Book reviews and book-nerdy stuff
If you haven’t read Ron Chernow books then you’re just not that into history! Any serious student of American history knows who Ron Chernow is and that ALL of his books are of the “must-read” status – you don’t just read Ron Chernow, you collect his books. Sufficed to say, […]
6 Must-Read Ron Chernow Books [and REVIEW] Read More »
Every avid reader has a list of their favourite authors and David Hackett Fischer is among my top 20. The importance of this historian comes in the thoroughness of his research and his ability to blissfully marry both data and storytelling into masterful narratives. Fischer stands as an unimpugned example
5 Books You Should Read by Historian David Hackett Fischer Read More »
“The Square and the Tower,” the latest offering by Niall Ferguson, hits you with an almost mystical premise: that networks have permeated history’s most decisive moments. The fact that human beings are social animals is not the revelation, but rather how great historical events can be reanalyzed in terms of
“The Square And The Tower” by Niall Ferguson [Book Review] Read More »
“The Medici: Power, Money, and Ambition in the Italian Renaissance” by Paul Strathern is a sojourn into the elusively secret world of medieval money and politics like I’ve never quite experienced. It was eye-opening on many levels for me. As a historian and an armchair economist I’ve always preferred the
“The Medici” by Paul Strathern [Book Review] Read More »
Her name is Joyeuse meaning ‘joyous’ and she is the magnificent sword of Charlemagne that accompanied him on his rise to power from Frankish King in 768 to Holy Roman Emperor in 800 to the posthumously acknowledged ‘father of all Europe’ after his death in 814. Joyeuse has a 32.6 inch
How The Sword of Charlemagne Ended Up In Italy Read More »
Is Christopher Columbus Polish? Or is this just polish-ed rhetoric? Apparently Christopher Columbus has a new identity: he’s Polish according to author Manuel Rosa in his newly-released book “Columbus: The Untold Story.” I have just 2 problems with Rosa’s conclusions: (1) there is no basis in actual fact; and (2)
A Polemic on Christopher Columbus Polish Identity Read More »
My 2017 reading list: a list of books read in 2017 in bibliographic format. This year had no discernible theme for me, I seemed to have read random books that I found or groups of books based on a common topics but nothing devoted to a single genre as in
My 2017 Reading List Read More »
Think medieval history is confusing? There is only 1 author you need to know if you want to get into books on medieval history and you might be surprised to know that they are actually 2 people, the husband and wife team of Frances and Joseph Gies, aka “Gies &
The Complete Frances and Joseph Gies Medieval Bibliography Read More »
“Scalia: A Court of One” is like watching The Godfather, once you start you just can’t stop. His is a dark and mysterious world that is illuminated by the sheer legal brilliance of his mind which is radiated outward as a forceful conservative beam giving light to our original constitution.
Book Review: “Antonin Scalia: A Court of One” by Bruce Murphy Read More »
“James Madison: A Life Reconsidered” by Lynne Cheney is, simply put, a must read. The author could not have picked a more appropriate title for me with the use of the word “reconsidered” as I was never completely sold on the greatness of President James Madison as a historical figure,
Book Review: “James Madison: A Life Reconsidered” by Lynne Cheney Read More »
“The King Arthur Trilogy” by Rosemary Sutcliff will be the BEST King Arthur Book you will ever read. I myself have read a few King Arthur books including: “Sword at Sunset” also by Rosemary Sutcliff; “Le Morte d’ Arthur” by Sir Thomas Mallory; and even “The History of the Kings
The BEST King Arthur Book You Will Ever Read & It’s a Trilogy Read More »
“The Greatest Knight” is the real Game of Thrones! His name was William Marshall and he served Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine along with her husband, King Henry II of England. He survived many more kings and queens during his fascinating life in the late 12th century into the 13th century.
“The Greatest Knight” by Thomas Asbridge [BOOK REVIEW] Read More »
Reading this definitely will make you grow horns and a huge beard! Northmen: The Viking Saga, AD 793-1241 by John Haywood (2015) is an absolute must-read for any Viking enthusiast. It’s full of facts you never knew and John Haywood’s writing style takes you on an adrenaline-fueled plundering raid throughout
Book Review: “Northmen: The Viking Saga” by John Haywood Read More »
There are literally THOUSANDS of books on the Civil War, here’s 5 recommended Civil War authors and books that are historically accurate, well written, and balanced in their approach to both the North and South. The trick is to understand the difference between Civil War authors and books. Some authors
5 Best Civil War Authors and Books in History Read More »
A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived: The Story in Our Genes is a must read! Here’s why. I found this gem while in the Sydney International Airport waiting for a flight out of Australia. As a family historian and self-proclaimed book nerd, the title just leapt out at
“A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived” by Adam Rutherford [Book Review] Read More »
