History
These nonfiction history books - ranging in topic from the very particular (London fog) to the sweeping general (world history) - are all written in a compelling narrative style that reads “like a story.” Scroll down to the bottom for links to works by other recommended narrative-history authors. (Updated June 2020)
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Felipe Fernández-Armesto
A prominent historian and Oxford professor, Fernández-Armesto has written on a wide range of topics, including the history of food, a Hispanic history of the U.S. and a history of human thought.
View Felipe Fernández-Armesto -
Tony Horwitz
Horwitz writes about history in a pleasantly rambling tone, including many fascinating facts and humorous asides. Whether writing about the Vikings or the American Civil War, he always views his subject from a new angle.
View Tony Horwitz -
New Press People's History series
The titles in this readable series provide a compelling look at historical events via first-person accounts by traditionally underrepresented “common” individuals, including women and people of color.
View New Press People's History series -
Nell Irvin Painter
Painter is a renowned scholar who has written extensively about U.S. history and western civilization. Her book The History of White People traces the concept of race over two millennia.
View Nell Irvin Painter -
Nathaniel Philbrick
Philbrick is a scholar who uses his meticulous research to illuminate American history in a new light.
View Nathaniel Philbrick -
Ronald Takaki
A leading scholar and pioneer in the field of ethnic studies, Takaki has written extensively about the United States’ multiracial past and the history of racist attitudes.
View Ronald Takaki -
Barbara Tuchman
A two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Tuchman has written numerous popular history accounts that bring to life periods ranging from medieval Europe to the Vietnam War.
View Barbara Tuchman -
Jack Weatherford
Weatherford, a retired anthropology professor, writes compelling narrative nonfiction that updates our understanding of the Mongol Empire as well as Native American cultures.
View Jack Weatherford -
Simon Winchester
A British author who is perhaps best known for his book The Professor and the Madman, Winchester is a scholarly writer with an accessible style who explores overlooked nooks of history.
View Simon Winchester