45 Best History Books of All Time

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Blog – Posted on Friday, May 21

45 best history books of all time.

45 Best History Books of All Time

If the mere mention of ‘history books’ is enough to conjure up memories of fighting back yawns in your middle school classroom, then chances are you haven’t been looking in the right places. But fear not — this list is here to bring you some of the most well-researched, entertaining, and readable works by the most preeminent historians of today and generations past.

On this list, you not only find some of the best American history books, on topics spanning slavery and empire, Civil War, and Indigenous histories, but also stories ranging from Asia to Africa, and everywhere in between. This list traverses continents, historical eras, the rise and fall of once-great empires, while occasionally stopping off to hone in on specific, localized events that you might never have heard of.

Whether you’re a history buff looking to flex your muscles, or you struggle to distinguish your Nelson from your Nefertiti, there’ll be something suitable for you. So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into our 45 best history books of all time.

If you’re looking for history books that give the broader picture as well as the finer details, let us introduce you to some of the most seminal texts on global history. These reads cover the moments and events that form the connective tissue between continents, cultures, and eras. Whether you’re looking for more abstract, theoretical writing on what ‘history’ is and does, or just a broader volume that pans out, rather than in, there’ll be something for you.

1. What Is History? by Edward Hallett Carr

Famous for his hefty History of Soviet Russia , E. H. Carr’s foray into historiography (that is, the study of written history) was panned by critics at first. Initially written off as ‘dangerous relativism’, it is now considered a foundational text for historians, one which probes at the very seams of the discipline. By asking what exactly historical knowledge is and what constitutes history as we have come to understand it, Carr provides a compelling and masterful critique of the biases of historians and their moralized narratives of history. This groundbreaking text also interrogates such notions as fact, science, morality, individualism, and society. Carr’s masterpiece is referenced in countless college applications for a reason — it’s a formidable dive into history as a discipline, and laid the foundations for the subject as it exists in the modern world.

2. The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx

Though first and foremost considered a political theorist, much of Marxist thought can be a means to understand history with attention to economic systems and principles. In this seminal text, Marx argues that all of history has been defined by the struggles between the proletariat working-class and the capital-owning bourgeoisie. According to Marx, economic structures have been defined by class relations, and the various revolutions that have occurred throughout history have been instigated by antagonism between these two forces. As Marx famously opined in his 1852 essay, The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte, “history repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce”, and he lays out those repetitions with striking clarity here. As an added bonus, since this was originally intended as a pamphlet, the manifesto comes in at under 100 pages, so you have no reason not to prime yourself on one of modern history’s greatest thinkers.

3. Orientalism by Edward W. Said

A titan of Middle Eastern political and historical study, Edward Said coined the titular phrase ‘Orientalism’ to describe the West's often reductive and derisive depiction and portrayal of "The East." This book is an explanation of this concept and the application of this framework to understand the global power dynamics between the East and the West. Orientalism is considered by many a challenging read, but don’t let its formidable reputation put you off — it’ll all be worth it when you find yourself thinking about global history in ways you haven’t before.

4. Lies My Teacher Told Me by James W. Loewen

It’s no big secret that the US school curriculum is more than a little biased — governments have a tendency to rewrite history textbooks in their favour, and the US government is no exception, keeping quiet on the grizzly, harrowing details and episodes which made the USA the country it is today. With particular focus on the American Civil War, Native Americans and the Atlantic Slave Trade, Loewen tries to interrogate and override simplistic, recountings of these events that portray White settlers as heroes and everybody else as uncivilized and barbarous. This is essential reading for anybody wanting to challenge their own preconceptions about American history and challenge the elevated status of American ‘heroes’.

5. Democracy: A Life by Paul Cartledge

From its birth in the city-state of Ancient Athens to contemporary times, democracy’s definition, application, and practice have been fiercely discussed and debated. With this book, Cartledge presents a biography of a political system that has been alternately lauded as the only means to govern a liberal society and derided as doomed to ineffectiveness.

Based on a near-legendary course of lectures Cartledge taught at Cambridge University, this book charts the social, cultural, and political dimensions of democracy, displaying a mastery of the scholarship to brilliant effect. For those that want to know more about democracy beyond ‘governance for the masses’.

6. Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes by Tamim Ansary

When history is so often focalized through a Western lens, reading from alternative positions is essential to challenge these normative understandings of the past. Ansary’s Destiny Disrupted does exactly this. By centering on an Islamic recounting of historical events, it challenges preconceived ideas about Western dominance, colonialism, and stereotyped depictions of Islamic culture and custom. Ansary discusses the history of the Islamic world from the time of Mohammed, through the various empires that have ruled the Middle Eastern region and beyond, right up to contemporary conflicts and the status of Islam in a modern, globalizing world. 

7. Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky

If you think salt is a substance useful for not much more than topping fries, let journalist Mark Kurlansky prove otherwise. In this book, Kurlansky charts the origins of civilization using a surprising narrative throughline — salt. Many early settlements were established near natural sources of salt because of its many beneficial properties, and this surprisingly precious mineral has continued to play an important role in societies ever since. From its use as a medium of exchange in ancient times to its preservative properties (which allowed ancient civilizations to store essential food throughout the winter), this innocuous substance has been fundamental to the health and wealth of societies across the globe.

8. A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson

With his collective bibliography having sold over 16 million copies, you’re probably already familiar with Bryson’s work documenting his travels around the world, or his meditations on the brilliant diversity of global culture. Though primarily a travel writer, he’s also turned his hand to history, and A Short History of Nearly Everything specifically focuses on the scientific discoveries of yore that have defined human society. From quantum theory to mass extinction, Bryson recounts these miraculous, unplanned, sometimes ill-fated marvels of human achievement with humor and insight. If there’s a book that’ll have you repeatedly saying “can you believe this?” to random passers-by, this’ll be it!

9. The Sea and Civilization: A Maritime History of the World by Lincoln Paine

A nation's ability to conquer the seas has always been a mark of prestige and greatness, especially for empires looking to expand beyond their borders and nations wanting to trade and connect with other peoples. Paine discusses how many societies managed to transform the murky depths of the ocean from natural obstacle to a means of transporting goods, people, and ideas — from the Mesopotamians wanting to trade with their neighbors in ancient Aegea and Egypt, to those in East Asia who fine-tuned their shipbuilding techniques to conquer foreign lands.

10. Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond

Here’s another book that frequents the reading lists of politics and history majors the world over! Many have theorized on why certain human societies have failed while others have thrived — but perhaps none have done it as astutely as Jared Diamond has in Guns, Germs, and Steel . The three things featured in the book’s title make up the nexus that Diamond presents as being fundamental to the development (or lack thereof) of human society. Though Diamond's thesis has as many detractors as it has supporters, it’s worth reading to see which side of the debate you fall on.

11. The Argumentative Indian: Writings on Indian History, Culture and Identity by Amartya Sen

In this collection of sixteen essays, esteemed economist Amartya Sen explores the Indian subcontinent, with particular focus on the rich history and culture that has made it the country it is today. The title refers to what Sen believes is inherent to the Indian disposition: argument and constructive criticism as a means to further progress. In his essays, Sen presents careful and considered analysis on a range of subjects that other academics have often tiptoe around, from the nature of Hindu traditions to the major economic disparities existing in certain regions today (and what their roots might be). Whether you’re an expert or new to the topic, you’ll be sure to learn something from Sen’s incisive commentary.

Ancient kingdoms are shrouded in mystery — a lot of what we know has been painstakingly pieced together by brilliant archaeologists and historians who have uncovered ancient artifacts, documents, and remains, and dedicated their working lives to understanding their significance to ancient people. Aren’t the rest of us lucky they’ve done the hard work for us?

12. Fifth Sun: A New History of the Aztecs by Camilla Townsend

The pre-colonial Central America ruled by the Aztecs was one characterized by remarkable innovation and progressiveness. Western historians, however, often failed to acknowledge this or pay the region and its ancient empires much academic attention. Moreover, the history of the Mexican people as recounted by the Spanish has often leaned into stereotyped, whitewashed versions of events. Townsend’s Fifth Sun changes this by presenting a history of the Aztecs solely using sources and documents written by the Aztec people themselves in their native Nahuatl language. What results is an empathetic and invigorating interpretation of Aztec history for newbies and long-time enthusiasts alike.

13. When Women Ruled the World: Six Queens of Egypt by Kara Cooney

When you think of Ancient Egyptian queens, Cleopatra probably comes to mind — but did you know that the various Egyptian dynasties boasted a whole host of prominent women? Cooney’s When Women Ruled The World shifts the spotlight away from the more frequently discussed Egyptian pharaohs, placing attention on the likes of Hatshepsut, Nefertiti, and Cleopatra, all of whom commanded great armies, oversaw the conquering of new lands, and implemented innovative economic systems. In this captivating read, Cooney reveals more about these complex characters and explores why accounts of ancient empires have been so prone to placing powerful women on the margins of historical narratives. 

14. The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Vol. 1 by Edward Gibbon

If you’re a fan of serious, in-depth scholarship on ancient history, then this first volume of Gibbon's classic treatise on the Roman Empire is a perfect fit for you. Despite being published in 1776, Gibbon’s work on the Roman Empire is still revered by historians today. Along with five other volumes of this monumental work, this text is considered one of the most comprehensive and pre-eminent accounts in the field. Gibbon offers theories on exactly how and why the Roman Empire fell, arguing controversially that it succumbed to barbarian attacks mainly due to the decline of “civic virtue” within Roman culture. If this thesis has piqued your interest, then we naturally suggest you start with Volume I to understand what exactly Gibbon considers “virtue” to be, and how it was lost. 

