So often when we think of Histiory we think of war, or disasters like the Dust Bowl or the sinking of the Titanic. But here are three excellent histies that narrate remarkable successes!
Extra Life, by Steven Johnson. This is a remarkable history of how we doubled our life expecancy in the 20th century. Some of this might bee obvious–better medicine, a healthier environment. But Johnson is brillliant at showing how many of these advances came from unexpected sources. The story is eye-opening, and leaves you not only thinking about how interconnected many things are, but also with a much more hopeful vision of humanity today.
Frostbite, by Nicola Twilly. This one is somewhat related to Johnson’s book, at least in the approach. Twilley examines how the creation of the “cold chain”–the refrigeration of food from source to grocery–has improved our lifes, but also changed us and the organization of the world. Again, like Johnson, this will leave you with a new view of our world and how it works.
A Man on the Moon, by Andrew Chaikin. As NASA begins to return men (and now women) to the Moon, it is helpful to look back 50 years at how it was done the first time! Chaikin’s book covers the planning, the science, the sheer adventure of these voyages in a manner that is both engaging and detailed. Brush up now as Artemis, Apollo’s sister, begins to send us to the Moon again.
My History Notes 