Fifth Sun
Camilla Townsend
A compelling new history of the Aztecs, told through their own voices. Drawing on rarely-consulted indigenous accounts, Camilla Townsend paints a vivid portrait of the Nahua people, from their mythical origins to their complex society and their struggle for survival after the Spanish conquest. Discover the real Aztecs, far more nuanced and resilient than the bloodthirsty stereotypes.
Foragers, Farmers, and Fossil Fuels
Ian Morris
An ambitious account of how certain "brute material forces" limit and help determine the "culture, values, and beliefs," including the moral codes, that humans have adopted over the last 20,000 years. It explores how modes of energy capture shape human values via multilevel selection.
Hagakure
Yamamoto Jōchō
Explore the profound wisdom and controversial legacy of Hagakure, a treatise on bushido, the way of the samurai. Delve into the complex world of Tokugawa-era warriors, their code of honor, and the delicate balance between life and death, loyalty and duty. Discover the essence of Hagakure and its enduring impact on Japanese culture and beyond.
Powers and Thrones
Dan Jones
A thousand years of history, from the fall of the Roman Empire to the Renaissance, are brought to life in this sweeping narrative. Explore the key events, figures, and forces that shaped the Middle Ages and left an indelible mark on the world.
Team of Rivals
Doris Kearns Goodwin
A captivating exploration of Abraham Lincoln's political genius, focusing on his relationships with his rivals for the 1860 Republican presidential nomination. This book delves into Lincoln's ability to unite strong personalities, navigate the Civil War, and leave an enduring legacy.
The Origins of Totalitarianism
Hannah Arendt
A seminal work that analyzes the historical and political elements that crystallized into totalitarianism in the 20th century. Arendt explores antisemitism, imperialism, and the breakdown of the nation-state, offering profound insights into the nature of power, ideology, and the human condition.
The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons
Sam Kean
Delve into the fascinating and often bizarre history of neuroscience through the lens of real-life brain injuries and medical anomalies. From King Henri II's fatal jousting accident to the peculiar cases that shaped our understanding of the mind, this book explores how the brain's 'flaws' have provided invaluable insights into its intricate workings, revealing the resilience and mysteries of the human mind.
How the Word Is Passed
Clint Smith
In 'How the Word Is Passed,' Clint Smith embarks on a powerful journey across the United States and to Gorée Island, exploring how different historical sites reckon with the enduring legacy of American slavery. Through visits to plantations, prisons, cemeteries, museums, and cities, Smith uncovers the varied ways history is remembered, distorted, or confronted. He weaves together personal reflections, historical analysis, and interviews with public historians and descendants, offering a profound examination of how the past shapes the present and challenging readers to grapple with the complex, often uncomfortable, truths of American identity.