Books matching: north america history
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- #1
"American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America" by Colin Woodard is a comprehensive exploration of the regional cultures that have shaped North America since the 18th century. Woodard divides North America into 11 ethnocultural nations, each with its own unique origins and characteristics, providing a different perspective on American history. The book delves into the historical development of these nations, their alliances, conflicts, and how they have influenced the political landscape of the United States. Woodard's writing style is informative and thought-provoking, offering insights into the complexities of American history and the ongoing impact of these regional cultures.
History has tended to portray the native peoples of the Americas as mere extras or scenery in a Western drama dominated by actors of European and African descent. Because this book is primarily concer... 'Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World' by Jack Weatherford is a fascinating and engaging popular history that delves into the life of Genghis Khan, his descendants, and the Mongol Empire. It provides a detailed account of how the Mongols transitioned from scattered tribes to a dominant empire that extended from China to Russia and the Middle East in just 25 years. The author focuses on the positive contributions of the Mongols, such as religious tolerance, paper currency, and a postal system, challenging the traditional view of them as bloodthirsty savages. covers the rise of Genghis Khan, his innovative war tactics, and the subsequent rule of his descendants, shedding light on a once dark time in history.
OF THE THOUSANDS OF cities conquered by the Mongols, history only mentions one that Genghis Khan deigned to enter. Usually, when victory became assured, he withdrew with his court to a distant and mor...- #3
Centennial by James A. Michener is a sprawling historical fiction novel that spans from prehistoric times to the 20th century, focusing on the fictional town of Centennial, Colorado. The book delves into the geology, history, and diverse cultures that shaped the region, including Native Americans, settlers, ranchers, and miners. Michener weaves together the lives of various characters over generations, providing a comprehensive look at the development of the American West. The writing style incorporates detailed historical facts and vivid descriptions of the landscape, making the story immersive and educational.
Only another writer, someone who had worked his heart out on a good book which sold three thousand copies, could appreciate the thrill that overcame me one April morning in 1973 when Dean Rivers of ou... Return of a King: The Battle for Afghanistan by William Dalrymple is a detailed historical account of the first Afghan War, focusing on the British invasion of Afghanistan in the 1840s. The book delves into the political and military disasters that led to the wiping out of a British army and the downfall of the puppet state they established in Afghanistan. Dalrymple's writing style is described as well-researched, detailed, and enlightening, offering insight into the complexities of Afghan history and culture.
There may be easier places to research a history book than Afghanistan and Pakistan, but few which provide more unexpected diversion in the course of hunting down texts, letters and manuscripts. On th...- #5
'The Last Mughal' by William Dalrymple is a detailed and informative historical account of the Indian Mutiny of 1857, focusing on the last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar II. The book vividly portrays the decline of the Mughal Empire, the uprising against British rule, and the tragic fate of Zafar. Dalrymple's writing style combines extensive research with a narrative that reads like a novel, offering a compelling insight into the cultural and political landscape of 19th-century India.
The book not only delves into the personal tragedy of Zafar but also explores the broader historical context of the Indian Mutiny, shedding light on the religious, social, and political tensions that led to this pivotal moment in Indian history. Through a mix of firsthand accounts, detailed descriptions, and nuanced analysis, Dalrymple paints a vivid picture of Delhi under siege, capturing the complexities of colonialism, rebellion, and the clash of ideologies.
With a salute from the cannon stationed on the ramparts, and an arc of fireworks and rockets fired aloft from the illuminated turrets of the Fort, the two gates opposite the great thoroughfare of Chan... - #6
In "White Mughals," William Dalrymple tells the story of a tragic love affair between British Resident James A. Kirkpatrick and Khair un Nissa, a noble Persian Indian woman, set against the backdrop of 18th-century British India. The book provides a detailed account of the cultural integration and relationships between Europeans and Indians during this period, highlighting the complexities and nuances of colonial interactions. Dalrymple's writing style is described as captivating, immersive, and rich in historical detail, offering a unique insight into a lesser-known aspect of British history in India.
Outside, amid clouds of dust, squadrons of red-coated sepoys tramped along the hot, broad military road which led from the coast towards the cantonments at St Thomas’s Mount. Waiting in the shade of t... 'A People's History of the United States' by Howard Zinn presents American history through the eyes of the marginalized and oppressed, such as indigenous peoples, slaves, women, workers, and the poor. Zinn challenges the traditional narrative of American history by highlighting the struggles and perspectives of those often overlooked in mainstream historical accounts. The book provides a comprehensive and alternative view of historical events, offering a critical analysis of the foundations of the United States and shedding light on lesser-known rebellions and movements that have shaped the nation.
Zinn's writing style in 'A People's History of the United States' is described as engaging, readable, and well-sourced. Readers find the book to be informative, eye-opening, and thought-provoking, as it delves into the darker aspects of American history that are often omitted or sugar-coated in traditional textbooks. Through detailed accounts and historical facts, Zinn offers readers a different perspective on key events and figures in American history, encouraging critical thinking and a reevaluation of commonly held beliefs about the nation's past.
Arawak men and women, naked, tawny, and full of wonder, emerged from their villages onto the island’s beaches and swam out to get a closer look at the strange big boat. When Columbus and his sailors c...- #8
'A Crack in the Edge of the World' by Simon Winchester delves into the history of geology and California, leading up to the destructive earthquake that devastated San Francisco in 1906. Winchester's writing style combines factual information with charming anecdotes and humorous side stories, making the book an entertaining and informative read. Despite some opinions stating that the book meanders into technical details and unrelated topics, many readers appreciate Winchester's ability to provide a comprehensive overview of plate tectonics, seismology, and the history of California within the context of the San Francisco earthquake.
So far as the ancients of China are concerned, 1906 was a year of the Fire Horse – a time of grave unpredictability that comes along every six decades, and a time when all manner of strange events hav... - #9
Black Flags, Blue Waters by Eric Jay Dolin is a fascinating exploration of American piracy during the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. The author delves into the lives of notorious pirates who roamed the coasts of North and South America, shedding light on the often violent and perilous realities of their trade. Dolin's writing style blends individual pirate tales with explanations of the reasons behind the growth of piracy during the colonial era, providing a detailed look at the symbiotic relationship between pirates, government officials, and the American colonies.
PHILIP III, THE KING OF SPAIN AND PORTUGAL (REIGN 1598–1621), warily eyed the budding English colony at Jamestown, Virginia, which was founded in May 1607. While the English claimed they were only int... - #10
'The Comanche Empire' by Pekka Hamalainen delves into the rise and fall of the Comanche Empire, showcasing their dominance over western North America for more than 150 years. The narrative explores how the Comanches utilized horses, trade, and alliances to establish a powerful nation that challenged European powers and shaped the region's history. Through a detailed analysis of their social, political, and economic structures, the author presents a comprehensive view of the Comanche culture, highlighting their complex relationships with other tribes and colonial powers.