Truth, jest and the pursuit of history...
920335
Could the raid on Harper's Ferry actually happen the way James McBride describes in this story? Who really knows the true facts about any historic events? Fact, fiction and history combined; what a wonderful imaginative mess it can make. ( those who are overly sensitive to historical figures and events and are unable to laugh at themselves should not read this book).

Benjamin
1020916
Read and do or continue to deny the facts of life
184692
I pretend to shrink from what one might call "this sort of history". I have learned to call it  "guilty pleasure" of history in that it is of a sort that does not have so much a role in forming history as it is fun to read. I should be paying more attention to the revisionist deconstruction of opposing memoirs of the Gallic Wars, but I am weak.

This is a book of serious history. It is also fun, which I slightly prefer to the term for a page-turner a.k.a. "riveting". The extra-textual sections testify amply.

The writing itself is never sensationalist or affected. It is clear by intent and easy to consume. The appendices are:
 - Key Dates
 - Praetorian Pay and Organization
 - Praetorian Prefects
 - Glossary

Then come seventeen pages of notes. This is a working historian, not some sensationalist cream-puff.

Wait, there is more... near five pages of top notch commentary on references (you hardly eve see the author's ideas on this stuff).
And finally the references themselves, as well as a nice bibliography.

We are left with things to ponder. Forces behind the throne today. As Aretha Franklin would say "Who'se Zoomin' whom?"
2530589
I often think "lie is too strong of a word. In reading history, whether ancient or modern, one gets use to the prejudices of the writer. Ancient Assyrian palaces bent the facts for propaganda purposes. The Egyptian version of the treaty with the Hittites and the Hittite version are both still extant and both portray a different view of the Battle of Kadesh and what it meant.

In this sequel to _Lies My Teacher Told Me_, James Loewen continues his study of the monuments and other artifacts by which we remember our past. He begins with the western side of the US because, contrary to Euro-centricism, that is the side of the US for which there were first immigrants. They came across the Siberian Strait. Likewise Loewen writes that there are more tourists that come to the West Coast than than the East Coast.

I want to balk that not all of the cases which Loewen presents actually represent attempts to purposefully deceive someone else. For example, I don't think anyone in Pittsburg, Texas, really believes that the Ezekiel Airship was an airborne airship before Kitty Hawk. However I cannot vouch the same for all of the monuments that Loewen mentions. Moreover quite often I am inclined to agree with him that the purpose of a certain moument was not only to mislead its reader but to create an alternative fiction. That I would call a "lie."

"Lie" is a strong word, especially with regard to history. I think Loewen has found lies about who we have been and who we are. Perhaps the best part of this book is that Loewen offers us ways to identify these errors.
4160114
In case you didn't get the memo, the five hundredth anniversary of the Great Reformation is this year. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther famously nailed the 95 Theses on the Wittenburg Castle Church door. The world was never the same.

Or did he?

In a fascinating book entitled The Unreformed Martin Luther: A Serious (and Not So Serious0 Look at the Man Behind the Myths, Andreas Malessa corrects the record on a number of myths and misconceptions behind the great reformer.

The more I study history, the more apparent it becomes that history is more complicated than it is often presented. The biography of Luther is a great example of this. A number of significant myths, legends, and misconceptions surround him. In this volume, Malessa guides the reader through what the historical record actually tells us.

Perhaps a few examples will suffice. One of the more fascinating chapters is its first regarding Luthers superstitutious side. No doubt Luther believed in poltergeists and other mystical or supernatural realities. Add to it, Luther comes from a home that promoted these ideas.

  "Martins mother, Margarete Luther . . . was from a small village. her daughter died suddenly of cot death (now called SIDS). Margarete was firmly convinced that a neighbor was an evil witch who had cursed her little Magdalene. When the suspected woman was beaten to death and laid on the village green, Martin's mother expressed no dismay, but rather relief. According to her, 'Satan took back one of his own.' (14)

The point is that Luther lived in a superstitious world that believed in magic and mysticism. Yet, the author shows that to write Luther off merely as a superstitious, pre-modern kook is inaccurate and unfair.

