Best Italian History Books of 2026

Dominion is a captivating exploration of how Christianity has influenced Western civilization for the past two millennia. Author Tom Holland argues that the Christian faith has shaped our morals, ethics, and even our language. He provides vivid vignettes and gruesome details of Christian history while emphasizing the religion's enduring influence on modern society. The book is well-researched and engaging, making it a must-read for anyone interested in Christian church history. Overall, Dominion is a fascinating and unique account of how Christianity has transformed the world.

Ancient Rome: The Definitive Visual History is a comprehensive and engaging exploration of one of the most influential empires in world history. The book covers over 1,000 years of Roman history, from its origins to its decline, and includes detailed information on all aspects of Roman life, from art and fashion to engineering and warfare. The book is beautifully illustrated with photographs, maps, and CGI recreations, making it a must-have for anyone interested in ancient Rome or world history in general.

The NRSVCE, Illustrated Catholic Bible is a beautifully crafted Bible that is perfect for those who want to experience the Scriptures in an exciting way. This devotional Bible features 513 exquisite woodcut illustrations from a 16th-century Venetian Bible and is printed in the elegant and exclusive Catholic Comfort Print®. Each art rendering is linked to a passage of Scripture to guide the reader in reflecting on the passage. The Bible also contains the complete Catholic canon printed on single-column pages for easy reading. The durable Smyth-sewn binding lays flat in your hand or on your desk, and the high-quality Bible paper improves readability. Overall, this is a highly recommended Bible for personal spiritual formation and in the academy.

The Little Book of Gucci is a captivating read that tells the story of the historic Italian fashion brand, from its founding by Guccio Gucci in 1921 to its current success under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele. The book explores the visionary looks that have made Gucci a household name in the fashion industry, from the signature dark brown diamond print to the iconic belt, bag, and loafer. Written by Karen Homer, an established fashion journalist, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of fashion and Italian luxury. Overall, it is a well-researched and beautifully illustrated book that captures the essence of Gucci's enduring appeal.

A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle is a witty and charming account of what it's like to live in the remote country of the Lubéron in southern France. Mayle tells the story of his move with his wife and two large dogs into a 200-year-old stone farmhouse, and his experiences with the local culture, cuisine, and climate. The book is a delightful read, with Mayle's vivid descriptions of the region's scenery, food, and people. It's a perfect book for anyone who has ever dreamed of escaping to the French countryside. A Year in Provence is a must-read for those who love travel and exploration books.

The Prince is a classic political philosophy book written by Niccolò Machiavelli. It provides a pragmatic guide on how power works, examining rulers and regimes throughout history. Machiavelli answers questions such as when it is necessary to break the rules and whether it is better to be feared or loved. Penguin Classics has published a new series of hardcover classics, including The Prince, with covers designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith. Tim Parks's contemporary translation captures the original's pointed style. This book is a must-have for those interested in political philosophy, and its timeless lessons are still applicable today.

Thunderstruck by Erik Larson tells the story of two men, Hawley Crippen, an unlikely murderer, and Guglielmo Marconi, the obsessive creator of a seemingly supernatural means of communication, whose lives intersect during one of the greatest criminal chases of all time. Set in Edwardian London and on the stormy coasts of Cornwall, Cape Cod, and Nova Scotia, the book evokes the dynamism of those years when great shipping companies competed to build the biggest, fastest ocean liners, and scientific advances dazzled the public with visions of a world transformed. Larson's unparalleled narrative skills guide us through a relentlessly suspenseful chase over the waters of the North Atlantic. Thunderstruck is a beautifully written, captivating tale of murder and invention that restores life to a fascinating, long-lost world.

Florence: The Paintings & Frescoes is a spectacular collection of nearly 2,000 paintings and frescoes, including every work of art on display in the Uffizi, the Galleria Palatina of the Pitti Palace, the Accademia, and the Duomo, as well as those from 28 additional museums and churches. This book also includes two removable posters of Florence, one from the Renaissance and one from the present day. This book is an art lover's dream come true. The Western world's treasures are collected in one volume, with page after page of magnificence. The book is fascinating, and reading it before visiting the city itself would be a great idea.

Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross King is a captivating account of the construction of the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy. The book follows Filippo Brunelleschi, a goldsmith and clockmaker, as he spends 28 years solving the puzzles of the dome's construction and reinventing the field of architecture in the process. King weaves this drama amid a background of the plagues, wars, political feuds, and the intellectual ferments of Renaissance Florence to bring the dome's creation to life. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in architectural history and the genius of Renaissance Florence.