The First All-Star Game: Babe Ruth, FDR, and America at the Crossroads (Randall Sullivan)

The First All-Star Game: Babe Ruth, FDR, and America at the Crossroads by Randall Sullivan recounts not just a pivotal moment in baseball history but much of the context that helped set the stage for July 1933’s “Game of the Century” in Chicago. While the book highlights many of the players and the details of the game, Sullivan spends about half of the narrative detailing baseball and American life in the 1920’s and early 1930’s.

To his credit, Sullivan avoids overwhelming the reader with statistics, instead focusing on character, motivation, and atmosphere. His descriptions of players, fans, and journalists create vivid scenes that invite readers into the era. You learn about some of the lesser-known (to today’s baseball fans) stars of the early 1930’s: guys like Lloyd and Paul Waner, Rick Farrell, and Pepper Martin. 

Some sections include extensive background information. About 200 pages dive into the backstory of baseball and America between 1919 and 1933, from the “Black Sox” scandal and appointment of Judge Kennsaw Landis as baseball’s first commissioner to the World’s Fair and America’s political environment. 

If you’re looking for a story on the All-Star game itself, this book may not be for you due to that extra context. However, as a history book that shows the connection between baseball, American life, and big city politics, The First All-Star Game is a detailed account of how the game came to take place and how a “one-time” event turned into a midsummer spectacle that has lasted nearly a century.

MY RATING: 3.5

1873: The Rothschilds, the First Great Depression, and the Making of the Modern World (Liaquat Ahamed)

In 1873: The Rothschilds, the First Great Depression, and the Making of the Modern World, author Liaquat Ahamed offers an engaging account of the financial panic that reshaped the global economy in the late nineteenth century. Focusing on the crash of 1873 and its long aftermath, he argues that this crisis was the first truly global economic downturn, linking events in Europe, the United States, and North Africa through expanding networks of finance and trade.

The Panics of 1873 (the use of “panics” is intentional since there were several stock market selloffs globally that year) were caused in part by feverish speculation in railroads, shipping, and stock markets in a number of places. The first panic was in Vienna, with subsequent market routes breaking out in Germany, France, and in New York, all brought about by excess market or industry speculation.

The book places the Rothschild family at the center of the narrative, using their banking empire as a lens through which readers can understand the rise of international capital markets and the forces that led to collapse. The author also explores the political and social consequences of the depression, including rising populism, growing antisemitism, two decades of deflation in prices, and the weakening of Reconstruction in the United States. Ahamed argues that while growth in the years following the panic was solid, coming in at around 2.5% annually, the perception in many minds was that the depression was lingering since prices were falling. This price drop was caused in part by increasing production, which increased supply of items, causing prices to drop.

Overall, 1873 is an excellent work of economic history that illuminates how financial crises can transform societies. It is both informative and highly readable, offering valuable insights into the origins of the modern global economy.

MY RATING: 4.5

The Hardest, Longest Race: Henry Ford and the Cross-Country Contest That Changed America (Eric Moskowitz)

In The Hardest, Longest Race: Henry Ford and the Cross-Country Race That Changed America, author Eric Moskowitz recounts the remarkable 1909 “Ocean to Ocean” automobile race that stretched from New York to Seattle. At a time when paved roads were scarce and long distance travel by car seemed like a future fever dream, five teams set out to prove that automobiles could conquer the American landscape. The race covered over 4,000 miles and forced drivers to navigate rough terrain, severe weather, mechanical failures, and countless unexpected challenges.

Moskowitz presents the event as more than a sporting competition. The race became a public demonstration of the potential of the automobile and a powerful marketing opportunity for car manufacturers eager to win the trust of consumers. Among the most prominent competitors was the Ford Motor Company, which hoped to showcase the reliability and durability of the Model T. As the race progressed, Ford and a hard-luck competitor known as Shawmut battled each other for supremacy of their cars.

