The Top Ten: Books (History)

History is "the study of past events, particularly in human affairs." (source)  We look to theology to explain the general condition of man; history tells us how that condition has specifically manifested itself over the centuries.  And it's of tremendous importance.

the black plague; image from here

Living in three countries during my life, I've seen firsthand how history defines a people and shapes its outlook.  We use history to avoid the horrors of the past, rectify wrongs (where possible), understand the present, and shape the future.  So, we should eagerly study it.

A good history book is as gripping as good fiction. The following selections are among my favorites in this genre.  I present broad surveys first, then go chronologically. As I've looked at my favorite books on war separately, none of those selections will be repeated here.

1. The History of the ___ World series (Susan Wise Bauer) 

Bauer's trilogy (History of the Ancient, Medieval, and Renaissance Worlds) covers world history from antiquity to 1453 with a straightforward, informative, and fair delivery.

2. Europe, a History (Norman Davies) 

Davies covers European history from antiquity to the mid-90s.

3. Temples, Tombs and Hieroglyphs (Barbara Mertz) 

Mertz's account of thirty ancient Egyptian dynasties is both scholarly and accessible.

4. A Distant Mirror (Barbara Tuchman)

Tuchman looks at the major events (mostly disasters) of the 1300s with her characteristically outstanding prose.

5. Black Count (Tom Reiss)

This award-winning biography of Alexandre Dumas' father (a general under Napoleon) is fascinating and informative not just on the man, but the times (it covers the late 1700s-1806).

6. Undaunted Courage (Stephen Ambrose) 

The story of Lewis and Clark's journey (1804-06), masterfully told.

7. Destiny of the Republic (Candice Millard)

Millard's look at the state of medicine and politics in 1881 America (she focuses on the James Garfield assassination) is hard to put down.

8. The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt (Edmund Morris) 

Morris covers the first part of Roosevelt's life (1858-1901) in the first book of his biographical trilogy.  Excellent work.

9. The Path Between The Seas (David McCullough)

The history of the Panama Canal (built 1870-1914) is a fascinating study of leadership as well.

10. Nicholas and Alexandra (Robert K. Massie)

Poignant and moving look at the last Tsar of Russia (focuses on his reign: 1894-1917).

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Some people view history as a dry subject for aloof academics or annoying know-it-alls; don't make that mistake.  Read a few- or many- history books this year.