12 Excellent New Biographies (page 2)

Cover art for THE HEARTBREAK OF AARON BURR

NONFICTION

Released: May 1, 2012

by H.W. Brands

"A short but thrilling page-turner. Brands burrows into Burr's psyche and exposes his failings as he details the outstanding talents that were so sadly wasted."

Most schoolchildren can tell you that Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel. Brands (History/Univ. of Texas; The Murder of Jim Fisk for the Love of Josie Mansfield, 2012, etc.) chronicles the story of the downward trajectory his fortunes endured thereafter. Read full book review >

NONFICTION

Released: Aug. 7, 2012

GIL HODGES: THE BROOKLYN BUMS, THE MIRACLE METS, AND THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF A BASEBALL LEGEND

by Tom Clavin, Danny Peary

"A loving appreciation of a rare commodity: an extraordinary athlete who was an even better man."

A neglected baseball great receives his due in this comprehensive biography. Read full book review >

NONFICTION

Released: May 29, 2012

CRONKITE

by Douglas Brinkley

"Still, the best portrait of Cronkite--that legendary journalist, certainly worthy of a big biography--that we have."

Oversized biography of the larger-than-life newscaster, still a byword for a TV anchor, at least among viewers of a certain age. Read full book review >

NONFICTION

Released: July 3, 2012

AGENT GARBO: THE BRILLIANT, ECCENTRIC SECRET AGENT WHO TRICKED HITLER AND SAVED D-DAY

by Stephan Talty

"A lively, rollicking good read."

The exciting, improbable adventures of a young Spanish spy who managed to become Britain's most effective tool in deceiving Hitler. Read full book review >

NONFICTION

Released: May 8, 2012

BIRDSEYE: THE ADVENTURES OF A CURIOUS MAN

by Mark Kurlansky

"The author notes that Birdseye knew that curiosity is "one essential ingredient" in a fulfilling life; it is a quality that grateful readers also discover in each of Kurlansky's books."

Yes, the frozen-food guy really was named Clarence Birdseye (1886–1956), and the story of his adventures is another satisfying dish from the remarkable menu of the author of Cod (1997), Salt (2002) and other treats. Read full book review >

NONFICTION

Released: Sept. 4, 2012

ON A FARTHER SHORE: THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF RACHEL CARSON

by William Souder

"A poignant, galvanizing, meaningful tribute."

Fifty years after the publication of Rachel Carson's seminal Silent Spring, Pulitzer Prize nominee Souder (Under a Wild Sky: John James Audubon and the Making of The Birds of America, 2004, etc.) examines the legacy and lasting impact of Carson's passionate environmental work. Read full book review >

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12 Excellent New Biographies (page 2)