Category: Books/Museum Reviews
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Joan of Arc by Helen Castor
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Joan of Arc: A different kind of spiritual warrior. Quick synopsis: The story of St. Joan of Arc and her times. Fact for Non-History People: Joan of Arc never killed anyone. Yes, in battle or otherwise. Fact for History Nerds: Joan of Arc was killed by the English AND French. My…
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A Danger to the Minds of Young Girls by Adam Morgan
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for A Danger to the Minds of Young Girls: These dangers are so quaint compared to today. Quick synopsis: The story of Margaret Anderson, a publisher who battled literary censorship in the early 1900s. Fact for Non-History People: The first book ban in the U.S. was Thomas Morton’s New English Canaan in…
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The Whiskey Bible by Noah Rothbaum
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The Whiskey Bible: Booze be thy name. Quick synopsis: Everything you need to know about whiskey. Duh. Fact for Non-History People: Both whiskey and whisky are correct. Fact for History Nerds: The most expensive whiskey in the world is The Macallan Valerio Adami 1926, with one bottle selling for $2.7 million.…
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Madman by M. F. Gross
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Madman: Florida Man gonna Florida, man. Quick synopsis: The 1949 rampage of killer John Calvin Russell. Fact for Non-History People: John was actually known by a different name that I will not be using here, but when you read it, don’t use it in polite company. Fact for History Nerds: The…
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The Six Loves of James I by Gareth Russell
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The Six Loves of James I: One of the loves is partying. Quick synopsis: A biography of King James VI and I of Scotland and England. Fact for Non-History People: James became King of Scotland at only 13 months old. Fact for History Nerds: James was the king when the Gunpowder…
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The American Revolution by Geoffrey Ward and Ken Burns
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The American Revolution: Now with pictures! Quick synopsis: An intimate history of the American Revolution. Fact for Non-History People: George Washington’s record in the revolution was about 6 wins, 7 losses, and 4 draws. Fact for History Nerds: George Washington is a major reason the French and Indian War kicked off.…
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The Breath of the Gods by Simon Winchester
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The Breath of the Gods: The wind is kinda creepy when you think about it too long. Quick synopsis: The history of the wind. Yes, you read that correctly. Fact for Non-History People: Mount Washington, New Hampshire is one of the windiest places ever and until recently held the record for…
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Golden State by Michael Hiltzik
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Golden State: It wasn’t all golden. Quick synopsis: A history of California. Fact for Non-History People: California is the only state to have been ruled by three different countries: Spain, Mexico, and the U.S. Fact for History Nerds: The famous Hollywood Sign originally read “Hollywoodland” as a real estate advertisement. My…
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Joan Crawford by Scott Eyman
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Joan Crawford: Drama, but just not how you were expecting. Quick synopsis: A biography of legendary actress Joan Crawford. Fact for Non-History People: Crawford’s real name was Lucille Fay LeSueur. Fact for History Nerds: Walt Disney allegedly used her look to create Snow White’s Evil Queen. My Take on Joan Crawford:…