I recently read the Times History of the World and loved it. I have always had an interest in history so can any of you recommend:
A) Similar books that cover a large period of history
B) Historical biographies (particularly those about leaders ie Napolean,)
Cheers
2007-11-28 00:03:23 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
The 12 volume set of "The History of Civilization" by Will and Ariel Durant is marvelous. More recently Simon Schama has written some excellent books about the French Revolution ("Citizens"), the Netherlands ("An Embarassment of Riches"), a 3 volume set on English history, and others. "Guns, Germs and Steel," by Jared Diamond, is truly excellent.
Getting an unbiased history of Russia can be difficult. "A People's Tragedy," by Orlando Figes, is about the Russian Revolution and is very well written.
I'd avoid memoirs of famous people. These may be rich in detail but they are often self serving. Churchill wrote a multi-volume history of England that is practically worthless, as he was very conservative and understood the Irish problem and the working classes very dimly.
2007-11-28 01:22:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The People's Chronology This large volume is arranged by year and lists the highlights in areas like agriculture, dynastic succession, inventions, politics, notable events, and many more. At first glance it seems like a reference work but is actually a cracking good read. It adds incredible perspective to how interrelated people, events, achievments, and disasters impact the world.
Jared Diamond's "Guns, Germs, and Steel" is one of the best books I've ever read. When partnered with his later book "Collapse," and earlier effort, "The Third Chimpanzee" it offers and extended look at the forces that shaped the world in which we live and die.
If interested in military history, any book by John Keegan holds and stimulates my interest. I believe I've read everything of his in print and wish there were more.
2007-11-28 05:35:56 · answer #2 · answered by Mark M 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Historical biographies :
William Manchester on the death of JFK, Winston Churchill, Douglas MacArthur and the Krupp family of Germany, the armorers of Kaiser Bill and Adolph Hitler
anything by Barbara Tuchman
anything by David Mc McCullough
there's about two years of reading there and a unlimited amount of questions and paths to follow
and if you want a politically incorrect, riotously funny and uncomfortably accurate history of the USA , England, China and India from say 1840 to 1890 George MacDonald Frasier's Flashman series
2007-11-28 00:23:28 · answer #3 · answered by yankee_sailor 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My favorite history book (excluding the history of ancient technology): Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. A historical account of the American expansion from the point of view of the Native Americans who lived through it. Generally covers about 400 years, though primarily the 19th century. "Must read" for Americans.
Jim, http://www.jimpettis.com/wheel/
2007-12-01 17:54:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Difficult to find, but LIFE OF ZACHARIAH CHANDLER, by Detroit Post and Tribune, 1880. If you can't find it I'll lend you mine. It will amaze you and make you wonder why you haven't heard about him more. It's not as global as you're looking, but worth it.
2007-11-28 03:33:22 · answer #5 · answered by Rich 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1776
Mayflower
try steven ambrose books
2007-11-28 00:08:56 · answer #6 · answered by speechy 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Believe it or not, the Bible.
2007-11-28 00:10:28 · answer #7 · answered by Levi 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