Books matching: historical exploration
100 result(s)
'Under Another Sky: Journeys in Roman Britain' by Charlotte Higgins is a captivating blend of travel narrative, Roman history exploration, and literary musings. The book follows Higgins and her boyfriend as they traverse Roman Britain's sites, delving into the history, artifacts, and people connected to this ancient era. Higgins weaves together stories of eccentric antiquarians, reflections on the impact of Roman presence on Britain's towns and countryside, and personal experiences of visiting monumental sites like Hadrian's Wall and various castles. Her prose is described as clever, clear, and natural, creating a compelling narrative that combines erudition and enthusiasm on every page.
The book also delves into the cultural and historical significance of Britain's Roman past, reflecting on how the Romans shaped the country's architecture, culture, and history. Higgins' exploration is not just a geographical journey but a deep dive into the lasting legacy of Roman influence on Britain, sparking a sense of discovery and enthusiasm for this often overlooked part of British history. Through her engaging writing style and meticulous research, Higgins brings to life the complexities and richness of Roman Britain, making the reader eager to explore the sites and stories she uncovers.
Finis erat orbis ora Gallici litoris, nisi Brittania insula non qualibet amplitudine nomen paene orbis alterius mereretur. (The shore of Gaul was the end of the world, unless the island of Britain, by...- #2
Save:Valhalla Rising by Clive Cussler is a high-octane adventure featuring the iconic character Dirk Pitt. The story unfolds with Pitt and his trusty pal Al Giordino embarking on a thrilling journey to uncover a sinister plot involving a multinational conglomerate, ancient Viking runes, and a nefarious oil magnate. As they navigate through explosions, undersea catastrophes, and cruise ship disasters, Pitt's indomitable spirit and unwavering determination shine through, culminating in a riveting tale that seamlessly weaves together history, action, and suspense. The narrative is rich in detail, featuring elements of Viking legends, Jules Verne's influence, and a surprise revelation that adds depth to the storyline, keeping readers on the edge of their seats till the very end.
If the disaster had been planned months in advance with meticulous insight and judgment, it could not have been more catastrophic. Everything that could go wrong did so beyond imagination. The luxurio...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Dirk Pitt ) - #3
Save:Spice: The History of a Temptation' by historian Jack Turner is a work of cultural and culinary history which is culinary' in much the same sense as the writings of M.F.K. Fisher are not about cooking, but about hunger or desire for food. History of food is not as useful to the average amateur cook as food science, but ignorance of food history can lead to misstatements about food as easily as ignorance of food science can lead to misstatements about how cooking works. One of my most fascinating observations in my reading of several books on Medieval and Renaissance cooking was the pervasive appearance of spices in recipes from the twelfth to the fifteenth centuries. And, this prevalence was not only in the Mediterranean, but also as far north as England and Scandinavia. Conventional wisdom regarding modern cuisine says that the cookie spices cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger are common in savory dishes of the southernmost reaches of Europe such as Sicily, Crete, and Greece plus the great Renaissance trading ports such as Venice. Yet, here we have French kings and nobles in Paris using as much of these spices as the merchant kings of Venice and Genoa.
Turner organises the book by theme rather than chronology, so it starts off with an exploration of the race to find the distant origins of spice, before explaining in subsequent sections just why people have been so driven by spice indicator of social status, myths about medical properties, economic boom, anxieties about decadence, legendary aphrodisiacs, the substance of the gods, not to mention exoticism in cooking. Medieval thru Modern 352 pages Covers the history of the spice trade and it's contributions to exploration and the development of European colonies, as well as the changing attitudes of Europe and the Mediterranian towards spice. Little jewels of cost vs supply info such as the fact that all cloves present in the world in our period of study 16th C came from one 17 acre island off the East Coast of India. Kinda explains their price....
When I discovered the Indies, I said that they were the richest dominion that there is in the world. I was speaking of the gold, pearls, precious stones, and spices, with the trade and markets in them... - #4
Save:'The Music of the Primes' by Marcus du Sautoy is a book that delves into the history and significance of prime numbers, particularly focusing on the exploration of the Riemann Hypothesis. The author intertwines the biographies of mathematicians involved in this quest with real-world applications of prime numbers, making the complex mathematical concepts accessible and intriguing to readers. Despite some readers finding the mathematical parts challenging, the book is praised for its engaging narrative that spans from ancient Greek mathematicians to modern-day connections with quantum physics.
