Reading lists
Reading lists
Curated lists of the best history books on a subject, with notes on what makes each book worth reading and where to start. Chosen by Cris.
The Ancient World
- Ancient WorldThe Best Books on Ancient Rome: From the Republic to the FallOur pick of the best books on ancient Rome, from lively introductions to the classic accounts of the Republic and the Empire.
- Ancient WorldAncient Greece and Persia: The Best Books to Start WithThe best books on ancient Greece and Persia, from Herodotus and Thucydides to modern narrative histories of the Persian Wars.
The Medieval World
American History
- American HistoryThe Best Books on the American Revolution and the FoundersThe best books on the American Revolution and the founders, from 1776 to the great biographies of Adams, Hamilton and Franklin.
- American HistoryThe Best Books on the American Civil WarThe best books on the American Civil War and the men who led it, from one-volume histories to Lincoln and Grant.
- American HistoryThe Best Books on Early America and the American WestFrom the Americas before Columbus to Lewis and Clark and the Comanche empire — the best books on early America and the West.
The World Wars
- World WarsThe Best Books About World War IHow Europe went to war in 1914 and what followed — the best books on the First World War, from classic to modern.
- World WarsThe Best World War II Books: Narrative, Memoir and Big-Picture HistoriesThe best books on World War II: one-volume histories, battle narratives, memoirs and true stories of survival.
Biography & Lives
- BiographyThe Best History Biographies: Lives That Explain an EraThe best history biographies — presidents, generals, rulers and inventors whose lives explain the times they shaped.
- BiographyHistory Book Gift Guide: Picks for Every Kind of ReaderLooking for a gift for a history lover? Our picks for war buffs, biography fans, big-picture thinkers and students.
Big History & Ideas
- Big HistoryNarrative History That Reads Like a NovelTrue stories told with the pace of a novel — the best narrative history books for readers who love a gripping read.
- Big HistoryHistory Books for Beginners: Where to Start if You’re New to HistoryNew to reading history? These accessible, engaging books are the best places to start, with a suggested reading order.
- Big HistoryThe Best Books on Empires: Rome, the Mongols, the Silk Roads and the Great PowersHow empires rise and fall — the best books on Rome, the Mongols, the Silk Roads and the modern great powers.
Classics & Primary Sources
- ClassicsPrimary Sources Everyone Should Read: Voices From the PastHistory in the words of those who lived it — the primary sources every history reader should know, and how to read them.
- ClassicsHow to Read History Books: A Practical Guide to Getting More From Every BookA practical guide to reading history well: choosing books, using notes and sources, comparing perspectives and building a reading path.