Microhistories: Big Stories About Very Specific Topics
Microhistory is the study of the past through the examination of a very narrowly defined subject. Although the term originally referred to in-depth historical studies of specific people or events, over the past 20 years a more loosely defined 'popular' microhistory has emerged and produced a number of bestsellers. Popular microhistories often tell the story of a seemingly ordinary object, event or concept that helps to illuminate a broader social or cultural history.
Popular microhistories are fantastic reads for those who love narrative nonfiction. Here are some recommendations to get you started:
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Mark Kurlansky is one of the most popular authors in this genre. Salt: a world history takes the reader on a 5,000-year journey across continents to tell the fascinating story of this common, household item that greatly influenced the development of human history. Likewise, Cod: a biography of the fish that changed the world tells the story of a seemingly insignificant subject that had far-reaching consequences for the world. Paper: paging through history, Kurlansky's most recent publication in this genre, enthusiastically tells the story of this everyday object from antiquity to present.
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A history of the world in 6 glasses by Tom Standage examines the history and impact of six beverages: beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea and cola from the stone age to present. Bill Bryson's At home is a fascinating examination of the history of domestic and private life. The professor and the madman tells a sordid and exciting tale about the creation of the first Oxford English Dictionary.
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Rain: a natural and cultural history is a beautifully written 'biography' of rain, weaving together cultural history, geology, natural science, visual arts and poetry. The ghost map by Steven Johnson is a compelling story of Victorian London's worst cholera outbreak and how it impacted the way we view disease, urban sprawl and sanitation. Extra virginity by Tom Mueller is a story of true crime and corruption, examining the history of olive oil from antiquity to present.
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