15. The History of the Ancient World: From the Earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome by Susan Wise Bauer

Historians are often wont to focus on a particular historical era or location when producing historical nonfiction — but Susan Wise Bauer had grander ambitions. In this text, Bauer weaves together events that spanned continents and eras, from the East to the Americas. This book, described as an “engrossing tapestry,” primarily aims to connect tales of rulers to the everyday lives of those they ruled in vivid detail. With an eloquently explained model, she reveals how the ancient world shaped, and was shaped by, its peoples.

16. Foundations of Chinese Civilization: The Yellow Emperor to the Han Dynasty by Jing Liu

Believe it or not, history doesn’t always mean slogging through page after page of dense, footnoted text. This comic by Beijing native Jing Liu turns history on its head by presenting it in a fun, digestible manner for anybody that has an interest in Chinese history (but isn’t quite ready to tackle an 800-page book on the subject yet). Spanning nearly 3,000 years of ancient history, this comic covers the Silk Road, the birth of Confucianism and Daoism, China's numerous internal wars, and finally the process of modern unification.

Middle Ages and renaissance

Some of the most fearsome and formidable characters in history had their heyday during the Middle Ages and renaissance periods — though it’s hard to know whether their larger-than-life reputations are owed to actual attributes they had, or from their mythologizing during a time where fewer reliable sources exist. Either way, we think they’re great fun to read about — as are their various exploits and conquests. From Genghis Khan to Cosimo de Medici, we’ve got you covered.

17. The Silk Roads: A New History of the World by Peter Frankopan

The Silk Road, an artery of commerce running from Europe through Russia to Asia (and a vital means of connecting the West with the East), has long been of interest to historians of the old world. In this book, Frankopan goes one step further, to claim that there has been more than one silk road throughout history — and that the region stretching from the Mediterranean to China (modern-day Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan) remains the crossroads of civilization and the center of global affairs. Frankopan argues compellingly that this region should be afforded more attention when historians theorize on centers of power and how they have shifted across time. It’s a convincing argument, and one that is expertly executed by Frankopan’s engaging writing and scrupulous research.

18. Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford

Genghis Khan is perhaps one of the most formidable figures in global history. Many recognize his iconic topknot-and-horseback image despite not knowing all too much about his life or the military successes he oversaw as leader of the Mongolian empire. Weatherford’s book takes a deep dive into this complex character and explores new dimensions of the society and culture he imposed upon the many peoples he conquered. As a civilization, Khan's was more keenly progressive than its European counterparts — having abolished torture, granted religious freedoms, and deposed the feudal systems that subordinated so many to so few. If you’re in the mood for an epic tale that’ll challenge your understanding of the global past, you’ll want to pick this book up.

19. Precolonial Black Africa by Cheikh Anta Diop

Cheikh Anta Diop, a Senegalese historian, anthropologist, physicist, and politician, dedicated his working life to the study of pre-colonial African culture and the origins of human civilization itself. This book, arguably his most influential text, draws out comparisons between European empires and societies with the often overlooked African civilizations. Diop carefully shows that Africa contributed far more to the world’s development than just its exploited labor and natural resources. Precolonial Black Africa thus sets out to reorient our knowledge of a period that is so often derided by non-African thinkers as “uncivilized” and “barbarous” with brilliant attention to detail.

20. The Crusades: The Authoritative History of the War for the Holy Land by Thomas Asbridge

In the 11th century, a vast Christian army was summoned and ordered by the Pope to march across Europe. Their aim was to seize Jerusalem and claim back the city considered the holy seat of Christianity. As it happened, Jerusalem was also a land strongly associated with the Prophets of Islam. The Christian mission thus manifested in the Crusaders’ rampage through the Muslim world, devastating many parts of the Eastern Mediterranean. Asbridge’s innovative recounting of this momentous event is unique in the way it even-handedly unpacks the perspective of both the Christian and Muslim experiences and their memorializing of the Holy Wars. With rich and detailed scholarship, this book reveals how the Crusades shaped the Medieval world and continue to impact the present day.

21. The House of Medici: Its Rise and Fall by Christopher Hibbert

Renaissance Florence is perhaps most famous as the cradle of revered art, sculpture, and architecture by the likes of Michelangelo and Leonardo — but in the 15th century, it was also home to the Medicis, one of the most powerful banking dynasties in Europe. Starting with enterprising Cosimo de Medici in the 1430s, Hibbert chronicles the impressive rise of a family that dominated a city where mercantile families jostled for political and social influence, often to bloody ends. And — spoiler alert, if you can spoil history — as with every great period, the rise of the Medicis naturally involves a spectacular fall. It’s the kind of stuff soap operas are made of: an unmissable tale of family intrigue and the corrupting influence of money. 

In this groundbreaking work of science, history, and archaeology, Charles C. Mann radically alters our understanding of the Americas before the arrival of Columbus in 1492. Contrary to what so many Americans learn in school, the pre-Columbian Indians were not sparsely settled in a pristine wilderness; rather, there were huge numbers of Indians who actively molded and influenced the land around them. The astonishing Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan had running water and immaculately clean streets, and was larger than any contemporary European city. Mexican cultures created corn in a specialized breeding process that it has been called man’s first feat of genetic engineering. Indeed, Indians were not living lightly on the land but were landscaping and manipulating their world in ways that we are only now beginning to understand. Challenging and surprising, this a transformative new look at a rich and fascinating world we only thought we knew.

22. 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus by Charles C. Mann

Mainstream history has too often made it seem as though the Americas was all but a vacant wasteland before Columbus and other European conquerors drifted upon its shores in the 15th century. Of course, this couldn’t be further from the truth — from the Aztecs to the Incas to the tribes of Northern America, many complex social and cultural structures existed prior to the arrival of Europeans. Southern American peoples in particular had sophisticated societies and infrastructures (including running water!) that have unfortunately been obliviated from the popular (or at least white Western) consciousness. A classic book that challenges the victor’s story, Charles C. Mann’s 1491 provides exciting new information on civilizations that have more to teach us than we have previously acknowledged. 

23. The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England by Dan Jones

Is there a more abiding emblem of British history than that of Medieval England’s monarchy and the Wars of the Roses? Though its historical figures and events have often been portrayed in television dramas, plays, and books, little is commonly known about the House of Plantagenets, who ruled from the 12th to the 15th century — an era packed with royal drama, intrigue, and internal division. For a witty, acerbic account of the whole ordeal, visit Dan Jones’s The Plantagenets . He approaches the subject with dazzling storytelling skills and charm that it will feel like you’re reading a novel, not a nonfiction book.

Enlightenment, empire, and revolution

You can’t make sense of the present without understanding the forces that got us here. The mechanized and globalized, mass-producing and mass-consuming world we live in today was forged in the fiery hearth of the Industrial Revolution, on the decks of ships setting out in search of uncharted territory, and in battles that were fought over supposedly ‘undiscovered’ lands. A lot changed for the common man in this period, and a lot has been written about it too — here are some of the best works.

24. The British Industrial Revolution in Global Perspective by Robert C. Allen

The Industrial Revolution is perhaps the most important phenomenon in modern history. It started in 18th-century Britain, where inventions like the mechanical loom and the steam engine were introduced, changing the nature of work and production. But why did this happen in Britain and not elsewhere in the world, and how precisely did it change things? These questions are answered lucidly in Robert C. Allen’s informative book. From the preconditions for growth to the industries and trades that grew out of them, The British Industrial Revolution in Global Perspectives has it all covered. Though it leans a bit on the academic side, it provides valuable knowledge that will vastly improve your understanding of today’s mass-producing, mass-consuming world.

25. A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn

For an overview of the history of the US, try this impressive treatise by historian and political scientist Howard Zinn. There’s a reason why this book is so often assigned as mandatory reading for high school and college history courses — it challenges readers to rethink what they’ve been told about America’s past. Rather than focusing on ‘great’ men and their achievements, A People’s History dives unflinchingly into the societal conditions and changes of the last few centuries. Exploring the motives behind events like the Civil War and US international interventions in the 20th century, Zinn shows that while patriotism and morality have often been used to justify America’s social movements and wars, it’s often been economic growth and wealth accumulation that truly drove leaders’ decisions.

26. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West by Dee Brown

At Wounded Knee Creek in 1890, the Lakota people confronted the encroaching US Army to protect their homeland and community. What followed was a massacre that for decades was viewed as a heroic victory — exemplifying how history is truly shaped by the victors, unless someone else speaks up. In 2010, Dee Brown did just this, exploring the colonialist treatment that Indigenous Americans suffered throughout the late 19th century in Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. Using council records and personal accounts from people of various Native American tribes, Brown demonstrates just how destructive the US administration was to these communities: in the name of Manifest Destiny and building new infrastructure, white settlers destroyed the culture and heritage of the Indigenous population. It’s something that's sadly still too familiar now, making this an even more pressing read.

27. Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019 by Ibram X. Kendi

While this isn’t strictly a history book, Four Hundred Souls is certainly an eye-opening volume if you’re looking to explore oft-hidden aspects of history. This collection of essays, personal reflections, and short stories is written by ninety different authors, all providing unique insights into the experiences of Black Americans throughout history. Editors Kendi and Blain do a brilliant job of amalgamating a variety of emotions and perspectives: from the pains of slavery and its legacy to the heartfelt poetry of younger generations. If you’re looking for your fix of African American Literature and nonfiction in one go, consider this your go-to.

Since its U.S. debut a quarter-century ago, this brilliant text has set a new standard for historical scholarship of Latin America. It is also an outstanding political economy, a social and cultural narrative of the highest quality, and perhaps the finest description of primitive capital accumulation since Marx.

Rather than chronology, geography, or political successions, Eduardo Galeano has organized the various facets of Latin American history according to the patterns of five centuries of exploitation. Thus he is concerned with gold and silver, cacao and cotton, rubber and coffee, fruit, hides and wool, petroleum, iron, nickel, manganese, copper, aluminum ore, nitrates, and tin. These are the veins which he traces through the body of the entire continent, up to the Rio Grande and throughout the Caribbean, and all the way to their open ends where they empty into the coffers of wealth in the United States and Europe.

Weaving fact and imagery into a rich tapestry, Galeano fuses scientific analysis with the passions of a plundered and suffering people. An immense gathering of materials is framed with a vigorous style that never falters in its command of themes. All readers interested in great historical, economic, political, and social writing will find a singular analytical achievement, and an overwhelming narrative that makes history speak, unforgettably.

This classic is now further honored by Isabel Allende’s inspiring introduction. Universally recognized as one of the most important writers of our time, Allende once again contributes her talents to literature, to political principles, and to enlightenment.

28. Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent by Eduardo Galeano

The instabilities of Latin America over the last century have largely stemmed from its turbulent and violent past, its land and people having been exploited by European imperial powers, followed by American interventionism. In Open Veins of Latin America, Uruguayan journalist Eduardo Galeano passionately and compellingly recounts this history while also keeping it accessible to modern readers. Still on the fence? Let the foreword by Latinx literary giant Isabel Allende convince you: “Galeano denounces exploitation with uncompromising ferocity, yet this book is almost poetic in its description of solidarity and human capacity for survival in the midst of the worst kind of despoliation.”

29. The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano Illustrated by Olaudah Equiano

Though it was published in the late 18th century, this autobiography is still being reprinted today. It follows the life of Equiano, a slave who was kidnapped from his village in Nigeria and trafficked to Britain. In this foreign land, he was traded like merchandise time and again, struggling against adversity to find his freedom and define his identity. The accuracy of the story has been called into question, which is why reprinted editions have footnotes and additional details to better explain the social context of the situation. Regardless, the narrative style of the book makes it a hypnotizing read, immersing readers in the world of Georgian England and the horrors of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.

The World Wars

We thought the biggest events of the 20th century deserved their own section. The fact that so many people across the globe lived to experience these two momentous, destructive wars is perhaps why so much has been written about them — and how they reinvented life as we know it. The books below, covering a variety of perspectives, will intrigue, surprise, and hopefully teach you a thing or two.

30. Ten Days That Shook The World by John Reed

If you’re interested in firsthand accounts of people who've lived through historical moments, then this is the book for you. Published in 1919, Ten Days that Shook the World is the thrilling political memoir of someone who witnessed the October Revolution unfold in St Petersburg, Russia. Reed was a socialist and a newspaper correspondent who happened to be in close contact with the likes of Lenin and Trotsky, aka the innermost circle of the Bolsheviks. His account of the revolution thus provides a very unique perspective — one of both an insider and an outsider. While Reed couldn’t be as impartial as he intended as a journalist, this book is still a useful insight into one of the most important moments in modern history.

31. The Guns of August by Barbara W. Tuchman

If you’re a fan of history books, then you’ve probably heard of Barbara Tuchman: she was a historian and author who twice won the Pulitzer Prize, once for this very book. In The Guns of August , Tuchman uncovers the beginnings of World War I. She starts by examining the alliances and military plans that each country had in case of warfare, demonstrating how delicate this moment was before the declarations and the first battles on various fronts. The militaristic theme of the book could’ve made the tone dry, yet Tuchman lets the stories unravel in a way that intrigues and enthralls. As the granddaughter of the American ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, Tuchman was in Constantinople as the war began, and as a result, her work takes on the gravity of someone who was in the thick of it.,

32. Appeasement: Chamberlain, Hitler, Churchill, and the Road to War by Tim Bouverie

In the 1930s, when Hitler was making moves to acquire land from neighboring countries, the rest of the Allies pursued a policy they called appeasement. In the book of the same name (previously known as Appeasing Hitler ), the reasoning behind such a policy — despite the Nazis’ blatant antisemitism and aggressive nationalism — reveals how that led to World War II. Spoiler alert: ironically, this was all done with the assumption that if Hitler got what he wanted, there wouldn’t be another large-scale war that would last another four years. As informative as it is, Appeasement is also a valuable reminder that what happened in the past wasn’t a given — at that moment in time, things could have gone any number of ways. What matters, looking back, is what we can learn from it for the future.

33. Leningrad: The Epic Siege of World War II, 1941-1944 by Anna Reid

From historical fiction novels like Atonement to the somber box office hit Dunkirk , our mainstream knowledge about the Second World War has predominantly featured the French Western Front. Possibly because American forces were much more involved in this side of the war, we tend to overlook the biggest battles, which took place in Eastern Europe.

In Leningrad , Anna Reid sheds a light on one of these epic battles. Breaking Hitler’s vow of non-aggression, German forces poured into the Soviet Union in the autumn of 1941, expecting a quick victory. Little did they know that Leningrad (modern-day St Petersburg) was not about to go down without a vicious fight. Over the next three years, this massive city was put under a siege that resulted in destruction, famine, and countless deaths, though the Germans were ultimately defeated. What was life like in this prolonged blockade, and was it truly a Soviet victory? You’ll have to read Leningrad to find out.

34. Embracing Defeat: Japan in the Wake of World War II by John W. Dower

As the only country to have been a victim of nuclear attacks, Japan’s postwar experience has arguably been one of the most unique and difficult of all the countries that took part in the world wars. Prior to and during WW2, Japan was a major power that had annexed much of East Asia by 1941. After the war, Japan was a defeated nation, strong-armed into surrendering by the Soviet army and two American atomic bombs.

Embracing Defeat is about a nation coming to terms with its new reality in the following years, during which the US-occupied Japan and was actively involved in its rebuilding. Shock, devastation, and humiliation were just a few of the emotions that society had to live through. In this Pulitzer Prize-winning book, MIT professor John Dower explores these sentiments and how they translated into social and cultural changes in Japan.

35. Broken Lives: How Ordinary Germans Experienced the 20th Century by Konrad H. Jarausch

Over the course of the 20th century, Germany truly experienced all possible transformations. From a key European imperial power to an economically crippled state, to Nazism and the Holocaust, and then to Cold War partition — there’s certainly been no shortage of tumult in Germany over the past hundred years. Collecting stories from over 60 people who lived through these ups and downs, Konrad Jarausch presents a down-to-earth picture of what it was like to undergo these changes in everyday life. While we often see historical changes as a given in hindsight, for the people who lived through the period, these transformations were sometimes far from foreseeable — yet have been formative to their individual and collective identities.

It’s remarkable to consider what humanity has achieved in the last century alone, from the first manned flight to landing people on the moon. But that’s not all: world wars were fought, empires were toppled, living conditions improved for many across the world and human rights were advanced in ways many would not have been able to fathom even a few decades before. To absorb more of our “modern” history, peruse the books below.

36. Stalin's Englishman: Guy Burgess, the Cold War, and the Cambridge Spy Ring by Andrew Lownie

If you’re a fan of thrilling spy novels , then Stalin’s Englishman is the history book for you: it’s the biography of Guy Burgess, an English-born Soviet spy from the 1930s onward. In a way, Burgess was made for the job — he was born into a wealthy family, attended prestigious schools like Eton and Cambridge, worked at the BBC and then for MI6, making him entirely beyond suspicion in the eyes of his own people. Though little is officially recorded about Burgess’s life, Andrew Lownie has compiled plenty of oral evidence related to this charming spy, weaving together an exciting narrative that will keep you turning the pages.

37. The State of Africa: A History of the Continent Since Independence by Martin Meredith

Since the end of World War II, Africa has seen several waves of independence movements. And while it was once a vision of hope, the effects of colonialism have frequently made post-independence life in Africa unstable and dangerous. Martin Meredith looks into the nuances of this legacy and how it has played out in the post-independence era. Rather than focusing on individual countries, Meredith widens his scope and presents a thorough overview of the continent, making this book an essential read for anyone new to modern African history.

38. Age of Extremes: The Short Twentieth Century 1914-1991 by Eric Hobsbawm

Eric Hobsbawm is a well-known Marxist historian, and so it’s no surprise that his account of 20th-century history leans on the critical side. The Age of Extremes is all about failures: of communism, of state socialism, of market capitalism, and even of nationalism. 

Dividing the century into three parts — the Age of Catastrophe, the Golden Age, and the Landslide — Hobsbawm tracks Western powers and their struggles with world wars, economic failures, and new world orders that involved them losing colonies and influence. In their place, new systems rose to prominence, though all exhibited fundamental faults that made it difficult for them to last. The Age of Extremes is not a jovial read, but it provides an interesting perspective on modern world history. If you’re up for some harsh social commentary, you should definitely pick this book up.

