Ten Great Books on World History

"Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari (2011)

Israeli military historian's take on the evolution of human beings from the appearance of Homo sapiens to the present day, discussing various aspects of human history including societies & cultures.

"Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared Diamond (1997)

Pulitzer Prize-winning work explores the development of human civilizations, examining how geography and access to resources have shaped history.

"The Silk Roads: A New History of the World" by Peter Frankopan (2015)

Oxford historian's fresh perspective on world history by examining the importance of the Silk Roads in shaping global trade, culture, and politics.

"The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order" by Samuel P. Huntington (1996)

A theory of post-Cold War global politics focusing on the interactions between civilizations and the potential conflicts that arise from these interactions.

"A History of Civilizations" by Fernand Braudel (1994)

The French historian’s classic comparative analysis of world civilizations, examining their political, economic, social, and cultural dimensions.

"The Penguin History of the World" by J.M. Roberts and Odd Arne Westad (2013)

Comprehensive work covers human history from prehistoric times to the present day, offering a broad overview of the major events and developments.

"Civilization: The West and the Rest" by Niall Ferguson (2011)

Compares Western civilization to other major civilizations in world history, exploring the factors that have contributed to the West's dominance and influence.

"From Dawn to Decadence: 500 Years of Western Cultural Life, 1500 to the Present" by Jacques Barzun (2000)

The cultural, social, and intellectual history of the Western world over the past five centuries, tracing the key ideas, trends, and personalities that have shaped it.

"The World: A Brief Introduction" by Richard Haass (2020)

Concise and accessible introduction to world history, international relations, and global issues, aiming to provide readers with a basic understanding of the world and its complexities.

"A Little History of the World" by E.H. Gombrich (1935)

Originally written for younger readers, Gombrich's accessible and engaging book provides a concise overview of world history, covering key events, ideas, and personalities.

Interested in historiography?