The Greatest "Political, Nonfiction, European History" Books Since 2000

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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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Political

The "Political" category of books encompasses works that explore the theory, practice, and history of government and politics. These books may cover topics such as political ideologies, political systems, political institutions, political movements, and political leaders. They may also examine the relationship between politics and other areas of society, such as economics, culture, and international relations. Political books can be both informative and thought-provoking, offering readers insights into the complexities of the political world and the challenges of governing in a democratic society.

Nonfiction

European History

European History is a category of books that focuses on the historical events, people, and cultures of Europe. It covers a wide range of topics, including the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and the modern era. This category of books explores the political, social, economic, and cultural developments that have shaped Europe over the centuries, from the rise and fall of empires to the impact of wars and revolutions. It provides readers with a deeper understanding of the rich and complex history of Europe and its influence on the world.

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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. Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe

    This book is a gripping exploration of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, focusing on the disappearance of Jean McConville, a mother of ten who was abducted by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in 1972. The narrative weaves together the stories of several key figures in the IRA, including Dolours Price, an IRA member who became disillusioned with the organization, and Brendan Hughes, a former IRA commander. The book delves deep into the political and personal complexities of the conflict, revealing the long-lasting trauma and moral ambiguities that continue to haunt those involved.

  3. 3. One Of Us: The Story Of Anders Breivik And The Massacre In Norway by Asne Seierstad

    One of Us by Asne Seierstad is a detailed account of the 2011 terrorist attack in Oslo, Norway, carried out by Anders Breivik. The book explores Breivik's background, motives, and planning leading up to the attack, as well as the aftermath and impact on the survivors and families of the victims. Seierstad's thorough research and interviews with those affected provide a comprehensive and emotional portrayal of the tragedy, shedding light on the complexities of extremism and the devastating consequences of hate.

  4. 4. Secondhand Time: The Last of the Soviets by Svetlana Alexievich

    "Secondhand Time: The Last of the Soviets" is a compilation of personal narratives from individuals who lived through the transformation of the Soviet Union to modern Russia. The book provides a vivid and emotional portrayal of the experiences of ordinary people during this period of significant societal and political change. The author uses these narratives to explore themes such as the impact of political ideology on individual lives, the nature of memory and history, and the enduring effects of trauma and loss.

  5. 5. Why the West Rules - For Now: The Patterns of History, and What They Reveal About the Future by Ian Morris

    This book is a comprehensive exploration of the historical and cultural patterns that have led to Western dominance in the world. The author uses a broad range of evidence from archaeology, genetics, and linguistics to trace the development of East and West from prehistoric times to the present, arguing that physical geography, rather than culture, religion, or great men, is the primary driving force behind the rise of the West. The book also offers a forecast for the future, predicting a shift in global power from the West to the East.

  6. 6. Gulag: A History by Anne Applebaum

    "Gulag: A History" provides an in-depth historical account of the Soviet Union's forced labor camp system, known as the Gulag. The book explores the inception of these camps during the reign of Vladimir Lenin, their expansion under Joseph Stalin, and their eventual decline and closure. It also delves into the daily lives of the prisoners, their hardships, and the brutal conditions they endured. The book is based on a wealth of archival material, personal interviews, and memoirs, offering a comprehensive understanding of one of the darkest periods in human history.

  7. 7. Stasiland by Anna Funder

    This non-fiction work delves into the haunting legacy of the Stasi, the secret police of the former East Germany, through a series of personal narratives and interviews. The author explores the pervasive surveillance and oppression that characterized the German Democratic Republic, weaving together the stories of those who resisted the regime, those who worked for it, and those who were its victims. The book serves as a poignant examination of the human spirit under the strain of totalitarianism, revealing the scars left by a society where privacy was eradicated and trust was a commodity few could afford.

  8. 8. The Future Is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia by Masha Gessen

    This book provides a deeply researched examination of the resurgence of totalitarianism in Russia, focusing on the lives of four individuals born at what promised to be the dawn of democracy. The book explores how, after the fall of the Soviet Union, instead of moving towards a democratic society, Russia has seen a rise in a new form of totalitarianism under its current leadership. It delves into the psychological shift in the Russian populace, the government's use of homophobia as a method of control, and how the internet and social media have been weaponized for political purposes.

  9. 9. Rough Crossings by Simon Schama

    "Rough Crossings" is a historical account of the experience of African American slaves during the American Revolution. It focuses on the British promise to grant freedom to slaves who joined their cause, and the subsequent journey of these former slaves to Nova Scotia and Sierra Leone. The book explores the complexities of this period in history, questioning the traditional narrative of the American Revolution and shedding light on the struggle for freedom and equality by African Americans.

  10. 10. Island on Fire: The Revolt That Ended Slavery in the British Empire by Tom Zoellner

    The book chronicles the 1831 slave rebellion in Jamaica, a significant event that hastened the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. The narrative details the planning and execution of the revolt, the brutal suppression by the colonial authorities, and the aftermath, including the public outrage in Britain that led to legislative reform. The book also explores the role of key figures in the uprising, providing a detailed account of this pivotal moment in history.

  11. 11. The Years of Extermination by Saul Friedlander

    "The Years of Extermination" is a comprehensive historical analysis of the Holocaust, examining the genocide from 1939 to 1945. Drawing on a variety of sources, including diaries, letters, and firsthand accounts, it provides a detailed and harrowing account of the systematic extermination of the Jewish people during World War II. The book also explores the responses of various groups, including the Jewish communities in Europe, the international community, and the perpetrators themselves.

  12. 12. Iron Curtain by Anne Applebaum

    "Iron Curtain" is a compelling historical analysis that delves into the brutal tactics employed by the Soviet Union to establish communist regimes in Eastern Europe after World War II. The book meticulously examines how political parties, cultural institutions, and the media were manipulated and often violently coerced to suppress opposition and control public life. Through personal stories and detailed research, it explores the profound impact of totalitarianism on the lives of individuals and the social fabric of societies behind the Iron Curtain, highlighting the methods of oppression and the legacy of this dark period in European history.

  13. 13. The Pope and Mussolini by David I. Kertzer

    This book delves into the secret relationship between Pope Pius XI and the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. The narrative reveals how each man relied on the other to consolidate his power and achieve his political goals, ultimately leading to the Vatican’s endorsement of the Fascist regime. The author uses newly available sources from the Vatican archives to illuminate this dark chapter in the history of the Catholic Church and Italy.

Reading Statistics

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

Download

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.

Download