39. Nothing Ever Dies: Vietnam and the Memory of War by Viet Thanh Nguyen

The Vietnam War, as it is commonly called in the US, still looms large in the American imagination. But while the trauma and camaraderie of American soldiers in the tropical jungles of Vietnam have often been often highlighted, shamefully little has been said about the sufferings of the Vietnamese people — both those who remained in Vietnam and those who eventually left as “boat people.”

The gap in mainstream memory of this heavily politicized war is what Viet Thanh Nguyen addresses in his thought-provoking nonfiction book, Nothing Ever Dies . Having lived through the tail end of that conflict himself, Nguyen offers a perspective that’s too often swept under the rug. Through his writing, he reminds readers that history as we know it is often selective and subjective; it’s more than what we choose to remember, it’s also about why we choose to remember the things we do, and how sinister political motives that can factor in.

40. Age Of Ambition : Chasing Fortune, Truth, and Faith in the New China by Evan Osnos

History isn’t all about the distant past, and with such rapid changes over the last several decades, the contemporary history of China grows ever more fascinating by the year. Following economic reforms in the 1980s, China has grown exponentially and become one of the biggest economies in the world. But this opening up also meant that the Communist Party could no longer control the people’s discourses as effectively as before. In Age of Ambition , Evan Osnos draws on his firsthand observations as a journalist in China, talking about the recent transformation of Chinese people’s aspirations and plans to reach beyond the border of their country through their studies, their work, their consumption, and their communications.

41. Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe

If you think history can’t be gripping, then let Patrick Radden Keefe convince you otherwise: in this modern history book, he uses a murder investigation as a window into the bitter ethno-nationalist conflict in Northern Ireland. The book begins in 1972, in the middle of the Troubles — a 30-year conflict between the Catholic Irish, who wanted to leave the UK, and the Protestants who wanted to stay. A 38-year-old woman by the name of Jean McConville, married to a Catholic former soldier of the British Army, has disappeared. The suspects are members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), known to have executed people they believed were spying on them for the British. All deny the accusation, of course — some even going as far as to deny their involvement in the IRA altogether. Looking back at the incident and its suspects four decades later, Keefe highlights the atrocities that were committed by all parties during this period, and how they still resonate through NI today.

42. Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments

An esteemed researcher of African American literature and history, Hartman has produced a trove of work on the practices and legacies of slavery in the US. Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments is but one of the insightful titles she’s produced, discussing the lives of Black women in late 19th-century New York and Philadelphia. Looking at the concept and understanding of sexuality in these communities, Hartman found that despite the criminalization practiced by the state, there was space for women to own their sexuality and gender identity. It was a small space, and it would have slipped into oblivion if no one cared to explore the nuances of the urbanizing life of the 1890s — but this book ensures that they can never be left in the dust.

43. Black and British: A Forgotten History by David Olusoga

This book, written to accompany the 4-episode docuseries of the same name, is a must-read for everyone interested in British history. The common understanding of this island nation’s history is usually related to its seaborne conquests and longstanding monarchies. But what of the servants and slaves, the people that actually did the work and fought the battles? What of the people who were moved here through colonial exchanges? Retracing British history with an eye upon the waves of immigration, Olusoga gives a comprehensive overview of the complexity of Black Britishness in the UK, a group whose stories are often obscured. He also shows that these people were and are integral to the nation’s development, and are thus not to be forgotten.

44. The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Erik Larson

For those who enjoy storytelling, check out this thrilling novel-style history book on H. H. Holmes, the man considered to be one of the first modern serial killers. Holmes was only ever convicted for one murder but is thought to have had up to 27 victims, many lured to the World’s Fair Hotel that he owned. The 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago is thus the immersive setting of The Devil in the White City , and is written from the point of view of the designers who contributed to the fair. It reads like suspense — think The Alienist — but it also informs on the excitement and uncertainty of the early stages of urbanization, coming together as a marvelous blend of mystery novel and true crime . 

45. Bitter Fruit: The Story of the American Coup in Guatemala by Stephen Schlesinger

In 1954, Guatemalan President Árbenz was overthrown. As with many Cold War-era coups in Asia and Latin America, the US was heavily involved in the plot. Even more absurdly, one of the main forces lobbying for this intervention was the United Fruit Company, which has been benefiting from labor exploitation in Guatemala. The result of this was the installation of an undemocratic and oppressive government, supremely heightened political unrest, and ultimately a prolonged civil war. Bitter Fruit dives into the rationales (or rather irrationalities) behind American involvement, highlighting the powerful paranoia that underlay many decisions throughout the Cold War.

Seeking more fodder for your non-fiction shelf? Why not check out the 60 best non-fiction books of the 21st century !

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1. A Study of History

2. the making of the english working class, 3. the mediterranean and the mediterranean world in the age of philip ii, 4. the age of revolution: 1789-1848 (4 volume history of the modern world), 5. the radicalism of the american revolution, 6. the guns of august, 7. plagues and peoples.

SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome

8. SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome

9. what is history, 10. the inheritance of rome: illuminating the dark ages 400-1000, 11. the contours of american history, 12. the origins of the second world war, 13. gender and the politics of history.

A People's History of the United States

14. A People's History of the United States

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Ancient Greece: Politics, Society, and Culture

26. Ancient Greece: Politics, Society, and Culture

27. the decline and fall of the roman empire.

The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

28. Commoners: Common Right, Enclosure and Social Change in England

29. the century of revolution: 1603-1714, 30. postwar: a history of europe since 1945, 31. a preponderance of power: national security, the truman administration, and the cold war, 32. the venture of islam, 33. the sinews of power: war, money and the english state, 1688-1783, 34. coercion, capital and european states: ad 990 - 1992, 35. orientalism, 36. a history of the arab peoples, 37. the sources of social power, 38. free soil, free labor, free men: the ideology of the republican party before the civil war, 39. vichy france: old guard and new order, 1940-1944.

Vichy France: Old Guard and New Order, 1940-1944

40. Mass and Elite in Democratic Athens: Rhetoric, Ideology, and the Power of the People

41. the renaissance.

The Renaissance

42. American Holocaust: The Conquest of the New World

43. the great chain of being, 44. guns, germs, and steel, 45. the american age: united states foreign policy at home and abroad 1750 to the present, 46. britain's gulag: the brutal end of empire in kenya, 47. reflections on the cuban missile crisis, 48. the landscape of history, 49. imagined communities, 50. the destruction of the european jews, 51. famine: a short history, 52. imperial china 900-1800, 53. the historian's craft, 54. how europe underdeveloped africa, 55. african perspectives on colonialism, 56. a history of russia, 57. the discovery of india, 58. a savage war of peace: algeria 1954-1962, 59. the fall of rome: and the end of civilization, 60. the city in history, 61. the rise and fall of the great powers, 62. the french revolution: from its origins to 1793, 63. before european hegemony: the world system a.d. 1250 - 1350, 64. the great war and modern memory, 65. the cheese and the worms: the cosmos of a sixteenth-century miller, 66. the korean war: a history, 67. a concise history of history: global historiography from antiquity to the present.

A Concise History of History: Global Historiography from Antiquity to the Present

68. Byzantine Matters

69. age of the democratic revolution, 70. the crowd in history, 71. the russian revolution.

The Russian Revolution

72. The Many-Headed Hydra: Sailors, Slaves, Commoners, and the Hidden History of the Revolutionary Atlantic

73. africa: a modern history.

Fifth Sun: A New History of the Aztecs

74. Fifth Sun: A New History of the Aztecs

75. the decision to use the atomic bomb, 76. american slavery: 1619-1877, 77. the battle for homestead, 1880-1892: politics, culture, and steel, 78. zapata and the mexican revolution, 79. reformation, 80. anatomy of a war: vietnam, the united states, and the modern historical experience, 81. the face of battle, 82. the great war: 1914-1918, 83. radical enlightenment: philosophy and the making of modernity 1650-1750, 84. europe and the people without history, 85. odd girls and twilight lovers: a history of lesbian life in twentieth-century america, 86. kingdoms and communities in western europe 900-1300, 87. something new under the sun: an environmental history of the twentieth-century world, 88. elementary aspects of peasant insurgency in colonial india, 89. the ethnic cleansing of palestine.

The People's State: East German Society from Hitler to Honecker

90. The People's State: East German Society from Hitler to Honecker

91. history of the italian people, 92. bond men made free: medieval peasant movements and the english rising of 1381, 93. open veins of latin america: five centuries of the pillage of a continent, 94. the military revolution: military innovation and the rise of the west, 1500-1800, 95. ancient egypt: anatomy of a civilisation, 96. revolutionary russia, 1891-1991: a history, 97. the talented women of the zhang family.

The Talented Women of the Zhang Family

98. Society and Culture in Early Modern France

99. the machiavellian moment: florentine political thought and the atlantic republican tradition, 100. empires of the atlantic world: britain and spain in america 1492-1830.

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We’ve spoken to hundreds of historians asking them to recommend the best history books (and explain what’s so good about them in an in-depth interview). Here are some of the popular history books that have been recommended. For a more detailed look at different people, times or places in history, we've divided our recommendations into a number of sections:

Books on world history , including  American , Chinese, French , Russian ,  German  or  British history . The big global conflicts of the 20th century remain a key source of fascination, and we have a large number of book recommendations on World War II .

