Exploring history (perhaps through this convenient list of history books) is essential for understanding our present and shaping our future, but it can also be incredibly enjoyable. Many historical books read like captivating stories… except they are real events, characters, and cultures, making them even more interesting.
There is a wide variety of scope within history books. Some are specific-event narratives, like those focusing on the Revolutionary War or the Vikings. Others are broad-spanning surveys that chart the rise and fall of civilizations, the evolution of societies, and more. Both types are included on this list!
Enjoy!
In The Time Of The Revolution by Alan Axelrod
In the Time of the Revolution: Living the War of American Independence delves into life during the period of the American Revolution.
The American Revolution, spanning from 1775 to 1783, was not just a war but a transformative period in North American history. While some actively participated in battles, many simply carried on their daily lives. Axelrod covers military encounters (the traditional focus) but also provides a unique perspective into the daily life, emotions, and mindsets of Americans during the revolutionary period. How did the development of a separate American identity lead to a complete break from England?
Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea offers an exploration of life in North Korea through the eyes and experiences of six individuals.
As the narrative unfolds, readers are plunged into the harsh realities of life under the oppressive rule of Kim Il-sung and his successor, Kim Jong-il. Firsthand testimonies from North Korean defectors allow us to witness the profound impact of political events, such as the death of Kim Il-sung and the devastating famine of the 1990s, which claimed the lives of millions (approximately one-fifth of the population). It is hard to believe this Orwellian world exists in the present day – no access to the Internet, radios and televisions are limited to government broadcasts only, displays of affection are punished, informants are rewarded, and an offhand remark can send a person to the gulag for life.
Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing
Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage describes Ernest Shackleton’s 1914 voyage to Antarctica and subsequent struggle for survival.
In August of 1914, Ernest Shackleton, the renowned polar explorer, embarked on one of the most legendary expeditions in history. Leading a crew of twenty-seven men aboard the Endurance, Shackleton set sail for Antarctica with the ambitious goal of traversing the entire continent by land. However, their journey took a dramatic turn when their ship became trapped and immobilized within a vast expanse of ice spanning dozens of miles. Over the ensuing months, the explorers grappled with the challenges of the polar night, bone-chilling temperatures plunging to -45 degrees, and a steadily diminishing food supply. Despite their resilience, the Endurance was ultimately crushed between two immense ice floes, prompting the crew to embark on a daring and nearly impossible 850-mile voyage across the treacherous waters of the South Atlantic in search of the nearest outpost of civilization.
Transcending Darkness by Estelle Glaser Laughlin
Transcending Darkness: A Girl’s Journey Out of the Holocaust tells the story of a young girl who came-of-age in the ghettos of Warsaw and the Madjanek concentration camp.
The walled ghettos of Poland during the Holocaust were sites of immense suffering. Confined within these spaces, families endured severe deprivation, hunger, and disease. Forced labor, restricted movement, and deportation to concentration camps were daily realities. After enduring years within the ghettos, Estelle’s family was forcibly loaded onto a train and transported to the Madjanek concentration camp, where they faced unimaginable horrors. Amidst the tales of suffering, Estelle also commemorates the unsung heroes of the ghettos and camps – individuals whose acts of kindness and resilience shone as beacons of hope amidst the darkness, keeping the flame of hope alive.
No Beast So Fierce by Dane Huckelbridge
No Beast So Fierce: The Terrifying True Story of the Champawat Tiger, the Deadliest Man-Eater in History recounts the tale of India’s man-eating tiger during the early 1900s.
In Champawat, India, around 1900, a Bengal tigress was wounded by a poacher in the dense forests of the Himalayan foothills. Injured and unable to hunt her usual prey, the tigress turned to an easier food source: human beings. Over the next seven years, the infamous Champawat Man-Eater terrorized the region, claiming a staggering 436 lives and single-handedly disrupting village-to-village communication. Fear gripped the populace, with many scared to venture outside their homes to farm or even sleep at night. Local authorities desperately sought the help of Jim Corbett, a renowned British hunter familiar with the area. Risking his life, Corbett pursued the elusive tiger, engaging in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
Under The Black Flag by David Cordingly
Under the Black Flag: The Romance and the Reality of Life Among the Pirates explores the Golden Age of Piracy and the lives of legendary buccaneers.
