Getting Started: Introduce Yourself

[Kris]

Okay, e. How did they change your life? Where do you go with that?

[elithea]

Kris wrote: "Okay, e. How did they change your life? Where do you go with that?"

where do i go with that? i don't understand the question, i guess.

the dunnett books caused me to swerve into a concentration on the rennaissance that i had not considered since my eaarly20s, which in time reconnected me with many areas i thought i had long put by, including graduate school (not such a good idea, as it turned out) and, ultimately, a return to artmaking (a very good idea.) if i hadn't encountered those series when i was searching in the early 90s, i wouldn't be doing what i am now--even though there were many, many false steps in between, of course.

[Brent]

Greets - new to the group. I enjoy ancient historical fiction and non-fiction, primarily western, however with such a narrow taste it's hard to be picky.

I especially enjoy Bernard Cornwell, Simon Scarrow, and Conn Iggulden.

[Ed, Chief Curmudgeon]

Brent wrote: "Greets - new to the group. I enjoy ancient historical fiction and non-fiction, primarily western, however with such a narrow taste it's hard to be picky.

I especially enjoy Bernard Cornwell, Simo..."

Welcome Brent,

I'm a big Cornwell fan. Have read the entire Richard Sharpe series, the Grail series, the Saxon Chronicles and 3/4 of the Starbuck stories, as well as most of his stand alone books. Only disappointment was the King Arthur series.

I'm reading my first Simon Scarrow right now: Under the Eagle. Like it so far.

I am not, however, a big fan of Iggulden. His Roman series was under researched and too fanciful in my opinion. I also think the Genghis Khan series has deteriorated.

Hope you enjoy the site.

[Brent]

I actually liked the King Author series, but I read it when it first came out and had different tastes then. I don't think I'd like it as much now.

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole Eagle series - I thought Scarrow did a great job of developing the characters of Macro and Cato, something which very few HF authors are able to do.

With Iggulden, I have to admit I didn't read the last Conqueror book - just never could "get around to it". The Genghis Khan series was pretty good, I thought.

In all fairness, though, I seem to rate books these days on a much lower scale. Everything I read is a "filler book", while I wait for that awesome series that never seems to come.

Where is the next Cornwell? or even the next great series by Cornwell?

All my favorite authors are beginning to slow down a bit, so I'm always up for new suggestions.

[Ed, Chief Curmudgeon]

Brent wrote: "I actually liked the King Author series, but I read it when it first came out and had different tastes then. I don't think I'd like it as much now.

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole Eagle series - I..."

It's not HF but Alan Furst is the best spy story author, I've ever read. Better than Le Carre or Ambler. It's close to being literature. the character development and the plots are astounding.

Some people don't like them, but I loved the Robert B. Parker Western series with Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch. The first in the series is Appaloosa (Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch, #1)

If you haven't already, try the Colleen McCullough series on the end of the Roman Republic. I think the opening book in the series is The First Man in Rome.

I couldn't stop reading the whole series of 1100 page tomes.

Lastly, I assume you've read The Border Trilogy: All the Pretty Horses / The Crossing / Cities of the Plain by Cormac McCarthy. If not, do it.

Happy hunting!

[Brent]

Sweet! Nice recommendations! As a matter of fact, I haven't read Cormac McCarthy, but I'm looking those books up now.

I did read a Colleen McCullough book or two nearly 20 years ago and really enjoyed them. Unfortunately (and somewhat shamefully), I've gotten to the point where I don't read female authors anymore, simply because the details they tend to focus on aren't necessarily details I care about. My wife is the same with male authors. It's my loss, though, I'm sure.

Thanks again for the good recommendations!

[Ed, Chief Curmudgeon]

Brent wrote: "Sweet! Nice recommendations! As a matter of fact, I haven't read Cormac McCarthy, but I'm looking those books up now.

I did read a Colleen McCullough book or two nearly 20 years ago and really e..."

I forgot the greatest HF series ever written, Patrick O'brien's Aubrey/Maturin Series. Sorry about that.

[Susanna - Censored by GoodReads, Crazy Cat Lady]

Believe me, Colleen McCullough writes plenty about battles and politics.

But if you're against female authors, so be it. It's a great series, though.

Have you read Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae, by Steven Pressfield?

[Brent]

I'm sure you're right about Colleen McCullough, and as I said, it's probably my loss for having fallen into that rut. I should probably break down and try to be a bit more open minded - especially since I'm not getting any "wow" books lately.

I did read Gates of Fire, but I honestly don't remember much about it, other than remembering that it was "good".

