{"id":77854,"date":"2025-08-18T16:49:35","date_gmt":"2025-08-18T16:49:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/77854\/"},"modified":"2025-08-18T16:49:35","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T16:49:35","slug":"best-summer-history-reads-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/77854\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Summer History Reads 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mark White\u2019s study of JFK<\/a> offers a compelling justification for yet another book on America\u2019s iconic president. Portraying Kennedy as youthful, optimistic and effective, it contrasts sharply with today\u2019s political gerontocracy. While acknowledging the mythologised image shaped by his assassination, White shows JFK\u2019s short presidency was marked by real achievements, both domestic and foreign. His cool and pragmatic handling of crises, especially over Berlin and Cuba, demonstrated strategic acumen, while his late but firm commitment to civil rights gave his leadership moral weight. White doesn\u2019t ignore Kennedy\u2019s reckless private life, but argues it didn\u2019t impair his public role, suggesting his behaviour stemmed from lifelong health issues and a sense of mortality. Boldly stepping into historical \u2018what-ifs\u2019, White persuasively contends JFK would have avoided the Vietnam War<\/a> and pursued moderate reform at home. This tightly argued, post-revisionist account stands out as the finest single-volume analysis of Kennedy\u2019s presidency \u2013 an enlightening and engaging read.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Iwan Morgan is emeritus professor of United States studies at University College London<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Rebel Romanov<\/p>\n

Helen Rappaport<\/p>\n

Helen Rappaport breathes life into the lost story of Princess Juliane of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld \u2013 Queen Victoria<\/a>\u2019s \u2018forgotten\u2019 aunt. With her signature flair for untangling forgotten corners of royal history, Rappaport uncovers the harrowing journey of a teenage girl thrust into the icy rituals of tsarist Russia and the violent hands of a disturbed husband, Grand Duke Konstantin. Julie\u2019s refusal to accept her fate \u2013 fleeing not once, but twice \u2013 marks her as a quietly radical figure amid Europe\u2019s rigid dynastic chessboard. Her life, largely self-erased from history out of fear and isolation, is here reclaimed with empathy, vivid detail and sharp insight. Rappaport also explores how Julie\u2019s ambitious yet relatively obscure noble family, led by the formidable matriarch Augusta, reshaped post-Napoleonic Europe through marriage. Rebel Romanov is both a deeply personal biography and a searing critique of aristocratic power, finally giving Julie the voice history denied her.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Danny Bird, Content Producer of BBC History Magazine<\/p>\n

\"Brothers_Grimm\"The Brothers Grimm: A Biography<\/p>\n

Ann Schmiesing<\/p>\n

Ann Schmiesing\u2019s biography of the Brothers Grimm is a long-overdue and richly rewarding study, filling a 50-year gap in English-language scholarship. Best known for their fairy tales, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were also pioneering figures in philology, mythology and folklore, shaping these disciplines profoundly. Schmiesing offers a highly readable and comprehensive account of their intellectual legacy, placing it firmly within the historical and political context of 19th-century Germany. She captures their close personal bond and family dynamics, as well as their involvement in events like the Napoleonic Wars<\/a> and the G\u00f6ttingen Seven protest. Importantly, she doesn\u2019t shy away from addressing the problematic aspects of their work, including instances of antisemitism, offering a nuanced view of German Romanticism\u2019s legacy. This is an essential read not only for folklorists and fairy-tale scholars but for anyone interested in the wider cultural and intellectual currents of the period.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Paul Cowdell, honorary senior research associate at the University of Bristol<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Scapegoat: The Brilliant Brief Life of the Duke of Buckingham<\/p>\n

Lucy Hughes-Hallett<\/p>\n

Lucy Hughes-Hallett\u2019s Scapegoat delivers a rich, expansive portrait of George Villiers<\/a>, Duke of Buckingham \u2013 the dazzling court favourite of both James VI & I<\/a> and Charles I<\/a>. In over 600 pages, the author moves beyond the myth of \u201cthe handsomest-bodied man in all of England\u201d to reveal a complex, flawed, and contradictory figure. Buckingham\u2019s meteoric rise was matched by scandal, corruption, and ultimately, a brutal fall. His relationships with both kings form a compelling, often fraught triangle of power, love, and loyalty. Hughes-Hallett\u2019s thematic approach makes this more than biography \u2013 it’s a vivid, fast-paced journey through the intrigue of early Stuart court life, enriched by scandal, politics, and personal drama. Her prose is sharp, her detail meticulous, and her portrait of Buckingham both absorbing and humane. Scapegoat is not only an engaging study of one man\u2019s rise and ruin, but a strikingly colourful account of a pivotal era in British and European history.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Joseph Ellis is a historical researcher at the University of York, specialising in the royal progresses of James VI & I<\/p>\n