The book highlights the determination and creativity required to keep the vehicles moving across mountains, deserts, forests, and muddy roads. Drivers and mechanics frequently repaired their cars under difficult conditions while searching for routes through regions that lacked modern transportation infrastructure. These experiences revealed both the strengths and weaknesses of early automotive technology. The book also highlights the lengths, both legit and not, that the Ford Motor Company went to in order to prove the Model T was the superior vehicle.

As the finish approached, controversy emerged over claims of unfair advantages and disputed decisions. Moskowitz explores these conflicts while examining the broader cultural and economic significance of the race. Ultimately, the event helped convince Americans that automobiles could be practical tools for transportation, contributing to the rapid growth of car ownership, particularly of the Model T, and the transformation of travel in the United States. Moskowitz’s narrative is well-paced and enjoyable for those who like books about distance travel and history.

MY RATING: 5

From Life Itself: Turkey, Istanbul, and a Neighborhood in the Age of Erdogan (Suzy Hansen)

Suzy Hansen's From Life Itself: Turkey, Istanbul, and a Neighborhood in the Age of Erdogan is a thoughtful and ambitious exploration of politics in Turkiye since the start of the Turkish Republic in the 1920’s. The early years of Turkiye set the stage for a greater focus on Recep Erdogan’s rule as Prime Minister and President for the past two plus decades. Drawing on her experiences living in Istanbul, Hansen examines how personal perspectives are shaped by culture, history, and power. The book challenges readers to reconsider assumptions that often go unquestioned, particularly those related to national identity and the influence of the United States on global affairs.

Hansen effectively connects rising nationalism in Turkiye to the greater trend of nationalism in much of the West, the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China), and beyond. In many instances, the rise in nationalism has been fueled by migration due to war and conflict in adjacent regions; in other cases, a desire to return to past historical glory. Hansen advocates in many of these cases that the rise in nationalism has coincided with a decline in democratic norms. The best parts of this book are the personalized accounts of various Istanbul residents, their views on life in Istanbul and Turkiye, and how changing real world conditions are impacting them.

If you filter through the author’s worldview and consistent references to one perceived crisis or another (whether climate change, human rights, economic, or whatever it may be), From Life Itself is a very effective book in explaining modern Turkiye and its position on the world stage.

MY RATING: 4

Credit to the Nation (Rebecca Kobrin)

Rebecca Kobrin’s Credit to the Nation is an account of the role that Eastern European Jewish immigrant bankers played in shaping American finance between 1873 and 1930. Drawing on an impressive range of archival sources, Kobrin uncovers a largely overlooked chapter of American economic history and demonstrates how immigrant communities created financial institutions that served needs ignored by mainstream banks and how mainstream finance shunned many of the immigrant banks’ practices due partly to antisemitism and nativism.

The book excels at connecting personal stories of migration and entrepreneurship with larger developments in banking and growth, particularly in New York City. Kobrin shows how immigrant bankers provided loans, financed travel, and supported business formation for newly arrived Jewish immigrants who often faced barriers to conventional credit. In doing so, these institutions helped foster economic mobility while also contributing to the transformation of New York City’s real estate market and financial landscape.

Kobrin effectively balances historical analysis with strong writing. Her discussion of the rise and eventual decline of immigrant banking, particularly the collapse of the Bank of United States in 1930, provides important insight into the broader evolution of American finance. The bank’s failure was not only symbolic of many bank failures during the Great Depression but served as a catalyst to spur reforms in the financial system during the Great Depression. Among these reforms was the creation of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, a backstop to insure deposits at member banks.

More than a history of banking, Credit to the Nation is a thoughtful exploration of migration, trust, community, and economic opportunity. Kobrin convincingly argues that immigrant financial networks were an important contributor to the history of American commerce and finance.

