Books matching: political climate of the time
59 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Jungle of Stone' follows the extraordinary journey of John L. Stephens and Frederick Catherwood as they discover the lost civilization of the Maya in the early 1800s. The duo faced numerous hardships including diseases, wars, and natural obstacles while exploring the Mayan ruins in Latin America. Through meticulous drawings by Catherwood and detailed accounts by Stephens, they shed light on the art and architecture of the Mayans, previously unknown to the world. The narrative captures the historic details of their explorations and brings to life the people involved in these early adventures, showcasing the insatiably curious nature of the explorers.
Thirteen years earlier, before dawn, Stephens stepped aboard a British brig to embark on the boldest, most extraordinary journey of his life. In the early morning as the tide began to ebb along the do... 'The Rest Is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century' by Alex Ross is a comprehensive survey of twentieth-century music, exploring a wide range of styles and composers from Mahler to Adams, and from Romanticism to minimalism. Ross delves into the history of the era, intertwining music with broader historical events, such as the Depression, World Wars, and the Cold War. Through vivid prose and detailed descriptions of musical works, Ross draws connections between different composers and musical movements, providing a rich tapestry of the evolution of music in the twentieth century.
When Richard Strauss conducted his opera Salome on May 16, 1906, in the Austrian city of Graz, several crowned heads of European music gathered to witness the event. The premiere of Salome had taken p...- #3
Save:Pearl of China is a fictionalized account of the friendship between Willow, a Chinese girl, and the famous author Pearl Buck. The story spans approximately 70 years, detailing the lives of the two women through historic events like the Boxer Rebellion, the rise of Communism, and the Cultural Revolution in China. The narrative is primarily from Willow's perspective, touching on how ordinary citizens survived challenging times, including Christians in the underground church. The book offers insight into the context in which Buck's great novel, The Good Earth, was created, and portrays Chinese life from a Chinese perspective, although some readers found the historical details a bit overwhelming at times.
The writing style of Pearl of China has been described as simple and spare, with a focus on depicting aspects of Pearl Buck's life through a Chinese rather than Western perspective. The author, Anchee Min, weaves the events and political climate of China into the story seamlessly, making it accessible even to readers unfamiliar with Buck's novels or modern Chinese history. The book delves into themes of friendship, love, loyalty, and the impact of historical events on individuals, providing a fascinating view of China during different political climates and offering a fresh perspective on Pearl Buck's life.
Before I was Willow, I was Weed. My grandmother, NaiNai, insisted that naming me Weed was better. She believed that the gods would have a hard time making my life go lower if I was already at the bott... - #4
Save:'Burr' by Gore Vidal is a historical novel that offers a fictionalized account of former Vice President Aaron Burr's political life and legal adventures. The book is narrated from Burr's own point of view, providing insights into his opinions of key figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton. The novel delves into the political intrigue of early American history, portraying Burr as a shadowy and enigmatic figure who played a significant role in the nation's founding.
The narrative style of 'Burr' is described as witty, sharp, and engaging, with Vidal skillfully blending factual events with clever portrayals of the Founding Fathers. The book is praised for its accurate historical depiction, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience that sheds light on the complexities of the early Republic and offers a fresh perspective on familiar historical figures.
SHORTLY BEFORE MIDNIGHT, July 1, 1833, Colonel Aaron Burr, aged seventy-seven, married Eliza Jumel, born Bowen fifty-eight years ago (more likely sixty-five but remember: she is prone to litigation!).... - #5
Save:'Empire' by Gore Vidal is the fourth installment in the Narratives of Empire series, set just after the Spanish American war in 1898. It delves into the era of the Gilded Age, intertwining fictional characters like Caroline Sanford with real historical figures such as William Randolph Hearst and Theodore Roosevelt. The novel skillfully explores the decline of the American Republic and the rise of the American Empire through the arcs of various characters, offering a blend of political saga and historical fiction. Vidal's writing style in this book captures the interactions between popular press and US politics of the time, gradually building towards a powerful climax in the final pages.
“THE WAR ENDED last night, Caroline. Help me with these flowers.” Elizabeth Cameron stood in the open French window, holding a large blue-and-white china vase filled with roses, somewhat showily past ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Narratives of Empire ) - #6
Save:'Hollywood' by Gore Vidal, part of the 'Narratives of Empire' series, delves into the political shenanigans of Washington, D.C. during the early 20th century, particularly focusing on the period around America's entry into World War I. Despite the misleading cover claiming it to be a novel about Hollywood in the 1920s, the narrative primarily revolves around historical events, intricate political details, and the transformation of America through the emergence of cinema technology. Vidal skillfully weaves together a wide cast of characters, blending real historical figures with fictional ones, to portray the rise of a political and ruling class akin to Ancient Rome or Victorian England, showcasing the power dynamics and ambitions of the time.
