Monday, August 18, 2008

Style Matters

As some of you might know, I read almost exclusively non-fiction, and 70%+ history.  The latest book that I finished was Rick Atkinson’s “The Long Gray Line.”  This is the fourth or fifth book of Atkinson’s that I’ve read.  I consider him a brilliant writer, masterful storyteller, and informer extraordinaire. 

After finishing the book, which I thoroughly enjoyed, I moved into my next book: Rosamond McKitterick’s “Charlemagne.”  I have long been in search of a biography of Charlemagne that was worth a bucket of spit.  Most of them are so riddled with legend and conjecture as to be no better than a fairytale written by Andersen (not that there’s anything wrong with fairy tales). 

I’m about 50 pages into my new book and it is exceptionally detailed and excruciatingly sourced.  So far, it’s what I’ve been looking for.  But at the same time, it a laborious read.  Instead of cruising through it like a dolphin through the surf, it’s more like pulling a plow through rocky soil with a lame ox. 

It just goes to illustrate the incredible rarity of an author who can take detailed historical information and weave it into a story that’s a delight to read.  Atkinson and McCullough come to mind. 

I love to gain knowledge, but it’s so much nicer when it’s done in such an effortless manner.

(2) Comments
Posted by Owen at 2035 hrs
Our Favorites + Books

  1. Another one I would add to that list is Joseph Ellis.

    Posted by Bitter on August 18, 2008 at 2223 hrs


  2. One of my favorites for more recent history is David Halberstam. I really like McCullough as well. Someone gave me “The Long Gray Line” as a gift last year, and I haven’t picked it up yet. I’ll move it up close to the front of the line.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 19, 2008 at 0833 hrs


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