TCG062: The Tech Expertise Deficit with Russ White

This book by Stephen E. Ambrose chronicles the monumental task of building the transcontinental railroad between 1863 and 1869. It highlights the roles of investors, politicians, engineers, and laborers, including Irish and Chinese immigrants and defeated Confederate soldiers, who risked their lives to complete this unprecedented feat of engineering. The narrative delves into the challenges faced, such as treacherous terrain, extreme weather, and conflicts with Native Americans, and it also explores the lasting impact of the railroad on American history, commerce, and society.

This novel by Frederick Turner vividly captures the Jazz Age, weaving a story around Leon 'Bix' Beiderbecke, a jazz legend known for his brilliant yet troubled life. The narrative is framed by the memories of Henry Wise, who reflects on the era's excesses and the tragic figures that defined it. The book features cameos by notable figures like Louis Armstrong and Clara Bow, offering a rich tapestry of the period's music, culture, and societal upheaval.

The Wager by David Grann tells the gripping story of the HMS Wager, a British warship that met its tragic end during the War of Jenkins' Ear. The book delves into the harrowing experiences of the survivors who endured months of isolation on a desolate island, facing hunger, illness, and interactions with indigenous inhabitants. After constructing a makeshift vessel, the survivors embarked on a perilous journey to Brazil and Chile, only to return to England with conflicting stories of mutiny, treachery, and murder. Grann's narrative explores the nature of truth and the power of stories, using firsthand accounts to recreate the events and their historical significance. The book also examines the broader context of British imperialism and the moral compromises made by the crew and the empire.