MY RATING: 4.5

A Kingdom and a Village: A One-Thousand-Year History of Moscow (Simon Morrison)

A Kingdom and a Village: A One-Thousand-Year History of Moscow by Simon Morrison is an artistic and cultural retelling of the story of Moscow. Rather than offering a conventional political history, Morrison presents Moscow as a living character whose development mirrors the triumphs, tragedies, and contradictions of Russian history. 

One of the book's greatest strengths is Morrison’s dive into cultural and artistic stories of Moscow. The best stories focus on Moscow’s subway system and the Bolshoi. Russia’s story is one of conflict and mistrust, unsure if it should pivot towards Europe or look inward, let alone look towards Asia as it has from time to time throughout its history. 

Because of this, Moscow has been impacted dramatically by this struggle. At times Russia’s capital, other times a secondary city that broods because of the presence of other cities of prominence. The author is particularly effective at showing how geography, religion, culture, and political ambition shaped the city's identity. His personal familiarity with Moscow adds warmth and insight, allowing readers to see beyond statistics and historical dates to the experiences of ordinary residents.

Overall, A Kingdom and a Village is a richly detailed and thought-provoking work that offers valuable insight into both Moscow's past and the forces that continue to shape modern Russia. It is highly recommended for readers interested in history, politics, and urban studies.

MY RATING: 4.5

The Return of the Oystercatcher: Saving Birds to Save the Planet (Scott Weidensaul)

The Return of the Oystercatcher: Saving Birds to Save the Planet by Scott Weidensaul blends natural history and environmental reflection into a well-written narrative about conservation and rewilding. In this engaging work, Weidensaul chronicles his efforts to restore a declining population of American oystercatchers along the Atlantic coast while exploring broader questions about conservation and humanity’s relationship with nature.

Weidensaul’s journey starts in his home state of Pennsylvania, where he chronicles the efforts that went into the formation of the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary during the Great Depression. He also takes us to Europe, showcasing rewilding efforts in Romania, along with the middle of the boreal forest in Northern Canada to highlight a decades-long conservation effort. In each location, the author focuses primarily on how these efforts and how human intervention and conservation is impacting bird populations. In some cases, the outcomes are not as intended.

Weidsenaul’s book is written through an environmental lens; not quite at activist levels but one where you can see his passion and concern for the environment. He provides a well-written chronicle that showcases the important role birds play in the ecosystem and our role in helping ensure they continue to survive in our world.

MY RATING: 4

Converts: From Oscar Wilde to Muriel Spark, Why So Many Became Catholic in the 20th Century (Melanie McDonagh)

Melanie McDonagh’s Converts: From Oscar Wilde to Muriel Spark, Why So Many Became Catholic in the 20th Century offers a thoughtful look at the British people who embraced Roman Catholicism during the twentieth century. McDonagh examines figures like Edith Sitwell, Graham Greene, Oscar Wilde, and Ronald Knox, showing how personal longing, intellectual curiosity, and social change shaped their religious journeys.

These vignets are samples of a broader movement within early and middle 20th Century British life, where tens of thousands of Brits joined Catholicism for various reasons. Some joined because of their spiritual connection to the faith, others because of family, or a personal connection to someone in the faith who helped them through a troubled time. Conversions topped 10,000 annually for a time in the 1910s and early 1920s per estimates before dwindling sharply after Vatican II. 

Converts is an insightful and absorbing study of belief in an age often marked by skepticism. It reminds readers that spiritual searching remains central to human identity and cultural life. McDonagh approaches her subjects with sympathy while still acknowledging their flaws and contradictions. Readers interested in literature, history, or religion will find much to admire here. 

MY RATING: 4.5

He Has the People: Abraham Lincoln and the Election of 1860 (Jonathan Earle)

In He Has the People: Abraham Lincoln and the Election of 1860, author Jonathan Earle retells the story of one of the most consequential elections in American history. The book centers on Abraham Lincoln’s rise from relative obscurity to national prominence, emphasizing his political skill, moral clarity, and ability to connect with ordinary voters. Earle presents Lincoln not as an inevitable hero, but as a shrewd strategist navigating a fractured political landscape marked by deep sectional and partisan tensions.

