Book Reviewed: Around Washington Square: An Illustrated History of Greenwich Village by Luther S. Harris

The American Bohemia This is a visually captivating exploration of one of New York City's most iconic neighborhoods, the Washington Square Park. It is a narrative of the history of Greenwich Village, a cultural and geographical landmark for three centuries. Once, this was the 17th-century Dutch settlement and progressively transformed into a fashionable residential and university district in the 19th century. And later as the epicenter of the city's bohemian, creative, and activist movements. The narrative covers a broad range of themes, the architectural evolution, the construction of row houses, and the rise of artistic communities. Greenwich Village became more involved in civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and anti-war protests in the 20th century. The book is illustrated with photographs, maps, and illustrations that bring the history into a proper perspective. They are informative and also visually rewarding. The narratives are effortless and engaging. Although the book covers a broad time frame, it does not cover the mid-20th century counterculture movement. This book is recommended to readers interested in the American history, history of New York City and its cultural legacy.

Book Reviewed: Empires of the Indus, the Story of a River by Alice Albinia

Indus and Saraswati Rivers This is a journey along the Indus River, downstream and back in time, from the Himalayas to the Arabian Sea. Along the way, the river wanders freely across Indian subcontinent, creating ancient cities and being a silent witness to the ancient civilization, empires and kingdoms that flourished over its banks during the last four thousand years. The Indus valley civilization has a continuous history. It was a political, religious, and literary ferment, a history of the people of Indian subcontinent. Scholars and geologists suggest that the Saraswati River was a large river that once flowed parallel to the Indus River. It was one of the most revered rivers described by the Vedic seers in ancient India. The sacred scriptures of Hinduism such as the Rigveda describe this river as Goddess Saraswati. Rigveda contains metaphysical and spiritual thoughts long before civilization was born in Europe The author wrongly identifies Saraswati River as the Indus River, but actually Indus still exists but Saraswati River has dried. This book concludes that building dams across the river might have been the cause of it. But studies have revealed that tectonic activity might have changed the earth's crust that diverted the river's course. Another possibility is the climatic shift from the gradual aridification of the region. Satellite imagery studies have identified ancient dry riverbeds in the Thar Desert indicating that once it was a mighty river. The Indus River Valley was home to thriving communities of peoples of ancient India, like the world's oldest civilizations of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. This book documents the farming innovations, the birth of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, and the role of the Indus River in in supporting large cities on its bank. It is a brief exploration of their advanced urban planning, pioneering engineering feats, and social structures that supported these ancient metropolises connecting harmoniously with Mesopotamia and Persia. The author does not motivate the reader and her work contains errors.

Book Reviewed: Wheels of Her Own: American Women and the Automobile, 1893-1929 by Carla R. Lesh

Women’s place is in the driver’s seat This book explores the life of American women and the enrichment of their lives during early days of automobile, 1893-1929. It discusses the benefits of owning a vehicle that included shifting gender norms, fostering independence, and opening new opportunities for women. But there were serious challenges too. Early automobiles were difficult to operate, requiring strength and mechanical knowledge, which led many to believe driving was unsuitable for women. In addition, roads were poorly maintained, and long-distance travel was perilous. Inequities to access, safety, lodging and fuel, reliable equipment, and the racism challenged African American women significantly. The promise of any new groundbreaking "life-altering" technology was challenged by the social conditions. Women like Alice Huyler Ramsey, a 22-year-old N.J. housewife became a pioneer. In 1909, She was the first woman to drive across the United States. Accompanied by three female friends (none of whom could drive), embarked on a 3,800-mile journey from New York to San Francisco in a Maxwell automobile. They faced mechanical breakdowns, muddy roads, and navigational challenges, many roads were unpaved and lacked signs. Rural areas were most difficult since they sought the help of strangers in case of emergency. Ramsey’s successful trip proved that women were capable of handling the technical and physical challenges of driving. Automobiles also became integral to the suffrage movement. Women used cars for parades, rallies, and cross-country tours to promote, demonstrating their ability to engage with modern technology and public life. The "Votes for Women" caravan of 1913 involved women driving cars emblazoned with banners advocating for suffrage. These highly visible tours drew attention and helped reach rural and urban communities. Inez Milholland became a driving force for suffrage, and Clara Ford the wife of Henry Ford was a strong advocate for women’s driving. The mass production of the Model T by Ford in 1908 made cars more affordable, broadening access to middle-class families and women. This study is limited in its choice of subject matter, since the motoring landscape included expansive demographic than the three groups discussed here, the white, the black and indigenous population. Hispanic and Asian populations are clearly excluded and much of the discussions are about the white and black women. Another shortcoming of this book is the way the topics are discussed. There are several pictures, illustrations and diagrams of women driving, which helped me to connect with female drivers of the early 1900s.