I really appreciate that when it comes to books covering historical subjects, such as the Civil War and the Mexican-American War in this issue, you tend to provide your preferred title on the subject. It's great to come away with your opinion on this title plus a recommendation on a really good alternative. My TBR list benefits a lot!
Two good reviews Jeremy. Your position on Smith’s work is understandable. I saw the racism as well, when I read the work last year and noted as much then: https://x.com/Gardner3J/status/1624882990177308672
It’s a shame because, among other things, it detracts from a well-researched book. And while distorted, Smith does give some depth to Mexico, the key players, their motivations and maneuvering which could only come from such work.
As you wrote, you were forewarned of such histories. Even Rhodes isn’t above engaging the myth of the docile, happy slave in his aforementioned work. More are to come: I had many SMH moments in The Life and Letters of Walter Page from triple-Pulitzer winner Burton Hendrick.
What makes it still somewhat readable to me was to view these examples as history unto itself, the thesis of which is explored by Ibram Kendi in his National Book Award winning work, Stamped From the Beginning: A Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America. I read that book before reading some of these older histories and commend it to you. Not saying you won’t have more DNF - something I’m perhaps unfortunately constitutionally incapable of - but hopefully it will provide some additional background when you come across such passages.
Thanks John! Always appreciate your perspective. If Smith's work was ~400 pages, I probably would have plowed through . . . part of it was definitely the length. I'll take it book by book for sure. Good idea to read Stamped — I have that on my shelf.
I really appreciate that when it comes to books covering historical subjects, such as the Civil War and the Mexican-American War in this issue, you tend to provide your preferred title on the subject. It's great to come away with your opinion on this title plus a recommendation on a really good alternative. My TBR list benefits a lot!
Glad to hear it’s helpful! Thanks for reading!
Two good reviews Jeremy. Your position on Smith’s work is understandable. I saw the racism as well, when I read the work last year and noted as much then: https://x.com/Gardner3J/status/1624882990177308672
It’s a shame because, among other things, it detracts from a well-researched book. And while distorted, Smith does give some depth to Mexico, the key players, their motivations and maneuvering which could only come from such work.
As you wrote, you were forewarned of such histories. Even Rhodes isn’t above engaging the myth of the docile, happy slave in his aforementioned work. More are to come: I had many SMH moments in The Life and Letters of Walter Page from triple-Pulitzer winner Burton Hendrick.
What makes it still somewhat readable to me was to view these examples as history unto itself, the thesis of which is explored by Ibram Kendi in his National Book Award winning work, Stamped From the Beginning: A Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America. I read that book before reading some of these older histories and commend it to you. Not saying you won’t have more DNF - something I’m perhaps unfortunately constitutionally incapable of - but hopefully it will provide some additional background when you come across such passages.
Thanks John! Always appreciate your perspective. If Smith's work was ~400 pages, I probably would have plowed through . . . part of it was definitely the length. I'll take it book by book for sure. Good idea to read Stamped — I have that on my shelf.
I highly recommend Abraham Lincoln and Mexico: A History of Courage, Intrigue and Unlikely Friendships
Book by Michael Hogan. I think you would love this book.
I can't wait for your review of The Bridge of San Luis Rey. And I'll bet you even pronounce Luis correctly. Not Louie!
I forget if you read Eric Larson's new pre- Civil War book, The Demon of Unrest. It's so good!
Looks wonderful, thanks for the rec!
A little off topic but what are the summer holidays where you are from ? Where I am it’s end of June to beginning to September.
Our summer break is late May to mid August. So August is always a little crazy with school starting.