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20 Best Books About History (2023 Update)
Are you looking for the Best Books About History? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the Best Books About History can be difficult as there are so many considerations, such as Games Workshop, Hasbro, Nike, Penguin Random House, Usborne, Amazon.com. We have done a lot of research to find the Top 20 Best Books About History available.
The average cost is $25.79. Sold comparable range in price from a low of $8.38 to a high of $86.83.
Based on the research we did, we think Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind [Book] is the best overall. Read on for the rest of the great options and our buying guide, where you can find all the information you need to know before making an informed purchase.
20 Best Books About History (19 Sellers)
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Features:
- Harper books
- It comes with proper packaging
- Ideal for gifting
Features:
- Named one of the ten best books of the year by the chicago tribune
- A publishers weekly best book of 2019 a 2019 npr staff pick
- A pathbreaking history of the united states' overseas possessions and the true meaning of its empire
Features:
- W w norton company
- Created to meet your needs
- Highly useful and effective product
Features:
- New material on the united states.
- The most up-to-date research on prehistory.
- Reworked spreads on the middle east, including a new spread on iran.
Features:
- Comes with secure packaging
- It can be a gift option
- This product will be an excellent pick for you
Features:
- Safely packaged for your convenience
- Ergonomic design
- Hassle-free usage
Features:
- An instant new york times bestseller
- "the sapiens of 2020." –the guardian
- "humankind made me see humanity from a fresh perspective." –yuval noah harari, author of the #1 bestseller sapiens
Features:
- The book may have some cosmetic wear i.e. creased spine/cover scratches curled corners folded pages minor sunburn.
- The book has very few or no highlight/notes/underlined pages.
- Safe and secure mailer.
Features:
- History will never be the same again!
- Series: story of the world.
- Binding type: hardback.
Features:
- Series: mystery of history
- Binding type: hardback
- Year published: 20080616
Features:
- The new york review of books history with a human touch.
- Newsday a grand and exhilirating voyage, a bold attempt to circumnavigate the intellectual globe.
- The philadlephia inquirer about the author daniel j.
Features:
- Helps students understand the object of the lesson the teacher is conveying
- Proper binding cover makes it durable
- Travel friendly packaging
Features:
- Binding type: hardback
- Year published: 2022-08-23
- Number of pages: 560
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Publisher: william morrow & company
- Year published: 2002-12-17
$10.88
4.7
Features:
- The main products of the twenty-first-century economy will not be textiles, vehicles, and weapons but bodies, brains, and minds.
- While the industrial revolution created the working class, the next big revolution will create the useless class.
- The way humans have treated animals is a good indicator for how upgraded humans will treat us.
$8.38
5.0
Features:
- Series: don't know much about
- Binding type: paperback
- Publisher: harpercollins publishers inc
$19.39
5.0
Features:
- Series: don't know much about
- Binding type: paperback
- Publisher: harpercollins publishers inc
Features:
- Binding type: hardback
- Year published: 2022-09-22
- Number of pages: 640
$19.95
4.5
Features:
- Gift givers shopping for history buffs and photography lovers
- Fans of ken burns, wes anderson, and national geographic
- People who enjoy collecting beautiful art, history, and photographic coffee table books
$30.00$26.99
4.8
Features:
- Hardcover 2nd; like new dust jacket (s2).
- Type : used books.
- Condition: used good.
1. Sapiens: A Brief History Of Humankind [Book]
Product Details:
Official u.s. edition with full color illustrations throughout.new york times bestsellera summer reading pick for president barack obama, bill gates, and mark zuckerberg from a renowned historian comes a groundbreaking narrative of humanity’s creation and evolution—a #1 international bestseller—that explores the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be “human.” one hundred thousand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited earth. yet today there is only one—homo sapiens. what happened to the others? and what may happen to us? most books about the history of humanity pursue either a historical or a biological approach, but dr. yuval noah harari breaks the mold with this highly original book that begins about 70,000 years ago with the appearance of modern cognition. from examining the role evolving humans have played in the global ecosystem to charting the rise of empires, sapiens integrates history and science to reconsider accepted narratives, connect past developments with contemporary concerns, and examine specific events within the context of larger ideas.dr. harari also compels us to look ahead, because over the last few decades humans have begun to bend laws of natural selection that have governed life for the past four billion years. featuring 27 photographs, 6 maps, and 25 illustrations/diagrams, this provocative and insightful work is sure to spark debate and is essential reading for aficionados of jared diamond, james gleick, matt ridley, robert wright, and sharon moalem.
