In this episode Tami, Taryn, and Rob read 3 different 'micro-histories' and geeked out on the idea of what 'Micro-histories' are and how much they love them. This is a terrific episode for everyone who likes to take a deep dive every now and then!

What is the definition of a Micro-history?

Mono-histories

Seattle Public Library Article on Mono histories

Deep Dives

A History on any single person, place, event, or object. Looking at the world through that one 'thing' and how it influences the world.

Wikipedia Definition: Microhistory is a genre of history that focuses on small units of research, such as an event, community, individual or a settlement. In its ambition, however, microhistory can be distinguished from a simple case study insofar as microhistory aspires to "[ask] large questions in small places", according to the definition given by Charles Joyner.[1] It is closely associated with social and cultural history.

Books We Read For This Episode

Cheddar: A Journey to the Heart of America's Most Iconic Cheese by Gordon Edgar

Stiff by Mary Roach

The Domestic Revolution: How the Introduction of Coal into Victorian Homes Changed Everything by Ruth Goodman

Books Mentioned

The Cheese and The Worms: The Cosmos of a Sixteenth-Century Miller by Carlo Ginzburg

Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand

Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

American Cheese by Joe Berkowitz

Milk by Mark Kurlansky

Grunt by Mary Roach

Basque History of the World: The Story of a Nation by Mark Kurlansky

Time for Things: Labor, Leisure, and the Rise of Mass Consumption by Dr. Stephen D. Rosenberg

Sites Mentioned

Tillamook Creamery

Olympia Brewing Company - Olympia beer was discontinued in Jan 2021

Cabot Cheese

Jasper Hill Farm Cheese

Quickes Cheddar, Exeter England

Westminster Dog Show

Media Mentioned

Raiders of the Lost Ark

What Micro-History Would You Like To Write

Rob - The Domestication of Pets and Looking specifically at Dogs

Taryn - Harvey House Restaurants (along the Santa Fe Railroad)

Tami - History of State Fair Food (Food)