I agree, but I think some aspect of it is that we are presented the same facts as novel in each genre and if you've read one you've read them all. Whatever the case it's to the point where I quit nonfiction books quickly because I find them boring, where as I used to read them constantly when I was younger.

American non-fiction books seem to have a third dedicated to "the author is awesome and valid in this field, because he or she did this and that talk for this and that person". Very bloaty, indeed.

I have heard non-fiction authors comment on this. It is because there is no market for a pamphlet or novella length work. In science, self help and business people often write influential essays or academic papers. It may make sense to print them because want them as a reference, and the author can expand their ideas. But the problem is that in general they don't need to be ~250 pages.

I've been a huge fan of Erik Larson's book because he writes non-fiction in a very exciting ways where it doesn't feel like filler.

The Splendid & the Vile was the most enjoyable book of his imo.

* dense