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Books matching: historical nonfiction

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    1421: The Year China Discovered America by Gavin Menzies
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    '1421: The Year China Discovered America' by Gavin Menzies explores a new theory backed by compelling evidence that challenges current historical thinking. It delves into the voyages of Chinese explorers, the great tribute fleets of China, and the possible connections between Chinese and Western explorations. The writing style presents historical narratives and explanations, with detailed research and reasoning that captivates readers and provides a fresh perspective on world exploration.

    The Gate of Heavenly Purity, the Forbidden City, Beijing, early 15th century. Werner Forman Archive; the Hall of Harvest Prayer, the Temple of Heaven, early 15th century. Getty Images/Image Bank; the ...

  2. 'Fly Girls: How Five Daring Women Defied All Odds and Made Aviation History' by Keith O'Brien is a nonfiction account that focuses on the lives of female aviators in the 1920s and 30s. The book delves into the struggles and triumphs of women such as Florence Klingensmith, Ruth Elder, Ruth Nichols, and Louise Thaden, alongside the more well-known figure of Amelia Earhart. It highlights the camaraderie, sportsmanship, and friendships that developed among these pioneering women as they fought against prejudice and discrimination in the male-dominated world of aviation. The narrative captures the bravery, perseverance, and determination of these aviators as they challenged societal norms and pushed the boundaries of what women were deemed capable of achieving.

    THE COAL PEDDLERS west of town, on the banks of the Arkansas River, took note of the new saleswoman from the moment she appeared outside the plate-glass window. It was hard not to notice Louise McPhet...

  3. '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...

  4. #4

    The First Family by Mike Dash
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    'The First Family' by Mike Dash is a meticulously researched book that delves into the early days of the Mafia in the USA, focusing on the Morello Terranova family. The narrative takes the reader back to the 1890s, tracing the roots of this criminal organization from Sicily to New York. The author paints a vivid picture of the crime-infested streets of Manhattan, portraying the rise of the first Sicilian mafia led by Giuseppe Morello. From extortion to murder, the book explores the dark underbelly of the Mafia's operations, detailing their methods of intimidation and control in a new land with new opportunities.

    The writing style of the book is praised for its attention to detail and historical accuracy. Dash skillfully weaves together a narrative that shifts seamlessly between Sicily, Louisiana, and New York, capturing the essence of early 20th-century America. The book not only provides a compelling account of the Mafia's origins but also sheds light on the law enforcement efforts to combat organized crime, showcasing the courage and dedication of individuals like Detective Flynn and NY Police Detective Petrosino in the face of a growing criminal menace.

    Outside, on Prince Street in the heart of Little Italy, a fine drizzle slanted down to puddle amid the piles of rotting garbage strewn along the edges of the street, leaving the cobbles treacherous an...

  5. #5

    The Blue Nile by Alan Moorehead
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    'The Blue Nile' by Alan Moorehead is a historical account of the Western exploration of Northeast Africa and Egypt. It narrates the efforts of three colonial powers - the French invading Egypt, the Ottoman Turks in Sudan, and a British expedition in Ethiopia. also explores the exploration of the Blue Nile, focusing on European expeditions from James Bruce to Kitchener at Khartoum. Moorehead's writing style is described as well-written, entertaining, informative, and very readable.


  6. "Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II" by Liza Mundy delves into the hidden history of the women code breakers during WWII. It explores the recruitment, training, and secret work these women undertook to aid in the war effort. The narrative style of the book combines personal anecdotes, historical context, and technical details of the code breaking process, shedding light on the significant but often overlooked role women played in cryptography during the war.


  7. #7

    O Jerusalem by Larry Collins
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    'O Jerusalem' by Larry Collins is a captivating account of the formation of the state of Israel in 1948. Written by two journalists, the book reads like a novel, detailing the history of Israel's independence and the intense events that unfolded during that time. The authors provide unbiased insights into the dedication and commitment of Israel's people, showcasing the political maneuvering between Zionists, Arabs, and other factions in the quest to establish the Jewish homeland.

    The narrative in 'O Jerusalem' is engaging, well-researched, and objective. The authors present a comprehensive view of the events leading up to the UN partition vote and the subsequent Arab-Israeli war, highlighting the strategies, strengths, and weaknesses of both sides. Through impressive research and firsthand accounts, the book offers a compelling retelling of the conflicts surrounding Israel's independence, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a foundational understanding of the Middle East situation.

    IN THE AFTERNOON of Saturday, November 29, 1947, in a cavernous gray building that had once housed an ice-skating rink, in Flushing Meadow, New York, the delegates of fifty-six of the fifty-seven memb...

  8. #8

    The Roses of No Man's Land by Lyn Macdonald
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    'The Roses of No Man's Land' by Lyn Macdonald is a detailed account of the experiences of medical personnel during World War I, focusing on the roles of nurses, doctors, ambulance drivers, and volunteers in treating the wounded soldiers. The author skillfully weaves together first-hand accounts, letters, and diaries to paint a vivid picture of the challenges faced by healthcare workers in the midst of the war. delves into the resilience, courage, and dedication of these individuals as they navigate the horrors of the battlefield to provide care and comfort to those in need.

    Through poignant stories and historical details, 'The Roses of No Man's Land' sheds light on the often overlooked contributions of medical personnel during WWI. The narrative captures the humanity behind the statistics of casualties and brings to life the struggles and triumphs of the individuals who worked tirelessly to save lives amidst the chaos of war. Readers are taken on a journey through the trials and tribulations faced by healthcare workers, offering a profound insight into the impact of the war on both the wounded soldiers and those who tended to them.

    The coast of France was the frontier between two worlds. For the unseasoned soldiers packed into the cross-Channel ferries, the pleasure steamers and the cattleboats pressed into service as troopships...

  9. Former People: The Final Days of the Russian Aristocracy by Douglas Smith is a captivating and heartbreaking account of the Russian nobility during the tumultuous times of the Bolshevik Revolution and Stalin's Russia. The book delves into the lives of two prominent families, the Sheremetevs and the Golitsyns, showcasing their struggles, losses, and resilience as they faced brutal repression and persecution. Through detailed storytelling and intimate portraits, Smith chronicles the dispossessions, destruction, and ultimate fates of these aristocratic families, shedding light on a dark chapter in Russian history.

    At the dawn of the twentieth century, Russia was hurtling into the modern age. In the two decades before the First World War, the country experienced exceptional rates of industrial growth, outpacing ...

  10. #10

    The Crusades: The War for the Holy Land by Thomas Asbridge
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    'The Crusades: The War for the Holy Land' by Thomas Asbridge is a detailed and well-balanced account of the Crusades, primarily focusing on the Middle Eastern and Egyptian crusades. The book covers the historical, religious, political, social, military, and economic contexts of the wars, examining the internal divisions among both Europeans and Muslims that led to the initial success of the Crusades and continued the struggle for two centuries. Asbridge provides a narrative of the events from the Crusader perspective, offering insights into the rise of significant figures like Nur al-Din, Saladin, and the Mamluks in unifying the Levant to drive out the crusaders. The writing style is described as academic yet accessible, with an abundance of detail and clear maps to aid in understanding the routes, battles, and strategies of the Crusades.

    Nine hundred years ago the Christians of Europe waged a series of holy wars, or crusades, against the Muslim world, battling for dominion of a region sacred to both faiths–the Holy Land. This bloody s...

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