"Tristate True Crime" on "Cincy Lifestyle" and WCPO
Cultural Historian and Biographer Bob Batchelor on the “Cincy Lifestyle” television show, airing M-F at 10 a.m. on WCPO
Holiday Gifts for the Smart Man in Your Life
I am constantly asked for Christmas and holiday gift ideas, particularly hard to shop for men! As a matter of fact, about 75 percent of the books I sign at book festivals, events, and appearances are women buying for the men in their lives. Perhaps it is just the subjects I have written about — Stan Lee, Bob Dylan, Bourbon King George Remus — but still…
In the holiday spirit, I thought I would put together a quick list of potential gifts for your husband, son, brother, cousin, or the other smart men on your holiday shopping list.
Here are several great options, but don’t delay, some of these are time sensitive.
Cool Stuff!
Marvel Unlimited membership — Give your favorite comic book fan access to over 28,000 digital comics. With Marvel Unlimited, he will be able to go deep into the Marvel archives, sampling comic books from when he collected as a kid or keep up with today’s hottest stories. Excelsior!
Hunky Dory Studio — Hunky Dory Studio is owned and operated by Amy Flesher. She says "I make things that are fun and unusual using sophisticated processes and materials. I surround myself with things that make me smile and faces I love that also fit into a “grown-up” décor." Hunky Dory Studio provides you with that unexpected statement piece that is totally unique and an expression of who you are and what (or who) you love...AND, they are always conversation starters!
Pop Octopus — Super cool and one-of-a-kind! Pop Octopus creates screenprinted and painted wall art for your home, den, dungeon or spaceport. Hundreds of phenomenal options, including Marvel, Anthony Bourdain, and many other pop culture icons!
Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination by Brian Jay Jones
One of America’s greatest writers and biographers tackles one of America’s most interesting topics! A must read!
“A rich, anecdotal biography...Whether readers are familiar with Dr. Seuss books or not, they will find this biography absorbing and fascinating.”—Kirkus Reviews
The Iron Sea: How the Allies Hunted and Destroyed Hitler's Warships by Simon Read
A critical aspect of World War II examined by one of the top military historians writing today! A combination of stellar research and crisp, thrilling writing.
Using official war diaries, combat reports, eyewitness accounts and personal letters, Simon Read brings the action and adventure to vivid life. The result is an enthralling and gripping story of the Allied heroes who fought on a watery battlefield.
Warship Builders: An Industrial History of U.S. Naval Shipbuilding 1922–1945 by Thomas Heinrich
Part of the Studies in Naval History and Sea Power series, Heinrich’s book offers a revolutionary way to look at American naval power and the home front effort to win World War II.
"Warship Builders is a brilliantly crafted and impeccably researched book that completely transforms the way in which we should think about the rise of American naval and industrial dominance in the Twentieth Century. Discarding superficial Fordist narratives of standardized mass production, Heinrich reveals the fascinating tale of how the U.S. warship industry managed the highly specialized and complex task of flexible batch production on a scale unparalleled anywhere else on earth. Warship Builders is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of the U.S. Navy, U.S. mobilization in World War II and the triumph of industrial America." --Joseph A. Maiolo, Professor of International History, King's College London, and author of Cry Havoc: How the Arms Race Drove the World to War 1931-1941
Bourbon Lovers!
There are simply not enough bourbon history and bourbon enthusiast books in the world, so my list here leans heavily toward reading, but — trust me — the bourbon lover in your life will dig these gifts!
Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey: An American Heritage by Michael R. Veach
Noted bourbon historian Michael R. Veach reveals the true story of bourbon in Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey. Like the bourbon’s Veach discusses, this book is richly crafted and offers deep insight into America’s foremost spirit!
Whiskey Master Class: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Scotch, Bourbon, Rye, and More by Lew Bryson
A great book by one of the master’s of the craft! He’s forgotten more about whiskey and bourbon than most of us will ever know…
“Lew Bryson knows more about whiskey than anyone I’ve met. But that’s only one reason to read Whiskey Master Class. He writes with clarity and humor in a way that will engage novices and connoisseurs alike.” — Clay Risen, author of Single Malt: A Guide to the Whiskies of Scotland
Bourbon Flight Board Deco Glass Set — Handmade Bourbon Flight Board from Tipsy Timbers Wood Company is made of sustainable, locally sourced Walnut, Poplar and Cherry. Tipsy Timbers is a wood fabrication studio creating high quality hand crafted wood goods ranging from small home goods to custom furniture.
Finally…
Of course, I must also recommend my book The Bourbon King, the epic life and crimes of “Bootleg King” George Remus.
I’m biased…but don’t just take it from me…
“Forget Al Capone. Forget Bonnie and Clyde and Baby Face Nelson. Let us turn our attention, instead, to one George Remus, the Bourbon King of prohibition…The Bourbon King might as well be the outline of a Netflix or HBO series…All in all, it’s a hell of a story.”
―Washington Independent Review of Books