New York Review Books

Reveille in Washington, 1860-1865. (reprint, 1941)

Leech, an American novelist, biographer, and historian, was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for History with this classic work in Civil War studies, first published in 1941. She captures five pivotal years in the history of the nation's capitol, profiling heroes, rogues, villains, and spies as the city transitioned from an unpaved country town to a modern city. The portrait of the city includes profiles of key figures such as the Lincoln family, Civil War generals, businessman Andrew Carnegie, and Civil War photographer Matthew Brady. A few b&w maps are included. The 2001 reprint is cited in Resources for College Libraries (which RCL classes E565). (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

When the world spoke French.

This book, by Fumaroli (French classical rhetoric and arts scholar) and translated by Howard, profiles Europeans and Americans during the 18th century who were drawn to the Enlightenment movement and French culture. During this time, France was the center of the Western world and the French language was a global language spoken by businessmen and intellectuals. The individuals profiled in this book all were French speakers and their stories illustrate how the French language, during the time, connected culture around the world. This book appeals to those studying French. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)