Books matching: historical narrative nonfiction
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- #1
Save:A witty and heartfelt celebration of forgotten lives and strange history. Light, clever, and perfect for a quick read or listen - Mobituaries is a fun escape for curious minds.
"Mobituaries: Great Lives Worth Reliving" by Mo Rocca is a compilation of quirky and interesting stories about historical figures, unusual lives, and forgotten events. The writing style is engaging, with a mix of trivia data, humor, and informative content. The author narrates the audio version, providing a personal touch to the tales of people, places, and movements that are memorialized with grace and humor.
I know what you’re thinking: Mo, you can’t write an obit for dragons because dragons never existed. I mean, what’s next? Obits for those silly cartoon animal appliances on The Flintstones? To which I...November 2019•384 pages A pulse-pounding account of an American tragedy, blending top-notch storytelling with historical drama - just don't expect every quote to stand up to rigorous academic scrutiny.
"Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson is a detailed account of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the subsequent pursuit of John Wilkes Booth and his accomplices. The book delves into the intricate planning of the assassination, the escape of the perpetrators, and the intense efforts to bring them to justice. Through a fast-paced narrative, readers are taken on a gripping journey through the events leading up to and following Lincoln's tragic death, providing a vivid portrayal of the historical figures involved.
IT LOOKED LIKE A BAD DAY FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS. TERRIFIC winds and thunderstorms had swept through Washington early that morning, dissolving the dirt streets into a sticky muck of soil, garbage, and horse...February 2006•476 pages- #3
Save:A fast-paced, fascinating blend of true crime, history, and science that spotlights the unsung pioneers of forensic medicine. Not for the faint of heart, but a must-read for true crime fans, history buffs, and anyone who loves their nonfiction with a dose of dark intrigue.
'The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York' by Deborah Blum is a compelling historical account of the early years of forensic science in New York City during the 1920s and 1930s. The book delves into the misuse of poison, both by criminals and the government during Prohibition, highlighting the research on toxicology by Charles Norris and Alexander Gettler. Blum's writing style is fast-paced and engaging, weaving together murder investigations, poisons, chemistry, and the birth of forensic medicine into a fascinating narrative that explores the dark side of Jazz Age New York.
IN LATE JANUARY 1926, a snow-sprayed wind glittering around him, a reporter from the New York Times shivered on a certain street corner, the one an irate letter writer had described as the noisiest in...2010•358 pages A passionately researched perspective-buster that upends the typical Western story on Korea - but best paired with other sources for a fuller view.
Patriots, Traitors and Empires: The Story of Korea's Struggle for Freedom by Stephen Gowans presents a passionate challenge to the commonly held beliefs about the U.S. role in Korea. It portrays Koreans fighting against foreign domination as patriots while labeling those who collaborate with foreign powers as traitors. The book serves as a counter-narrative, particularly regarding the portrayal of North Korea in Western media, and encourages readers to reevaluate their understanding of Korean history, especially the dynamics between the North and South.
Gowans’ writing style is engaging and free of fluff, making complex historical topics accessible. The book includes substantial insights into Korea's past and offers a perspective often ignored in mainstream narratives. It is described as well-researched, though some critics feel it occasionally leans too favorably towards North Korea. Overall, it is considered a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of Korean history from a viewpoint that challenges conventional wisdom.
Japan’s empire builders “first trained their guns on Korea,”2 wrote Louise Young, a US historian of modern Japan. The decision to build an empire was multifactorial, driven by a network of mutually re...May 2018•290 pagesA powerful, meticulously researched account that brings a forgotten tragedy vividly to life - highly recommended for history buffs and true-life drama fans alike, but be prepared for emotional impact.
