Books matching: transformation of american history
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- #1
Save:Empires of Light: Edison, Tesla, Westinghouse, and the Race to Electrify the World by Jill Jonnes is a fascinating historical account chronicling the early days of electricity and the key players involved in its development. The book delves into the competition and innovation sparked by Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, and George Westinghouse as they vied to electrify the world. Written in a light and engaging style, the narrative provides insights into the personal and professional lives of these pioneers, their differing approaches to electricity, and the impact of their inventions on society.
In the late spring of 1882, Thomas Alva Edison, world famous as the folksy genius who had invented the improved telegraph and telephone, the amazing talking phonograph, and the incandescent light bulb... - #2
Save:Parting the Waters: Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement 1954-63 by Taylor Branch is the first volume of a three-volume series covering America in the King Years. The book delves into the early days of the civil rights movement, providing a comprehensive look at the people who played significant roles in shaping American history during the years 1954-1963. Taylor Branch skillfully weaves together narratives about key figures like Martin Luther King Jr., John and Robert Kennedy, J. Edgar Hoover, and Lyndon Johnson, offering insights into their thoughts and actions during this transformative period.
Nearly seven hundred Negro communicants, some wearing white robes, marched together in the exodus of 1867. They followed the white preacher out of the First Baptist Church and north through town to Co... - #3
Save:'The Republic for Which It Stands: The United States during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, 1865-1896' by Richard White is a comprehensive historical account that delves into the complexities of post-Civil War America. The author explores the transition from the Civil War era into the Gilded Age, highlighting key themes such as the rise of powerful businesses and corporations, the evolution of political ideologies from classical liberalism to conservatism, and the societal impact of issues like immigration, trade, tariffs, and race relations. Through a detailed analysis of events and individuals, White paints a vivid picture of a transformative period in American history.
White's writing style in the book has been described as thorough and chronological, with an emphasis on analysis rather than storytelling. While some readers appreciate the depth of information provided, others find the narrative to be dense and at times challenging to follow. The author's approach to historical interpretation has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the book as a masterful work that sheds light on the roots of contemporary issues, while others criticize it for lacking coherence and balance in its coverage of various topics.
On Good Friday, April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth shot Abraham Lincoln in Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. Lincoln died the next day. For a country inclined to see the war as God’s judgment on the n... - #4
Save:'Duel with the Devil' by Paul Collins delves into the true story of a murder mystery set in 1799 New York City. The narrative revolves around the accused, Levi Weeks, who is defended by the unlikely pair of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. Through a detailed account of the murder trial, the author paints a vivid picture of post-revolution America, intertwining the lives of historical figures in a gripping detective tale. skillfully combines elements of history and storytelling, providing insight into the court system, politics, and daily life of the era.
IT WAS A FINE DAY FOR WONDERS. GIANT LOBSTER CLAWS, A LITTLE pagoda, some unburnable asbestos paper—these were the peculiar riches of a collection that the late Gardiner Baker had begun for his museum... - #5
Save:'Growing Up' by Russell Baker is a memoir that takes readers on a journey through the author's childhood and coming of age during the Great Depression and World War II era. The book vividly portrays the struggles and triumphs of Baker's family, especially his schoolteacher mother, as they navigate poverty, loss, and societal challenges. Through poignant and sometimes humorous storytelling, Baker paints a picture of resilience, growth, and the pursuit of a better life amidst historic events that shaped America in the early to mid-20th century.
Baker's narrative style in 'Growing Up' captures the intimate details of his upbringing, from his father's early death to his own experiences in the Navy and subsequent career in journalism. The book offers a blend of personal anecdotes and historical context, providing insights into the author's life while also reflecting broader themes of family, ambition, and societal change. Readers are taken on a heartfelt journey that explores themes of love, loss, determination, and the complexities of growing up in a challenging yet transformative period of American history.
