What Are The Best History Books in 2025

A comprehensive non-fiction history book covering major revolutions in human history.

Sapiens is a thought-provoking book that explores the journey of humankind from the earliest humans to the present day. The book delves into the Cognitive, Agricultural, and Scientific Revolutions, shedding light on how they shaped our society today. The author, Yuval Noah Harari, presents history in an engaging and accessible manner, making the book a must-read for history enthusiasts and casual readers alike.

A thought-provoking non-fiction history book

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind is a thought-provoking journey through the entire course of human history, from the very first humans to walk the earth to the radical breakthroughs of the Cognitive, Agricultural, and Scientific Revolutions. The book explores concepts of human happiness, power structures, and our current place in the world. It contains 464 pages and is written in an engaging and accessible style.

A non-fiction history book offering a fresh perspective on the Silk Roads' importance.

The Silk Roads reexamines the world history by focusing on the importance of the Silk Roads, the ancient trade routes across Asia. Peter Frankopan offers a fresh perspective, arguing that the East, not the West, holds the keys to understanding our past and future. The book is filled with detailed historical accounts and compelling narratives, making it a fascinating read for history lovers.

A riveting non-fiction history book about Winston Churchill

The Splendid and the Vile offers an intimate look at Winston Churchill during London's darkest year, 1940-1941. It's a comprehensive account that covers not just the political scene but the personal struggles and triumphs of Churchill and his family. The book's 585 pages are filled with fascinating historical details, vivid character portraits, and a gripping narrative.

A non-fiction book exploring why certain societies have dominated over others.

'Guns, Germs, and Steel' is a groundbreaking work that explains why some societies have historically dominated others. Jared Diamond argues that geographical and environmental factors, rather than racial differences, have shaped the world's power dynamics. The book is packed with well-researched theories and compelling arguments, offering a novel perspective on history.

A compelling history book on medical ethics and race

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks tells the story of a poor black tobacco farmer whose cells—taken without her knowledge in 1951—became one of the most important tools in modern medicine, vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, and more. The 381-page book explores themes of race, ethics, and scientific discovery with a gripping narrative.

Non-fiction book detailing the history of Nazi Germany from its rise to its fall.

'The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich' offers a detailed account of Nazi Germany, from its rise to power to its defeat in World War II. William L. Shirer, a journalist who lived in Nazi Germany, provides firsthand accounts and meticulous research, making it a definitive work on the subject. The book's detailed insights and compelling narrative make it an essential read for history enthusiasts.

An epic history book about America's Great Migration

The Warmth of Other Suns offers a powerful, sweeping account of the Great Migration, a decades-long mass movement of black citizens who fled the South for northern and western cities in search of a better life. The 640-page book weaves together three personal narratives to create a vivid picture of this significant period in American history.

Non-fiction book presenting a different perspective on American history.

'A People's History of the United States' presents a different view of American history, focusing on the experiences of common people rather than political elites. Howard Zinn uses primary sources to highlight the struggles of Native Americans, African Americans, women, and the working class. The book provides an alternative perspective, making it an interesting and enlightening read.

An enlightening history book on pre-Columbian America

1491 provides a groundbreaking exploration of what the Americas were like before Columbus arrived. It challenges many accepted notions and introduces new theories about the rich and sophisticated cultures that flourished in the Americas before European contact. The 541-page book is filled with insightful research and compelling arguments.