[Sasha]

Gates of Fire was awesome! For a while there was a movie adaptation of that in the works, but the adaptation of Frank Miller's 300 made it into production first, so the Gates of Fire project fell off. I actually liked 300, in an "I should be high while I'm watching this" sort of way, but I would have been perfectly happy to see both.

Brent, my wife is sometimes like that. She didn't like The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay because she said it was "a boy book."

Personally, I recently looked back at the non-fiction (history) books I've read over the past couple years and discovered that, overwhelmingly, my favorites have been by women. I have no idea why that might be.

(A few examples, in case you're curious: MacQuarrie's The Last Days of the Incas; Mertz's Temples, Tombs & Hieroglyphs; Levathes' When China Ruled the Seas.

[Brent]

Alex wrote: "Gates of Fire was awesome! For a while there was a movie adaptation of that in the works, but the adaptation of Frank Miller's 300 made it into production first, so the Gates of Fire ..."

I'll have to look into those books, Alex. I definitely think I should be more open minded. Ya know, until I said it I didn't realize how odd it sounded (about liking only men authors). I just didn't really realize how bad it'd gotten until actually saying it :)

[Ed, Chief Curmudgeon]

Brent wrote: "I'll have to look into those books, Alex. I definitely think I should be more open minded. Ya know, until I said it I didn't realize how odd it sounded (about liking only men authors). I just didn't really realize how bad it'd gotten until actually saying it :)"

I've also been accused of favoring male authors but some genres have mostly books written by male authors. In the History and Biography genres I read mostly female authors.

Nice to see you have an open mind. Now if we can just get your wife to start reading male authors (Grin).

[Sasha]

Well, at this point I'm basically sexist; after realizing my apparent preference, I give added weight to women when choosing a history book. So don't accuse me of having an open mind just yet. :)

But yeah, I'm bummed that The Lovely Wife doesn't appreciate Kavalier and Clay. That's an awfully great book.

[Susanna - Censored by GoodReads, Crazy Cat Lady]

Have you read Barbara Tuchman, Alex? Much recommended.

[Sasha]

I haven't, no. Distant Mirror's been on my radar for some time now - in fact, I think you were the one who recommended it - but I haven't gotten to it.

[Ed, Chief Curmudgeon]

Alex wrote: "I haven't, no. Distant Mirror's been on my radar for some time now - in fact, I think you were the one who recommended it - but I haven't gotten to it."

Don't forget the The Guns of August.

[Sasha]

Yes, of course. It's just that I'm currently back around the 15th century in my tour, and won't be at WWI until...I think sometime in 2012, so Distant Mirror is more on my radar at this point.

[Susanna - Censored by GoodReads, Crazy Cat Lady]

A Distant Mirror is excellent.

[James]

I've liked everything of hers that I've read - for me that's A Distant Mirror, The Guns of August, and The March of Folly; I'm getting ready to start The Proud Tower. She was a great historian and a great writer - I think she'd have done well as a novelist too.

[Susanna - Censored by GoodReads, Crazy Cat Lady]

The Zimmerman Telegram is also good - short but interesting. It and The Proud Tower were the first Tuchmans I read, when I was a teenager.

[Ed, Chief Curmudgeon]

You guys keep lengthening my TBR list. A pox on you all.

[Susanna - Censored by GoodReads, Crazy Cat Lady]

Heh heh.

[James]

Here you go, Ed - always happy to oblige:


A Pox On You
C. B. Murray

[Troy]

Having just woke up to historical fiction and nonfiction this discussion thread is fantastic. Living in Springfield, Illinois I've had a good dose of mid to late 19th century my entire life. (Ask me anything about Abraham Lincoln, go ahead:) I caught the family history bug about 10 years ago and now want to know about every place, time and event my ancestors lived through. Currently reading

[Ed, Chief Curmudgeon]

James wrote: "Here you go, Ed - always happy to oblige:


A Pox On You
C. B. Murray"

James, Thanks for the recommendation. Let's see, published in 2002 and read by no-one on GR. It must be a real winner.

Maybe the book caught the pox. (Grin)

[Martha]

Well, the cover is unappealing to say the least!!
Hello, my name is Martha & I joined this group a few days ago, but have been too busy to do much this week. I love history & biographies, mainly war years during the Revolutionary & Civil Wars & WWII. I don't read with any organization ... just pick up whatever appeals to me at that time. When we travel, I pick up books instead of souvenirs (a book on Jefferson at Mt. Rushmore, one on Lincoln at Lincoln's Home, one on Truman at his presidential museum ... you get the idea!!). Makes much more sense to me than getting something that's not useful! I also love mysteries & other fiction ... if it's a good story, I don't really care what genre. I love R. A. Salvatore's work ... what I've read of it. I've been on GR 2 yrs, but just recently started joining some groups. Have met some wonderful people and my TBR pile is growing by leaps & bounds ... I'm going to have to live forever to read them all.
Troy, I live 30 miles from Springfield. What a great area for history lovers!! I remember well the first time I went to Lincoln's Tomb. I was overcome with emotion. And I'm a transplanted Southerner. :-)

[Kris]

If you would like a different take on the Civil War, check out the video for my novel, Above the Fray, a Novel of the Union Balloon Corps .

