New Non-fiction

The Peter White Public Library offers these recently added new non-fiction titles.

Haunted Marquette: Ghost Stories from the Queen City by Tyler R. Tichelaar.
The latest work from this local author has a wide variety of spooky stories from Marquette. Even if some of the tales are familiar, author Tichelaar gives detail and perspective on these local legends and folklore, lending some logical reasoning to the phenomena. He is able to do so without diminishing the fun and mystery. Is the Peter White Public Library haunted? Even if it isn’t, you still have a fun new way to learn all the historical tidbits that have been packed in.
New adult nonfiction 133.1097 TI

Somewhere We'll Leave the World by Russell Thorburn.
Surreal poetry from NMU English instructor and first Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula. The material draws upon his own experiences, whether it be on Woodward Avenue in Detroit, the backwoods of the UP, or in the Mojave Desert. “Celebrate journeys through sand and snow,” says the poet. See also his other recently added title, Many Names Have Never Been Spoken Here, which features the photography of his son Gabriel to accompany his poetry.
Both may be found in new adult nonfiction 811.54 TH

Al Capone's Beer Wars: A Complete History of Organized Crime in Chicago during Prohibition by John J. Binder.
An attempt to give a complete picture of organized crime in Chicago during the years of national prohibition (1920-1933). Gives clarity to the historical happenings of the times, revealing the interconnection of the organizations and events that defined the era, without relying on the crutch of speculation. The author’s first concern is presenting an accurate depiction of events and relationships, while also refuting myths and misconceptions.
New adult nonfiction 364.106 BI

The Show That Never Ends: The Rise and Fall of Prog Rock by David Weigel.
The start of the book puts you on a nostalgic prog-rock theme-cruise in the Caribbean, full of music and reminiscing. Decades before, these artists were more likely to be found traveling on a Lear Jet, bringing elaborate stage shows to massive audiences around the world. Prog rock has since fallen under the weight of a thousand intricate keyboard solos. A general history of prog rock is presented, followed by the stories of bands that epitomized the genre, Pink Floyd, ELP, Rush, Yes, Genesis, and many others. Journalist Weigel (Bloomberg, Esquire, Rolling Stone) embraces the absurdity and excesses of the genre’s heyday, providing a well-researched history.
New adult nonfiction 781.66 WE

Against the Grain: A Deep History of the Earliest States by James C. Scott.
We tend to think of prehistory in sharp lines, with civilizations turning corners of social and technological progress that made humanity leap ahead for the better. Here, the author makes a case that many of the touchstones that define early civilization might not have been quite so rewarding in the context of what came before. When we fully committed to agriculture, stayed in one place, and domesticated animals, those advancements allowed for increases in population, but also created more opportunity for conflict, disease, and other pitfalls of civilization. Written by a professor of anthropology and political science at Yale, it focuses on the grain states of Mesopotamia and eastern China.
New adult nonfiction 930 SC

-Bruce MacDonald, Technical Services Librarian