\"WhenWhen We Ruled<\/p>\n

Paula Akpan<\/p>\n

This is a thrilling reclamation of African history through the lives of 12 extraordinary women who shaped empires, defied colonisers and redefined gender expectations across a millennium. Paula Akpan brings these rulers \u2013 like the cunning Queen Njinga of Ndongo and Matamba, the fiercely independent Ranavalona of Madagascar and the revolutionary Yaa Asantewaa of Ghana \u2013 vividly to life, balancing their triumphs with their complexities. Rather than flattening these figures into symbols of resistance or virtue, Akpan delves into the messy, powerful and sometimes violent realities of their rule. This is not a dry history lesson; it\u2019s a vibrant conversation between past and present, informed by community voices, a diverse array of perspectives and a sharp critique of colonial archives. Akpan challenges dominant narratives with clarity and passion, asking not just who ruled, but how and why their legacies endure or have been obscured. When We Ruled is essential reading for anyone interested in African history, women, power and memory.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Danny Bird, Content Producer of BBC History Magazine<\/p>\n

Ancient & Medieval History\"BetweenBetween Two Rivers: Ancient Mesopotamia and the Birth of History<\/p>\n

Moudhy Al-Rashid<\/p>\n

In this concise yet illuminating work, Oxford Assyriologist Moudhy Al-Rashid explores how ancient Mesopotamians understood and recorded their past, drawing from a vast body of writings preserved on clay tablets. Spanning from 3500 BC to the first century AD, Al-Rashid\u2019s engaging narrative weaves nine essays around artefacts from the so-called \u2018Ennigaldi-Nanna\u2019s museum\u2019, examining how history was perceived, taught, and displayed. She amplifies voices often unheard in ancient records: women, children and the enslaved, while interrogating the role of scholars in shaping historical understanding. Al-Rashid\u2019s highly personal style reveals history not as a neutral chronicle but as an evolving construct shaped by belief, cosmology and political power. While the book sidesteps certain philosophical questions such as conceptions of time or the effects of writing on oral tradition, it remains a revelatory study of \u2018the history of history\u2019.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Gojko Barjamovic is a senior lecturer in near eastern languages and civilisations and senior research scholar at Yale University<\/p>\n

\"InventingInventing the Renaissance: Myths of a Golden Age<\/p>\n

Ada Palmer<\/p>\n

Ada Palmer\u2019s Inventing the Renaissance offers a lively, accessible exploration of Renaissance political thought, centring on Machiavelli<\/a> and the humanist tradition. While it touches on the Borgias<\/a> and Medici<\/a> for context, the real focus is Machiavelli\u2019s radical ideas, particularly his prioritisation of consequences over morals or rules, positioning him as a forerunner of utilitarianism. Palmer excels at explaining humanism\u2019s evolving definitions and Machiavelli\u2019s ambiguous place within it. The book combines scholarly insight with an idiosyncratic, blog-like style: humorous asides, comic dialogues and quirky chapter titles abound. Some readers may find the tone uneven, with jokes occasionally misfiring, but the philosophical content is strong and clearly explained. Though sprawling and at times tangential, it\u2019s an engaging guide to how Renaissance history has been shaped and reshaped by historiography. For those curious about Machiavelli\u2019s shock factor and humanism\u2019s core, this is an excellent starting point, even if more traditional art coverage lies elsewhere.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Catherine Fletcher is professor of history at Manchester Metropolitan University. Her latest book is The Roads to Rome: A History<\/p>\n

