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Haywood eschews footnotes to keep the narrative flowing, but the quality of his research is never in doubt. An expertly written and accessible survey of the pre-Columbian Atlantic world. Fans of David Abulafia, Mark Kurlansky, Barry Cunliffe, or Simon Winchester will relish this notable book.
Recommended for general readers who enjoy swift-paced historical biographies. Those seeking the heroic and the romantic will find much to enjoy.
Best for serious Russian scholars. Readers new to the topic may also want to seek out Robert K. Massie’s four-book series about the Romanovs.
This compelling reference work is a valuable resource about a potentially dangerous contemporary subject. Give to readers seeking to understand the roots and repercussions of conspiracy thinking.
Even though some listeners may wish for a more proportional account, this expertly narrated audio sheds light on a key trial that continues to be unsettlingly relevant today. Recommended for those who enjoyed Greg Jarrett’s The Trial of the Century.
This energetic, deeply researched history of bookmakers is a delight. Book lovers everywhere will want to check this out.
While accessible to general readers, the difficult thematic elements of this text will probably make it more suitable for specialized audiences.
Shetterly gives readers a compelling narrative of personal stories about the 1979 Greensboro massacre and its legacy in the context of Greensboro’s history, the Black liberation movement, and political and revolutionary aspirations to end the nation’s racial disparities and exploitation of the working poor.
This distinctive title gives readers vivid insight into the lives of four fascinating cellists. It also pays homage to the uniqueness of cellos.
Slater’s fleet, detail-filled narrative brings Rothstein and Shoenfeld to the forefront. This book will entertain readers of American history, Jewish history, and true crime.
Franklin remains a popular subject, and this book adds much to the conversation about the mystery surrounding his final expedition.
Rick Atkinson and John Ferling offer books about the Revolutionary War on its 250th anniversary, while Ojibwe journalist Mary Annette Pember writes a mix of history and personal biography about Indigenous boarding schools in the U.S.
Buttar makes brilliant use of primary sources and provides readers with a rich understanding of the unique nature of Leningrad, its military, and its people during a perilous time.
Well written and full of refreshing details, this economic picture of the early United States is a must for readers.
A worthy read for people interested in the role sensationalized news media plays on public life and discourse.
This book parses letters and documents such as the Greek translation of Esther, 3 Maccabees, and Baruch and interacts with the current scholarly conversation on these ancient texts. A useful study for students of ancient Judaism.
Ideal for readers who enjoy narratives about antiquities, the history of the Bible, the questionable world of antique valuation and provenance, or billionaires in the U nited States. Pair with Bible Nation: The United States of Hobby Lobby by Candida R. Moss and Joel S. Baden.
Buttar makes brilliant use of primary sources and provides readers with a rich understanding of the unique nature of Leningrad, its military, and its people during a perilous time.
PREMIUM
Silk: A World History
Filled with stories of silk-producing creatures and the phenomenal properties of the stuff itself, this blend of history and science is highly recommended.
Graff’s mighty work is a timely update to Russell Miller’s Nothing Less Than Victory and should appeal to fans of the movie Saving Private Ryan or the Band of Brothers miniseries. Essential for all WWII collections.
Listeners will be captivated by this never-before-told story, buried in a Canadian archive and encountered by happenstance by the author. Suggest to those seeking a different take on World War II espionage history.
An excellent reading of a pivotal naval encounter that changed the tide of the war. Recommended for those who enjoyed Stephen Budiansky’s Perilous Fight, James P. Delgado’s War at Sea, or Garrett M. Graff’s When the Sea Came Alive.
Intriguing and meticulously researched, this book about Catherine of Braganza is highly recommended for readers interested in British history and royal biographies.
King loves his music and knows his history. The result is a lively, informative book on the birth and nurture of a classic.
This deeply researched and engaging account shines a light on a vital but little-known aspect of intelligence gathering. Readers interested in World War II espionage and the role scholars have played in surveillance and reconnaissance campaigns will enjoy this volume.
This history of place and culture reads like a detective story. Certain to intrigue historians, cultural anthropologists, and general readers alike.
PREMIUM
The Weimar Years
This massive history of the Weimar Republic offers readers a clear narrative about a complex political structure. It shows how missteps in leadership led to one of the most horrific episodes in modern European history.
Readers will gain a greater appreciation for the way the United States became the nation it is today. Chervinsky’s insights are for all interested in the presidency and how it developed through U.S. history.
