Category: Books/Museum Reviews

  • The Asteroid Hunter by Dante Lauretta

    The Asteroid Hunter by Dante Lauretta

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The Asteroid Hunter: Who knew space could be so anxiety inducing? Quick synopsis: A firsthand account of the OSIRIS-REx space mission by its leader, Dante Lauretta.    Fact for Non-History People: Asteroid Bennu might kill us all on September 24, 2182. Fact for History Nerds: About 17 meteorites hit Earth every…

  • Plentiful Country by Tyler Anbinder

    Plentiful Country by Tyler Anbinder

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Plentiful Country: Irish need apply. Quick synopsis: A look at how Irish immigrants fleeing the Irish Potato Famine prospered once they reached the U.S.    Fact for Non-History People: England did not stop exporting food out of Ireland during the famine. Fact for History Nerds: Approximately 1 million Irish died during…

  • Once a King by Jane Tippett

    Once a King by Jane Tippett

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Once a King: Lots of drama with little accountability. Quick synopsis: A look at the unpublished memoir of Edward VIII of England. You know, the one who quit. Fact for Non-History People: Edward was paid $75,000 in 1947 to write 3 articles on his childhood. In today’s dollars, that’s… a lot.…

  • On Great Fields by Ronald White

    On Great Fields by Ronald White

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for On Great Fields: More than just a sweet mustache. Quick synopsis: A look at the life of Civil War officer and hero of Gettysburg, Joshua Chamberlain. Fact for Non-History People: Chamberlain was named after the American ship captain who is famous for the saying, “Don’t give up the ship.” Fact for…

  • Empires of the Steppes by Kenneth Harl

    Empires of the Steppes by Kenneth Harl

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Empires of the Steppes: It wasn’t just Genghis. Quick synopsis: A look at the leaders of the Eurasian steppes. Fact for Non-History People: Attila the Hun died during a celebration of his wedding from probably a burst blood vessel. Fact for History Nerds: The man who coined the term “Silk Road”…

  • The Vanished Settlers of Greenland by Robert Rix

    The Vanished Settlers of Greenland by Robert Rix

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The Vanished Settlers of Greenland: Cold and no people? Greenland sounds awesome. Quick synopsis: A look at the story of the vanished settlers of Greenland through literature. Fact for Non-History People: 94% of Greenland is covered with ice. Fact for History Nerds: Greenland is the world’s largest island. (Australia is a…

  • The Darkest White by Eric Blehm

    The Darkest White by Eric Blehm

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The Darkest White: I think I’ll stick to indoor activities. Quick synopsis: The story of snowboarding legend Craig Kelly and the avalanche that killed him. Fact for Non-History People: The snowboard was invented in 1965 and was called a Snurfer. Fact for History Nerds: Snowboarding was named the “worst new sport”…

  • The Dangerous Harbour by Bob Chaulk

    The Dangerous Harbour by Bob Chaulk

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The Dangerous Harbour: When you have explosives, be careful. Quick synopsis: A look at the wrecks of Halifax because of the Great Halifax Explosion. Fact for Non-History People: 8 million horses and mules died during World War I. Fact for History Nerds: During World War I, 43% of the world’s merchant…

  • Sheridan’s Secret Mission by Robert Cwiklik

    Sheridan’s Secret Mission by Robert Cwiklik

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Sheridan’s Secret Mission: Wasn’t much of secret. Quick synopsis: The story of when U.S. Grant sent Philip Sheridan to report on the civil unrest and racism in the South. Fact for Non-History People: Black men encompassed 10% of the Union forces. Fact for History Nerds: Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard grew up…