History is Not Boring discussion
What History Are You Reading in December '07
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1491 is in my future, as my brother just finished it and is giving to me when I visit him at Christmas. My brother also read River of Doubt and really enjoyed it.

And, I got stuck waiting in a car with a stack of just bought used books the other day, so I'm also reading Bruce Catton's This Hallowed Ground, his one-volume history of the Civil War. (And, as always with Catton, a treat to read.)


Btw, I read the Alienist some time ago, but remember enjoying it. Carr is a good writer.

I adore Penguins. Their translations are almost always excellent, and somehow less dry than Loebs.
And as for "The Histories", its a good read, isn't it.

I found the Penguin Historia Francorum/History of the Franks to be a slog much of the time. But I think that's just Gregory, not the translator.
It was also interesting to look at my Dad's copy of Herodotus. It's a Penguin edition from the '70s. A bit smaller than the current versions, and a non-glossy cover.

I thought it was interesting that there was so much fratricide. In fact, that they were just a violent people.
You might like the Helmskringla by Snorre Sturlason, although it's a huge book. I read it off and on for over a year. Lots of nice Viking history. [Not a Penguin ;]



Merovingnian Francia ended up as a study area for me, as a friend ended up writing a historical fantasy set in that period.
http://www.backbreaker.com/current_pr...
It's an interesting period that just doesn't get enough coverage in English. Geary's Before France and Germany is good, and I really recommend Early Medieval Europe, 300-1000 to anyone who would like a good overview of the end of the Roman Empire and 'dark ages' until the start of the traditional Middle Ages. I've read it three times now, and keep meaning to pick up more of Collins' books.

I am not finding the first website you noted. Goodreads cut it short, and when I type in the www-part it's not coming up either.
Can you give me a author name?
And thanks also for the Collin's reference. I'm going to add him to my TBR list.


[btw- I know some people you would definitely look at it seriously. I sent them the link. Thanks]
and also,
1491 by Charles Mann.
What's everyone else reading, and hopefully enjoying.