Modern History Stories

So much has happened in the past decade alone, but what got us here? Humanity has evolved in so many ways in the modern era. From the Industrial Revolution to the invention of the iPhone, from the Space Race to SpaceX, from last century's influenza pandemic to Covid-19, there’s a lot to cover. These stories attempt to recount how we’ve gotten to where we are and the rapid change that took place within the last few centuries.

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The 4 Most Revolutionary Types of Armor Throughout History

These inventive methods of protection may surprise you.

8 Panoramic Books About Empires

From the ancient world to the 20th century.

10 Moving Anti-War Books

Authors explore the horrors of war from different perspectives and across generations.

Graham Greene’s Spy Career and Its Thrilling Influence on His Work

The author was inspired by his WWII and postwar experiences.

15 African American History Books Every American Should Read

Meet extraordinary individuals; explore communities; deepen your understanding of America.

17 Books That Offer Perspectives on the Presidents

Get a fresh take on the men who led—and currently lead—our country.

25 Books to Read for Black History Month

From great triumphs to continuing struggles, learn more about African American history with these books.

10 Reference Books You’ll Actually Want to Read

Read all the books on our list and your rivals for any trivia game will be few and far between.

8 New History Releases to Look Forward to

January, February, and March are full of promising new reads.

Explore the Tumult of Russia Through This Putin Biography

It sheds light on Russian history, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and more.

The Discovery of Penicillin and its Impact on Modern Medicine

The antibiotic saved many lives during WWII and afterward.

The Strange True Story of Dr. William Chester Minor and the Oxford English Dictionary

One of the dictionary's top contributors was an inmate at a psychiatric hospital.

The Best Philosophy Books from Modern Library

These thought-provoking reads have influenced readers for centuries.

Case Closed: A Definitive Account of the John F. Kennedy Assassination

This work of investigative journalism by Gerald Posner is as relevant as ever.