Books matching: cultural histories
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Save:'Braiding Sweetgrass' by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a blend of indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge, focusing on the interconnectedness between nature, culture, and humanity. Through a series of essays or stories, Kimmerer shares her personal journey as a Potawatomi person and a biology professor, exploring themes of reciprocity, gratitude, and sustainability. Her writing style is described as poetic, reflective, and meditative, offering a unique perspective on environmentalism and indigenous philosophy.
Hurtling downward, she saw only dark water below. But in that emptiness there were many eyes gazing up at the sudden shaft of light. They saw there a small object, a mere dust mote in the beam. As it ... "Rabid: A Cultural History of The World's Most Diabolical Virus" by Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy is a factual and readable account of the history of rabies that covers an impressive range of geographical and chronological ground. The prose is entertaining and frequently surprising, making it a good introduction to major events in rabies history while highlighting the unusual cultural footprint of this disease. delves into the history, science, theory, and drama of rabies, providing a mix of history, science, theory, and drama, making it a thrilling yet fact-packed read.
provides insights into the history of rabies, the rabies vaccine, and the cultural impact of the disease. It covers topics such as the fascinating biology of the virus, its transmission through infected organisms, and the historical integration with human folklore. The narrative also touches on the connections between rabies and classic subjects of horror stories and films, such as vampires, werewolves, and zombies, providing a comprehensive overview of the disease's impact on human culture.
For more than a week, Achilles sulks while the Trojan War carries on without him. By just the third day of his absence, momentum has shifted decisively toward the Trojans, whose onslaught has repelled...- #3
Save:'From Dawn to Decadence: 500 Years of Western Cultural Life, 1500 to the Present' by Jacques Barzun is a comprehensive survey of Western cultural history over the past 500 years. Barzun takes the readers on a journey through time, touching on various aspects of history, arts, science, and people, weaving a captivating narrative. The book is praised for its impressive scope and depth, offering a thorough exploration of Western civilization since the time of Luther. Barzun's writing style is described as engaging and informative, making the complex subject matter easy to follow and understand.
IT TAKES ONLYa look at the numbers to see that the 20th century is coming to an end. A wider and deeper scrutiny is needed to see that in the West the culture of the last 500 years is ending at the sa... 'Natasha's Dance: A Cultural History of Russia' by Orlando Figes is a comprehensive exploration of Russian cultural history spanning over 250 years, from the era of Peter the Great to the middle of the 20th century. The book is well-organized, with each chapter focusing on a specific theme and presenting a collection of facts that revolve around it. The narrative is articulate and largely chronological, making it a smooth and engaging read for those interested in Russian culture.
The book delves into various aspects of Russian culture, including its ambivalent relations with European culture, the changing dynamics between rural and urban life, the unique Russian Orthodox spirituality, and the complexities of Russia's conquests and colonies in Asia. Figes skillfully weaves together the major cultural trends in Russia, from literature to ballet, painting, music, and film, providing readers with a rich and fascinating portrayal of the triumphs, struggles, and tragedies of Russian culture throughout history.
third). There were all sorts of magical beliefs associated with it in folklore. To go to the banya was to give both your body and your soul a good cleaning, and it was the custom to perform this purge...'1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus' by Charles C. Mann is an engaging exploration of the pre-Columbian Americas, challenging traditional narratives about the indigenous peoples of the Western Hemisphere. Mann presents a well-researched account of the advanced cultures and civilizations that existed before European contact, shedding light on their population density, societal structures, and environmental impact. His writing style is captivating, making complex historical and anthropological concepts accessible to readers, while maintaining a sense of discovery and intrigue throughout the narrative.
The seeds of this book date back, at least in part, to 1983, when I wrote an article for Science about a NASA program that was monitoring atmospheric ozone levels. In the course of learning about the ...- #6
Save:'Empire of the Summer Moon' by S.C. Gwynne tells the story of the rise and fall of the Comanche tribe and their conflicts with settlers in Texas. It focuses on key figures like Cynthia Ann Parker and her son Quanah Parker, who became a leader of the Comanches. provides a gripping narrative of the forty-year struggle between the Comanches and the settlers, highlighting the brutal realities of war and the cultural complexities of the time. The author's writing style is described as engaging, well-researched, and balanced, offering insights into the history of Native Americans in the mid-19th century.
