Several thoughts. First, Reading is good, especially for people who enjoy travel.

Second, a few authors have written what I call historical fiction. They weave a fictitious plot or story into a background of real historical settings and events. The end result is a pleasurable read and an almost unconscious knowledge of some real history. James Michener is a favorite. Sandy started my passion for Wilbur Smith novels. A current favorite is Jeff Shaara. An old friend is Louis L’Amour. Each has a knowledge of particular historical eras and events.

Third, as with historical fiction, many authors of technical and business books are incorporating fiction as a way to make difficult concepts more understandable and acceptable to the masses. Wilbur Smith, who has written historical fiction about Africa, was recently asked to write a series of books about archeological discoveries. When he responded that he didn’t write non-fiction, especially about subjects that might appeal only to academics, he received an interesting response.

The response was that if the archeological subjects were written as purely academic journals, only a minor fraction of the worlds readers would ever know of the important history revealed by the new discoveries. If Mr. Smith were to write of those discoveries, using his approach to historical fiction, millions of readers would not only learn of the discoveries, but may develop a real interest in the history of the country where the discoveries were made.

The request to Mr. Smith was made by the head government archeologist for the country of Egypt. The discoveries were of before unknown pharaohs whose reigns filled gaps in the history of Egypt. Normally a little boring, but not when Mr.Smith finished his trilogy.

Keep reading!