I should start by saying I'm a history reading junkie. But, I HATE conventional linear-reading, timeline-driven history books. I get my American History through obscure and/or quirky events, people or things that had pivotal impact on our nation's history. There are a couple of exceptions to this, but I should preface these entries by saying I love books that contain conspiracy theories. Not for their sensational, unproven truths or falsehoods, but only for their plausibility.
The Untold History of the United States - Oliver Stone & Peter Kuznick
Very interesting read. More like a novel, thanks to Oliver Stone. Full of exaggeration (conspiracies?) and hyperbole for skeptics like me, but that's what makes it a fun page-turner. Has been a guide for more exploration, as needed for fact-checking some of the content! I also like that it "flips its proverbial nose at conventional history books. Did I mention that I LOVE snark done well!
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Revolutionary period: I love unsung heroes and books about REAL spies in history that changed the course of history at that time.
The Culper Ring - History of Revolutionary War's Most Famous Spy Ring - Charles Rivers?
There are several other books and articles all over the web about George Washington's First Spy Agency. Gripping story, interesting people. A couple of the members never officially identified.
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American Prohibition: Living here in Washington, I'm always interested in the adventures of Washington's history. One of the most engaging historical figures is Roy Olmstead, a police officer turned RumRunner who thwarted capture for years. His adventures are amazing. But the impact on US History was the trial that followed his capture. His long trial led to the wiretapping laws we have today, and resulted in the introduction of Privacy Laws in America.
Whispering Wires: Tragic Tale of an American Bootlegger - Philip Metcalfe
A real page turner. I couldn't put it down. Read it all in one sitting! May be out of print but can buy used at Amazon.
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Post WWII History: The story of Smedley Butler, (my all-time hero!!!) In the 1930s, there were was a group of American oligarchs, led by Prescott Bush, who tried to engineer a coup to overthrow FDR after FDR seized the ill-gotten wealth of these corporate criminals from profiteering off of Nazi Germany. They wanted to create a Nazi regime in America. They almost got away with it, but for one Army General, Smedley Butler, who could not be threatened or bribed into going along and leading the military coup. He was the man who told the truth and stopped the overthrow. Unfortunately, like George Bush Senior who covered up and/or pardoned the perpetrators of Iran-Contra, none of these perpetrators were prosecuted. Butler retired into obscurity, but it was his smoking gun proof that saved America from Nazism and corporate takeover.
Devil Dog: The True Story of the Man Who Saved America - David Talbot
Thrilling book. Written almost comicbook hero style. The story is so good and inspiring that any articles you find on the web are just as interesting. Wikipedia provides in depth exploration on the history, background and people involved in this cliffhanging event.
This is only 4 for now but I have dozens, maybe hundreds more of all kinds of quirky or unusual history. For me, it is the best way for me to study history and remember it. Build the history around a single person, group or event. The more obscure the better. I often find these gems while hunting for something else.
All of these can be found on Amazon. All my copies are used ones. I don't need new books to enjoy.
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