Best History Books

Explore the answer to the central problem in global history with Guns, Germs, and Steel. In this insightful book, author Jared Diamond looks at the broad movements of peoples and ideas on every continent since the Ice Age. He presents a biology-driven answer to The Rise of the West, focusing on geography, demography, and ecological happenstance. With a binocular perspective of an evolutionary biologist and a heart that belongs to the people of New Guinea, Diamond presents a well-rounded and evenhanded review of human history.

Discover the story of human history, from the first humans to walk the earth to today's modern society. Explore how we came to believe in gods, nations, and human rights, and how our societies were shaped by the Cognitive, Agricultural, and Scientific Revolutions. Sapiens covers it all, using insights from biology, anthropology, paleontology, and economics to challenge our beliefs about what it means to be human. Are we happier now than we were before? Can we change our behavior and influence the future? Dr. Yuval Noah Harari's provocative and wide-ranging book will challenge the way you think about our species and our place in the world.

Explore a fascinating and surprising world with this groundbreaking work of science, history, and archaeology. Charles C. Mann challenges the widely-held belief that pre-Columbian Americans lived sparsely in a wilderness. Instead, he reveals that they molded and influenced the land around them in incredible ways, from creating advanced cities to engineering corn in a specialized process. Enrich your understanding of the Americas before 1492 with this transformative read.

Discover the rise and fall of Rome in SPQR, as Mary Beard offers a passionate and detail-oriented narration of the history of the ancient empire. From a humble beginning to becoming the masters of the Mediterranean, Beard challenges the traditional historical viewpoints and sheds light on often overlooked aspects such as class struggles and democratic movements. Spanning nearly a millennium, this highly informative and engaging read will leave your hair standing on end, earning its place as a modern classic - shaping our view of Rome for many years to come.

Discover the fascinating history of Genghis Khan, the Mongol warrior who rose to power and shaped the modern world. From his roots in Mongol culture to his tactical warfare and empire-building, this book tells the captivating story of a true historical figure who changed the course of history.

Explore American history from the perspective of the people who shaped it, in this groundbreaking book. A People's History of the United States throws out the official narrative and focuses on the struggles and triumphs of everyday Americans, including women, factory workers, African-Americans, Native Americans, and immigrant laborers. From the fight for fair wages to the battle for women's rights, this book explores the grassroots movements that shaped our country. With lively prose and scholarly research, this classic bestseller is a must-read for anyone who wants to truly understand America's past and future.

Discover the incredible, untold story of Virginia Hall, one of the greatest American spies who changed the course of the Second World War. Despite being rejected from the foreign service due to her gender and prosthetic leg, Hall talked her way into Churchill's "ministry of ungentlemanly warfare" and became the first woman to deploy to occupied France. Coordinating a network of spies, she sabotaged enemy lines and recruited and trained guerrilla fighters while being hunted by the Gestapo. Through sheer persistence and bravery, Hall became known as the "Madonna of the Resistance" and helped win the war.

Discover the devastating consequences of a notorious killing in Northern Ireland during The Troubles. Follow award-winning writer Patrick Radden Keefe's intricate narrative, starting with the abduction of Jean McConville, a mother of ten, and delve into the violent guerrilla war that plagued Northern Ireland. From IRA terrorists and their brutal violence to dirty schemes of the British Army, Say Nothing is a tale of passion, betrayal, and anguish that lingers long after the last page.

Discover the fascinating events and people that led to World War I with this Pulitzer Prize-winning book. The author, Barbara Tuchman, provides intricate details and an expert understanding of the subject that will leave readers captivated. Throughout this historical survey, Tuchman reveals how the war started, why it began, and how it could have been prevented. THE GUNS OF AUGUST offers an engaging perspective on a critical moment in world history that is not to be missed.

Explore the catastrophic events of the Third Reich, Hitler's thousand-year empire that lasted only 12 years. William L. Shirer's monumental study is the definitive record of this intense time period in human history. With mountains of evidence including testimonies, diaries, transcripts, and private letters, Shirer's work offers unprecedented insight into Hitler's drive to conquer the world. This classic work also covers the US's involvement and Hitler's usage of Mussolini and Japan. A worldwide bestseller, this book is a must-read for those interested in one of the most frightening chapters in human history.