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2011 Best of Nonfiction: History

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 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 >
Cover art for THE THOUSAND-YEAR FLOOD
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star THE THOUSAND-YEAR FLOOD: THE OHIO-MISSISSIPPI DISASTER OF 1937
by David Welky
"An eye-opening account of a national disaster that has been all but forgotten, as well as a shameful spotlight on the short-sightedness of humans in the face of the awesome powers of nature."
The story of the worst flood in American history and how it overwhelmed the Ohio river valley and much of the lower Mississippi in January and February 1937. Read full book review >
Cover art for ASSASSINS OF THE TURQUOISE PALACE
NONFICTION
Released: Oct. 4, 2011
Kirkus Star ASSASSINS OF THE TURQUOISE PALACE
by Roya Hakakian
"A nonfiction political thriller of a very high order."
Riveting account of a multiple murder and trial that led to a paradigm shift in Europe's relations with post-revolutionary Iran. Read full book review >
Cover art for DEATH IN THE CITY OF LIGHT
NONFICTION
Released: Sept. 27, 2011
Kirkus Star DEATH IN THE CITY OF LIGHT: THE SERIAL KILLER OF NAZI-OCCUPIED PARIS
by David King
"The author's successful transition into the true-crime genre—expertly written and completely absorbing."
The gripping narrative of a twisted serial killer preying on the most vulnerable citizens of Paris during the Nazi occupation. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE DESTINY OF THE REPUBLIC
NONFICTION
Released: Sept. 20, 2011
Kirkus Star THE DESTINY OF THE REPUBLIC: A TALE OF MADNESS, MEDICINE, AND THE MURDER OF A PRESIDENT
by Candice Millard
"Superb American history."
The shocking shooting and the painful, lingering death of the 20th president. Read full book review >