Unveiling hidden histories: Non-fiction books on historic revelations to read
What's the story
Nonfiction books are like a voyage through history's dimly lit corridors, bypassed by well-known stories.
These works reveal layers of the past, shedding light on obscure events and individuals who have influenced our existence.
They question established views, unearth hidden truths, and supply facts that expand our comprehension of the world.
This exploration is essential for a complete understanding of history.
Book 1
'Hidden Figures'
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly uncovers the pivotal role of African American women mathematicians at NASA during the Space Race.
Their expertise was vital for the United States' space achievements, but for too long, their efforts went unrecognized.
Shetterly's book pays tribute to these women, highlighting their determination and skill in the face of racial segregation in America.
Book 2
'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks'
In The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, readers discover the story behind HeLa cells—the first immortal human cells grown in culture.
Skloot delves into the life of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were taken without her knowledge in one thousand nine hundred fifty-one and led to significant medical breakthroughs.
It's a tale of ethics, science, and one family's quest for justice.
Book 3
'Savage Continent'
Savage Continent by Keith Lowe offers a detailed look at post-World War II Europe, a time often overlooked in history narratives.
The book exposes the vengeance, ethnic cleansing, and societal breakdown that ensued after the conflict.
Through Lowe's extensive research, the reader encounters a Europe struggling to regain its humanity amidst the ruins left by war.
Book 4
'The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer'
The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Siddhartha Mukherjee offers an extensive history of cancer, tracing its earliest recorded instances to the contemporary fights against the disease.
Mukherjee skillfully weaves a scientific account with personal anecdotes, demonstrating how cancer has historically been a catalyst for medical progress as well as a relentless adversary.