The Must Read Books for History Lovers
I am not an undergraduate history student, but now I wish I was one. I have always been very interested in history. People always ask me what parts of history I find interesting, and I always say everything.
I am going to give you a list of my favorite history books–don’t worry they are not boring. What I mean by boring is not those kinds of books that you had to read when you were in school. You don’t have to force yourself to read them because they are fun, and give you the most interesting facts and information.
The Venetian Betrayal by Steve Berry
The book focus on how on Alexander the Great conquered Persia in 323 B. C. E, then, when Alexander the Great sets his sights on Arabia, he becomes ill–apparently died of a fever. Things get more interesting when we find out that Alexander’s resting place is unknown. Archaeologists and treasure hunters have been looking for his resting place for years. The rumor has it that the cure for AIDS/HIV is buried with the mummified remains of Alexander.
I love Steve Berry. He gives a lot of historical detail, adding a few “what ifs” He really did a lot of research to write the book. He points the connection between Venice and Alexander, and gives details about the story behind Alexander’s lost tomb. I know he is not a Historian, but the details of the story are accurate with some exaggerations.
The Book of the Dead by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
The only reason why I bought this book was because of the title, and because I have an obsession for Egypt. The things I don’t like about this book: too many characters, I had to keep a list of each and everyone of them to really understand the story. The book is not about the book of the dead. The book is very entertaining, but the authors failed to explain the book of the dead. I think they should change the title.
The real book of the dead: The Egyptian Book of the Dead: The Book of Going Forth By Day by Raymond Faulkner
This books is a presentation of the Papyrus of Ani, it features graphics that make you feel like you are touching the original papyrus. Each text is translated to English. The original papyrus, after its discovery, was cut into sections–the idiot that cut it was an uneducated person (a treasure hunter) and almost ruined it.
This document shows how the ancient Egyptian views the after life.
Liked it
I’m reading a book about the Norman conquest of England at the moment. Seems it was much more complex than I learned at school.
I’m not keen on the history of battles and invasions, but am very inerested in the history of religions and the social anthropology end of things.
Berry Steve has good books, I have read the one you mention. I am going to check out the other ones on your list.