Earle’s account begins prior to 1860, with various events such as John Brown’s raid, Bleeding Kansas, and the rise of sectionalism. The 1860 presidential election featured four political candidates, each representing a different faction of the electorate. The year’s political proceedings were marked by infighting in conventions, attempts at compromise and fusion candidates that failed, and the grasping attempts of one long standing political leader to outwit his key intrastate rival as they contended for the Presidency.

Earle also carefully traces the collapse of both the Whigs and Know-Nothing movement, and the subsequent emergence of the Republican coalition, showing how Lincoln managed to unify diverse factions. This counters the division within Democratic circles around slavery and popular sovereignty, leading to a schism within the party. The narrative also highlights the roles of lesser known figures, giving readers a broader understanding of the political environment that shaped the election.

The prose is engaging and well paced, making the book suitable for both general readers and students of history. Overall, He Has the People succeeds as an informative and compelling study of leadership and democracy at a pivotal moment. It reminds readers that Lincoln’s victory was not predetermined, but earned through strategy, perceived moderation, and having rallied the coalition of northern Republicans to his side. 

MY RATING: 4.5

Vikings: Culture of Discovery and Plunder

Vikings: Culture of Discovery and Plunder is a very thoughtful and curated collection of illustrations, photos, and renderings of Viking culture, which dominated much of Northern Europe and the North Atlantic in the 8th, 9th, and 10th Centuries. Osprey Publishing’s collaborative work (there’s no lead author and several artists contributed to the artwork within the book) highlights the armor, war material, transportation, and wardrobe of these hardy Norse warriors.

For this book, I reviewed a digital copy but could only imagine how much more vivid the hardcover would have been. The artwork within the book was stunning, creative, and realistic. The photography was very detailed. While the text of the book is slim with a collection of essays by Gareth Williams, Noah Tentzner, and others, the text, art, and photography all blend together very seamlessly.

Those interested in the study of the Vikings (not the football team, mind you) and pre-Norman English history would enjoy this book.

MY RATING: 4.5

When the Declaration of Independence Was News (Emily Sneff)

In When the Declaration of Independence Was News, author Emily Sneff offers an engaging perspective on America’s founding document. Rather than focusing solely on the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, Sneff examines what happened immediately after its creation, when it circulated as urgent and uncertain news across the new American nation and then across the Atlantic world.

The book’s central strength lies in its reframing of independence as a communication process. Sneff traces how printers, soldiers, diplomats, and ordinary citizens encountered the document in real time, often through newspapers, broadsides, and public readings. This approach reveals a messy and unpredictable flow of information, where the meaning of independence was not fixed but debated, distorted, and sometimes resisted. The original text of the declaration was sometimes edited depending on the audience, particularly more so in England where publishers feared running afoul of King George III. The emphasis on distribution rather than authorship gives the narrative a dynamic quality, highlighting how fragile and contingent the revolutionary moment truly was.

Sneff succeeds in bringing lesser known figures into the story, particularly the story of Polly Palmer that’s highlighted early in the book. The book is also particularly effective in showing how reactions to independence varied widely, from enthusiastic celebrations to hesitation to even some voices of dissent domestically, as well as a wary eye from Europe to whether the American effort would truly succeed. 

Overall, When the Declaration of Independence Was News is a unique contribution to the study of early American history. It encourages readers to see the founding from the perspective of the news story that it truly was in the middle of 1776.

MY RATING: 4.5

Mafia: A Global History (Ryan Gingeras)

Mafia: A Global History by Ryan Gingeras explores organized crime across different regions and eras. Rather than focusing only on the familiar Italian or American examples, Gingeras broadens the scope to show how mafia-like organizations emerge in varied political and economic conditions. This global perspective is one of the book’s strongest features, as it challenges the reader to rethink assumptions about what defines a mafia.