Book recommendations about key historical figures —like Hitler ,  Alexander the Great , Catherine the Great , Napoleon  and  Genghis Khan —are among the most popular on our site.

Historical Era

Ancient history ,  medieval history and modern history. We also have book recommendations on early modern history and contemporary history (history of the present).

Other book recommendations are on:

History and Fiction

The Best New Books

We have a running list of the best new history books. We also keep an eye on prestigious prizes , like the UK’s Wolfson History Prize , where professional historians look for the latest history that is both scholarly and well-written.

One thing is clear from our hundreds of interviews with historians: there are a lot of books out there that are both highly readable and well researched, revealing the past but also shedding light on the present:

The Best History Books of 2023: The Wolfson History Prize , recommended by Sudhir Hazareesingh

The Best History Books of 2023: The Wolfson History Prize - The World the Plague Made: The Black Death and the Rise of Europe by James Belich

The World the Plague Made: The Black Death and the Rise of Europe by James Belich

The Best History Books of 2023: The Wolfson History Prize - Resistance: The Underground War in Europe, 1939-1945 by Halik Kochanski

Resistance: The Underground War in Europe, 1939-1945 by Halik Kochanski

The Best History Books of 2023: The Wolfson History Prize - Portable Magic: A History of Books and Their Readers by Emma Smith

Portable Magic: A History of Books and Their Readers by Emma Smith

The Best History Books of 2023: The Wolfson History Prize - The Perils of Interpreting: The Extraordinary Lives of Two Translators between Qing China and the British Empire by Henrietta Harrison

The Perils of Interpreting: The Extraordinary Lives of Two Translators between Qing China and the British Empire by Henrietta Harrison

The Best History Books of 2023: The Wolfson History Prize - African and Caribbean People in Britain: A History by Hakim Adi

African and Caribbean People in Britain: A History by Hakim Adi

The Best History Books of 2023: The Wolfson History Prize - Vagabonds by Oskar Jensen

Vagabonds by Oskar Jensen

The Wolfson History Prize is the UK's most prestigious history book prize. The judges, all professional historians, pick out books that combine excellence in research with readability. Oxford University historian Sudhir Hazareesingh , one of the Wolfson judges and author of Black Spartacus , talks us through the six terrific books that made the 2023 shortlist, from the Black Death and its critical impact on economic development to the magic of our relationship with books. Read more history book recommendations on  Five Books

The Wolfson History Prize is the UK’s most prestigious history book prize. The judges, all professional historians, pick out books that combine excellence in research with readability. Oxford University historian Sudhir Hazareesingh, one of the Wolfson judges and author of Black Spartacus , talks us through the six terrific books that made the 2023 shortlist, from the Black Death and its critical impact on economic development to the magic of our relationship with books. Read more history book recommendations on  Five Books

The best books on World War II , recommended by Antony Beevor

The best books on World War II - Life and Fate by Vasily Grossman and translated by Robert Chandler

Life and Fate by Vasily Grossman and translated by Robert Chandler

The best books on World War II - Hitler by Ian Kershaw

Hitler by Ian Kershaw

The best books on World War II - Leningrad: The Epic Siege of World War II, 1941-1944 by Anna Reid

Leningrad: The Epic Siege of World War II, 1941-1944 by Anna Reid

The best books on World War II - A Woman in Berlin by Anonymous

A Woman in Berlin by Anonymous

The best books on World War II - Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder

Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder

The popular military historian Antony Beevor recommends some of his own favourite books about the Second World War. Read more history book recommendations on  Five Books

The best books on World War I , recommended by Jonathan Boff

The best books on World War I - The First World War by Michael Howard

The First World War by Michael Howard

The best books on World War I - The First World War, Volume 1: To Arms by Hew Strachan

The First World War, Volume 1: To Arms by Hew Strachan

The best books on World War I - The Last Great War by Adrian Gregory

The Last Great War by Adrian Gregory

The best books on World War I - Learning to Fight by Aimee Fox

Learning to Fight by Aimee Fox

The best books on World War I - Rites of Spring: the Great War and the Birth of the Modern Age by Modris Eksteins

Rites of Spring: the Great War and the Birth of the Modern Age by Modris Eksteins

It's been 100 years since World War I ended, but there is still very little consensus about what caused it, or what its consequences were. Historian Jonathan Boff talks us through the latest books and best modern interpretations of World War I.

It’s been 100 years since World War I ended, but there is still very little consensus about what caused it, or what its consequences were. Historian Jonathan Boff talks us through the latest books and best modern interpretations of World War I.

The best books on Ancient History in Modern Life , recommended by Mary Beard

The best books on Ancient History in Modern Life - The Greeks and the Irrational by E R Dodds

The Greeks and the Irrational by E R Dodds

The best books on Ancient History in Modern Life - The Annals by Tacitus

The Annals by Tacitus

The best books on Ancient History in Modern Life - The Last Days of Pompeii by E Bulwer Lytton

The Last Days of Pompeii by E Bulwer Lytton

The best books on Ancient History in Modern Life - Ancient Slavery and Modern Ideology by Moses Finley

Ancient Slavery and Modern Ideology by Moses Finley

The best books on Ancient History in Modern Life - Purity and Danger by Mary Douglas

Purity and Danger by Mary Douglas

Mary Beard , Professor of Classics at the University of Cambridge, talks us through the books that have had the deepest impact on her thinking about the ancient world and explains why studying Classics is absolutely relevant to modern life.

Mary Beard, Professor of Classics at the University of Cambridge, talks us through the books that have had the deepest impact on her thinking about the ancient world and explains why studying Classics is absolutely relevant to modern life.

The best books on American History , recommended by Brent Glass

The best books on American History - The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge by David McCullough

The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge by David McCullough

The best books on American History - Wilderness At Dawn: The Settling of the North American Continent by Ted Morgan

Wilderness At Dawn: The Settling of the North American Continent by Ted Morgan

The best books on American History - The Story of American Freedom by Eric Foner

The Story of American Freedom by Eric Foner

The best books on American History - This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War by Drew Gilpin Faust

This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War by Drew Gilpin Faust

The best books on American History - In the Kingdom of Ice: The Grand and Terrible Polar Voyage of the USS Jeannette by Hampton Sides

In the Kingdom of Ice: The Grand and Terrible Polar Voyage of the USS Jeannette by Hampton Sides

Which are the best books on American history? Brent Glass , Director Emeritus of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, the world’s largest museum devoted to telling the story of America, chooses five standout books in a crowded field.

Which are the best books on American history? Brent Glass, Director Emeritus of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, the world’s largest museum devoted to telling the story of America, chooses five standout books in a crowded field.

Historical Fiction , recommended by Historians on Five Books

Historical Fiction - Fire from Heaven by Mary Renault

Fire from Heaven by Mary Renault

Historical Fiction - Imperium: A Novel of Ancient Rome by Robert Harris

Imperium: A Novel of Ancient Rome by Robert Harris

Historical Fiction - Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae by Steven Pressfield

Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae by Steven Pressfield

Historical Fiction - Green Darkness by Anya Seton

Green Darkness by Anya Seton

Historical Fiction - The Years by Annie Ernaux & translator - Alison Strayer

The Years by Annie Ernaux & translator - Alison Strayer

Historical fiction is a wonderful way to learn about history and there has never been a shortage of books written by authors who are able to combine lively imagination, beautiful or pacey writing with a sound knowledge of the primary sources. Here you'll find our list of all the historical novels recommended by historians on Five Books.

Historical fiction is a wonderful way to learn about history and there has never been a shortage of books written by authors who are able to combine lively imagination, beautiful or pacey writing with a sound knowledge of the primary sources. Here you’ll find our list of all the historical novels recommended by historians on Five Books.

The best books on Global History , recommended by Maxine Berg

The best books on Global History - The Great Divergence: China, Europe, and the Making of the Modern World Economy by Kenneth Pomeranz

The Great Divergence: China, Europe, and the Making of the Modern World Economy by Kenneth Pomeranz

The best books on Global History - Cotton: the Fabric that made the Modern World by Giorgio Riello

Cotton: the Fabric that made the Modern World by Giorgio Riello

The best books on Global History - The City of Blue and White: Chinese Porcelain and the Early Modern World by Anne Gerritsen

The City of Blue and White: Chinese Porcelain and the Early Modern World by Anne Gerritsen

The best books on Global History - Vermeer's Hat: The seventeenth century and the dawn of the global world by Timothy Brook

Vermeer's Hat: The seventeenth century and the dawn of the global world by Timothy Brook

The best books on Global History - Horizons: The Global Origins of Modern Science by James Poskett

Horizons: The Global Origins of Modern Science by James Poskett

From the Indian cottons that were traded around Asia and Africa in the Middle Ages, to the global dominance of the blue-and-white pottery of Jingdezhen, historian Maxine Berg introduces five books that transformed our understanding of the past millennium and are significant milestones in the development of the vibrant field of global history.