Reviews:
Sapiens is an insightful, history-laden explanation of how and why we humans organize ourselves the way we do. At the same time, it's a readable story of human history. Harari is an apt guide who doesn't preach, but lays out for us how we may have come by some of our inner workings. At a time when the future looks opaque, an unflinching look at our past can do wonders. I read all three Harari books this past summer, but found Sapiens to be the most compelling and important work of the three. A book that will change your mind, if you're open to it.jwregularguy
The book is a modern day classic which tries to reason why certain decisions were chosen over the other and how these decisions have shaped up the course of human history. While giving us potential explanations, Yuval also reminds us that these are mere speculations or theories and nobody can be sure what was going inside the minds of homo sapiens at that time. Some chapters are a bit of a stretch, though when someone tries to summarize the course of 70,000 years of human history into 416 pages, one can hardly complain. I have given an extra star for BookishSanta team who have provided the book in original (color edition) form with a nice touch of handwritten note.Utkarsh Y.
I really enjoyed this book. It is well written and had me gripped from page one. The author puts things into perspective – drawing analogies and parallels – that is shocking , surprising and even funny. I felt a number of emotions reading this, from ignorance, astonishing intellect, shock, horror, surprise, anger, sadness, hunger? I highly recommend for anyone looking for a easy, albeit enlightening read about the development of human, society and life as we know it.Gene
2. How To Hide An Empire: A History Of The Greater United States [Book]
Product Details:
Named one of the ten best books of the year by the chicago tribune – a publishers weekly best book of 2019 | a 2019 npr staff pick – a pathbreaking history of the united states’ overseas possessions and the true meaning of its empire but what about the actual territories—the islands, atolls, and archipelagos—this country has governed and inhabited? in crackling, fast-paced prose, he reveals forgotten episodes that cast american history in a new light. in puerto rico, immerwahr shows how u.s. doctors conducted grisly experiments they would never have conducted on the mainland and charts the emergence of independence fighters who would shoot up the u.s. congress. – in the years after world war ii, immerwahr notes, the united states moved away from colonialism. instead, it put innovations in electronics, transportation, and culture to use, devising a new sort of influence that did not require the control of colonies. rich with absorbing vignettes, full of surprises, and driven by an original conception of what empire and globalization mean today, how to hide an empire is a major and compulsively readable work of history.
Reviews:
This book is essential reading for Americans and others who want to have a clear idea of how the U.S. started down the path of colonialism and how the country continues to hold on to worldwide power and influence without necessarily holding on to territory. Clearly and compellingly written—history buffs will be enthralled—even amused. I never knew guano (bird droppings) was so essential to agriculture (before artificial fertilizers were invented). The search for it led our country to seize many otherwise barren islands in far flung regions of the world.japanophile
Very well written account of US history. Enlightening to say the least! Well researched and a good readmadeinamerica369
3. The History Of The Ancient World: From The Earliest Accounts To The Fall Of Rome [Book]
Product Details:
A lively and engaging narrative history showing the common threads in the cultures that gave birth to our own.this is the first volume in a bold series that tells the stories of all peoples, connecting historical events from europe to the middle east to the far coast of china, while still giving weight to the characteristics of each country. susan wise bauer provides both sweeping scope and vivid attention to the individual lives that give flesh to abstract assertions about human history. dozens of maps provide a clear geography of great events, while timelines give the reader an ongoing sense of the passage of years and cultural interconnection. this old-fashioned narrative history employs the methods of “history from beneath”—literature, epic traditions, private letters and accounts—to connect kings and leaders with the lives of those they ruled.
