Books matching: historical investigation
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'Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest' by Matthew Restall explores the myths surrounding the Spanish conquest of the Americas and delves into the complexities of this historical event. Restall challenges common misconceptions and provides a nuanced perspective on the conquest, highlighting the role of Native cultures, the impact of diseases, and the collaboration between various groups. Through a dialogue between primary accounts, secondary histories, and modern research, the author uncovers the layers of myth and truth that have shaped the narrative of the conquest for over 500 years. The writing style is informative and thought-provoking, offering a fresh take on a well-known historical event.
Fig. 1. Tenochtitlán, or “Antient Mexico,” portrayed as more of a European city than a Mesoamerican one, complete with medieval towers and Old World oxen; from John Harris’s Voyages and Travels (1744 ...- #2
In 'Angels & Demons', Robert Langdon, a Harvard symbologist, is called upon to solve a mysterious symbol seared onto the chest of a murdered physicist, leading to evidence of an ancient secret brotherhood seeking revenge against the Catholic Church. The plot unfolds into a race against time across Rome with a mix of intense action, historical references, and a dark exploration of the conflict between religion and science. The writing style is fast-paced, with short chapters that keep readers engaged, though some find the plot predictable and the writing lacking in depth.
As he climbed, his vision began to blur. There was a thundering in his ears. I must reach her! But when he looked up again, the woman had disappeared. In her place stood an old man with rotting teeth.... 'Dead Mountain: The Untold True Story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident' by Donnie Eichar explores the mysterious and unsettling events surrounding the Dyatlov Pass incident in 1959. Through a detailed investigation, the author delves into the tragic expedition of nine hikers into the Siberian wilderness, where they met a bizarre and untimely fate. Eichar's writing style expertly combines historical accounts with his own research, including visits to Russia and Dead Mountain, to unravel the enigma behind the hikers' deaths. The narrative unfolds as a compelling blend of investigative reporting and first-person exploration, offering readers a gripping insight into this perplexing cold case.
IT IS NEARLY TWENTY BELOW ZERO AS I CRUNCH THROUGH knee-deep snow in the direction of Dyatlov Pass. It’s the middle of winter and I have been trekking with my Russian companions through the northern U...- #4
In 'Breaking Blue' by Timothy Egan, readers are taken on a journey to Spokane, Washington in the 1930s, where an unsolved murder of a law enforcement officer unfolds. The story follows Sheriff Anthony Bamonte's relentless pursuit of the truth, despite facing corruption within the police force and challenges due to the passage of time. Egan weaves a narrative that delves into crime, police corruption, and the quest for justice, providing a historical account of lawlessness during the Great Depression era.
The book is praised for its detailed exploration of the 1935 murder in the inland northwest, shedding light on the troubled times of the depression and the moral complexities surrounding law enforcement. Egan's writing style captivates readers with its engrossing storytelling, highlighting the noble efforts of Sheriff Bamonte in uncovering the truth behind the unsolved crime, showcasing the author's dedication to thorough research and compelling narrative.
WHEN IT CAME TIME for Bill Parsons to die, he crumpled into his wife’s arms and started talking about the things cops seldom share with the women in their lives. She ran her fingers through his hair, ... 'The Riddle of the Labyrinth' by Margalit Fox is a fascinating account of the decipherment of the ancient script known as Linear B. It highlights the efforts of individuals like Alice Kober, who laid the groundwork for deciphering the script, and Michael Ventris, who ultimately cracked the code. delves into the challenges faced in deciphering the unknown language, the historical context of the script's discovery, and the personal stories of those involved in the decipherment process.
The narrative style of the book is described as a compelling historical detective story that brings to life the real drama behind the decipherment of Linear B. It showcases the meticulous work done by individuals using primitive resources like 3x5 cards, diligent searching, and mathematical skills to uncover the secrets of the script. The author skillfully weaves together the stories of Arthur Evans, Alice Kober, and Michael Ventris, shedding light on the unacknowledged contributions of Kober and the ultimate triumph of deciphering the ancient script.
