Living History

I think there is a most unfortunate perception of history being nothing more than names, dates, and places. It is a real tragedy that history is seen as so dull and irrelevant, because a better understanding of history could really change the world. (Which may be illustrated better in a paragraph or two, so hold that thought). I've mentioned a few books before that I think really do history the justice it deserves: there's this one about King George VI, and this one, or this one, which admittedly is fiction. Or history in the eyes of Ford, or one that I apparently haven't mentioned, but should have, called Lies My Teacher Told Me, by James Loewen. Well, I read another book this last week that did a great job of giving history life.

Along the lines of the Ford book, Between You and Me: A Memoir, by Mike Wallace (of 60 Minutes fame) and Gary Paul Gates gives a look at history through the eyes of people who made it. Now, to clarify. It's not a book about history. It's a book that tells about a man's experiences interacting with people who are big names in history of all kinds (entertainment history, political and international history, etc.). Wallace basically reminisces on his impressions and interactions with the people he interviewed. He tells about how his work and life intertwined, although don't expect this to be a "life of Mike Wallace" experience. You'll learn a bit about him, but this is a memoir, not an autobiography. For me, it was fascinating to read his impressions of the times he lived in.

Now, back to the whole understanding history thing. One of the most fascinating accounts to me was his account of interviewing the Shah of Iran, and the Ayatollah. I think this amazed me because he was able to trace the effects of the overthrow of the Shah in a way that no one talks about, but should. That revolution sparked events that eventually connect to 9/11 in remarkable ways. I wasn't born when the revolution started, but the events that stemmed from that (which may have happened even if the Shah hadn't been overthrown--who knows) have definitely shaped the history of my life. And it is fascinating to read this story being told by someone who was there at the beginning and had the perspective to recognize the full extent of the story.

Alright, enough of my diatribing. This is a really great book and has something for everyone. Wallace interviewed stars, artists, politicians, generals, criminals, and more, and this book is full of great stories, and as a reporter, he tells them as stories, so it's very readable. So, have fun reading.