Reviews:
Fun way to learn historyRita
Exactly what my 10yr old wanted very informative she is enjoying learning about historyHistory
An excellently researched history of all those places and people that are only mentioned in the popular literature of early history. The maps are exceptionally useful, giving geographical context to the places and journeys described. Very well written, easy to read and followgrin-51
4. The Times Complete History Of The World [Book]
Product Details:
The ultimate work of historical reference – from cavemen to the cold war, from alexander the great to global warming, from warfare through the ages to the great voyages of exploration, the times complete history of the world is the book that has all the answers. – this is the most comprehensive, authoritative and accessible work on world history available today. it has sold over 2.25million copies and has been translated into 18 other languages since its first publication in 1978. with a narrative scope covering the origins of mankind right through to the turmoil of the 21st century, this book is an unrivalled and breathtaking accomplishment. – with over 600 full-colour maps and charts on a wide range of historical subjects and representing the work of a team of professional historians, this new edition continues a tradition of nearly thirty years of excellence, style, authority and cutting-edge design. this edition is also internet-linked. readers can follow the weblinks in the book to acess the most up to date information permitting further in-depth exploration of key subjects. – with fully up-to-date text, including material on iraq and afghanistan, terrorism, israel and the eu, this book, edited by leading modern historian professor richard overy, is broad-ranging and more visually enticing than ever. – updates for the eighth edition include: – new material on the united states – the most up-to-date research on prehistory – reworked spreads on the middle east, including a new spread on iran – current information on the global economy, the global environment, warfare and world terrorism – new introduction – short biographies of 100 key figures in world history.
Specifications:
| Weight | 2.23 lb |
Reviews:
One of my favourite books, along with my Times Atlas.Gordy
5. The Lessons Of History [Book]
Product Details:
In this illuminating and thoughtful book, will and ariel durant have succeeded in distilling for the reader the accumulated store of knowledge and experience from their four decades of work on the ten monumental volumes of the story of civilization. the result is a survey of human history, full of dazzling insights into the nature of human experience, the evolution of civilization, the culture of man. to the durants, history is "not merely a warning reminder of man's follies and crimes, but also an encouraging remembrance of generative souls … a spacious country of the mind, wherein a thousand saints, statesmen, inventors, scientists, poets, artists, musicians, lovers, and philosophers still live and speak, teach and carve and sing …" designed to accompany the ten-volume set of the story of civilization, the lessons of history is, in its own right, a profound and original work of history and philosophy.
Reviews:
Written in the mid 60s, it's content is more relevant today some 60 years later.guinny_ire
Should be turned into a text for school.pamedic29
A great book, very entertaining and full of knowledge .agsbooks
6. History Of The World Map By Map [Book]
Product Details:
Explore the history of the world in unprecedented detail with this ultimate guide to history throughout the ages. if you're interested in finding out more about the biggest events in world history, then this book all about history of the world is perfect for you! this stunning history book for adults starts with the evolution and migration of our oldest ancestors out of africa. you can then look up maps about the greece and persian war, the mongol conquests, medieval europe's trade routes, and the rise of the ottomans. explore maps about the colonisation of north america, the scientific revolution, napoleon's advances, and britain's control of india. then uncover the history of later centuries, such as the age of imperialism, the american civil war, industrialised europe and the transformation of japan.journey into past like never before as you uncover:- easy-to-read text panels for a deeper understanding of history- a total of 140 maps alongside stunning pictures and informative timelines- storytelling maps to bring history to life- published in association with the smithsonian institution in the usa.bursting with striking illustrations and full of fascinating detail, this history book is the ultimate gift for map lovers, history enthusiasts of all ages and those who enjoy visiting museums and other historical sites, whether as a present for dad, or handy reference guide for any other history lover in your life! history of the world map by map aims to help you gain a strong understanding of some of the forces and movements across continents that have shaped our world! the map by map series includes other titles such as history of the world map by map and world war ii map by map, each detailing historical events and placing them in the context of geography. dk's luxurious map by map books are fantastic history gifts, packed with fascinating facts, high-quality photography, and detailed profiles and descriptions of people and events.
