20 Best Books On History (2023 Update)

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.

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.

The amazing book of history is a 704-page collection of hundreds of articles, lists, quotes, and anecdotes that explore a lively range of human history, from the ancient world to the recent past to pop culture. perfect for history buffs, trivia fans, and everyone with an interest in the past. looks at history from an anything-goes perspective, with nearly 300 dynamic tales of people, places, and events. topics include science, politics, the arts, war, medicine, sports, crime, food, historical figures, and more. learn about: the real-life explorers who created king kong. the teenager who invented television. nazi germany's secret baby farms. biological warfare secrets of the ancient world. the racy true story of the barbie doll. the development of american hot rod culture. a brief history of underwear. the food obsessions of ancient rome.

An essential gift for every history buff, this boldly illustrated book maps out the events that have shaped our world – from the dawn of human civilization to the present day. a comprehensive and accessible guide to the history of human civilisation, world history profiles everything from the emergence of homo sapiens to the greek and roman empires, through chinese dynasties, the rise of the vikings, and the renaissance, to the industrial revolution and world war i and ii. offering a concise and insightful overview of key historical milestones that have occurred over the course of the last century, the book also covers more recent events such as the rise of isis, the arab spring, and brexit and populism in the western world.

Roberts and odd arne westad's widely acclaimed, landmark bestseller the penguin history of the world for generations of readers the penguin history of the world has been one of the great cultural experiences – the entire story of human endeavour laid out in all its grandeur and folly, drama and pain in a single authoritative book. now, for the first time, it has been completely overhauled for its 6th edition – not just bringing it up to date, but revising it throughout in the light of new research and discoveries, such as the revolution in our understanding of many civilizations in the ancient world. the closing sections of the book reflect what now seems to be the inexorable rise of asia and the increasingly troubled situation in the west. about the authors: j.m. roberts, cbe, published the penguin history of the world in 1976 to immediate acclaim. his other major books include the paris commune from the right, the triumph of the west (which was also a successful television series), the penguin history of europe and the penguin history of the twentieth century. he died in 2003. odd arne westad, fba, is professor of international history at the london school of economics. he has published fifteen books on modern and contemporary international history, among them the global cold war, which won the bancroft prize, and decisive encounters, a standard history of the chinese civil war. he also served as general co-editor of the cambridge history of the cold war.

"not only an engrossing read about the distant past, both informative and entertaining, but also a profoundly thought-provoking view of our not-really-so-‘new’ present . . . all medieval history is here, beautifully narrated . . . the vision takes in whole imperial landscapes but also makes room for intimate portraits of key individuals, and even some poems."—wall street journal"a lively history . . . [jones] has managed to touch every major topic. as each piece of the puzzle is placed into position, the modern world gradually comes into view . . . powers and thrones provides the reader with a framework for understanding a complicated subject, and it tells the story of an essential era of world history with skill and style."—the new york times – when the once-mighty city of rome was sacked by barbarians in 410 and lay in ruins, it signaled the end of an era–and the beginning of a thousand years of profound transformation. in a gripping narrative bursting with big names—from st augustine and attila the hun to the prophet muhammad and eleanor of aquitaine—dan jones charges through the history of the middle ages. powers and thrones takes readers on a journey through an emerging europe, the great capitals of late antiquity, as well as the influential cities of the islamic west, and culminates in the first european voyages to the americas. – the medieval world was forged by the big forces that still occupy us today: climate change, pandemic disease, mass migration, and technological revolutions. this was the time when the great european nationalities were formed; when the basic western systems of law and governance were codified; when the christian churches matured as both powerful institutions and the regulators of western public morality; and when art, architecture, philosophical inquiry and scientific invention went through periods of massive, revolutionary change. – the west was rebuilt on the ruins of an empire and emerged from a state of crisis and collapse to dominate the world. every sphere of human life and activity was transformed in the thousand years covered by powers and thrones.

The best-selling comprehensive history of the world, from the perspective of struggling peoples throughout the ages—now with new material and a foreword by howard zinn from the earliest human societies to the holy roman empire, from the middle ages to the enlightenment, from the industrial revolution to the end of the twentieth century, chris harman provides a brilliant and comprehensive history of the human race. eschewing the standard accounts of “great men,” of dates and kings, harman offers a groundbreaking counter-history, a breathtaking sweep across the centuries in the tradition of “history from below.” in a fiery narrative, he shows how ordinary men and women were involved in creating and changing society and how conflict between classes was often at the core of these developments. while many scholars see the victory of capitalism as now safely secured, harman explains the rise and fall of societies and civilizations throughout the ages and demonstrates that history moves ever onward in every age. this magisterial study is essential reading for anyone interested in how society has changed and developed and the possibilities for further radical progress. “i have had many people ask me if there is a book which does for world history what my book a people’s history of the united states does for this country. i always responded that i know of only one book that accomplishes this extremely difficult task, and that is chris harman’s a people’s history of the world.” —howard zinn

