Best Australia & New Zealand History Books of 2025

Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish take readers on another exhilarating journey in "Clanlands in New Zealand: Kilts, Kiwis, and an Adventure Down Under." This follow-up to "Clanlands" sees the duo explore New Zealand, immersing themselves in its rich history, stunning landscapes, world-class food and drink, and adrenaline-fueled activities. The book is full of unforgettable experiences and lovable characters, making it a must-read for fans of the Outlander stars. Heughan and McTavish's witty banter and friendly competition make for an entertaining read. Overall, this book is a unique and enjoyable addition to any travel or adventure enthusiast's collection.

The Immortal Irishman by Timothy Egan is a captivating biography of Thomas Francis Meagher, an Irish revolutionary who became an American hero. The book takes readers through Meagher's journey from leading a failed uprising against British rule to commanding the Irish Brigade in the Civil War and attempting to build a new Ireland in Montana. Egan's impeccable research and flowing narrative make for an engaging and informative read. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Irish-American history and the Civil War. Overall, The Immortal Irishman is a well-written and fascinating account of an extraordinary life.

Island of the Lost is a gripping true story of survival at the edge of the world. The book tells the tale of two ships that wrecked on opposite ends of the same deserted island in 1864. While one crew turns to cannibalism and fights amongst themselves, the other bands together to build shelter and eventually find a way to escape. The author, Joan Druett, expertly uses survivors' journals and historical records to bring this untold story to life. This is a must-read for fans of survival literature, and Druett's attention to detail and excellent storytelling make it stand out from the crowd.

The Perfect Mile by Neal Bascomb tells the fascinating true story of the three world-class athletes who broke the four-minute mile barrier. The book follows the journeys of Roger Bannister, John Landy, and Wes Santee, as they chased the elusive goal and captured the world's attention. Bascomb's writing is engaging and masterful, making the reader feel like they are right there on the track with the runners. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in running, sports history, or tales of perseverance and triumph.

New Zealand 2023: Kiwi - Wilderness - Ecotourism is a fully illustrated travel guide book that takes readers on a journey through New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes, delicious cuisine, and eco-friendly hotspots. The guide is expertly curated and offers local advice on the best sustainable travel experiences and eco-friendly accommodations to be found off the beaten track in New Zealand. The book also includes in-depth information on the country's natural wonders, local insider tips on reducing environmental footprints, and supporting local communities. Overall, this guide is an excellent resource for travelers looking to make a positive impact while enjoying the beauty of New Zealand.

The Fatal Shore: The Epic of Australia's Founding by Robert Hughes is a groundbreaking and definitive account of Australia's colonization. Hughes delves deep into the dark history of England's efforts to transport 160,000 men and women thousands of miles to the other side of the world in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The book traces the European presence in Australia from early explorations through the rise and fall of the penal colonies. With 16 pages of illustrations and three maps, The Fatal Shore brings to life the history of the country we thought we knew. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Australia's history.

Between Indigenous and Settler Governance is a comprehensive collection that explores the historical and current status of Indigenous self-governance in four settler-colonial nations. The essays in the book delve into the legal, political, and administrative relationships between Indigenous collectivities and nation-states. The authors emphasize the promise and limits of modern opportunities for Indigenous self-governance. This book is an insightful read for those interested in Indigenous peoples in settler-colonial nations. Overall, the book offers a long-term view of the legal, political, and administrative relationships between Indigenous collectivities and nation-states.

Dark Emu: Aboriginal Australia and the birth of agriculture by Bruce Pascoe challenges the conventional wisdom that Aboriginals were primitive hunter-gatherers. Pascoe uncovers evidence that long before the arrival of white men, Aboriginal people were building dams and wells, planting, irrigating, and harvesting seeds, and creating elaborate cemeteries. This book is an eye-opener, revealing the blatant understatement of Aboriginal systems of food production and land management in modern retellings of early Aboriginal history. The book has received critical acclaim and is a must-read for all Australians. Scribe US has published this book under the Native American History Books category.

Simon Winchester's "Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded: August 27, 1883" is a fascinating and well-researched account of the catastrophic eruption of the volcano-island of Krakatoa and its long-lasting effects on the world. Winchester provides a detailed look at the physical and societal impact of the eruption, from the immense tsunami that killed thousands to the global climate changes that followed. He also explores how the eruption helped trigger a wave of anti-Western militancy among fundamentalist Muslims in Java. Overall, this book is a masterful blend of history, geology, and storytelling that offers a unique perspective on one of the most significant natural disasters in history.

The Far Land is a captivating historical narrative of power, obsession, and betrayal at the edge of the world. Brandon Presser expertly retells the true story of the band of fugitives who seized their vessel and disappeared into the night with their Tahitian companions, only to be found nearly two decades later living on an uncharted island in the South Pacific. Presser combines his own experiences on Pitcairn Island with meticulous research to bring to life a real-life Lord of the Flies tale of depravity and deception. This book offers an unprecedented glimpse at life on the fringes of civilization and is a must-read for armchair adventurers and history buffs alike.