The writing style of 'Hollywood' is characterized by detailed historical depictions, strong character development through dialogue, and a focus on the intricacies of how individuals attain and retain power in the political landscape. Despite being a literary fiction novel with minimal action, the book excels in capturing the essence of the era, offering insights into the complexities of American society during a transformative period marked by significant events like the League of Nations, Prohibition, and the influence of Hollywood propaganda on shaping national identity.
SLOWLY, WILLIAM RANDOLPH HEARST lowered his vast bear-like body into a handsome Biedermeier chair, all scrolls and lyres and marquetry. “Tell no one I’m in Washington,” he commanded. Then, slowly, he ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Narratives of Empire ) - #7
Save:'All That I Am' by Anna Funder is a historical fiction novel set in the years leading up to World War II, focusing on a group of left-wing German activists exiled in London, trying to alert the world to the atrocities of Hitler's government. The story is based on real characters and events, showcasing the struggles, bravery, and betrayals faced by these individuals during a tumultuous period in history. The narrative alternates between different time periods and characters, providing a poignant insight into the lives of these resistance fighters.
The book delves into the personal stories of characters like Ruth, Ernst Toller, Hans, and Dora, highlighting their resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Anna Funder brings to life the little-known individuals who played a crucial role in trying to prevent the horrors of Nazi Germany, shedding light on their heroic deeds and the challenges they encountered.
I am in a posh private clinic in Bondi Junction with harbour views. Professor Melnikoff has silver hair and half-glasses, a sky-blue silk tie, and long hands clasped together on his desk. His thumbs p... - #8
Save:Couples by John Updike is a novel set in the 1960s in the fictional community of Tarbox, focusing on the interactions of ten couples. The story revolves around the married couples engaging in casual sexual relationships, affairs, and swapping partners, all while dealing with intrigues and deceptions. Updike's writing style is described as detailed and racy, with a focus on the flaws of married life, relationships, and the societal changes of the 60s.
The book portrays a middle-class New England town in the 60s where married couples socialize, live daily lives, and get entangled in liaisons. The characters are depicted with magnified faults, believable motivations, and compelling intrigues. Despite the controversial subject matter of casual sexual mores, the novel is praised for its sympathetic portrayal of the characters and the moral messages conveyed through their actions.
The Hanemas, Piet and Angela, were undressing. Their bedchamber was a low-ceilinged colonial room whose woodwork was painted the shade of off-white commercially called eggshell. A spring midnight pres... - #9
Save:Eva Ibbotson's 'A Song for Summer' is a captivating story set in 1930s Austria, following the journey of Ellen, a strong and observant young woman. The plot intricately weaves together the lives of various characters, including a Czech handyman with dangerous secrets, a charming heroine, and an array of eccentric personalities. As the story unfolds, it addresses themes of love, courage, and the looming threat of the Nazis, creating a rich and immersive reading experience that offers both charm and depth.
The book's writing style is praised for its beauty and simplicity, with readers commending Ibbotson's ability to convey emotions and intricate details without unnecessary embellishment. The setting of a somewhat rundown Austrian castle adds a unique and enchanting backdrop to the story, while the diverse cast of characters, from passionate Russian ballet dancers to quirky eurythmics teachers, brings a delightful mix of humor and depth to the narrative.
It is a district known for its intellectuals. Blue plaques adorn many of the houses, paying tributes to the dead dons and scholars who once inhabited them and even the professors and librarians who we... - #10
Save:Paul Theroux's 'The Great Railway Bazaar' is a travelogue that follows the author's four-month journey across Asia by train, from London to Japan and back via the Trans Siberian Railway. Theroux explores various countries, encountering a diverse array of people and cultures along the way. The book provides a vivid snapshot of life in Europe and Asia, capturing both the surreal and gritty realism of the landscapes and characters he encounters. Despite Theroux's critical eye and sometimes arrogant tone, the book offers a compelling narrative of train travel through different countries in the early 1970s.
Theroux's writing style is described as witty, engaging, and fast-paced, allowing readers to feel like they are accompanying him on his adventurous railway journey. The author's observations and self-deprecating manner towards the end of his trip add depth to the narrative, providing insights into the historical and cultural context of the places he visits. While some readers find Theroux's misanthropic tendencies and occasional condescension off-putting, others appreciate his ability to bring characters to life and paint vivid portraits of the destinations he explores.
Ever since childhood, when I lived within earshot of the Boston and Maine, I have seldom heard a train go by and not wished I was on it. Those whistles sing bewitchment: railways are irresistible baza...
