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Whether you’re fascinated by the past or just beginning to explore it this collection brings together standout history titles across eras and subjects. From ancient civilizations to recent events court intrigue to media gossip spycraft to literary rivalries these stories offer insight into the moments and people that shaped the world.
Perfect for fans of: Ancient empires, royal intrigue, and modern scandals
The Stolen Crown: Treachery, Deceit, and the Death of the Tudor Dynasty
Tracy Borman
from $22.38
Seven Rivers: A Journey Through the Currents of Human History
Vanessa Taylor
from $18.99
Assassins and Templars: A Battle in Myth and Blood
Steve Tibble
from $23.06
Heiresses: The Women Who Brought Caribbean Slavery Home
Miranda Kaufmann
from $26.55
Everything Is Tuberculosis
John Green
from $21.12
The Fate of the Day
Rick Atkinson
from $30.70
Dark Renaissance
Stephen Greenblatt
from $23.59
The Determined Spy: The Turbulent Life and Times of CIA Pioneer Frank Wisner
Douglas C. Waller
from $11.59
Mark Twain
Ron Chernow
from $32.56
Born in Flames: The Business of Arson and the Remaking of the American City
Bench Ansfield
from $23.59
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
from $19.93
Tequila Wars: José Cuervo and the Bloody Struggle for the Spirit of Mexico
Ted Genoways
from $20.39
The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World
William Dalrymple
from $17.97
Children of Radium: A Buried Inheritance
Joe Dunthorne
from $7.99
Story of a Murder: The Wives, the Mistress, and Dr. Crippen
Hallie Rubenhold
from $24.57
Accidental Tyrant: A Biography of Kim il-Sung
Fyodor Tertitskiy
from $31.77
Medicine River: A Story of Survival and the Legacy of Indian Boarding Schools
from $20.09
Weavers, Scribes, and Kings: A New History of the Ancient Near East
Amanda H. Podany
from $22.19
Empire of the Elite
Michael Grynbaum
from $16.48
Free Shipping on all US orders $15 or more
Featured Author
Elie Wiesel
Since his unprecedented memoir Night woke up the world to the atrocities of the Holocaust in 1958, Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel has dedicated his days to turning his survival story from one of horror to one of hope. From several works inspired by his experience to his insightful reflections in After the Darkness, Wiesel s work serves to both admonish and inspire.
More from this authorFeatured Series
The Civil War Series
The Civil War Series
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Join TodayDiscover History: Explore Books on History and Historical Biographies
History books open doors to the past, letting us experience significant events, cultures, and people who have shaped our world. Whether you are searching for classic historical biographies, eager to dive into ancient civilizations, or simply want to find books on history that spark your curiosity, ThriftBooks offers an extensive collection for every reader. From students and lifelong learners to casual readers and collectors, our selection makes it easy to explore history in a way that fits your interests and goals.
Why Read History Books?
Books on history do more than recount dates and events—they connect us to the triumphs, challenges, and everyday lives of those who came before us. Delving into history books and historical biographies helps you:
- Gain perspective on current events by understanding their roots
- Develop empathy by hearing voices from different times and places
- Appreciate cultural diversity and global connections
- Sharpen critical thinking through analysis of sources and interpretations
- Enjoy compelling stories found in real-life adventures, struggles, and discoveries
Browse History Books by Your Interests
The world of history is vast, and our collection reflects this diversity. Whether you want to focus on a particular era, region, or theme, you’ll find books that match your curiosity and reading style.
- Historical Biographies: Discover the lives of influential figures and lesser-known heroes whose experiences shaped their times. Biographies provide a personal view of history, making it real and relatable.
- World History: Explore stories from every continent and civilization, from ancient empires to modern revolutions. World history books connect local stories to global change.
- American History: Dive into the events and movements that have defined the United States, including primary sources, critical analysis, and engaging narratives.
- Ancient & Medieval History: Travel back to the eras of pharaohs, philosophers, and knights to uncover the foundations of today’s societies.
