2025’s 12 Best History Books According to Reddit

Looking for the best history books on Reddit? We've compiled a list to quench your thirst for knowledge and adventure!
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind coverThe Silk Roads: A New History of the World coverGuns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies cover

History buffs, unite! We have scoured the depths of best history books Reddit recommendations to bring you the ultimate list of must-reads. Our focus? We’re all about captivating storytelling, factual accuracy, and learning from the past. Whether you’re into prehistoric adventures or modern political dramas, we’ve got you covered with a range of topics that promise to enlighten and entertain. Let’s embark on a journey through time, courtesy of the finest minds and stories out there!

On this list:

12 Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind cover

  • Genre: History
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2015
  • Pages: 443

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This book takes you on a thrilling ride from the Stone Age to the Digital Age. It’s like a rollercoaster of knowledge. We loved the simple language and humorous insights.

11 The Silk Roads: A New History of the World by Peter Frankopan

The Silk Roads: A New History of the World cover

  • Genre: History
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2017
  • Pages: 636

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Frankopan rewires our brains to see global history from an eastern perspective. Perfect for those who’ve heard enough about the Romans.

10 Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond

Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies cover

  • Genre: History, Anthropology
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1997
  • Pages: 592

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Diamond unravel’s the fate of societies through geography and environment. After reading, you’ll have deep convos about crops at dinner.

9 A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn

  • Genre: History
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1980
  • Pages: 752

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Zinn flips history on its head and narrates it from the people’s view. It’s like watching Titanic, but from the iceberg’s perspective.

8 The Wright Brothers by David McCullough

The Wright Brothers cover

  • Genre: Biography, History
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2015
  • Pages: 336

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McCullough makes the Wright brothers’ journey to flight feel just as exciting as a Marvel movie. Very uplifting, literally!

7 The History of the Ancient World: From the Earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome by Susan Wise Bauer

The History of the Ancient World: From the Earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome cover

  • Genre: History
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2007
  • Pages: 896

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Bauer’s book reads like a juicy soap opera but with pharaohs and emperors. It’s addicting and informative.

6 The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

The Diary of a Young Girl cover

  • Genre: Biography, History
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1947
  • Pages: 283

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Heartfelt and poignant, Anne’s diary offers a human perspective during one of history’s darkest times. Get your tissues ready.

5 A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson

A Short History of Nearly Everything cover

  • Genre: Non-fiction, Science
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2003
  • Pages: 544

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Bryson tackles everything from geology to physics with wit and wonder. You’ll finish the book and feel like a genius.

4 Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln cover

  • Genre: Biography, History
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2005
  • Pages: 916

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Goodwin’s portrait of Lincoln is a masterclass in leadership. It shows that sometimes you need to keep your enemies closer.

3 The Guns of August by Barbara Tuchman

The Guns of August cover

  • Genre: History
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1962
  • Pages: 511

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Tuchman captures the chaotic dance into WWI. It’s as if you’re watching the world play a risky game of dominoes.

2 1776 by David McCullough

1776 cover

  • Genre: History
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2005
  • Pages: 386

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McCullough brings the year of America’s birth to life. It’s like being a front-row spectator to the American Revolution.

1 The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L. Shirer

The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich cover

  • Genre: History
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1960
  • Pages: 1249

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

This iconic piece dissects the darkest era of modern history. Shirer’s insights and details make it our top pick.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!