Who Knew? Biographies of Animals, Objects, and Ideas 306.81 COO Marriage, a History: From Obedience to Intimacy or How Love Conquered Marriage by Stephanie Coontz2005 With issues relating to gay marriage, divorce, and cohabitation frequenting the headlines, many people today long for the “good old days” of the breadwinner husband and the stay-at-home wife. Coontz, however, examines marriage with a much wider lens, arguing that the “traditional” model of the 1950s was actually just one stop on a long and ever-changing historical path. She looks at the role that economic, social, and political considerations have played in marriage, and discusses the surprisingly late arrival of true love into the decision-making process. The result is an interesting social history and an eye-opening framework in which to consider modern relationship issues. 333.95 KUR Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World by Mark Kurlansky1998 Readers will be surprised by the important role that cod fishing has played in the economic, political, religious, and gastronomical arenas over the last 1000+ years. Kurlansky gives a wonderful array of facts, anecdotes, and even recipes to help convey the nature of this vital relationship between man and fish. The author’s equally engaging Salt: A World History (553.632 KUR) is also highly recommended. 363.8 RUS Hunger: An Unnatural History by Sharman Apt Russell2005 Russell’s thought-provoking survey of hunger combines elements of physiology, history, religion, philosophy, and social action. She details the human body’s need for and use of food, and what happens when nourishment is withheld, either by choice or circumstance. Russell explores fasting for political and religious reasons, describes ground-breaking studies on famine, and looks at the often critical role played by hunger in different social and historical settings. The book also includes constructive ideas on how best to alleviate this all-too-common problem, and gives detailed sources for further research. Despite the seriousness of the topic, Russell’s writing is clear and engaging; she is able to be both informative and interesting. Readers attracted by her writing style will also enjoy her Anatomy of a Rose: Exploring the Secret Life of Flowers (635.9 RUS). 391.09 SUL Jeans: A Cultural History of an American Icon by James Sullivan2006 From sturdy pants for outdoor laborers, to statements of political and social rebellion, to the height of fashion, blue jeans have played a key role in American culture for 150 years. This is a history of the ubiquitous garment, but is also a history of labor, gender roles, politics, and style. Filled with interesting photos, Sullivan provides a very readable and insightful look at our fashion friend. 394.14 BUR The Smoke of the Gods: A Social History of Tobacco by Eric Burns2007 Burns, a television journalist, looks at the shifting feelings and beliefs about tobacco use through the ages, explores the connections between advertising and smoking, and details efforts to limit its prevalence. Tobacco did much to ensure the success of the Jamestown colony – it was the first real export from the New World – and has played a key role in the American economy ever since. Regardless of how one feels about tobacco use, there is much to learn about this important topic. 530.11 BOD E=mc2: A Biography of the World’s Most Famous Equation by David Bodanis2000 Bodanis looks in turn at each piece of the equation made famous by Einstein (including even the “=”), examining the scientific background and development of the individual parts. Only a portion of the book discusses Einstein’s work; the rest lays the foundation of scientific thought leading up to the equation, as well as its wide-ranging consequences. Even though the science is complex and the ramifications enormous, Bodanis gives a straightforward and very readable introduction. 541.3451 PER Universal Foam: Exploring the Science of Nature’s Most Mysterious Substance by Sidney Perkowitz2001 Perkowitz, a physicist, writes in an engaging and straightforward manner about the nature, uses, and theoretical underpinnings of this ubiquitous substance. From its uses in the food industry (think bread, beer and meringue) and common household items (sponge, cork and shaving cream), to its manifestation in living things and earthly events, foam seems to be everywhere. Scientists are even beginning to understand foamy aspects of the cosmos. Readers will gain a new appreciation for this often overlooked substance, and will be amazed by its breadth and importance. 551.7 BJO Reading the Rocks: The Autobiography of the Earth by Marcia Bjornerud2005 Fans of Stephen Jay Gould will also enjoy this fast-paced geological history of our planet. Bjornerud, a professor at Lawrence University, fills her account with metaphors, historical background, and interesting asides. She is able to present a great deal of scientific information in a non-threatening and non-technical way, telling the story of the Earth from its conception to our modern, complex relationship with our planetary home. 553.24 FRE Coal: A Human History by Barbara Freese2003 Freese was a former Assistant Attorney General for Minnesota, charged with implementing the state’s energy and environmental policy, and became so interested in coal that she quit her job to research and write this intriguing history. Humans have had a sort of love-hate relationship with coal, admiring it for both its energy and its aesthetics, while bemoaning the pollution and physical hardships that it has engendered. Freese shows both the good and bad uses of coal throughout history, highlights its continued importance in the world economy today, and advocates safer and more efficient uses for the future. 