world's best history books image
supermonke
History was always my least favorite and worst subject while I was in school. Now that I am out of school I have this urge to learn and read up on everything I can get my hands on about history.
Creepy as it sounds the events that I would most like to read about are the ones that deal with true cruelty, sadness, and darkness. I find it to be very intriguing to learn about the ways humans can treat each other.
Also, I enjoy Women's Rights and strong Women in History.
In terms of reading material I prefer reading more of a book that tells a story instead of a school-book style text that basically just lists facts.
At the top of my list is to learn about the Spanish Inquistion first and then about Hitler's life (I'm currently reading Mein Kampf).
So my question is:
What events in our World's History do you think fit those two categories and what is some literature you would suggest?
Answer
The events leading to the rise of the Third Reich and Holocaust are perfect. In general, I've always thought that "The Third Reich and Holocaust" should be a required class for high school students (as well as in college), as this is a period in time in which we should never forget. This was a time period in which you can witness what it means to be human (and what it means to be denied humanity)--to the point that in Holocaust survivors you can literally see what is meant by "the soul," because that's basically all that was left.
Here's some "required" reading for this dark time in history. These books are just what you are looking for, and they give you a *very* clear picture of the subject.
******
"The Third Reich: A New History" - Michael Burleigh
This book begins by briefly detailing the events leading up to and during World War I. The groundwork is laid for the Weimar Republic and the factors leading to the rise of the Third Reich are examined. The book takes the reader through the horrifying journey of Nazism and to the end of World War II. Burleigh's work is excellent, as it details how, quite literally, these events could happen in any democratic nation--they are not unique to Germany.
******
"Oxford Readers: Nazism" - edited by Neil Gregor
Excellent series of scholarly articles and book excerpts on the subject of Nazism and the rule of the Third Reich. None of the entries are dry, and it is very quick and "easy" reading. Wonderful book.
******
"Conscience & Courage: Rescuers of Jews During the Holocaust" - Eva Fogelman
This book examines the lives of people who hid Jews during the rule of the Third Reich. It shows the conditions (physical and emotional) rescuers had to go through to aid their fellow human beings--although, as the book shows, some did so for less than honorable reasons. A very good book.
******
"Ordinary Men: Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland" - Christopher Browning
This book is scary as hell. It shows how a group of ordinary people can be transformed into mass murderers in a relatively short period of time. It is "easy" to read (although I had to do so in short spurts, as the violence is detailed and graphic), and gives a glimpse into the lives of the police officers (who were interviewed for the book).
******
"The Survivor: An Anatomy of Life in the Death Camps" - Terrence Des Pres
Beautiful and haunting book. It shows how--after a person is brutalized with probable death, torture, starvation, and abuse (although this is only the *very* tip of the Holocaust iceberg)--only "the soul" remains. This is a "must read."
The events leading to the rise of the Third Reich and Holocaust are perfect. In general, I've always thought that "The Third Reich and Holocaust" should be a required class for high school students (as well as in college), as this is a period in time in which we should never forget. This was a time period in which you can witness what it means to be human (and what it means to be denied humanity)--to the point that in Holocaust survivors you can literally see what is meant by "the soul," because that's basically all that was left.
Here's some "required" reading for this dark time in history. These books are just what you are looking for, and they give you a *very* clear picture of the subject.
******
"The Third Reich: A New History" - Michael Burleigh
This book begins by briefly detailing the events leading up to and during World War I. The groundwork is laid for the Weimar Republic and the factors leading to the rise of the Third Reich are examined. The book takes the reader through the horrifying journey of Nazism and to the end of World War II. Burleigh's work is excellent, as it details how, quite literally, these events could happen in any democratic nation--they are not unique to Germany.
******
"Oxford Readers: Nazism" - edited by Neil Gregor
Excellent series of scholarly articles and book excerpts on the subject of Nazism and the rule of the Third Reich. None of the entries are dry, and it is very quick and "easy" reading. Wonderful book.
******
"Conscience & Courage: Rescuers of Jews During the Holocaust" - Eva Fogelman
This book examines the lives of people who hid Jews during the rule of the Third Reich. It shows the conditions (physical and emotional) rescuers had to go through to aid their fellow human beings--although, as the book shows, some did so for less than honorable reasons. A very good book.
******
"Ordinary Men: Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland" - Christopher Browning
This book is scary as hell. It shows how a group of ordinary people can be transformed into mass murderers in a relatively short period of time. It is "easy" to read (although I had to do so in short spurts, as the violence is detailed and graphic), and gives a glimpse into the lives of the police officers (who were interviewed for the book).
******
"The Survivor: An Anatomy of Life in the Death Camps" - Terrence Des Pres
Beautiful and haunting book. It shows how--after a person is brutalized with probable death, torture, starvation, and abuse (although this is only the *very* tip of the Holocaust iceberg)--only "the soul" remains. This is a "must read."
What is a excellent history book that covers as much known history possible?
Simon
I want a book or series of our world's history since...well, since there is history available. I have "The Annals of the World" which is truly marvelous, however it isn't as in-depth as I would like, plus it only covers until 34 AD.
Any recommendations?
Answer
You are asking a lot. You could try something like "Timelines of History" which gives minimal basic facts. But to really learn about history you need to read books on different eras, societies, countries, ruling dynasties, etc.
I'm estimating that in the past 50 something years I have read several thousand books on history, including biographies and encyclopedias and I still learn new things every day.
My suggestion is that you start by reading about the history of your own country and then that of your ancestors' homeland if that was different from yours. Somewhere along the way you will find a particular era or culture or country whose history fascinates you, or you may find yourself interested in a theme, such as warfare, dynastic rulers, everyday life or the evolution of political systems. I can assure you that you will not be bored.
You are asking a lot. You could try something like "Timelines of History" which gives minimal basic facts. But to really learn about history you need to read books on different eras, societies, countries, ruling dynasties, etc.
I'm estimating that in the past 50 something years I have read several thousand books on history, including biographies and encyclopedias and I still learn new things every day.
My suggestion is that you start by reading about the history of your own country and then that of your ancestors' homeland if that was different from yours. Somewhere along the way you will find a particular era or culture or country whose history fascinates you, or you may find yourself interested in a theme, such as warfare, dynastic rulers, everyday life or the evolution of political systems. I can assure you that you will not be bored.
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