\"HolyHoly Places: How Pilgrimage Changed the World<\/p>\n

Kathryn Hurlock<\/p>\n

Kathryn Hurlock\u2019s Holy Places explores why pilgrimage is booming despite the decline of organised religion in the West. She examines 19 global sites, from Lourdes in France to Karbala in Iraq and Tai Shan in China, offering concise historical accounts that highlight their rituals and significance. While some pilgrims may begin these journeys for leisure, Hurlock suggests that walking in ancient footsteps often sparks unexpected introspection. She challenges the idea that modern pilgrimage is merely tourism, noting its long-standing commercial aspects. However, her academic approach \u2013 rich in notes and context but lacking personal experience or on-the-ground reportage \u2013 may leave some readers wanting more emotional depth. The book\u2019s strength lies in its clarity and breadth, but its cool, rational tone feels slightly detached from the passion and yearning that often define pilgrimage. For those seeking a thoughtful, scholarly introduction to sacred travel, Holy Places will appeal. For others, it may feel too dispassionate for its deeply human subject.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Peter Stanford is a writer, broadcaster and author of Pilgrimage: Journeys of Meaning<\/p>\n

\"SummerSummer of Fire and Blood: The German Peasants\u2019 War<\/p>\n

Lyndal Roper<\/p>\n

Lyndal Roper vividly recounts the brutal 1524\u201325 uprisings across the German lands, where thousands of peasants, motivated by communal grievances, attacked monasteries and castles with unprecedented fury. While largely non-violent, notable atrocities \u2013 such as the Weinsberg killings \u2013 prompted brutal noble retaliation. The rebels, despite their numbers and support from Florian Geyer\u2019s cavalry, were no match for the nobles\u2019 mercenaries. The resulting bloodshed was immense, with around 100,000 peasants killed in what contemporaries termed the Aufruhr (\u2018turbulence\u2019). Roper narrates these events with clarity and flair, offering a compelling reinterpretation of the revolt\u2019s causes. Rather than focusing solely on socio-economic factors, she foregrounds the religious motivations of the rebels, linking their actions to the spiritual upheaval sparked by Martin Luther. Her argument \u2013 that this was a revolutionary religious movement \u2013 is both persuasive and powerful. This is an essential read for anyone interested in early modern popular protest.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Mark Stoyle is the author of A Murderous Midsummer: The Western Rising of 1549<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Monastic World: A 1,200-Year History<\/p>\n

Andrew Jotischky<\/p>\n

Andrew Jotischky\u2019s The Monastic World offers a rich, expansive survey of monasticism across the medieval era, moving beyond western Europe to explore traditions from Egypt to Britain. He includes both Latin and Orthodox practices, ensuring women\u2019s monastic experiences are not sidelined. Drawing on foundational texts and saints\u2019 lives, Jotischky reveals how small doctrinal differences often sparked deep conflict. From Benedictine traditions to radical ascetics \u2013 including pillar-dwelling abbots and naked holy fools \u2013 the book presents a strikingly diverse picture of monastic life. Famous figures like Bernard of Clairvaux appear, though military orders and mendicants are deliberately excluded to keep the scope manageable. While mainly chronological, the book is filled with thoughtful digressions. Not for beginners, The Monastic World best suits those with some grounding in medieval Christianity. For such readers, Jotischky\u2019s nuanced insights, especially his attention to eastern traditions, offer a rewarding and authoritative read.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Dani\u00e8le Cybulskie is a historian, podcaster and author. Her latest book is Chivalry and Courtesy: Medieval Manners for a Modern World<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Last Dynasty: Ancient Egypt from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra<\/p>\n

Toby Wilkinson<\/p>\n

Toby Wilkinson\u2019s The Last Dynasty offers a compelling and accessible account of the enigmatic Ptolemaic dynasty \u2013 the last to rule Egypt before Rome\u2019s conquest. Often sidelined by both classicists and Egyptologists, the Ptolemies emerge here in vivid detail. Wilkinson masterfully bridges the Greek-speaking Hellenistic world and traditional pharaonic Egypt, deftly handling the diverse sources needed to interpret this cultural fusion. He highlights both the dynasty\u2019s glories \u2013 Alexandria\u2019s splendour, intellectual achievements, monumental temples \u2013 and its flaws, including xenophobia, military blunders and poor leadership. Particularly strong is Wilkinson\u2019s analysis of the Egyptian context shaping Ptolemaic rule, revealing how Alexander the Great<\/a> himself was transformed by pharaonic ideology, and his vivid account of Alexander at Luxor Temple underscores how Egypt influenced its conquerors. This richly written book is a vital contribution to Hellenistic scholarship and a superb guide to understanding the Ptolemies on their own, uniquely Egyptian terms.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones is professor of ancient history at Cardiff University<\/p>\n

