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History Books » Historical Figures

Browse book recommendations:

History Books

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We have a wide range of recommendations of books about key historical figures, up to and including a few who are still alive. These are people who changed history or at least political history. We also have special sections dedicated to the following:

For well-known philosophers, please browse our 'great philosophers' section.

For well-known novelists and writers, please browse our 'literary figures' section.

Or just browse the array of historical figures we've dedicated interviews to below:

    The best books on Hitler, recommended by Michael Burleigh

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    The best books on Hitler - The Fuehrer by Konrad Heiden

    1

    The Fuehrer
    by Konrad Heiden

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    The best books on Hitler - Hitler’s Vienna by Brigitte Hamann

    2

    Hitler’s Vienna
    by Brigitte Hamann

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    The best books on Hitler - Hitler: The Fuhrer and the People by J P Stern

    3

    Hitler: The Fuhrer and the People
    by J P Stern

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    The best books on Hitler - The Hitler Myth by Ian Kershaw

    4

    The Hitler Myth
    by Ian Kershaw

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    The best books on Hitler - Hitler by Joachim Fest

    5

    Hitler
    by Joachim Fest

The best books on Hitler, recommended by Michael Burleigh

Hitler has a reputation as the incarnation of evil. But, as British historian Michael Burleigh points out in selecting the best books on the German dictator, Hitler was a bizarre and strangely empty character who never did a proper day’s work in his life, as well as a raving fantasist on to whom Germans were able to project their longings.

    The best books on Alexander the Great, recommended by Hugh Bowden

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    The best books on Alexander the Great - Alexander the Great: The Anabasis and the Indica by Arrian

    1

    Alexander the Great: The Anabasis and the Indica
    by Arrian

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    The best books on Alexander the Great - The History of Alexander by Quintus Curtius Rufus

    2

    The History of Alexander
    by Quintus Curtius Rufus

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    The best books on Alexander the Great - The First European: A History of Alexander in the Age of Empire by Pierre Briant

    3

    The First European: A History of Alexander in the Age of Empire
    by Pierre Briant

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    The best books on Alexander the Great - The Persian Empire: A Corpus of Sources from the Achaemenid Period by Amélie Kuhrt

    4

    The Persian Empire: A Corpus of Sources from the Achaemenid Period
    by Amélie Kuhrt

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    The best books on Alexander the Great - Fire from Heaven: A Novel of Alexander the Great by Mary Renault

    5

    Fire from Heaven: A Novel of Alexander the Great
    by Mary Renault

The best books on Alexander the Great, recommended by Hugh Bowden

Alexander the Great never lost a battle and established an empire that stretched from the Mediterranean to the Indian subcontinent. From the earliest times, historians have argued about the nature of his achievements and what his failings were, both as a man and as a political leader. Here, Hugh Bowden, professor of ancient history at King’s College London, chooses five books to help you understand the controversies, the man behind the legends, and why the legends have taken the forms they have.

    The best books on Abraham Lincoln, recommended by Ted Widmer

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    The best books on Abraham Lincoln - Lincoln on the Verge: Thirteen Days to Washington by Ted Widmer

    1

    Lincoln on the Verge: Thirteen Days to Washington
    by Ted Widmer

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    The best books on Abraham Lincoln - Lincoln's Sword: The Presidency and the Power of Words by Douglas L Wilson

    2

    Lincoln's Sword: The Presidency and the Power of Words
    by Douglas L Wilson

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    The best books on Abraham Lincoln - Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words that Remade America by Garry Wills

    3

    Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words that Remade America
    by Garry Wills

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    The best books on Abraham Lincoln - Emancipating Lincoln: The Proclamation in Text, Context, and Memory by Harold Holzer

    4

    Emancipating Lincoln: The Proclamation in Text, Context, and Memory
    by Harold Holzer

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    The best books on Abraham Lincoln - They Knew Lincoln by John E Washington

    5

    They Knew Lincoln
    by John E Washington

The best books on Abraham Lincoln, recommended by Ted Widmer

He came from humble beginnings and never went to high school. Going into the presidency, he had limited political experience and lacked business, legislative and military achievements. The one thing he did not lack was a moral compass, says historian and author Ted Widmer. He picks the best books on the ups and downs and Shakespearean-style plot twists that were the life of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States.

    The best books on Dante, recommended by Nick Havely

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    The best books on Dante - The Divine Comedy I: Inferno by Robert M Durling

    1

    The Divine Comedy I: Inferno
    by Robert M Durling

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    The best books on Dante - Dante: A Brief History by Peter S Hawkins

    2

    Dante: A Brief History
    by Peter S Hawkins

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    The best books on Dante - Dante in English by Eric Griffiths & Matthew Reynolds

    3

    Dante in English
    by Eric Griffiths & Matthew Reynolds

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    The best books on Dante - Dante on View by Antonella Braida and Luisa Calè

    4

    Dante on View
    by Antonella Braida and Luisa Calè

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    The best books on Dante - Linden Hills by Gloria Naylor

    5

    Linden Hills
    by Gloria Naylor

The best books on Dante, recommended by Nick Havely

Dante’s epic poem The Divine Comedy has inspired countless thinkers and writers since it was first published almost 700 years ago. Here, Dante scholar and author Nick Havely picks the best five books on how one medieval poet had such a lasting impact on world literature, and how Dante’s vitality transmits into modern culture.

    The best books on Socrates, recommended by M M McCabe

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    The best books on Socrates - Apology by Plato

    1

    Apology
    by Plato

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    The best books on Socrates - The Clouds by Aristophanes

    2

    The Clouds
    by Aristophanes

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    The best books on Socrates - Theaetetus by Plato

    3

    Theaetetus
    by Plato

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    The best books on Socrates - Socrates: Ironist and Moral Philosopher by Gregory Vlastos

    4

    Socrates: Ironist and Moral Philosopher
    by Gregory Vlastos

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    The best books on Socrates - The Art of Living by Alexander Nehamas

    5

    The Art of Living
    by Alexander Nehamas

The best books on Socrates, recommended by M M McCabe

The classical Greek philosopher is credited with laying the foundation of Western philosophy – without ever having written a word. Here, the eminent scholar M M McCabe recommends the best books to read to understand Socrates and engage with the eternal question: How best to live?

    The best books on Leonardo da Vinci, recommended by Martin Kemp

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    The best books on Leonardo da Vinci - The Divine Comedy: Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso by Dante Alighieri

    1

    The Divine Comedy: Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso
    by Dante Alighieri

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    The best books on Leonardo da Vinci - Art and Illusion: A Study in the Psychology of Pictorial Representation by E.H. Gombrich

    2

    Art and Illusion: A Study in the Psychology of Pictorial Representation
    by E.H. Gombrich

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    The best books on Leonardo da Vinci - Leonardo da Vinci: i documenti e le testimonianze contemporanee by Edoardo Villata

    3

    Leonardo da Vinci: i documenti e le testimonianze contemporanee
    by Edoardo Villata

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    The best books on Leonardo da Vinci - The Literary Works of Leonardo da Vinci by Jean Paul Richter

    4

    The Literary Works of Leonardo da Vinci
    by Jean Paul Richter

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    The best books on Leonardo da Vinci - Leonardo da Vinci by Kenneth Clark

    5

    Leonardo da Vinci
    by Kenneth Clark

The best books on Leonardo da Vinci, recommended by Martin Kemp

Every generation has its own Leonardo, and for many he remains a man of mystery. Martin Kemp, Emeritus Professor in Art History at Oxford and the author of the recently published Mona Lisa: The People and the Painting, helps us identify the non-mythical Leonardo. What might Leonardo be doing were he alive today, in our own digital age?

