Best World History Books of 2025

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.

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer is a gripping true story of a young man who hitchhiked to Alaska and ventured into the wilderness alone. The book explores the allure of high-risk activities to young men, the bond between fathers and sons, and the profound pull of the American wilderness on our imagination. Krakauer constructs a clarifying prism through which he reassembles the disquieting facts of McCandless's short life. The book is a heart-rending drama of human yearning and an unforgettable story of adventure, courage, and tragedy.

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl is a timeless book that offers solace and guidance to those facing despair and adversity. Frankl's theory of logotherapy, which emphasizes the pursuit of meaning as the primary human drive, has inspired generations of readers since its publication in 1946. The book provides a riveting account of Frankl's time in Nazi concentration camps and his exploration of the human will to find meaning even in the worst circumstances. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking purpose and strength in challenging times.

The Story of Art Without Men is a groundbreaking book that provides a new perspective on the history of art, from the Renaissance to the present day, by showcasing more than 300 works of art created exclusively by women. Katy Hessel, an art historian and founder of @thegreatwomenartists, guides readers through the glittering paintings of Sofonisba Anguissola during the Renaissance, the radical work of Harriet Powers in the nineteenth-century United States, and the women defining art in the 2020s. This book is an inspiring and indispensable addition to the history of art by women, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in challenging the traditional narratives of art history.

In Order to Live is a powerful memoir that sheds light on the hardships of life in North Korea. Yeonmi Park's story of perseverance and determination is both heartbreaking and inspiring. She not only shares the horrific experiences she and her mother endured while escaping to South Korea, but also her ongoing efforts as a human rights activist to bring attention to the oppression in her home country. This memoir is a must-read for anyone seeking to better understand the realities of life in North Korea and the resilience of the human spirit.

Israel: Beauty, Light, and Luxury is an illustrated Bible devotional with 350 vibrant photos of the Holy Land today, including its features, flora, and people. Tara-Leigh Cobble, the creator of The Bible Recap, pairs rich devotionals with gorgeous photos of Israel, taking readers on an unforgettable journey through the Holy Land. The book offers a unique perspective on Israel, showcasing its beauty and thriving landscapes that go beyond the deserts and ruins. The author's personal experience and knowledge of the country add depth to the book, making it a valuable resource for readers seeking to connect with biblical stories and truth.

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind is a highly original book that integrates history and science to reconsider accepted narratives, connect past developments with contemporary concerns, and examine specific events within the context of larger ideas. Dr. Yuval Noah Harari explores the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be “human”. The book is sure to spark debate and is essential reading for aficionados of history and science. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn about the history of humankind and where we might be heading in the future.

Night is a memoir by Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, which is a candid and horrific autobiographical account of his survival as a teenager in the Nazi death camps. The book presents a philosophical as well as a personal reflection on the Holocaust, what it meant, and what its legacy is and will be. The author's lucid anguish and literary style make this slim volume of terrifying power a required reading for all of humanity. Night is a moving record that bears witness to those who died, and it is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and courage in the face of unimaginable evil.

The Princeton Review AP World History: Modern Premium Prep, 2023 is an extensive study guide that provides students with the most practice on the market to ace the AP World History: Modern Exam. This premium version includes 6 full-length practice tests with complete explanations, thorough content reviews, targeted test strategies, and access to online extras. The book is fully aligned with the latest College Board standards for AP World History and offers tried-and-true strategies, tips, and essential tactics to help students work smarter and avoid traps. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for students looking to achieve a high score on the AP World History: Modern Exam.

Killing Kennedy: Exposing the Plot, the Cover-Up, and the Consequences offers a fresh and insightful take on the JFK assassination. Author Jack Roth interviews a diverse group of people, from researchers to family members of those involved in the case, to understand the lasting impact of the tragedy. The book provides a "people's history" of the event, offering a respectful and emotional account that sheds new light on this pivotal moment in American and world history. Overall, Killing Kennedy is an outstanding and significant contribution to our understanding of the event, making it a must-read for anyone interested in this period of history.