Military & War History\"AlliesAllies at War: The Politics of Defeating Hitler<\/p>\n

Tim Bouverie<\/p>\n

Tim Bouverie\u2019s engaging account of Second World War<\/a> diplomacy reveals the complex relationship between the \u2018Big Three\u2019: Franklin D Roosevelt, Josef Stalin<\/a> and Winston Churchill<\/a> \u2013 who, despite deep suspicions and rivalries, maintained a fa\u00e7ade of friendship. Bouverie skilfully balances the ruthless power struggles with moments of genuine diplomatic cooperation, offering a fast-paced narrative backed by extensive archival research, mainly from British sources. He sheds light on lesser-known episodes like the Royal Navy\u2019s attack on the French fleet and explores varied neutralities in Ireland and Spain. The book\u2019s title, from Churchill\u2019s adage \u2013 \u201cThere is only one thing worse than fighting with allies and that is fighting without them\u201d \u2013 captures the paradox of allied tensions. A striking example is the 1943 Tehran Conference, where Roosevelt\u2019s mocking camaraderie with Stalin humiliated Churchill, illustrating the alliance\u2019s underlying discord. Yet, Bouverie fairly acknowledges the strength of the Anglo-American partnership. Overall, the book is a nuanced study, suggesting modern leaders might benefit from better diplomatic performances, even if it\u2019s just pretending to be friends.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Richard Toye is professor of history at the University of Exeter. His books include Winston Churchill: A Life in the News<\/p>\n

\"AlliesFriends in Youth: Choosing Sides in the English Civil War<\/p>\n

Minoo Dinshaw<\/p>\n

Dinshaw\u2019s book is a clear labour of love, exploring a neglected yet illuminating topic: the intertwined lives of Edward Hyde and Bulstrode Whitelocke, two key political figures on opposite sides of the English Civil War<\/a>. Former friends with shared views on politics and religion, they both sought peace even as war divided them. Their contrasting fates \u2013 Hyde\u2019s rise and fall in royalist exile, Whitelocke\u2019s decline after parliamentary success \u2013 are skilfully traced. The book also examines their intellectual circle, notably Lord Falkland\u2019s Great Tew group, and captures the complexities of allegiance in a polarised age. Though marred by occasional factual errors, tangential misjudgements and a disjointed structure that ends prematurely with Falkland\u2019s death, it compensates with elegant prose and rich biographical and political insight. Ultimately, Dinshaw deepens our understanding of the Civil War\u2019s human dimensions and offers a thoughtful, engaging account deserving of praise.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Ronald Hutton is professor of history at the University of Bristol<\/p>\n

\"HerHer Secret Service: The Forgotten Women of British Intelligence<\/p>\n

Claire Hubbard-Hall<\/p>\n

Claire Hubbard-Hall\u2019s compelling and deeply researched book dismantles the sexist notion that secretaries in British intelligence needed only \u201cgood legs and a good upbringing\u201d. Instead, it reveals the vital, often overlooked roles women played in MI5, MI6 and the Special Operations Executive<\/a> (SOE) during both world wars. From administrative offices to fieldwork, their impact was profound. Figures like Winifred Spink and Kathleen Pettigrew, \u201cthe real Miss Moneypenny\u201d, are brought vividly to life. The narrative is rich with stories of espionage, resilience and even absurdities, such as a dog-loving double agent nearly compromising D-Day<\/a>. Hubbard-Hall avoids clich\u00e9s, offering fresh insights and personal anecdotes that highlight both adventure and institutional injustice. Women\u2019s contributions were significant, yet often went unrewarded \u2013 still, they pushed boundaries and seized opportunities in a male-dominated world. This eloquent book is both a tribute and a correction to the historical record, an inspiring chronicle of women\u2019s grit, ingenuity, and unrecognised brilliance in wartime intelligence.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Kate Vigurs is a historian and author. Her latest book is Mission Europe<\/p>\n

