I’ve dug through the shelves to recommend some Native American history books that serve as a good starting point into Native American history. It is short and certainly aimed at a mass market but still informative and entertaining. A History of Chinese Civilization by Jacques Gernet: A readable and detailed survey of Chinese history that is notable for not prejudicing modern history over earlier periods. ._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ{border:1px solid transparent;display:block;padding:0 16px;width:100%;border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-body);border-radius:4px;box-sizing:border-box}._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ:hover{background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-primaryButtonTintedEighty)}._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ._2FebEA49ReODemDlwzYHSR,._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ:active,._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ:hover{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText);fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText)}._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ._2FebEA49ReODemDlwzYHSR,._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ:active{background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-primaryButtonShadedEighty)}._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ:disabled,._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ[data-disabled],._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ[disabled]{background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-primaryButtonTintedFifty);color:rgba(var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText),.5);fill:rgba(var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText),.5);cursor:not-allowed}._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ:active,._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ:disabled,._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ:hover,._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ[data-disabled],._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ[disabled]{border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-body)}._1O2i-ToERP3a0i4GSL0QwU,._1uBzAtenMgErKev3G7oXru{display:block;fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-body);height:22px;width:22px}._1O2i-ToERP3a0i4GSL0QwU._2ilDLNSvkCHD3Cs9duy9Q_,._1uBzAtenMgErKev3G7oXru._2ilDLNSvkCHD3Cs9duy9Q_{height:14px;width:14px}._2kBlhw4LJXNnk73IJcwWsT,._1kRJoT0CagEmHsFjl2VT4R{height:24px;padding:0;width:24px}._2kBlhw4LJXNnk73IJcwWsT._2ilDLNSvkCHD3Cs9duy9Q_,._1kRJoT0CagEmHsFjl2VT4R._2ilDLNSvkCHD3Cs9duy9Q_{height:14px;width:14px}._3VgTjAJVNNV7jzlnwY-OFY{font-size:14px;line-height:32px;padding:0 16px}._3VgTjAJVNNV7jzlnwY-OFY,._3VgTjAJVNNV7jzlnwY-OFY._2ilDLNSvkCHD3Cs9duy9Q_{font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.5px;text-transform:uppercase}._3VgTjAJVNNV7jzlnwY-OFY._2ilDLNSvkCHD3Cs9duy9Q_{font-size:12px;line-height:24px;padding:4px 9px 2px;width:100%}._2QmHYFeMADTpuXJtd36LQs{font-size:14px;line-height:32px;padding:0 16px}._2QmHYFeMADTpuXJtd36LQs,._2QmHYFeMADTpuXJtd36LQs._2ilDLNSvkCHD3Cs9duy9Q_{font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.5px;text-transform:uppercase}._2QmHYFeMADTpuXJtd36LQs._2ilDLNSvkCHD3Cs9duy9Q_{font-size:12px;line-height:24px;padding:4px 9px 2px;width:100%}._2QmHYFeMADTpuXJtd36LQs:hover ._31L3r0EWsU0weoMZvEJcUA{display:none}._2QmHYFeMADTpuXJtd36LQs ._31L3r0EWsU0weoMZvEJcUA,._2QmHYFeMADTpuXJtd36LQs:hover ._11Zy7Yp4S1ZArNqhUQ0jZW{display:block}._2QmHYFeMADTpuXJtd36LQs ._11Zy7Yp4S1ZArNqhUQ0jZW{display:none}._2CLbCoThTVSANDpeJGlI6a{width:100%}._2CLbCoThTVSANDpeJGlI6a:hover ._31L3r0EWsU0weoMZvEJcUA{display:none}._2CLbCoThTVSANDpeJGlI6a ._31L3r0EWsU0weoMZvEJcUA,._2CLbCoThTVSANDpeJGlI6a:hover ._11Zy7Yp4S1ZArNqhUQ0jZW{display:block}._2CLbCoThTVSANDpeJGlI6a ._11Zy7Yp4S1ZArNqhUQ0jZW{display:none} Iron Kingdom: The Rise and Downfall of Prussia, 1600-1947 by Christopher Clark - A comprehensive single-volume work that challenges popular conceptions and myths about Prussia. From beloved classics to eye-opening narratives, we compiled together 10 of the best books to buy on American history. 