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2011 Best of Nonfiction: The Complete List

Cover art for HOWARD COSELL
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 14, 2011
Kirkus Star HOWARD COSELL: THE MAN, THE MYTH, AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF AMERICAN SPORTS
by Mark Ribowsky
"The definitive word on a loved, loathed, maddeningly complex broadcasting legend."
You could make a case that Howard Cosell (1918–1995) was the single most important sports broadcaster ever. You would be right. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE BEAUTY AND THE SORROW
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 11, 2011
Kirkus Star THE BEAUTY AND THE SORROW: AN INTIMATE HISTORY OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR
by Peter Englund, translated by Peter Graves
"An exquisite book."
The Great War, as experienced by 20 ordinary people. Read full book review >
Cover art for TOLSTOY
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 9, 2011
Kirkus Star TOLSTOY: A RUSSIAN LIFE
by Rosamund Bartlett
"A rich, complex life told in rich, complex prose."
Cultural historian and translator Bartlett (Chekhov: Scenes from a Life, 2004, etc.) unravels the ornate and complicated tapestry of the life of the great Russian writer. Read full book review >
Cover art for BENTO'S SKETCHBOOK
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 8, 2011
Kirkus Star BENTO'S SKETCHBOOK
by John Berger, illustrated by John Berger
"Berger's readers will see with fresh eyes."
A deceptively brief volume offers profound meditations on art, the creative process and so much more. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE ECSTASY OF INFLUENCE
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 8, 2011
Kirkus Star THE ECSTASY OF INFLUENCE: NONFICTIONS, ETC.
by Jonathan Lethem
"Inevitably a mixed bag, but with high ambitions and a strong sense of purpose."
Conceptual ambition, sense of purpose and a fan's evangelical devotion distinguish this collection from the typical novelist's gathering of nonfiction miscellany. Read full book review >
Cover art for INFERNO
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 2, 2011
Kirkus Star INFERNO: THE WORLD AT WAR, 1939-1945
by Max Hastings
"Excellent general WWII accounts abound--including those by historical superstars such as Stephen Ambrose and John Keegan--but Hastings is matchless."
A World War II history by Hastings (Winston's War: Churchill, 1940–1945, 2010, etc.) may seem like a tautology, but readers familiar with his previous books will expect an enthralling account of his favorite subject. They will not be disappointed. Read full book review >