Reading the 20th Century discussion

Requested by Elizabeth, here is a thread to discuss books by historian/journalist, Hampton Sides.

His books include In the Kingdom of Ice: The Grand and Terrible Polar Voyage of the USS Jeannette and Hellhound on His Trail: The Stalking of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the International Hunt for His Assassin

Here is a link to his website:

http://www.hamptonsides.com/

Thank you Susan. A few of you had mentioned that you like Hampton Sides and I'm glad you did. Though I've read just one title, I would liken him to Erik Larson or Timothy Egan. All three write excellent narrative nonfiction.

The one I read recently was his Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II's Greatest Rescue Mission. While I had been aware of the Bataan Death March, I knew nothing of what came before nor after.

As you all like covers:



The one on my list for Spring is his In the Kingdom of Ice: The Grand and Terrible Polar Voyage of the USS Jeannette. I know little of this expedition, but it intrigues me. A quick scan of the Wikipedia entry says that the USS Jeannette began life in 1861 as a Royal Navy Gunboat called Pandora. There is more there, but I prefer to read Hampton Sides telling.

Sounds intriguing. I haven't read anything by him, but both titles sound interesting. Does anyone else have any favourites?

In the Kingdom of Ice: The Grand and Terrible Polar Voyage of the USS Jeannette is my favorite.

Good to hear Chrissie.

Elizabeth, yep, you've got a good one ahead of you.

Chrissie wrote: "In the Kingdom of Ice: The Grand and Terrible Polar Voyage of the USS Jeannette is my favorite."

I hesitate to cite this as my fave since I think part of the reason it is was mine was that I didn't expect it to be.

Brian wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "In the Kingdom of Ice: The Grand and Terrible Polar Voyage of the USS Jeannette is my favorite."

I hesitate to cite this as my fave since I think part of the reaso..."

It is great when you discover you like a book much more than you thought you would. That is what happened when I read John James Audubon: The Nature of the American Woodsman. If that could possibly interest you, do try it.