Books matching: humor in historical narratives
89 result(s)
- #1
Save:The Grand Duchess of Nowhere by Laurie Graham is a historical novel that follows the life of Princess Victoria Melita, granddaughter of Queen Victoria and Tsar Alexander II. The book is set in pre-Revolutionary Russia and delves into the tragic events of the Russian Revolution, where Ducky and her family barely escape to Finland. The writing style beautifully conveys the opulent life in St. Petersburg and the turmoil of the Revolution, while providing a first-person account of historical events through Ducky's perspective.
Graham skillfully weaves together the lives of Russian, British, and German family members, keeping them distinct in the readers' minds. The book offers a mix of historical facts and fictional dialogue, making the story of the Russian royalty engaging and entertaining. Readers are drawn into Ducky's adventurous and event-filled life, as she navigates through two marriages, motherhood, and the tumultuous times of the Russian Revolution.
I can’t say I remember the first time I saw Cyril Vladimirovich. Somehow he’s always been around, just one of our many cousins. But I do know the first time I noticed him. It was at Aunt Aline’s funer... - #2
Save:'A Vision of Light' by Judith Merkle Riley is a historical fiction novel set in 14th century England that follows the story of Margaret of Ashbury, a strong and resourceful woman who acquires supernatural powers of healing. The book delves into the challenges Margaret faces in a society where women are limited in their opportunities and rights, while also incorporating elements of humor and historical details to create an engaging narrative. Through the eyes of Margaret and Brother Gregory, the reader is taken on a journey filled with adversity, triumph, and the complexities of medieval life.
The novel is narrated in a dual perspective, switching between Margaret's first-person account of her life and the interactions with Brother Gregory in third person. This storytelling technique adds depth to the characters and allows for a rich exploration of themes such as misogyny, religious beliefs, and societal norms in 14th century England. With a touch of the fantastical and a strong focus on character development, 'A Vision of Light' offers a compelling tale of resilience, compassion, and the pursuit of personal agency amidst historical challenges.
“Put in it what you have seen. There is nothing wrong with being a woman, and doing ordinary things. Sometimes small deeds can show big ideas. As for writing, do as others do: get someone to write it ... Barbara Tuchman's 'Stilwell and the American Experience in China, 1911-45' delves into the complex and tumultuous relationship between General George Stilwell and Chiang Kai-shek during WWII. Through Tuchman's lucid prose style, the book sheds light on the struggles over American policy in developing a sustainable Chinese Nationalist army. Stilwell, portrayed as an upright individual with the best interests of China at heart, faces challenges from both the American administration and Chiang Kai-shek, leading to a narrative that highlights the deficiencies of the Chiang regime and the inability to modernize the Chinese military without strong internal support.
LIEUTENANT STILWELL, aged twenty-eight, met China for the first time in November 1911 at the moment when the most ancient of independent nations stumbled into the twentieth century. Six weeks before h...- #4
Save:Louis Riel: A Comic-Strip Biography by Chester Brown delves into the life of Louis Riel, a controversial Canadian political figure and leader of the Metis in the 1800s. The book portrays Riel's struggles with the Canadian government, his involvement in rebellions, and his complex persona, including his religious visions and political ideals. Chester Brown's use of dialogue and expressive yet minimalist artwork brings Riel's story to life, offering a unique and engaging narrative of a pivotal figure in Canadian history.
- #5
Save:'The Russian Revolution' by Alan Moorehead provides a detailed and clear picture of the social, political, and economic conditions in Russia leading up to the revolution. It covers topics such as the bureaucracy of the Czar's monarchy, the revolutionary movements, the impact of World War I on Russian society, and the key players like Trotsky, Lenin, and Stalin. also delves into the role of Germany in aiding Lenin's return to Russia and seizing power, ultimately leading to the establishment of the communist government.
- #6
Save:'The History of the Medieval World: From the Conversion of Constantine to the First Crusade' by Susan Wise Bauer is a comprehensive overview of the medieval period, spanning across different continents and cultures. The writing style is engaging, with short chapters that read like episodes, each focusing on different rulers, adventures, and intrigues. The narrative flows smoothly, providing insights into the evolution of societies and influences during the Middle Ages.
delves into the religious, political, and daily life aspects of the medieval era, offering readers a detailed yet accessible introduction to a complex period in history. The author's inclusion of humor and occasional personal comments adds a touch of lightness to the otherwise vast and intricate subject matter, making it an engrossing read for both history enthusiasts and beginners.
Nor was it the last horrible death. Licinius then murdered Maximinus Daia’s two young children, both under the age of nine, and drowned their mother; he also put to death three other possible blood cl... 'Xenophon's Retreat: Greece, Persia, and the End of the Golden Age' by Robin Waterfield is a detailed narrative that follows Xenophon's Expedition of Cyrus Anabasis, recounting the journey of about 12,000 Greek mercenaries retreating from Sardis to the Black Sea. Waterfield provides a balanced mix of technical, philosophical, and practical aspects of military history, offering religious and cultural perspectives that bring the ancient world to life. The book not only delves into the military aspects but also explores the social, economic, and political forces of the time, shedding light on Xenophon's life and the historical context he lived in.
The author, Robin Waterfield, presents a refreshing and enlightening approach to ancient history, providing critical background on Xenophon and the 10,000 mercenaries. Waterfield's engaging writing style, combined with his dry wit, turns what could be a dry recitation of facts into a captivating narrative. By retracing Xenophon's steps and offering insights into the conflicts between Greece and Persia, Waterfield brings to light the complexities of ancient warfare and the enduring impact of historical events on modern conflicts.
- #8
Save:The novella 'Her Every Wish' in the series 'The Worth Saga' by Courtney Milan follows the story of Daisy Whitlaw, a working-class woman striving for more in 19th-century England. With the help of a racially mixed young man named Crash, Daisy learns to believe in herself and pursue her dreams despite societal limitations and personal struggles. The book touches on themes of feminism, racial segregation, and personal growth, portraying a relationship that faces challenges due to their different upbringings and misunderstandings.
Milan's writing style is praised for its literate prose, complex character development, and attention to historical detail. The novella is described as a well-polished, standalone story that showcases Milan's ability to deliver a unique perspective in historical romance, focusing on the personal journey of the heroine rather than solely on the romance aspect.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Worth Saga ) - #9
Save:Post Captain is the second installment in the Aubrey Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian. The book delves deeper into the lives of the two protagonists, Captain Jack Aubrey and Dr. Stephen Maturin, exploring their friendship amidst new highs and lows. The plot features a mix of land-based events and sea adventures, with detailed descriptions of naval warfare and daily life in the early 19th century. The writing style is praised for its organic rhythm, engaging action sequences, and deep character development, especially in terms of the evolving relationship between Jack and Stephen.
At first dawn the swathes of rain drifting eastwards across the Channel parted long enough to show that the chase had altered course. The Charwell had been in her wake most of the night, running seven...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Aubrey & Maturin ) - #10
Save:'The Violinist's Thumb: And Other Lost Tales of Love, War, and Genius, as Written by Our Genetic Code' by Sam Kean is a fascinating exploration of DNA and genetics, told through anecdotes and stories of scientists, musicians, and historical figures. Kean's writing style is humorous, accessible, and engaging, making complex scientific concepts easy to understand for readers with varying levels of background knowledge in biology. covers a wide range of topics, from the historical development of genetics to the impact of genes on human behavior and evolution, all while weaving in entertaining stories that bring the subject to life.
Mendel and Miescher began their work at a time when folk theories—some uproarious or bizarre, some quite ingenious, in their way—dominated most people’s thinking about heredity, and for centuries thes...
