Order History
Premium Membership & Rewards
Help Center / FAQ
History Books
From the high seas of David Grann’s The Wager to timeless primers like Timothy Snyder’s On Tyranny, history runs the gamut from the page-turning action of Band of Brothers to the detailed biographies of Ron Chernow. Whether you’re looking to read up on World History in the Roman Empire or American History during the Revolutionary War, you should know that the adage holds true — those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
Bestsellers
See All
Best New History Hardcovers
See AllBest New History Paperbacks
See All
History Coming Soon
See AllSigned & Special Editions
See All
Bookseller Favorites
See AllBest United States History
See All
Best Military History
See AllBest European History
See All
Best World History
See AllRecently Reviewed
See All
History eBooks
See AllHistory Audiobooks
See All
History
Find new fascination in history books on thousands of subjects and historical events at Barnes & Noble®. History books play an important part in helping us remember and learn from the past. Although plenty of history books have been written, perspectives on history change as we ourselves grow and evolve. Discover the best selection of books about history including nonfiction historical narratives, biographies about historical figures and history textbooks that explore various historical periods.
The best history books are the ones that dive deeply into specific historical events, unearthing new knowledge about the studied topic. You can go way back with ancient history titles like Mary Beard’s ancient Rome collection or revisit the magnificent Cleopatra in Stacy Schiff’s Cleopatra: A Life. Trace the various intersections and conflicts of European history in Andrew Roberts' Napoleon or Dan Jones’ extensive coverage of the War of the Roses. The Civil War continues to be a source of captivating historical narratives such as Ron Chernow’s Grant or S. C. Gwynne’s Rebel Yell. You’ll find something about any U.S. President, from new lenses on widely covered presidents like Jon Meacham’s And There Was Light to refreshing looks at presidents you may not know much about, such as CW Goodyear’s President Garfield. And if you’re looking for a fresh perspective on history, try Black AF History or A Man of Two Faces.
Whether you’re a history teacher, history lover or simply want to learn more about history, our wide selection of nonfiction history books is here to please. From classic history books to new releases such as Mark Twain, The Fate of the Day, and Everything Is Tuberculosis, we’re sure to have books about history that interest you. Go back in time today with an illuminating, immersive history book from Barnes & Noble® or check out our list of the best history books of 2025 so far. Looking for a book to start reading immediately? Download history eBooks to your smartphone, tablet, or NOOK device and start reading now!
The 10 Best History Books To Read Now:
One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El Akkad
Black in Blues: How a Color Tells the Story of My People by Imani Perry
The Ride by Kostya Kennedy
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time by Keith Houston
The Golden Road by William Dalrymple
The Fifteen by William Geroux
An African History of Africa by Zeinab Badawi
I Seek a Kind Person by Julian Borger
Mark Twain by Ron Chernow
The Fate of the Day by Rick Atkinson
The best history books are the ones that dive deeply into specific historical events, unearthing new knowledge about the studied topic. You can go way back with ancient history titles like Mary Beard’s ancient Rome collection or revisit the magnificent Cleopatra in Stacy Schiff’s Cleopatra: A Life. Trace the various intersections and conflicts of European history in Andrew Roberts' Napoleon or Dan Jones’ extensive coverage of the War of the Roses. The Civil War continues to be a source of captivating historical narratives such as Ron Chernow’s Grant or S. C. Gwynne’s Rebel Yell. You’ll find something about any U.S. President, from new lenses on widely covered presidents like Jon Meacham’s And There Was Light to refreshing looks at presidents you may not know much about, such as CW Goodyear’s President Garfield. And if you’re looking for a fresh perspective on history, try Black AF History or A Man of Two Faces.
Whether you’re a history teacher, history lover or simply want to learn more about history, our wide selection of nonfiction history books is here to please. From classic history books to new releases such as Mark Twain, The Fate of the Day, and Everything Is Tuberculosis, we’re sure to have books about history that interest you. Go back in time today with an illuminating, immersive history book from Barnes & Noble® or check out our list of the best history books of 2025 so far. Looking for a book to start reading immediately? Download history eBooks to your smartphone, tablet, or NOOK device and start reading now!
The 10 Best History Books To Read Now:
One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El Akkad
Black in Blues: How a Color Tells the Story of My People by Imani Perry
The Ride by Kostya Kennedy
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time by Keith Houston
The Golden Road by William Dalrymple
The Fifteen by William Geroux
An African History of Africa by Zeinab Badawi
I Seek a Kind Person by Julian Borger
Mark Twain by Ron Chernow
The Fate of the Day by Rick Atkinson