    The best books on Napoleon, recommended by Andrew Roberts

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    The best books on Napoleon - The Campaigns of Napoleon by David G Chandler

    1

    The Campaigns of Napoleon
    by David G Chandler

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    The best books on Napoleon - Talleyrand by Duff Cooper

    2

    Talleyrand
    by Duff Cooper

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    The best books on Napoleon - With Eagles to Glory: Napoleon and His German Allies in the 1809 Campaign by John H Gill

    3

    With Eagles to Glory: Napoleon and His German Allies in the 1809 Campaign
    by John H Gill

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    The best books on Napoleon - Private Memoirs Of The Court Of Napoleon by Louis François Joseph Bausset-Roquefort

    4

    Private Memoirs Of The Court Of Napoleon
    by Louis François Joseph Bausset-Roquefort

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    The best books on Napoleon - With Napoleon in Russia: Memoirs of General de Caulaincourt, Duke of Vicenza by Armand de Caulaincourt

    5

    With Napoleon in Russia: Memoirs of General de Caulaincourt, Duke of Vicenza
    by Armand de Caulaincourt

The best books on Napoleon, recommended by Andrew Roberts

How did Napoleon Bonaparte, an upstart Corsican, go on to conquer half of Europe in the 16 years of his rule? Was he a military genius? And was he really that short? Historian Andrew Roberts, author of a bestselling biography of Napoleon, introduces us to the books that shaped how he sees l’Empereur—including little-known sources from those who knew Napoleon personally.

    The best books on Charlemagne, recommended by Carine van Rhijn

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    The best books on Charlemagne - King and Emperor: A New Life of Charlemagne by Janet Nelson

    1

    King and Emperor: A New Life of Charlemagne
    by Janet Nelson

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    The best books on Charlemagne - Charlemagne: Empire and Society by Joanna Story (editor)

    2

    Charlemagne: Empire and Society
    by Joanna Story (editor)

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    The best books on Charlemagne - Ich und Karl der Große: Das Leben des Höflings Einhard by Steffen Patzold

    3

    Ich und Karl der Große: Das Leben des Höflings Einhard
    by Steffen Patzold

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    The best books on Charlemagne - Charlemagne's Practice of Empire by Jennifer Davis

    4

    Charlemagne's Practice of Empire
    by Jennifer Davis

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    The best books on Charlemagne - Conquest and Christianization: Saxony and the Carolingian World, 772–888 by Ingrid Rembold

    5

    Conquest and Christianization: Saxony and the Carolingian World, 772–888
    by Ingrid Rembold

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    The best books on Charlemagne - Saxon Identities, AD 150-900 by Robert Flierman

    6

    Saxon Identities, AD 150-900
    by Robert Flierman

The best books on Charlemagne, recommended by Carine van Rhijn

We call him Charlemagne, but it was not a name that was used in his own lifetime. His conquests stretched across vast swathes of Europe, but he probably didn’t set out to become an emperor. Much has been written about him, but very little is known. Dutch historian Carine van Rhijn, a lecturer at the University of Utrecht, recommends the best books on Charles, King of the Franks.

    The best books on Beethoven, recommended by Jessica Duchen

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    The best books on Beethoven - Beethoven: Impressions by his Contemporaries by Oscar Sonneck (Editor)

    1

    Beethoven: Impressions by his Contemporaries
    by Oscar Sonneck (Editor)

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    The best books on Beethoven - Beethoven Variations: Poems on a Life by Ruth Padel

    2

    Beethoven Variations: Poems on a Life
    by Ruth Padel

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    The best books on Beethoven - Beethoven for a Later Age: The Journey of a String Quartet by Edward Dusinberre

    3

    Beethoven for a Later Age: The Journey of a String Quartet
    by Edward Dusinberre

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    The best books on Beethoven - Beethoven: The Man Revealed by John Suchet

    4

    Beethoven: The Man Revealed
    by John Suchet

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    The best books on Beethoven - Beethoven: Anguish and Triumph by Jan Swafford

    5

    Beethoven: Anguish and Triumph
    by Jan Swafford

The best books on Beethoven, recommended by Jessica Duchen

He was a much misunderstood man and one of the greatest composers who ever lived. Music critic and novelist Jessica Duchen talks us through the best books about the German composer and pianist, Ludwig van Beethoven.

    The best books on Gandhi, recommended by Ramachandra Guha

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    The best books on Gandhi - My Days With Gandhi by Nirmal Kumar Bose

    1

    My Days With Gandhi
    by Nirmal Kumar Bose

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    The best books on Gandhi - A Week with Gandhi by Louis Fischer

    2

    A Week with Gandhi
    by Louis Fischer

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    The best books on Gandhi - Mahatma Gandhi: Nonviolent Power in Action by Dennis Dalton

    3

    Mahatma Gandhi: Nonviolent Power in Action
    by Dennis Dalton

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    The best books on Gandhi - Gandhi's Religion: A Homespun Shawl by J. T. F. Jordens

    4

    Gandhi's Religion: A Homespun Shawl
    by J. T. F. Jordens

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    The best books on Gandhi - Harilal Gandhi: A Life by Chandulal Bhagubhai

    5

    Harilal Gandhi: A Life
    by Chandulal Bhagubhai

The best books on Gandhi, recommended by Ramachandra Guha

Gandhi's peaceful resistance to British rule changed India and inspired freedom movements around the globe. But as well as being an inspiring leader, Gandhi was also a human being. Ramachandra Guha, author of a new two-part biography of Gandhi, introduces us to books that give a fuller picture of the man who came to be known as 'Mahatma' Gandhi.

    The best books on Chinggis Khan, recommended by Timothy May

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    The best books on Chinggis Khan - Chinggis Khan by Michal Biran

    1

    Chinggis Khan
    by Michal Biran

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    The best books on Chinggis Khan - Chinggis Khan by Ruth W. Dunnell

    2

    Chinggis Khan
    by Ruth W. Dunnell

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    The best books on Chinggis Khan - The Secret History of the Mongols by Igor de Rachewiltz (trans.)

    3

    The Secret History of the Mongols
    by Igor de Rachewiltz (trans.)

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    The best books on Chinggis Khan - The Mongols and the Islamic World: From Conquest to Conversion by Peter Jackson

    4

    The Mongols and the Islamic World: From Conquest to Conversion
    by Peter Jackson

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    The best books on Chinggis Khan - Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford

    5

    Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World
    by Jack Weatherford

The best books on Chinggis Khan, recommended by Timothy May

He was born Temüjin and was afraid of dogs as a child. He went on to create the largest land empire the world has ever known, but was more than just a bloodthirsty conqueror. Timothy May, Professor of Eurasian History at the University of North Georgia and author of a number of books on the Mongol Empire, separates the facts from the myths and explains how the modern world would have looked very different without Genghis or, more accurately, Chinggis Khan.

