Books matching: historically informed writing
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- #1
Save:'Murphy's Law' in the 'Molly Murphy Mysteries' series by Rhys Bowen follows the adventures of Molly Murphy, a strong-willed Irish woman who flees her homeland after accidentally killing a man in self-defense. Set in the early 1900s, the book takes readers on a journey from Ireland to America as Molly poses as a mother to two children to escape her past. Upon reaching New York City, Molly finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery on Ellis Island and teams up with a detective to solve the crime while navigating the challenges of being an immigrant in a new country. The writing style is described as fast-paced, warm-hearted, and historically informative, offering a blend of historical details, engaging characters, and a compelling plot.
My mother started saying that as soon as I could talk. It turns out she wasn’t far wrong. By the time I was ten my refusal to hold my tongue had almost gotten us thrown out of our cottage. And a week ... - #2
Save:'Comanche Sunset' by Rosanne Bittner follows the story of Jennifer Andrews, a brave young woman who becomes a mail order bride to escape her lecherous uncle. She finds herself in hostile Indian territory, where she is protected by Wade Morrow, a half-Comanche businessman. Together, they face numerous obstacles on their journey to romance, navigating through dangerous situations and their own personal struggles. The novel delves into the historical conflict between white settlers and indigenous people, portraying a realistic and emotional narrative that sheds light on the tragedies and hardships faced by both sides.
- #3
Save:'Our Man in Camelot' by Anthony Price is a cold war espionage novel that delves into the entanglement of past and present, focusing on the search for the Arthurian locale Badon. The plot revolves around American CIA operatives struggling to maintain their cover amidst British intelligence, while a puzzle about the Arthurian Dark ages and the death of Air Force pilots adds suspense and intrigue. The book features complex characters, a gripping storyline, and self-conscious Arthurian resonances that make the twists and turns of the plot both engaging and plausible. Price's writing style is described as historically informed, well-plotted, and highly literate, offering a unique blend of espionage and ancient history.
- #4
Save:'Highland Solution' by Ceci Giltenan is a historical Highland romance that follows the story of Niall, Laird of the MacIan clan, and Lady Katherine, a lowland heiress. The plot revolves around a scheme concocted by Katherine's evil uncle to marry her off to Niall in order to secure her inheritance. Despite Niall's initial reluctance to marry, the two quickly tie the knot and journey to the Highlands. As the story progresses, Niall's character evolves from a brusque and distant leader to a protective and caring husband, thanks to Katherine's influence. is praised for its attention to authentic detail, well-developed characters, and the emotional journey of the protagonists.
“Lady Katherine, oh, Lady Katherine, there you are,” said an ashen faced chambermaid as she rushed into the kitchen. “You have to come quick. There are two Highlanders in the great hall with your uncl... - #5
Save:'The Glass Universe: How the Ladies of the Harvard Observatory Took the Measure of the Stars' by Dava Sobel is a detailed account of the women who worked at the Harvard Observatory in the late 1800s and early 1900s, cataloguing stars from glass plate photographs. These women, known as computers, made significant contributions to astronomy by studying and classifying stars, leading to groundbreaking discoveries in astrophysics. The author portrays the dedication, brilliance, and meticulousness of these women, shedding light on their crucial role in establishing a system for understanding and classifying stars.
THEDRAPERMANSION, uptown on Madison Avenue at Fortieth Street, exuded the new glow of electric light on the festive night of November 15, 1882. The National Academy of Sciences was meeting that week i... - #6
Save:'When God Was a Woman' by Merlin Stone is an exploration of early goddess-centered religions and their transition to male god-centered religions in regions like Egypt, Greece, and India. The book delves into the impact of this shift on the status of women, with a feminist perspective. Stone presents a detailed analysis of the origins of Biblical stories, such as the Creation and events in the Garden of Eden, while discussing the influence of Indo-European religion on Judaism and Christianity. The writing style is informative, backed by extensive research, and offers a unique perspective on the evolution of religious beliefs and practices.
Though we live amid high-rise steel buildings, formica countertops and electronic television screens, there is something in all of us, women and men alike, that makes us feel deeply connected with the... - #7
Save:The Sagas of Icelanders by Jane Smiley is an intriguing collection of prose describing life and events in Iceland during the 10th and 11th centuries. The book includes a strong representative selection from among the Icelanders' Sagas, featuring stories that take place in Iceland or involve Icelanders abroad during and just after the Viking Age. The sagas provide a glimpse into the unique societal structure of Iceland during this time, showcasing the complex legislative and judicial institutions, the role of kinship in settling disputes, and the significance of blood feuds in the narratives.
The sagas within the book offer readers a rich tapestry of Icelandic history and culture, blending Nordic Viking heritage with influences from Celtic Gaelic peoples. The vivid descriptions of Iceland's desolate landscape, characterized by basalt and lava beds, volcanoes, geysers, and glaciers, set the stage for epic adventures. The book presents a diverse portrayal of Vikings, depicting them as both noble and skilled navigators, traders, and explorers, as well as savage marauders, reflecting the evolution of Norsemen over the centuries.
The prose literature of medieval Iceland is a great world treasure – elaborate, various, strange, profound, and as eternally current as any of the other great literary treasures – the Homeric epics, D... - #8
Save:A History of Ancient Britain by Neil Oliver takes readers on a journey through the earliest times in Britain, from the Stone Age to the Roman Empire. The book is well-researched and presents the history of Britain in broad strokes, covering significant archaeological finds and historical references. Neil Oliver's writing style is clear and engaging, making complex historical information accessible to readers. The book provides insights into the lives of ancient Britons, linking the past with the present and bringing the history of Britain to life.
I was soaked to the skin and shivering in what I earnestly believe to have been the outskirts of hypothermia. I was in the middle of a peat bog in the west of Ireland and the freezing rain was sweepin... 'Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism' by Amanda Montell delves into the impact of language on fanaticism, exploring how cult leaders use specific linguistic tactics to manipulate and control their followers. Through examples and definitions, Montell provides insights into thought terminating cliches, confirmation bias, and other psychological concepts. is divided into six parts, covering topics ranging from cults and religions to multi-level marketing schemes and fitness movements. Montell's writing style is described as easy to read, engaging, and informative, with a focus on how language can be used to coerce and condition individuals.
Tasha Samar was thirteen years old the first time she heard the bewitching buzz of their voices. It was their turban-to-toe white ensembles and meditation malas that first caught her eye, but it was h...- #10
Save:'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 ...
