Preview Shelf by Janice Clauser

Library News and Notable New Books

Here are books that will give you ancient, earlier American, and modern history. “Babylon” discussing Mesopotamia and the birth of civilization comes from Paul Kriwaczek, a former BBC executive. He explores the political and social systems there from 5400 BC to the sixth century BC. Babylon never lost its allure as the ancient world’s greatest city. Next comes “Warfare and Society in Europe 1792-1914” by Geoffrey Wawro. This covers the period from the French Revolution to the eve of the First World War, treating warfare as a social and political phenomenon as well as a military and technological one. Maya Jasanoff’s “Liberty’s Exiles” examines American Loyalists in the Revolutionary World; after the American Revolution, 60,000 Americans loyal to the British cause fled the United States and became refugees throughout the British Empire.

Three books take on aspects of the American Civil War. Winston Groom’s “Shiloh 1862” explores the fact that more casualties occurred there in a single day than from all previous U.S. wars combined, including the American Revolution; (it was he who wrote “Forrest Gump”). “Decided on the Battlefield” by David Johnson studies Grant, Sherman, Lincoln and the election of 1864. At that time Lincoln thought he would lose the election if the war were not over. If McClellan had won, the plan was to end the war immediately, grant the South its independence, and let the Confederacy keep its slaves. Tobin Buhk’s “True Crime in the Civil War: Cases of Murder, Treason, Counterfeiting, Massacre, Plunder & Abuse” tells that the war created new opportunities to gain profits from illegal activities; the final chapter explains the fate of the Lincoln assassination conspirators.

Steven Hayward’s “The Politically Incorrect Guide to The Presidents: From Wilson to Obama” reveals rather unknown happenings during their periods in office. “Escape from Camp 14” is Blaine Harden’s account of a young man from North Korea who defied everything bad in that country to escape to China at 2005 at 23 years old. “Before the Curse” tells about The Chicago Cubs’ glory years 1870-1945, full of lively newspaper accounts and vintage articles.

Books about non-humans are varied too. “The Bluebird Effect: Uncommon Bonds with Common Birds” by Julie Zickefoose features watercolor touches because the author’s knowledge of birds is profound, with fascinating observations, and trustworthy accounts. She has saved injured birds, and knows how each species has unique habits and quirks. “Behind the Dolphin Smile” by Richard O’Barry tells about his campaign to protect the world’s dolphins. He learned not to keep them in captivity. He’s an advocate for dolphin freedom. ”The Backyard Homestead Guide to Raising Farm Animals” edited by Gail Damerow illustrates how you need not have grown up on a farm to learn to raise the animals and here’s how. This is also a special book visually. “Meet the Breeds” comes from the American Kennel Club and shows all kinds of dogs, sporting, hounds, working, terriers, non-sporting, and herding types. This would be indispensable if you’re thinking of what dog to acquire.