    The best books on Jesus, recommended by Robert Morgan

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    The best books on Jesus - Jesus and the Word by Rudolf Bultmann

    1

    Jesus and the Word
    by Rudolf Bultmann

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    The best books on Jesus - The Quest of the Historical Jesus by Albert Schweitzer

    2

    The Quest of the Historical Jesus
    by Albert Schweitzer

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    The best books on Jesus - The Shadow of the Galilean by Gerd Theissen

    3

    The Shadow of the Galilean
    by Gerd Theissen

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    The best books on Jesus - The Birth of the Messiah by Raymond Brown

    4

    The Birth of the Messiah
    by Raymond Brown

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    The best books on Jesus - Born of a Virgin? by Andrew Lincoln

    5

    Born of a Virgin?
    by Andrew Lincoln

The best books on Jesus, recommended by Robert Morgan

Jesus was a 1st century Jew from Galilee who had a ministry of teaching and healing. He gathered disciples around him, but was eventually arrested and executed by the Roman governor of Judaea from 26 to 36CE, Pontius Pilate. But what else do we know about Jesus and what is his significance in an increasingly secular age? New Testament scholar Robert Morgan talks us through his favourite books on Jesus.

    The best books on Elizabeth I, recommended by Helen Hackett

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    The best books on Elizabeth I - Elizabeth I by David Starkey and Susan Doran

    1

    Elizabeth I
    by David Starkey and Susan Doran

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    The best books on Elizabeth I - The Faerie Queene by edited by Thomas P Roche Jr and C Patrick O’Donnell Jr & Edmund Spenser

    2

    The Faerie Queene
    by edited by Thomas P Roche Jr and C Patrick O’Donnell Jr & Edmund Spenser

  • Read
    The best books on Elizabeth I - Translations by Elizabeth I, 1592-98 by Janel Mueller and Joshua Scodel

    3

    Translations by Elizabeth I, 1592-98
    by Janel Mueller and Joshua Scodel

  • Read
    The best books on Elizabeth I - Rewriting the Renaissance by Margaret W Ferguson, Maureen Quilligan and Nancy Vickers

    4

    Rewriting the Renaissance
    by Margaret W Ferguson, Maureen Quilligan and Nancy Vickers

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    The best books on Elizabeth I - Representing Elizabeth in Stuart England by John A Watkins

    5

    Representing Elizabeth in Stuart England
    by John A Watkins

The best books on Elizabeth I, recommended by Helen Hackett

University College London professor Helen Hackett selects five books on the Virgin Queen, including one by the monarch herself. “You get a sense of her independence of mind. She does her own thing”

    The best books on Rembrandt, recommended by Onno Blom

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    The best books on Rembrandt - Rembrandt: The Painter at Work by Ernst van de Wetering

    1

    Rembrandt: The Painter at Work
    by Ernst van de Wetering

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    The best books on Rembrandt - Rembrandt's Universe: His Art, His Life, His World by Gary Schwartz

    2

    Rembrandt's Universe: His Art, His Life, His World
    by Gary Schwartz

  • Read
    The best books on Rembrandt - Rembrandt's Eyes by Simon Schama

    3

    Rembrandt's Eyes
    by Simon Schama

  • Read
    The best books on Rembrandt - The Painter and the Girl by Margriet de Moor

    4

    The Painter and the Girl
    by Margriet de Moor

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    The best books on Rembrandt - Rembrandt: the Complete Drawings & Etchings by Peter Schatborn

    5

    Rembrandt: the Complete Drawings & Etchings
    by Peter Schatborn

The best books on Rembrandt, recommended by Onno Blom

Though he left more self-portraits to posterity than practically any Old Master, there remains an air of mystery around Rembrandt the man—even on the 350th anniversary of his death. Piecing together the very few personal letters and documents left behind, Onno Blom has now reconstructed Rembrandt’s formative years in Young Rembrandt. Here he guides us through five of the most authoritative—and imaginative—accounts of the artist.

    The best books on Virginia Woolf, recommended by Hermione Lee

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    The best books on Virginia Woolf - To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

    1

    To the Lighthouse
    by Virginia Woolf

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    The best books on Virginia Woolf - The Years by Virginia Woolf

    2

    The Years
    by Virginia Woolf

  • Read
    The best books on Virginia Woolf - Walter Sickert: A Conversation by Virginia Woolf

    3

    Walter Sickert: A Conversation
    by Virginia Woolf

  • Read
    The best books on Virginia Woolf - On Being Ill by Virginia Woolf

    4

    On Being Ill
    by Virginia Woolf

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    The best books on Virginia Woolf - Selected Diaries by Virginia Woolf

    5

    Selected Diaries
    by Virginia Woolf

The best books on Virginia Woolf, recommended by Hermione Lee

Virginia Woolf was long dismissed as a ‘minor modernist’ but now stands as one of the giants of 20th century literature. Her biographer, Hermione Lee, talks us through the best Virginia Woolf books, novels and essays, and diaries, of Virginia Woolf.

    The Best George Orwell Books, recommended by D J Taylor

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    The Best George Orwell Books - Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell

    1

    Down and Out in Paris and London
    by George Orwell

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    The Best George Orwell Books - A Clergyman’s Daughter by George Orwell

    2

    A Clergyman’s Daughter
    by George Orwell

  • Read
    The Best George Orwell Books - Keep the Aspidistra Flying by George Orwell

    3

    Keep the Aspidistra Flying
    by George Orwell

  • Read
    The Best George Orwell Books - The Road to Wigan Pier by George Orwell

    4

    The Road to Wigan Pier
    by George Orwell

  • Read
    The Best George Orwell Books - Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell

    5

    Nineteen Eighty-Four
    by George Orwell

The Best George Orwell Books, recommended by D J Taylor

Seventy years on from its initial publication, George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four is just as resonant in today’s era of misinformation and fake news as it was in the incipient Cold War era. D J Taylor, author of a lauded biography of Orwell and a forthcoming biography of Nineteen Eighty-Four, takes us through the extraordinary impact of the author’s fiction and reportage.

    The Best Jane Austen Books, recommended by Patricia Meyer Spacks

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    The Best Jane Austen Books - Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

    1

    Sense and Sensibility
    by Jane Austen

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    The Best Jane Austen Books - Pride and Prejudice (Book) by Jane Austen

    2

    Pride and Prejudice (Book)
    by Jane Austen

  • Read
    The Best Jane Austen Books - Emma by Jane Austen

    3

    Emma
    by Jane Austen

  • Read
    The Best Jane Austen Books - Persuasion by Jane Austen

    4

    Persuasion
    by Jane Austen

  • Read
    The Best Jane Austen Books - A Companion to Jane Austen by Claudia L Johnson and Clara Tuite

    5

    A Companion to Jane Austen
    by Claudia L Johnson and Clara Tuite

The Best Jane Austen Books, recommended by Patricia Meyer Spacks

The distinguished Austen scholar Patricia Meyer Spacks  tells us about the joy of rereading Jane Austen novels and the hidden layers of complexity that emerge from the writing when one does so. She chooses the best Jane Austen books.

    The Best Voltaire Books, recommended by Nicholas Cronk

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    The Best Voltaire Books - Voltaire Almighty: A Life in Pursuit of Freedom by Roger Pearson

    1

    Voltaire Almighty: A Life in Pursuit of Freedom
    by Roger Pearson

  • Read
    The Best Voltaire Books - A Pocket Philosophical Dictionary by John Fletcher (translator) & Voltaire

    2

    A Pocket Philosophical Dictionary
    by John Fletcher (translator) & Voltaire

  • Read
    The Best Voltaire Books - The Newton Wars and the Beginning of the French Enlightenment by J. B. Shank

    3

    The Newton Wars and the Beginning of the French Enlightenment
    by J. B. Shank

  • Read
    The Best Voltaire Books - Candide by Roger Pearson (translator) & Voltaire

    4

    Candide
    by Roger Pearson (translator) & Voltaire

  • Read
    The Best Voltaire Books - Reinventing Voltaire: The Politics of Commemoration in Nineteenth-Century France by Stephen Bird

    5

    Reinventing Voltaire: The Politics of Commemoration in Nineteenth-Century France
    by Stephen Bird

The Best Voltaire Books, recommended by Nicholas Cronk

The eighteenth-century philosopher wielded his powers of ridicule and witticism against religious fanatics—but always championed free speech and religious toleration. He was also a historian, scientist, poet, playwright, and political activist. Nicholas Cronk, General Editor of the Complete Works of Voltaire gives a detailed look at the polymathic philosophe.

