Kjellquist Blog

If you thought the American Civil War of the 1860’s was our first civil war, Thomas B. Allen’s latest book, Tories, Fighting for the King in America’s First Civil War will correct your notions of our civil wars. It is well known that history is written by the winners and this is never more true than regarding our war for independence.
When pressed to name an American Loyalist (aka Torie) the name Benedict Arnold might come to mind. However, at the onset of our struggle with King George the country (aka colony) was very much divided over how to resolve the dispute. Many of the most influential leaders of industry, merchants, law and wealthy class landowners favored a more measured approach of negotiation and compromise. Clearly a common characteristic, though not universal, of this group was that they had the most to lose in a struggle with England. But, in addition, they also identified themselves as Englishmen.
On the other side of the conflict were a relative handful of learned leaders and large number of Americans with the least to lose. These Patriots saw the struggle as way to a brighter future with rewards of hard work and sacrifice. This group was the first to consider themselves Americans.
With these two divergent views of relations with England, Allen goes on to describe the struggle between the Patriots and Loyalists (Tories). The most revealing aspect of this history is the scope of inter-American conflict. Throughout the Revolutionary War, Loyalists organized themselves and actively support English forces. In nearly every battle of the war Loyalist military units were in forefront of the action. Thus, Americans were killing Americans throughout the conflict. Even non-combatants served to provide logistics support to English troops and many became active information sources spying on Patriot troop movements.
In summary, Allen’s book fills in a little known chapter in our Revolutionary war history.

Powered by ScribeFire.

Once again Erik Larson has taken a piece of history and illuminated it through the eyes of the people who lived it. His writing skill of bringing these events down to a singular personal level makes for an eminently readable volume. I first became aware of Mr. Larson from his book, Isaac’s Storm. This book recounts the devastating hurricane of 1900 that destroyed Galveston, TX. Larson brings the events of September 1900 to life through the eyes of Isaac Cline, chief weatherman of Texas.
In the Garden of Beasts we meet the Dodd family. William Dodd is the newly appointed US ambassador to Germany in 1933. With William in Germany are his wife, Mattie, and their young adult children Martha and Bill. It is through the historical record of Dodd’s ambassadorship and the preserved family records that we get a fascinating glimpse into life in early Hitler’s Germany. We witness the step-by-step systematic destruction of Jewish rights and the growth of Hitler’s political power.  We see first hand the maniacal and deadly power politics of Hitler’s inner circle.
The book starts with a summary of how a midwest professor with no diplomatic experience is selected by President Roosevelt for such a prestigous position. From the start we learn that Dodd is ill equipped as an ambassador and doesn’t fit the eastern Brahman mold of a State Department ambassador. Dodd’s frugal mid-western lifestyle and scholarly perspective keeps him at odds with the rest of the diplomatic core.
Larson also focuses much attention on the adventures of Dodd’s attractive 24 year daughter. Her story of amorous relations with Nazi elites, a Russian NKVD agent and others reads like a modern romantic adventure but in 1933 it was utterly scandalous. It is through Martha that we experience much the day-to-day events of the privileged Berliners.
In summary, In the Garden of Beasts is highly recommended as a stunning look into life in early Hitler’s Germany.

Powered by ScribeFire.

Another hit from the pen of David McCullough. In this current book you are transported back to the 19th century (~1830-1900) to a time when adventurous Americans saw Paris as the center of learning in the arts and science. America was struggling with its provincial heritage and had yet to become a world leader. France on the other hand was at its height of creativity in the arts and science.
For example, in 1833 the twelve Paris hospitals treated over 65,000 patients in contrast to the two Boston hospitals that treated fewer than 800. But beyond the volume of patients and thus variety of ailments, Parisian physicians were at the forefront of medical knowledge and warmly welcomed the American physicians as students.
When it came to the arts, painters and writers found Paris an invigorating and life changing experience. Over and over again, McCullough provides examples of writers and painters that came to Paris to recharge their creative batteries through their career.
In summary, David McCullough provides an enjoyable spotlight into the lives of some of our most important Americans and the influence Paris had on their lives. He also illuminates our enduring relationship with the French and Paris in particular.

Powered by ScribeFire.