4 ms·
Are there really books written by average people from the early 1900s?
by mikeash 8y ago
Are there really books written by average people from the early 1900s?
- livueta 8y agoSure, assuming the definition of "average" we're using here is "not from a family with significant economic means", rather than "led an uninteresting life". One that immediately springs to mind as both relevant and a good read is You Can't Win[1], the autobiography of a jailbird who was primarily active in the American West around the turn of the century. (I read it after seeing it mentioned in a HN thread, as it happens). I can't recall specific examples as it's been a while, but the author received a grounding in history at a religious school as a kid that shows up throughout the work in the form of various allusions to history and mythology. --- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_Can't_Win_(book) https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_Can't_Win_(book)
- mikeash 8y agoI’d say the relevant criterion would be “had a typical education.” Seems like this guy would qualify, in any case. Thanks for the link.
- harimau777 8y agoThe ones that I've personally read were manuals written by old time boxers and strongmen.
- sitkack 8y agohttps://www.mhpbooks.com/books/the-right-way-to-do-wrong/ https://www.mhpbooks.com/books/the-right-way-to-do-wrong/ By Harry Houdini