553.7 BAL Life’s Matrix: A Biography of Water by Philip Ball2000 Much more than a dry tome on the biological or chemical properties of water, Ball looks at water from all sides – geological, ecological, historical, astronomical, even political. The writing is witty and lively, and overflows with a wealth of information. But like the one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms that come together to form water, the sum of this book is greater than its parts. The reader is left with a thorough understanding of and appreciation for this life-giving substance. 583.46 LOG Oak: The Frame of Civilization by William Bryant Logan2005 Logan, an arborist and journalist, offers a captivating biography of the mighty oak. From acorns as an early food source to the multifaceted and at times surprising uses of its wood, the highly adaptable and widespread oak has been an important partner in human civilization for thousands of years. Logan’s account is filled with fun facts and interesting details, and would appeal to both nature lovers and those who enjoy a different slant on human history. 599.352 SUL Rats: Observations on the History and Habitat of the City’s Most Unwanted Inhabitants by Robert Sullivan2003 “Rats,” Sullivan tells us, “live in the world precisely where man lives.” Reporting on his observations of rats’ lives, primarily in one New York City alley, he provides not only a fascinating look inside their world, but also provides humorous and insightful social commentary on living in a modern, urban setting. This is a very enjoyable book despite its seemingly unappealing subject. 615.32384 TAY Ginseng, the Divine Root by David A. Taylor2006 Take an elusive protagonist, give it remarkable but disputed medicinal properties, throw in a little international intrigue and a clash of cultures, and place it all in the context of big money commerce – the result is Ginseng, the Divine Root. As Taylor notes in his Introduction, even though ginseng’s effects on the human body may still be debated, its sway on the human imagination has remained strong for centuries, especially in the eastern hemisphere. What may be more surprising, though, is the sizeable role that ginseng has played in the U.S. economy since the days of Daniel Boone. Taylor follows the trail of the remarkable root, from hunting and poaching to harvesting, and from research and marketing to shipment and sale. Ginseng may or may not benefit your body, but reading this book will surely entertain and engage your mind. 615.329 LAX The Mold in Dr. Florey’s Coat: The Story of the Penicillin Miracle by Eric Lax2004 Most people associate the discovery of penicillin with Alexander Fleming. Although Fleming did make the initial finding in 1928, it took more than a decade before an Oxford team, led by Howard Florey, was able to test, purify, and refine penicillin’s use as a human antibiotic. Lax weaves the personalities, the medical challenges and triumphs, and the economic and political consequences – including aiding the Allied effort in WWII – into a lively and fascinating tale. 620.191 STA Clay: The History and Evolution of Humankind’s Relationship with Earth’s Most Primal Element by Suzanne Staubach2005 The image of clay turning on a potter’s wheel is a familiar one for most of us, and Staubach describes the art and science of this process in loving detail. What makes this book most interesting, though, are her descriptions of the wide and surprising roles that clay has played throughout time and across cultures. Each chapter is centered around a particular industry or endeavor – such as farming, sanitation, or building construction – with Staubach describing, in often whimsical and always informative ways, clay’s importance in each. 621.972 RYB One Good Turn: A Natural History of the Screwdriver and the Screw by Witold Rybczynski2000 In anticipation of the year 2000, Rybczynski was asked by the editors of the New York Times Magazine to write a piece on the “best tool” of the millennium. Out of his research and reflection for that article comes this wonderful volume, tracing the history of the screw and screwdriver back through history, all the way to Archimedes. Along the way are stops to explore changes and developments to this common yet essential tool, and interesting sketches of the people whose insights and innovations influenced world industry, science, and culture. 641.3374 ROS Chocolate: A Bittersweet Saga of Dark and Light by Mort Rosenblum2005 Rosenblum travels the world over—from the Ivory Coast to Hershey, PA, and from Paris to Mexico – in this chatty, insightful overview of cacao and its resulting elixir, chocolate. In doing so, he traces its history, outlines the cultural and social backdrop of the industry, and engages in its sweet temptations. Rosenblum learns from experts along the way, and recounts their enlightening, funny and always passionate opinions. The book is designed less for the serious food researcher, and more for the lover of a good story and, of course, good chocolate. 