Books matching: historical reenactment
31 result(s)
'The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey' by Rinker Buck follows the modern-day expedition of two brothers as they traverse the historic Oregon Trail in a covered wagon pulled by mules. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, historical insights, and family dynamics, the book captures the challenges and adventures faced by the brothers on their journey. Buck weaves together narratives from the past and present, offering a mix of humor, introspection, and exploration of the American West.
I HAD KNOWN LONG BEFORE I rode a covered wagon to Oregon that naïveté was the mother of adventure. I just didn’t understand how much of that I really had. Nicholas and I realized before we left Missou...- #2
Save:"Munich" by Robert Harris is a historical thriller set during the Munich Conference of 1938, focusing on the events leading up to the agreement signed by Chamberlain and Hitler. The story follows the perspectives of two men who were once friends at Oxford, now involved in diplomatic services, as they navigate the tense negotiations and intrigue surrounding the peace efforts in Munich. Despite the well-known historical outcome, the author masterfully builds tension and suspense, offering a gripping portrayal of the heightened political climate of the time.
Shortly before one o’clock on the afternoon of Tuesday 27 September 1938, Mr Hugh Legat of His Majesty’s Diplomatic Service was shown to his table beside one of the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Rit... - #3
Save:Chapelwood is a chilling mix of Lovecraftian horrors, supernatural threats, and real-world menaces set in Birmingham, Alabama, where Lizzie Borden and Inspector Wolf investigate a series of axe murders and a sinister cult at Chapelwood. The story unfolds 30 years after the events in Maplecroft, focusing on new characters like Ruth and delving deep into themes of racism, bigotry, and religious zealotry, creating a tense and atmospheric narrative.
So I left them an hour after dawn, when the reverend and his coterie lay sleeping in the hall beneath the sanctuary. When last I looked upon them, taking one final glance from the top of the stairs—do...
(Also, see 61 recommendations for the series The Borden Dispatches ) - #4
Save:Set in England in 1255, "The Anchoress" by Robyn Cadwallader tells the story of Sarah, a young woman who becomes an anchoress, choosing a life of seclusion and devotion to God. The novel delves into Sarah's struggles, her interactions with the community, and her journey of faith within the confines of her small cell. The book offers a mesmerizing and thought-provoking look into the medieval world, exploring themes of religious devotion, female agency, and the complexities of faith in a historical setting.
The author, Robyn Cadwallader, skillfully weaves together historical details and vivid descriptions to create a compelling narrative that draws readers into Sarah's world. Through the perspectives of Sarah and other characters, the book explores themes of sacrifice, religious contemplation, and the challenges faced by individuals seeking spiritual fulfillment in a society bound by tradition and hierarchy.
I WAS NEAR THE door, where women should stay. The floor was hard, refusing me, though I lay face-down, my arms outstretched, embracing it, wanting this life, this death. I knew there were people nearb... - #5
Save:Laura Cumming's book "The Vanishing Velazquez: A 19th Century Bookseller's Obsession with a Lost Masterpiece" tells the intriguing story of John Snare, a bookseller who becomes convinced that a portrait he acquired is a lost masterpiece by Diego Velazquez. The book delves into Snare's obsession with proving the painting's authenticity, leading to financial ruin, legal battles, and his eventual obscurity. Cumming skillfully weaves together Snare's narrative with that of Velazquez, providing insights into the art world, historical contexts, and the impact of art on individuals' lives.
- #6
Save:'Ghost Wall' by Sarah Moss is a brief novel that delves into the story of Sylvie and her family as they join a group of anthropological students for an experiential archaeology course, living as ancient Britons. The book explores the toxic mesh between the ancient way of life and Sylvie's father's abusive nature, depicting the terror and abuse experienced by Sylvie and her mother. The writing style is outstanding, loaded with symbolism about our relationship with history and the rituals forced upon individuals for various reasons. The plot unfolds with a blend of psychological drama, social satire, and a dark exploration of family dynamics.
DARKNESS WAS A long time coming. The fire crackled, transparent against the trees, its purpose no more, no less, than ceremonial. We had been pushed away from each other by the heat that no-one wanted... - #7
Save:'The Glory' by Herman Wouk is an epic historical novel that delves into the history of Israel, portraying a young nation on the brink of annihilation and leading to the struggles for peace in the present day. The book interweaves personal stories of Israeli leaders like Golda Meir and Moshe Dayan with the daring and courageous acts performed by its men in uniform. The narrative covers significant events from the Yom Kippur War to Israel's 40th birthday in 1988, providing a fascinating insight into Israeli history.
The writing style of 'The Glory' is praised for being fast-paced, entertaining, and enlightening. Readers appreciate Wouk's ability to blend historical accuracy with fictional storytelling, creating a gripping narrative that keeps them engaged. The book is described as an epic with a panoramic sweep comparable to classic literary works like 'Gone With the Wind' or 'War and Peace', offering a detailed and vivid portrayal of Israeli history.
On a blustery morning in October 1967, the destroyer Eilat, returning from patrol off Sinai, was approaching Haifa at a leisurely ten knots to conserve fuel. In the unsteady chart-house Noah Barak, a ...
(Also, see 15 recommendations for the series The Hope and the Glory ) - #8
Save:Author Ruth Goodman delves into the daily life of common people in Tudor England by exploring various aspects such as household furnishings, cleanliness, clothing, food, education, work, recreation, and sex. She incorporates her personal experiences of trying out Tudor ways of living, adding authenticity to her account. The book is described as informative, fun, and fascinating, providing readers with a glimpse into Tudor life from waking up to going to bed.
First in a mornyng whan thou arte waken and purpose to ryse, lyfte up thy hande and blesse the, and make a sygne of the holy crosse, In nomine patris et filii et spiritus sancti, Amen. In the name of ... - #9
Save:'Shiloh' by Shelby Foote is a novel that vividly portrays the chaos, horror, and carnage of the Civil War battle at Shiloh from multiple perspectives. The author focuses on individual characters and their experiences during the battle, bringing to life the heroics, horrors, and emotions of the soldiers involved. The book is structured into multiple parts, each narrated by different characters positioned at various locations on the battlefield, providing a diverse and comprehensive view of the events unfolding during the battle.
The sky had cleared, the clouds raveled to tatters, and at four o’clock the sun broke through, silver on the bright green of grass and leaves and golden on the puddles in the road; all down the column... - #10
Save:Tony Horwitz's book 'Spying on the South: Travels with Frederick Law Olmsted in a Fractured Land' retraces the steps of Frederick Olmsted through the American South, blending history with modern-day experiences. The narrative follows Horwitz as he undertakes a journey similar to Olmsted's, exploring the social and political landscape of the US South from pre-Civil War times to the present day. The book offers a mix of travelogue and history, interweaving historical tidbits with Horwitz's own misadventures, providing a unique perspective on the region.
Horwitz's writing style in 'Spying on the South' is described as informative, entertaining, and humorous. The author humanizes the people he encounters in the Red States, treating them with dignity and humanity, while shedding light on the cultural diversity and contrasts within the region. Through his exploration of the South in 2016 and Olmsted's impressions from the antebellum era, Horwitz presents a compelling narrative that offers insights into the historical and contemporary complexities of the American South.
This Bohemian self-styling bore fruit; upon his return north, Olmsted became a regular at Lynch’s salons. But the letter also held an element of truth: from an early age, Olmsted had been nomadic, dri...
