Several new works of nonfiction provide fresh insights into early modern and modern European history. Beyond the violence and wars, these books examine the period through archaeology, political actions, and the roles of women.
Bosworth: The Archaeology of the Battlefield
Richard Mackinder, Feb 2022, Pen and Sword Military, Casemate Publishers
Themes: History, Military
Richard Mackinder uses the latest archaeological research to take readers step-by-step through the Battle of Bosworth (1485) that began the early modern era.
Take-aways: Use this fascinating work to help youth better understanding the role of physical evidence and archaeology in understanding key historical events.
William of Orange and the Fight for the Crown of England: The Glorious Revolution
Brian Best, Oct 2021, Frontline Books, Casemate Publishers
Themes: Biography, History, Military
Known as the Glorious Revolution, Protestant William of Orange and his troops ousted Catholic King James. Brian Best takes readers through the Stuart dynasty from 1660 to 1714 on an exploration of the key acts passed by Parliament and the major religious conflicts of the period along with the life of King William III of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
Take-aways: Use this work of nonfiction to talk with youth about how conflicts were settled not only by violence, but also through Acts of Parliament.
The House of Orange in Revolution and War: An European History, 1772-1890
Jeroen Koch, Dik Van Der Meulen, Jeroen Van Zenten, May 2022, Reaktion Books, University of Chicago Press
Themes: History, Europe
This sweeping history of the House of Orange-Nassau takes readers from the 18th century into the 20th century. Exploring three Dutch Kings, this fast-paced narrative examines the transnational impact of this period.
Take-aways: Use this book to review the key people, places, and events of European history through the lens of the House of Orange-Nassau.
When Women Ruled the World: Making the Renaissance in Europe
Maureen Quilligan, Dec 2022, Liveright, an imprint of W. W. Norton
Themes: History, Europe, Tudor & Elizabethan Era (1485-1603)
Quilligan’s engaging work of nonfiction demonstrates how powerful women challenged tradition by creating strategic alliances and assuming political authority. Through gift giving and political ingenuity, four Queens figured out a way to flourish in a male dominated world.
Take-aways: Use this book as an outstanding example of revisionist history that seeks to demonstrate how creative, intelligent women impacted the European monarchy.
The Tudors in Love:Passion and Politics in the Age of England’s Most Famous Dynasty
Sarah Gristwood, Dec 2022, St. Martin’s Press, an imprint of Macmillan
Themes: History, Europe, Great Britain, Tudor & Elizabethan Era (1485-1603)
Romantic courtly love played a key role in politics and international diplomacy during the Tudor dynasty. Sarah Gristwood takes readers through the drama and obsessions that shaped the era.
Take-aways: Teens love drama. Use Gristwood’s captivating history to bring this period alive for students.
Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb
