We can learn the history of a time, place, or person without reading a biography. Biographies are fundamentally personal, and why should we desire to spend time in the company of someone considered one of history's villains? In most cases, I think that the answer is a desire to understand.
Mysteries of the Middle Ages Review
After the study of people, of humanity, the field of history might be of the greatest importance for the study of the aspiring fantasy author, and especially of the period referred to as the ‘Middle Ages.’
The Time Traveler’s Guide to Medieval England Review
Considering that so much of fantasy is set in ‘medieval’ time periods (purportedly – few modern fantasies I’ve read are faithful to the period, and are arguably closer to renaissance era), Mortimer’s book ought to be required reading.
The Inklings Review
Instead, Inklings is a biography of CS Lewis and Charles Williams, with an emphasis on their respective roles in the Inklings group, especially Lewis, who was arguably the group’s heart.
The Inca Review
I would call Kevin Lane's The Inca a broad overview that is ideal for dipping your toe into the sea of information we have on the Incan Empire.
Kaogong Ji Review
I came across a reference to the Kaogong Ji, also called The Book of Artificers, in a news article associated with the journal Science, and found an online translation of the ancient document therein referenced. It was fascinating.
Democracy in America Review
Democracy in America, Tocqueville’s nineteenth century commentary inspired by his travels in America and written for his primarily French audience in an attempt to salvage that nation’s struggles with revolution and democracy, is one of those classic works that is referenced over and over in everything from newspaper editorials, to historical essays, to modern, scholarly books.
The Young HG Wells Review
No, I think that one need not like an author or their views in order to like their books, which is a good thing, because after reading Tomalin's biography of HG Wells, he's definitely not my favorite person.
Chasing New Horizons Review
There’s always something over the next hill, just beyond the horizon, and insatiable curiosity will one day propel us to find out what it is. I think that’s why we read, why we hike, why we write, why we build robotic spacecraft with plutonium radioisotope thermoelectric generators: we’re always Chasing New Horizons.
First Review
Sandra Day O’Connor’s life is a thought-provoking story in its own right, and takes place in the context of fascinating decisions and occurrences that have shaped and continue to shape the world in which we live. I’m glad that I made an exception to my twenty five year rule for First.
IGC Publishing 