Hourly HistoryCritiques

A very brief overview of the war; it's causes, biggest fights and personalities, and eventual outcome. This was stock textbook material, but a good read for somebody who has not studied this war. It was a freebie from Audible, 1 hour 33 mins.

A Brief Overview of the life of Audrey Hepburn from her WWII childhood, her early modeling and the plays she starred in. We also get an overview of her movies, her romances, marriages and latter her humanitarian works. Pick this book up for its briefness and for the facts presented.

As stated on the cover this is only meant to be a primer that covers a whole civilisation in a 60 minute read. That said, I felt this book didn’t quite achieve its aim. It appears that as much is unknown of this ancient civilisation and much is based on theories, this brief summary while giving an outline of key points failed to convey a clear cohesive view of the Hittites.

A very brief, sparsely detailed and struggling-to-be-inoffensive account of the background of the pilgrim and puritan settling of New England. As a booklet for American junior secondary students, probably warrants a 3/5. For everyone else, a rating of 1 fits.

Just what I needed – a concise overview of Brian Boru's life, his rise to power, the main players in Ireland at the time, and a brief comment on the legacy of the events. Actually very helpful as a supplement to heavier texts such as the much drier An Illustrated History of Ireland from Ad 400 to 1800 by Mary Francis Cusack, which I'm ploughing through at time of review.

A great book, one that spotlight George Harrison, who little about him I knew. From early school to the return of his cancer, this was a good overview of his life, his successes and even his defeats.

Now I need to spin up his albums, just to see if they play the same.

Written by Leona O. on Aug 11, 2022
A short e-book about the life of Saint Teresa of Avila, Spain.
Teresa Sanchez de Cepeda y Ahumada was born March 28, 1515. As a child she felt God talked to her and at the age of 20, she convinced one of her brothers to take her to the Carmelite Convent in Avika against her father's wishes.
Teresa founded many convents and monesteries in Spain. Some of her actions were not acceped by some of the nuns of the religious orders.
Teresa died October 4, 1582 or early the next morning. At this time Catholic Europe was changing from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar and removed the dates October 5-14 so her date of death would be either October 4 or October 15.

Introduction
Early Life and Loss
Teresa's Near-Fatal Illness
Mortification and Miracles
The Death of Her Father
Visions and Visitations
The Convent of Saint Joseph
Facing Opposition
Spreading the Message
The Interior Circle
Conclusion
Bibliography
Pope Gregory XV canonized her as a saint 40 years later.

This is a short e-book published by Hourly History that I downloaded to my Kindle.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Born to Paint
Early Success
Death of His Wife
The Night Watch
Rembrandt's Biblical Scenes
Scandalous Love Life
Continued Work
Financial Ruin
Late Life and Death
Conclusion
Bibliography

This short book is full of information about Rembrandt, his paintings, and his life. It is sad he had to file bankruptcy but sadder his pauper's grave was eventually dug up and his remains destroyed.
It is believed Rembrandt produced 350 paintings, 300 etchings, and thousands of drawings but that is still a debate.
Other artists are mentioned in the book: Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian.
Rembrandt was born in 1606 in the Dutch city of Leiden and died at the age of 63 October, 4. 1669.
Some paintings: Aristotle With a Bust of Homer, The Man With the Golden Helmet, and one of his last paintings, The Return of the Prodigal Son.
Very interesting book about an artist.

This was a good short read.

There isn't all that much to say about it. It was as it states: a quick history of the Boston Tea party. I read about it in school at length and thought it might be fun to take another die through history.

While I enjoyed it, it did feel like I was back in history class--LOL--and I got a little bored. Sometimes these short reads keep my attention and other times they do not. This was one of the times it did not but it's still a well written book½

"Even at a young age, Mary had an avid interest in politics. Her family were devoted Whigs. At the age of nine, she supported Zachary Taylor and refused to attend a parade for Andrew Jackson when he visited Lexington. Politics was discussed freely in the Todd house, and Mary developed her strong beliefs early on".

Mary Todd Lincoln: A Life from Beginning to End
by Hourly History

I love these type of books.

I remember back in elementary school reading about the Lincolns. However, that was a long time ago, (longer than I like to admit). I saw this book on Kindle and decided to read it.

