Description
Book SynopsisHistories of the Unexpected not only presents a new way of thinking about the past, but also reveals the world around us as never before.
Traditionally, World War II has been understood in a straightforward way but the period really comes alive if you take an unexpected approach to its history. Yes, battles, bombs and bravery all have a fascinating history... but so too do handkerchiefs, furniture, Mozart, insects, blood, mothers, suicide, darkness, cancer and puppets!
Each of these subjects is equally fascinating in its own right, and each sheds new light on the traditional subjects and themes that we think we know so well.
Trade ReviewHistory as you've never seen it before. -- Dan Snow
Irreverent, witty and fabulously well-informed,
Histories of the Unexpected is a blast of historical treats and full to the gunwales of extraordinary connections and trivia from the past. -- James Holland
History isn't straightforward. It's a complex web of twists and turns. This book will show you how surprising, exciting and downright unexpected history can be. -- Janina Ramirez
This is a wonderful, eclectic and entertaining history of everything, full of fascinating, surprising stories. -- Suzannah Lipscomb
Table of Contents0: World War II: An Introduction 1: Blood 2: King Arthur 3: Cancer 4: Carrots 5: Mozart 6: Darkness 7: Cars 8: Pockets 9: Furniture 10: Mothers 11: Puppets 12: Cows 13: Handkerchiefs 14: Paperbacks 15: Gates 16: Zen Buddhism 17: Insects 18: Deafness 19: Suicide 20: Rubble