\"RainRain of Ruin: Tokyo, Hiroshima and the Surrender of Japan<\/p>\n

Richard Overy<\/p>\n

Richard Overy, a leading authority on Second World War bombings, brings sharp insight to Rain of Ruin, a lucid account of the air war against Japan. Avoiding common pitfalls, he integrates Japanese perspectives and highlights the moral ambiguities of strategic bombing, including the development and use of the atomic bomb. Overy critiques the historical erasure of Japanese civilian suffering and challenges the simplistic \u2018bombing equals surrender\u2019 narrative. His inclusion of personal testimonies, such as Tsukiyama Mihoro\u2019s \u2013 a young survivor who witnessed people spontaneously combust during the firebombing of Tokyo on 9-10 March 1945 \u2013 underlines the brutality of the campaign. While he remains cautious in drawing conclusions, his work invites a reassessment of longstanding triumphalist accounts. The book also reveals surprising facts, like Britain\u2019s eagerness to bomb Japan and the early technical struggles of the B-29 programme. Overy\u2019s sober and balanced analysis marks a significant step towards a more inclusive and honest reckoning with the war in Asia, even if the controversy around Allied actions endures.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Aaron William Moore is Handa chair of Japanese-Chinese relations at the University of Edinburgh<\/p>\n

Buy now on Amazon<\/a>, Waterstones<\/a> or Bookshop.org<\/a>Modern Political & Global History\"3838 Londres Street: On Impunity, Pinochet in England and a Nazi in Patagonia<\/p>\n

Philippe Sands<\/p>\n

38 Londres Street is the final instalment in a trilogy of books that began with the groundbreaking and universally acclaimed East-West Street in 2016. Once again, the lawyer and author Philippe Sands is on the trail of those accused of crimes against humanity, in this case SS officer Walther Rauff, who wound up in southern Chile, and that country\u2019s former dictator, Augusto Pinochet, who Sands himself encountered in a London courtroom at the turn of this century. Deftly blending history, law, memoir and travelogue, 38 Londres Street centres on two key questions: did Rauff assist in Pinochet\u2019s brutal repressions? And why was Pinochet able to leave Britain without standing trial for his alleged crimes? Beyond this, Sands also explores what the tales of these men tell us about the concepts of immunity and impunity, which remain as vitally important today as in the years covered by the book.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Robert Attar, Editor of BBC History Magazine<\/p>\n

\"Patria:Patria: Lost Countries of South America<\/p>\n

Laurence Blair<\/p>\n

In this engaging and well-researched book, Laurence Blair takes readers on a sweeping journey across South America, blending travelogue with historical reflection. He brings to light lesser-known histories of resistance, forgotten kingdoms and unrealised political dreams, arguing that the continent\u2019s past still shapes its present. Blair challenges myths, showing the Amazon as a human-shaped environment and recounting how indigenous groups and escaped slaves forged autonomous societies. He focuses on the stories of the vanquished, whose perspectives, he suggests, reveal deeper truths than the victors\u2019 narratives. Yet while the book vividly captures South America\u2019s complexity and lost potential, it sometimes misses opportunities to probe deeper, particularly into how and why certain memories persist while others fade. Still, Blair\u2019s commitment to uncovering buried histories is admirable. His central question: \u201cWhat might have been?\u201d lingers, even as his answers remain partial. The result is a fascinating, thought-provoking read that connects past and present with insight and empathy.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Tamar Herzog is Monroe Gutman professor of Latin American affairs at Harvard University<\/p>\n