Likewise, the author corrects the record regarding his infamous apple tree quote, whether or not he was a drunken German, threw ink at the Devil, or ever nailed his famous theses on the church door.

In the end, this is a great book for fans of the reformer as the author succeeds at setting the historical record straight. It is well researched and is a fun way of telling Luthers story to those familiar with the Protestant leader. For me, it was also a reminder of what a fascinating man Luther was. His humor, unique personality, and powerful mind is why I keep coming back to him.

This book was given to me courtesy of Kregel Publications for the purpose of this review.
1915805
Wow!  Want to get beneath the saccharine veneer most historians put on America's Federal Period?  Want to see politics-as-usual so bad that you'll think today's politics-as-usual is positively altruism?  Want to find out  what life was like for newspaper editors in the days when truth was no  defense against libel suits?  Read Safire's Scandalmonger.  Using their own  letters and speeches, Safire gives us the Founding Fathers as we never saw  them in our school rooms:  the proud George Washington obsessed with his  public image, the erratic and volatile John Adams, the dreamy and sensual  Thomas Jefferson, the practical and flawed Alexander Hamilton, the crafty  and self-assured Aaron Burr, the naive but loyal James Madison, and the  coldly calculating, slightly reptilian James Monroe.  And through it all  walk two of the most remarkable, powerful newspapermen in American history,  William Cobbett and James Callender, bitter enemies in politics but  accidental allies in promoting freedom of the press.  Adding to the book's  educational and entertainment value, Safire reveals his sources and  separates truth from fiction at the end of his novel.  Novel?  Well, maybe.
1620947
"A Voyage Long and Strange" by Tony Horwitz is an exciting tale of investigative reporting applied to dozens of American historical fables. Mr. Horwitz, through his work with archival research and walking the walk, reveals the lie that most legends of early European exploration have glossed over or covered up. If you've ever questioned such fairy tales as "Washington and the Cherry Tree" or Lincoln's "Long March to Return a Penny" you ain't seen nothin' till you read the whopppers woven into the fabric of American history -- a massive tapestry of untruth that is taught and tested in every school in the nation.

"A Voyage Long and Strange" is organized into sections representing the major target destinations of the explorers of the 16th through 19th centurie, i.e., Vinland, Columbus's 1492, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, The Gulf Coast (of Mexico, The South, The Plains, The Mississippi, Florida, Roanoke, Jamestown, and Plymouth). Norwitz follows up his research with information comparing the early explorers' intentions with what they actually did, and his personal travels following the explorers' routes. What we learn in these pages is that the imperial European launches to the new world might be broken down to motives for "God and Gold," to give the former and steal the latter (even in the form of Indian slavery). One cannot help but be dismayed at the level of greed of the Europeans and their sense that what is now North America was by some divine right theirs for the taking. Apparently what they left was a massive amount of dislocation and misery for indigenous peoples and an array of diseases against which native American had no immunity.

The book is written in an informal, non-pedantic style and larded with the author's outrageous sense of humor, including many bon mots ranging from chuckles to knee slappers. One good example of Norwitz's analyses is the sham that was Columbus. Simply said: a household word in the U.S., a monument in many states and cities, including many holidays in his name; Columbus never ever landed on what is now America. Despite the author's acerbic wit, "A Voyage Long and Strange" is often not a pleasant read, but I believe it an enormously important book for most of us who are uncomfortable with American self-righteous strutting on the world stage. It's one of those books that will change your mind about much of the history you thought you knew.
4633617
Jesse Walker, books editor at my favorite magazine, Reason, has written another book of his own.  Readers of Reason will recognize him as a reasonable (pun intended, of course) voice discoursing on popular culture and movements.  In his new book, The United States of Paranoia, Walker examines the  historical American tendency to seek to discover more mysterious or insidious plots and machinations behind events of the day.

