Nonfiction Book Recommendations

There’s one place where every history buff feels at home—with their nose buried in a compelling nonfiction book, of course. It’s the best resource to turn to when you want the most comprehensive account of the past possible.

As book lovers ourselves, we’ve curated a space to round up all the best nonfiction books out there. Searching for a biography of the Founding Fathers? We’ve got you covered. Want to learn what wartime was really like? Check out the best books by people who lived through various conflicts and experienced them firsthand. Craving an in-depth account of one of the many turbulent events of the 20th century, from the sinking of the Titanic to the rise of Nazi Germany? Peruse a book by esteemed historian Martin Gilbert, or try an accessible pop history book by Walter Lord on for size. Whenever your bookshelves are looking a little bare, you can trust us to have the best recommendations in store for you.

1f5ec6bb3d7e-thearchive-tag-feature.png

14 Nonfiction Books for the Teens in Your Life

Fill up some home-schooling hours and delight the teen in your life.

Explore Centuries of Connection through the History of the USPS

Neither Snow Nor Rain shows how the constitutionally-created service stitches our vast culture together.

This Moving Book Deserves a Spot on Every Military Buff's Bookshelf

If You're Reading This... offers a deeply personal look into the last written words of soldiers thinking of home.

Meet the Japanese Diplomat Who Saved 6,000 Jewish People from the Holocaust

Chiune Sugihara is believed to have saved five times as many lives as his more famous counterpart, Oskar Schindler.

The Battle of Aqaba—and T.E. Lawrence—Shaped the Future of the Middle East

Neil Faulkner explores how a historian's insight impacted the development of the Middle East, in Lawrence of Arabia's War.

History Buffs Will be Surprised by These Fascinating Facts about Grover Cleveland

The 22nd and 24th U.S. president lived a historically groundbreaking life.

12 Immersive Biographies to Lose Yourself In

Find your coziest chair, and curl up with one of these incredible biographies to while away an afternoon or two.

15 Father's Day Gifts for Every History-Lovin' Dad

Whether you're treating your father or yourself, these history gifts will please for years to come.

8 Gripping Audiobooks That Offer an Escape from the News

These glimpses into the past will help you cope with the present.

After The Last Dance: Delve into the Definitive MJ Bio

One of sports’ greatest writers took on the G.O.A.T. in Playing for Keeps.

Grant and Twain: How Two American Icons Relived the War in Literature

The Confederate deserter and the victorious Union general shared their reminisces with each other and the country.

The Courageous Acts of Resistance That Led to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising

In January of 1943, Warsaw Ghetto inmates began defying their German enemies—and sparked a widespread hunger for resistance.

A Night to Remember: The Tragic Story of the RMS Titanic

The sinking of the “unsinkable” RMS Titanic was a shocking and deadly disaster.

The Best Books About Thomas Jefferson

These biographies and history books shed new light on a larger-than-life legacy.

22 Eye-Opening War Movies to Stream Tonight

The shores of Dunkirk and the Korean countryside await...

Remembering the Many Lives of Patricia Bosworth

The 86-year-old biographer, actress, and journalist died in April from COVID-19 complications.

10 Essential Historical Nonfiction Books

Take your mind off the current world with riveting true accounts of history's most poignant moments.