The Greatest "Nonfiction, Asian History, Ancient History" Books Since 1950

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Nonfiction

Asian History

Asian History is a category of books that focuses on the historical events, cultures, and societies of Asia. This category includes books that cover a wide range of topics, including the ancient civilizations of China, Japan, and India, the rise and fall of empires, the impact of colonialism, and the modernization of Asian countries. It also includes books that explore the social, political, and economic changes that have shaped the region over time. Overall, Asian History provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the rich and diverse history of Asia.

Ancient History

Ancient History is a category of books that focuses on the study of human civilizations and societies that existed in the distant past, typically before the Middle Ages. This genre encompasses a wide range of topics, including the rise and fall of empires, the development of religions and cultures, the evolution of technology and science, and the political and social structures of ancient societies. Ancient History books provide readers with a glimpse into the lives and experiences of people who lived in a vastly different world than our own, offering insights into the origins of modern civilization and the forces that shaped our world today.

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  1. 1. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

    This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the history of the human species, tracing back from the earliest forms of Homo Sapiens to the modern day. It delves into evolutionary biology, the development of cultures and societies, and the rise of major ideologies and technologies. The book also discusses the future of the species, posing thought-provoking questions about our roles and responsibilities in a rapidly changing world.

  2. 2. The Rise of the West by William H. McNeill

    "The Rise of the West" is a comprehensive historical narrative that explores the development of Western civilization from the early stages of human history to the 20th century. The book provides a detailed analysis of various civilizations around the world, their interactions, and the resulting cultural exchanges that have shaped the modern world. It also discusses the significant factors, such as technological advancements, religious transformations, and political changes, that have contributed to the West's ascendancy.

  3. 3. A History of the World in 100 Objects by Neil MacGregor

    This book offers a unique perspective on world history, telling the story of humanity through the examination of 100 man-made objects. The author, a museum director, uses items from the British Museum, ranging from a 2 million-year-old Olduvai stone cutting tool to a contemporary credit card, to explore various themes such as trade, religion, art, science, and politics. The book provides a fascinating lens through which to view the evolution of human civilization.

  4. 4. The Great Leveler : Violence And The History Of Inequality From The Stone Age To The Twenty First Century by Walter Scheidel

    This book delves into the historical patterns of inequality, arguing that significant reductions in inequality have only ever been brought about by cataclysmic events, which the author terms as the "Four Horsemen": war, revolution, state collapse, and plague. Through a comprehensive examination of societal structures from the Stone Age to the modern era, it presents a compelling case that peaceful reforms have rarely led to lasting decreases in inequality. The work challenges readers to confront the uncomfortable reality that significant improvements in equality have often been forged in the crucible of immense human suffering, thereby questioning the prospects for achieving future equality without such extreme catalysts.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

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