I'd like to buy a book or books for someone who really liked 1776, by David McCullough, but who now wants to know more about the Revolutionary War. [more inside]
posted by kingjoeshmoe on Dec 17, 2009 - 10 answers

I'm preparing for a massive personal archiving/interviewing trip with my grandparents and need advice regarding many aspects of the project. [more inside]
posted by ikahime on Aug 18, 2009 - 8 answers

Have you ordered a US military personnel file (aka "OMPF," or "201 file"), for someone famous that was "released" under the Persons of Exceptional Prominence (PEP) program? How did that go? How long did it take? Did you have to go there in person? [more inside]
posted by garfy3 on May 8, 2009 - 4 answers

What are some good biographies of James Madison? [more inside]
posted by GatorFan2000 on Mar 19, 2009 - 2 answers

Tété-Michel Kpomassie: where is he now? Whatever happened to him? I can't find other books by him after An African in Greenland; I've read he eventually received French citizenship and lives there now - but what does he do? He must have written other books or articles, right? Anyone know?
posted by luriete on Sep 3, 2008 - 3 answers

Writing a script about a military coup in the near future. Any suggestions for reading/viewing material? [more inside]
posted by PostIronyIsNotaMyth on Feb 27, 2008 - 17 answers

Can you suggest a good biography on Abraham Lincoln and /or a history of the Civil War? [more inside]
posted by BluGnu on Feb 12, 2007 - 17 answers

Help me create a comprehensive reading list on American history [more inside]
posted by dead_ on Jul 17, 2006 - 37 answers

How would I write a biography or history book? [more inside]
posted by Tin Man on May 18, 2006 - 4 answers

Hi, I am looking for the spelling of the surname of my great-grandfather. He lived in Opatija (Croatia) during most of the first forty years of the twentieth century. The town was called Abbazia then, reflecting the Italian influence at the time. Surnames were also Italianised; his became Simainski. I have seen variations such as Szimanski, Simanszki and various "y"s instead of "i"s. Since most archives seem lost in Opatija, I was wondering if somebody can point me to sources where I can find out more. Thanks! Marco
posted by mbotta on Nov 8, 2005 - 10 answers