Best Canadian Military History Books of 2026

The French and Indian War: Deciding the Fate of North America by Walter R. Borneman is a historical account of the epic struggle for a continent, fought across virgin territories in North America. Borneman explores the centuries-long feud between Great Britain and France, which ultimately decided the fate of the entire continent, including the Spanish and Native American populations. He also emphasizes how the war's aftermath led to the American Revolution. This book is a fascinating read for anyone interested in Native American history and the early days of the United States.

Blind Man's Bluff: The Untold Story Of American Submarine Espionage is a gripping account of the covert operations carried out by American submarines during the Cold War. Sherry Sontag and Chris Drew's investigative journalism sheds light on the classified missions that remained hidden from the public eye for decades. The book is a fascinating read that combines the excitement of a spy novel with the tragic reality of submarine warfare. PublicAffairs has done an excellent job of publishing this critical work of history. Overall, Blind Man's Bluff is a must-read for anyone interested in intelligence and espionage history.

Peter Caddick-Adams' "Sand and Steel" is a detailed account of the Allied invasion of France in June 1944, covering the years of preparation and the battles fought along France's northern coast. The heart of the book is the narratives of the five beaches where the drama played out, and the attempt by American, British, and Canadian soldiers to gain a foothold in Europe. The book also covers the German preparations and the largest flotilla of ships ever assembled. Caddick-Adams' gripping book does Operations Overlord and Neptune full justice and will likely be the standard work on D-Day for some time to come.

Wolves at the Door: The True Story Of America's Greatest Female Spy is a compelling biography that tells the story of Virginia Hall, a woman who risked her life to fight against the Nazis during World War II. The book chronicles Hall's journey as she becomes the architect of the Resistance movement in central France, helping escaped prisoners of war and American Allied paratroopers. Despite being hunted by the Gestapo and facing numerous challenges, Hall never gave up and continued to fight until the end of the war. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about the bravery of women during wartime.

Shake Hands with the Devil is a harrowing account of Canadian General Romeo Dallaire's time as force commander of the UN Assistance Mission for Rwanda. With only a handful of troops, Dallaire witnessed the genocide of over 800,000 Rwandans in just 100 days. He chronicles his own emotional journey from confident commander to retired general struggling with PTSD. Although the book is at times thick with descriptions of Dallaire's movements and meetings, it offers a unique insight into the emotional toll of military service and the failures of the international community to prevent genocide. A must-read for those interested in Central African history and military memoirs.

The Grey Seas Under by Farley Mowat is a gripping tribute to the courage of the men who manned the tugboat Foundation Franklin. This book depicts the perilous rescue missions of the tugboat that saved hundreds of lives during two decades of service in the North Atlantic. Through his vivid and engaging storytelling, Mowat highlights the dangers of being a member of a deep-water tug crew during peacetime. The Grey Seas Under is a must-read for those who love and respect the sea and the brave souls who risk their lives to save others.

The Dutch Moment by Wim Klooster is an insightful account of how the Dutch established and lost their Atlantic empire in the seventeenth century. The author shows how the Dutch built their colonies in Brazil, the Caribbean, and Africa through military victories and alliances with native peoples. He also highlights the Dutch impact on the transatlantic slave trade and the establishment of Jewish communities in the Americas. The book's unique focus on the interimperial, multinational, and multiracial nature of the Dutch Atlantic makes it a valuable addition to the study of colonial history.

The Greatest Stories Never Told is a delightful book that presents 100 fascinating and surprising stories from history. The book is filled with unexpected and unbelievable tales that one never learned in history class. From the invention of the stethoscope to the first practical fax machine, this book is packed with interesting facts that will leave readers astonished, bewildered, and stupefied. The book features more than 400 illustrations gathered from libraries, archives, and private collections worldwide. This is a perfect book to arm oneself for the next dull cocktail party or to simply enjoy for its history candy.

King William's War: The First Contest for North America, 1689–1697 by Westholme Publishing is a well-researched and engaging history book that sheds light on the colonial conflicts that preceded the French and Indian War. The book explores the first clash between England and France for control of North America, which laid the patterns of conflict for the next seventy years. The author has used extensive primary source material to vividly describe the memorable characters and events of the war. Overall, this book is a valuable addition to the Native American history books category and is highly recommended for history buffs and scholars alike.

The "Illustrated Encyclopedia of Military Uniforms of the 19th Century" by Digby Smith is a comprehensive guide to the military uniforms of the American Civil War, the Boer War, the Wars of German and Italian Unification, and the Colonial Wars. The book provides a detailed analysis of the various uniforms used during these conflicts and how they evolved over time. The Crimean War, which is considered to be the first modern conflict, is also covered in detail. This book is a valuable resource for military historians and enthusiasts interested in the uniforms of the 19th century.