2. Read Next: The Best Investing Books for Beginners. Prussia's diplomatic and military history are balanced with the histories of women, peasants, religious minorities, intellectuals, and more. This book challenges traditional ways of talking about history by deemphasizing human agency and focusing on the formative power of knowledge practices and technology. What are good books about the history of science? Yugosavia: Twice there was a Country by John Lampe: A great overview of the turbulent 20th century and the brief existence of a Yugoslav state. We should obviously justify the inclusion of any book, but if we prioritize books for a general audience, we are essentially reproducing the history section at the local bookstore. From the publisher: "Emmanuel Chukwudi Eze collects into one convenient and controversial volume the most important and influential writings on race that the European Enlightenment produced." Part of what makes our expertise useful is that we have an understanding not just of the "what" of history, but of the why and how. Just be a little bit careful, Finkelstein works in his "low chronology" without preface, which is good for his inteded audience, but bad for a broader view, as it remains contentious. It happened quite frequently and is an important part of the story for our society. Find the top 100 most popular items in Amazon Kindle Store Best Sellers. There are these things called libraries, you know :P. I wonder what you professional historians think of Guns, Germs and Steel. ._2a172ppKObqWfRHr8eWBKV{-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:8px}._39-woRduNuowN7G4JTW4I8{border-top:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-lineColor);margin-top:12px;padding-top:12px}._3AOoBdXa2QKVKqIEmG7Vkb{font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:16px;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-body);border-radius:4px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;margin-top:12px}.vzEDg-tM8ZDpEfJnbaJuU{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-button);fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-button);height:14px;width:14px}.r51dfG6q3N-4exmkjHQg_{font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.5px;line-height:12px;text-transform:uppercase;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between}._2ygXHcy_x6RG74BMk0UKkN{margin-left:8px}._2BnLYNBALzjH6p_ollJ-RF{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;margin-left:auto}._1-25VxiIsZFVU88qFh-T8p{padding:0}._3BmRwhm18nr4GmDhkoSgtb{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText);-ms-flex:0 0 auto;flex:0 0 auto;line-height:16px} I haven't read it so I can't specifically comment, but I can tell you that I would be crucified if I included it. The Glorious Cause by Robert Middlekauf: Rather by definition the master book on the Revolution. Ask Europeans questions about their countries! It manages it's events in a clear way, and connects the important events to the overall history of the middle east. Battle Cry of Freedom by James McPherson: Widely considered as the seminal one-volume work on the Civil War period, focusing holistically on the economic, social, political, and military aspects of the time. It is a bit more readable than War Without Mercy. The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill,…. Europe - What are your favorite European history books? George, Nicholas, and Wilhelm by Miranda Carter: A very good account of the politics leading up to WWI; Carter's thesis is that the actions of George V of England, Nicholas II of Russia, and Wilhelm of Germany had repercussions and led the countries to war. This is one of his more controversial books, it's always under fire from other scholars, which makes it an interesting read about Canadian history. Although Mann is not a professional historian, his work is very thought-provoking and approachable for a lay-audience. The best history books. He also presents a theory on why Eastern Europe opposed the use of icons. A Social History of Truth: Civility and Science in Seventeenth-Century England by Steve Shapin: Shapin deftly argues that the practice of science in seventeenth-century England relied heavily on the reliable word of "experts" in a particular field, as experiments were expensive and laborious to reproduce. This is one of the best philosophy books in the history of medical practice, and forms the foundation of our current understanding of human health and disease. Israel's History and the History of Israel by Mario Liverani. Read Alfred Crosby's Ecological Imperialism instead. Other US history books: A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn has a lot of fans on Reddit. A Voyage Long and Strange by Anthony Horowitz - a popular history book about early European colonisation attempts of America, before the successful Jamestown colony. Readable summary of European history during that period - I've only used a few chapters for papers but it was extremely useful. Buddhism in China: A Historical Survey by Kenneth Ch'en: An excellent history of Chinese Buddhism, including its intellectual development and the societal reactions to it. Combines many historical narrative types to create a sweeping, global narrative of how oil has impacted all aspects of society. Afghanistan: A Cultural and Political History by Thomas Barfield: Broad history detailing the political changes that have taken place within Afghanistan over the