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Originally Posted by garygibsonsf
I'm looking for some recommendations for general books on history; world history in particular. I'm up to my ears in fiction and need a break. Any ideas?
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The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers by Paul M. Kennedy is a dense, but mind-opening read. You'll never fall for propaganda again. It's also the book of choice on the subject for lots of famous politicians. It has certainly changed the way I think about conflict.
The Scramble for Africa by Thomas Pakenham. Another dense one, but with a different effect on the mind. Basically, even if you're an atheist, you'll find yourself constantly muttering, "My God! They did what?"
Berlin: The Downfall by Anthony Beevor. Towards the end of WW2, the average age of recruits in the German army had fallen so far, that they were handing out more sweets in the ration packs than cigarettes. Heroic, horrific, heart-breaking and mind-blowing. It's all here, death and more death.
Fermat's Last Theorem by Simon Singh. This is an easy read, tracing the attempts of mathematicians through the ages who tried to resolve a particular conundrum. I am far from being a filthy math-lover, but after reading this, I can almost understand why they engage in such practices
There are plenty of lighter books available, but for some reason I haven't read many of them yet. This is not snobbery, it's just the way it's worked out.
My next target is Tom Holland's
Millennium.