641.3383 TUR Spice: The History of a Temptation by Jack Turner2004 An interesting look at the role played by spices in culinary history, exploration and trade, wealth and power, medicine, religion, even sex. Turner organizes the book topically, primarily examining the human motives, impulses and dreams behind the actions. Although the uses for spices have varied and changed over time, the human appetite for their exotic flavor has remained constant. This is sure to enliven the palate of anyone looking for a quick and informative read. 662.26 KEL Gunpowder: Alchemy, Bombards, and Pyrotechnics: The History of the Explosive That Changed the World by Jack Kelly2004 Tracing the history of the “fire drug” back to its development in tenth-century China, novelist Kelly deftly shows how gunpowder has helped to shape human history. Kelly provides important background information and gives an easily understood overview of the science behind the explosive. But his main focus is on the human interactions, both on the individuals who helped shape its history and the cultural groups who were affected – in ways both good and bad – by its use. The contrast between gunpowder’s use in the East and West is especially fascinating. 736.23 KUR Hope Diamond: The Legendary History of a Cursed Gem by Richard Kurin2006 Although not the largest gem in the world, the Hope diamond is certainly one of the most well-known and frequently seen, helping to attract over 6 million visitors to the Smithsonian’s gem collection each year. Kurin, a cultural anthropologist and a Smithsonian director, traces the history of the diamond, first in India, then to France and England, and finally in America. Along the way he debunks the myth of the curse associated with the Hope diamond, examines cultural and historic attitudes toward beauty and wealth, and highlights the people – many of them famous – who have contributed to the gem’s legend. 737.4973 FRA Double Eagle: The Epic Story of the World’s Most Valuable Coin by Alison Frankel2006 From the time of its design and creation at the beginning of the 20th century, the $20 Double Eagle gold coin sparked passion, jealousy and greed. Then, when the United States stopped coining gold in 1933, the Double Eagle’s story took an abrupt turn into the world of crime, espionage, and international intrigue. Frankel combines all of the twists and turns into a surprising page turner with a broad appeal. 787.87 BRO Guitar: An American Life by Tim Brookes2005 There are more guitars sold in the U.S. than all other instruments combined. Brookes explores the roots of the guitar’s amazing popularity, traces its history and development, and muses on its central place in the soundtrack of American life. Together with this general story, Brookes also harmonizes a much more personal story – the loss of his old guitar, and the building of a new one by a master craftsman. Both storylines are entertaining, humorous, informative, and filled with obvious passion. This is a treat both for music fans and for those readers who enjoy idiosyncratic snapshots of American life and culture. 796.51 SOL Wanderlust: A History of Walking by Rebecca Solnit2000 Fittingly for her subject, Solnit gives a leisurely, rambling, but always interesting look at this basic human function. Her stops include a look at the relationship between walking and thinking, references to walking in literature, and even a walk down the Las Vegas Strip. Even though we can all claim some expertise on the topic, Solnit offers new insights and reflections, providing much food for thought on your next long walk. 929.92 LEE Flag: An American Biography by Marc Leepson2005 This is an accessible, unbiased portrait of that greatest of all American icons, the flag. Leepson sifts fact from myth (particularly in regard to the origins of the flag), notes the ebb and flow of the flag’s popularity (it was not a ubiquitous symbol of national pride until the Civil War), and portrays the wide array of people who have played a role in the life of the Stars and Stripes (some familiar, some surprising). Along the way, the reader learns about the flag’s varied roles in history, politics, culture, and commerce. Leepson’s approach is straightforward but comprehensive, touching also on the stories behind related topics, such as Flag Day, the National Anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance. 977.311 SKI Beer: A History of Brewing in Chicago by Bob Skilnik2006 A detailed look at the ups and downs of the beer industry in Chicago (and to a lesser extent regionally). Skilnik examines pre-Prohibition Chicago, then follows the story through Prohibition and into the modern era. There is also a list of every brewery that has operated in Chicago, and a suggested tour of some buildings still standing. This will appeal to anyone interested in Chicago history, as well as those intrigued by the trends and volatility of the business world. Prepared by Chris Portman, October 2007