    The best books on Spinoza, recommended by Steven Nadler

  • Read
    The best books on Spinoza - The Collected Works of Spinoza (Volume I) by Baruch Spinoza & Edwin Curley

    1

    The Collected Works of Spinoza (Volume I)
    by Baruch Spinoza & Edwin Curley

  • Read
    The best books on Spinoza - Behind the Geometrical Method: A Reading of Spinoza's Ethics by Edwin Curley

    2

    Behind the Geometrical Method: A Reading of Spinoza's Ethics
    by Edwin Curley

  • Read
    The best books on Spinoza - A Study of Spinoza's Ethics by Jonathan Bennett

    3

    A Study of Spinoza's Ethics
    by Jonathan Bennett

  • Read
    The best books on Spinoza - The Explainability of Experience: Realism and Subjectivity in Spinoza's Theory of the Human Mind by Ursula Renz

    4

    The Explainability of Experience: Realism and Subjectivity in Spinoza's Theory of the Human Mind
    by Ursula Renz

  • Read
    The best books on Spinoza - Spinoza on Philosophy, Religion, and Politics: The Theologico-Political Treatise by Susan James

    5

    Spinoza on Philosophy, Religion, and Politics: The Theologico-Political Treatise
    by Susan James

The best books on Spinoza, recommended by Steven Nadler

In 1656 Baruch Spinoza was thrown out by Amsterdam’s Portuguese-Jewish congregation for ‘abominable heresies’ and ‘monstrous deeds’, ensuring he would be forever remembered as a radical thinker. Here Steven Nadler, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and author of a number of books on Spinoza, talks us through the life and work of the 17th century philosopher whose worldview remains, in many ways, remarkably modern.

    The best books on Hannah Arendt, recommended by Samantha Rose Hill

  • Read
    The best books on Hannah Arendt - The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt

    1

    The Origins of Totalitarianism
    by Hannah Arendt

  • Read
    The best books on Hannah Arendt - The Human Condition by Hannah Arendt

    2

    The Human Condition
    by Hannah Arendt

  • Read
    The best books on Hannah Arendt - Men in Dark Times by Hannah Arendt

    3

    Men in Dark Times
    by Hannah Arendt

  • Read
    The best books on Hannah Arendt - Thinking Without a Banister by Hannah Arendt

    4

    Thinking Without a Banister
    by Hannah Arendt

  • Read
    The best books on Hannah Arendt - Hannah Arendt: For Love of the World by Elisabeth Young-Bruehl

    5

    Hannah Arendt: For Love of the World
    by Elisabeth Young-Bruehl

The best books on Hannah Arendt, recommended by Samantha Rose Hill

Unimpressed by the response of philosophers to the rise of Nazism in her native Germany, Hannah Arendt rejected the notion of being a philosopher and said she was a political theorist. Samantha Rose Hill of the Hannah Arendt Center at Bard College talks us through Hannah Arendt’s life and work—and suggests which books to read if we want to learn more about her and her ideas.

    The best books on Confucius, recommended by Daniel A. Bell

  • Read
    The best books on Confucius - Analects Confucius (trans. Edward Slingerland)

    1

    Analects
    Confucius (trans. Edward Slingerland)

  • Read
    The best books on Confucius - Mengzi: With Selections from Traditional Commentaries by Mengzi

    2

    Mengzi: With Selections from Traditional Commentaries
    by Mengzi

  • Read
    The best books on Confucius - Xunzi: The Complete Text

    3

    Xunzi: The Complete Text

  • Read
    The best books on Confucius - The Li Chi or Book of Rites, Part II of II (Forgotten Books) by K'ung-fu Tzu

    4

    The Li Chi or Book of Rites, Part II of II (Forgotten Books)
    by K'ung-fu Tzu

  • Read
    The best books on Confucius - Thinking Through Confucius by David L. Hall, Roger T. Ames

    5

    Thinking Through Confucius
    by David L. Hall, Roger T. Ames

The best books on Confucius, recommended by Daniel A. Bell

As Confucianism makes a comeback in China, Daniel A. Bell, a professor of philosophy at Tsinghua University in Beijing, lists which books to read for an understanding of Confucius and his legacy.

    The Best Adam Smith Books, recommended by Dennis Rasmussen

  • Read
    The Best Adam Smith Books - Adam Smith in His Time and Ours by Jerry Muller

    1

    Adam Smith in His Time and Ours
    by Jerry Muller

  • Read
    The Best Adam Smith Books - The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith

    2

    The Theory of Moral Sentiments
    by Adam Smith

  • Read
    The Best Adam Smith Books - Adam Smith and the Virtues of Enlightenment by Charles Griswold

    3

    Adam Smith and the Virtues of Enlightenment
    by Charles Griswold

  • Read
    The Best Adam Smith Books - The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith

    4

    The Wealth of Nations
    by Adam Smith

  • Read
    The Best Adam Smith Books - On Adam Smith's "Wealth of Nations": A Philosophical Companion by Samuel Fleischacker

    5

    On Adam Smith's "Wealth of Nations": A Philosophical Companion
    by Samuel Fleischacker

The Best Adam Smith Books, recommended by Dennis Rasmussen

Adam Smith tends to be seen as the founder of capitalism and modern economics, but he was, first and foremost, a moral philosopher. Dennis Rasmussen, author of The Infidel and the Professor—a book about Smith’s friendship with David Hume—selects the best books by and about Adam Smith.

    The Best Charles Dickens Books, recommended by Jenny Hartley

  • Read
    The Best Charles Dickens Books - David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

    1

    David Copperfield
    by Charles Dickens

  • Read
    The Best Charles Dickens Books - Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

    2

    Great Expectations
    by Charles Dickens

  • Read
    The Best Charles Dickens Books - Charles Dickens: A Life by Claire Tomalin

    3

    Charles Dickens: A Life
    by Claire Tomalin

  • Read
    The Best Charles Dickens Books - The Selected Letters of Charles Dickens by Jenny Hartley

    4

    The Selected Letters of Charles Dickens
    by Jenny Hartley

  • Read
    The Best Charles Dickens Books - Palgrave Advances in Charles Dickens Studies by John Bowen and Robert I. Patten

    5

    Palgrave Advances in Charles Dickens Studies
    by John Bowen and Robert I. Patten

The Best Charles Dickens Books, recommended by Jenny Hartley

He was the most popular novelist of the Victorian era, a convivial family man who always championed the underdog. But he also harboured dark secrets that only came out after his death. Jenny Hartley recommends the best books by and about Charles Dickens and discusses Dickens the phenomenon, past and present.