Even as far back as colonial times, Americans have credited, or blamed, at different times, enemies above, below, within, and/or without for manipulating the workings of society and history.  While many observers (who may be conspirators themselves [insert evil, hand-wringing laugh here]) "tend to write off political paranoia as a feature of the fringe, a disorder that occasionally flares up until the sober center can put out the flames . . .  They're wrong.  The fear of conspiracies has been a potent force across the political spectrum, from the colonial era to the present, in the establishment as well as the extremes."

With good humor and a broad grasp of history, Walker takes the reader on a tour of conspiracies through American history.  For the most part, his perspective remains that of an outsider, leaving the reader to ask himself how much of any given conspiracy theory is based on truth.  Ultimately, a quote with which he opens the book seems to encapsulate his perspective: "Secret societies have not had power in history, but the notion that secret societies have had power in history has had power in history."

There were points at which I wished he had been more bold in his statements, but for the most part he let the facts speak for themselves.  He also spent more time on the presentation of conspiracy in fiction and film than seemed necessary, but he makes a salient point about people's perception is shaped by suggestive fiction.

A few quibbles aside, Walker's walk in the shadows of history, real or imagined, makes for an interesting read.  In his reading of history, he gives us a framework through which, as we watch the evening news and read the morning paper (OK, as we read the news on the internet), we can ask, what, if any, invisible forces are directing the course of events?

Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!
1518652
I find it funny that some reviews tell people to read biographies rather  than this fictional work.  If you're interested in a history lesson this  likely isn't the book for you.  I'm sure you'll glean the general flow of  Grant's life from GRANT SPEAKS, but biography it's not.  And I can't be  happier.
This book is a page-turner.  While rooted in history, it  diverges in wonderfully creative ways!  It is a bold book with something to  say about Grant, the period in America, and the human condition in  general.
At times I felt the book tried too hard to be funny when all it  needed was to look at the humanity it had set up, but overall this a solid  four-star selection.
3864702
this novel recycles fact into fiction to create a tale about the original Pendleton Roundup.  There's a heap of synthesis here, from oral and written histories, old photographs, interviews, newspaper articles and conversations.  Kesey connects them and supplies imaginary material to create a farce with a gonzo tilt, as if he were on acid and explaining to Hunter Thompson.  Kesey uses local color well and has an ear for period phrases,  even when slapping them on with a palate knife, but that's the fun of it--watching Kesey stretch his brain around facts.  The book is really about the author and how he chooses to indulge himself, not about what happened in Pendleton or what the reader should think about what went on there.  In fact, the way Kesey jumps from one time frame to another shows how little he's concerned with keeping things straight for the reader.  This book is bent.  You can enjoy its distortions or look away, but you can't deny the brilliance or uniqueness of its colors.  One burr under my saddle is that his cowboys aren't as "strong, silent and truthful" as I'd expect.  Pendleton must have been far more polite and stuffy than Kesey lets on.  But bizarre distortion reflects his intention of zonking out on history until it assumes a form more pleasing to him.  In taking this trail, he proves that the humblest writer scribblng a dime novel from dubious fact is more of an author than all the librarians at the Library of Congress.  The point, after all, is the mind in the act of making the mind.  If connections seem bizarre, well, that's just Kesey taking on reality, whether the time is now or a century ago.
1650037
I am a keen student of history and have read many of Ms. Hunt's books, all of which have been carefully researched and brilliantly written histories and all of which I recommend.  They created tapestries of history interweaving facts with lucid prose, creating eminently readable tomes.

When a friend told that there was a new book out by Ms. Hunt with the title The Constitution Murders, I logically expected a detailed historical study of a heretofore unknown piece of history regarding "who knocked off whom," among the raucous debaters at the Constitutional Convention in the bilious heat of summer which was Philadelphia, PA, 1787. It also occurred, did this effect the voting?

