Thread: What Historical Eras or Events Are You Drawn To?

Originally Posted by boontito

If I were born 100 years from now I think I'd be fascinated with the time we're living through right now.

I'd loan you my dog-eared copy of The Decline and Fall of the American Republic, published in 2032, but the Time Coordinator says ABSOLUTELY NOT!!

Originally Posted by BigLeRoy

I have recently developed a rather strong interest in this era, myself. I have been looking for a good book that would cover the political and diplomatic and economic history of this era, mostly from an American perspective. Do you have any recommendations, @Rasselas ?

I don't really have a recommendation for something that general. I have been interested in the political rhetoric of that era. It's a unique moment when publishing tracts--short pamphlets on political topics, always from a partisan perspective--was popular. It was a remarkably literate moment. I've done a lot of poking around about economics and political history on my own to support that.

Originally Posted by BigLeRoy

My favorite eras of history are the early decades of the 23rd century, with the rise of Zintorianism, the new religion originating on Mars and spreading throughout the Solar System like a wildfire, and then the Great Migrations of the late 24th century, with billions of humans moving to all the new worlds opened up by the invention of the Chandramouli Drive, and....

Whoops. It just occurred to me that I am not supposed to be telling you people all of this. I hope I haven't changed history. I could be in BIG trouble.....

Too late. Now none of it's going to happen.

BTW ... ever notice something that seems to be missing from 20th-century history in Star Trek, like when they all go back to the 20th century? Well, Star Trek itself is what's missing!

Boy did this thread ever go pear-shaped. Haha.

I'm interested in 8 days ago. Fascinating period.

I've started reading "Knights of the Black and White", which is a fictional trilogy set during the rise, height and then elimination of the Templar Order.

Fictional, of course, but I know the author from his Arthur series and I know he strives for plausibility, if not actual fact.

America's Gilded Age

Ancient Rome
Middle Ages

History of law and journalism

Originally Posted by Rasselas

I don't really have a recommendation for something that general. I have been interested in the political rhetoric of that era. It's a unique moment when publishing tracts--short pamphlets on political topics, always from a partisan perspective--was popular. It was a remarkably literate moment. I've done a lot of poking around about economics and political history on my own to support that.

I know that Karl Rove recently wrote a book about the Presidential election of 1900, which sounded interesting; but I don't want to contribute any of my hard-earned dollars to a man like Karl Rove.....

Originally Posted by BigLeRoy

I know that Karl Rove recently wrote a book about the Presidential election of 1900, which sounded interesting; but I don't want to contribute any of my hard-earned dollars to a man like Karl Rove.....

The election of 1912 was probably more interesting.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United...election,_1912

Originally Posted by BigLeRoy

I know that Karl Rove recently wrote a book about the Presidential election of 1900, which sounded interesting; but I don't want to contribute any of my hard-earned dollars to a man like Karl Rove.....

You could buy it used or borrow from your local library.

In 1900, McKinley's campaign manager Mark Hanna basically invented the modern political campaign. The typical 19th century campaign involved speeches by local candidates at big forums in October and parades on separate days by the supporters of the different parties, but the president generally sat at home, not traveling or seeing very many people. While McKinley's opponent barnstormed across the country, speaking from the back of the train he rode, McKinley gave almost daily speeches from his front porch. His audience was brought to him from various communities across the country; low-level political types (local postmasters and politicians, ardent loyalists among private citizens, and even the occasional neutral opinion leader) were brought in by train and fed lunch (a sandwich and a beer--coffee for visitors from dry states and localities). They had a garden party and heard from/shook hands with McKinley. Then they went forth to organize locally, at an individual voter level.

To one extent or another, this is the model we use today. (I haven't read Rove's book. What I know comes from a dissertation about Hanna and McKinley I read once.)

Originally Posted by Rasselas

You could buy it used or borrow from your local library.

In 1900, McKinley's campaign manager Mark Hanna basically invented the modern political campaign. The typical 19th century campaign involved speeches by local candidates at big forums in October and parades on separate days by the supporters of the different parties, but the president generally sat at home, not traveling or seeing very many people. While McKinley's opponent barnstormed across the country, speaking from the back of the train he rode, McKinley gave almost daily speeches from his front porch. His audience was brought to him from various communities across the country; low-level political types (local postmasters and politicians, ardent loyalists among private citizens, and even the occasional neutral opinion leader) were brought in by train and fed lunch (a sandwich and a beer--coffee for visitors from dry states and localities). They had a garden party and heard from/shook hands with McKinley. Then they went forth to organize locally, at an individual voter level.

To one extent or another, this is the model we use today. (I haven't read Rove's book. What I know comes from a dissertation about Hanna and McKinley I read once.)

As of a few months ago, my local public library didn't have it. They might now. I'll probably check again, later this summer. Only go there about once a year. I BUY most of the books I want to read. Could probably save myself a chunk of change by doing what you recommend....

Originally Posted by BigLeRoy

As of a few months ago, my local public library didn't have it. They might now. I'll probably check again, later this summer. Only go there about once a year. I BUY most of the books I want to read. Could probably save myself a chunk of change by doing what you recommend....

It helps to have access to interlibrary loan....