Tag Archives: history

Blood, Iron, and Gold

Posted on April 7, 2012 by smellincoffee

Blood, Iron, and Gold: How the Railways Transformed the World© 2009 Christian Wolmar376 pages Outside of the wheel, the railways may be the single most influential form of transportation ever invented by human beings. This is a bold claim, but … Continue reading →

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Founding Rivals

Posted on March 16, 2012 by smellincoffee

Founding Rivals | Madison vs. Monroe: the Bill of Rights and the Election that Saved a Nation© 2011 Chris DeRose336 pages In these days of contentious politics, where adversaries rip into one another with all the grace of beasts,  Chris … Continue reading →

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The Ascent of Money

Posted on March 14, 2012 by smellincoffee

432 pages; © 2008 Niall Ferguson Money makes the world go ’round. In today’s globalized economy, this is a statement that’s never been more true. Considering the importance of trade in human history, writing a financial history of the world … Continue reading →

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The Age of Louis XIV

Posted on February 23, 2012 by smellincoffee

The Age of Louis XIV© 1963 Will and Ariel Durant816 pages To read Will Durant is to feast from the smorgasbord of human history. Before the reader lies the full scope of human concern, frailty, and accomplishment, like so many … Continue reading →

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Asphalt Nation

Posted on February 14, 2012 by smellincoffee

Asphalt Nation: How the Automobile Took Over America and How We Can Take It Back© 1997 Jane Holtz Kay418 pages Lord, Mister Ford, I just wish you could see what your simple horseless carriage has become! It seems your contribution … Continue reading →

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At Home

Posted on January 21, 2012 by smellincoffee

At Home: A Short History of Private Life© 2011 Bill Bryson512 pages How much history and how many laughs can you put under one roof? Take a tour of Bill Bryson’s old English home with him and find out.  At … Continue reading →

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This Week at the Library (16 November)

Posted on November 16, 2011 by smellincoffee

It’s been a slow week for reading, at least from the library. Unable to pursue my library reads, I re-read Prelude to Foundation and began re-reading Forward the Foundation. Otherwise, so little has been catching fire lately that after reading The Greater … Continue reading →

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The Age of Reason Begins

Posted on October 26, 2011 by smellincoffee

The Age of Reason Begins© 1961 Will and Aerial Durant729 pages “We are all citizens of one world, we are all of one blood. To hate a man because he was born in another county, because he speaks a different … Continue reading →

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The Reformation

Posted on October 2, 2011 by smellincoffee

The Reformation: A history of European civilization from Wyclif to Calvin: 1300-1564© 1957 Will Durant1025 pages Although titled as a work of religious history, The Reformation is almost more a continuation of The Age of Faith in covering the final two … Continue reading →

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Marcus Aurelius

Posted on September 27, 2011 by smellincoffee

Marcus Aurelius: A Life© 2009 Frank McLynn684 pages Few figures in history can compare to Marcus Aurelius, and fewer still favorably.  Adopted into the royal family, this last of the Five Good Emperors has sat in silent judgment of politicians … Continue reading →

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