Books matching: historical events
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- #1
'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is a historical novel set in medieval England, following the lives of various characters intertwined through the construction of a cathedral in the town of Kingsbridge. The narrative spans over decades, exploring themes of ambition, power, politics, love, and betrayal during the 12th century. The book delves into the challenges faced by individuals from different social backgrounds, including monks, nobles, and peasants, as they navigate through the turbulent times of the Middle Ages.
The storytelling in 'The Pillars of the Earth' is characterized by its epic scope, rich historical detail, and intricate character development. Readers are drawn into a world filled with vivid descriptions of life in medieval England, emphasizing the struggles and triumphs of the central characters involved in the monumental task of building a cathedral. The novel weaves together elements of suspense, drama, romance, and political intrigue, offering a captivating portrayal of a bygone era and the enduring human spirit that drives individuals to overcome obstacles in pursuit of their dreams.
The walls were already three feet high and rising fast. The two masons Tom had engaged were working steadily in the sunshine, their trowels going scrape, slap and then tap, tap while their laborer swe... - #2
"The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson delves into two parallel stories set during the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. One storyline follows the ambitious architect Daniel Burnham as he strives to create the greatest World's Fair ever seen, while the other narrative focuses on Dr. H.H. Holmes, who becomes the first mass murderer in U.S. history. intricately weaves together the challenges of organizing the fair with the chilling crimes committed by Holmes, creating a captivating blend of history and true crime. Readers are taken on a journey through the bustling city of Chicago, where the grandeur of the fair contrasts with the darkness of Holmes' actions, all presented in a narrative that reads like a suspense novel.
THE DATE WAS APRIL 14, 1912, a sinister day in maritime history, but of course the man in suite 63–65, shelter deck C, did not yet know it. What he did know was that his foot hurt badly, more than he ... Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson is a meticulously researched and immersive account of the sinking of the Lusitania during World War I. The book delves into the political backdrop of the time, intertwining the narratives of the passengers, the submarine commander, and the events in Washington DC and London. Larson's narrative style weaves together multiple viewpoints, providing a detailed examination of the tragic event and its aftermath, while also exploring the potential conspiracy theories surrounding the sinking.
THE SMOKE FROM SHIPS AND THE EXHALATIONS OF THE river left a haze that blurred the world and made the big liner seem even bigger, less the product of human endeavor than an escarpment rising from a pl...- #4
'The Last Days of Night' by Graham Moore is a historical fiction novel that delves into the patent war between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse over the invention of the light bulb and the battle between AC and DC current. The story follows young attorney Paul Cravath as he navigates the legal challenges and personal relationships involved in this high-stakes feud. With a focus on the historical events and the interactions between real-life figures like Nikola Tesla, the book presents a thrilling narrative that blends fact with fiction, providing a detailed insight into the early days of the electrical age.
The immolation occurred late on a Friday morning. The lunchtime bustle was picking up as Paul descended from his office building onto the crowded street. He cut an imposing figure against the flow of ... - #5
The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell is a historical fiction novel set in ninth-century Britain during the Danish invasion. The story follows Uhtred, a young Saxon boy who is captured and raised by Danes, navigating the complexities of loyalty and identity. Through vivid battle scenes and detailed historical context, the book paints a picture of a tumultuous time in English history, focusing on the clash between Saxons and Danes. The narrative is driven by Uhtred's transformation from a boy to a warrior, exploring themes of destiny, loyalty, and the struggle between paganism and Christianity.
The Danes were clever that day. They had made new walls inside the city, invited our men into the streets, trapped them between the new walls, surrounded them, and killed them. They did not kill all t... - #6
"The Winds of War" by Herman Wouk is a historical fiction novel set during World War II, following the Henry family as they navigate the tumultuous events leading up to the war and the early years of the conflict. The book expertly blends historical facts with a family saga, offering vivid portrayals of famous figures like Hitler, Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin, while also delving into the personal lives and challenges of the characters. Wouk's writing style combines fiction and nonfiction elements, captivating readers with a compelling story that transports them back in time to the era of the war.
The plot of "The Winds of War" is sprawling and epic, reminiscent of James Michener's works, as it covers a wide range of events and locations related to World War II. Through the lens of the Henry family, readers are provided with a comprehensive view of the lead-up to the war, the impact on American families, and the historical backdrop of the conflict. The book's engaging storytelling and inclusion of both fictional and real-life characters make it a captivating read that offers insights into the scale and scope of World War II.
Commander Victor Henry rode a taxicab home from the Navy Building on Constitution Avenue, in a gusty gray March rainstorm that matched his mood. In his War Plans cubbyhole that afternoon, he had recei... - #7
'11/22/63' by Stephen King is a time travel novel that follows the story of Jake Epping, a high school teacher who is recruited by a diner owner to travel back in time to 1958 with the mission to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy. The book delves into the complexities of altering history, the consequences of changing the past, and the personal sacrifices Jake must make in his quest to rewrite a pivotal moment in American history. Through a blend of historical events, time travel elements, and a touch of romance, King weaves a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged as they follow Jake's journey through the past.
After the benediction (spoken by Father Bandy, who rarely missed an LHS function), I made my way through the milling friends and relatives to where Harry was standing alone in his billowy black gown, ... - #8
Set in the 1800s, 'The Terror' by Dan Simmons follows the ill-fated expedition of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror as they search for the Northwest Passage through the Arctic. The story is a blend of historical fiction and supernatural elements, incorporating themes of survival, exploration, and the mysterious creature that stalks the crew, creating a chilling and suspenseful atmosphere. Simmons intricately weaves in elements of Inuit mythology, adding depth and a fresh perspective to the well-known historical event.
Simmons' writing style in 'The Terror' is described as detailed, immersive, and atmospheric, capturing the harsh conditions of the Arctic and the psychological struggles of the characters with precision. The novel keeps readers engaged with its mix of historical accuracy, nautical elements, and fantastical elements, making it a unique and captivating read that blurs the lines between reality and myth.
Captain Crozier comes up on deck to find his ship under attack by celestial ghosts. Above him — above Terror — shimmering folds of light lunge but then quickly withdraw like the colourful arms of aggr... - #9
'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves is a historical fiction novel written in the form of an autobiography of the Roman Emperor Claudius, depicting the ruthless tale of greed, backstabbing, political intrigue, and murder within the imperial court of ancient Rome. The book follows Claudius' journey from being an overlooked and stuttering member of the imperial family to becoming the third Caesar to rise to emperor, all while navigating through the complexities of Roman society and the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula.
The narrative is presented in a first-person perspective by Claudius, who is portrayed as an intelligent and reliable narrator, providing insights into the increasingly brutal and mad reigns of his predecessors. The book captures the lurid details of power struggles, betrayals, and relationships within the Roman elite, offering readers a captivating blend of historical facts and fiction set against the backdrop of ancient Rome's political intrigue and societal dynamics.
I, TIBERIUS CLAUDIUS DRUSUS NERO GERMANICUS This-that-and-the-other (for I shall not trouble you yet with all my titles), who was once, and not so long ago either, known to my friends and relatives an... - #10
'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is a dense and satisfying novel that brings to life the character of Thomas Cromwell amidst the fall of Wolsey and the rise of the Boleyns. The book delves deep into personal and political world-building, exploring mythologies of the Reformation and the complexities of 16th-century England. Mantel expertly crafts a meticulously researched story surrounding Cromwell, portraying him with care and attention to detail.
Felled, dazed, silent, he has fallen; knocked full length on the cobbles of the yard. His head turns sideways; his eyes are turned towards the gate, as if someone might arrive to help him out. One blo...