Gingeras argues that these groups are not simply criminal enterprises but are deeply tied to state formation, governance, and local power structures. He illustrates how corruption, weak institutions, and social networks create environments where such organizations can thrive. The book moves fluidly between case studies, connecting patterns without losing sight of regional differences. While the book effectively covers a number of global enterprises, such as the Yakuza, and includes the stock American mobs that we know and think of often, it did neglect to include mob-related operations in locations throughout America’s heartland, specifically Kansas City and how Italian and Irish gangs helped in the rise of the Pendergasts politically.

Overall, Mafia: A Global History serves as an excellent introduction to the subject. It’s particularly valuable for readers interested in understanding organized crime beyond popular stereotypes and what we’ve seen in The Godfather trilogy. 

MY RATING: 4

The Louisiana Purchase: The Grand Bargain and the Making of America (Alexander Mikaberidze)

Alexander Mikaberidze’s The Louisiana Purchase: The Grand Bargain and the Making of America offers a deeply researched account of one of the most consequential land deals in American history. Rather than treating the purchase as a simple real estate transaction, Mikaberidze weaves the story within a complex web of global politics, imperial ambition, and fragile diplomacy. He demonstrates that the transfer of Louisiana from France to the United States was shaped as much by events in Europe and the Caribbean as by frontier concerns in North America.

Mikaberidze draws on French, Spanish, British, and American sources to show how Napoleon’s strategic calculations, French financial pressures, and military setbacks influenced his willingness to sell. At the same time, he highlights the anxieties of American leaders who feared foreign powers controlling the Mississippi River, the port of New Orleans, and the Gulf coast. The book makes clear that the purchase was neither inevitable nor straightforward, but the product of uncertainty and rapid change.

Mikaberidze writes with clarity and authority in an engaging style. He presents the purchase as a gamble for both nations, filled with risks and unintended consequences. Those consequences extend beyond the expanding American nation, as many native populations soon found out. The Louisiana Purchase changed how the United States viewed itself. It raised constitutional questions and shifted the country from a loose union of states with a weak federal government to a nation with a stronger central government.

By placing the event within a global context, the book helps the reader understand early American expansion and underscores the fragile nature of empires. It is an insightful and compelling study that will appeal to scholars and general readers alike.

MY RATING: 4.5

A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams (Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie)

I didn't plan to write the review for Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie's A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams on July 4 (and our nation's 250th birthday), but it's only fitting that it worked out that way. This is the latest in the authors' historical fiction books about women from our country's early times; they've also written about Eliza Hamilton and Patsy Jefferson.

Not only did Abigail Adams raise her children and "hold down the fort" while her husband was away for sometimes years at a time, but she also demonstrated much financial shrewdness. Abigail was never afraid to speak her mind, offering political counsel to her husband (and even Thomas Jefferson). She famously told her husband to "Remember the ladies" in the new government. During her many years, she suffered much tragedy, but never stopped trying to give both the people she loved and the next generation a better life. 

Some events in this book were a little too drawn out, making it a bit tedious to read at times. And the authors clearly state in the back of the book that they took great liberties with things such as the timing of events. I almost wish they would state this at the front so readers would not deem it 100% factual. But all in all, A Founding Mother is definitely a worthwhile read for our nation's 250th birthday. 

MY RATING: 3.5

Suitable: The Sartorial Revolution and the Fashioning of Modern Men (Chloe Chapin)

Chloe Chapin’s Suitable: The Sartorial Revolution and the Fashioning of Modern Men offers a thoughtful exploration and evolution of the modern dark suit in American (and subsequently Western) life. The development of the American suit coat helped shape modern ideas of masculinity, prestige, and power that have been adopted throughout much of the world since its development in the late 18th and early 19th Century.