Reviews:
Excellent book for lovers of history and maps! We bought this for our teenage grandson…. Now I need one for myself!Stephen
an excellent resource material. Well worth the priceRichard
Bought for my young nephew who loves history of wars and he was very intrigued when opening his gift!Kim
7. Humankind: A Hopeful History [Book]
Product Details:
If there is one belief that has united the left and the right, psychologists and philosophers, ancient thinkers and modern ones, it is the tacit assumption that humans are bad. it's a notion that drives newspaper headlines and guides the laws that shape our lives. from machiavelli to hobbes, freud to pinker, the roots of this belief have sunk deep into western thought. but what if it isn't true? in fact this instinct has a firm evolutionary basis going back to the beginning of homo sapiens. from the real-life lord of the flies to the solidarity in the aftermath of the blitz, the hidden flaws in the stanford prison experiment to the true story of twin brothers on opposite sides who helped mandela end apartheid, bregman shows us that believing in human generosity and collaboration isn't merely optimistic–it's realistic. moreover, it has huge implications for how society functions. "the sapiens of 2020." –the guardian "humankind made me see humanity from a fresh perspective." –yuval noah harari, author of the #1 bestseller sapiens longlisted for the 2021 andrew carnegie medal for excellence in nonfiction one of the washington post's 50 notable nonfiction works in 2020
Specifications:
| Weight | 0.85 lb |
Reviews:
This was my book of the year. In a time of despair and frustration I read chapters at random which confirmed for me that there is hope – despite Covid-19, Trumpism and wars. His hypothesis was echoed as neighbours checked on me and friends in many parts of the world found people caring for them. buy it, read it, discuss it, argue against it – but don't ignore the fact that there is always hope.Esther H
I read Bergman's previous book, Utopia for Realists, and now this one, Humankind. The title on the book cover is: Human kind I think this is a deliberate attempt to show that the book is about kindness and a positive attitude towards humanity. The book cites many studies that support this view.Try being positive
The headlines scream at us violence, murder and mayhem, but apparently we humans are a lot more civilised than the media are letting us know. We are wired to be friendly, to cooperate and to be kind to one another. This is Rutger Bregman's hopeful message and he backs it up with many examples. From debunking 'The Lord of the Flies' to praising the citizens of London during the wartime blitzkrieg, he demonstrates that we are mostly good and kind, and only resort to the darker side of life when under duress. What a heartening message to read and absorb.Sam
8. Don't Know Much About History: Everything You Need To Know About American History But Never Learned [Book]
Product Details:
A new, completely revised, expanded and updated edition of the million-selling new york times bestseller that launched the entire don't know much about series when don't know much about history first appeared thirteen years ago, it created a sensation. with humor, wit, great stories, and a trademark conversational style, the book brought americans a fresh new take on history. shattering myths and vividly bringing the past to life, it spent thirty-five consecutive weeks on the new york times bestseller list. davis proved that americans don't hate history — they just hate the dull textbook version they were force-fed in school. the book became an instant classic, an "anti -textbook" that has sold more than 1.3 million copies. in his irreverent and popular question-and- answer style, davis now returns with a completely revised edition that brings history right up to the moment — covering such topics as the end of the cold war, clinton's impeachment, the bizarre election of 2000, and the events that led to september 11. incorporating new research and discoveries, davis also updates and expands on such long-standing american controversies as the jefferson-hemings affair, the alger hiss trial, and the rosenberg spy case. and he includes an expanded "civics lesson" that examines some of america's hottest social and political issues, such as the death penalty, gun control, and school prayer. for history buffs and history-phobes alike, longtime fans who need a refresher course, and for a new generation of americans who are still in the dark about america's past, davis proves once more why people magazine said, "reading him is like returning to the classroom of the best teacher you ever had."
Specifications:
Reviews:
Being a child of the 70's, I was never really taught much about US history (or any history for that matter). What little bit they DID teach was boring as hell. I watched the HBO mini series "John Adams" and really enjoyed it. I would watch the repeats and sit with my laptop Googling different topics that came up in the show. Went fishing the following week with a high school buddy who is now a history teacher and I explained to him that I never really learned much about history and asked him what would be a good book to read. Well, he gave me a tattered paperback copy of "Don't Know Much About History". I couldn't put it down! I learned so much stuff I never knew about history that I am going to read it again so I can take it all in!! This book should be required reading in high school!!!!drhardcrab
9. The Story Of The World: Ancient Times, From The Earliest Nomads To The Late Roman Empire [Book]
Product Details:
History will never be the same again! this spirited reading of the first in susan wise bauer's story of the world history series brings to life the stories and records of the peoples of ancient times. now more than ever, other countries and customs affect our everyday lives-and our children need to learn about the people who live all around the globe. susan wise bauer has provided a captivating guide to the history of the ancient world. written in an engaging, straightforward manner, the story of the world weaves world history into a storybook format. this volume covers the major historical events from the beginning of civilization to the fall of the roman empire. this story of the world audiobook is a collaboration between jim weiss, whose voice has been described as “liquid gold” (cnn-tv), and susan wise bauer, whose writing has been described as “timeless and intelligent” (publishers weekly). it may be used along with the print books (the story of the world volume 1 text book, activity book, and tests; each sold separately), as a supplement to a traditional history curriculum, or independently. approximately 8 hours on 7 audio cds.
