Book List

Best World History Books of 2023

HISTORY

THE LONG RECKONING

by George Black

One of the best recent books on a war that ended half a century ago but that still reverberates. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

RED MEMORY

by Tania Branigan

A heartbreaking, revelatory evocation of “the decade that cleaved modern China in two.” Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

THE PICNIC

by Matthew Longo

A much-needed reminder of the inexhaustibility of the human quest for personal and collective freedom. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

THE WEST

by Naoíse Mac Sweeney

A highly readable, vigorous repudiation of the Western-centric school of history. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

EMPIRELAND

by Sathnam Sanghera

The sun may have set on the British Empire, but this piercing examination of its legacies is thoroughly timely. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

AFTER THE MIRACLE

by Max Wallace

A revealing life of an important historical figure that does not diminish her. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

THE LAST ISLAND

by Adam Goodheart

A thrilling book that will leave you contemplating the concept of civilization. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

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