The Best History Books of 2025

A heartbreaking and harrowing true story that puts a spotlight on the tragic events aboard the ill-fated ship. Told with verve and veracity, this is history that makes a difference.

Prolific historians Ken Burns and Geoffrey C. Ward, alongside a similarly prolific supporting cast, take us deeper into the American Revolution than ever before, spotlighting the struggle for independence and how it’s still rippling across the nation today.

John U. Bacon tells the harrowing true story of the “Mighty Fitz,” a 729-foot-long ship that perished in November 1975, and the lasting impact of the tragic maritime disaster.

The true story behind a catastrophic betrayal. Jonathan Freedland details the real story of the brave rebels who defied Hitler in 1943 and the devastating consequences they faced for their sacrifice.

From one market crash to another, Andrew Ross Sorkin returns with an exacting look at the 1929 Wall Street collapse, outlining how and why such a catastrophe happened, and what we can learn from it in today’s volatile world.

Based on on-the-ground research compiled over seven years of travel through thirty countries, An African History of Africa is a meticulously researched, sweeping study of the continent’s culture, people and history. Shining a light on overlooked African scholarship, Badawi presents a decolonized history in this remarkable and accessible account.

There are few documents as storied as the Constitution of the United States, but who really understands it? Jill Lepore is here to help, digging into the history and legacy of the Constitution in all of its intricacies and hopes. This is sharp and necessary narrative nonfiction.

This timely and impeccably researched look into the start of the American Revolution showcases harrowing battles, famous historical figures and the fight for democracy.

This incredible story of courage and survival takes you aboard the deadliest American submarine to fight in WWII, where its captain bravely led his sailors through unimaginable peril.

Dive deep into the life of one of America’s literary geniuses through the eyes of a master biographer. New sources and a critical lens shed light on Twain’s works and world.

A veritable survey of the career of a superstar historian, these essays span the entirety of David McCullough’s lifelong love of history. It’s a resonant reminder of exactly what the title suggests.

Stephen Greenblatt shares an in-depth look into the complex literary mind of Christopher Marlowe, William Shakespeare’s often misunderstood peer. Written as a thrilling narrative, Greenblatt chronicles the tragic but brilliant life of the writer.

The Map Men have spent years exploring every type of map out there: the old ones, the new ones and even the fake ones. Here, they share everything they’ve learned in this hilarious debut book.

Scott Anderson masterfully examines the pitfalls of U.S. foreign policy and the enduring global consequences triggered by the Iranian revolution.

An enlightening lens into modern-day espionage from a married CIA couple. If you’ve always been curious about covert operations and want to get you hands on behind-the-scenes scoop on a real-world mission, look no further.

Adam Cohen takes on one of life’s defining moral questions in this riveting historical exploration about a difficult choice at sea that led to a murder trial that set a new precedent.

Sharp, incisive and necessary, this hands-on and brutally honest assessment of the corrosion of Western values provides added validation to what so many are facing across the United States. With sweeping prose and dynamic reportage, Omar El Akkad delivers the mirror we all need. This is a powerful work that one day, everyone will have always been in favor of.

With a cast of characters as intriguing as the history itself, this little-known chapter of WWII history is compellingly told with exhaustive research and attention to detail.

Mexico’s storied past comes to life in Paul Gillingham’s multi-faceted exploration of the land’s layered history and the diverse cultures that made the country what it is today.

Imani Perry studies the color blue in all its history and hues in this remarkable analysis. From West Africa to the American South, Black in Blues examines the color’s relation to Blackness and culture from the award-winning author of South to America.

A sweeping story of humanity told through seven crucial waterways. Historian Vanessa Taylor takes readers through the history of the world’s conflicts, conquests and progressions, from the Nile, to the Mississippi to the Ganges and more.

Under immense pressure and in the face of great uncertainty, Vice President Harris answered her party’s call. Now she shares behind-the-scenes insights about the whirlwind candidacy that made history.

Journalist Julia Ioffe examines modern-day Russia through a feminist lens, using personal anecdotes, stories and research to trace the social and political evolution of women in Russian society.

Mr. Conspiracy himself, Brad Meltzer is back to spin a new yarn about the JFK assassination attempt you probably haven’t heard about. As wonderfully researched as Meltzer always is, this is a fascinating window into little-known history.

Maybe you already think you know the midnight ride of Paul Revere by heart, maybe not, but even if you know it… do you really? This captivating account of what actually happened pulls in all the tertiary details to paint a complete picture, from the man himself to the events that led to this most important night.

Fascinating, fulfilling and, above all else, fun. This utterly eye-opening (and nose- and mouth-opening) exploration of the history of practically everything is an enriching and endlessly entertaining read.

Blending memories and perspectives of scientists, soldiers and ordinary people, this is a powerful narrative about harnessing the atom’s power and the devastating consequences of the tremendous endeavor that contributed to Japan’s surrender in WWII.