\"TheThe CIA Book Club: The Best-Kept Secret of the Cold War<\/p>\n

Charlie English<\/p>\n

The CIA Book Club uncovers the CIA\u2019s little-known campaign to smuggle banned books by authors like George Orwell, Virginia Woolf and Albert Camus into 1980s Poland, supporting the fight for democracy. While the CIA had long operated cultural initiatives across Eastern Europe, this effort intensified during the Cold War<\/a>\u2019s final years, aligning with a global democratic surge. English\u2019s well-researched study offers an alternative to the CIA\u2019s usual image, focusing on subtle influence: money, propaganda and print. Figures like Miros\u0142aw Chojecki, key to Poland\u2019s Solidarity movement, received covert support, becoming cultural leaders in their own right. Though some, like Frances Stonor Saunders, accused the CIA of cultural manipulation, others viewed these efforts more favourably. English avoids simplistic conclusions, offering a nuanced social history of a covert book programme that, while not the Cold War\u2019s best-kept secret, is certainly one of its most compelling stories. Ultimately, the book\u2019s optimistic tone reflects Poland\u2019s relatively successful democratic transition.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Richard J Aldrich is professor of international security at the University of Warwick<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Hohenzollerns and the Nazis: A History of Collaboration<\/p>\n

Stephan Malinowski<\/p>\n

Stephan Malinowski\u2019s compelling and meticulously researched book exposes the long-overlooked complicity of Germany\u2019s former royal family, the Hohenzollerns, in the rise of Nazism. While ex-Kaiser Wilhelm II faded into bitter exile, his son, \u2018Crown Prince\u2019 Wilhelm, played a far more active and sinister role, aligning himself with far-right forces and later endorsing Adolf Hitler as a means of restoring the monarchy. Though Hitler cynically exploited the monarchists\u2019 support, he ultimately discarded them, leaving the Hohenzollerns politically irrelevant but still publicly loyal. Malinowski dismantles the post-war myth of aristocratic resistance to Nazism, showing instead how elites abetted the regime\u2019s consolidation of power. He also highlights the continued efforts of the Hohenzollerns to obscure this truth, including lawsuits aimed at silencing critics. This readable and courageous work should be essential reading for anyone interested in the Weimar Republic, Nazi Germany and the ongoing struggle over historical memory and justice in reunified Germany.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Sir Richard J Evans is Regius professor emeritus of history at the University of Cambridge. His latest book is Hitler\u2019s People: The Faces of the Third Reich<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Nazi Mind: Twelve Warnings from History<\/p>\n

Laurence Rees<\/p>\n

Laurence Rees delivers a chilling, deeply engaging exploration of how ordinary people became complicit in extraordinary evil. Drawing on decades of interviews, including conversations with former Nazis and Holocaust survivors, Rees dives into the psychological and cultural forces that shaped the Nazi worldview. This isn\u2019t military history, it\u2019s a forensic investigation into the human mind under authoritarian pressure. Rees blends neuroscience, oral testimony and philosophy to illuminate how manipulation, fear and ideological fervour took root, particularly among the young. Central to Rees\u2019s book is his recollection of an encounter with an ex-Waffen SS officer who continued to revere Nazism despite all the devastation and genocidal mania it had inflicted. Sceptical of posterity\u2019s ability to learn lessons from the past, Rees instead offers \u2018warnings\u2019 that encourage critical thinking over simplistic judgment. With sobering insight and personal urgency, this book reminds us that understanding the human mind is perhaps our best defence against repeating history\u2019s darkest chapters.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Danny Bird, Content Producer of BBC History Magazine<\/p>\n

Cultural, Social & Intellectual History\"EveryEvery Valley: The Story of Handel\u2019s Messiah<\/p>\n

Charles King<\/p>\n

Charles King\u2019s Every Valley is a sweeping, erudite exploration of Handel\u2019s iconic oratorio, though not without its flaws. While not a Handel expert, King\u2019s diligent research and extensive bibliography lend credibility and his tripartite structure reflects the libretto\u2019s original organisation. He weaves five interconnected narratives with enthusiasm, offering rewarding historical context on 17th and 18th-century Britain, including the Glorious Revolution<\/a>, colonialism and Enlightenment thinkers. His prose is engaging and his insights into character networks are often perceptive. However, tangents \u2013 such as the story of Ayuba Diallo \u2013 occasionally feel extraneous. Crucially, King falters on musical analysis; errors about performers and superficial commentary on Messiah\u2019s score betray a limited grasp of Handel\u2019s music. Nonetheless, despite its imprecision in fine musical detail, the book succeeds in painting a vivid, compelling portrait of the world in which Messiah was born. It\u2019s a flawed but imaginative and ambitious account.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: David Vickers is a lecturer at the Royal Northern College of Music<\/p>\n