‘Do we know what the sequence of numbers is? Okay, here, we can do it in our heads … fifty-nine, sixty-one, sixty-seven … seventy-one … Aren’t these all prime numbers?’ A little buzz of excitement cir... 'The Golden Thread: How Fabric Changed History' by Kassia St. Clair is a fascinating exploration of the impact of various fabrics on society throughout history. The book weaves together stories of the discovery and invention of different textiles, from ancient silk in China to modern synthetic fabrics. Readers are taken on a journey through time, uncovering the role of fabrics in shaping human culture and civilizations. St. Clair's writing style is described as accessible and engaging, drawing readers into the rich tapestry of textile history with vivid descriptions and insightful perspectives.
The threads that Kvavadze found are invisible to the naked eye, and the objects they were part of disintegrated long ago. Nevertheless, these fibres do allow the curious to get some intriguing glimpse..."Eight Flavors: The Untold Story of American Cuisine" by Sarah Lohman explores the history and impact of eight essential flavors on American cuisine. Lohman delves into the origins of flavors like black pepper, vanilla, chili powder, curry powder, soy sauce, garlic, MSG, and sriracha, tracing their journey into American kitchens and highlighting the cultural influences behind them. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the author uncovers the stories of the people who introduced these flavors to the American palate, providing insights into how these ingredients shaped the unique identity of American food.
Lohman's narrative not only focuses on the flavors themselves but also delves into the human stories, historical contexts, and scientific aspects behind each ingredient. By blending personal experiences with historical knowledge, the author takes readers on a flavorful journey from Colonial times to the modern era, showcasing the evolution of American tastes and the diverse cultural influences that have contributed to the rich tapestry of American cuisine.
AMERICANS HAVE COOKED with black pepper for hundreds of years, and it will be a part of our pantries for hundreds of years to come. It’s integral to American cuisine: the United States is the largest ..."Time Song: Searching for Doggerland" by Julia Blackburn is a unique exploration of the lost land of Doggerland, submerged beneath the North Sea. The author takes readers on a personal journey through the history and mysteries of this ancient land, intertwining it with her own reflections and experiences. The writing style combines elements of memoir, historical exploration, and contemplation, offering a deep dive into the connections between past and present.
As I stand here, the water that separates me from the mainland on the other side begins to retreat, as if a plug has been pulled. A vast country emerges: low hills and wide valleys, the twist and turn...- #8
Save:'Over the Edge of the World: Magellan's Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe' by Laurence Bergreen is a thrilling account of Ferdinand Magellan's voyage around the world in the 16th century. Bergreen meticulously details the preparation and politics leading up to the armada's departure from Spain, the unimaginable hardships faced during the ocean crossings, finding the strait to the Pacific, various mutinies, Magellan's demise, and the crew's arrival back in Seville. The narrative captures the essence of the Age of Discovery, showcasing the high adventure, realpolitik, and gritty realities of early modern seafaring.
Bergreen's writing style brings the story to life, blending historical accuracy with engaging storytelling. delves into the complexities of Magellan's character, the challenges faced by his crew, and the monumental achievement of circumnavigating the globe. Through detailed source material and vivid descriptions, readers are transported to a time of exploration, danger, and discovery, following Magellan's ambitious quest with a sense of awe and fascination.
Matters might have turned out differently if the pontiff had not been a Spaniard—Rodrigo de Borja, born near Valencia—but he was. A lawyer by training, he assumed the Borgia name when his maternal unc... 'The Valleys of the Assassins: and Other Persian Travels' by Freya Stark is a captivating travelogue that immerses readers into the landscapes and cultures of the Middle East. Stark's poetic and flowing prose materializes the places and people she encounters, offering a vivid portrayal of ancient civilizations and mysterious lands. Through her narrative, readers are taken on a journey to northern Iran, where the focus is more on the landscape and its people rather than a historical account of the Assassins. Stark's writing style, described as elegant and beautiful, paints a detailed picture of her extraordinary travels in the region.
Stark's travelogues are not just about the destinations she visited, but also about her daring adventures as a single woman exploring uncharted territories in the 1930s Middle East. Her insights into the region, along with her vivid descriptions of life and dry wit, provide readers with a glimpse into a world that has long been lost to time. Despite the absence of pictures, Stark's writing conjures up images of the countryside and the lives of the people she encounters, making it an easy and quick read that transports readers to a bygone era.
- #10
Save:The Journeyer by Gary Jennings is a historical novel that follows the adventurous life of Marco Polo along the Silk Road. The book is known for its detailed descriptions of customs, cultures, and foods, providing an immersive experience for the reader. Jennings' writing style is praised for its accuracy and sense of being there, as he researched extensively to bring historical settings to life.
When Marco Polo lay on his deathbed, his priest, his friends and relations clustered around him to plead that he at last renounce the countless lies he had related as his true adventures, so his soul ...
