Book List and Reviews

I realized that I haven't posted any book reviews in quite a while, and their one of my favorite things to blog about, even if blogging is passe'. I've been reading a lot of history lately, as I found an excellent source of good, bargain history books (E.R. Hamilton Bookseller). Here is a partial list: The First Century, Caesar Against the Gauls, Vienna 1814, Empires of the Sea, Justinian's Flea, Byzantium, The Fatal Shore, The Dead Hand.

I'll add reviews soon, but Lucy just caused a skunk to spray in our yard and the stench is going to drive me out of the Library. I hope it clears up overnight!

"East of the Sun" by Benson Bobrick

Amazing history of Siberia, an incredibly vast and diverse land that many Americans don't know or care about. Like most Russian history, very violent. Interesting to compare with the history of the American West and frontier. In fact, Siberia is often called Russia's Wild East.

Very well written, and thorough history, though it might not be lively enough for some. For me, I found it thoroughly fascinating. Also includes history of the Russian exploration of the Pacific North, Alaska, and the west coast of America. Some of the stories of early explorers are simply amazing, such as that of Bering--who was financed by the Russians, but was himself Swedish.

"Baltimore: Or, The Steadfast Tin Soldier" by Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden

This is a book I bought on a whim off Amazon, by Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden. I knew Mignola from his work on Hellboy.

It's a truly dark and macabre tale, well-written and compelling, but certainly not for everybody. I wouldn't read it if you are prone to nightmares... Apparently, they're making it into a movie.

I was taken with the opening scene, in which Lord Baltimore, injured amid the carnage of a WWI battlefield, is set upon by vampiric creatures. A chilling scene indeed. Recommended if you are a fan of dark fantasy, horror, or the like.