Books of the Month: A Journey Through History
In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Smithsonian magazine has launched a weekly series to introduce readers to recently published nonfiction titles that may have been overlooked amid the news cycle. Each Friday, the magazine spotlights five books that offer a diverse range of historical perspectives and thought-provoking insights.
The Imposteress Rabbit Breeder: Mary Toft and Eighteenth-Century England
In this fascinating account, Karen Harvey delves into the enigmatic case of Mary Toft, an 18th-century English woman who convinced medical professionals that she was capable of giving birth to rabbits. Harvey draws on archival records to shed light on Toft’s life and the social and cultural factors that contributed to her bizarre ruse.
The Sum of the People: How the Census Has Shaped Nations from the Ancient World to the Modern Age
As the 2020 census approaches, data scientist Andrew Whitby offers a timely overview of the 3,000-year history of censuses. Drawing on case studies from around the world, Whitby demonstrates how censuses have played a crucial role in shaping societies, from informing administrative decisions to influencing political power dynamics.
Heaven and Hell: A History of the Afterlife
In the face of heightened mortality concerns due to COVID-19, Bart D. Ehrman’s examination of the history of beliefs about the afterlife takes on a new relevance. Ehrman traces the origins of modern conceptions of heaven and hell back to ancient cultures and explores how these beliefs have evolved over time.
Voyage of Mercy: The USS Jamestown, the Irish Famine, and the Remarkable Story of America’s First Humanitarian Mission
At the height of the Irish Potato Famine, the USS Jamestown embarked on an unprecedented journey to provide relief to the starving population of Ireland. Stephen Puleo’s account of this groundbreaking humanitarian effort highlights the power of compassion and cooperation in the face of adversity.
How the South Won the Civil War: Oligarchy, Democracy, and the Continuing Fight for the Soul of America
Heather Cox Richardson’s provocative study grapples with the paradox that the concept of equality in the United States has historically excluded many groups of people. Richardson argues that wealthy white men have maintained their power by exploiting fears and divisions among the working class and minorities.
History of Public Health
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the importance of public health to the forefront of public consciousness. By examining historical epidemics and public health measures, we can gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of safeguarding human health.
Social History of the Civil War
The Civil War was not only a military conflict but also a profound social upheaval. Historians have explored the war’s impact on race relations, gender roles, and the economy, providing a deeper understanding of its lasting legacy.
Racism and Inequality in the United States
The United States has a long and complex history of racism and inequality. Examining the roots of these issues in the antebellum South and beyond can help us understand their persistence and work towards a more just and equitable society.
Gender Equality in the 19th Century
The 19th century witnessed significant advancements in the fight for gender equality. From the suffrage movement to the rise of women’s education, the experiences of women during this period shed light on the ongoing struggle for equal rights.
Reflections on Mortality and the Afterlife
The prospect of death can evoke a range of emotions and beliefs. By exploring cultural and philosophical perspectives on mortality and the afterlife, we can gain a deeper understanding of our own mortality and the meaning of life.