Chapin begins by showcasing the evolution of the suit in America, focusing on development of style, fabric, and color, and the choices made by early American leaders to design suit coats in order to differentiate themselves from European royalty and power. This evolution in style also spread into the mainstream of American life, particularly among professional and middle class white males. The suit ultimately became a source of prescribed power and prestige that accumulated as many societal norms as the customs of European royal wardrobes that the suit was developed to shun. Occasional focus on international fashion and the suit’s evolution in other places, such as France and England, is included in the broader discussion, but the book’s focus is largely on American fashion.

Suitable makes the history of the suit and its influence on American history and politics an interesting concept worth reading about.

MY RATING: 4

American Soccer Nation (Mark C. Franek)

In American Soccer Nation: The Remarkable 150-Year History of Yanks on a Roll, from Mob Football to the Modern Game, author Mark C. Franek explores the history of soccer across the United States. Soccer has taken a long, arduous road to gain cultural acceptance in America, often battling outside detractors, as well as from within the sport’s American leadership itself. Franek highlights the rise, fall, rise, fall, and rise again of American soccer culture since people first started playing soccer in the 19th Century in campuses and industrial towns.

Franek’s book is a journey through several iterations of “soccer boom” - the first American Soccer League in the 1920’s, the American’s success in the 1930 World Cup, followed by a nadir in soccer during the Great Depression and World War II, before booming again in the 1970s thanks to infusion of money and international talent. Modern soccer has seen the rise of Major League Soccer (MLS), fueled by a better approach to acquiring international stars, although success at the national team level has been inconsistent at best and marred by bureaucratic and philosophical battles over just how the national team should operate. 

Franek closes the book by offering some suggestions on improving American soccer, including investing more in youth academies built around the twin pillars of soccer and education. He acknowledges that he’s employed by one of these academies that boosts the Philadelphia Union’s pipeline of youth talent; however, he correctly identifies that the way to grow soccer is not just from the top down but also from the youth pipelines on up. 

From a soccer fan’s perspective, the biggest challenge to get American soccer boosted in the mainstream remains improved access and coverage on national television (the author glosses past this point in the book). While MLS’s Apple deal has been a benefit financially, TV ratings for the few broadcast games that do occur and coverage and interest among casual fans have dropped. Getting a major sports broadcaster invested in covering MLS fairly is still the longest kick ahead for soccer domestically. However, American soccer is definitely closer to the “big 4” of American sport than at any point in modern history, and it’s likely it will be within the “big 5” sooner than many think.

MY RATING: 4

The Death of Trotsky: The True Story of the Plot to Kill Stalin's Greatest Enemy (Josh Ireland)

Josh Ireland’s The Death of Trotsky is a detailed account of one of the more dramatic political assassinations of the 20th Century. Rather than presenting a dry historical summary, Ireland reconstructs the final years of Leon Trotsky with narrative energy, drawing readers into a tense world shaped by ideology, betrayal, and relentless pursuit. The author does a great job turning Trotsky’s final years into a historical account blended with a thriller novel.

The book focuses not only on Trotsky’s life after expulsion from the Soviet Union, but also on the network of agents, sympathizers, and enemies that surrounded him. Ireland pays particular attention to the psychology and motivations of Ramon Mercader, the man who ultimately carried out the killing. This approach deepens the story, transforming it from a simple recounting of events into a layered exploration of loyalty and manipulation. Ireland situates Trotsky’s exile within the broader context of Soviet power struggles, showing how Joseph Stalin’s influence extended far beyond national borders. The book’s pacing is brisk, and the tension builds steadily as the narrative moves toward its inevitable conclusion. 

Overall, The Death of Trotsky is an engaging and informative work that combines scholarly research with storytelling skill. It will appeal to both history enthusiasts and general readers interested in political intrigue and human drama.

MY RATING: 5

Carthage: A New History (Eve MacDonald)

In Carthage: A New History, historian and archaeologist Eve MacDonald offers a strong reassessment of one of the ancient world’s more misunderstood civilizations. Long overshadowed by the narratives of its Roman conquerors, Carthage is traditionally portrayed as a villain in the story of Mediterranean history. MacDonald challenges this perspective by reconstructing the history of Carthage from archaeological discoveries and a careful re-reading of classical sources, many of which were written by Roman authors. 