Pirates have long captured our imagination with tales of black schooners, tropical islands, treasure maps, colorful parrots, and buried gold. However, many stories commonly believed are actually historical facts mixed with 300 years’ worth of poems, novels, and films. Pirates rarely forced victims to walk the plank, and the typical plunder was not gold and silver but silk, cotton, tobacco, and slaves. While covering topics ranging from wooden legs, talking parrots, and pirate ships to flintlock pistols, Blackbeard, and buried treasure, Cordingly compares the romanticized image of piracy with the harsh reality, specifically during the Golden Age coinciding with the colonization of the New World.
Undaunted Courage by Stephen E Ambrose
Undaunted Courage: The Pioneering First Mission to Explore America’s Wild Frontier describes Lewis and Clark’s expedition to chart the unmapped frontier of early America.
In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson tasked Captain Meriwether Lewis with an unprecedented mission: to lead an expedition through the untamed wilderness of the West, where Native American tribes roamed freely. At that time, civilization in the United States ended at the Mississippi River, with St. Louis serving as a gateway to the vast, uncharted territory beyond. Over three years, Lewis and his team journeyed from St. Louis, across the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains, to the Pacific Coast in Oregon. From dense forests to treacherous mountain ranges, navigating this wild terrain required exceptional courage, resilience, and adaptability as the explorers faced unknown dangers around every corner. Rich with colorful characters like Jefferson, William Clark, Sacagawea, and Drouillard, this expedition stands as one of the greatest adventure stories of all time.
The Only Plane In The Sky by Garrett M Graff
The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 is the first 360-degree account of 9/11 told through firsthand statements.
September 11, 2001, is seared in the American psyche; many can vividly recall where they were on the day when hijackers crashed commercial airliners into the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon near Washington, DC. The attacks claimed thousands of lives and left an indelible mark on the global landscape. Graff provides a comprehensive account of the tragedy, delving into the firsthand experiences of those directly affected by the events. From airport personnel and first responders to government officials and ordinary civilians, Graff paints a vivid picture of the chaos and heroism throughout the day, from the initial morning rush at airports to the heartbreaking scenes at Ground Zero.
War Against All Puerto Ricans by Nelson A Denis
War Against All Puerto Ricans: Revolution and Terror in America’s Colony explains the history of Puerto Rico, focusing on US colonial rule and the 1950 uprising.
In 1898, the United States invaded Puerto Rico, which was then a territory under Spanish control. Following the invasion, the island was subjected to military occupation and placed under colonial rule by the United States. Fifty years later, after decades of exploitation, Puerto Rico experienced a violent uprising against US authority, led by the Nationalist Party and Harvard graduate Pedro Albizu Campos. The island became engulfed in gunfights, assassins attempted to kill President Truman, and government buildings were set ablaze. In response to the escalating unrest, the US Army deployed thousands of troops and bombarded towns, marking a historic moment – the first time in history that the US government bombed its own citizens.
The Lost City of Z by David Grann
The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon narrates the author’s quest for clues to the disappearance of a famous explorer and a lost city within the Amazon.
In 1925, explorer Percy Fawcett embarked on a perilous journey into the Amazon, seeking the fabled El Dorado with his 21-year-old son. Inspired by his past expeditions, he aimed to prove the existence of an ancient civilization he named “Z.” Drawing upon years of meticulous scientific research and studying accounts from early European explorers, Fawcett garnered widespread attention for his quest. Throughout their journey, they left behind a trail of written diaries, letters, and sporadic telegraphs as they traversed the dense Amazonian terrain. However, Fawcett’s expedition suddenly and mysteriously vanished, leaving behind only tantalizing clues. In the decades since, countless individuals have ventured into the thick rainforest in pursuit of any remnants of Z or signs of Fawcett’s ill-fated journey.
