If you like historical mysteries, then you'll enjoy reading The Great Pretenders: The True Stories behind Famous Historical Mysteries by Jan Bondeson. I devoured this book over the past few days. Bondeson is a doctor who uses medical and DNA analysis to discuss some of the historical mysteries surrounding cases of disputed identity. For example, several people came forth in the 18/19th centuries, claiming to be the Lost Dauphin (the son of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI). Other people claimed that Alexander I of Russia faked his own death and became a hermit. There also is an interesting story about Kasper Hauser, a sixteen year old boy who claimed to have spent his childhood hidden in a subterranean dungeon. At the time, many people speculated that Hauser was the crown prince of Baden.Each one of Bondeson's stories is interesting and compelling. Bondeson is an engaging writer and he recounts the historical mysteries in a very engaging way. Some of the claimants and their far-fetched stories are mind-boggling. It made me realize that there aren't just crazy people in the world today - there have been some pretty fantastic crazies throughout history.
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6 comments:
That looks great! I need it.
I actually thought of you and T-Rav when I read this book, ixoj. I think both of you would like it.
This reminds me of the book, "Secret Lives of the U.S. Presidents" I read a few months ago. Have you read it?
It's basically a book filled with trivia, facts, unusual stories, and true folklore about every single president. I thought it was a very simple -- sometimes cheesy -- read, but definitely interesting.
I think I'd probably really enjoy "The Great Pretenders" then. I like facts and trivia. Speaking of which, have you ever seen "Pop-up Video" that used to air on VH1 years ago? That was probably my favorite TV show.
So, I've just been reading up on the Lost Dauphin -- wow, how interesting.
What a horrible life -- forced to drink alcohol, beaten, starved, put in solitary confinement, forced to sleep with prostitutes, etc,. Wow, the kid was 10! Does the book talk about all of that?
I'm assuming it talks about his heart, too? I just saw a picture of that. How crazy. It's kind of creepy that they'd take his heart, but I guess it is fortunate since it provided something to test DNA with.
ooh, sounds interesting! i'll have to read it - i love when you post books you've read!
That book about the presidents sounds interesting, e. I'll have to check it out. (And yes, I totally remember "Pop-up Video!")
The book does talk about all the horrible things that young Louis Charles experienced. That chapter actually was really sad - I couldn't believe that such awful things happened to an innocent child.
And they DO talk about the heart, especially regarding the DNA testing that took place with it. It's really interesting: some people still don't accept the DNA results which proved that the heart belonged to Louis Charles (which means that there was no Lost Dauphin). They think that the heart might have belonged to Louis Charles' older brother, Louis Joseph (who died when Louis Charles was young). I think people should just accept the DNA results and move on...
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