Free History Books to Download in August 2025

Political and philosophical commentaries on the republic of ancient Rome from the Renaissance author of The Prince.

In Discourses, Italian statesman, philosopher, and writer Niccolò Machiavelli offers a wide-ranging analysis of the democratic underpinnings of the Roman Republic, based on the epic history written by Roman scholar Titus Livy.

Focusing on “a republic as the best way to secure the long term stability of states . . . the various discourses contain observations about aspects of governance, political powers, state safety, corruption, and the expansion of powers. They analyze types of governments and how they change over time from both internal and external pressures. The observations provide significant insights into our world today” (OpEdNews.com).

The celebrated poet behind such classics as “The Red Wheelbarrow” and “This Is Just to Say” presents a collection of essays about North American history.

In the American Grain is, as William Carlos Williams said, “a study to try to find out for myself what the land of my more or less accidental birth might signify.” Although Williams wrote poetry and prose—and was a doctor—he was not a historian. In this book, he applies a fresh, lyrical perspective to moments in America’s past. Beginning with the bloody Erik the Red, discoverer of Greenland and father of Leif Erikson, Williams revisits episodes from history like the destruction of Tenochtitlan, the Mayflower ship’s journey to America, and the founding of Quebec, as well as the expeditions of explorers such as Christopher Columbus, Juan Ponce de León, Hernando de Soto, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Samuel de Champlain. He then moves along to events like the Salem witch trials, Daniel Boone’s discovery of Kentucky, and Aaron Burr’s romance with Jacataqua. He also discusses important figures such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Edgar Allan Poe, and Abraham Lincoln.

By deconstructing America’s history and rebuilding it with a poet’s voice, Williams created “a fundamental book, essential if one proposes to come to terms with American literature” (The Times Literary Supplement).

The famed mathematician and philosopher takes readers on a journey into a new scientific age, exploring topics from relativity to religion.

Alfred North Whitehead, one of the great figures in the philosophy of science, wrote this prescient work nearly a century ago. Yet, in an era that has us reckoning with science and technology’s place and meaning in our lives, it remains as relevant as ever. Science and the Modern World puts scientific discovery into historical and cultural context—exploring the effects of science and people on each other.

“It is a work not only of the first importance but also of great beauty. . . . Vivid writing.” —Nature

complete biography of the ancient Macedonian king and one of history’s greatest military leaders.

Alexander the Great, son of King Philip II of Macedonia, and his fourth wife, Olympias, seemed destined for success. He had Aristotle for a tutor until he was sixteen. He took interest in his father’s military efforts abroad, and worried there would be nothing left to conquer when he became king. When ambassadors from Persia arrived in Macedonia, they tried to entertain young Alexander with colorful stories of their home, but the future leader was more interested in their armies and war tactics. It should be no surprise that Alexander became one of ancient history’s greatest and most successful military leaders.

In this biography, author Jacob Abbott recounts the life and times of Alexander the Great. He takes readers through the king’s early years, including his youth and education, as well as his relationship with his parents. The history continues with Alexander’s ascension to the throne at the age of twenty and details all the drama and military victories over the next ten years of the monarch’s reign as he expanded his empire from Macedonia and Egypt to northwest India. Unfortunately, Alexander’s demise soon followed, but not before he left his mark on the world.

Nineteenth-century American author Jacob Abbott wrote many books over the course of his own life from juvenile fiction to history. He wrote numerous biographies on such monumental individuals as Alfred the Great, Queen Elizabeth I, Genghis Khan, Julius Caesar, and Peter the Great.