Barbara Tuchman's mantle of premier historical biographer has passed to Robert Caro. He's done a series on Lyndon Johnson. While all three books in the (not yet completed) series are outstanding, the best may be Master of the Senate . The first 125 pages or so are a look at American history through about 1950 as it has been shaped by the specific workings of the Senate. This section should be required reading in high schools. The book is very richly details and meticulously researched. It is not fast reading but it is fascinating. A major motif of Caro's is to examine the effects of power both on those who wield it and those who are effected by the wielding. Master of the Senate is a great starting point for anyone interested in the political history of the United States.
I've had Caro's series in mind for years but not taken the plunge as I reticient about devoting so much reading time to a single figure ( I guess all 4 volumes will clock in at >4000 pages). Can you read Master of the Senate by itself?
Couple more I've thought of - Judt's History of Post-War Europe is an extraordinary achievement.
As is, in a different (fictional way), Neal Stephenson's Baroque cycle - starting with Quicksilver. It amazing just how much history is packed into an exciting story.
Yes, any one the volumes work on their own merits. I've not yet read the first volume. Of the three volumes Master of the senate would have the widest appeal to a general readership.
Yes, any one the volumes work on their own merits. I've not yet read the first volume. Of the three volumes Master of the senate would have the widest appeal to a general readership.
Greg Campbell's "Blood Diamond" is a fascinating read. The brutality that happens in Sierra Leonne and its borders is staggering. The book is well written and ties in international politics and corporate greed as well. It also exposes more follies of the UN. And it is all very recent history.
I have not seen the movie, but I cannot imagine it comes even close to the book. The book is both chilling and gripping.
Greg Campbell's "Blood Diamond" is a fascinating read. The brutality that happens in Sierra Leonne and its borders is staggering. The book is well written and ties in international politics and corporate greed as well. It also exposes more follies of the UN. And it is all very recent history.
I have not seen the movie, but I cannot imagine it comes even close to the book. The book is both chilling and gripping.
The movie was pretty decent if you like "crusader cause" movies. To top it off it included Leonardo DiCaprio and I'll pretty much watch anything he's in although another movie he was in where he was on a hidden island amongst a bunch of dangerous young exiles was a weird flick. Can't remember the name of that one. But paradise turned into prison in that one.
