Summaries of books about History & Biographies:
River Kings
A Times Book of the Year 2021
Cat Jarman
The book delves into the history of the Vikings, exploring their far-reaching trade networks and cultural impact from Scandinavia to the Byzantine Empire and beyond, through the lens of bioarchaeology and forensic science. It uncovers a complex Viking world through artifacts and human remains, challenging traditional narratives about Viking raids and expansion.
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The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt
Toby A. H. Wilkinson
The book provides a comprehensive history of Egypt from the early days of the settlers along the Nile through the power struggles of the pharaohs to the eventual decline of the empire. It delves into the political, cultural, and societal aspects of ancient Egyptian civilization, including the construction of the pyramids, the role of religion, and the impact of foreign invasions.
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Deep Undercover
My Secret Life and Tangled Allegiances as a KGB Spy in America
Jack Barsky
The book recounts the true story of a former KGB agent who lived in the United States under a false identity for a decade, gathering intelligence during the Cold War. It delves into his personal transformation, the challenges of leading a double life, and his eventual decision to abandon his mission and become a loyal US citizen.
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Baa Baa Black Sheep
The True Story of the "Bad Boy" Hero of the Pacific Theatre and His Famous Black Sheep Squadron
Gregory Boyington
The book is a memoir by World War II flying ace Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, recounting his experiences as a Marine Corps pilot and leader of the renowned VMF-214 "Black Sheep" Squadron in the Pacific Theatre. It details his aerial combat adventures, his capture and imprisonment by the Japanese, and provides insight into his controversial, unorthodox, and heroic approach to both flying and life.
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The Quiet Americans
Four CIA Spies at the Dawn of the Cold War--a Tragedy in Three Acts
Scott Anderson
The book chronicles the personal and professional lives of four early CIA agents during the formative years of the Cold War, detailing their covert operations, moral dilemmas, and the impact of their actions on global politics and their own destinies. It explores the complex interplay of espionage, idealism, and the tragic consequences that ensued as the United States grappled with its newfound role as a superpower.
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Mike Nichols
A Life
Mark Harris
The biography delves into the life and career of celebrated director and comedian Mike Nichols, exploring his journey from a German immigrant to a Broadway and Hollywood legend. It provides an intimate look at his creative process, personal relationships, and the impact he had on American entertainment.
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DISPLACED
a memoir
Esther Wiebe
The memoir recounts the author's experiences of being uprooted from her home during World War II and the subsequent challenges of finding a new place in the world. It delves into themes of loss, identity, and the resilience required to rebuild a life amidst the backdrop of historical turmoil.
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An African American and Latinx History of the United States
Paul Ortiz
The book offers a reinterpretation of US history through the lens of African American and Latinx perspectives, highlighting the interconnected struggles for civil rights and social justice. It challenges traditional narratives by emphasizing the contributions and experiences of these communities in shaping American history.
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The Phantom Atlas
The Greatest Myths, Lies and Blunders on Maps
Edward Brooke-Hitching
The book is a collection of historical maps that depict geographical inaccuracies, non-existent places, and cartographic myths, alongside the stories of how these errors came to be and their impact on history and culture. It explores the various reasons behind these mistakes, from simple misunderstandings to deliberate fabrications, providing insight into the evolution of mapmaking and the human desire to chart the unknown.
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A Woman in Berlin
Eight Weeks in the Conquered City: A Diary
Anonymous
The book is a personal diary chronicling the experiences of a German woman during the fall of Berlin at the end of World War II. It provides a raw and harrowing account of the daily struggles, including encounters with rape and survival, as Soviet troops occupied the city.
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