[N.]

Hello All,

Although not new to Goodreads, I am just now joining some groups. Always looking for tips on interesting books and new authors.

My favorite historical era is medieval, but I read anything from Dark Ages Briton to more current historicals. I used to be bored to tears in my American History class in high school, but this past year have stumbled across a couple of very good books which have totally changed my mind in that regard.

I also read the occasional lit fic, general fiction and love books featuring dogs. Plus, whatever non-fiction topic interests me.

So, just wanted to pop in and say hello to everyone. Very glad to be here!

Best,
Gemi

[Sasha]

Good to see you Gemi. I've spent the last six months buried in the medieval era. I found it fascinating; the debate over just how "dark" the Dark Ages were is a gang of fun. What're your go-to favorite non-fiction books on medieval history?

I, too, had American history ruined for me by high school...I'll try to get over that eventually though. And what are those books that changed your mind?

[N.]

The American historicals I enjoyed were Ann Weisgarber's The Personal History of Rachel DuPree (set in the Badlands during the Dust Bowl years) and Peter Johnson's Grant's Indian (set during the Civil War, about the Seneca Indian who served as an officer in the army and under President Grant).

Favorite medieval non-fiction. First and foremost, Ronald McNair Scott's 'Robert the Bruce, King of Scots', Alison Weir's 'Queen Isabella', Chris Barber's 'In Search of Owain Glyndwr' and John Cummins' 'The Art of Medieval Hunting, the Hound and the Hawk'. Best 'picture' book: 'The Medieval Fortress' by Kaufmann and Kaufmann.

[Susanna - Censored by GoodReads, Crazy Cat Lady]

Y'all voted on what theme you'd like for next time?

[Sasha]

Cool, thanks Gemi.

[Ed, Chief Curmudgeon]

I'm an exception to the H.S. History malaise. My American History teacher was one of the best teachers I've ever had and that's including college and graduate school.

I still recall his lecture on the day after the Brown vs. KC decision by the Supreme Court ended "Separate but Equal" doctrine in education. He explored the historical precedents and went on to suggest what the implications were for the U.S., a number of which came to be.

He's one of the key reasons I majored in History as an undergrad.

One of the best authors of American Historiography is David McCullough. His biographies of Truman and John Adams are masterpieces. Doris Kearns Goodwin is another winner with Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln and No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II.

As you might imagine, there are many more. My personal favorite is Stephen Ambrose with his histories of WW II to say nothing of his Biography of Meriwether Lewis and the Lewis and Clark expedition: Undaunted Courage.

I'm reading Churchill's The Island Race, an illustrated history of Great Britain. So far it's great. I think the text is from his four volume A History of the English Speaking Peoples. and The Proud Tower: A Portrait of the World Before the War 1890-1914 by Barbara W. Tuchman; not American History but great writing nevertheless.

Glad you are coming back to reading American History in spite of your bad experiences in H.S. I'll be adding the books you mentioned to my TBR list, which keeps getting longer and longer.

Also, please take Susanna's advice and vote in the latest poll.

[Sasha]

Thanks, Ed. Clearly there's nothing intrinsic to American history that makes it more boring than the rest of history; in fact, I firmly believe that America has been one of the most interesting places and times ever. Maybe the stigma comes from familiarity, or from reading Moby-Dick and Scarlet Letter a few too many times. But I have no doubt that when I get to it, I'll find my way. And I've marked your suggestions down, because they'll probably help get me there.

Actually can't wait to re-read Moby-Dick. And you know what always fired me up? Jonathan Edwards' 1741 sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." I'm actually an atheist, but that sermon is some fire and brimstone, man. It's totally dope. That's thanks to the one good American history professor I had.

Can't vote in the poll in honesty; it doesn't fit chronologically with my mission. I'm on the Renaissance now and Don Quixote all next month. And besides, last time I tried to influence things, it was the disastrous Crusades month; you don't even want me around, man. :)

[Martha]

My best history teachers were 7th grade American History & 8th grade Louisiana history. They both made it come alive. Teachers can really inspire young minds if they have a love for their subject. My son went into teaching because he wanted to coach volleyball. He loved vb, but he also became certified to teach science. Well, after 10 years he's given up coaching and absolutely loves teaching science. He was a bit surprised himself that he enjoys it as much as he does. He believes he has the best job in the world. Those are the teachers that we remember.