\"HolyHoly Men of the Electromagnetic Age: A Forgotten History of the Occult<\/p>\n

Raphael Cormack<\/p>\n

In late 1924, author Arthur Conan Doyle hailed modern spiritualism as miraculous, drawing comparisons between s\u00e9ance phenomena and biblical wonders. Doyle\u2019s recognition of the wonder of the unknown is reflected in the narratives presented in Holy Men of the Electromagnetic Age: A Forgotten History of the Occult, a book which explores the allure of the mystical during times of political and social upheaval by focusing on the transnational careers of two little-known figures: Tahra Bey, a self-styled fakir who captivated 1920s Paris, and Dr Dahesh, founder of a pan-religious doctrine blending hypnotism and spiritualism. Drawing on European and Arabic archival sources, Cormack does not shy away from acknowledging gaps in the records. Rather than weakening the narrative, the inclusion of uncorroborated events highlights the ways in which hearsay and word of mouth fuelled celebrity. By reviving these enigmatic \u2018holy men,\u2019 the book offers a compelling cultural history of occultism in the Middle East, revealing how myths form from humanity\u2019s search for meaning in turbulent times. Cormack\u2019s study is both insightful and engaging, filling a notable gap in spiritualist scholarship.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Fiona Snailham, lecturer in English literature at the University of Greenwich<\/p>\n

\"LondonLondon Uncanny: A Gothic Guide to the Capital in Weird History and Fiction<\/p>\n

Clive Bloom<\/p>\n

This idiosyncratic journey through fantasy and the paranormal begins at a dubious 1930s s\u00e9ance in Sydenham and leaps through time, blending fact and fiction. From 1970s poltergeists in London\u2019s suburbs to Clive Barker\u2019s Hellraiser and Dickens\u2019s haunting Night Walks, the book is eclectic and pleasantly disorientating. Familiar supernatural tales like Spring-Heeled Jack<\/a> and Aleister Crowley sit alongside surprising insights \u2013 such as TS Eliot dressing up as Dr Crippen and Montague Summers\u2019 Black Mass in Hampstead. The chaotic structure may frustrate those expecting a linear Gothic history, but it mirrors the disorder of the Gothic metropolis. Bloom, for example, uniquely intertwines Gothic literature with pop culture, including a David Bowie video and ABBA\u2019s ghostly holograms. The book concludes with Gilbert and George providingan eerie metaphor for urban Gothic in Spitalfields, a weird, compelling meditation on death and life intertwined.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Lee Jackson, author of Dickensland: The Curious History of Dickens\u2019s London<\/p>\n

\"NoNo Ordinary Deaths: A People\u2019s History of Mortality<\/p>\n

Molly Conisbee<\/p>\n

Molly Conisbee\u2019s overview of British cultural life is a labour of love, blending personal stories with broader reflections on mortality. She explores England\u2019s pre- and post-Reformation<\/a> customs, the 19th-century rise of funeral directors and modern ideas of a \u2018good death\u2019. The book meanders through fascinating topics like industrialisation, Victorian mourning attire and social class, juxtaposing figures such as Edvard Munch and CS Lewis to show how grief shaped their work. Detailed chapters cover beliefs about body, soul and afterlife, plus mourning traditions across England, Wales and Ireland. Conisbee highlights harsh 1832 laws on medical dissection and addresses memorials for same-sex relationships. She is committed to telling the stories of those often overlooked by history. The book\u2019s eclectic flow reflects new research and folklore and is overall an engaging and thoughtful survey of death in British culture.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Douglas Davies, professor in the Department of Theology and Religion, and director in the Centre for Death and Life Studies at Durham University<\/p>\n

\"WhatWhat Is Free Speech? The History of a Dangerous Idea<\/p>\n

Fara Dabhoiwala<\/p>\n

Fara Dabhoiwala\u2019s What Is Free Speech? is a masterful, revisionist history that exposes the myth of free speech absolutism. Dabhoiwala shows how appeals to free expression often mask selective, self-serving agendas. He argues that speech, far from being inherently free, has always been constrained by power, context and consequence. Foundational texts like Cato\u2019s Letters were partisan tools rather than principled defences, while later liberal icons such as JS Mill upheld freedoms that excluded colonial subjects. Though the book ranges globally, it centres on the US, where the First Amendment and tech giants have turned free speech into both a cultural battleground and a corporate shield. Dabhoiwala\u2019s conclusion is cautious: free speech debates are rarely about speech alone. His deeper point is clear: when someone claims to defend free speech absolutely, it\u2019s worth asking: \u201cWhose speech, and to what end?\u201d<\/p>\n