Ghost Soldiers by Hampton Sides
Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II’s Greatest Rescue Mission tells the story of American POWs in the Philippines during WWII and their subsequent rescue.
On January 28, 1945, 121 handpicked U.S. troops embarked on a perilous mission deep within enemy territory in the Philippines. Their objective: to traverse thirty grueling miles across hostile terrain, evade enemy patrols, and liberate 513 American prisoners held captive in a heavily fortified Japanese camp. With the recent massacre of prisoners elsewhere, time was scarce for planning this high-stakes operation. Many of the American prisoners were survivors of the harrowing Bataan Death March, where as many as 11,000 perished under the relentless brutality of their captors. Hampton Sides depicts the extraordinary resilience and camaraderie exhibited by these POWs as they banded together in solidarity amidst starvation, tropical diseases, and torture.
Turn Right At Machu Picchu by Mark Adams
Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time delves into the history of Machu Picchu and Bingham’s expeditions as the author retraces his steps.
On July 24, 1911, Hiram Bingham III made history by stumbling upon the breathtaking citadel of Machu Picchu nestled within Peru’s Andes Mountains. However, controversy shrouds his once-celebrated legacy a century later, as evidence emerges of looting artifacts and undue credit for the discovery. Mark Adams embarks on a journey to uncover the truth, retracing Bingham’s footsteps with an eclectic group of companions despite having never slept in a tent before. As he delves deeper into the cloud forest and mysteries surrounding Machu Picchu, Adams endeavors to uncover its significance, probing the question: What was Machu Picchu?
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster is a first-hand account of the deadliest storm in the history of Everest.
On the afternoon of May 10, 1996, Jon Krakauer achieved a remarkable feat by reaching the summit of Mt. Everest despite enduring 57 hours without sleep and grappling with the mind-altering effects of oxygen deprivation. As he prepared to descend, a group of 20 other climbers continued their arduous struggle towards the peak, with everyone unaware of the gathering clouds overhead. Over the next six harrowing hours, Krakauer battled ferocious winds and blinding snow, eventually collapsing in his tent, besieged by hallucinations. Tragically, the following morning revealed the grim toll of the storm: six of his fellow climbers had not returned to their camp and were desperately struggling for their lives.
Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
Man’s Search for Meaning offers spiritual advice based on the author’s experiences in Nazi death camps.
Drawing from his harrowing ordeal in Nazi death camps, Frankl offers profound insights into the essence of spiritual survival. One compelling observation he makes is that among fellow survivors, it wasn’t necessarily the youngest or fittest who endured, but rather those who had discovered meaning and purpose in their lives. While relating his own experiences, Frankl states that the fundamental driving force within humans is not merely the pursuit of pleasure; instead, it is the relentless quest for significance and purpose that ultimately sustains us through the darkest of times.
The Good War by Studs Terkel
The Good War: An Oral History of World War II is a recollection of WWII from a multitude of American soldiers’ point of view.
With 400,000 Americans perishing in what stands as humanity’s largest conflict, Terkel resurrects the memories of World War II through the voices of numerous veterans, offering a powerful reflection after four decades. Despite the grimness of many recollections, few express regret; for them, the war was a defining, albeit complex, experience. Following the devastation of Pearl Harbor, the United States was not attacked again, lending a sense of security. In addition, the war was the final step in dragging America out of the Great Depression, and its conclusion solidified a newfound global influence. Moreover, many experienced new freedoms in the post-war society, from women to African Americans. However, the looming threat of nuclear war cast a shadow over the era’s prosperity, reminding all of the fragility of peace.
The Library by Andrew Pettegree & Arthur der Weduwen
The Library: A Fragile History delves into the history of libraries and their role in society as it has changed over the centuries.