A much-needed thorough examination of modern urban crises and Richmond’s so-far limited efforts to improve the lives of its citizens.
U.S. history is highlighted in books about the founding of New York, Paul Revere's legendary ride, the Civil War, and the Red Scare.
Listeners seeking historical insights will enjoy this skillfully executed audiobook and should find that Patton’s narration suits the text.
While the book’s content is fascinating, the narration does not do it justice. Listeners might seek out the print version instead.
A poignant, engaging, important, and personal perspective of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, in which Smolar cleverly combines political and historical aspects with elements of memoir.
Based on numerous interviews of an intriguing demographic, this engaging book is a deep-dive analysis of the British elite. Highly recommended for most collections on Britain.
This title demonstrates that historically, people have changed their way of life when called on. More narratives like this are needed.
This enticing mix of personal and general history of Black utopian safe spaces promises to engage readers interested in reckoning with the past and present of Black American experiences and milestones.
A fascinating story and firsthand view of life during the 20th century. It is a vivid tale of censorship and surveillance that would sit comfortably on a shelf with the other great narratives of life under Soviet oppression.
This story about the international efforts to find the Romanov family remains is captivating and educational. Sarandinaki’s decades-long involvement in the case shows, and details about that will intrigue many readers.
Based on extensive primary research, this detailed case study will magnetize readers interested in U.S. Civil War history and politics.
This book fills a niche in examining the growth and development of Allied air power. Valuable to readers of World War II history, particularly the subject of aerial combat in the African and southern European theaters.
Ladies-in-waiting, the only king of Haiti, polar exploration, and JFK top history topics in mid-winter.
From World War II to the Renaissance to 1177 BCE, these works of nonfiction are time machines to the past.
Essential reading for both general audiences and scholars who are interested in an engaging overview of Japan’s complex history.
A gripping examination of medieval written sources. Will appeal to history enthusiasts and to readers who value written documents of bygone eras.
An expertly conveyed history of the Soviet dissident movement and the individuals involved. For readers interested in the history of censorship, human rights, international law, or the Soviet Union. It’s one not to miss.
Given the game’s popularity, this distinctive history book, both substantial and thoughtful, should dive off the shelves.
A ground-breaking addition to Civil War history and a timely update to The Secret War for the Union by Edwin C. Fishel and Mosby’s Confederacy by Thomas J. Evans and James M. Moyer.
Changing times, economic conditions, social tastes, and the rise of stationary amusement parks complete the tale of carnivals as they arc downwards towards the end of the century. A strongly recommended title for both fans and scholars of the history of entertainment.
An engaging, well researched title. Readers awaiting the next installment of Bridgerton will especially be drawn to this title.
Based on extensive primary research, this detailed case study will magnetize readers interested in U.S. Civil War history and politics.
Essential reading for both general audiences and scholars who are interested in an engaging overview of Japan’s complex history. Pair with Richard Tames’s A Traveller’s History of Japan, which also offers an overview of Japan’s history but with a focus on information for tourists.
This short, personal volume gives historical and political context to Israeli and Palestinian relations, but only from the perspective of a Palestinian writer. A hard-hitting and necessary conversation.
Both scholars and general readers interested in learning more about Puerto Rico’s past and recent history will appreciate this work. Consider pairing it with Jake Johnston’s Aid State, a dramatic account of how international organizations have crippled Haiti’s democracy while extracting profits.
Civil War buffs will be pleased with the laser focus of Larson’s latest; others may find it overly detailed and slow. Still, given Larson’s popularity, this is an essential purchase.
Based on an impressive array of secondary sources, this outstanding account will appeal to readers interested in the U.S. Civil War seeking to understand how it affected Mexico and British North America.
Gibbins’s intimate knowledge of underwater archaeology and his appealing writing style make this book attractive to fans of popular history and narratives with maritime themes. Give to readers who enjoyed David Grann’s The Wager.
This highly recommended book bears comparison to Frederick Lewis Allen’s Only Yesterday. For general readers seeking a broad understanding of the decade and New York or scholars needing a reference point for this combustible era.
A wide swath of the past is covered in these titles, from a ninth-century battle in Europe to harrowing and heroic tales of women during World War II and a story of diamonds and murder in the Amazon.
Best suited for fans of Allman’s work, along with readers intrigued by a little-known French town, the author’s 800-year-old house, and the book’s contemporary elements. This will appeal to readers who enjoy Martin Walker’s “Bruno, Chief of Police” mystery series as well.
