Best Iraq History Books of 2026

A new history book titled "Assyria: The Rise and Fall of the World’s First Empire" by historian Eckart Frahm is a comprehensive account of the ancient civilization that established the model for future empires. The book not only covers the Assyrians' conquests but also their vast libraries, trade, and information networks, highlighting the crucial role played by royal women. The author's nearly two centuries of research offer a rich picture of the Assyrians and their empire beyond the battlefield. Despite Assyria's crushing by rising powers, their legacy has endured and influenced other empires, including Rome. This authoritative account of a civilization is essential to understanding the ancient world and our own.

Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return is a heartrending graphic memoir by Marjane Satrapi about her struggles of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, fleeing fundamentalism and war with Iraq to begin a new life in Vienna, and ultimately returning home to confront the changes both she and her country have undergone. As funny and poignant as its predecessor, Persepolis 2 is another clear-eyed and searing condemnation of the human cost of fundamentalism. This book is a must-read for those who want to understand the complexity of life during the Islamic Revolution and its aftermath.

War's Over, Come Home by Patrick Smithwick is a poignant memoir that provides a family's perspective on the devastating impact of PTSD. The book follows the author's search for his son, Andrew, a two-tour Marine veteran of the Iraq War who suffers from PTSD. The family's resilience and unwavering commitment to finding Andrew in the face of countless setbacks are inspiring. Smithwick's writing is powerful and moving, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the far-reaching effects of PTSD on soldiers and their families.

The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism by Naomi Klein exposes how the global "free market" has exploited crises and shock for three decades, from Chile to Iraq. Klein argues that the disaster capitalism complex now exists as a booming new economy, and is the violent culmination of a radical economic project that has been incubating for fifty years. This book is a must-read for those interested in economic conditions and the impact of capitalism on society. It is bold, brilliantly conceived, and hugely informative. Klein may have revealed the master narrative of our time.

"Black Hearts: One Platoon's Descent into Madness in Iraq's Triangle of Death" is a haunting and disturbing account of the descent of a platoon of soldiers into brutality and war crimes during their deployment in Iraq. The author, Jim Frederick, draws on firsthand reporting and interviews with soldiers to deliver a gripping narrative that exposes the fragility of character in the savage crucible of warfare. This book is a timeless story about men in combat, the dangers of poor leadership, and the devastating consequences of war. Overall, "Black Hearts" is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the reality of war and its impact on soldiers and civilians alike."

Confronting Saddam Hussein by Melvyn P. Leffler is a comprehensive analysis of the events leading up to the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. The author, through personal interviews with top officials and declassified documents, examines the emotions and anxieties that shaped the thinking of the president after the 9/11 attacks. Leffler emphasizes Saddam Hussein's brutality and unpredictability, which haunted the president and influenced his calculations. The book sheds light on the decision-making process, highlighting the roles of contingency, agency, rationality, and emotion. Overall, Confronting Saddam Hussein is an insightful read that provides a thorough understanding of the US foreign policy decision to go to war with Iraq.

Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes is a fascinating book that challenges the Western-centric view of world history. Tamim Ansary presents the Muslim perspective of world events, from the lifetime of Mohammed to the modern-day conflicts that culminated in the 9/11 attacks. Ansary provides an evenhanded and engaging account of the key people, events, and turning points in Islamic history, clarifying why two great civilizations, Western and Muslim, grew up oblivious to each other. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a fuller understanding of how Islam and the world have shaped each other.

A Stranger in Your Own City by Ghaith Abdul-Ahad is a powerful and vivid portrayal of Iraq's people and their struggles during the country's tumultuous history. The author, an award-winning journalist and native of Baghdad, offers an intimate and personal account of his city and its people. The book covers twenty years of war and the impact it had on the citizens of Iraq. Abdul-Ahad's unique perspective as both an insider and outsider provides readers with a new and eye-opening view of the country's history. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the Middle East and its people.

Walk in My Combat Boots is a collection of powerful and moving stories from the men and women who have served in the US military from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan. This book presents brutally honest stories that are usually only shared amongst comrades in arms. James Patterson, the world’s #1 bestselling writer, and First Sergeant US Army (Ret.) Matt Eversmann have brilliantly woven together a tapestry of individual stories that is as compelling as it is entertaining. It is a must-read that will take readers' breath away, break their hearts, and leave them in awe of the hard work, raw courage, ingenuity, and resilience of the men and women who wear the boots.

The KJV Large Print Compact Reference Bible is a portable and convenient Bible that features a custom KJV font designed for maximum readability. This edition comes with book introductions, cross-references, a concordance, and ribbon markers, making it easy to navigate and personalize. The words of Christ are also in red, making it easy to identify verses spoken by Jesus. The inclusion of a reading plan, miracles of Christ, and full-color maps further enhance the Bible reading experience. Overall, this Bible is perfect for those who are always on-the-go and want a compact yet comprehensive Bible with larger print.