From ancient repositories of knowledge to modern public institutions, the evolution of libraries (and correspondingly, books) is a winding tale. It traces a path from ancient stockpiles of scrolls and manuscripts, exemplified by the renowned Library of Alexandria, to medieval monastic libraries like the Abbey of Saint Gall and onward to Renaissance humanist collections such as the Medici Library. Initially custom-made and highly expensive showpieces, the advent of printing technology slowly transformed the perception of books into accessible goods. The authors unravel the fascinating story of how libraries have been coveted, destroyed, and rebuilt throughout history, from the famous collections of the ancient world to the embattled public resources we have today.
Life And Death In The Andes by Kim MacQuarrie
Life and Death in the Andes: On the Trail of Bandits, Heroes, and Revolutionaries explores history along the Andes mountain range.
The Andes are the world’s longest mountain chain, linking most of the countries in South America and soaring to heights of up to 22,837 feet. Featuring towering peaks, deep valleys, and breathtaking landscapes, the Andes have served as a cradle for civilizations across millennia. MacQuarrie leads readers on a historical journey, dedicating individual chapters to various topics spanning the region’s past and present. From the pursuit of the notorious Pablo Escobar to Charles Darwin’s transformative voyage to the Galapagos, from life on the floating islands of Lake Titicaca to the final days of Butch Cassidy, and from the revolutionary exploits of Abel Guzmán and Che Guevara to the ancient rituals of the Incas, MacQuarrie explores the faces of this remarkable region.
The Hot Zone by Richard Preston
The Hot Zone: The Terrifying True Story of the Origins of the Ebola Virus introduces the frightening reality of viral outbreaks, particularly focusing on the Ebola virus.
In 1989, a highly contagious and deadly virus originating from the African rainforest appears unexpectedly in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., spreading rapidly with no known cure. With a mortality rate of 90 percent within days of infection, panic ensues as authorities scramble to contain the outbreak. A covert military task force of soldiers and scientists is mobilized to confront the crisis head-on, embarking on a perilous journey from the depths of African jungles to the corridors of power in Washington, DC. Preston vividly portrays the high-stakes battle waged by scientists and doctors against the Ebola virus in an attempt to prevent a potential global pandemic.
Northmen by John Haywood
Northmen: The Viking Saga explores the events of the Viking Age in a wide geographical and historical context.
In 800 AD, the Vikings struck terror as pagan raiders, navigating the seas aboard their formidable longships and plundering wealthy cities across Europe. However, as these Scandinavian seafarers ventured further afield to destinations in Europe, Asia, and even the Americas, they underwent a remarkable transformation, becoming integral players in the medieval world. From the infamous sack of Lindisfarne in 793 to the assassination of Snorri Sturluson in 1241, Haywood explores the origins, consequences, and eventual decline of Viking seafaring. In doing so, he highlights the intricate dynamics of trade, raiding, and settlement that shaped the Vikings’ enduring impact on global history.
The Republic of Pirates by Colin Woodard
The Republic of Pirates: Being the True and Surprising Story of the Caribbean Pirates and the Man Who Brought Them Down chronicles the history of the Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy.
Woodard traces the rise and fall of the pirate haven in Nassau, Bahamas, a stronghold where notorious figures such as Blackbeard and Anne Bonny left their mark. In this unconventional but remarkable society, pirates, former sailors, indentured servants, political refugees, and runaway slaves banded together to establish a unique form of democracy. Within this rough yet captivating enclave, a spirit of liberty thrived: servants found emancipation, blacks attained equality, and leaders were elected or ousted through democratic processes. They disrupted trade routes, plundered slave ships, and challenged the European empires in the New World, ushering in a brief yet illustrious era of triumph for the Republic of Pirates.
The Travels by Marco Polo
The Travels describes Polo’s travels throughout Asia during the 1200s.