Reviewer: David Runciman is the host of Past Present Future: The History of Ideas podcast. His latest book is The History of Ideas<\/p>\n

Crime, Conspiracy & Public Health\"ControllingControlling Contagion: Epidemics and Institutions from the Black Death to Covid<\/p>\n

Sheilagh Ogilvie<\/p>\n

Shelagh Ogilvie\u2019s book tackles the long-standing question of what works in controlling contagion, tracing responses from the Black Death<\/a> to Covid-19. Exploring six institutions \u2013 market, state, community, religion, guild and family \u2013 she identifies how each has shaped epidemics and public health outcomes. Her analysis challenges myths, revealing more complex social dynamics whereby many of the wealthier inhabitants fled before quarantine was imposed. Ogilvie stresses that being poor in a pandemic is disadvantageous and highlights the importance not just of state power, but also its motivation, municipal structures and community cooperation. She shows how strong family ties can both help and hinder public health. The book concludes with cautious optimism: while no institution is perfect, societies have gradually improved their capacity to manage disease through innovation and coordination. Ogilvie avoids simple answers, but suggests that a balance of institutional diversity, social trust and an effective state offers the best defence against future pandemics.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Virginia Berridge is professor of history and health policy at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine<\/p>\n

\"GhostsGhosts of Iron Mountain: The Hoax that Duped America and its Sinister Legacy<\/p>\n

Phil Tinline<\/p>\n

Phil Tinline\u2019s new book recounts the 1967 Report from Iron Mountain, which satirised America\u2019s Vietnam-era war machine by claiming the US needed endless wars for economic and political stability. Despite being exposed as a hoax, many clung to it because it felt true to their pre-existing beliefs about US war policy. Tinline shows how people often adopt beliefs based on comfort rather than truth, cherry-picking evidence or relying on feelings instead of facts. This hoax did not significantly alter public opinion or ignite conspiracy theorising but fits into a broader history of distrust. Tinline skilfully avoids grand claims or partisan bias, portraying extreme scepticism of the military-industrial complex as a bipartisan phenomenon. The book illustrates how beliefs sometimes arise not from reality but from what feels true, offering a thoughtful exploration of why Americans distrust official narratives.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Joseph E Uscinski is a professor of political science at the University of Miami. His books include Conspiracy Theories and the People Who Believe Them<\/p>\n

Buy now on Amazon<\/a>, Waterstones<\/a> or Bookshop.org<\/a><\/p>\n

\"StoryStory of a Murder: The Wives, the Mistress and Dr Crippen<\/p>\n

Hallie Rubenhold<\/p>\n

In 1910, music hall performer Belle Elmore went missing. Her husband Dr Hawley Harvey Crippen claimed Belle had gone to America to visit a dying relative. But before long, the seemingly respectable doctor’s stories began to unravel and he went on the run, triggering an international manhunt that gripped the globe. In Story of a Murder, Hallie Rubenhold reconstructs this Edwardian cause c\u00e9l\u00e8bre. But, as in her previous book on the Jack the Ripper<\/a> murders, The Five, the historian rewrites the narrative of this well-known case by placing the spotlight back onto the victim. She seeks to rehabilitate Belle\u2019s image from the misogynist press coverage of the day, and reveals how her life intersected with some of the darkest undercurrents of the age. A wholly gripping and forensically researched read for those who prefer true crime stories that offer enlightening social commentary over prurience or gore.<\/p>\n

Reviewer: Ellie Cawthorne, Editor of the HistoryExtra podcast<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Mark White\u2019s study of JFK offers a compelling justification for yet another book on America\u2019s iconic president. Portraying…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":77855,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[64,63,457,134],"class_list":["post-77854","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-books","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-books","tag-entertainment"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77854","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=77854"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77854\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/77855"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=77854"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=77854"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=77854"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}