Specifications:
| Language | English |
| Audio CD | 7 pages |
| Reading age | 6 – 10 years, from customers |
| Grade level | 1 – 4 |
| Dimensions | 5.2 x 0.9 x 6 inches |
Reviews:
I got this bundle for my 10 year old son's homeschool. It is very informative. Also, it tells things like a story, so a child can relate. My son found most of this very interesting. Also, if you get the Activity Book, there is a TON of Activities, map work, coloring pages and so many fun projects!amanda.g
The Story of the World is a wonderful history curriculum and I love the audio book option. I actually use it in conjunction with Layers of Learning. It gives me a break and the kids can listen to it while they color or do other arts and crafts. We also listen to it in the car on longer drives. They really enjoy it.Elizabeth
I never enjoyed learning history as a child, especially ancient history. This audio collection has changed my perspective. My kids beg to listen to it every time we are in the car. Great for all ages. It’s easy to listen to and information is easy to retain. Some stories have added embellishments, but they don’t detract much from the true events being taught.Heather
10. The Mystery Of History: The Renaissance, Reformation, And Growth Of Nations [Book]
Product Details:
The mystery of history volume iii student reader continues the spectacular and provocative study of world history from the viewpoint of a christian author. spanning the renaissance, reformation, exploration, and some early american history, this volume explores the backdrop to and the significance surrounding the time-honored contributions found in art, music, literature, science, and philosophy of this rich era. unlike volumes i and ii, volume iii has been separated by the publishers into two beautiful books! the student reader now contains 84 stirring lessons written by linda lacour hobar in a colorful, easy-to-hold hardback. the reader is a stand alone world history text for all ages to enjoy. but for those who wish to delve deeper, you will want to consider the mystery of history (volume iii) companion guide: curriculum and student activities. this black and white paperback guide book, written also by linda lacour hobar, will contain these familiar and popular components of the mystery of history series: pretests; hands-on/research activities for younger, middle, and older students; memory card ideas; bi-weekly quizzes and exercises; timeline helps; maps; supplemental book lists; and more. (though it is recommended that volumes i and ii be studied prior to this volume, it is not necessary. volume iii can stand alone as a full course of renaissance/reformation history.)
Specifications:
| Binding | Hardcover |
| Place of Publication | U.s.a |
| Date Published | 2008-06-16 |
| X weight | 3.3025 lb |
Reviews:
We recently purchased the MOH V3 set mid year as I was unhappy with our current program. I have an older, middle and younger student using this curriculum. This meets everyone's needs and is more than adequate to satisfy requirements at all levels. We enjoy the full color text and how the information is laid out. It is easily everyone's favorite subject. I believe history as a subject can and should be enjoyable and engaging- this fits the bill for our family.Heather
11. The Discoverers: A History Of Man's Search To Know His World And… By Boorstin Daniel
Product Details:
About the discoverers an original history of mans greatest adventure his search to discover the world around him. in the compendious history, boorstin not only traces mans insatiable need to know, but also the obstacles to discovery and the illusion that knowledge can also put in our way. covering time, the earth and the seas, nature and society, he gathers and analyzes stories of the mans profound quest to understand his world and the cosmos.
Reviews:
Daniel J. Boorstin's was always a name I had heard of but had never read. So I began with "The Discoverers" – and was suitably impressed with both his learning, his assimilation of a huge variety of sources and topics, and with his writing as well. "The Discoverers" is a wonderful book to read, full of rich detail about humankind's long quest to try and understand the universe around us. FOr all those who love books of the mind.