Marco Polo’s memoir is a groundbreaking work in Western literature, detailing his remarkable journey to the Mongol empire over a twenty-four-year period beginning in 1271. Serving in the court of Kublai Khan, Polo participated in pivotal trading and diplomatic missions that bridged the gap between Europe and Asia during an era when much of the Asian continent remained a mystery to Europeans. From the grandeur of Beijing to the exotic locales of northern India, Polo’s narrative vividly captures the expansiveness of his travels, culminating in a return voyage from the Chinese port of Amoy to the Persian Gulf. Through vivid descriptions and encounters with the unfamiliar, Polo’s account continues to inspire generations of travelers.
P.S. – one description I love is when Polo described “lizard dragons that can swallow a human whole” – Europeans had never seen a crocodile before
The Travels of Ibn Batutta by Ibn Battuta
The Travels of Ibn Batutta depicts Battuta’s journey throughout the Islamic Empire and beyond in the 1300s.
At the young age of 21, Ibn Battutah embarked from Tangier in 1325 on what was intended as a pilgrimage to Mecca; however, his journey stretched an astounding 29 years, encompassing over 40 countries and covering 75,000 miles on the modern map. Venturing as far north as the Volga, east to China, and south to Tanzania, his extensive travels reveal him as an extraordinary ethnographer, biographer, and historian, occasionally even foraying into botany and gastronomy. Notably, Ibn Battutah emerged as one of the earliest and most authoritative chroniclers of life within the Islamic Empire, spanning from Spain to North Africa and throughout the Middle East. Battutah sat in on one of the earliest recorded medical school dissections and witnessed other innovations credited to the Islamic Empire.
Seven Pillars of Wisdom by TE Lawrence
Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph describes the Arab revolt and personal life of TE Lawrence.
The Arab Revolt was a widespread uprising against Ottoman rule during World War I, driven by a desire for independence and self-governance among Arab populations. In pursuit of strategic advantages in the Middle East, the British extended military support to Arab leaders, although conflicting interests eventually soured relations. Lawrence, a British soldier famously known as ‘Lawrence of Arabia,’ recounts his pivotal role in leading Arab forces, offering perspectives into politics, history, and culture. His remarkable experiences served as the inspiration for a renowned movie, and the book provides a unique glimpse into both Lawrence’s life and the events that shaped the Arab world.
Prisoners Of Geography by Tim Marshall
Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Tell You Everything You Need to Know About Global Politics analyzes how geographical features influence global politics and events.
Factors like climate, seas, mountains, rivers, deserts, and borders reflect strengths and weaknesses of major regions, therefore impacting the decisions and geopolitical strategies of world leaders. All of the questions below can be understood by one of the major (but often overlooked) determining factors in world history – geography.
What does it mean that Russia must have a navy, but also has frozen ports six months a year? How does this affect Putin’s treatment of Ukraine? How is China’s future constrained by its geography? Why will Europe never be united? Why will America never be invaded?
How To Hide An Empire by Daniel Immerwahr
How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States explores America’s imperial history and influence.
While Americans are familiar with the 50 states and the notion of the United States as an “empire” exercising power globally, this book uncovers the lesser-known territories beyond the mainland that the country has governed and inhabited, with both positive and negative consequences. Immerwahr sheds new light on familiar narratives that Americans have heard since childhood – the exploitation of resources in the Guano Islands, the dark legacy of U.S. experimentation in Puerto Rico, the impact of intervention in the Philippines, and more. Furthermore, the post-World War II era witnessed a shift away from traditional colonialism towards a new mode of global influence through culture, technology, and transportation. Immerwahr’s work is essential to understanding the complex and often fraught relationship between America and its territories.
Open Veins Of Latin America by Eduardo Galeano
Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent focuses on the five centuries of Latin American exploitation after European arrival.
Since the arrival of Europeans in the 1500s, Latin America has endured relentless exploitation, serving as a source of wealth for Europeans and, later, Americans. Galeano traces the veins of resources – including gold, silver, cacao, rubber, and more – that have fueled the continent’s economy, from the Rio Grande to the Caribbean. After all, the only purpose of colonization was to extract wealth and bring it back to Europe, originally by enslaved labor and later through unilateral contracts with state-owned enterprises. Galeano masterfully intertwines scientific analyses with the suffering of the people, providing a distinctive lens through which to understand the region’s tumultuous history.
