Cheryl Bell

Just read this interesting dual biography of Philby & Angleton. It gives a detailed look at their spy activities against backdrop of world events. Recommended with one caveat. I think it would be useful to have some background knowledge of these two individuals before reading. #historybookchat

Finished this excellent book on the fall of France in 1940. It focuses primarily on French historical, political, societal & military factors affecting events of May-June 1940. The role of Britain is also examined as are the personalities of the major players. Highly recommended. #HistoryBookChat

Pearl Harbor: Japan's Greatest Disaster YouTube video by WW2TV

To get a taste of the book, those interested may wish to watch Mark's appearance on #WW2TV with @ww2tv.bsky.social at www.youtube.com/live/48NdvhU....

Just read Mark Stille’s recent book on Pearl Harbor that exams in detail the background, planning, attacks & aftermath of the attack.This excellent book also looks at the culpability of senior officers & acts to dispel the many myths that surround this event. Highly recommended. #HistoryBookChat

Just finished this informative biography of Elizabeth 1 by Anne Somerset. It explores in detail her role both within England & in the wider context of Europe at a time of great social, political & religious change as well as looking at many of her key relationships. Recommended! #HistoryBookChat

Just completed this book on the 1961 Bay of Pigs disaster. In my opinion it provides an excellent, informative & balanced picture of this deadly enterprise. Highly recommended! #HistoryBookChat

Completed the final book in Bruce Catton’s wonderful American Civil War series. This volume covers the period late 1862 to war’s end & Lincoln’s assassination. Highly recommended! #historybookchat

Finished this 2nd volume of Bruce Catton’s wonderful Civil War history series.This book runs from late 1861 to late 1862 after Antietam & the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a terrific book covering military, political, social & economic aspects of the war. Highly recommended. #historybookchat

Completed the 1st book of Bruce Catton’s great series on the American Civil War. It well describes the events leading up to this terrible war & ends following the 1st Battle of Bull Run/Manassas. Very informative read. Looking forward to the next in the series. Highly Recommended! #historybookchat

Finished this book tonight. It sat on my TBR for far too long. I’d heard nothing but good things about this history of the Battle of Britain & they were right! Provides an excellent overview of the battle from both British & German perspectives. Highly recommended! #historybookchat

Just finished this interesting book by James Swanson on the assassination of Abraham Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth & the hunt for him & his confederates. After listening to the recent #TheRestisHistory episodes realized that it was a topic I knew little about. Recommended. #HistoryBookChat

Just completed Dan Jones book which provides a great overview of the Plantagenets beginning with the heir crisis for Henry I after the White Ship disaster & ending with the death of Richard II. An enjoyable & interesting introduction to this period of English history. Recommended. #historybookchat

Hope you are soon feeling better!

My little lovebird trying to decide which history book to read next! 😉😅

Just completed this book by Scott Anderson. It is an interesting read looking at the situation in & immediately following WW1 primarily thru the lives of 4 characters incl Lawrence of Arabia. Well researched. Worth a read! #historybookchat

Happy anniversary to you both! Have a wonderful time away! 💐🥂

Just finished this excellent book by Marc Morris on the Norman Conquest. It covers the period leading up to 1066 & ends with William the Conqueror’s death. Very informative & an enjoyable read which I highly recommend. #historybookchat

Congratulations to you both! 🥂💐

Vught concentration camp in the Netherlands. Just before the transport to Sobibór extermination camp. Picture is taken on 23 May 1943; within five days they would all be dead. #WW2 #HISTORY

Finished reading Emperor of Rome tonight. I always find Mary Beard books to be enlightening & enjoyable & this was no exception! Rather than look at these one man rulers in chronological order the book discusses how they lived, travelled & ruled etc. Highly recommended! #historybookchat

Just finished this engaging & interesting history of the Northmen aka the Vikings covering key individuals, travels & events from their earliest known days to the end of the Viking Age. Well researched using written records, Norse sagas & archeological discoveries. Recommended! #historybookchat

Congratulations! 💐🥂

Just completed this biography of Rome’s 1st Emperor. It provided an informative narrative of Augustus’ life as well as presenting a view of Rome at this time of transition & portraits of the key people in his orbit. Well worth a read! #readinghistory #historybookclub

Hi Luke - sure. Happy to chat.

Hello!

Must admit it had been on my TBR for quite awhile but finally decided to pick it up. It answered some questions I’d had about this period so glad I finally read it. In Power will be next but going to wait a couple of weeks before starting that one.

That’s great! I’m going to take a short break too before I tackle volume 2. Started a biography of Augustus today for something a little different.

Just completed the first book in Richard J. Evans’ trilogy on the Third Reich. Incredible read! Interesting but pretty disturbing too given echoes in today’s current political & cultural environment. Highly recommended! #readinghistory #historybookchat

It’s a terrific book! 👏

Wishing you a very happy birthday!