Amazing Book! I love it. I have learned a lot already and I'm only about 100 pages in. Buy it!sujalite
A mass of research and detail on human inventiveness and ingenuity down the ages, written in a non academic way for the general reader. Boorstin wears his erudition and knowledge lightly without patronising or talking down to his readers. It's an historical adventure story of the mind, leading us from ancient times to the present, and showing us how we got from then to now.2507martind
12. The History Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained [Book]
Product Details:
Learn about the origins of our species and all things revolution in the history book. – part of the fascinating big ideas series, this book tackles tricky topics and themes in a simple and easy to follow format. learn about history in this overview guide to the subject, great for novices looking to find out more and experts wishing to refresh their knowledge alike! the history book brings a fresh and vibrant take on the topic through eye-catching graphics and diagrams to immerse yourself in. – the history book is a captivating introduction to the key events that have shaped society, from the dawn of civilization to the modern culture of today. here you’ll discover the stories of important historical events and turning points, and the leaders, thinkers, and heroes involved, through exciting text and bold graphics. – your history questions, simply explained – this book will outline big ideas, themes and events of world history, from the founding of baghdad and the colonization of the americas, to the inception of buddhism. if you thought it was difficult to learn about the milestones that have shaped civilization, the history book presents key information in an easy to follow layout. here you’ll learn about early humans, the empires of ancient history, the voyages of discovery to the tumultuous birth of nationalism, and the violence of two world wars. – with millions of copies sold worldwide, the history book is part of the award-winning big ideas series from dk. the series uses striking graphics along with engaging writing, making big topics easy to understand.
Reviews:
Very informative and easy to navigate. I love the layout.KATIE
Very informational and well written.TEIJA
13. Babel: Or The Necessity Of Violence: An Arcane History Of The Oxford Translators' Revolution [Book]
Product Details:
Instant #1 new york times bestseller from the author of the poppy war "absolutely phenomenal. one of the most brilliant, razor-sharp books i've had the pleasure of reading that isn't just an alternative fantastical history, but an interrogative one; one that grabs colonial history and the industrial revolution, turns it over, and shakes it out." — shannon chakraborty, bestselling author of the city of brass from award-winning author r. kuang comes babel, a thematic response to the secret history and a tonal retort to jonathan strange & mr. norrell that grapples with student revolutions, colonial resistance, and the use of language and translation as the dominating tool of the british empire. traduttore, traditore: an act of translation is always an act of betrayal. 1828. robin swift, orphaned by cholera in canton, is brought to london by the mysterious professor lovell. there, he trains for years in latin, ancient greek, and chinese, all in preparation for the day he'll enroll in oxford university's prestigious royal institute of translation–also known as babel. babel is the world's center for translation and, more importantly, magic. silver working–the art of manifesting the meaning lost in translation using enchanted silver bars–has made the british unparalleled in power, as its knowledge serves the empire's quest for colonization. for robin, oxford is a utopia dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge. but knowledge obeys power, and as a chinese boy raised in britain, robin realizes serving babel means betraying his motherland. as his studies progress, robin finds himself caught between babel and the shadowy hermes society, an organization dedicated to stopping imperial expansion. when britain pursues an unjust war with china over silver and opium, robin must decide… can powerful institutions be changed from within, or does revolution always require violence?
Reviews:
If reading about lectures and schools excites you this may be a book for you.Kirsty
14. A History Of The Twentieth Century: The Concise Edition Of The Acclaimed World History [Book]
Product Details:
Martin gilbert, author of the multivolume biography of winston churchill and other brilliant works of history, chronicles world events year by year, from the dawn of aviation to the flourishing technology age, taking us through world war i to the inauguration of franklin roosevelt as president of the united states and hider as chancellor of germany. he continues on to document wars in south africa, china, ethiopia, spain, korea, vietnam, and bosnia, as well as apartheid, the arms race, the moon landing, and the beginnings of the computer age, while interspersing the influence of art, literature, music, and religion throughout this vivid work. a rich, textured look at war, celebration, suffering, life, death, and renewal in the century gone by, this volume is nothing less than extraordinary.
Reviews:
Required for AmblesideOnline homeschool curriculum. First day of school is today. It has not been read, yet.cymcmurry2012
15. Homo Deus: A Brief History Of Tomorrow [Book]
Product Details:
Official u.s. edition with full color illustrations throughout. – new york times bestseller yuval noah harari, author of the critically-acclaimed new york times bestseller and international phenomenon sapiens, returns with an equally original, compelling, and provocative book, turning his focus toward humanity’s future, and our quest to upgrade humans into gods. – over the past century humankind has managed to do the impossible and rein in famine, plague, and war. this may seem hard to accept, but, as harari explains in his trademark style—thorough, yet riveting—famine, plague and war have been transformed from incomprehensible and uncontrollable forces of nature into manageable challenges. for the first time ever, more people die from eating too much than from eating too little; more people die from old age than from infectious diseases; and more people commit suicide than are killed by soldiers, terrorists and criminals put together. the average american is a thousand times more likely to die from binging at mc – donalds than from being blown up by al qaeda. – what then will replace famine, plague, and war at the top of the human agenda? homo deus explores the projects, dreams and nightmares that will shape the twenty-first century—from overcoming death to creating artificial life. this is the next stage of evolution. this is homo deus. – with the same insight and clarity that made sapiens an international hit and a new york times bestseller, harari maps out our future.
