Summaries of books about History & Biographies:
Working for the Royals
Brian Hoey
The book provides an insider's view of what it's like to work for the British royal family, detailing the experiences and duties of the staff, from the highest-ranking officials to the domestic servants, who maintain the daily operations and uphold the traditions of the royal household. It offers anecdotes and insights into the personal lives of the royals as observed by their employees, revealing both the privileges and challenges that come with serving one of the world's most famous families.
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Thrown Away Child
Louise Allen
The memoir recounts the harrowing experiences of a girl growing up in the British care system, detailing the abuse and neglect she endured. It follows her journey through foster homes and institutions, and her struggle to overcome her traumatic past and build a life for herself.
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Conquerors
How Portugal Forged the First Global Empire
Roger Crowley
The book chronicles the Portuguese expansion during the 15th and 16th centuries, detailing the navigational breakthroughs and maritime conquests that led to the creation of the first transoceanic empire. It explores the motivations, strategies, and impacts of Portugal's explorers and conquerors, such as Vasco da Gama and Afonso de Albuquerque, on global trade and cross-cultural encounters.
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Once Upon a Secret
My Affair with President John F. Kennedy and Its Aftermath
Mimi Alford
The memoir recounts the author's intimate relationship with President John F. Kennedy when she was a 19-year-old White House intern. It details the emotional impact of the affair on her life and the challenges she faced in the years following the President's assassination.
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The Beautiful Struggle
A Father, Two Sons, and an Unlikely Road to Manhood
Ta-Nehisi Coates
The memoir recounts the author's coming-of-age story in Baltimore during the crack epidemic, focusing on his complex relationship with his father, a former Black Panther, who instilled in him a strong sense of African American history and culture. It explores themes of identity, resilience, and the challenges of navigating manhood within the context of systemic racism and urban struggle.
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Defeat in the West
Milton Shulman
The book provides a detailed analysis of the final years of World War II from the perspective of the German High Command, examining the reasons behind the Axis powers' collapse. It includes interviews with captured German officers and insights into the strategic mistakes and internal conflicts that contributed to Germany's defeat.
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The General vs. the President
MacArthur and Truman at the Brink of Nuclear War
H. W. Brands
The book delves into the intense conflict between President Harry S. Truman and General Douglas MacArthur during the Korean War, highlighting their clashing visions for America's path in the early Cold War era. It explores the political and military decisions that led to MacArthur's dismissal and examines the potential consequences of their disagreement on the use of nuclear weapons.
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Sound Man
A Life Recording Hits with The Rolling Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles , Eric Clapton, The Faces . . .
Glyn Johns
The book is a memoir by renowned music producer and engineer Glyn Johns, detailing his experiences and stories from working with some of the most iconic rock bands and musicians of the 20th century. It provides an insider's look at the recording process, the evolution of rock music, and the personalities behind the hits.
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The Astors
Virginia Cowles
The book chronicles the rise of the Astor family, from John Jacob Astor's establishment of a fur trade empire in the early 19th century to the family's later prominence in real estate, society, and politics. It details their immense wealth, influence, and the various personalities that shaped the family's legacy over generations.
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SOG Chronicles
Volume One
John Stryker Meyer
The book provides a firsthand account of the covert operations conducted by the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), detailing the harrowing missions and experiences of the elite group of Green Berets who operated behind enemy lines during the Vietnam War. It offers a detailed narrative of their clandestine activities, survival stories, and the intense combat encounters faced by these soldiers.
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