    The best books on Wagner, recommended by Michael Tanner

  • Read
    The best books on Wagner - Richard Wagner: A Biography by Derek Watson

    1

    Richard Wagner: A Biography
    by Derek Watson

  • Read
    The best books on Wagner - The Wagner Operas by Ernest Newman

    2

    The Wagner Operas
    by Ernest Newman

  • Read
    The best books on Wagner - The Wagner Compendium: A Guide to Wagner's Life and Music by (ed.) Barry Millington

    3

    The Wagner Compendium: A Guide to Wagner's Life and Music
    by (ed.) Barry Millington

  • Read
    The best books on Wagner - Drama and the World of Richard Wagner by Dieter Borchmeyer

    4

    Drama and the World of Richard Wagner
    by Dieter Borchmeyer

  • Read
    The best books on Wagner - Pro and Contra Wagner by Thomas Mann

    5

    Pro and Contra Wagner
    by Thomas Mann

The best books on Wagner, recommended by Michael Tanner

Richard Wagner’s works are as immense as they are influential: the four-part, 15-hour saga Der Ring des Nibelungen is the most analysed opera of all time. And yet, Wagner was arrogant and virulently anti-semitic. Can we separate the musical genius from the man? Opera critic Michael Tanner recommends the best books on Wagner.

    The Best George Eliot Books, recommended by Philip Davis

  • Read
    The Best George Eliot Books - Scenes of Clerical Life by George Eliot

    1

    Scenes of Clerical Life
    by George Eliot

  • Read
    The Best George Eliot Books - Adam Bede by George Eliot

    2

    Adam Bede
    by George Eliot

  • Read
    The Best George Eliot Books - The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot

    3

    The Mill on the Floss
    by George Eliot

  • Read
    The Best George Eliot Books - Middlemarch by George Eliot

    4

    Middlemarch
    by George Eliot

  • Read
    The Best George Eliot Books - George Eliot's Life, as Related in Her Letters and Journals by John Walter Cross

    5

    George Eliot's Life, as Related in Her Letters and Journals
    by John Walter Cross

The Best George Eliot Books, recommended by Philip Davis

George Eliot is all but synonymous with Victorian realism; for D H Lawrence, she was the first novelist to start ‘putting all the action inside.’ Here, Philip Davis, author of The Transferred Life of George Eliot, selects the best books by or about one of the greatest novelists of all time: ‘If you want to read literature that sets out to create a holding ground for raw human material—for human struggles, difficulties, and celebrations—read George Eliot’

    The best books on Galileo Galilei, recommended by Paula Findlen

  • Read
    The best books on Galileo Galilei - Life of Galileo by Bertolt Brecht

    1

    Life of Galileo
    by Bertolt Brecht

  • Read
    The best books on Galileo Galilei - Galileo’s Telescope: A European Story by Franco Giudice, Massimo Bucciantini and Michele Camerota, translated by Catherine Bolton

    2

    Galileo’s Telescope: A European Story
    by Franco Giudice, Massimo Bucciantini and Michele Camerota, translated by Catherine Bolton

  • Read
    The best books on Galileo Galilei - Letters to Father: Sister Maria Celeste to Galileo by Suor Maria Celeste (Virginia Galilei) and Dava Sobel (editor and translator)

    3

    Letters to Father: Sister Maria Celeste to Galileo
    by Suor Maria Celeste (Virginia Galilei) and Dava Sobel (editor and translator)

  • Read
    The best books on Galileo Galilei - On Trial for Reason: Science, Religion, and Culture in the Galileo Affair by Maurice A. Finocchiaro

    4

    On Trial for Reason: Science, Religion, and Culture in the Galileo Affair
    by Maurice A. Finocchiaro

  • Read
    The best books on Galileo Galilei - Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems by Galileo Galilei & Stillman Drake (trans.)

    5

    Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems
    by Galileo Galilei & Stillman Drake (trans.)

The best books on Galileo Galilei, recommended by Paula Findlen

The trial of Galileo by the Roman Inquisition was one of the most public confrontations between the new science emerging in the 17th century and the Catholic Church but, nearly 400 years later, there’s still a lot of scope to argue what it was about. Here historian of science Paula Findlen, a professor at Stanford University, explains the endless fascination of Galileo Galilei, the Renaissance man who turned a telescope to the sky and took the world by storm, and recommends the best books to start learning more about him.

    The best books on Julius Caesar, recommended by Peter Stothard

  • Read
    The best books on Julius Caesar - Et Tu, Brute? The Murder of Caesar and Political Assassination by Greg Woolf

    1

    Et Tu, Brute? The Murder of Caesar and Political Assassination
    by Greg Woolf

  • Read
    The best books on Julius Caesar - American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur 1880-1964 by William Manchester

    2

    American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur 1880-1964
    by William Manchester

  • Read
    The best books on Julius Caesar - Caesar and Cleopatra by George Bernard Shaw

    3

    Caesar and Cleopatra
    by George Bernard Shaw

  • Read
    The best books on Julius Caesar - The Complete Works of Julius Caesar by Julius Caesar

    4

    The Complete Works of Julius Caesar
    by Julius Caesar

  • Read
    The best books on Julius Caesar - Imperial Projections in Modern Popular Culture by Sandra R. Joshel (Ed)

    5

    Imperial Projections in Modern Popular Culture
    by Sandra R. Joshel (Ed)

The best books on Julius Caesar, recommended by Peter Stothard

Julius Caesar was a populist politician and general of the late Roman Republic who immortalized himself not only by his beautiful writing about his military exploits, but also by the manner of his death. Here, British journalist and critic Peter Stothard, author of The Last Assassin, chooses five books to help you understand both the man and what motivated him and some of the people who have been inspired by him in the 2,000 years since he died.

    The Best Plato Books, recommended by Melissa Lane

  • Read
    The Best Plato Books - Political Dissent in Democratic Athens by Josiah Ober

    1

    Political Dissent in Democratic Athens
    by Josiah Ober

  • Read
    The Best Plato Books - Republic by Plato

    2

    Republic
    by Plato

  • Read
    The Best Plato Books - Why Plato Wrote by Danielle Allen

    3

    Why Plato Wrote
    by Danielle Allen

  • Read
    The Best Plato Books - Preface to Plato by Eric A Havelock

    4

    Preface to Plato
    by Eric A Havelock

  • Read
    The Best Plato Books - Statesman by Plato

    5

    Statesman
    by Plato

The Best Plato Books, recommended by Melissa Lane

Plato came from a politically active family, but renounced politics to become a philosopher. Or did he? Professor Melissa Lane of Princeton University recommends the best books to get a better understanding of the Greek philosopher Plato, including his most famous work, the Republic.

    The best books on Oliver Cromwell, recommended by John Morrill

  • Read
    The best books on Oliver Cromwell - Cromwell Our Chief of Men by Antonia Fraser

    1

    Cromwell Our Chief of Men
    by Antonia Fraser

  • Read
    The best books on Oliver Cromwell - Oliver Cromwell by Barry Coward

    2

    Oliver Cromwell
    by Barry Coward

  • Read
    The best books on Oliver Cromwell - God’s Executioner by Micheál Ó Siochrú

    3

    God’s Executioner
    by Micheál Ó Siochrú

  • Read
    The best books on Oliver Cromwell - Oliver Cromwell: New Perspectives by Patrick Little

    4

    Oliver Cromwell: New Perspectives
    by Patrick Little

  • Read
    The best books on Oliver Cromwell - Cromwell’s Head by Jonathan Fitzgibbons

    5

    Cromwell’s Head
    by Jonathan Fitzgibbons

The best books on Oliver Cromwell, recommended by John Morrill

The professor of history at Cambridge asks why Oliver Cromwell remains Britain’s most controversial ruler, and what the morbid story of Cromwell’s head after his death has to say about British history.

