Informative, entertaining history books

Astraeus · 09-12-2008, 7:25 PM

I've finally realised I need to get back into reading but I'm stuck for ideas as to what book to get myself next. As a guideline, I've previously read several history adaptations (my favourite of which was The Family by Mario Puzo) and have read several history books about the mafia.

I'm not really into novels and don't like "textbook-style" history books unless they are a really interesting and well-written piece. Can you all throw recommendations for books at me please and I can jot them down on my Christmas list?

Many thanks!

**Iccz** · 09-12-2008, 7:45 PM

If you like mafia books, i'd recommend:

Amazon.com: Wiseguy: Nicholas Pileggi: Books

Amazon.com: Murder Machine (Onyx): Gene Mustain, Jerry Capeci: Books

Amazon.com: Cosa Nostra: A History of the Sicilian Mafia: John Dickie: Books

Couple of others:

Class Struggle in the Ancient Greek World: From the Archaic Age to the Arab Conquests: G.E.M.De Ste.Croix: Amazon.co.uk: Books

Amazon.com: The Guns of August: Barbara W. Tuchman: Books

Any war book by Cornelius Ryan is good.

Newton's Ring · 09-12-2008, 8:20 PM

I bought The New Penguin History of The World by J M Roberts just over a year ago. It's a mammoth of a book and I hope to finish it before the World comes to an end (I'm not a fast reader).

http://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Penguin-...8854087&sr=8-1

dodger747 · 09-12-2008, 8:26 PM

I suppose these verge on being text-book history but they are very entertaining...

American Civil War

Battlecry of Freedom

World War II

David Reynolds

Whilst both authors are respected historians they are both very enthusiastic about their work and it shows. I also like 'A History of Britain' by Simon Schama. The TV series was excellent along with the accompanying books although I do disagree with him, along with others, on some points...

**Steven** · 09-12-2008, 8:34 PM

At a stretch with the "history" theme, Ian McEwan, "On Cecil Beach"

Dave Weystoner · 09-12-2008, 9:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LFC_SL

At a stretch with the "history" theme, Ian McEwan, "On Cecil Beach"

Sorry to be a pedant, but as it's in my bailiwick can I correct that to 'Chesil Beach'?

On the same theme of stretching the definition of history, Sebastian Fauks's Birdsong weaves a story around the tunnels dug under enemy lines in the first world war.

Dave

jimmy100 · 09-12-2008, 10:19 PM

For well written, narrative history check out Tom Holland's "Rubicon" and "Persian Fire" about interesting periods in Roman and Greek civilisations.

DPinBucks · 03-09-2009, 6:34 PM

Sellar & Yeatman: 1066 And All That

Informative

and entertaining

Toasty · 03-09-2009, 7:46 PM

I recently read The Dirt - The Motley Crue biography. It was certainly an eye opener and if you have any interest in the excesses of a Rock Band then this book has it in spades. You don't have to be a fan of the music to enjoy it, although I did enjoy the references to other Rock names in the book having been into that scene back in the day.

Edit: oops, just spotted history in your title, well, its the history of a rock band

whiskyboozer · 03-09-2009, 7:52 PM

Anything by Mark Kurlansky especially 'Salt'

RMCF · 04-09-2009, 1:56 AM

Read Stalingrad - its quality.

Stream62 · 04-09-2009, 7:27 AM

If you are after history book have you tried....

Thames and London by Peter Ackroyd
The Year 1000 by Robert Lacey
Great Tales from English History by Robert Lacey (a series of three books)
An Utterly Impartial History of Britain by John O'Farrell
A History of Modern Britain by Andrew Marr

All history and all written a bit like a novel.... The three Robert Lacey Great Tales books are best IMO.

adbrad · 04-09-2009, 8:42 PM

It's a bit more science than history but bill brysons short history of nearly everything is brilliant!!!

Informative,
Very interesting,
And brilliantly funny and entertaining

**Hillskill** · 09-09-2009, 1:58 PM

I'm currently reading "A Short History of Nearly Everything" By Bill Bryson. Its as much a science book as it is history but it attempts to explain many scientific theories and facts in laymans terms. Thoroughly enjoying it so far....almost makes the commute bearable.

Matt W · 09-09-2009, 2:40 PM

It might be a bit text-booky for you but:
Jared Diamond - Guns Germs and Steel: A Short History of Everybody for the last 13,000 years

sniffer66 · 09-09-2009, 2:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adbrad

It's a bit more science than history but bill brysons short history of nearly everything is brilliant!!!

Informative,
Very interesting,
And brilliantly funny and entertaining

+1

Great book

**Hillskill** · 09-09-2009, 3:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adbrad

It's a bit more science than history but bill brysons short history of nearly everything is brilliant!!!

Informative,
Very interesting,
And brilliantly funny and entertaining

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hillskill

I'm currently reading "A Short History of Nearly Everything" By Bill Bryson. Its as much a science book as it is history but it attempts to explain many scientific theories and facts in laymans terms. Thoroughly enjoying it so far....almost makes the commute bearable.

Literally one post above mine and I didn't even see it

**IronGiant** · 09-09-2009, 3:49 PM

My 5 year old got a Dorling Kindersley on Shakespeare out of the Library (don't ask me why). Then came out with:

Shakespeare was really clever, he wrote Cinderella.

Does that count as entertaining