Best History of Education Books of 2025

The 25th anniversary edition of "Dumbing Us Down" by John Taylor Gatto is a radical treatise on public education. Gatto argues that compulsory government schooling is to blame for the decrease in literacy rates, the rise of learning disabilities, and the disaffection of children and youth. He advocates for families and young people taking back education and learning, encouraging self-directed, life-long learning. Featuring a new foreword from Zachary Slayback, this edition inspires new generations to take control of learning and kickstart an empowered society of self-directed lifetime learners. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of education and the current state of schooling.

The Underground History of American Education, Volume I: An Intimate Investigation Into the Prison of Modern Schooling by John Taylor Gatto is a thought-provoking book that reveals the hidden truths behind the American education system. Gatto, a former award-winning teacher, spent over a decade researching and uncovering the alarming ideas and writings behind mandatory attendance schooling. This updated version includes new essays from the author, as well as contributions from Dr. Ron Paul, David Ruenzel, and Richard Grove. Despite the serious subject matter, Gatto's writing style is engaging and enjoyable. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of American education and its impact on society.

The Art of War is a classic book on military strategy written by Sun Tzu. This edition, approved by the Holden-Crowther Organisation for Asian Studies, is a decent version of the book, although the chapters are intentionally not in order. The authorship of Sun Tzu is still a mystery, but his timeless tactics and strategies remain relevant. The book falls under the category of success and self-help books and is published by CreateSpace Classics. Overall, The Art of War is a must-read for anyone interested in military strategy and leadership.

The Royal Wardrobe by Rosie Harte is a fascinating exploration of the fashion history of the Royal Family. From the Tudors to the present day, Harte delves into the stories behind iconic pieces of clothing and what they reveal about the personalities of those who wore them. The book offers a unique perspective on royal history, highlighting the personal and intimate aspects of monarchs' lives. Harte's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of fashion history make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of fashion and royalty.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu is a must-read for anyone interested in military strategy and history. This complete edition includes the Preface, Introduction, appreciations of Sun Tzu, Apologies for war, and Bibliography, making it the definitive version of the text. The book is composed of 13 chapters, each devoted to a different set of skills related to warfare and how it applies to military strategy and tactics. It has influenced both Eastern and Western military thinking, business tactics, legal strategy, lifestyles and beyond. The book is a true classic that belongs on every bookshelf!

Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong is a national bestseller and American Book Award winner that has sold nearly two million copies. In this book, James W. Loewen critiques the American education system and brings history alive in all its complexity and ambiguity. He offers an eye-opening critique of existing textbooks and a wonderful retelling of American history as it should be taught to American students. This book is a refreshing antidote to what has passed for history in our educational system. Overall, it is a must-read for every teacher, student of history, and citizen who wants to understand the true history of America.

The Art of War by Sun-tzu, translated by Ralph D. Sawyer, is a timeless classic of military strategy that has influenced some of the most legendary military operations. This book is not only useful on the battlefield but also in various competitive situations and is now required reading for executives of companies worldwide. Sawyer's translation is uniquely accurate and accessible, placing the treatise in its proper historical context and offering chapters of historical analysis touching on its relevance to today's corporate environment. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in ancient warfare and strategy.

The Art of War is an ancient Chinese military treatise that covers every aspect of warfare. Written by Sun Tzu, a high-ranking military general, strategist, and tactician, this book is considered the definitive work on military strategy and tactics of its time. It has influenced not only Eastern and Western military thinking but also business tactics and legal strategy. The book has had a profound impact on leaders such as Mao Zedong, General Douglas MacArthur, and General Vo Nguyen Giap. Overall, The Art of War is an essential read for anyone interested in military history and strategy.

The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child: Volume 1: Ancient Times: From the Earliest Nomads to the Last Roman Emperor, Revised Edition is a captivating read for elementary students that covers human history from ancient times to the present. The book is written in an engaging style, covering various civilizations from Africa, China, Europe to the Americas. The author, Susan Wise Bauer, provides a full year of history study in combination with the Activity Book, Audiobook, and Tests. The book includes maps, illustrations, and parental aids. The Story of the World: Volume 1 is a must-read for parents seeking a multi-age read-aloud narrative of world history.

Free to Learn by Peter Gray is a compelling book that advocates for self-directed learning, or "unschooling," as the best way to foster children's development and prepare them for the modern world. Gray draws on evidence from anthropology, psychology, and history to show that free play is essential for children's learning and emotional resilience. The book challenges the traditional education system and offers a counterintuitive proposal for improving children's lives and promoting their happiness and learning. Overall, Free to Learn is a thought-provoking and well-researched book that provides a strong argument for rethinking how we educate our children.