The author fooled me, for here was a rollicking murder mystery, crackling with intrigue and plot upon plot carefully woven into an entirely unexpected ending which leaves the reader satisfied and yet perplexed.  Where does this tale next lead?  I am already savoring what must be a volume two, and  Ms. Hunt's fertile mind must already have it in process. . .
3710172
I always enjoyed Paul Harveys radio bits, where he tells the "rest of the story".  So often we think we have an idea of what happened, way back whenever.  We read our history books in school and get a firm picture in our heads of a particular era.  But the truth is so much more than these tiny snippets, colored to suite what ever period we happen to be growing up during.  So colored by whom ever is the "victor" at that moment of history.  Dig a little deeper, a Ms. Scott has done here and there is a whole other world, a whole other side of the historical coin we've been tossed.  A terrifically enjoyable read and a real thought provoker in the process.  But never ever preachy.  A book that leads me to do something I almost never do, re-read it!  I'm usually a one and done reader...but not this time!  Buy this one. Paper or Kindle, totally worth it.

Meshes well with another book I read recently&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/St-James-Rooster/dp/1475927622/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">St. James' Rooster</a>
4014700
Revel shows the major paradox of the 20th century. When we have a vast array of information at our fingertips, we simply overlook the truth out there and embrace the lies given. He shows that Democracies only thrive in  an aura of truth but they will ultimately fail in a arena of lies. He  poignantly shows how the politicians, scientists, educators and the media  give up truth to follow their own agenda propagated by fallacies.
2760439
American History in 100 nutshells is a fascinating read for increasing knowledge of American history with new insight and fun! This book is truly an enjoyable read. The format is very unusal and exciting. Mr. Tuleja  presents the reader with 100 thoughts and phrases and explains the  circumstances of each passage. Each "nutshell" is presented in a  chronological order. The read is fast, entertaining, at times quirky. When  you get your hands on this novel approach to history, you'll discover  the  history behind such sayings as: the shot heard round the world, our country  right or wrong, to the victor belongs the spoils, John Brown's body lies a  'mouldering in the grave, and much more. I wish my father could have seen  this book! He would have loved it!
2534128
Cambridge scholar Nathan Tobin discovers an ancient Aramaic letter.  In this letter, written by a first century follower of Jesus and of John the Baptist, Jesus is described as a physician with incredible skills.  It is the use of these skills, enabling the creation of uncommonly effective treatments and cures that has been recorded in religious history as miracles.  Not surprisingly, some vested interests will be upset if this letter is authenticated - in particular the Catholic Church.  Nathan Tobin's career and his life are under threat: those who seek to discredit him are both powerful and ruthless.

The novel switches between the letter's account of the life and death of Jesus, and Nathan's life and quest to discover the truth about the letter.

This story will appeal most to those who enjoy conspiracy and who are willing to consider an alternate view of Jesus.  I enjoyed some aspects of the story especially the character of Nathan and his quest for truth but never really became swept up in the action surrounding the document itself.  This was an enjoyable and at times thought-provoking read: what do we do when confronted with facts that seem to question our existing beliefs?

Jennifer Cameron-Smith
4136454
To borrow a phrase from Kris Kristofferson, "partly truth and fiction" but when I'm looking for pure fact, I don't read historical novels.

I enjoyed Ms. Gregory's take on the still unresolved question... "Was Catherine's marriage to Arthur consummated?"  Debates still rage over whether or not so pious a woman would lie.  I'd like to believe that a woman of her reputed piety; one who was truly a child of her age where religion played such a large factor in one's life would not. But then following the Republican and Democratic presidential primary campaigns is all one needs to see that *anyone* is capable of slanting or flat-out altering truth in their own interests.
562451
Spectacular book that accurately portrays the facts.  The writer places you back in time to help the reader "feel" the air of Washington and Virgina during those tumultuous times. While many historical perspectives are used to direct the reader to what the writer believes, this book directs the reader to the thinking of Booth as well as those who believed in him and those who hunted him.

Thoroughly enjoyable!