Summaries of books about History & Biographies:
Wine and War
The French, the Nazis, and the Battle for France's Greatest Treasure
Don Kladstrup
The book narrates the struggle of French winemakers to protect their cherished vineyards and vintages from Nazi plunder during World War II. It details the ingenious methods they used to hide and save their wines, as well as the cultural importance of wine in French identity and resistance.
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Me and a Guy Named Elvis
My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley
Jerry Schilling|Chuck Crisafulli
The book is a memoir by Jerry Schilling that recounts his intimate, 23-year friendship with Elvis Presley, offering personal anecdotes and insights into the legendary singer's life. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at Presley's career, the highs and lows of his fame, and the close bond the two shared until Elvis's death.
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The African Origin of Civilization
Myth or Reality
Cheikh Anta Diop|Mercer Cook
The book presents the argument that ancient Egyptian civilization was fundamentally African in its origins and that the contributions of African peoples to world civilization have been historically underrepresented or misrepresented. It challenges Eurocentric historical narratives by examining linguistic, historical, and anthropological evidence to support the claim that the roots of Egyptian culture and the broader scope of human civilization can be traced back to Black Africa.
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This Time Next Year We'll Be Laughing
Jacqueline Winspear
The memoir reflects on the author's post-WWII childhood in rural England, detailing her family's resilience amid hardships and the shaping of her own path. It offers a poignant look at her family's history, the English countryside, and the seeds of her Maisie Dobbs series.
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Domestique
The Real-life Ups and Downs of a Tour Pro
Charly Wegelius
The book provides an insider's perspective on the life of a professional cyclist, detailing the grueling demands, sacrifices, and politics of the sport. It recounts Charly Wegelius's personal experiences, including the challenges and triumphs he faced throughout his career as a support rider in the peloton.
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21 Months, 24 Days
A blue-collar kid's journey to the Vietnam War and back
Richard Udden
The memoir recounts a young man's experience being drafted into the Vietnam War, detailing his combat encounters, survival struggles, and the emotional toll of warfare. Upon returning home, he faces the challenges of readjusting to civilian life and coping with the aftermath of his service.
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The Fish That Ate the Whale
The Life and Times of America's Banana King
Rich Cohen
The book chronicles the rags-to-riches tale of Samuel Zemurray, a Jewish immigrant who started with nothing and built a powerful banana empire in the United States. It delves into his influence on the banana trade, corporate battles, and interventions in Central American politics.
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Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea
The History and Discovery of the World's Richest Shipwreck
Gary Kinder
The book chronicles the sinking of the SS Central America, a steamship carrying a vast treasure of gold, during a hurricane in 1857 and details the modern quest to recover its lost riches led by engineer Tommy Thompson in the 1980s. It combines historical narrative with the technological and legal challenges faced by the explorers in locating and salvaging the shipwreck deep beneath the Atlantic.
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Tis
A Memoir
Frank McCourt
The memoir recounts the author's return to America at the age of nineteen and his struggle to build a life for himself amidst the challenges of poverty and his dreams of becoming a teacher. It follows his journey through various jobs, education, and personal growth in the melting pot of 1950s New York City.
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The Swamp Fox
How Francis Marion Saved the American Revolution
John Oller
The book chronicles the life and military exploits of Francis Marion, a guerrilla warfare leader during the American Revolution, highlighting his strategic use of the South Carolina swamps to outmaneuver British forces. It details his pivotal role in disrupting enemy communications, supply lines, and fortifications, ultimately contributing significantly to the colonial victory.
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