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America Summer 1927

Started by RNOfficer, October 22, 2016, 12:47:06 AM

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RNOfficer

An excellent non-fiction book by the well-known travel writer Bill Bryson (recently portrayed by Robert Redford in the film A Walk in the Woods - - a singular distinction).

Bill Bryson's 'One Summer: America, 1927'

Bryson tells of everything that happened during the eventful Summer in history addition to Lindbergh's historic flight. All these events put the flight into context so we can better understand the impact it had on America. A well-written and researched book. Enjoyable to read.

For example: 

1. Prohibition and the US government's attempt to render all industrial alcohol poisonous so that those that chose to break the law would die.

2. The notorious Ruth Snyder murder case (inspiring the film Double Indemnity, often identified as the most perfect film ever made).

3. The controversial executions of anarchists Sacco and Vanzetti, which caused demonstrations and riots both here and abroad.

4. the Great Mississippi Flood, which lasted longer than any other American natural catastrophe.

5.  the Dempsey-Tunney fight with the famous "long count"

6. the starting of work on Mount Rushmore by the improbably named Gutzon Borglum.

7. Babe Ruth and Lou Gerig

reviews:

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/sep/26/one-summer-1927-bill-bryson-review

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/24/books/review/bill-brysons-one-summer-america-1927.html

http://www.csmonitor.com/Books/Book-Reviews/2013/1008/One-Summer