Ship Ablaze: The Tragedy of the Steamboat General Slocum by Edward T. O'Donnell is a gripping non-fiction book that recounts the tragic events of the General Slocum disaster in 1904. The book presents a detailed account of the steamship catching fire while carrying members of a Lutheran church in a German district in Manhattan on their annual outing, resulting in over 1,000 deaths due to safety negligence. O'Donnell's storytelling style effectively conveys the human element of the tragedy, providing insights into the safety violations of the steamship and the devastating impact on the victims and their families.
2003•368 pages- #6
Save:Question 7 by Richard Flanagan is a deeply moving blend of memoir, history, and auto fiction. The narrative begins with the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945, linking the author's father's experience as a POW in Japan to broader themes of love, existence, and the impact of colonialism in Tasmania. Flanagan reflects on his childhood in a poor Catholic family, exploring complex feelings of sorrow, regret, and love while confronting the dark history of Australia's treatment of Indigenous people.
The writing style is elegant and poetic, with clear and evocative prose that touches on profound themes. Flanagan delves into the randomness of life, weaving personal memories with historical context to engage readers on an emotional level. His reflections are accompanied by an impressive depth of thought, drawing connections between personal and collective histories. This book invites readers to think deeply about love, existence, and the scars of the past, making it a compelling read worth revisiting.
2023•288 pages - #7
Save:'The Barefoot Woman' by Scholastique Mukasonga is a tribute to the author's mother and her unwavering devotion to Rwandan traditions and customs. Through a collection of vignettes and stories, Mukasonga illustrates the cultural practices and the constant fear of violence that her family, particularly the Tutsis, lived with. The narrative is set in the 1960s, portraying a different perspective of Rwanda beyond the well-known genocide of '94, shedding light on the struggles of displaced Tutsis and the innovative solutions they come up with to navigate their harsh reality.
December 2018•151 pages - #8
Save:"The Meaning of Everything" by Simon Winchester delves into the fascinating story behind the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). Winchester masterfully weaves a narrative that chronicles the monumental effort, challenges, and triumphs of the men and women who dedicated their lives to compiling this comprehensive work on the English language. Through engaging storytelling, Winchester brings to life the characters involved in this great enterprise, from the tireless editors to the dedicated volunteer contributors, highlighting their struggles, achievements, and the ultimate significance of the OED.
Winchester's writing style in "The Meaning of Everything" is captivating and informative, making the intricate process of compiling the OED accessible and engaging to readers. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, Winchester takes readers on a journey through the history, beauty, and complexity of the English language, shedding light on the evolution of the dictionary and the extraordinary individuals who contributed to its creation.
2003•284 pages Hands of Time: A Watchmaker's History by Rebecca Struthers is a captivating mix of horological history and personal memoir. The book offers a detailed exploration of timekeeping, starting from ancient devices like the Lebombo bone, while also interweaving Struthers’ journey as a watchmaker alongside her husband. The writing exudes warmth and humor, making it more than just a technical guide; it’s an engaging narrative that breathes life into the world of watches and craftsmanship.
Struthers presents a beautifully illustrated history that reflects on the cultural significance of watches and their evolution in society. It's not merely an academic discourse but rather a thoughtful meditation on the human relationship with time. The book tackles the complexities of watchmaking and the challenges faced by artisans in a creative yet accessible manner, inviting readers to appreciate not just the mechanisms of watches but the stories behind them.
June 2023•284 pages- #10
Save:A gripping, accessible trip through the history of London’s asylums - warts, heartbreak, and all. A strong pick for history and mental health buffs, but be ready for some missing visuals if you go digital.
Catharine Arnold's 'Bedlam: London and Its Mad' is a detailed exploration of the history of mental illness, particularly focusing on the treatment of the mentally ill in London throughout the centuries. The book delves into the origins of the concept of the madhouse, providing a chronological history that covers various eras such as the Victorian era. Arnold's writing style is engaging and accessible, presenting a mix of historical data, anecdotes, and personal stories of individuals affected by mental illness to illustrate the evolving social stigmas and treatments associated with madness.
October 2008•320 pages
