For the Love of History
For the Love of History – by Gail Hedstrom Library Director
One of the most popular sections of the library is the history section. While I am speaking specifically of Non-fiction, I could easily add historical fiction as one of our most read collections. I am not surprised that history is so popular. In part, it is such a vast collection, including books about prehistoric times, ancient history, and modern history. Additionally, books on history can cover social, political, or cultural issues; there are many angles to explore. In many situations, today’s news is tomorrow’s history. Every year, new books on historical topics are published. While you might think that everything you would want to know about the Revolutionary War has been covered, that is not the case. Just recently Rick Atkinson released two new books on the Revolutionary War “The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777,” and “The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780” and a third volume yet to be released will complete this trilogy.
History is important, interesting, and compelling, and it can inform the future. A collection of essays by the late David McCullough was recently published in the book “Why History Matters, edited by Dorrie McCullough Lawson and Michael Hill. Along with exploring how history can inform the future, it examines the importance of character in leaders. McCullough is the author of several books, including “Brave Companions: Portraits in History” and “The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West.” If you have not previously read McCullough, I think you will enjoy his writing style and the respect with which he writes about historical figures.
Jon Meacham, one of my favorite writers, wrote the introduction to McCullough’s collection of essays. Meacham is a historian who provides commentary, insight, and historical perspective to current events. Meacham has also written several books, including “The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels,” and the newly released “American Struggle: Democracy, Dissent, and the Pursuit of a More Perfect Union: An Anthology,” which closely examines primary documents and how they inform our Democracy.
Consider also that every day, history is being made. Headlines in newspapers cover complex topics in a few hundred words. Often, the explanations of the complexity of issues and historical context are missing. However, a trip to your local library could fill in the missing pieces.
Iran is a primary example of a subject in which many of us could benefit from more information. Scott Anderson’s “King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution: A Story of Hubris, Delusion and Catastrophic Miscalculation” is an in-depth history of the Iranian Revolution. It is a must-read for today. The author, Scott Anderson, is a war correspondent who has covered crises across the globe.
Taylor Branch is the author of a narrative history about the United States during the civil rights era. This in-depth history is a three-volume set: “Parting the Waters: America in the King Years 1954-63,” “Pillar of Fire: America in the King Years 1963-65,” and “At Canaan’s Edge: America in the King Years, 1965-68.” The trilogy examines presidential administrations and world events impacting the nation during these years. If you like history, read the books. A number of years ago, the first in this trilogy was chosen by a book group I joined. Although the number of pages was intimidating, the book was well-liked by the readers. Many of us were shocked; we hadn’t previously read, or in some cases, even heard of the series.
Doris Kearns Goodwin is a talented chronicler of history. I recently read “Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s,” and I was captivated by her writing. She was so generous in sharing her personal experiences. This book is great on audio, because it includes actual historical recordings.
Of course, books on history often feature historic figures, and while we often read books about presidents, political leaders, or well-known figures, I assure you that there are history makers among us who are often overlooked. I am going to recommend the book “Rosalie Wahl and the Minnesota Women’s Movement” by Lori Sturdevant. Rosalie Wahl was the first woman to be named to the Minnesota Supreme Court. The book has been described as compelling and inspiring. Rosalie Wahl has been described as a humble leader.
Since I have shared a few of my favorite books and authors on history, I would love to learn about some of your favorites as well.