Summer can be really long. What better way to spend your day then lounging in a nice air-conditioned room on a comfy chair with a good book? Well, here are 10 history themed books, fiction and non-fiction that will keep your fingers turning pages!
1. The Killer Angels, Michael Shaara, Ballantine Books, 1975. This novelization of the Battle of Gettysburg really brings to life the events of the battle. The reader follows both Union and Confederate soldiers in the Pulitzer Winning rendition of the fight. It is told from the perspective of leaders on both sides of the battle allowing readers to understand the major events of the three day battle.
2. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Lisa See, Random House, 2011. This novel is set in 19th century China. It describes events in the life of an ordinary chinese woman from girlhood to death. It provides an accurate depiction of the social role of women in that society, as well as the dying art of “Woman’s Writing” and the painful and disfiguring practice of footbinding. There are many topics in the story that are excellent discussion points.
3. Shakespeare:The World As Stage, Bill Bryson, Harper, 2007. Bill Bryson’s biography of William Shakespeare is a relatively short account of the Bard’s life. His writing style is engaging as he tackles the myths, facts and stories surrounding the playwright’s life and times. It’s a very readable biography and can be used to introduce students to bibliographies as well as Shakespeare’s works.
4. A History of the World in Six Glasses, Tom Standage, Walker, 2006. Discussing the history of beer, wine, spirits, tea, coffee and Coca-Cola, this book covers the entire history of the world as it discusses the invention, development and proliferation of these six beverages. The book is entertaining and a great overview of history. Its unique perspective is guaranteed to make it popular among readers of all ages, and the writing style keeps you turning pages.
5. At Home: A Short History of Private Life, Bill Bryson, Anchor, 2011. This fascinating book takes you on a tour of Bryson’s house, and the history of each item and feature he encounters. On the way he explains why its called “Room and Board”, What a butler actually did, how windows became popular and many other intriguing tidbits.
6. Mr. Midshipman Hornblower, C.S. Forester, Bay Back Books, 1998. Chronologically the first book in the Hornblower Saga, the book describes Horatio Hornblower’s first year at sea. This novel introduces students not only to the character of Hornblower, but also to the Napoleonic wars, and the culture of sailors on tall ships.
7.Guns, Germs and Steel:the Fates of Human Societies, Jared Diamond, W.W. Norton & Company, 2011. This book looks at the roots of social inequality. It looks at the historical, geographical, and biological factors that caused some groups to rise above others. It has also been made into a series of documentaries by the National Geographic Society.
8. The Doomsday Book, Connie Willis, Bantam Spectra, 1992. A time traveler from Oxford University ends up in a medieval village that is soon to be ravaged by the black plague. The book accurately describes medieval village society and the bubonic plague, all while keeping the reader enthralled in the time travelling storyline.
9. The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements, Sam Kean, Black Bay Books, 2011. The title really says it all. This book is full of anecdotal history, and contains everything from King Midas to Ghandi. A truly entertaining non fiction read through history, physics and chemistry.2. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Lisa See, Random House, 2011. This novel is set in 19th century China. It describes events in the life of an ordinary chinese woman from girlhood to death. It provides an accurate depiction of the social role of women in that society, as well as the dying art of “Woman’s Writing” and the painful and disfiguring practice of footbinding. There are many topics in the story that are excellent discussion points.
3. Shakespeare:The World As Stage, Bill Bryson, Harper, 2007. Bill Bryson’s biography of William Shakespeare is a relatively short account of the Bard’s life. His writing style is engaging as he tackles the myths, facts and stories surrounding the playwright’s life and times. It’s a very readable biography and can be used to introduce students to bibliographies as well as Shakespeare’s works.
4. A History of the World in Six Glasses, Tom Standage, Walker, 2006. Discussing the history of beer, wine, spirits, tea, coffee and Coca-Cola, this book covers the entire history of the world as it discusses the invention, development and proliferation of these six beverages. The book is entertaining and a great overview of history. Its unique perspective is guaranteed to make it popular among readers of all ages, and the writing style keeps you turning pages.
5. At Home: A Short History of Private Life, Bill Bryson, Anchor, 2011. This fascinating book takes you on a tour of Bryson’s house, and the history of each item and feature he encounters. On the way he explains why its called “Room and Board”, What a butler actually did, how windows became popular and many other intriguing tidbits.
6. Mr. Midshipman Hornblower, C.S. Forester, Bay Back Books, 1998. Chronologically the first book in the Hornblower Saga, the book describes Horatio Hornblower’s first year at sea. This novel introduces students not only to the character of Hornblower, but also to the Napoleonic wars, and the culture of sailors on tall ships.
7.Guns, Germs and Steel:the Fates of Human Societies, Jared Diamond, W.W. Norton & Company, 2011. This book looks at the roots of social inequality. It looks at the historical, geographical, and biological factors that caused some groups to rise above others. It has also been made into a series of documentaries by the National Geographic Society.
8. The Doomsday Book, Connie Willis, Bantam Spectra, 1992. A time traveler from Oxford University ends up in a medieval village that is soon to be ravaged by the black plague. The book accurately describes medieval village society and the bubonic plague, all while keeping the reader enthralled in the time travelling storyline.
10. Oracle Bones: a Journey Through Time in China, Peter Hessler, Harper Perennial, 2007. As the Beijing correspondent for the New Yorker Magazine, Hessler is an amazing writer. In this book he links past and future, to discuss the origins of Chinese society, and how it is influencing the development of this mighty nation today. He tackles sensitive issues such as Tiananmen Square, and the Uighurs with sensitivity, poise and just the right amount of poise. This is an amazing book to introduce students of all ages to the complexity of China.
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