Epoch Booklist: Recommended Reading for April 18–24

This week, we feature a children’s book about the wonders of nature visible throughout the day, and a fascinating account of British piracy during the Elizabethan era.

Nonfiction

‘Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent’

By Judi Dench & Brendon O’Hea

In this lively and enlightening look at Shakespeare, actor and director O’Hea brings together years of interviews he conducted with actress Judi Dench, who had performed in the plays since her youth. With each chapter focused on a particular play, her insights, humor, many anecdotes, and witty repartee with O’Hea make this an excellent companion both for Shakespeare veterans and rookies. Fans of Dench’s films will also enjoy this intimate visit with one of Britain’s greatest and most versatile actresses.

St. Martin’s Press, 2024, 400 pages

Espionage

‘The Traitor of Arnhem: WWII’s Greatest Betrayal and the Moment That Changed History Forever’

By Robert Verkaik

After the success of D-Day, the Nazis were on their heels as the Allies romped through Europe in pursuit of Berlin. Given this successful military onslaught, how was it that the Nazis were so prepared during the Battle of Arnhem, famously catalogued in the book and movie “A Bridge Too Far”? Verkaik unleashes a mountain of intelligence information. Most is substantiated and some is circumstantial. Verkaik suggests the defeat at Arnhem was assisted by British traitors known as the Cambridge Spies.

Headline Welbeck, 2024, 400 pages

History

‘Pirate Nation: Elizabeth I and Her Royal Sea Rovers’

By David Childs

The story of England’s sea rovers during the reign of Elizabeth I has been told many times. Their chief captains—Drake, Hawkins, Frobisher, and Raleigh—are legends. This book revisits the story, examining it through a new lens. It argues piracy became a major industry in Elizabethan England to the point it made England a pariah nation. Further, it shows how this adventurism reduced, not improved, England’s maritime security, especially when England fought the Spanish Armada.

Naval Institute Press, 2015, 320 pages

Health

’Ultimate Menopause Solutions: Learn How to Take Control Over Mood Swings & Hot Flashes, Discover Holistic & Hormonal Remedies, Manage Weight and Ignite Your Personal Wellbeing’

By Mary Wright

Curious about menopause? This guide to the oft-infamous stage of life will assuage your fears and put you at ease. Author Mary Wright addresses a wide range of topics, from managing hormonal shifts that cause mood swings, to regaining your confidence as a mature woman. She pulls from both Western allopathic medical knowledge as well as traditional Eastern medicine, creating a cross-disciplinary glossary readers can reference regarding a variety of symptoms. Highly recommended for the women approaching this milestone; don’t go in uninformed.

TCF Publishing, 2025, 182 pages

Classics

‘Ideas Have Consequences: Expanded Edition’

By Richard Weaver

This 1948 biting critique of the modern age caused a mild sensation and has since proven prescient about the ills of today. The triumph of relativism over absolute truth, the damage done to reason by this monumental shift, the manipulation of language by state and corporate interests to shape and control public opinion: Weaver found these and more detrimental to our humanity. This edition includes excellent analyses of Weaver’s life and thinking by Roger Kimball and Ted Smith.

University of Chicago Press, 2013, 223 pages 

For Kids

‘Eye Spy’

By Ruth Brown

Combining the fun of the familiar game “I Spy” with beautiful nature illustrations and rhythmic, informative clues, this entertaining read takes the reader through a day in the countryside. The story starts at dawn and concludes at dusk. Answers to each clue appear with each satisfying turn of the page. Children will want to read this one again and again.

Scallywag Press, 2023, 32 pages

What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to [email protected]