Specifications:
| Weight | 2.56 lb |
Reviews:
I couldn't stop reading his previous book Sapiens, and was super keen on both Deus and the 21 Lessons books. Deus is still mostly about the past, and only the last quarter of the book touches on the future. There's still some great insights, but more could have been done with the discussion on AI, nanotechnology, and whether humans are upgraded or replaced. Less on the past and more on the future would have scored 5 stars.David L
Interesting view of the future, oversimplified in places. It provides one view of the future that is quite compelling and worth reading about. IMHO, it overstates the probability of transition from task specific AI to generalised AI. It also completely overlooks the role of complexity and emergence in the way it describes living organisms and organic brains as merely algorithms.
The subject matter is very important for an understanding of our past and future. His revision of the more traditional parameters for describing the past of homo sapiens is thought provoking, but he does not seek the false status of an "authority". He writes clearly and with sufficient detail but without swamping the reader with indigestible facts. The reader is able to move on their thinking, but will definitely keep the volumes for regular future reference,sbgarton2012
16. Don't Know Much About History, Anniversary Edition: Everything You Need To Know About American History But Never Learned [Book]
Product Details:
More than 1.6 million copies sold! who really discovered america? what was "the shot heard 'round the world"? 9/11: what really happened? how did america elect its first black president? from the arrival of columbus through the historic election of barack obama and beyond, davis carries readers on a rollicking ride through more than five hundred years of american history. in this newly revised, expanded, and updated edition of the classic anti-textbook, he debunks, recounts, and serves up the real story behind the myths and fallacies of american history.
Specifications:
| Language | English |
| Release Date | June 1991 |
| Length | 462 Pages |
| Dimensions | 8.3" x 1.3" x 5.5" |
Reviews:
Good content. The author focuses on "big picture" topics. The question and answer format is primarily what sets this work apart from most history books. I found it to be fun and easy to pick up at any point after taking a break from the book because the next section will begin by asking the reader a specific question and then answering over a few pages.MELANIE
Great for young or old to attain a better understanding of history,winde023
I like this book because of the conciseness if it. Straight to the point.THOMAS
17. Don't Know Much About History, Anniversary Edition: Everything You Need To Know About American History But Never Learned [Book]
Product Details:
More than 1.6 million copies sold! who really discovered america? what was "the shot heard 'round the world"? 9/11: what really happened? how did america elect its first black president? from the arrival of columbus through the historic election of barack obama and beyond, davis carries readers on a rollicking ride through more than five hundred years of american history. in this newly revised, expanded, and updated edition of the classic anti-textbook, he debunks, recounts, and serves up the real story behind the myths and fallacies of american history.
Specifications:
| Language | English |
| Release Date | June 1991 |
| Length | 462 Pages |
| Dimensions | 8.3" x 1.3" x 5.5" |
Reviews:
Good content. The author focuses on "big picture" topics. The question and answer format is primarily what sets this work apart from most history books. I found it to be fun and easy to pick up at any point after taking a break from the book because the next section will begin by asking the reader a specific question and then answering over a few pages.MELANIE
Great for young or old to attain a better understanding of history,winde023
I like this book because of the conciseness if it. Straight to the point.THOMAS
18. The Secret History: 30th Anniversary Edition [Book]
Product Details:
The bestseller that defined an age with cloth binding and bespoke marbled endpapers, this gorgeous 30th-anniversary hardback edition of the secret history is the perfect gift for fans this christmas! 'everything, somehow, fit together; some sly and benevolent providence was revealing itself by degrees and i felt myself trembling on the brink of a fabulous discovery, as though any morning it was all going to come together—my future, my past, the whole of my life—and i was going to sit up in bed like a thunderbolt and say oh! oh! oh!' under the influence of a charismatic classics professor, a group of clever, eccentric misfits at a new england college discover a way of thought and life a world away from their banal contemporaries. but their search for the transcendent leads them down a dangerous path, beyond human constructs of morality. 'haunting, compelling and brilliant' the times 'irresistible and seductive' guardian 'enthralling… forceful, cerebral and impeccably controlled' new york times
Specifications:
| Imprint | Viking |
| Pub date | 22 Sep 2022 |
| DEWEY edition | 23 |
| Language | English |
| Spine width | 43mm |
Reviews:
Honestly, this book is like my favourite book to ever exist. I love the way Donna Tartt expresses each character, the descriptions of each character, the imagery, it's just so perfect, I wish it was turned into a movie.I would love to see the way Donna would work with the directors and producers to portray this book, but it's just so perfect I'm going to read it over and over again.