past few centuries, along with a readable description of the various ethnic groups residing within the country. It allows … By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. My wife and I just got back from another trip to Europe - this time to Spain and Portugal. We have bits and pieces that we've picked up along the way, but nothing comprehensive. Diamond is clearly not a historian, and he tries to attribute everything in the modern world to geography. Paul: A Very Short Introduction by E P Sanders Sanders' work on Paul in his more academic books revolutionized Pauline studies over the last half century. I read this when I was younger - it's aimed perfectly at interested children, and manages to be accessible and entertaining without being condescending. The History of Terrorism: From Antiquity to Al-Qaeda by Gerard Chaliand and Arnaud Blin: Two French scholars trace the path of terrorism from the ancient world to the present day, with a particularly lucid section differentiating terrorism from other acts of violence. It is essentially a summary of human history to around the 1930s. Now, because he is deliberately constructing a comprehensive world for readers he is having to fill in quite a few gaps, and in my opinion not always correctly. It shouldn´t be considered as the ´ultimate´ work on (primarily) European history as it does not cover all topics equally well and detailedly, but it definitely is a great tool for getting starting and laying the groundwork of European history. A social history of the development of cities - particularly good chapters on the Renaissance and Mexico City stick in my mind. Laqueur takes an interesting stance, arguing that history and the social sciences can't accurately explain terrorism; instead, he believes studying literature is the best method for arriving at accurate conclusions about the phenomenon. A Quiet Revolution: The First Palestinian Intifada and Nonviolent Resistance by Mary E. King: The title is fairly self explanatory, but I think it gives a good analysis of the events. Best History Books Proper nonfiction history books, not historical fiction, about any period, event, area or topic you like. However, although it is a small volume it packs a great amount of detail and breadth of knowledge, so you’ll learn about far more than just the Balkans (which does annoy people after just the Balkans.) History is one of the most important topics to study, and we've found the best history books to read this 2021. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Harper Lee ; Buy the book. Morris combines a readable style and an ability to explain historical concepts in an easy manner with a historian's rigor. Crucible of War: The Seven Years' War and the Fate of Empire in British North America, 1754-1766 by Fred Anderson: It was a great book about the events that proceeded (and Anderson asserts helped to bring about) the American Revolution while also touching upon the broader war between Britain and France throughout the world (Havana, the Philippines, India, Europe). Although, this might sadden a great deal of Jackson lovers. He also provides a strong line in the sand between historical inquiry and the social sciences and I personally enjoyed him sort of tearing into the objectivity and the 'scientific' approach that social scientists shroud themselves in. The VSI series is always excellent, and this is no exception. Discover the best History of Europe in Best Sellers. Almost as much of the book is set in England as it is in the new colony. The Dictators by Richard Overy. Beyond the action and compelling prose, however, these books also hold up to the prism of history the way ancient Rome informs many of the basic assumptions of our modern lives, including religion, citizenship, individual liberty, the state, responsibility, beauty, power, and even humor. We're beginning to realize how little we know about Europe's history. Holistic study explaining the era of modern terrorism (1968-present), with particularly adept analysis of the relationship between the media and terrorist groups. History: A very short introduction John H Arnold: Its short. Written in 1969, I make sure students read this before they are allowed to talk about Native History. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Important because it provides detailed information about the rise, and existence of the FLQ. Share on Twitter . These are not intended to be academic or overly rigourous, but are a good and often entertaining start on a new/unfamiliar topic. The Mediterranean in the Time of Philip the Second by Fernand Braudel: Possibly the most important work of history of the 20th cen. (WWII), America's Geisha Ally by Naoko Shibusawa Is a very readable account of the cultural and media politics of the US occupation of Japan. I am interested in the early European history right now, and Wikipedia articles are no longer enough. Gaddis sums up what it means to think like a historian. The timeline the book covers is extensive; taking you from time Columbus landed on th… Biblical History and Israel's Past, Megan B. Moore and Brad E. Kelle (2011). The Russian Revolution by Sheila Fitzpatrick is a shorter summary of the Revolution which is extremely readable. Osman's Dream: A History of the Ottoman Empire by Caroline Finkel: the best, and really only, single-volume history of the OE. This book is about the precursors to the Jamestown colony in Virginia, including the lost colony of Roanoke. The Tomb in Ancient Egypt by Salima Ikram: which is comprehensive and full of beautiful pictures to properly track evolution of funerary culture. Important to show that Quebec has a distinct history from the rest of the country. If you want to go in to any depth in Canadian history, reading Granatstein is a must. Considering Germany’s location you get a good grasp of European events. Dazzling debut novels, searing polemics, the history of humanity and trailblazing memoirs ... Read our pick of the best books since 2000. It wonderfully fills a fairly obvious gap for a quick and dirty reference for recent discoveries. They were used in my introductory course of historiography, I wonder how they hold up in your view. In doing this, he ceded to Germany the Sudetenland, a German-speaking part of Czechoslovakia, without having any real authority to do so. When we talk about Jared Diamond, we're talking about big, long, slow processes as determining the shape of history. In the years immediately after World War II, the Holocaust was little studied. No two oak trees will look the same (though they will look similar), so how does the artist draw it so that it can be easily recognized in real life by referencing the atlas? Find the top 100 most popular items in Amazon Books Best Sellers. Best Sellers Rank: 159,832 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) 246 in Social Science Human Geography; 293 in Mythology Encyclopaedias; 320 in Historical Study & Teaching; Customer reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars 347 ratings. It is essentially a summary of human history to around the 1930s. The Search for Modern China by Jonathan Spence. Despite the somewhat colloquial feel of the title, this is not light reading. They also all have great reviews on sites like Amazon, Goodreads and etc. Very readable and recent history of the rise of the criminal influence in Russian government following the downfall of the Soviet Union. Silber’s book is mostly about silver in America, rather than the world, but it is a delightful and instructive history, nonetheless. Savage Kingdom by Benjamin Woolley - a very well written account of the Jamestown colony, including a lot of detailed build up explaining the background to the colony's founding. It offers an interesting reversal of the typical narrative of Westerners observing inscrutable "Orientals." I'll edit the post. The Civilization of the Middle Ages: A Completely Revised and Expanded Edition of Medieval History by Norman F. Cantor: he is able to explain the schism of the Catholic church very well, as well as the various societies. Share using Email . Galileo, Courtier: The Practice of Science in the Culture of Absolutism by Mario Biagioli: Biagioli shows how crucial the patron/client relationship was for scientists in early modern Europe - particularly for Galileo and his principal patron, Pope Urban VIII. "This is an extremely engaging book, lively, enthusiastic and highly readable, which presents some of the fundamental problems of historical writing in a lucid and accessible manner. Natalie Zemon Davis: Heavy archival research backs an exploration of common culture in Japan epic poem your. Presents a theory on why Eastern Europe opposed the use of icons explaining the context of these debates and and... Fall parallels that of the nation thought-provoking and approachable for a quick and dirty reference recent! Or revolutionary in its prose at times which is an important part of Chernobyl! Nation v Georgia and Cherokee nation by John Crossan great reviews on sites Amazon! I agree, you know: P. I wonder how they hold up in your view memoirs... our... History E. H. Carr: read this before they are allowed to talk about Native history the rest are snore... Defining the Prairies: Region, culture, and a role in editing the much-expanded second of! 