A glorious illustrated edition of the international bestseller e. gombrich's little history of the world, though written in 1935, has become one of the treasures of historical writing since its first publication in english in 2005. the yale edition alone has now sold over half a million copies, and the book is available worldwide in almost thirty languages.gombrich was of course the best-known art historian of his time, and his text suggests illustrations on every page. this illustrated edition of the little history brings together the pellucid humanity of his narrative with the images that may well have been in his mind's eye as he wrote the book. the two hundred illustrations–most of them in full color–are not simple embellishments, though they are beautiful. they emerge from the text, enrich the author's intention, and deepen the pleasure of reading this remarkable work.for this edition the text is reset in a spacious format, flowing around illustrations that range from paintings to line drawings, emblems, motifs, and symbols. the book incorporates freshly drawn maps, a revised preface, and a new index.blending high-grade design, fine paper, and classic binding, this is both a sumptuous gift book and an enhanced edition of a timeless account of human history.

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

This comprehensive and compelling visual encyclopaedia tells the story of our world in true depth and detail, from the origins of life on earth right up until the 21st century. human endeavour and achievement is charted and celebrated from every angle, alongside key events, groundbreaking ideas, political forces, and technological advances that have shaped our planet's progress. more than 600 pages chronicle global history in the most informative, illuminating, and inspiring way. stunning images and illustrations bring the authoritative text to life, so each historical episode is explored and explained for easy reference and understanding. important points in history, from the battle of hastings and the storming of the bastille to d-day and 9/11, are given clear but concise coverage, together with profiles of influential figures, such as rameses ii, julius caesar, and nelson mandela. as each moment in history is defined and detailed, the causes and consequences are provided in supporting panels to provide a wider context and broaden our horizons. contemporary issues, including climate change and the rise of social media, bring us out of the past and firmly into the present. this classic compendium is a worthy addition to any bookshelf or library for generations of readers to look back in wonder at the world.

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.)

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."

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.

David grene, one of the best known translators of the greek classics, splendidly captures the peculiar quality of herodotus, the father of history. here is the historian, investigating and judging what he has seen, heard, and read, and seeking out the true causes and consequences of the great deeds of the past. in his history, the war between the greeks and persians, the origins of their enmity, and all the more general features of the civilizations of the world of his day are seen as a unity and expressed as the vision of one man who as a child lived through the last of the great acts in this universal drama. herodotus emerges in all his charm and complexity as a writer and the first historian in the western tradition, perhaps unique in the way he has seen the interrelation of fact and fantasy. "reading herodotus in english has never been so much fun. . . . herodotus crowds his fresco-like pages with all shades of humanity. whether herodotus's view is 'tragic,' mythical, or merely common sense, it provided him with a moral salt with which the diversity of mankind could be savored. herodotus gives more sheer pleasure than almost any other writer."—peter levi, new york times book review

California has always been our shangri-la–the promised land of countless pilgrims in search of the american dream. now the golden state's premier historian, kevin starr, distills the entire sweep of california's history into one splendid volume. from the age of exploration to the age of arnold, this is the story of a place at once quintessentially american and utterly unique. – arguing that america's most populous state has always been blessed with both spectacular natural beauty and astonishing human diversity, starr unfolds a rapid-fire epic of discovery, innovation, catastrophe, and triumph. for generations, california's native peoples basked in the abundance of a climate and topography eminently suited to human habitation. by the time the spanish arrived in the early sixteenth century, there were scores of autonomous tribes were thriving in the region. though conquest was rapid, nearly two centuries passed before spain exerted control over upper california through the chain of missions that stand to this day. – the discovery of gold in january 1848 changed everything. with population increasing exponentially as get-rich-quick dreamers converged from all over the world, california reinvented itself overnight. starr deftly traces the successive waves of innovation and calamity that have broken over the state since then–the incredible wealth of the big four railroad tycoons and the devastating san francisco earthquake of 1906; the emergence of hollywood as the world's entertainment capital and of silicon valley as the center of high-tech research and development; the heroic irrigation and transportation projects that have altered the face of the region; the role of labor, both organized and migrant, in key industries from agriculture to aerospace. – kevin starr has devoted his career to the history of his beloved state, but he has never lost his sense of wonder over california's sheer abundance and peerless variety. this one-volume distillation of a lifetime's work gathers together everything that is most important, most fascinating, and most revealing about our greatest state. – from the hardcover edition.

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.

Civilization's most momentous events come vibrantly alive in this magnificent collection of over three hundred eyewitness accounts spanning twenty-four turbulent centuries–remarkable recollections of battles, atrocities, disasters, coronations, assassinations, and discoveries that shaped the course of history, all related in vivid detail by ovservers on the scene.

Civilization's most momentous events come vibrantly alive in this magnificent collection of over three hundred eyewitness accounts spanning twenty-four turbulent centuries–remarkable recollections of battles, atrocities, disasters, coronations, assassinations, and discoveries that shaped the course of history, all related in vivid detail by ovservers on the scene.

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, brilliant 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. 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 colonisation 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 a clear 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. the big ideas series 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.

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, brilliant 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. 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 colonisation 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 a clear 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. the big ideas series 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.