Tag: American history

  • 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.…

  • 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…

  • 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:…

  • Brothers of the Gun by Mark Lee Gardner

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Brothers of the Gun: This book is my huckleberry. Quick synopsis: The dual biography of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. Fact for Non-History People: A map drawn by Wyatt Earp of the O.K. Corral gunfight sold for $115,000 in 2004. Fact for History Nerds: Doc was born with a cleft palate.…

  • Gemini by Jeffrey Kluger

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Gemini: Gemini not Gemini. Quick synopsis: The history of NASA’s Gemini Space Program. Fact for Non-History People: Never forget that the USSR sent a dog named Laika to space knowing they couldn’t bring her back. Never. Forget. Fact for History Nerds: When space shuttles re-enter the atmosphere, they face temperatures five…

  • Little Bosses Everywhere by Bridget Read

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Little Bosses Everywhere: Pyramid, meet scheme. Quick synopsis: The long history of multi-level marketing in America. Fact for Non-History People: Of the 6.7 million Americans in MLMs, 75% are women. Fact for History Nerds: Avon, one of the original direct sellers, made profits even during the Great Depression. My Take on…

  • Running Deep by Tom Clavin

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Running Deep: One too many dives. Quick synopsis: The story of the deadliest submarine in World War II, the USS Tang. Fact for Non-History People: When World War II began, Japan had at least 15 more subs than the U.S. with 64 ready for deployment. Fact for History Nerds: One out…

  • To Rescue the American Spirit by Bret Baier

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for To Rescue the American Spirit: He certainly rescued himself from boredom. Quick synopsis: The life and times of Teddy Roosevelt. Fact for Non-History People: The teddy bear is actually a reference to Teddy Roosevelt. Fact for History Nerds: He was once shot in the chest and refused to go to the…

  • Bone Valley by Gilbert King

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Bone Valley: When proving your innocence is the easy part. Quick synopsis: The story of Leo Schofield’s fight for exoneration in the murder of his wife. Fact for Non-History People: Since 1973, at least 200 death row inmates have been exonerated. Fact for History Nerds: On average, for every 8 people…