    The best books on Thucydides, recommended by Johanna Hanink

  • Read
    The best books on Thucydides - Pericles of Athens by Vincent Azoulay

    1

    Pericles of Athens
    by Vincent Azoulay

  • Read
    The best books on Thucydides - Nemesis: Alcibiades and the Fall of Athens by David Stuttard

    2

    Nemesis: Alcibiades and the Fall of Athens
    by David Stuttard

  • Read
    The best books on Thucydides - The Invention of Athens: The Funeral Oration in the Classical City by Nicole Loraux

    3

    The Invention of Athens: The Funeral Oration in the Classical City
    by Nicole Loraux

  • Read
    The best books on Thucydides - The Histories by Herodotus

    4

    The Histories
    by Herodotus

  • Read
    The best books on Thucydides - The Landmark Xenophon's Hellenika

    5

    The Landmark Xenophon's Hellenika

The best books on Thucydides, recommended by Johanna Hanink

The Greek historian and general Thucydides wanted his History of the Peloponnesian War “to be a possession for all time.” In that, he’s been remarkably successful, with his name still echoing in the corridors of power. But what lessons should we take away from his great work? Translator and classicist Johanna Hanink talks us through books to better understand Thucydides and the mythical Athens he lived in and wrote about.

    The Best Simone de Beauvoir Books, recommended by Kate Kirkpatrick

  • Read
    The Best Simone de Beauvoir Books - Philosophical Writings by Simone de Beauvoir

    1

    Philosophical Writings
    by Simone de Beauvoir

  • Read
    The Best Simone de Beauvoir Books - All Men Are Mortal by Simone de Beauvoir

    2

    All Men Are Mortal
    by Simone de Beauvoir

  • Read
    The Best Simone de Beauvoir Books - America Day By Day by Simone de Beauvoir

    3

    America Day By Day
    by Simone de Beauvoir

  • Read
    The Best Simone de Beauvoir Books - The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir

    4

    The Second Sex
    by Simone de Beauvoir

  • Read
    The Best Simone de Beauvoir Books - A Very Easy Death by Simone de Beauvoir

    5

    A Very Easy Death
    by Simone de Beauvoir

The Best Simone de Beauvoir Books, recommended by Kate Kirkpatrick

Simone de Beauvoir is remembered today as the pioneering feminist author of The Second Sex and a close companion of Jean Paul Sartre. But the scope of her intellectual contribution has long been underestimated, argues her latest biographer Kate Kirkpatrick, who offers an introduction to the landscape of Beauvoir’s works, from fiction to philosophy to life writing.

    The best books on Osama bin Laden, recommended by Peter Bergen

  • Read
    The best books on Osama bin Laden - The Bin Ladens by Steve Coll

    1

    The Bin Ladens
    by Steve Coll

  • Read
    The best books on Osama bin Laden - Growing up bin Laden by Najwa bin Laden, Omar bin Laden and Jean Sasson

    2

    Growing up bin Laden
    by Najwa bin Laden, Omar bin Laden and Jean Sasson

  • Read
    The best books on Osama bin Laden - The Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright

    3

    The Looming Tower
    by Lawrence Wright

  • Read
    The best books on Osama bin Laden - Osama bin Laden by Michael Scheuer

    4

    Osama bin Laden
    by Michael Scheuer

  • Read
    The best books on Osama bin Laden - Al-Qaeda: The True Story of Radical Islam by Jason Burke

    5

    Al-Qaeda: The True Story of Radical Islam
    by Jason Burke

The best books on Osama bin Laden, recommended by Peter Bergen

Many thought that 9/11 was the start of an Al-Qaeda assault on the West, but it turned out to be Bin Laden’s Pearl Harbor – a victory that led to strategic defeat – says Peter Bergen, one of the few reporters who met the Saudi-born militant.

    The best books on JFK, recommended by Fredrik Logevall

  • Read
    The best books on JFK - JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956 by Fredrik Logevall

    1

    JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956
    by Fredrik Logevall

  • Read
    The best books on JFK - Prelude to Leadership: The Postwar Diary of John F. Kennedy by John F Kennedy

    2

    Prelude to Leadership: The Postwar Diary of John F. Kennedy
    by John F Kennedy

  • Read
    The best books on JFK - Profiles in Courage by John F Kennedy

    3

    Profiles in Courage
    by John F Kennedy

  • Read
    The best books on JFK - Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History by Ted Sorensen

    4

    Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History
    by Ted Sorensen

  • Read
    The best books on JFK - The Best and the Brightest by David Halberstam

    5

    The Best and the Brightest
    by David Halberstam

The best books on JFK, recommended by Fredrik Logevall

Of the thousands of books written about JFK, America’s iconic 35th president, which ones should you read first? Fredrik Logevall, professor of history and international affairs at Harvard University, talks us through five key books, starting with the first volume of his biography, tracking JFK’s coming of age in the years that also saw America transforming from economic powerhouse to global superpower.

    The best books on George W Bush, recommended by Jacob Weisberg

  • Read
    The best books on George W Bush - The Bushes by Peter and Rochelle Schweizer

    1

    The Bushes
    by Peter and Rochelle Schweizer

  • Read
    The best books on George W Bush - Dead Certain by Robert Draper

    2

    Dead Certain
    by Robert Draper

  • Read
    The best books on George W Bush - First Son by Bill Minutaglio

    3

    First Son
    by Bill Minutaglio

  • Read
    The best books on George W Bush - What It Takes by Richard Ben Cramer

    4

    What It Takes
    by Richard Ben Cramer

  • Read
    The best books on George W Bush - Henry V by William Shakespeare

    5

    Henry V
    by William Shakespeare

The best books on George W Bush, recommended by Jacob Weisberg

The editor-in-chief of Slate Group says what is charming about Bush is his wit and physicality, but he needs to cut people down and does it in a very effective and cruel way. He called Karl Rove “Turdblossom”

    The best books on Henry VII, recommended by Thomas Penn

  • Read
    The best books on Henry VII - The King’s Mother by Michael K Jones and Malcolm G Underwood

    1

    The King’s Mother
    by Michael K Jones and Malcolm G Underwood

  • Read
    The best books on Henry VII - Perkin by Ann Wroe

    2

    Perkin
    by Ann Wroe

  • Read
    The best books on Henry VII - The History of the Reign of Henry VII by Francis Bacon

    3

    The History of the Reign of Henry VII
    by Francis Bacon

  • Read
    The best books on Henry VII - A Daughter's Love by John Guy

    4

    A Daughter's Love
    by John Guy

  • Read
    The best books on Henry VII - Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

    5

    Wolf Hall
    by Hilary Mantel

The best books on Henry VII, recommended by Thomas Penn

He was the Machiavelli of English kings – a chancer and usurper with a highly dubious claim to the throne. But Henry VII ruled for 25 years and founded a dynasty. His biographer tells us how he did it

    The best books on Charles de Gaulle, recommended by Julian Jackson

  • Read
    The best books on Charles de Gaulle - The Complete War Memoirs of Charles de Gaulle by Charles De Gaulle

    1

    The Complete War Memoirs of Charles de Gaulle
    by Charles De Gaulle

  • Read
    The best books on Charles de Gaulle - Memoirs from Beyond the Tomb by François-René de Chateaubriand

    2

    Memoirs from Beyond the Tomb
    by François-René de Chateaubriand

  • Read
    The best books on Charles de Gaulle - Notre Jeunesse by Charles Péguy

    3

    Notre Jeunesse
    by Charles Péguy

  • Read
    The best books on Charles de Gaulle - Memoirs: Fifty Years of Political Reflection by Raymond Aron

    4

    Memoirs: Fifty Years of Political Reflection
    by Raymond Aron

  • Read
    The best books on Charles de Gaulle - The Vichy Syndrome: History and Memory in France Since 1944 by Henry Rousso

    5

    The Vichy Syndrome: History and Memory in France Since 1944
    by Henry Rousso

The best books on Charles de Gaulle, recommended by Julian Jackson

Charles de Gaulle had ‘a certain idea of France’ which even he didn’t manage to articulate clearly. De Gaulle biographer and one of Britain’s leading historians of modern France, Julian Jackson, talks us through some key books to get a sense of France’s wartime leader and president, Charles de Gaulle.

