Epoch Booklist: Recommended Reading For Sept. 27-Oct. 3.

Renowned historian, Phillips Payson OBrien, delves into the lives of five influential figures, Winston Churchill, Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Benito Mussolini, and Franklin Roosevelt, and explores how their personal experiences shaped World War II. In his thought-provoking book, he challenges the notion that the war was solely influenced by historical events and technological advancements, emphasizing the crucial role played by these men in shaping its outcome.

Erik Larson takes us back to the spring of 1861, a turbulent time marked by the election of Lincoln and the impending civil war. Through meticulous research, Larson vividly recreates this period of intense national discord. His narrative captures the hubris, heartbreak, and heroism of the era, serving as a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences that can arise from unchecked political passions.

This captivating anthology, expertly compiled by Otto Penzler, showcases the timeless battle between Good and Evil in the realm of mystery fiction. With contributions from renowned authors such as Mark Twain, Jack London, Louisa May Alcott, and Edgar Allan Poe, this collection presents 33 suspenseful short stories that bring to life the eternal struggle between detectives and criminals.

Thomas H. Schmid introduces us to Gale Ruthven, an associate professor of British Romantic poetry who happens to be a 400-year-old vampire. Through this unique novel, Schmid explores how immortality and immense power drive vampires to seek excitement, while taking readers on a witty and adventurous journey through both the postmodern era and 19th-century English literature.

Booker T. Washington, a former slave who rose to become one of the most influential figures of his time, shares his inspiring life story in this must-read autobiography. Washington founded Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and championed education, enterprise, and hard work as the path to progress for African Americans. His words of self-improvement and hope continue to resonate, making this book essential reading for all Americans, especially the younger generation.