The best books on Napoleon , recommended by Andrew Roberts

The best books on Napoleon - The Campaigns of Napoleon by David G Chandler

The Campaigns of Napoleon by David G Chandler

The best books on Napoleon - Talleyrand by Duff Cooper

Talleyrand by Duff Cooper

The best books on Napoleon - With Eagles to Glory: Napoleon and His German Allies in the 1809 Campaign by John H Gill

With Eagles to Glory: Napoleon and His German Allies in the 1809 Campaign by John H Gill

The best books on Napoleon - Private Memoirs Of The Court Of Napoleon by Louis François Joseph Bausset-Roquefort

Private Memoirs Of The Court Of Napoleon by Louis François Joseph Bausset-Roquefort

The best books on Napoleon - With Napoleon in Russia: Memoirs of General de Caulaincourt, Duke of Vicenza by Armand de Caulaincourt

With Napoleon in Russia: Memoirs of General de Caulaincourt, Duke of Vicenza by Armand de Caulaincourt

How did Napoleon Bonaparte, an upstart Corsican, go on to conquer half of Europe in the 16 years of his rule? Was he a military genius? And was he really that short? Historian Andrew Roberts , author of a bestselling biography of Napoleon , introduces us to the books that shaped how he sees l'Empereur —including little-known sources from those who knew Napoleon personally. Read more history book recommendations on Five Books

How did Napoleon Bonaparte, an upstart Corsican, go on to conquer half of Europe in the 16 years of his rule? Was he a military genius? And was he really that short? Historian Andrew Roberts, author of a bestselling biography of Napoleon , introduces us to the books that shaped how he sees l’Empereur —including little-known sources from those who knew Napoleon personally. Read more history book recommendations on Five Books

The Best History Books: the 2022 Wolfson Prize Shortlist , recommended by Carole Hillenbrand

The Best History Books: the 2022 Wolfson Prize Shortlist - The Ottomans: Khans, Caesars and Caliphs by Marc David Baer

The Ottomans: Khans, Caesars and Caliphs by Marc David Baer

The Best History Books: the 2022 Wolfson Prize Shortlist - The Ruin of All Witches: Life and Death in the New World by Malcolm Gaskill

The Ruin of All Witches: Life and Death in the New World by Malcolm Gaskill

The Best History Books: the 2022 Wolfson Prize Shortlist - Devil-Land: England Under Siege, 1588-1688 by Clare Jackson

Devil-Land: England Under Siege, 1588-1688 by Clare Jackson

The Best History Books: the 2022 Wolfson Prize Shortlist - Going to Church in Medieval England by Nicholas Orme

Going to Church in Medieval England by Nicholas Orme

The Best History Books: the 2022 Wolfson Prize Shortlist - God: An Anatomy by Francesca Stavrakopoulou

God: An Anatomy by Francesca Stavrakopoulou

The Best History Books: the 2022 Wolfson Prize Shortlist - Fallen Idols: Twelve Statues That Made History by Alex von Tunzelmann

Fallen Idols: Twelve Statues That Made History by Alex von Tunzelmann

Every year the Wolfson History Prize celebrates books that combine meticulous and original research with great writing, accessible to the general reader.  Here, one of the 2022 judges, the eminent Islamic scholar Carole Hillenbrand , guides us through the shortlist to explain why each book is a must-read.

Every year the Wolfson History Prize celebrates books that combine meticulous and original research with great writing, accessible to the general reader.  Here, one of the 2022 judges, the eminent Islamic scholar Carole Hillenbrand, guides us through the shortlist to explain why each book is a must-read.

The best books on Ireland as a Colony , recommended by Jane Ohlmeyer

The best books on Ireland as a Colony - The Oxford History of the British Empire, Volume I: The Origins of Empire by Nicholas Canny

The Oxford History of the British Empire, Volume I: The Origins of Empire by Nicholas Canny

The best books on Ireland as a Colony - Colonial Ulster: The Settlement of East Ulster 1600-1641 by Raymond Gillespie

Colonial Ulster: The Settlement of East Ulster 1600-1641 by Raymond Gillespie

The best books on Ireland as a Colony - Ireland and the British Empire by Kevin Kenny

Ireland and the British Empire by Kevin Kenny

The best books on Ireland as a Colony - The Cambridge History of Ireland: Volume 2, 1550–1730 by Jane Ohlmeyer

The Cambridge History of Ireland: Volume 2, 1550–1730 by Jane Ohlmeyer

The best books on Ireland as a Colony - Map-Making, Landscapes and Memory: A Geography of Colonial and Early Modern Ireland c.1530–1750 by William J. Smyth

Map-Making, Landscapes and Memory: A Geography of Colonial and Early Modern Ireland c.1530–1750 by William J. Smyth

Ireland was Britain's oldest colony, but also one of the first to free itself from British imperial rule. Historian Jane Ohlmeyer recommends books that focus on the history of Ireland as a colony. She argues that the colonial experience had a massive impact not only on Ireland but on the countries that Britain ruled around the world.  

Ireland was Britain’s oldest colony, but also one of the first to free itself from British imperial rule. Historian Jane Ohlmeyer recommends books that focus on the history of Ireland as a colony. She argues that the colonial experience had a massive impact not only on Ireland but on the countries that Britain ruled around the world.  

We ask experts to recommend the five best books in their subject and explain their selection in an interview.

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Writing History: An Introductory Guide to How History Is Produced

What is history.

Most people believe that history is a "collection of facts about the past." This is reinforced through the use of textbooks used in teaching history. They are written as though they are collections of information. In fact, history is NOT a "collection of facts about the past." History consists of making arguments about what happened in the past on the basis of what people recorded (in written documents, cultural artifacts, or oral traditions) at the time. Historians often disagree over what "the facts" are as well as over how they should be interpreted. The problem is complicated for major events that produce "winners" and "losers," since we are more likely to have sources written by the "winners," designed to show why they were heroic in their victories.

History in Your Textbook

Many textbooks acknowledge this in lots of places. For example, in one book, the authors write, "The stories of the conquests of Mexico and Peru are epic tales told by the victors. Glorified by the chronicles of their companions, the conquistadors, or conquerors, especially Hernán Cortés (1485-1547), emerged as heroes larger than life." The authors then continue to describe Cortés ’s actions that ultimately led to the capture of Cuauhtómoc, who ruled the Mexicas after Moctezuma died. From the authors’ perspective, there is no question that Moctezuma died when he was hit by a rock thrown by one of his own subjects. When you read accounts of the incident, however, the situation was so unstable, that it is not clear how Moctezuma died. Note: there is little analysis in this passage. The authors are simply telling the story based upon Spanish versions of what happened. There is no interpretation. There is no explanation of why the Mexicas lost.   Many individuals believe that history is about telling stories, but most historians also want answers to questions like why did the Mexicas lose?

What Are Primary Sources?

To answer these questions, historians turn to primary sources, sources that were written at the time of the event, in this case written from 1519-1521 in Mexico. These would be firsthand accounts. Unfortunately, in the case of the conquest of Mexico, there is only one genuine primary source written from 1519-1521. This primary source consists of the letters Cortés wrote and sent to Spain. Other sources are conventionally used as primary sources, although they were written long after the conquest. One example consists of the account written by Cortés ’s companion, Bernal Díaz del Castillo. Other accounts consist of Mexica and other Nahua stories and traditions about the conquest of Mexico from their point of view.

Making Arguments in the Textbook

Historians then use these sources to make arguments, which could possibly be refuted by different interpretations of the same evidence or the discovery of new sources.  For example, the Bentley and Ziegler textbook make several arguments on page 597 about why the Spaniards won:

"Steel swords, muskets, cannons, and horses offered Cortés and his men some advantage over the forces they met and help to account for the Spanish conquest of the Aztec empire".

"Quite apart from military technology, Cortés' expedition benefited from divisions among the indigenous peoples of Mexico."

"With the aid of Doña Marina, the conquistadors forged alliances with peoples who resented domination by the Mexicas, the leaders of the Aztec empire...."

Ideally, under each of these "thesis statements," that is, each of these arguments about why the Mexicas were defeated, the authors will give some examples of information that backs up their "thesis." To write effective history and history essays, in fact to write successfully in any area, you should begin your essay with the "thesis" or argument you want to prove with concrete examples that support your thesis.  Since the Bentley and Ziegler book does not provide any evidence to back up their main arguments, you can easily use the material available here to provide evidence to support your claim that any one of the above arguments is better than the others.  You could also use the evidence to introduce other possibilities:  Mocteuzuma's poor leadership, Cortés' craftiness, or disease.

Become a Critical Reader

To become a critical reader, to empower yourself to "own your own history," you should think carefully about whether the evidence the authors provide does in fact support their theses.  Since the Bentley and Ziegler book provides only conclusions and not much evidence to back up their main points, you may want to explore your class notes on the topic and then examine the primary sources included on the Conquest of Mexico on this web site.

Your Assignment for Writing History with Primary Sources

There are several ways to make this a successful assignment. First, you might take any of the theses presented in the book and use information from primary sources to disprove it—the "trash the book" approach. Or, if your professor has said something in class that you are not sure about, find material to disprove it—the "trash the prof" approach (and, yes, it is really okay if you have the evidence ). Another approach is to include new information that the authors ignored . For example, the authors say nothing about omens. If one analyzes omens in the conquest, will it change the theses or interpretations presented in the textbook? Or, can one really present a Spanish or Mexica perspective?  Another approach is to make your own thesis, i.e., one of the biggest reasons for the conquest was that Moctezuma fundamentally misunderstood Cortés.

