This week, we feature an in-depth look at America’s first tycoon and a fun read on how ordinary vegetables have played extraordinary roles throughout history.
Biography
‘The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt’
By T.J. Stiles
In one of the best biographies written this century, Mr. Stiles guides the reader through the life of one of America’s most prominent and powerful individuals: Cornelius Vanderbilt. In thorough and engrossing detail, the author presents the early life of Vanderbilt with his seemingly natural business acumen and his rise to industrial dominance in transportation. After reading this Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winner, you’ll understand why Vanderbilt is considered America’s first tycoon.
Vintage, 2010, 736 pages
Science Fiction
By Eric Flint, Gorg Huff, and Paula Goodlett
Michael and Melanie Anderle are truckers, team driving with their 12-year-old daughter Shane. They drive 1,000 years into the past, arriving in the era of the Mound Builders, in present day Illinois. The new Assiti Shards novel places folks today in the far past with only their available resources and goes from there. The Anderles have their truck, a tanker trailer carrying diesel, an empty country store, and a mother and her two young children stranded with them. If you liked “1632,” you will enjoy this tale.
Baen Books, 2024, 320 pages
History
‘How Carrots Won the Trojan War’
By Rebecca Rupp
Who knew that vegetables had histories? This examines that. It turns out that common vegetables have some interesting backgrounds. The Greeks are supposed to have eaten carrots while in the Trojan Horse to “bind their bowels.” Presumably the lack of bathroom breaks contributed to the Greek victory. This is one of 20 stories about vegetables, from asparagus to zucchini. Ms. Rupp presents the history of each vegetable, from its origins to the present. It is light, but not lightweight reading.
Storey Publishing, 2011, 376 pages
Nonfiction
‘The War on Men: Why Society Hates Them and Why We Need Them’
By Owen Strachan
For years now, commentators from various political and sociological camps have critiqued the meaning of manhood and argued about the best way to raise and educate boys. This latest study by a theology professor brings his faith to the table. In chapters like “How Men Are Struggling” and “The Physical Distinctiveness of Men,” he mixes in data and examples to demonstrate how and why masculinity is under attack and what our culture can do to build and encourage good, strong men.
Salem Books, 2023, 256 pages
Classics
‘Pursuits of Happiness: On Being Interested’
By Eva Brann
For more than 60 years, Ms. Brann has taught at St. John’s College, Annapolis, the longest serving tutor by far on the faculty. To this collection of essays the former dean brings a lifetime of engagement with the Great Books. Here are insights on Homer, “Don Quixote,” “The Brothers Karamazov,” and more, along with essays like “Is Philosophy a Subject? Love of Wisdom.” Ms. Brann’s wit and her deep passion for literature and philosophy make this a valuable addition to any study of the classics.
Paul Dry Books, 2020, 612 pages
For Kids
By Paul Galdone
In this timeless, though possibly frightening fairy tale, a young girl ventures through the woods to visit her dear grandmother. When she arrives, she’s surprised by “what big ears” her grandmother has, until realizing it’s not her grandmother but a crafty wolf. Based on the Brothers Grimm version of the story, Galdone’s retelling hits the mark.
Clarion Books, 2012, 40 pages
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