police officers and soldiers, emphasizing the shift towards an increasingly aggressive and militarized approach to law enforcement. Through a series of well-researched examples and anecdotes, the book exposes the consequences of arming police departments with military-grade equipment and tactics, ultimately questioning the impact on civil liberties and the erosion of trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Given that most of the American Founders were students of the Enlightenment and its revival of classical learning, most of them looked fondly on the Roman republic and drew lessons from the rise and f...