Books matching: late 19th century america
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- #1
Save:"Pox: An American History" by Michael Willrich dives into the history of smallpox in America, focusing on the medical science, public health officials, and the political and social dynamics surrounding the disease at the turn of the 20th century. It explores the battle against fear, ignorance, and resistance to new scientific advancements in the quest to treat and prevent smallpox, shedding light on the struggles faced during that era. The narrative intertwines the stories of various epidemic outbreaks, the development of vaccinations, and the legal history of the government's growing police powers in response to public health crises.
The writing style of the book is described as engaging and fascinating, with well-researched content that reads like a medical and social novel. It covers the history of smallpox and the vaccination movement, providing historical context for understanding the opposing views on public health crises. The author presents various sides and points of view without bias, allowing readers to form their own opinions based on the facts presented, making it a valuable read for those interested in medical history and scientific developments.
- #2
Save:Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist is a historical novel set in the late 1800s, focusing on the story of Florence 'Flossie' Jayne who works for Louis Tiffany to build a stained glass chapel for the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. The book delves into themes of history, cultural boundaries, gender roles, coming of age, and overcoming past pain and traumas. Flossie's journey as a New Woman in a rapidly changing world, her interactions with quirky characters in a boarding house, and her romantic relationship with Reeve Wilder are central to the plot. The author expertly weaves historical details into the characters' lives, creating a story that is both engaging and emotionally impactful.
Flossie squinted her eyes, blurring the woman at the front of the room to nothing but shadows, highlights, and midtones. The model was young and sat extremely still in a stout oak armchair, her ankles... - #3
Save:'The Theory of the Leisure Class' by Thorstein Veblen is a classic work in economics and sociology that delves into the concept of conspicuous consumption and leisure. Veblen's writing style is described as dense, wordy, and satiric, making insightful critiques of the wealthy elite and societal norms. He coins terms like "conspicuous consumption" and "conspicuous leisure" to explain how individuals showcase their social status through material possessions and leisure activities. The book offers a critical analysis of American society, focusing on the behaviors and motivations of the leisure class.
THE INSTITUTION of a leisure class is found in its best development at the higher stages of the barbarian culture; as, for instance, in feudal Europe or feudal Japan. In such communities the distincti... - #4
Save:Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard is a gripping narrative that delves into the assassination of President James Garfield and the medical mishaps that ultimately led to his demise. Millard skillfully weaves together the stories of key historical figures like Alexander Graham Bell, Joseph Lister, and Charles Guiteau, providing a comprehensive look at the era and the events surrounding Garfield's presidency. Through detailed accounts of the medical practices of the time and the political climate of the late 19th century, the book offers a fascinating exploration of a lesser-known chapter in American history.
Even severed as it was from the rest of the body, the hand was majestic. Sixteen feet tall, with long, tapered fingers holding aloft a twenty-nine-foot torch, it sat on the banks of a small lake in Ph... - #5
Save:'The Road' by Jack London is a memoir that follows the adventures of Jack London as a hobo traveling across America via the railroad system in the late 1800s. Readers describe it as an interesting nonfiction read that provides insights into street-level life during that era. London's storytelling is engaging and humorous, reminiscent of Mark Twain's style, with detailed first-hand accounts of life on the rails. portrays a world that is both innocent and brutal, filled with vivid descriptions, colorful characters, and exciting tussles with authorities.
THERE IS A woman in the state of Nevada to whom I once lied continuously, consistently, and shamelessly, for the matter of a couple of hours. I don’t want to apologize to her. Far be it from me. But I... - #6
Save:Voyage by Sterling Hayden is a seafaring novel that follows the journey of the sailing ship Neptune's Car, as it travels from New York to San Francisco in 1896, facing the treacherous waters around Cape Horn. The book intertwines multiple storylines, including the political landscape of the 1896 Presidential Election, the adventures of a group of aristocrats sailing across the Pacific, and the struggles of professional sailors on board the Neptune's Car. Hayden's writing style is described as vivid, compelling, and historically accurate, drawing readers into a world of rough masculinity, conflicts, and moral dilemmas.
- #7
Save:Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser follows the journey of Carrie Meeber, a young country girl who moves to Chicago in pursuit of the American Dream. The novel explores the impact of industrialized, urban life around the turn of the century on the typical American. Carrie's evolution from a naive girl to a successful stage actress, intertwined with the disillusionment of characters like Hurstwood, offers a stark commentary on societal norms and personal choices. Dreiser's realistic portrayal of Carrie's ambitions, struggles, and relationships sheds light on the harsh realities of the Gilded Age.
WHEN CAROLINE MEEBER BOARDED the afternoon train for Chicago, her total outfit consisted of a small trunk, a cheap imitation alligator-skin satchel, a small lunch in a paper box, and a yellow leather ... - #8
Save:In the summer of 1879, the USS Jeannette embarked on a perilous journey to map a course to the North Pole. However, their mission quickly turned disastrous as the ship became trapped in the ice near the Bering Strait. Forced to abandon ship, the crew faced a harrowing march across the ice, battling cold, starvation, injuries, and polar bears in their quest for survival. Hampton Sides' "In the Kingdom of Ice" vividly portrays the courage, suffering, and sometimes insanity of the crew members, painting a gripping picture of their audacious Arctic expedition in the late 1800s.
Sides' storytelling is masterful, weaving a tale of adventure, survival, and loss in the unforgiving Arctic landscape. The narrative is enriched with historical references, providing insights into the cultural norms of the time, the impact of the media, and prevailing beliefs. Through meticulous research and captivating writing, Sides brings to life the grand and terrible polar voyage of the USS Jeannette, capturing the essence of human endurance and the tragic consequences of hubris in a bygone era.
Close to midnight on the evening of Sunday, November 8, 1874, as the early edition of the next day’s New York Herald was being born, the gaslit building at the corner of Broadway and Ann Street bustle... - #9
Save:'Woodcraft and Camping' by George Washington Sears is a timeless guide that encapsulates the essence of living in the wilderness. Through a collection of stories and practical advice, Sears shares his wisdom on various outdoor skills such as campfire making, fishing, setting up a camp, and canoeing. His writing style seamlessly weaves technical knowledge with philosophical reflections, emphasizing the importance of simplicity, light gear, and a deep connection with nature. The book not only serves as a practical handbook for outdoor enthusiasts but also as a historical narrative that transports readers to the late 1800s, where the author's love for the wilderness and concern for its preservation shine through.
- #10
Save:"Little Lord Fauntleroy" by Frances Hodgson Burnett tells the heartwarming tale of Cedric, a kind and generous American boy who unexpectedly becomes the heir to an English earldom. Through his innocence and selflessness, Cedric touches the lives of those around him, including his initially grumpy grandfather, the Earl, and brings about positive transformations in their attitudes and relationships. Set in the late 1800s, the story beautifully portrays the contrast between aristocratic England and working-class New York, showcasing the author's adeptness at depicting different cultures and societal norms of the time. The plot unfolds with Cedric's journey to England, where his loving nature and unwavering goodness ultimately lead to reconciliation and redemption within his family.
CEDRIC himself knew nothing whatever about it. It had never been even mentioned to him. He knew that his papa had been an Englishman, because his mamma had told him so; but then his papa had died when...