[Sasha]

Agreed, Martha. Sounds like you've got a good kid there.

[Chrissie]

Martha, considering your appreciation of science, I think you would be interested in The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements. My GR friend Lisa highly recommended it to me. Yup, I have broken down and ordered it from Book Depository. I have told myself to STOP buying books until I have read those previously purchased. English libraries are non-existant in Belgium, where I currently live. It is the kind of book that every chemistry teacher should read before teaching chemistry. My teacher never did! And history - As a child I moved often; every time I got Sout American history again..... Now, living in Europe, I adore history. You see how history has shaped the people differently in the different countries.

Ed, I also ordered No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II. The little bit I read did not seem dry, but instead very engaging. I just wish it included Roosevelt's New Deal. I want to know more about that having just enjoyed The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl. Unfortunately I found two errors which worries me a bit.....

I love reading memoirs/autobiographies and A Mountain of Crumbs: A Memoir is fantastic. It is about the author who was born in 1956 and lived behind the Iron Curtain. I have already quopted a bit in my review, but I also think B&N has an excerpt to read too. I just do not always trust the excerpts. maybe the whole book will not be as well written!

[Sasha]

Oh, Disappearing Spoon is way high up on my wish list. I nominated it for the October read for a science book club I'm in. It looks wicked cool.

The author did a blog on Slate about the periodic table for a while; he insists that it doesn't repeat anything from the book.

[Chrissie]

Alex, I will check out Slate. If you want to be more convinced, check out Lisa's review and out comment discussion.

[Sasha]

I don't think I need to be more convinced, but I checked it out anyway. That is indeed a glowing review.

[Martha]

Chrissie wrote: "Martha, considering your appreciation of science, I think you would be interested in The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Perio..."</i>

Thanks, Alex ... he's great as are his 2 brothers ... they are all so different, but great in their own ways. I work with kids, too, but in a different capacity so we've had some interesting discussions.

Chrissie, I will definitely look that book up. I'm not as into science as I am history, but this sounds really good. I loved No Ordinary Time!! She is a great writer.

One you might like is

[book:The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey by Candice Millard. It was a fascinating story that I'd never heard about T. Roosevelt & had lots of science and some mystery in the story as well.

[Sasha]

Oh hey, that looks cool. I've heard a little about Roosevelt's Amazon odyssey before; always thought it sounded like an incredible story.

[Chrissie]

Martha, I havve read the River of Doubt. Very, very good. So is Mornings on Horseback, also about Teddy Roosevelt. I have also purcased, but not yet read, McCullough' book on the Panama Canal (The Path Between the Seas), under Teddy's direction. McCullough is an excellent writer. I have read so many more about Teddy than Franklin that I am put to shame. The book Ed suggested ought to improve my lack of knowledge about Franklin.

[N.]

Ed, my daughter also had a great high school history teacher. She's now a history eduction major in college. Of course, it didn't hurt that there were always stacks of historical fiction books lying around the house, as well.

And Alex, I truly believe American History class is like any subject: If you have a teacher who's passionate about it, that enthusiasm is contagious and will inspire students to learn more. For me, it was a biology teacher who not only taught us well, but made us laugh every day.

[Martha]

Chrissie, I will look for the book about the Panama Canal. I hope to see it someday. My father lived in Panama the last several years of his life. We planned a trip to visit him, but health issues kept us from going. He died last month & is buried north of Panama City in the Corazol American Cemetery & Memorial. There are veterans buried there from wars as far back as the American Civil War & those who died in the construction of the Panama Canal.

BTW, Ed, I loved Undaunted Courage. I think Ambrose had a special gift.

[Susanna - Censored by GoodReads, Crazy Cat Lady]

Alex - The Tudors are renaissance; just sayin'.

Also, I found A Voyage Long and Strange: Rediscovering the New World by Tony Horwitz very funny, and you're about to come up to that period.

[Sasha]

Yeah, but I covered Tudors already.

I read Voyage Long & Strange last year some time; I like Horwitz, so I went out of chronology for it. You're right, I dug it too.

[Chrissie]

Martha, what luck I mentioned it to you! I loved Sacajawea, who plays an imùportant part of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

[Evelina]

My favourite books are: Company of Liarsand The Owl Killers My favourite periods in history is middle ages and times in European history before Christianity.