When Sources Disagree

If you do work with the Mexican materials, you will encounter the harsh reality of historical research: the sources do not always agree on what happened in a given event. It is up to you, then, to decide who to believe. Most historians would probably believe Cortés’ letters were the most likely to be accurate, but is this statement justified? Cortés was in the heat of battle and while it looked like he might win easy victory in 1519, he did not complete his mission until 1521.  The Cuban Governor, Diego Velázquez wanted his men to capture Cortés and bring him back to Cuba on charges of insubordination.  Was he painting an unusually rosy picture of his situation so that the Spanish King would continue to support him? It is up to you to decide. Have the courage to own your own history! Díaz Del Castillo wrote his account later in his life, when the Spaniards were being attacked for the harsh policies they implemented in Mexico after the conquest.  He also was upset that Cortés' personal secretary published a book that made it appear that only Cortés was responsible for the conquest. There is no question that the idea of the heroic nature of the Spanish actions is clearest in his account. But does this mean he was wrong about what he said happened and why? It is up to you to decide. The Mexica accounts are the most complex since they were originally oral histories told in Nahuatl that were then written down in a newly rendered alphabetic Nahuatl. They include additional Mexica illustrations of their version of what happened, for painting was a traditional way in which the Mexicas wrote history. Think about what the pictures tell us. In fact, a good paper might support a thesis that uses a picture as evidence. Again, how reliable is this material? It is up to you to decide.

One way to think about the primary sources is to ask the questions: (1) when was the source written, (2) who is the intended audience of the source, (3) what are the similarities between the accounts, (4) what are the differences between the accounts, (5) what pieces of information in the accounts will support your thesis, and (6) what information in the sources are totally irrelevant to the thesis or argument you want to make.

10 of the Oldest Pieces of Literature

By justine johnston hemmestad | nov 28, 2022.

The 11th tablet of 'The Epic of Gilgamesh.'

In the history of world literature , there have been iconic writings that prove invaluable to how we see and understand the ancients. Here are some of the most famous and oldest pieces of literature (defined somewhat loosely) that have helped to shape our views of the past. 

1. The Epic of Gilgamesh // Around 4000 Years Old

Though it’s not the oldest written text, The Epic of Gilgamesh is , by all accounts, the most ancient piece of literature in the world (yet discovered, anyway) [ PDF ]. Its roots are in older Sumerian stories and poetry that are associated with the reign of Gilgamesh (approximately 2500 BCE). There were many versions of The Epic of Gilgamesh written over a long period, from as early as 1700 BCE to as late as around 127 BCE—but the most famous (and important) is the Akkadian version, written in cuneiform sometime between 1300 and 1000 BCE .

The tablets were part of a library destroyed by the Babylonians in 612 BCE, and were rediscovered, damaged, in modern-day Iraq in the middle of the 19th century . (The incomplete 12th tablet seems to have been added on later than the first 11 and is repetitious.) Some experts believe that The Epic of Gilgamesh may have also influenced later epic tales like The Odyssey.

2. The Tale of the Shipwrecked Sailor // Nearly 4000 Years Old

The Tale of the Shipwrecked Sailor , written on papyrus sometime during 2000–1900 BCE , “is the oldest surviving ancient Egyptian story,” James P. Allen writes in Middle Egyptian Literature.  Its ultimate origins are a mystery, but it was found in a museum in the Russian city of St. Petersburg in the 19th century and is currently kept in Moscow . The supernatural tale is written in Egyptian Hieratic script and is of debated completeness , though recent research has suggested that the beginning—which to the modern reader seems to start mid-story—is a perfectly acceptable way to start an ancient Egyptian story and the text we have is more or less complete.

3. The Book of Job // 2500 to 4000 Years Old

The Book of Job ’s date of composition is a controversial issue: Some argue that the Hebrew (with its hints of Aramaic) places its time of writing as post-Babylonian era (after around 540 BCE), though many other clues—including Job’s wealth being categorized in the number of animals and servants he had rather than money—point to it being written much earlier (some argue closer to 2000 BCE ). There is also some debate about who the book’s author is: Some say Moses, some say Solomon—but most scholars say there’s no way of knowing.

4. Hammurabi’s Code // 3700 years old

Diorite stele inscribed with the laws of Hammurabi, 18th century BC.

Written toward the end of the reign of Hammurabi (1792–1750 BCE), Hammurabi’s Code was etched in Akkadian on several black stone steles , of which one survives nearly complete . While the code isn’t the first legal document in history—the Laws of Ur-Nammu are a few centuries older and there are edicts even older than that— Hammurabi’s laws “show the most coherent and elaborate engagement with questions of justice in early world history, unequaled so far as we know for more than a millennium,” according to historian Marc Van De Mieroop. The code’s prose is comparable to the Biblical book of Exodus [ PDF ] and proclaims the piety and justice of Hammurabi, while its legalism is contingent on the era’s belief in “ an eye for an eye .” In these terms, punishment was meted out in severe forms, such as cutting off the convicted person’s tongue, hands, eye, or ear; justice varied depending on whether the offender belonged to the upper, middle, or lower classes.

5. The Book of the Dead // 3500 years old

Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead on papyrus showing written hieroglyphs.

The Book of the Dead , or The Book of Coming Forth by Day , is one of the most iconic pieces of ancient Egyptian writing. The compilation of around 200 papyrus sheets of texts dates from 1500 BCE (though its text was inspired by much older writings) and was used mostly in the New Kingdom. The authors are many and the passages were tailored to whomever they were commissioned by—meaning that no copies are identical—but they were all meant to be used as a guide for the deceased on the path to the afterlife.

6. The Vedas // 3500-3200 years old

The Vedas were written in Vedic Sanskrit anywhere from 1500 to 1200 BCE , though a definite date can’t be assigned to them. Also known as “books of knowledge,” they consist of hymns, poems, and rituals, among other things, all of which were originally contributed and passed down in spoken form. The texts are among the most vital pieces of sacred literature in Hinduism and have great value to the culture itself. There are four Vedas total: the Rig Veda, which contains hymns; the Sama Veda, which contains songs and chants; the Yajur Veda, which contains an understanding of how to perform the religious rituals; and the Atharva Veda, which is focused on spells of protection.

7. The Odyssey // Around 2700 Years Old

The Odyssey of Homer is an epic of more than 12,000 lines , written by the ancient Greek poet Homer around 725–675 BCE, that tells of Odysseus’s decade-long journey home from the Trojan war. “ The Poet ,” as Greeks called Homer, wrote The Odyssey in a slightly different style than The Iliad (a copy of which, according to Plutarch, Alexander the Great kept under his pillow when he slept—though that story likely isn’t as straightforward as it might seem ). But some believe the plainer expressions and reduced emphasis on the power of the gods may simply be due to different phases of Homer’s life. Another theory is that the two works are by different authors and the singular genius “Homer” is a very old fiction .

8. Medea // 2450 Years Old

Euripides’s great drama [ PDF ], written around 431 BCE, is an example of social and political struggles of the era. Medea was thought of as dangerous because she defended herself as a woman and challenged the power of a man at a time when doing so went against the status quo. Her name is likely taken from the word cunning , which may have originally been a device used to portray her as a witch . It’s theorized that Euripides’s close friend Socrates may have had an influence on his work, due to the philosophical angles of the plots in his plays—especially those relating to the effects of passions —being explored.

9. The Symposium // 2400 Years Old

Ancient Greek symposia were lively gatherings where close male friends of high status gathered to share poetry, talk about the topics of the day, play music and sing songs in honor of the gods, or even tell jokes and gossip about the people they knew in order to escape the monotony of their daily lives. Plato’s Symposium , written circa 385 BCE , was an imagined depiction of one such intellectual event that dove deep into philosophical discussion with those he had idolized in his youth; other contemporary disciples of Socrates (Plato’s teacher) wrote their own, similar discourses.

10. The Tale of Gengi // 1000 Years Old

Though The Tale of Gengi [ PDF ] is much younger than the other ancient writings on this list, it’s commonly listed as the first novel ever written (though that is very much dependent on your definition of novel ). It’s also the only book on this list that was definitively written by a woman—but the real name of the author, who’s known as Murasaki Shikibu, is a mystery.

The story of the life of Prince Genji is nearly 1300 pages of translation ; its 54 books were written around 1000 CE, a time in Japan known for its poetry and fiction penned by Heian court ladies , who were daughters of privilege with an abundance of free time. Men wrote in scholarly Chinese during this era, rather than in the syllabic Japanese script that women used. In part because of the high standard of education the women enjoyed, the Chinese referred to Japan as “ Queen Country ” during this time.

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History.com Editors

HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Articles with the “HISTORY.com Editors” byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion , Missy Sullivan , Matt Mullen and Christian Zapata.

HISTORY: Christmas Trees

History of Christmas Trees

The history of Christmas trees has many roots, ranging from the use of evergreens in ancient Egypt and Rome to the German traditions of candlelit trees that made its way to America in the 1800s.

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Darkness Lurks in the Paris Catacombs

Beneath the streets of Paris, France, are the bones of more than 6 million people, also known as The Paris Catacombs.

Astronaut Neil Armstrong, Commander of NASA's Apollo 11 lunar landing mission, photographed at the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) in Houston, Texas, July 1969.

Neil Armstrong

Neil Armstrong (1930-2012) was a U.S. astronaut who became the first human to walk on the moon on July 20, 1969, as part of the Apollo 11 mission.