AT the age of eighty my mother had her last bad fall, and after that her mind wandered free through time. Some days she went to weddings and funerals that had taken place half a century earlier. On ot... - #6
Save:'John Adams: A Life' by John Ferling is a thorough biography that delves into the life of John Adams, portraying him as both a man and a politician with a balance that sets it apart from other biographical works. The book explores Adams' relationships with key Revolutionary personalities, his contributions to the nation's origins, and his unique partnership with his wife, Abigail. Ferling skillfully weaves together original passages from Adams' writings, providing a detailed account of Adams' public life and personal struggles.
Ferling's writing style is praised for its ability to engage readers by creating interest, curiosity, and a desire to learn more about John Adams. The book is noted for its strong flow, smooth transitions, and well-structured paragraphs that keep the reader captivated. Ferling's use of Adams' diaries and letters adds depth to the portrayal of Adams, showcasing his multifaceted personality and shedding light on his complex relationships with his contemporaries.
'Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.' by Ron Chernow is a comprehensive biography that delves into the life of John D. Rockefeller, showcasing his rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of the richest and most influential figures in American history. The author, Chernow, skillfully portrays Rockefeller's dual persona as a ruthless business tycoon and a philanthropist, shedding light on his controversial business practices, his impact on the oil industry, and his philanthropic endeavors. Through detailed research and compelling storytelling, Chernow brings to life the complexities of Rockefeller's character, his family dynamics, and his lasting legacy in shaping the industrial landscape of America.
In the early 1900s, as Rockefeller vied with Andrew Carnegie for the title of the world’s richest man, a spirited rivalry arose between France and Germany, with each claiming to be Rockefeller’s ances...'Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019' by Ibram X. Kendi is a transformative and essential book that takes readers on a historical journey spanning four centuries of African American history. Through a collection of voices and stories, the book sheds light on the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of African Americans in America. The writing style captivates readers, immersing them in the epic narrative of the African American experience, from the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in 1619 to the challenges faced in the modern era.
The book presents a comprehensive look at the collective history of African Americans, delving into themes of racism, social justice, activism, and the complexities of identity. It weaves together personal narratives, historical facts, and cultural insights to provide a nuanced understanding of the African American community's rich and diverse history. Readers are invited to reflect, empathize, and engage with the past to create a more informed and inclusive future.
Four hundred years ago, in 1620, a cargo ship lowered its anchor on the eastern shore of North America. It had spent sixty-six grueling days on the perilous Atlantic Ocean, and its 102 passengers fell...- #9
Save:'Ragtime' by E.L. Doctorow is a historical fiction novel set in early twentieth-century America, featuring a diverse cast of characters including fictional families and real-life figures like Harry Houdini, J.P. Morgan, and Emma Goldman. The story weaves together various narratives, exploring themes of immigration, social class, and historical events, all against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society. Doctorow's writing style is described as lush, lyrical, and cleverly written, incorporating elements of humor, irony, and a unique narrative structure.
In 1902 Father built a house at the crest of the Broadview Avenue hill in New Rochelle, New York. It was a three-story brown shingle with dormers, bay windows and a screened porch. Striped awnings sha... Rick Perlstein's 'The Invisible Bridge: The Fall of Nixon and the Rise of Reagan' is a detailed account of the political and social climate of the United States in the 1970s. The book covers the tumultuous years between Nixon's reelection and the 1976 Republican convention, focusing on the fall of Nixon and the rise of Ronald Reagan. Perlstein skillfully intertwines political events with cultural contexts, providing a lively narrative that delves into the complexities of American conservatism during this era. The book offers insight into the political decadence and ideological shifts that shaped the landscape of American politics in the mid-1970s.
Perlstein's writing style is described as witty, engaging, and entertaining, reminiscent of a historical narrative. The book not only chronicles the key political events of the time but also delves into the cultural influences, pop culture references, and personal anecdotes that provide a comprehensive understanding of the era. Through meticulous research and storytelling, Perlstein offers a deep dive into the rise of right-wing conservatism, the personalities of key political figures, and the societal changes that marked this transformative period in American history.
ONCE UPON A TIME WE had a Civil War. More than six hundred thousand Americans were slaughtered or wounded. Soon afterward, the two sides began carrying out sentimental rituals of reconciliation. Confe...