CAVALRYMEN REMEMBER SUCH moments: dust swirling behind the pack mules, regimental bugles shattering the air, horses snorting and riders’ tack creaking through the ranks, their old company song rising ... 'An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States' by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz offers a perspective on American history told from the viewpoint of Indigenous peoples. The author delves into the genocidal program of the US settler colonial regime that has been largely omitted from traditional history books. Through the narrative, Dunbar-Ortiz reveals how Native Americans actively resisted the expansion of the US empire over centuries. discusses the atrocities committed against Indigenous peoples, the historical context of colonization, and the impact of settler colonialism on the Indigenous population.
The writing style of the book is described as informative, brutally honest, and necessary for understanding the reality of white Americans' actions towards Native Americans over the last four hundred years. While not a comprehensive history, the book presents a detailed account of Anglo-Indigenous relations throughout American history, shedding light on the sobering truth of the country's treatment of Indigenous peoples. Dunbar-Ortiz's work challenges traditional narratives of American history and encourages readers to view the nation's past from a different perspective, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and learning from the Indigenous perspective.
Humanoids existed on Earth for around four million years as hunters and gatherers living in small communal groups that through their movements found and populated every continent. Some two hundred tho...- #8
Save:The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is a poignant tale that follows the lives of two boys, Amir and Hassan, who grow up in war-torn Afghanistan. The narrative explores themes of friendship, loyalty, betrayal, redemption, and the impact of historical events on personal lives. The story delves into the struggles of immigrant life, the complexities of cultural identity, and the enduring consequences of past actions. Through vivid storytelling, the author provides insight into Afghan culture and societal issues, offering a compelling portrayal of human emotions and relationships.
The writing style in The Kite Runner is described as beautiful, raw, and emotional, with each word carrying deep meaning. The author skillfully weaves together a narrative that immerses readers in the setting of Afghanistan, capturing the country's beauty, conflicts, and people with evocative prose. The novel presents a gripping and dramatic exploration of the characters' lives, highlighting the dichotomy between good and evil, love and betrayal, and the quest for redemption amidst personal and societal turmoil.
I became what I am today at the age of twelve, on a frigid overcast day in the winter of 1975. I remember the precise moment, crouching behind a crumbling mud wall, peeking into the alley near the fro... Rain: A Natural and Cultural History by Cynthia Barnett is a comprehensive exploration of the significance of rain in human history and culture. The book delves into various aspects of rain, from its scientific properties to its impact on society, weaving together stories of how humans have interacted with this life-giving force throughout time. Barnett's writing style combines scientific facts with personal anecdotes, creating a well-rounded narrative that captures the essence of rain and its importance in our lives.
The rain on Mars was gentle, and welcome. Sometimes, the rain on Mars was blue. One night, rain fell so marvelously upon the fourth planet from the sun that thousands of trees sprouted and grew overni...'The Silk Roads: A New History of the World' by Peter Frankopan is a comprehensive narrative of world history focusing on the regions from the Mediterranean to the Himalayas, and across Central Asia to China. It presents a new perspective on historical events, emphasizing the connections and exchanges that took place along the Silk Roads over centuries. The author weaves a compelling account of the history of the Middle East and Central Asia, shedding light on trade, news, and religious views that traversed the vast tracts that were formerly part of the Soviet Union.
offers insights into the impact of historical events on current affairs and explores the shifting balance of power between Europe, Asia, and the United States. It delves into the complexities of interactions and influences across different regions, highlighting the significance of the Silk Roads in shaping civilizations and world politics. The narrative provides a unique perspective on world history, challenging the Euro-centric viewpoint and offering a broader understanding of global events.
From the beginning of time, the centre of Asia was where empires were made. The alluvial lowlands of Mesopotamia, fed by the Tigris and Euphrates, provided the basis for civilisation itself – for it w...