Stamped From The Beginning by Ibram X Kendi
Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America traces the pervasive influence of anti-black ideas throughout American history.
From Cotton Mather to W. E. B. Du Bois and Angela Davis, Kendi examines the historical debates between assimilationists and segregationists, highlighting key intellectuals who shaped these ideologies. He reveals that racist ideas were not born out of ignorance or hatred but rather served as justifications for discriminatory policies and to uphold inequities. One evident example is the portrayal of black individuals as intellectually inferior or inherently prone to criminality. These stereotypes, perpetuated through pseudo-scientific theories like eugenics, were used to justify policies such as unequal access to education and employment opportunities. Nonetheless, Kendi emphasizes the potential to challenge and discredit such ideas, offering a glimmer of hope for a more equitable and inclusive society.
Empire by Paul Strathern
Empire: A New History of the World by Paul Strathern is an exploration of world history through the lens of its empires.
The exploration of history starts with the Akkadian civilization, rulers of ancient Mesopotamia, before delving into the vast Roman Empire, which played a pivotal role in shaping both Western and Eastern heritage. Transitioning further, readers are shown how Western Classical culture blossomed within the Abbasid and Umayyad Caliphates while Europe faced looming upheaval from the East with the rise of the Mongol Empire. Strathern illuminates these epochs across millennia, offering fresh insights into civilizations ranging from the Mongol Empire and the Yuan Dynasty to the Aztec and Ottoman and extending to the most recent: the British, Russo-Soviet, and American empires.
A People’s History Of The United States by Howard Zinn
A People’s History Of The United States offers an American history including the points of view from those often overlooked.
Zinn offers a counter-narrative to traditional nationalist idolization, portraying American history as marked by exploitation and manipulation by a small elite. Through compelling accounts, he unveils the harsh realities of labor struggles, racial inequality, and socioeconomic divisions often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Widely assigned in schools and colleges, the book shifts historical focus, incorporating stories of marginalized communities historically ignored. By shedding light on these forgotten realities, “A People’s History” challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the nation’s past and reconsider conventional notions of societal progress.
A Little History Of The World by E.H. Gombrich
A Little History Of The World is a complete account of human history from start to finish.
Gombrich skillfully guides readers through humanity’s journey from the Stone Age to the atomic bomb, capturing a vivid timeline of wars, conquests, artistic achievements, and scientific progress along the way. Beyond mere recitation of dates and facts, the narrative unfolds as a rich story, presenting a sweeping panorama of humankind’s shared experience over centuries. Gombrich illuminates not only our triumphs but also our vulnerabilities.
The Great Empires Of The Ancient World by Thomas Harrison
The Great Empires Of The Ancient World examines major ancient imperial powers from 1600 BC to 500 AD.
Across regions stretching from the Mediterranean to East Asia, internationally acclaimed scholars delve into the complexities of ancient empires such as Egypt, Rome, Babylonia, Persia, India, and China, examining their enduring impacts on the modern world. The book offers intriguing character profiles of renowned rulers, including Egypt’s warrior pharaohs Thutmose and Ramses, China’s self-obsessed First Emperor who sought immortality, and Rome’s brilliant Augustus, who shaped history’s mightiest empire. In addition, firsthand accounts from leaders and inhabitants of these ancient civilizations are included, bringing the stories to life.
The History Of The Ancient World by Susan Wise Bauer
The History of the Ancient World: From the Earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome describes the major historical events of the ancient world.
Bauer intricately interweaves the stories of diverse peoples across continents, from Europe to the Middle East and China. Through vivid storytelling, major historical events and personal experiences of individuals are brought to life, offering a rich tapestry of human history. Encompassing the rise and fall of ancient empires, the epic journeys of exploration, and the cultural exchanges that have molded civilizations, Bauer’s narrative unveils a captivating exploration of human behavior and the forces influencing global historical developments.
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