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Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Putin (1952-) is a former KGB agent who has ruled Russia for more than two decades.

HISTORY: Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor Firsthand Accounts: Video

On December 7, 1941, a surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor shocked America. These are the stories of veterans who were at the naval base that morning.

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JFK: The 35th President on Film

These videos showcase the vision and hope John F. Kennedy inspired in Americans—and the immense national grief they shared upon his death.

Twin Towers, New York City

On the Ground on 9/11: Video Footage

On the morning of 9/11 in New York City, ordinary people picked up video cameras and recorded. This is what they saw—and how they reflected on the experience years later.

Underwater explorer and marine biologist Mike Barnette and wreck diver Jimmy Gadomski explore a 20-foot segment of the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger that the team discovered in the waters off the coast of Florida.

HISTORY Channel Discovers Segment of Space Shuttle Challenger

The 20-foot piece of the NASA space shuttle was found off the coast of Florida during the filming of the new HISTORY Channel series, ‘The Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters.’

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Why Woodstock Almost Never Happened

Woodstock, the iconic music festival, brought huge audiences and groundbreaking performances. But when local residents raised concerns about crowds of arriving music fans, it almost never happened.

Congressman Romualdo Pacheco

History Shorts: The First Hispanic Congressman Fights for His Seat

Romauldo Pacheco ran to represent a large Southern California district that was sympathetic to his bid for office. But he encountered fierce opposition.

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Las Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo

Human Rights Organization, Las Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, fight to find their grandchildren who were kidnapped by Argentina’s Authoritarian government in the 1970s.

This Day in History

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“People” magazine launches

The amityville murders, navstar 1, the world’s first operational gps satellite, launches, first hbcu, lincoln university, chartered, john singleton, 24, becomes first black director nominated for an oscar, christian dior launches his scandalizing “new look” postwar fashions.

The Independent

Watch: Martin Scorsese receives Berlin Film Festival’s honorary Golden Bear

Watch as Martin Scorsese spoke after receiving Berlin Film Festival’s honorary Golden Bear award on Tuesday, 20 February.

The Oscar -winning director was recognised for his lifetime achievements in film.

In a statement, the Berlinale described Scorsese as one of the “most influential filmmakers in the world of cinema.”

“Many of his works have written film history and the versatility of his oeuvre is unique,” the organisation added.

It comes after Scorsese’s latest film, Killers of the Flower Moon , was voted the best film of last year by the US film association National Board of Review.

The crime drama, starring Lily Gladstone , Robert de Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio , has been nominated for 10 Academy Awards.

Scorsese was recognised in the Oscars’ best director category for the tenth time, making him the most nominated living filmmaker.

The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking news brand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. We have grown a huge, global readership of independently minded individuals, who value our trusted voice and commitment to positive change. Our mission, making change happen, has never been as important as it is today.

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COMMENTS

  1. 45 Best History Books of All Time

    An esteemed researcher of African American literature and history, Hartman has produced a trove of work on the practices and legacies of slavery in the US. ... This book, written to accompany the 4-episode docuseries of the same name, is a must-read for everyone interested in British history. The common understanding of this island nation's ...

  2. The 100 Best History Books of All Time

    23. The Strange Death of Liberal England: 1910-1914. By George Dangerfield. The Strange Death of Liberal England, written by George Dangerfield, examines the causes of the fall of the British Liberal Party, from 1910 to 1914. The book was listed in the Modern Library's top 100 best nonfiction books. More ».

  3. Recorded history

    Recorded history or written history describes the historical events that have been recorded in a written form or other documented communication which are subsequently evaluated by historians using the historical method. ... His written work was the Records of the Grand Historian, a monumental lifelong achievement in literature. Its scope ...

  4. History Books

    The Best New Books. We have a running list of the best new history books. We also keep an eye on prestigious prizes, like the UK's Wolfson History Prize, where professional historians look for the latest history that is both scholarly and well-written.. One thing is clear from our hundreds of interviews with historians: there are a lot of books out there that are both highly readable and ...

  5. The best history books to transport yourself to the past

    The Battle for Spain by Antony Beevor. $25 Amazon. While Beevor is known for having written several of the greatest books on World War II, this book stands out in that it is often considered the ...

  6. Writing History: An Introductory Guide to How History Is Produced

    This is reinforced through the use of textbooks used in teaching history. They are written as though they are collections of information. In fact, history is NOT a "collection of facts about the past." History consists of making arguments about what happened in the past on the basis of what people recorded (in written documents, cultural ...

  7. The 100 Most Influential Books Ever Written

    The 100 Most Influential Books Ever Written: The History of Thought from Ancient Times to Today (1998) is a book of intellectual history written by Martin Seymour-Smith, a British poet, critic, and biographer. ... The Complete Works by. William Shakespeare. 4.48 avg rating — 55,252 ratings.

  8. Historiography

    historiography, the writing of history, especially the writing of history based on the critical examination of sources, the selection of particular details from the authentic materials in those sources, and the synthesis of those details into a narrative that stands the test of critical examination.The term historiography also refers to the theory and history of historical writing.

  9. Literature

    Literature (from the Latin Littera meaning 'letters' and referring to an acquaintance with the written word) is the written work of a specific culture, sub-culture, religion, philosophy or the study of such written work which may appear in poetry or in prose. Literature, in the west, originated in the southern Mesopotamia region of Sumer (c. 3200) in the city of Uruk and flourished in Egypt ...

  10. History of literature

    The history of literature is the study of how written works have evolved over time and across cultures. It covers a wide range of genres, periods, and themes, from ancient epics to modern novels. This Wikipedia article provides an overview of the main developments and influences in the history of literature, as well as links to related topics and biographies of notable writers.

  11. American literature

    American literature, the body of written works produced in the English language in the United States.. Like other national literatures, American literature was shaped by the history of the country that produced it. For almost a century and a half, America was merely a group of colonies scattered along the eastern seaboard of the North American continent—colonies from which a few hardy souls ...

  12. The 50 Most Influential Books Ever Written

    The theme of preserving cultural history in the face of Western domination in this novel gave voice to the oppressed people in Africa and caught the attention of the world. This novel, written in 1958, is still widely read and studied as an example of the damage of colonialism. Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

  13. What is the Oldest Known Piece of Literature?

    Two of their oldest known literary works are the "Kesh Temple Hymn" and the "Instructions of Shuruppak," both of which exist in written versions dating to around 2500 B.C. The former is an ...

  14. How to Write a History Book

    Understanding historical context is crucial for anyone writing a history book. Writers should dive into the political, social, cultural and economic dynamics that shaped the time under examination. Learning to contextualize events within the broader framework of their era helps readers grasp the motivations, challenges and significance of those ...

  15. 10 of the Oldest Pieces of Literature

    Here are some of the most famous and oldest pieces of literature (defined somewhat loosely) that have helped to shape our views of the past. 1. The Epic of Gilgamesh // Around 4000 Years Old ...

  16. English literature

    The term "English literature" refers to the body of written works produced in the English language by inhabitants of the British Isles from the 7th century to the present, ranging from drama, poetry, and fiction to autobiography and historical writing. Landmark writers range from William Shakespeare and Arundhati Roy to Jane Austen and Kazuo Ishiguro.

  17. History of writing

    The history of writing traces the development of writing systems ... A case in point is the work of Pāṇini the linguist, who analyzed and codified knowledge of Sanskrit syntax, ... (recounted in the Phaedrus), we know of his works through Plato's written accounts of his dialogues. Havelock, as well, has seen the philosophic works of Plato ...

  18. Mesopotamian Literature

    Ancient Mesopotamian Literature developed c. 2600 BCE after scribes, who had formerly been record keepers, began composing original works in the region of Sumer.The Sumerians invented writing c. 3500 BCE, refined the script c. 3200 BCE, and scribes may have begun composing their own works prior to c. 2600 BCE, but this is unclear.. Writing was created in response to the need to communicate ...

  19. Roman Literature

    The Oxford Anthology of Roman Literature. Written by Knox, Peter E. & McKeown, J. C., published by Oxford University Press (2013) $38.53. World History Encyclopedia is an Amazon Associate and earns a commission on qualifying book purchases.

  20. 12 Novels Considered the "Greatest Book Ever Written"

    Márquez highlights the prevalence and power of myth and folktale in relating history and Latin American culture. The novel won many awards for Márquez, leading the way to his eventual honor of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982 for his entire body of work, of which One Hundred Years of Solitude is often lauded as his most triumphant.

  21. History.com Editors Archives

    HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Articles with the ...

  22. Ancient literature

    Ancient literature. Ancient literature comprises religious and scientific documents, tales, poetry and plays, royal edicts and declarations, and other forms of writing that were recorded on a variety of media, including stone, clay tablets, papyri, palm leaves, and metal. Before the spread of writing, oral literature did not always survive well ...

  23. Watch: Martin Scorsese receives Berlin Film Festival's honorary ...

    "Many of his works have written film history and the versatility of his oeuvre is unique," the organisation added. It comes after Scorsese's latest film, Killers of the Flower Moon, was ...

  24. Literature

    literature, a body of written works.The name has traditionally been applied to those imaginative works of poetry and prose distinguished by the intentions of their authors and the perceived aesthetic excellence of their execution. Literature may be classified according to a variety of systems, including language, national origin, historical period, genre, and subject matter.