- Military & War History: Examine the causes and consequences of conflicts, as well as the experiences of those who lived through them.
- Social & Cultural History: Understand everyday life, traditions, and the evolution of ideas that shaped societies throughout the ages.
Choosing the Right History Book for You
With so many choices, finding the perfect history book can feel overwhelming. Consider these questions to guide your search:
- What period or region interests you most? Are you drawn to ancient Rome, Revolutionary America, or modern Asia?
- Do you prefer biographies, broad overviews, or focused studies? Choose based on whether you want personal stories or a bigger picture.
- Are you reading for education, research, or leisure? Textbooks and scholarly works suit students, while narrative history appeals to general readers.
- What is your reading level? ThriftBooks offers history books for all ages, from beginner-friendly introductions to in-depth academic texts.
Use filters and browse subcategories to easily find books on history that match your interests and needs.
History Books for Every Reader
- Students and Academics: Access textbooks, primary sources, and scholarly works to support your studies or research projects.
- History Buffs and Enthusiasts: Dive deep into specialized topics, from ancient civilizations to 20th-century events.
- Casual Readers: Enjoy well-written historical narratives and biographies that bring the past to life—no background knowledge required.
- Young Readers: Find engaging, age-appropriate history books that inspire curiosity and learning in children and teens.
Popular Types of History Books
Our collection spans a full spectrum of genres and topics. Here are some of the most sought-after categories you’ll find at ThriftBooks:
- Historical Biographies & Memoirs: Experience history through the eyes of those who lived it, from leaders and innovators to everyday people.
- Political & Economic History: Understand the rise and fall of nations, political movements, and economic changes that shaped societies.
- Social Movements: Learn about the struggles for rights and justice, including civil rights, women’s suffrage, and global revolutions.
- Military History: Explore wars, strategies, and the impact of conflict on cultures and individuals.
- Local and Regional History: Discover how events unfolded in specific places, from city chronicles to rural narratives.
- History for Young Readers: Accessible books designed to make learning about the past fun and memorable for kids and teens.
How to Find Books on History at ThriftBooks
ThriftBooks makes it simple to browse and discover your next great read. Use the filters to sort by:
- Time Period: Ancient, Medieval, Early Modern, Modern, and Contemporary
- Geographic Region: American, European, Asian, African, Latin American, and more
- Genre: Biography, Military, Political, Social, Cultural, and more
- Audience: Kids, Teens, Adults
- Format: Hardcover, Paperback, Large Print, Audiobooks
Whether you want to expand your personal library, prepare for a research project, or simply enjoy a new perspective, you can quickly find books on history that match your preferences and budget.
Benefits of Shopping for History Books & Historical Biographies at ThriftBooks
- Affordable Prices: Explore both new and gently used books at a fraction of retail cost.
- Wide Selection: Thousands of titles spanning every era, region, and topic.
- Quality and Value: Carefully inspected books ensure that you get the best reading experience.
- Free Shipping: Enjoy free US shipping on orders over $15, so you can build your collection for less.
- Sustainable Shopping: Purchasing used books helps reduce waste and supports a greener planet.
Tips for Building Your History Book Collection
- Start with a topic or era that interests you most and branch out from there.
- Mix genres—combine biographies with narrative histories or primary sources for a fuller understanding.
- Read from different perspectives to broaden your view of world events.
- Share your discoveries with friends and family to inspire conversations and learning.
- Revisit favorite books to uncover new insights over time.
Explore More History at ThriftBooks
Whether you’re searching for an inspiring biography, a sweeping world history, or a deep dive into a specific culture or event, ThriftBooks makes it easy to find books on history for every interest and budget. Our collection is always growing, so check back often for new arrivals and special deals.
Start your journey into the past today—explore our wide selection of history books and historical biographies, connect with the stories that matter, and bring history to life in your own reading adventures.
Read more. Spend less. Make history a part of your story with ThriftBooks.

