Temples, Tombs, and Hieroglyphs: A Popular History of Ancient Egypt – Barbara Mertz
This book is a solid overview of the ancient Egyptian world. Barbara Mertz was an Egyptologist by education and wrote the Amelia Peabody novel series. Her writing is very easy to read and peppered with witty remarks and dry comments. I enjoyed this and learned a lot about the later Egyptian dynasties.
General Washington’s Commando: Benjamin Tallmadge in the Revolutionary War – Richard Welch
If you like the show Turn, you should check out this biography on Benjamin Tallmadge. Like many Revolutionary officers, Tallmadge wore many hats. He oversaw intelligence operations (like the Culper Spy Ring), led a company of dragoons, and served on Washington’s staff. The book focuses on his Revolutionary service and isn’t a full biography.
The Secret Queen: Eleanor Talbot, the Woman Who Put Richard III on the Throne – John Ashdown-Hill
The Secret Queen examines the life of Eleanor Talbot, a woman who reportedly married Edward IV before he married his queen, Elizabeth Wydville. Richard III used this secret marriage to claim the throne by stating that Edward’s children were illegitimate. While the information is interesting, you don’t see a lot of Eleanor. The author is also a dedicated follower of and apologist for Richard III. You may want to take some of his conclusions with a grain of salt.
West of the Revolution: An Uncommon History of 1776 – Claudio Saunt
West of the Revolution explores what else happened in the now United States during the year 1776. We generally only learn American history as states and territories entered the country. This book looks at the Russians in Alaska, the Spanish along the West Coast, the French in the Great Lakes and Mississippi River valley, and their interactions with Native Americans. Definitely a worthwhile read for colonial and Revolutionary America fans.
Titanic’s Last Secrets – Brad Matsen
If you know me in real life, you know that Titanic is my favorite movie ever. I also enjoy books on Titanic. This book was published about ten years ago and examines newfound (at that time) damage to Titanic’s hull. Unlike most Titanic narratives, it doesn’t focus on the sinking. Instead, it provides a history of the building of Titanic and how that damage occurred. New research at the wreck site proved the theories in this book. Another worthwhile read for Titanic fans.
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