Best History of Books of 2025

The Complete Call the Midwife Stories is a collector's gift edition of four books that inspired the BBC TV series. The stories are based on Jennifer Worth's real-life experiences as a trainee midwife in London's East End during the 1950s. The books provide a fascinating insight into the lives of the East Enders, their traditions, and tales of a bygone era. Jennifer Worth eloquently portrays the amazing resilience, warmth, and humor of the people in the face of hardship. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of books, especially those interested in the midwifery profession.

The Voynich Manuscript is a fifteenth or sixteenth-century codex that has puzzled historians, cryptographers and linguists for years. The manuscript written in an unknown script by an unknown author has no clear purpose, and its elaborate illustrations of otherworldly plants, unfamiliar constellations and naked women swimming through fantastical tubes and green baths remain as baffling as they are beautiful. This authorized reproduction of the manuscript, complete with essays exploring what is known about the book, is a must-read for anyone interested in historical mysteries. The book invites readers to join at the heart of the mystery and record their responses to its fascinating and beautiful strangeness.

The Madman's Library by Edward Brooke-Hitching is a fascinating and beautifully illustrated journey through the history of literature. The book takes readers on a dark and intriguing adventure, uncovering the most unusual, obscure, and eccentric books and manuscripts ever written. From books written in blood to books that can kill, from books of code and cipher to books that hoaxed the globe, this captivating compendium is a must-have for bibliophiles, literature enthusiasts, and collectors intrigued by bizarre oddities, obscure history, and the macabre. Overall, The Madman's Library is a unique and entertaining addition to any bookshelf.

Remarkable Books: The World's Most Historic and Significant Works is a stunning celebration of the power of books. The book features 75 of the world's most momentous titles, from The Art of War to Anne Frank's Diary, and reveals their far-ranging impact. The author, Michael Collins, has gathered stories, diaries, scientific treatises, plays, dictionaries, and religious texts into a beautiful design book. The book's fascinating details, rare treasures, and historical significance make it a must-read for book lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

A Little History of the World by E. H. Gombrich is an engaging and lively book that offers a sweeping history of the world for readers of all ages. Instead of focusing on dry facts and dates, the author brings the full human experience on Earth to life, vividly describing wars, conquests, grand works of art, science, remarkable people and events. Gombrich excels in creating a sense of the continuities of history, making it a marvellous antidote to history without chronology. This Little History enchants and educates readers, making it a must-read for anyone interested in world history.

Queen of Our Times: The Life of Elizabeth II is a compelling biography that explores the life of the longest reigning monarch in British history. Written by Robert Hardman, one of Britain's leading royal authorities, this book takes readers on a journey through Elizabeth II's life, from her unexpected ascension to the throne to her role in modern society. With original insights from those who know her best and access to unseen papers, this biography offers a well-rounded portrait of the queen. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the British monarchy and the remarkable life of Elizabeth II.

The Library: A Fragile History by Andrew Pettegree and Arthur der Weduwen is a captivating exploration of the history of libraries from the ancient world to the digital age. The authors delve into the rise and fall of literary tastes, the philanthropists who shaped the world's great collections, and the high crimes committed in pursuit of rare manuscripts. What makes this book unique is its focus on the practical and theoretical role of the library in the lives of ordinary citizens. Beautifully written and deeply researched, this book is a must-read for book lovers, collectors, and anyone who has ever gotten lost in the stacks.

Banned Books: The World's Most Controversial Books, Past and Present explores the history of censorship and suppression of some of the world's most important literary classics and non-fiction titles. From All Quiet on the Western Front to Huckleberry Finn, this book examines how certain books challenged societal norms and changed history. It offers informative insights into society, politics, law, and religious beliefs in different countries around the world. With images of first editions and specially commissioned illustrations of the authors, this volume is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, politics, history, or the law.

El infinito en un junco / Papyrus: The Invention of Books in the Ancient World (Spanish Edition) takes readers on a fascinating journey through the history of books and the people who have safeguarded them for almost three thousand years. The book explores the various materials and formats used to create books, from smoke and stone to plastic and light. It also includes tales of the people who have made books possible and protected them throughout history, including narrators, scribes, translators, teachers, and rebels. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of books and the role they have played in shaping our world.

Digging for Words: José Alberto Gutiérrez and the Library He Built is a beautifully illustrated and inspiring children's book about a garbage collector in Bogotá, Colombia who started a library with a single discarded book found on his route. The story follows the daily routines of two Joses, the young boy who dreams of Saturdays when he can visit the library, and the garbage collector who collects books to add to his collection in his home. The book celebrates perseverance, community, and the power of books. Overall, this book is a heartwarming read that highlights the importance of literacy and the impact one person can make in their community.