The book traces Carthage’s development from its origins as a Phoenician colony in the ninth century BCE to its destruction by Rome in 146 BCE. Along the way, MacDonald explores the city’s rise as a maritime and commercial power that dominated trade across the western Mediterranean and even down the West Coast of Africa. She highlights Carthage’s complex political institutions, extensive trading networks, and technological innovations in shipbuilding and industry, presenting it as a sophisticated and multicultural society rather than merely Rome’s enemy.

MacDonald’s narrative is particularly strong when discussing the Punic Wars and figures such as Hannibal Barca. MacDonald effectively discusses the practical realities of strategy, politics, and economic pressure that Carthage and Rome both faced. It’s important to note here that the Carthage of MacDonald’s book refers to the original city-state, not the subsequent colony that Rome established during its empire some time after Carthage was destroyed.

Although the scarcity of Carthaginian written records makes definitive conclusions difficult, MacDonald openly discusses these gaps and offers context as necessary throughout her book. The result is a balanced and engaging account that advocates for a stronger placement of Carthage in Mediterranean history. 

MY RATING: 4.5

The Discovery of Britain: An Accidental History (Graham Robb)

Graham Robb’s The Discovery of Britain: An Accidental History explores some of the deeper history of British geography and the nation itself. Robb challenges familiar narratives of Britain as a nation shaped primarily by Roman roads and later political boundaries. Instead he reconstructs an ancient world that once thrived across what is now England, Scotland, and Wales, revealing a sophisticated Celtic civilization that carefully mapped and measured its terrain.

Robb argues that prehistoric Britons possessed advanced geographical knowledge long before Roman occupation. Through field research and historical detective work, he traces these geographical alignments and boundaries across hills, rivers, and settlements. Very few boundaries in Britain are based on boundaries and roads established in Roman times, with a mix of eras and influences creating what ultimately became today’s geographic landscape of Britain.

Robb’s historical travel narrative is effective, clear, and narrated more like a series of stories than a hard dissertation. Occasionally, Robb ventures into the modern era politics and weaves in discussions on issues that affect Britain. However, Robb artfully uses several arguments from throughout the book to help shape how modern decisions, such as the vote for Brexit and the current issues regarding immigration in the UK, were made.  The Discovery of Britain reshapes how we imagine the origins of British identity and its relationship to the land itself.

MY RATING: 4

George Templeton Strong: Civil War Diaries (George Templeton Strong and Geoff Wisner)

George Templeton Strong was a 19th Century lawyer and civic leader in New York City, helping to start the Union League’s New York social club in 1863. He is known among historians for his vivid diary of his day-to-day life and the events of the mid-19th Century, particularly the Civil War in and around New York. His diary totalled over 2,250 pages by the time he passed away in 1875. Strong’s diaries were originally published in a four volume set in 1952. Geoff Wisner has curated and edited a substantial portion of Strong’s diary into a collection called George Templeton Strong: Civil War Diaries. 

Fans of Ken Burns will recall excerpts of Strong’s diary narrated by George Plimpton in The Civil War. Those excerpts, and another 750 pages worth of diary, are pulled together into a vivid retelling of daily life in New York City during the Civil War. Strong’s support for the Union, for Lincoln, and his disdain of Copperheads oozes out through the pages of the book. The diary adds detail in seeing how rumors of events during the Civil War would spread quickly, oftentimes not accurately. Given it is a diary from the 19th Century, the less savory elements of the time (racism, anti-ethnic bias) are evident in various entries.

Strong’s diaries are presented largely “as is,” with limited editing, except to remove items that were not germane to the War or family life at the time. This collection is a vivid retelling of life in the North during the Civil War through the eyes of one leading social figure.

MY RATING: 4.5