    The best books on The Marquis de Sade, recommended by Will McMorran

  • Read
    The best books on The Marquis de Sade - The 120 Days of Sodom by Marquis de Sade

    1

    The 120 Days of Sodom
    by Marquis de Sade

  • Read
    The best books on The Marquis de Sade - Eugenie De Franval and Other Stories by Marquis de Sade

    2

    Eugenie De Franval and Other Stories
    by Marquis de Sade

  • Read
    The best books on The Marquis de Sade - Sade/Fourier/Loyola by Roland Barthes

    3

    Sade/Fourier/Loyola
    by Roland Barthes

  • Read
    The best books on The Marquis de Sade - The Sadeian Woman by Angela Carter

    4

    The Sadeian Woman
    by Angela Carter

  • Read
    The best books on The Marquis de Sade - Quills and Other Plays by Doug Wright

    5

    Quills and Other Plays
    by Doug Wright

The best books on The Marquis de Sade, recommended by Will McMorran

The word ‘sadism’ derives from the Marquis de Sade, the infamous 18th century French aristocrat. His works such as Justine and The 120 Days of Sodom are profoundly disturbing, retaining the ability to shock, disgust, and unsettle. Will McMorran, Sade’s translator, looks at the way Sade destabilises the idea of benevolent narrators, and how we must remain ethically engaged when reading him

    The best books on Marx and Marxism, recommended by Terrell Carver

  • Read
    The best books on Marx and Marxism - Karl Marx by Isaiah Berlin

    1

    Karl Marx
    by Isaiah Berlin

  • Read
    The best books on Marx and Marxism - Karl Marx: His Life and Thought by David McLellan

    2

    Karl Marx: His Life and Thought
    by David McLellan

  • Read
    The best books on Marx and Marxism - Karl Marx's Theory of History by G. A. Cohen

    3

    Karl Marx's Theory of History
    by G. A. Cohen

  • Read
    The best books on Marx and Marxism - The Young Karl Marx by David Leopold

    4

    The Young Karl Marx
    by David Leopold

  • Read
    The best books on Marx and Marxism - Karl Marx: A Nineteenth-Century Life by Jonathan Sperber

    5

    Karl Marx: A Nineteenth-Century Life
    by Jonathan Sperber

The best books on Marx and Marxism, recommended by Terrell Carver

Few people have had their ideas reinvented as many times as the German intellectual and political activist, Karl Marx. Professor of political theory, Terrell Carver, takes us through the most influential books, in English, about Marx, Marxism and his friend, publicist and financial backer, Friedrich Engels.

    The best books on Samuel Johnson, recommended by Peter Lilley

  • Read
    The best books on Samuel Johnson - The Life of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell

    1

    The Life of Samuel Johnson
    by James Boswell

  • Read
    The best books on Samuel Johnson - Samuel Johnson by John Wain

    2

    Samuel Johnson
    by John Wain

  • Read
    The best books on Samuel Johnson - Samuel Johnson by Walter Jackson Bate

    3

    Samuel Johnson
    by Walter Jackson Bate

  • Read
    The best books on Samuel Johnson - Dr Johnson and Mr Savage - a biographical mystery by Richard Holmes

    4

    Dr Johnson and Mr Savage - a biographical mystery
    by Richard Holmes

  • Read
    The best books on Samuel Johnson - The Politics of Dr Johnson by Donald Greene

    5

    The Politics of Dr Johnson
    by Donald Greene

The best books on Samuel Johnson, recommended by Peter Lilley

Samuel Johnson, author of the 1755 A Dictionary of the English Language, was not a hard-hearted Tory caricature, but a champion of the poor and enslaved, according to Margaret Thatcher’s Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Peter Lilley.

    The Best Thomas Cromwell Books, recommended by Benedict King

  • Read
    The Best Thomas Cromwell Books - Thomas Cromwell: A Life by Diarmaid MacCulloch

    1

    Thomas Cromwell: A Life
    by Diarmaid MacCulloch

  • Read
    The Best Thomas Cromwell Books - The Tudor Constitution: Documents and Commentary by G R Elton

    2

    The Tudor Constitution: Documents and Commentary
    by G R Elton

  • Read
    The Best Thomas Cromwell Books - The Reformation Parliament 1529-1536 by Stanford E Lehmberg

    3

    The Reformation Parliament 1529-1536
    by Stanford E Lehmberg

  • Read
    The Best Thomas Cromwell Books - Henry VIII: The Quest for Fame by John Guy

    4

    Henry VIII: The Quest for Fame
    by John Guy

  • Read
    The Best Thomas Cromwell Books - London and the Reformation by Susan Brigden

    5

    London and the Reformation
    by Susan Brigden

The Best Thomas Cromwell Books, recommended by Benedict King

The Mirror and the Light—the final instalment of Hilary Mantel’s epic trilogy covering the life of Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII’s chief minister and architect of the English Reformation—was published to great acclaim this month. Here, Five Books contributing editor Benedict King chooses five of the best books to help you get to grips with the real Thomas Cromwell and the political and religious environment in which he operated. You can watch Benedict talking about his Thomas Cromwell book choices here.

    The best books on Modern Day British Royals, recommended by Katie Nicholl

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    The best books on Modern Day British Royals - Diana: Her True Story — In Her Own Words by Andrew Morton

    1

    Diana: Her True Story — In Her Own Words
    by Andrew Morton

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    The best books on Modern Day British Royals - The Housekeeper's Diary by Wendy Berry

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    The Housekeeper's Diary
    by Wendy Berry

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    The best books on Modern Day British Royals - Kate by Claudia Joseph

    3

    Kate
    by Claudia Joseph

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    The best books on Modern Day British Royals - Charles and Camilla Portrait of A Love Affair by Gyles Brandreth

    4

    Charles and Camilla Portrait of A Love Affair
    by Gyles Brandreth

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    The best books on Modern Day British Royals - William and Harry by Ingrid Seward

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    William and Harry
    by Ingrid Seward

The best books on Modern Day British Royals, recommended by Katie Nicholl

The Mail on Sunday’s Royal Correspondent, Katie Nicholl, looks at how the histories of the previous generation have shaped Princes William and Harry. She picks the best books on the British royals.

