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.
A period of "rebirth" that continues to fascinate.
Originally published in 1974, Studs Terkel's collection of interviews remains relevant and insightful.
Powerful stories of love, loss, and triumph.
The past comes to life in a vivid new way, thanks to these historical graphic novels.
Give yourself the most colorful history lesson ever.
See the world through someone else's eyes.
By Orrin Grey
From an odd use of mummies to the man who survived two atomic bombings.
By Grace Felder
Become the history buff you always wanted to be.
By Sara Kapheim
Get aquainted with these historians and their award-winning books.
Shedding light on the shadowy criminal underworld.
These reads are well worth the wait.
By Sara Kapheim
From Mesopotamian medicine to the atomic bomb.
His accounts delve into moments that redefined America.
By Sara Kapheim
No plane ticket necessary.
Taking a broad look at the development of civilizations.
By Lee D'Amato
The future is female—but so was the past.
Featuring sweeping, indispensable accounts.
By Orrin Grey
Mark Twain coined "the Gilded Age" to mean this period of time was “glittering on the surface, but corrupt underneath.”