Summaries of books about History & Biographies:
Colonel Roosevelt
Edmund Morris
The book chronicles the later years of Theodore Roosevelt's life, including his post-presidential adventures, his 1912 campaign as the Progressive "Bull Moose" Party candidate, and his enduring political influence. It also delves into his personal struggles, such as the death of his son Quentin in World War I, and his declining health leading to his death in 1919.
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The Sure Thing
The Greatest Coup in Horse Racing History
Nick Townsend
The book chronicles the story of Barney Curley, an Irish gambler and horse trainer, who orchestrated an elaborate betting coup in 1975 that netted him millions of pounds. It details the meticulous planning, execution, and aftermath of the scheme, which involved multiple horses and bets across various bookmakers, and has since become legendary in the horse racing world.
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Come to the Edge
A Memoir
Christina Haag
The memoir recounts the author's intimate five-year relationship with John F. Kennedy Jr., exploring their deep connection from their shared childhoods to their romantic years in New York City. It offers a poignant glimpse into their private world, filled with love, adventure, and the pain of their eventual parting.
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Jack Hinson's One-Man War
Tom C. McKenney
The book chronicles the true story of a Civil War-era farmer in Tennessee who becomes a deadly sniper, seeking vengeance against Union soldiers after the unjust death of his sons. It details his transformation from a neutral civilian to a skilled marksman, conducting a personal vendetta and evading capture throughout the war.
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No Better Friend
Young Readers Edition: A Man, a Dog, and Their Incredible True Story of Friendship and Survival in World War II
Robert Weintraub
The book recounts the true story of a British airman named Frank Williams and Judy, a purebred pointer, who form an unbreakable bond while surviving the perils of World War II together. After meeting in a POW camp, they endure hardships and adventures, showcasing the extraordinary friendship and loyalty that develops between a man and his dog in the face of adversity.
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D-Day Tank Hunter
The World War II memoirs of a frontline officer from North Africa to the bloody soil of Normandy
Hans Hoeller
The book is a personal account of a German tank officer's experiences during World War II, detailing his combat encounters from the deserts of North Africa to the intense battles on the Normandy front. It provides insight into the tactics, hardships, and daily life of a soldier within the armored divisions, offering a unique perspective on the war's pivotal moments.
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The Cause
The American Revolution and its Discontents, 1773-1783
Joseph J. Ellis
The book delves into the complex and often conflicting motivations behind the American Revolution, examining the perspectives of various factions including loyalists, patriots, and neutral parties. It explores the decade-long struggle to define the meaning of American independence, highlighting the challenges and ideological battles that shaped the emerging nation.
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A Life in Secrets
Vera Atkins and the Missing Agents of WWII
Sarah Helm
The book delves into the life of Vera Atkins, a key intelligence officer in the Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II, and her relentless post-war search for the fate of missing agents she sent into occupied Europe. It uncovers the stories of these agents, the espionage missions they undertook, and the secrets, personal sacrifices, and dark realities of wartime espionage.
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The Price of Peace
Money, Democracy, and the Life of John Maynard Keynes
Zachary D. Carter
The book delves into the life and intellectual legacy of the economist John Maynard Keynes, exploring his profound influence on modern economic policies and democratic societies. It examines Keynes's ideas on how governments should manage economies, particularly during crises, and his vision for a world where political and economic systems serve the broader good of humanity.
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Kill Anything That Moves
The Real American War in Vietnam
Nick Turse
The book presents a harrowing account of the widespread violence and atrocities committed by U.S. forces during the Vietnam War, challenging the conventional narrative that such incidents were isolated cases. It compiles evidence from secret Pentagon archives, interviews, and investigative research to argue that civilian suffering and systematic brutality were far more pervasive than officially acknowledged.
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