History vs Genealogy, Slavery, and the Fall of Giants.
1. History vs Genealogy.
Great little blog and enjoyed this article. Its something I have debated many times - is history better than genealogy or vice-versa. Personally I think they exist together quite nicely. Researching ancestors reveals history and connects you to events and history would be just a story if you couldn't connect it to people. That makes it real for me.
Which is better: History or Genealogy?
It is for these reasons that I spend so much time looking at military history and spending much of my free time creating free content for others to look at. I am often asked about British army regiments - where they were stationed, what battles they fought, etc. People want to know these things, I certainly do, so I started with my own Grandfather who fought and died with the Black Watch.
2. Slavery - taking positives from adversity.
A good story about overcoming uncomfortable truths and finding some positives. If she hadn't researched her family she wouldn't have been inspired to write books.
Valerie Still recount slave heritage.
3. Fall of Giants - Ken Follett.
I recently read this book recently and thoroughly enjoyed it. Not only was it a great read in itself but a brilliant mix of fiction and fact.
The book itself is broadly about the First World War and the effect of it upon a number of characters who are already struggling against social standing, the status quo and day to day life.
Ken Follet has obviously done his homework, bringing to life the society of pre-war, war, and post-war Britain, Germany, Russia and the US. I found it very interesting from a political point of view, covering the build-up of going to war in Britain and Europe as well as the Russian revolution, the Suffragette movement and the plight of the working man. The initial chapters on coal mining in Wales were a great read, bringing to life the dangers of working down a pit.
Follett seamlessly weaves fictional characters in with historical figures, giving you a book that you can thoroughly believe in.