EVANS CAME TO CRETE TO fill a void. In 1876, Heinrich Schliemann, a wealthy German businessman with a burning interest in the classics, began excavating a site on the Greek mainland, about seventy mil..."A Voyage Long and Strange: Rediscovering the New World" by Tony Horwitz is a historical travelogue that takes readers on a journey through the early European exploration of the Americas. The author blends detailed historical facts with his own travels to the locations where these events occurred, providing a human perspective on the experiences of the early explorers. From the Vikings in 1000 AD to Columbus, the Conquistadors, and the Pilgrims, the book covers a wide range of historical events often overlooked in traditional education, shedding light on the interactions between European settlers and Native Americans.
Horwitz's writing style combines history with personal experiences, humor, and sarcasm, making the book both informative and entertaining. The author retraces the steps of the early explorers, interviews scholars and historians, and shares stories of the people he encounters along the way. Through his exploration of the forgotten stories of Native Americans and early European settlers, Horwitz brings to life a lesser-known period in American history, offering readers a fresh perspective on the country's founding.
THE STORY OF America’s discovery by Europeans begins with a fugitive. Eirik the Red fled his native Norway, the sagas say, “because of some killings.” Settling in Iceland, Eirik took up farming and fe...'Finding Zero: A Mathematician's Odyssey to Uncover the Origins of Numbers' by Amir D. Aczel is a captivating journey into the history of mathematics, particularly focusing on the origin of the concept of zero. The author skillfully weaves together elements of memoir, travelogue, and detective story to explore the origins of zero, challenging the conventional belief that it originated solely in India. Aczel delves into the influence of Buddhism and Hinduism on the development of zero, leading the reader on a fascinating exploration across different cultures and historical contexts.
The book not only sheds light on the historical significance of zero but also highlights the author's passion for uncovering the mysteries of mathematics. Through engaging storytelling and thought-provoking discussions on Eastern and Western logic, Aczel invites readers to ponder the philosophical implications of zero while offering a unique perspective on its evolution through different civilizations.
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"Hunting Eichmann: How a Band of Survivors and a Young Spy Agency Chased Down the World's Most Notorious Nazi" by Neal Bascomb is a gripping account of the pursuit and capture of Adolf Eichmann, the mastermind behind the genocide of six million Jews during World War II. The book delves into the covert operations orchestrated by Mossad agents to abduct Eichmann from Buenos Aires, his journey back to Israel for trial, and the intricate details of the mission, all presented in a thrilling and captivating narrative style that reads like a spy novel.
The author, Neal Bascomb, skillfully weaves together personal stories of individuals involved in the hunt for Eichmann, providing insight into their motivations, courage, and determination to bring a notorious war criminal to justice. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Bascomb explores the complexities of Eichmann's capture and trial, shedding light on the aftermath and impact of this monumental operation on global politics and the collective memory of the Holocaust.
OUTSIDE MAUTHAUSEN, a concentration camp built beside a granite quarry on the northern edge of the Danube River in upper Austria, Obersturmbannführer Adolf Eichmann stood at the head of a long column ... - #9
'Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune' delves into the captivating life of Huguette Clark, an enigmatic heiress who lived a reclusive and eccentric existence. The book explores her immense wealth, her lavish spending on art and dolls, and her relationships with those around her. It also delves into the history of her father, William Andrews Clark, providing a comprehensive look at the Clark family saga. The narrative style combines factual accounts with personal anecdotes, painting a vivid picture of a woman shrouded in mystery and tragedy.
HUGUETTE AND ANDRÉE, daughters of the multimillionaire former senator W. A. Clark, arrived in New York Harbor in July 1910, immigrants to their own country. They had sailed from Cherbourg, France, in ... - #10
'A Talent for War' by Jack McDevitt follows the story of Alex Benedict, an antique dealer who inherits a mystery from his uncle about relics from a past interstellar war. The plot revolves around Alex's quest to uncover the truth behind the war hero and the secrets surrounding the historical events. The writing style is described as quiet and soothing, with a focus on character actions and dialogues rather than extensive observations and thoughts. The story unfolds as Alex navigates through layers of history, geography, and military ethics in a slow-paced investigation of a historical mystery.
Cam Chulohn loved the plain stone chapel. He knelt on the hard bench and watched the crystal water dribble across Father Curry's fingers into the silver bowl held by the postulant. The timeless symbol...