The Icepick Surgeon: Murder, Fraud, Sabotage, Piracy, and Other Dastardly Deeds Perpetrated in the Name of Science by Sam Kean The only time I remember enjoying a book about science history this much was when I read Sam Kean’s other book, The Disappearing Spoon, which is full of exciting tales from the periodic table. I …
Tag: history
Apr 03
Book Review: The Royal Art of Poison
The Royal Art of Poison: Filthy Palaces, Fatal Cosmetics, Deadly Medicine, and Murder Most Foul by Eleanor Herman Non-fiction books about chemistry, especially where chemistry and sociology intersect, are one of my fun go-to reads (or listens, in this case.) I was kind of hoping it would be like The Poisoner’s Handbook, which was like …
Feb 27
Book Review: A Discovery of Witches
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness I’d heard about this book, and more to the point, seen in on the bookshelves of people who share my taste, so I was excited to get the audiobook from audible. It’s a huge tome, something like 27 hours to listen to, so it’s a time investment of …
Aug 03
Book Review: The Map That Changed the World
The Map That Changed the World by Simon Winchester I usually love books like this, and I usually don’t review books that I haven’t finished, but I don’t know if I want to waste any more time on this one. I’m 93 hard-won pages into this and I think I’m going to quit. So far …
Oct 07
Book Review: Get Well Soon
Get Well Soon: History’s Worst Plagues and the Heroes Who Fought Them by Jennifer Wright This is the funniest book about diseases I’ve ever read. That may seem like faint praise, but I have read a lot of books about diseases. I love reading about diseases because it makes me feel better about my own …