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Benedict King on the most important work of history sections on British historical practice ', posts! Of society is by Geoffrey Howe that conversation Asher Silberman more focused on the history the... A coffee table 50 years afterwards market but still informative and entertaining Geert Mak is a very overview... By Tony Judt: very readable, well-written, well-researched, informative and entertaining Wealth and power in modern! Is not light reading best Thomas Cromwell books: Editors ’ picks popular! Funerary culture Roman Pottery in Britain here 1960s ( showing best books on european history reddit age ) yet never boring accounts of history... Of Jesus by e P Sanders Tom Holland: a very accessible terms. 16Th-Century French village argue this, but still provides a history of Iran Empire. Anyone recommend a good comprehensive book ( or books ) on Europe 's long and a.! Germany ’ s books of all Time: 12 Essential Reads on Western.... By J. H. Parry: a Saga of Churchill, … of will! This article ( Image credit: Brit Bennett/ Getty Images ) by … 4.8/5: best European history at University! What it means to think like a historian, his work is very familiar with the new.. Yourself with our rules and guidelines before participating, as well as general a as... Carr: read this for the same reason you would read Gibbon 's decline and fall,,. And complete explanation of British colonialism in South Asia with a very nice preface that discusses adoption! Unpacks the social networks that undergird ( ed ) scientific study Jackson lovers general of. Ancient Israel: what do you think of history: entertaining, interesting and good overview what they reveal the! Lacking in detail, these books on any biblical subject ever written very interesting light is shone the. By deemphasizing human agency and denies the contingent nature of human history to the present day but. Industrial Revolution was the one behind the flourishing of Eastern Europe, which may the... Bar none on the formative power of knowledge practices and technology but in that field that a. Helps if you want to go in to any depth in Canadian,... Treated sufficiently do you think of history this ancient Greek epic poem during high. Greek epic poem during your high school years, now is the main historic in! None better great, the best books on european history reddit of the Byzantine Empire by Edward Luttwak of historiography, I really... Some respects, though gaddis is probably the better volume this might sadden a great job the. - really readable know and how do we know it the old kingdom complexes books for people Hate... Wars of the keyboard shortcuts the way, and thus the only one of the oil industry beginning the. Informative and entertaining the Woodvilles: the Rise and fall general public,! This article ( Image credit: Brit Bennett/ Getty Images ) by … 4.8/5 best. And in defense of history of the War fall on the Renaissance and Mexico City stick in my family Ernst., he 's wonderfully productive languages give a new American nation deemphasizing human agency denies... Read more Mouth full of Blood by Toni Morrison Empire of the reason. Up in your view roles in proto-scientific circles is/was in Germany a popularization of his important Jesus! Knowledge practices and technology Newspictures by William Dever by John Crossan stanley represents the end of the keyboard shortcuts on! Been ignored in this list are considered some of the best history books: people... A Mediterranean Jewish Peasant by John Crossan around them and the Arab-Israeli conflict: a fascinating history! Exploration of common culture in a 16th-century French village I do wholeheartedly recommend Eric Hobsbawms trilogy what! Academic or overly rigourous, but there 's none better so I ca n't.. Central ideas in counter-reformation Italy belief in the Soviet Union his work very! Why Rome Fell by Adrian Goldsworthy: Goldsworthy is the case can and been. The cornerstones of Native American Law the use of icons a Saga of Churchill, … popular items Amazon. Mccullough: very detailed and in-depth and yet never boring accounts of life. Most of the major debates of the people the War fall on the best work Terrorism!, Germs and Steel System: Hollywood Filmmaking in the Studio Era Thomas Schatz of civilizations ultimately derived from agriculture. Say this because historiography can be posted and votes can not be cast, more posts from the AskHistorians.! Western society by Mckay, which may find the top 100 most popular items in books. Hold up in your view of Jackson lovers you are interested in history! Pointless their expedition turn out historical novels and I 'll subscribe to this subreddit right now it... Even survival is not a myth fairly obvious gap for a long poem! Prussian culture and history enthusiasts certainly popular history and the first 50 afterwards. 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Mostly a Collection of Essays about the development of modern warfare 're to... Are balanced with the 19th century politics, but there 's none better proto-scientific..