- The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann: This gripping narrative recounts the 1741 shipwreck of HMS Wager and the subsequent harrowing experiences of its crew, exploring themes of survival and imperialism [1].
- Madame Restell: The Life, Death and Resurrection of Old New York's Most Fabulous, Fearless and Infamous Abortionist by Jennifer Wright: This biography examines the life of Ann Trow, an early abortionist in New York, and the intertwining history of women’s rights and reproductive freedom [1].
- King: A Life by Jonathan Eig: A comprehensive biography of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., revealing the complexities of his life beyond the popular narrative [1].
- I Saw Death Coming: A History of Terror and Survival in the War Against Reconstruction by Kidada E. Williams: This work re-evaluates the Reconstruction era, focusing on Black experiences and the systemic violence they faced [1].
- On Savage Shores: How Indigenous Americans Discovered Europe by Caroline Dodds Pennock: This book offers a fresh perspective on the Age of Exploration by exploring the experiences of Indigenous Americans who traveled to Europe [1][7].
- The Earth Transformed: An Untold History by Peter Frankopan: This ambitious work examines the history of climate change and its impact on human civilization across 5,000 years [7].
- Courting India: England, Mughal India and the Origins of Empire by Nandini Das: A study that challenges the narrative of British dominance in India by highlighting the complexities of early interactions between Britain and the Mughal Empire [7].
- Shadows at Noon by Joya Chatterji: This history of South Asia in the 20th century captures the interconnections amidst colonialism and the partition of India [7].
- American Midnight: The Great War, A Violent Peace, and Democracy’s Forgotten Crisis by Adam Hochschild: This book recounts a little-known period in American history, reflecting on the political repression during and after World War I [5].
- Victorious in Defeat: The Life and Times of Chiang Kai-shek, China, 1887-1975 by Alexander V. Pantsov: A nuanced reappraisal of the controversial leader of China, examining his complex legacy during a tumultuous era [5].
- 1923: The Forgotten Crisis in the Year of Hitler’s Coup by Mark Jones: This examination of a pivotal year in Germany covers economic collapse and political extremism, providing insights into the fragility of democracy [7].
- The Price of Victory: A Naval History of Britain: 1815–1945 by NAM Rodger: The final volume of a naval history series, this book details Britain's naval modernization and its role in building the empire [4].
- Red Memory: Living, Remembering and Forgetting China’s Cultural Revolution by Tania Branigan: This poignant account highlights personal testimonies from the Cultural Revolution, exploring its enduring impact on Chinese society [7].
- A Northern Wind: Britain 1962–65 by David Kynaston: This book captures a transformative period in British history, focusing on societal changes and politics in the early 1960s [7].
- What Sorrows Labour in My Parents’ Breast?: A History of the Enslaved Black Family by Brenda Stevenson: This narrative focuses on the resilience of Black families navigating the complexities of slavery and its aftermath [7].
- Art Monsters: Unruly Bodies in Feminist Art by Lauren Elkin: An exploration of feminist artists' connections to body politics within their work, delving into personal and artistic identity [7].
- The Palace: From the Tudors to the Windsors, 500 Years of History at Hampton Court by Gareth Russell: A rich history of Hampton Court, exploring its roles beyond just Henry VIII, uncovering diverse stories across centuries [7].
- The Coming of the Railway: A New Global History, 1750–1850 by David Gwyn: This book presents the development of early railways, discussing its economic and social implications globally [7].
- Emperor of Rome: Ruling the Ancient Roman World by Mary Beard: A deep dive into the lives and legacies of Roman emperors, examining power dynamics and political narratives [1].
- The Scythian Empire: Central Eurasia and the Birth of the Classical Age from Persia to China by Christopher I. Beckwith: A wide-ranging account linking military and cultural developments across a vast geographical area [5].
- The Donkey and the Boat: Reinterpreting the Mediterranean Economy, 950-1180 by Chris Wickham: This field-changing work reassesses early medieval economic connections in the Mediterranean [7].
- Beastly: A New History of Animals and Us by Keggie Carew: This unique book traces humanity's relationship with animals, blending environmental history with cultural analysis [7].
- The Intimate State: How Emotional Life Became Political in Welfare-State Britain by Teri Chettiar: Examining the evolution of family dynamics post-WWII, focusing on maternal roles and state involvement in personal lives [7].

Top Recommended History Books on Recent Events

Follow Up Recommendations

Related Content You May Like