I really enjoyed this book. It is short but covers so much. And I learned so much about Mrs. Lincoln. And I deeply respected her.

Mary Todd Lincoln was a woman ahead of her time which I am glad the writer notes. At a time when women were expected to be strong, silent and fade into the backround, Mary was blazing with intelligence and was both intelligent and sassy. People did not know what to make of her. But most of all she had a deep love of Politics that many could not understand because it was not proper for women to get involved in these things.

I related to her greatly. I am a political junkie who was born with it in my blood and have come across many people, even in today's times, who do not understand it. How difficult it must have been, being herself in a world that was so not open to change and non conformity. I have such admiration for her.

She did not seem happy as many have mentioned but how could she be? The wheelings and dealings of her son, Robert, were shocking and distasteful and I'd love if this writer were to research HIM because I'd love to know why he did the things he did to Mary.

The fact that she was disliked by many while alive and then revered after she died does show the hypocrisy of the general public and and of politics in general.

I enjoyed reading about President Lincoln as well, an unassuming farm boy who becomes one of the greatest presidents who ever lived.

I loved everything from reading about the people to the time period.

It was a quick and educational read that I would really recommend to just about anyone.

Good little book on Celtic Mythology, it gives a quick overview of the various cycles and events.

It also covers a bit of history.

Greatly encapsulated life of Erwin Rommel. Gives you an overview of his life but no depth.

I was drawn to John Wycliffe by Foxe's Book of Martyrs. It was odd to me how many people were being persecuted by upholding Wycliffe's beliefs. What was it Wycliffe was promoting? This book gives a taste of the ideas which later started the reformation, but even today have the power to ignite a new reformation. Wycliffe would not be satisfied with the American evangelical church. Neither would Lord Jesus.

An introduction to the Napoleonic Wars

The Napoleonic wars and their after effects had a lasting impact on France, Europe, and the world. This short book provides a quick but fulfilling outline on the causes, involvements, and the lasting impacts.

I enjoyed this book because it broke down the details of how the conflicts occurred, and how they related to the French Revolution, and also other events (particularly the Louisiana purchase in America).

There is a bibliography at the end, with a wealth of additional material to consider. I recommend this for all casual historians.

A symbol of hope and freedom.

This short history/biography lays out the life of a brave fighter for truth and justice. At a time in history that was extremely unfavorable to her because of race and sex, she was willing to stand up boldly, and often with a sense of humor.

I didn't know much about Sojourner before I read this, but I am inspired by her courage and devotion to noble ideals.

The book gave me enough information to become interested in learning more, and be aware of who she is, and what she stood for.

A short biography and set of book reviews

This is the 4th hourly history book that I have finished, and I am finding that they are great introductions to the subject matter. I recommend the hourly history books, including this one, as a starting area to:
1) See if the subject is personally interesting
2) Become conversant in the material
3) Pursue additional information starting with the bibliographies provided

I had heard the name of George Eliot before, and also some of the book titles that she was famous for, but I didn't know much else. To me, she is a tragic figure, living in a period of time that was very constraining for women, and having to deal with realities of her own appearance, and the attitudes of the time. I am glad that she was able to find some measure of happiness in her life.

An overview of a modern horror

With all hourly history, I am going to start with this standard review:
I recommend the hourly history books as a starting area to:

1) See if the subject is personally interesting

2) Become conversant in the material

3) Pursue additional information starting with the bibliographies provided

This book gives a history of the Nuremberg trials, why and how they happened, and the major items in the first trial

The horrors that were perpetrated on the Jews and other minority groups are full of evil and maliciousness - the disregard for human life and morality is tough to read at times. It is disheartening that anyone can sink to such depravity.

One thing must be said though, that the winners write the history and rarely hold themselves accountable - war crimes and depravity on the side of the allies was exempted, which sets a very bad precedent.

I hope for the day when all wicked behavior is eliminated and we all live together in peace and love.

A Nobel man

This is first part is my general review for all the Hourly History books. I find them of value to:

1) See if the subject is personally interesting

2) Become conversant in the material

3) Pursue additional information starting with the bibliographies provided

The story of Alfred Nobel is one of industry and tragedy. He was successful because he worked hard and long, but he was sad and alone at the end of his life.

