The angry, nasty polarization dominating our culture and our social media can get pretty demoralizing. While I spend a lot of time reading daily headlines and almost-daily analysis, sometimes I need a break from the news. That’s why my favorite book genre is not politics or current events, but history. Give me a great Victorian murder mystery any day.
And it’s not just fiction. I love historical nonfiction as well. The best written books in this category are even more exciting to me than fiction; they have all the adventure and suspense, all the heroism and heartbreak, of a novel — but they actually happened!
So when the news of the day becomes too toxic, I retreat to a simpler time. Well, not simpler, perhaps, but at least more clarified.
The study of history can, of course, also be incredibly valuable in helping us understand and avoid the mistakes and disasters of the past. It’s obvious to me that most politicians in office today have never bothered to read history, while the mainstream media and universities across America seem intent on erasing it.
But that’s a fight for another day.
For today, if you too need an escape from the culture wars, allow me to share with you my favorite historical books:
A World Undone, by G. J. Meyer. This phenomenal account of World War I was first recommended to me by my eldest daughter. Turns out, I knew virtually nothing about WWI before I read this book. Embarrassing, but true. While accounts of WWII are widely published and read in the U.S., the “Great War” is largely ignored by Americans. It was brutal, devastating, and world-changing. I also love the structure of this book – every other chapter is a “background” chapter that explains the centuries of power struggles, personalities, and politics that led up to the war. Masterful.
The Last Lion, by William Manchester. The greatest biography of one of the greatest statesmen in history – Winston Churchill. Actually, this is a 2-volume biography. But my favorite is the first volume. I am a huge Churchill fan; if you are too, you’ll love this rich and detailed account of his life, both personal and professional – and if you’re not, this might just make you a convert.
The Splendid and the Vile, by Eric Larsen. Speaking of Churchill, the latest book from one of my favorite authors is about Churchill’s first year as prime minister. Basically, the day after Churchill moved into #10 Downing Street, Hitler began his year-long blitz of London. Every single night, scores, if not hundreds, of German bombers scorched London, terrorizing the public and devastating the city. The bravery and stoicism of the British people stands in stark contrast to the panic exhibited by the entire world for the past 18 months in the face of a virus. I’m not talking about the grief of losing a loved one; I’m talking about what we are willing to give up (or not) to avoid likely – or in this case very unlikely – death.
Whoops – sorry- this was supposed to be a retreat from the news. Back to our regularly scheduled programming….
A Soldier of the Great War, by Mark Helprin. The book that made my husband fall in love with me. OK, maybe he was already in love with me, but this definitely helped. It’s the story of an Italian soldier who fought in World War I, but is as much a love story as a war story. This is fiction, but so beautifully woven together with history that it might as well be true. And the writing is transporting.
Citizen Washington, by William Martin. Another work of historical fiction that sheds as much light on history as nonfiction ever could. The conceit here is that George Washington has just died, and his rival hires a young journalist to dig up all the dirt he can find on Washington. Of course, what he finds is a man both extraordinary and humble, both conventional and monumental. Plus – here’s one of my favorite publisher stories: a few years ago I was giving a speech on “Great Books to Read in College,” which was broadcast on CSPAN. The author heard me recommend his book – and sent me an autographed copy!
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, by Michael Chabon. I’m not sure if I can truly call this a historical novel, but it certainly does what all great historical novels do: it gives you a visceral understanding of a particular era and setting in history. In this case, it’s Brooklyn during World War II. And Manhattan in the 50s. Comic books and superheroes are not really my thing, but Chabon’s lyrical writing and heart-breaking story are irresistible.
These six books by six extraordinary authors will provide you with ample reprieve from the grubby headlines of our narcissistic, small-minded, spoiled society. They will also remind you what courage, honor, determination, love and grief really look like.
I feel better already.