Best European History Books of 2026

The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann is a thrilling true account of survival, mutiny, and murder. The book recounts the story of thirty sailors who survived a shipwreck, marooned on a desolate island off the coast of Patagonia, and built a flimsy craft to sail for more than a hundred days, traversing nearly 3,000 miles of storm-wracked seas. Upon rescue, their heroism was short-lived as they were accused of mutiny. The book culminates in a court martial that reveals a shocking truth. Grann's narrative is powerful and engaging, making this book a must-read for true crime enthusiasts.

Spare by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, is a poignant and raw memoir that chronicles his journey after the death of his mother, Princess Diana. The book offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the life of a member of the British royal family and the struggles he faced dealing with grief, trauma, and mental health. Spare is a landmark publication that is full of insight, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the power of love over grief. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the British royal family and the human experience of loss and healing.

The Watchmaker's Daughter by Larry Loftis is a compelling biography of Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch watchmaker who saved the lives of hundreds of Jews during World War II by turning her family's house into a hiding place for refugees. Despite losing most of her family and being sent to a concentration camp, Corrie managed to survive, forgive her captors and live the rest of her life as a Christian missionary. The book is a remarkable journey of faith and forgiveness, and it holds myriad lessons for readers today. This book is highly recommended for those interested in women's biographies and World War II nonfiction.

The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius is a classic work of Stoic philosophy, filled with spiritual reflections and exercises that have inspired readers for almost two thousand years. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the nature of virtue to the values of leadership, and provides practical guidance for living a fulfilling life. This Penguin Classics edition includes explanatory notes, indexes, and an introduction by Diskin Clay, providing readers with a full understanding of Aurelius's seminal work. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy and personal growth.

Meditations is a collection of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor, on Stoic philosophy and self-improvement. The 12 books of Meditations were originally written by Aurelius as a source of guidance for himself. However, this book has been adapted into Modern English for easy reading. The adaptation has made it possible for contemporary readers to understand and appreciate the timeless wisdom contained in the original text. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy and self-improvement.

Spare: En la sombra (Spanish Edition) is a raw and honest memoir by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, about his life after the tragic loss of his mother, Princess Diana. The book provides insight into the prince's thoughts and feelings during that difficult time, as well as his journey to find love, purpose, and meaning in his life. The book is a landmark publication that offers hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief. Overall, Spare is a compelling and unique read that provides a rare glimpse into the life of a member of the royal family.

The book "Meditations: A New Translation" by Marcus Aurelius, translated by Gregory Hays, is a timeless masterpiece that provides practical guidance and deep understanding of human behavior. It is a series of spiritual exercises that have influenced generations of readers, including statesmen and philosophers. Hays's translation, the first in 35 years, conveys Marcus's thoughts with clarity and immediacy, making it possible to fully rediscover the thoughts of one of the most enlightened and intelligent leaders of any era. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to lead a meaningful life.

The book "George VI and Elizabeth: The Marriage That Saved the Monarchy" by Sally Bedell Smith is a deeply researched and revealing account of the love story of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, who saved the monarchy during World War II and raised their daughter, Princess Elizabeth to become Queen Elizabeth II. This book is based on exclusive access to the Royal Archives and papers of their close friends and family. Sally Bedell Smith brings the iconic royal couple's love story to vibrant life and shows how their loving and devoted marriage helped them meet the challenges of World War II, lead a nation, solidify the public's faith in the monarchy, and raise their daughters. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the British monarchy and its history.

The Blazing World: A New History of Revolutionary England, 1603-1689 is a captivating and informative read that sheds light on a lesser-known period of English history. It explores the seventeenth century, a time of revolution, when society underwent significant changes that helped shape the modern world. The author, Healy, presents a convincing argument that the era was truly revolutionary in terms of far-reaching changes within society. The book is well-written, wryly humorous, and occasionally bawdy. It is a fresh and exciting take on English history that is both relevant and fascinating, making it a must-read for history enthusiasts.

Diana: Her True Story--in Her Own Words is a sensational biography of Princess Diana, written with her cooperation and now featuring exclusive new material to commemorate the 20th anniversary of her death. The book offers a raw and unfiltered insight into Diana's life and mind, revealing her unhappy marriage, her relationship with the Queen, her extraordinary life inside the House of Windsor, her hopes, her fears, and her dreams. Biographer Andrew Morton has revisited the secret tapes he and the late princess made to reveal startling new insights into her life and mind. Overall, this book is a unique literary classic and a must-read for anyone interested in the British monarchy and the legacy of Princess Diana.