The narrative was a little repetitive, but generally I really enjoyed the book.

American tragedy

This is first part is my general review for all the Hourly History books. I find them of value to:


1) See if the subject is personally interesting


2) Become conversant in the material


3) Pursue additional information starting with the bibliographies provided

I have long pondered the tradgedy of the American Indian, which is an extremely complicated story, because it is the story of many different groups of people. Even in this book several different tribes are discussed, and they have different aims and goals.

As I read the last paragraph, I pondered about what justice can be offered, and it all comes down to land ownership, which is common for the whole conflict between European and Native American. If the government is willing to pay a settlement to the Sioux, why not buy out all the land and give it back to the Sioux, according to original agreement? These things are always messy, but surely something equitable can be accomplished.

I look forward to learning more, but even more so, I look forward to peace and justice for all.

The forgotten war

This is first part is my general review for all the Hourly History books. I find them of value to:


1) See if the subject is personally interesting


2) Become conversant in the material


3) Pursue additional information starting with the bibliographies provided

I knew of the Crimean War, primarily from the poem "The charge of the light brigade", which so poignantly illustrates the brutality and awfulness of war.

I learned that Florence Nightingale came to prominence due to the awful disease and conditions that she fought.

I also learned why this is a forgotten war, because of the blunders, infighting, and indecisive conclusion.

It is a pity that the lessons learned were not applied to future conflicts.

Quick and simple

Just enough to give you the basic information and nothing more. But enough to help you decide if you want to read more in-depth books.

This is my first reading of something in the Hourly History series, and I enjoyed it very much. It was a very simple, easy biography of Jane Austen's life. You won't find too much exposition here; there are a lot of names and dates, but it does briefly touch on romances and situations in Jane's life that would help shape books like Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Persuasion. This is a very good read if you're new to Jane Austen, or if you're a fan of Jane Austen but want a simplified biography.

No me ha gustado. En vez de contar la batalla de Midway hace cuatro relatos de principio a fin, cada uno desde una perspectiva. Ya en el capítulo 1 dice que los japoneses pierden 4 portaaviones y se retiran, perdiendo el dominio del Pacífico. A continuación en el capítulo 2 empieza con Pearl Harbor (otra vez), desde el punto de vista americano. En el siguiente capítulo nos cuenta la biografía de Nimitz y nos vuelve a contar Midway desde el punto de vista logístico. El siguiente capítulo es una vez mas la batalla pero contada a retazos y con muchos huecos, simulando la información tal y como la recibió Nimitz desde el puesto de mando (o sea: mal, incompleta y a destiempo, lo último que quiere uno cuando lee un libro sobre algo). Y por último se mete un capítulo entero de what if, los japoneses tomando Hawaii, EEUU lanzando una bomba nuclear en Alemania tras haber tenido que desviar recursos al frente Pacífico...
Considero que sé menos ahora sobre Midway que antes.

A short read in the Hourly History series about the life, work, and legacy of Thomas Jefferson. He is the author of the Declaration of Independence and the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, and father of the University of Virginia. Most people will know him as the third President of the United States. This one-hour read starts with Thomas, the son of a planter in 18th century Virginia, his service to the young nation abroad and in Washington D.C. I was surprised to discover the role of First Lady already in that early stage of the United States and the acquisition of Louisiana. Getting rid of slavery while owning slaves, unifying people at state-level yet facing deep conflicts with his predecessor, it all is part of Thomas Jefferson: A Life from Beginning to End, a brief dive into Jefferson's life and heritance.

historical-figures, historical-places-events, historical-research, early-20th-century *****

Excellent! I thought I knew a bit about the cause of the Volstead Act, but I guess I was naive. Turns out that large numbers of well meaning people sold the rest of the population a pipe dream wherein the elimination of the sale of alcohol would result in massive reduction in crime, eliminate the need for prisons, reduce taxes, and more nonsense. As we know, organized crime flourished, prisons overflowed, and the cost of law enforcement resulted in higher taxes. Well written and worth reading!
Matthew J Chandler-Smith proved to be an excellent narrator.