This inciting, empowering book shows the clear need not just to improve women’s access to health care but also to shift the paradigm about the restrictions placed on reproductive rights.
These reports on a relatively small part of the war offer a glimpse of the problems and successes of inserting agents into enemy territory. Recommended for large World War II collections.
This comprehensive, gripping account of WWII’s brutal and deadly air war is highly recommended for military and WWII history buffs as well as those who enjoyed the Apple TV series. Harrowing, fascinating, and insightful.
Listeners who seek to engage in today’s debates about school curricula, inclusive perspectives on U.S. history, and forming a shared national culture will find this powerfully argued and narrated work an invaluable resource.
While heartbreaking and discouraging, Johnston’s indictment of the aid industrial complex is essential listening, critically important when considering future responses to natural disasters.
An intriguing, meticulously researched look at the legacy of the Clotilda with a focus on the descendants’ experiences in postbellum America.
Recommended for listeners seeking to learn more about opium, including its earliest history, its impact on the lands and communities that handled it, and its reverberations into the present day. Fans of Stephen R. Platt’s Imperial Twilight will want to check this out.
Kelley’s powerful, corrective history is not to be missed. Share with listeners seeking a different take on traditional interpretations of U.S. labor history.
A chorus of voices brings to life the writings, reflections, and history of a groundbreaking magazine. Pair with Anney Reese and Samatha McVey’s Stuff Mom Never Told You.
A well-researched, sweeping account of a little-remembered but critically important group of people. Share with listeners interested in social history, particularly the impact of urbanization and industrialization on agrarian lifestyles.
Lance’s important work reveals how chamber divers helped develop much of the technology that has enabled today’s popular underwater diving and military stealth diving. Her work significantly updates and expands R. Frank Busby’s Manned Submersibles and Robert F. Marx’s The History of Underwater Exploration. This one is destined for Hollywood and is essential for all World War II collections.
A companionable yet thought-provoking listen that may encourage listeners to further explore Norse and Anglo-Saxon history.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a fresh, encyclopedic investigation into objects that reflect women’s ingenuity, bravery, and commitment as well as myths that have governed their lives for centuries. Recommended for fans of witty, well-researched women’s history and gender studies.
This well-researched work is a must-listen for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of Cook’s life and legacy. The book supplements J.C. Beaglehole’s 1992 classic The Life of Captain James Cook and is highly recommended for any collection centering on the Age of Sail.
Swanson’s account of the massacre and its aftermath provides insight into details of an historical event and the ways in which it has been remembered and even mythologized over the centuries. An excellent recommendation for listeners interested in early American history.
PREMIUM
Ancient Rome in Fifty Monuments
This solid, recommended, visually rich title is excellent in its depiction of temples, basilicas, forums and arches, but it does not stand alone as an introduction to ancient Rome. It’s best utilized as a supplement to more detailed and text-based histories of ancient Rome.
Readers interested in a broad interpretive sketch of dispossessive effects of colonization, enslavement and its aftermath may be drawn to Baker’s personalized recounting of the continuing significance of Black people’s efforts to realize the dream of owning land and the profits it produces.
A critical profile of Putin’s worldview. Thematically similar to Mikhail Zygar’s War and Punishment, this book focuses on Putin’s career in the Russian government.
An insightful look at a key but underrecognized moment in English history. History buffs will love it.
Readers interested in the latest research on Civil War history that moves beyond battles and leaders will enjoy this title.
Llewellen-Jones’s extensive research on all seven of these intriguing Cleopatras is expertly presented. Highly recommended.
The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.
A powerful analysis and assemblage of oral histories from Black residents of Tuscaloosa, AL, demonstrating racism’s lingering effect on people, generation after generation.
A fascinating journalistic study of three pioneering women in the changing retail landscape of the 20th-century United States. Shoppers who’ve been surfing Amazon in sweatpants since the pandemic began might look back on the eras of Odlum, Shaver, and Stutz with nostalgia.
This engaging history is based on a wide array of memoirs, FBI files, and other primary records that illuminate the American Communist Party’s lengthy history. Readers of U.S. history, especially about movements deemed radical, will be interested in this title.
This magnificent study is based on deep archival research and offers a comprehensive look into the planning of the Allied invasion of France. Readers interested in World War II history, especially about D-Day, should enjoy.
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