One of my favorite things to do is read about history. I’m always fascinated by how the world became what it is today, and history books are the perfect way to trace that journey. Each book offers a glimpse into the past, helping me understand the events, decisions, and people that have shaped our present and continue to influence our future.

For me, history is more than just facts and dates—it’s about exploring the stories behind the headlines and understanding the forces that have driven change. From ancient civilizations to modern times, history provides valuable lessons about society, politics, and human nature. Whether it’s through big-picture analyses or more focused accounts, reading about history helps me connect the dots and see the bigger picture of how the world works.

On this page, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite historical non-fiction books that have expanded my understanding of the world. These are books that offer fresh perspectives and have made me think deeply about the past, present, and future. If you’re curious about history and want to dive into some thought-provoking reads, I hope these recommendations will inspire you.

1. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind and other books

When I think about history, one of the first authors that comes to mind is Yuval Noah Harari. His book Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind is hands down my favorite journey through history. Despite being a hefty read, Harari has a unique ability to make complex historical concepts engaging and thought-provoking. His storytelling style is captivating, and he brings history to life in a way that never feels boring. What I love most is how he connects the dots between different periods in time, showing us the big picture of human development.

Harari’s work doesn’t stop with Sapiens. He has written three other incredible books: Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, and his most recent release, Nexus, which explores the history—and future—of information. I was so excited for Nexus to come out that I pre-ordered it as soon as it was available, though I haven’t had the chance to finish it just yet. Harari’s ability to weave historical insights into his analysis of the present and future is one of the reasons I find his books so compelling.

Although not all of his books are strictly focused on history, they all draw heavily on historical knowledge to provide context for contemporary issues. Homo Deus looks at the future of humanity in the age of artificial intelligence, and 21 Lessons for the 21st Century tackles modern-day challenges, from technology to politics. Both books incorporate fascinating historical perspectives to explore where we’ve been and where we might be headed.

I highly recommend these books in this list as they are truly eye-opening, thought-provoking, and absolutely amazing. Each book challenges how we think about the world and our place in it, making them essential reads for anyone interested in history, society, and the future.