I had high hopes for this book and it honestly let me down. The entire thing was anticlimactic. The characters didn't have much of a personality and I felt that many IMPORTANT things were missed out on since the narrator often wasn't included in events, he was just told about them later. I gave the book two stars because I enjoyed the writing style, but the overall story didn't appeal to me.SAVVY
19. History As They Saw It: Iconic Moments From The Past In Color (Coffee Table Books, Historical Books, Art Books) [Book]
Product Details:
Step into a time machine and witness some of the most significant events of the late 19th and early 20th century, brought to vivid life in full-color restorations of historic black-and-white photographs. this revolutionary photography collection is as close to time travel as it gets. featuring 120 historic black-and-white photographs thoroughly restored and rendered in color, this book illuminates some of the most iconic moments in history, from the sinking of the titanic to the construction of the golden gate bridge. brought to life with vibrant color, these incredible images effectively blur the distinction between past and present and bring history within arm's reach. with a timeline spanning more than 100 years, from 1839 to 1949, this unique collection will amaze history and photography buffs alike, offering new perspectives on significant moments of the 19th and 20th centuries. mesmerizing format: presented in reverse chronological order, this enchanting book takes you back through time, one stunning colorized photograph at a time. the left margin of each spread features a map and a timeline showing when and where each image was taken, as well as quotes from the time period that also help bring each historical moment to life. a wonderful gift: history as they saw it is a surefire conversation starter and a unique gift for any occasion. readers love it: with hundreds of 5-star ratings, reviewers rave that "this book changes how i see the past" and note that "the colorization by artist jordan lloyd is brilliant . . . and this presentation allows one to see the past much as one's ancestors did." perfect for: gift givers shopping for history buffs and photography lovers fans of ken burns, wes anderson, and national geographic people who enjoy collecting beautiful art, history, and photographic coffee table books
Reviews:
Fantastic pictures. Black and white is nice but you need to see them in color to appreciate what those times were like.hcarc1
20. The Pioneers: The Heroic Story Of The Settlers Who Brought The American Ideal West [Book]
Product Details:
"as part of the treaty of paris, in which great britain recognized the new united states of america, britain ceded the land that comprised the immense northwest territory, a wilderness empire northwest of the ohio river containing the future states of ohio, indiana, illinois, michigan, and wisconsin. a massachusetts minister named manasseh cutler was instrumental in opening this vast territory to veterans of the revolutionary war and their families for settlement. included in the northwest ordinance were three remarkable conditions: freedom of religion, free universal education, and most importantly, the prohibition of slavery. in 1788 the first band of pioneers set out from new england for the northwest territory under the leadership of revolutionary war veteran general rufus putnam. they settled in what is now marietta on the banks of the ohio river. mccullough tells the story through five major characters: cutler and putnam; cutler's son ephraim; and two other men, one a carpenter turned architect, and the other a physician who became a prominent figure in american science. they and their families created a town in a primeval wilderness, while coping with such frontier realities as trees of a size never imagined, floods, fires, wolves, bears, even an earthquake, all the while negotiating a contentious and sometimes hostile relationship with the native people. like so many of mccullough's subjects, they let no obstacle deter or defeat them. drawn in great part from a rare and all-but-unknown collection of diaries and letters by the key figures, the pioneers is a uniquely american story of people whose ambition and courage led them to remarkable accomplishments."–jacket.
Specifications:
| Binding | Hardcover |
| Place of Publication | New York |
| Date Published | 2019 |
Reviews:
Have not had time to read it so soon. But it is in excellent condition ~ a little unique.123erlean
an excellent book, though limited in scopepugdad1
Nice copy, very pleased.lexpat
