Celine Fitzmaurice’s The Trial of Patty Hearst revisits one of the 20th century’s most infamous criminal cases, exploring the blurred lines between victimhood, coercion, celebrity, and culpability. This audiobook offers a concise, accessible introduction to the Patty Hearst case, with dramatic production that brings the events to life. While it works best for listeners new to the story, those seeking deeper historical analysis may want a more expansive account.
William Marvel’s Lincoln’s Autocrat offers a sharp, critical look at Edwin Stanton, Lincoln’s powerful secretary of war. Blending Civil War history, Reconstruction politics, political biography, and true crime, the book explores Stanton’s role in preserving the Union, prosecuting Lincoln’s assassination conspirators, and testing the limits of federal power. A compelling pick for readers interested in morally complex history and the men who shaped America from behind the scenes.
John Quincy Adams, America’s fifth president, had big shoes to fill. Not only was he the first presidential scion to ascend to the country’s top office, he was the start of a new brand of presidents – those who didn’t have their hands in creating the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution. But much like … Continue reading The Lost Founding Father
I first heard Cassandra Good’s name earlier last year as she released First Family: George Washington’s Heirs and the Making of America, exploring the first American president’s family. That was just the latest of Good’s accomplishments in the field of American History though – she’s taught at several renown universities (currently Marymount University), released articles … Continue reading America’s Founding Women
When I hear the name T.E. Lawrence, my mind goes to the 1962 movie “Lawrence of Arabia” starring Peter O’Toole. I’m not sure I ever paid attention to the full story behind the legend of this man. Lawrence’s reputation was inflated in part by his own autobiography Seven Pillars of Wisdom that tracked his participation … Continue reading Lawrence in Arabia
The Owens women are all grown up. Kylie and Antonia are in college and choosing their own path in life…and love. Sally is running the Owens Library and trying to keep magic and love as far away as possible. Gillian is working in a research lab and embracing the family’s history of outsmarting the curse. … Continue reading The Book of Magic
This past Thursday, I was at the Atlanta History Center for another author discussion and book signing. Peter Stark was in town discussing his recent release Gallop Toward the Sun: Tecumseh and William Henry Harrison's struggle for the destiny of the nation. This talk was different from others I've attended in so many ways, and … Continue reading Book Discussion & Signing: Gallop Toward The Sun
Earlier in the week, I was at the Atlanta History Center again for an author discussion and book signing. This time it was Steve Inskeep discussing his new release Differ We Must: How Lincoln succeeded in a divided America. You may recognize Inskeep from his work as a journalist and NPR host. He is also … Continue reading Book Discussion & Signing: Differ We Must
John and Abigail Adams may not seem like the stars of a romance novel. The images and knowledge most Americans have of the couple are their official portraits from their time as first couple. We know John helped form the early country through his writing and leadership. Maybe you know of John’s conflicts with Hamilton. … Continue reading First Family
Is it starting to feel like Fall where you are? It's a little chilly in the mornings here and I love it! Of course, it makes me want to curl up with good book and hot cup of something for the day! If you're looking for bookspiration for that kind of day, check out what … Continue reading Agenda: Week of October 1st
