I’m sure a lot of readers of this blog share my interest in the medieval period, but I’m curious as to what other periods in history you find interesting? Personally, I enjoy studying ancient civilizations (Rome, Greece, Egypt, the Ancient Americas, etc.) and the art/structures or lost worlds left behind by these civilizations (Stonehenge, Machu Pichu, Chichen Itza, the Olmec stone heads, and the Moai of Rapa Nui). Outside of ancient civilizations, I like British History and the Colonization of the Americas (Lewis and Clark particularly, and the lost city of Roanoke). For American history, it’s the American Revolution and World War II.
What are your interests?
I like to read some ancient stuff (Egypt, Rome, Greece, Britain) and about the American, French and Russian revolutions. I try to mix in some of these other times/places into my largely medieval/Tudor collection.
Ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome, but also the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods. WWII era, too.
Hmmm – aside from the Tudors – I like Victorian Era, Russian Revolution, The Pre-Raphaelites & British Art in general, the first World War. For America I like the Pioneers and the Depression as well as Native American History. I also read alot about Irish History – Michael Collins and the IRA.
Outside of early medieval history, I’d say early American history from about c. 1770 to the 1840s. This is the frontier period east of the Mississippi River. Its the era of Lewis and Clark, and Daniel Boone, and Tecumseh, and Davy Crockett etc. I’m less interested in the civil war and the western frontier.
I should have added aspects of church history throughout the medieval period. Particularly interesting in the evolution of books of hours and prayer beads.
Certain periods of Prussia (under Frederick I and Bismarck, for instance) are particularly interesting to me.
The early colonial days up to the time of manifest destiny are also quite interesting.
Finally, the barbaric tribes of antiquity are rather fascinating to me.
I love to read stuff from the Civil War Era. “Gone With the Wind,” truly awed me as a child and I have been curious about that era ever since. A great book that has become my new favorite Civil War book is a book titled, “Two Brothers: One North, One South” by David H. Jones. I think that the reason why I loved this book so much is because it is a dramatic and original story, meticulously researched for maximum believability. I also liked that the characters were actual persons immersed in the tragedy of the American Civil War.
For me it’s also the Civil War but the British Civil war. The period from the execution of Charles I to the end of the 17th Century was a time of great political, social and religious turmoil. The Great Fire of London, the plague, Cromwellian austerity followed by the Restoration where Charles II had a great deal of fun.
The Huguenots arrived in London, the British thought the French were gong to invade through the Isle of Purbeck and we didn’t think much of the Dutch (even though we asked William of Orange to be king a few years later)
I much recommend the travel journals of Celia Fiennes to give an insight into the period, as does Pepys.
It’s a period much bypassed as people rush between the Tudors and the Victorians but incredibly interesting.
Laura Essendine
The Accidental Guru Blog
I’m reminded by your comments that I forgot to include a few: church history or religious history for that matter, the barbarian tribes at the time of Rome (namely the Franks), the age of exploration in general (not just the colonizing of America), the age of piracy (some), and the American Civil War (some, used to be more into it than I am now). Becky, the book you mention “Two Brothers …” reminds me of the premise of the movie “Shenandoah” with Jimmy Stewart. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen that movie though.
Does anyone study Asian history much? History of China, the mongols, etc?
Great topic. I have many interests in various historical periods. For American history, I like the colonization up to and including the Revolutionary War. I’m interested in the history of western civilization in general, and the dark ages through the renaissance in particular. I’d like to learn more about history in the east. I like certain periods of Russian history as well.
I’m not so interested in the cultures/influences of south america, before or after the colonization from Spain. Not sure why that is..
I like the chance given here to think about other periods than the medieval. I am fascinated by World War I, as well 19th century Irish history. I deeply enjoy the poetry that came out of WWI, and the songs of Ireland.
Though I was trained as a classicist, Greek and Roman historical works don’t appeal to me at all. Also have an interest in the French Revolution.
I enjoy general western civ too. Actually still have my textbook from back in college. I’d like to study more on Russian history. Lots of interesting stuff there. Wouldn’t mind visiting there someday.
Judy, what particular people / events do you like from 19th century Irish history. That’s another interesting topic I’m not too familiar with.
I don’t know, history that doesn’t center around the west has never interested me too greatly. For whatever reason Africa and Asia have never seemed all that appealing:(
I’ve studied Asian history only briefly, but I’ve never really studied African history, except for ancient Egypt. South of there, I don’t much about anything.
Steven – thank you for replying – Irish History – the Great Irish Famine, the Great Migration which brought my ancestors to America – the Home Rule movement, Parnell, the seeds of the rebellion of 1916. All very tragic, with a terrible beauty.
I’d like to study Irish history more. I’m actually Irish on my mother’s side.