Check it out

“A library is the delivery room of ideas,” Norman Cousins observed, “a

place where history comes to life.” In the Newport Beach Public Library’s

newest set of Timeless Treasures, Cousins’ description rings true in

American historical fiction set in eras dating back to Colonial times.

Readers can revisit America’s second conflict with Britain in

“Dolley,” Rita Mae Brown’s masterful blend of fact and fiction that

recreates the life of First Lady Dolley Madison. The wife of the fourth

president of the U.S. tells her story in diary snippets, emerging as a

modern and complex woman, a savvy politician and a loving spouse.

Civil War perspectives are well represented in the 105-title

collection, in such rich chronicles as “The Killer Angels.” In this

Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Michael Shaara offers one of the finest

battle re-creations ever written, revealing multiple perspectives of the

climactic struggle at Gettysburg.

In “Gods and Generals,” Jeff Sharra provides a kind of prequel to

his father Michael’s classic tracing the careers of Robert E. Lee,

Stonewall Jackson and other Battle of Gettysburg players. Considered

together, the two novels by father and son provide a powerful portrait of

Civil War battles and personalities.

A wartime tragedy is the focus of “Henry and Clara,” Thomas

Mallon’s moving story about Major Henry Rathbone and his fiancee, Clara

Harris, who sat in the President’s box on the night of Lincoln’s

assassination. Witnessing the traumatic incident changes the young

couple’s lives forever, leading to guilt, madness and, ultimately,

murder.

For readers interested in the romance of the Wild West, Owen Wister’s

“The Virginian” pairs handsome cowboy with sweet “schoolmarm” in a

love story based on Theodore Roosevelt’s adventurous interludes. The

Hollywood version of this classic saga made a star of Gary Cooper, as the

manly cowpuncher who lives by the honor code of the West.

Moving into the latter half of the 19th century, E.L. Doctorow’s “The

Waterworks” is set in Boss Tweed’s New York of corrupt politicos and

rapacious capitalists. In this moody and suspenseful tale, the

disinherited son of an infamous late millionaire is amazed when he sees

his father alive and embarks on a terrifying quest for truth.

Fifty years of 19th-century American history comes alive in “Raintree

County,” Ross Lockridge Jr.’s epic novel about love, tragedy and the

American Dream. Told in a series of flashbacks that occur on a single day

in 1892, this is the story of a Civil War veteran who reflects on his

life, his tragic love affair and his return to Raintree County, filled

with a sense of loss and missed opportunity.

The Timeless Treasures Historical Fiction collection is housed at the

Newport Beach Central Library. Copies of selected works are available at

some branch libraries.

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public

Library. This week’s column is by Melissa Adams, in collaboration with

Sarah Rosenblum.