    The best books on The Queen, recommended by Robert Lacey

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    The best books on The Queen - The English Constitution by Walter Bagehot

    1

    The English Constitution
    by Walter Bagehot

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    The best books on The Queen - King George V by Kenneth Rose

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    King George V
    by Kenneth Rose

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    The best books on The Queen - Edward VIII by Frances Donaldson

    3

    Edward VIII
    by Frances Donaldson

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    The best books on The Queen - Crown and People by Philip Ziegler

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    Crown and People
    by Philip Ziegler

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    The best books on The Queen - The Diana Chronicles by Tina Brown

    5

    The Diana Chronicles
    by Tina Brown

The best books on The Queen, recommended by Robert Lacey

The royal biographer Robert Lacey considers Queen Elizabeth II, her legacy, her family history, and her ambivalent relationship with Princess Diana.

    The best books on American Presidents, recommended by H W Brands

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    The best books on American Presidents - Washington by Douglas Southall Freeman

    1

    Washington
    by Douglas Southall Freeman

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    The best books on American Presidents - Life of Andrew Jackson by James Parton

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    Life of Andrew Jackson
    by James Parton

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    The best books on American Presidents - Abraham Lincoln by John Hay & John Nicolay

    3

    Abraham Lincoln
    by John Hay & John Nicolay

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    The best books on American Presidents - The Crisis of the Old Order by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.

    4

    The Crisis of the Old Order
    by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.

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    The best books on American Presidents - The Path to Power: The Years of Lyndon Johnson, Vol I by Robert Caro

    5

    The Path to Power: The Years of Lyndon Johnson, Vol I
    by Robert Caro

The best books on American Presidents, recommended by H W Brands

The best presidential biographies contain insights into both the personal and the political, says the historian HW Brands. He chooses the best biographies of some of the greatest American presidents.

    The Best Books about First Ladies, recommended by Carl Sferrazza Anthony

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    The Best Books about First Ladies - And Tyler Too by Robert Seager

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    And Tyler Too
    by Robert Seager

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    The Best Books about First Ladies - Mary Todd Lincoln by Jean H Baker

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    Mary Todd Lincoln
    by Jean H Baker

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    The Best Books about First Ladies - Edith and Woodrow by Phyllis Lee Levin

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    Edith and Woodrow
    by Phyllis Lee Levin

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    The Best Books about First Ladies - The Shadow of Blooming Grove by Francis Russell

    4

    The Shadow of Blooming Grove
    by Francis Russell

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    The Best Books about First Ladies - Eleanor and Franklin by Joseph P Lash

    5

    Eleanor and Franklin
    by Joseph P Lash

The Best Books about First Ladies, recommended by Carl Sferrazza Anthony

From the annexation of Texas to the UN’s Commission on Human Rights, first ladies have played a key role in the history of the United States. Historian Carl Sferrazza Anthony recommends five engaging books about the tumultuous lives of some of the country’s first ladies.

    The best books on The Kennedys, recommended by David Nasaw

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    The best books on The Kennedys - Hostage to Fortune: The Letters of Joseph P. Kennedy by Amanda Smith (editor)

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    Hostage to Fortune: The Letters of Joseph P. Kennedy
    by Amanda Smith (editor)

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    The best books on The Kennedys - Conversations with Kennedy by Benjamin C. Bradlee

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    Conversations with Kennedy
    by Benjamin C. Bradlee

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    The best books on The Kennedys - Robert Kennedy and His Times by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.

    3

    Robert Kennedy and His Times
    by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.

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    The best books on The Kennedys - JFK: Reckless Youth by Nigel Hamilton

    4

    JFK: Reckless Youth
    by Nigel Hamilton

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    The best books on The Kennedys - True Compass by Edward M. Kennedy

    5

    True Compass
    by Edward M. Kennedy

The best books on The Kennedys, recommended by David Nasaw

The story and tragedy of the Kennedys is so incredible you don’t need to turn to fiction, says the biographer of Joseph P Kennedy, David Nasaw. He talks us through the Kennedy generations.

    The best books on British Prime Ministers, recommended by Anthony Seldon

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    The best books on British Prime Ministers - Baldwin by Keith Middlemas and John Barnes

    1

    Baldwin
    by Keith Middlemas and John Barnes

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    The best books on British Prime Ministers - Lloyd George by John Grigg

    2

    Lloyd George
    by John Grigg

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    The best books on British Prime Ministers - Winston S Churchill by Martin Gilbert

    3

    Winston S Churchill
    by Martin Gilbert

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    The best books on British Prime Ministers - Supermac by DR Thorpe

    4

    Supermac
    by DR Thorpe

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    The best books on British Prime Ministers - Margaret Thatcher by John Campbell

    5

    Margaret Thatcher
    by John Campbell

The best books on British Prime Ministers, recommended by Anthony Seldon

It’s their frailty that makes politicians such interesting characters, says Tony Blair’s biographer Anthony Seldon. He tells us about the art of political biography and the writers who’ve best captured leaders such as Churchill and Thatcher

    The best books on Winston Churchill, recommended by Richard Toye

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    The best books on Winston Churchill - My Early Life 1874-1904 by Winston Churchill

    1

    My Early Life 1874-1904
    by Winston Churchill

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    The best books on Winston Churchill - Churchill and the Islamic World: Orientalism, Empire and Diplomacy in the Middle East by Warren Dockter

    2

    Churchill and the Islamic World: Orientalism, Empire and Diplomacy in the Middle East
    by Warren Dockter

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    The best books on Winston Churchill - In Command of History: Churchill Fighting and Writing the Second World War by David Reynolds

    3

    In Command of History: Churchill Fighting and Writing the Second World War
    by David Reynolds

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    The best books on Winston Churchill - Churchill and the Dardanelles by Christopher M Bell

    4

    Churchill and the Dardanelles
    by Christopher M Bell

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    The best books on Winston Churchill - Winston Churchill As I Knew Him by Violet Bonham Carter

    5

    Winston Churchill As I Knew Him
    by Violet Bonham Carter

The best books on Winston Churchill, recommended by Richard Toye

Winston Churchill’s role as a global statesman remains immensely controversial. For some he was the heroic champion of liberty, saviour of the free world; for others a callous imperialist with a doleful legacy. Here, historian Richard Toye chooses the best books to help you understand the man behind the myths and Churchill’s own role in making those myths.

    The best books on Verdi, recommended by Francesco Izzo

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    The best books on Verdi - Verdi (Master Musicians Series) by Julian Budden

    1

    Verdi (Master Musicians Series)
    by Julian Budden

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    The best books on Verdi - The Cambridge Verdi Encyclopedia by (ed.) Roberta Marvin

    2

    The Cambridge Verdi Encyclopedia
    by (ed.) Roberta Marvin

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    The best books on Verdi - The Man Verdi by Frank Walker

    3

    The Man Verdi
    by Frank Walker

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    The best books on Verdi - The Story of Giuseppe Verdi: Oberto to Un Ballo in Maschera by Gabriele Baldini

    4

    The Story of Giuseppe Verdi: Oberto to Un Ballo in Maschera
    by Gabriele Baldini

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    The best books on Verdi - Divas and Scholars: Performing Italian Opera by Philip Gossett

    5

    Divas and Scholars: Performing Italian Opera
    by Philip Gossett

The best books on Verdi, recommended by Francesco Izzo

Nearly everyone knows the photo of Verdi’s funeral, the streets of Milan packed with people paying homage to the great composer. How did the son of an innkeeper from Le Roncole become not only one of the most famous opera composers of all time but also a prominent symbol of Italy’s Risorgimento? Verdi expert Francesco Izzo discusses the books to read to best understand the man, the myths, and the music.

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