After the Fact
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More About the Author
Owen J. Hurd was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1965. His family moved to the Chicago area in 1973. After graduating from the University of Illinois in Urbana, Hurd moved to Chicago, where he landed successive jobs with two book publishers, Loyola Press and Bonus Books. Working in publicity and editorial capacities, he developed a love of the book publishing industry and the desire to write his own books someday. After earning a master's in English from DePaul University, Hurd wrote his first book, Chicago History for Kids (Chicago Review Press, 2007). His latest book is After the Fact: The Surprising Fates of American History's Heroes, Villains, and Supporting Characters. Targeted to an adult audience, After the Fact is scheduled to be published by Perigee Trade on August 7, 2012.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Avid Reader
Format:Paperback
I generally shy away from history books, but was intrigued enough by Owen Hurd's unique approach and perspective that I had to pick this one up. I have been surprised to learn that some of history's most commonly known characters have backstories that provide more insight and interest than anyone seems to have imagined! The context and related cast of characters surrounding significant historical events kept me entirely engaged and wowed by the facts presented in such an easily readable voice. Hurd has put together one of the most thoughtful and creative treatises that anyone will find extremely interesting. This one goes on the top shelf of my library with other books I will read again!
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Owen Hurd's "After The Fact" covers one of my favorite topics regarding historical happenings: the aftermath. Picking key events from American history, Hurd goes into detail as to what happened to key players, regular citizens, witnesses, etc., after the famous event. Examples of this would be his deft unraveling of the myth of Paul Revere's Ride, including the genesis of the myth itself as a propaganda piece during that second American Revolution, the Civil War. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, which goes into great detail about the lives of both key participants and regular people caught up in that momentous event.
If you looking for a traditional "this is what happened" history of major events, this isn't the book you want. However, if you want to know what happened once Paul Revere stopped riding, once the fires of Pearl Harbor were put out, or what happened after even the leftover turkey was eaten at the first Thanksgiving, this is the book to get.
If you looking for a traditional "this is what happened" history of major events, this isn't the book you want. However, if you want to know what happened once Paul Revere stopped riding, once the fires of Pearl Harbor were put out, or what happened after even the leftover turkey was eaten at the first Thanksgiving, this is the book to get.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By cherilynnc
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
No offense to previous history teachers and professors who tried valiantly to bring this stuff to life for me, but perhaps you should all take a cue (or 14) from Owen Hurd, and teach history through compelling, anecdotal, conversational stories. How enlightening (and fun) to learn more about people like Melvin Purvis (Punishing John Dillinger's Killer) and Squanto (After the First Thanksgiving), and events like "Doolittle's Raid" (Pearl Harbor) through this very human filter. The Loose Ends tidbits alone are going to make me more interesting at parties.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Fun and Interesting But Not a Scholarly Work
This is a fun book to read and it has many interesting features. It is not, however, a scholarly work and should not be read as factual history. Read more
Published 3 months ago by J. K. Van Riper
4.0 out of 5 stars
A fun read all the way through
Consider this a postgame wrap-up to the major events of American history. What happened to Al Capone's flunkies? Read more
Published 4 months ago by Moviedude
5.0 out of 5 stars
love trivia
Fun facts that are contained in this book certainly trump the basic information in the standard history book. History doesn't change, only the way it is recorded. Read more
Published 4 months ago by M. DAngio
4.0 out of 5 stars
Light easy reading
This book is light easy reading and every story is interesting. It seems to be well researched but is never pedantic or boring.
Published 5 months ago by bandit
5.0 out of 5 stars
Historical books
Leaves you wanting more information about the events in the book and wondering what happened after other historical events such as what did they do after the moon landing?
Published 7 months ago by jad
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another great read for adults AND kids from Owen Hurd
I have given Mr. Hurd's first book (Chicago History for Kids: Triumphs and Tragedies in the Windy City) to many kids who live in Chicago - and even to kids who don't live in... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Chicago Jane
5.0 out of 5 stars
Entertaining and Informative!
"After the Fact" is an excellent book! It is entertaining as well as informative. I especially enjoyed the chapter on Paul Revere and his checkered military career, not to mention... Read more
Published 9 months ago by History Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Read!
Although this is not typically a subject I would select to read, I'm glad I did! It's a well-written, interesting, entertaining and informative read. Read more
Published 9 months ago by K. Rakers
5.0 out of 5 stars
Entertaining Read
A very interesting book and entertaining read. It places in context historical events you thought you knew. The quality and style of the prose make this book highly accessible. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Kainer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Where history leaves off!
I already read a few chapters of "After the fact: The Surprising Fates of American History's Heroes, Villains, and Supporting Characters" and I found it very entertaining. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Giovanni Lugli
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