When I was 19, I took a class that changed my life. A cliche, I know, but it happened. I was a freshman in college and an English major, but I’d begun studying Latin and had developed an infatuation with Roman history. Classics might have lured me away from English…if it hadn’t been for that survey of early American literature.
Continue reading “A Semiquincentennial Reading List”On social media and over email, I’ve fielded several questions about what someone should read to learn more about the space race. While writing the Fly Me to the Moon series, I’ve inhaled dozens and dozens of space histories. So for prosperity’s sake, here’s what I recommend.
A few caveats: my list is focused on the period between Sputnik and Apollo 11 (or 1957 to 1969) and on US/Soviet crewed space flight. If you’re interested in rocketry, for example, that would be a whole other list and it would start a lot sooner.
Also, I’m not a scientist or engineer. So while I’m interested in the history of technology, I prefer books pitched to a general audience.
I do have a PhD in American studies, so my bias is for new history that is intersectional, considers the economic and social factors that create institutions, and includes marginalized voices.
Emma Barry 