"Top 2018 History Books for Enthusiasts: A Buff's Guide"

Best Books for History Buffs in 2018

History enthusiasts, rejoice! The year 2018 brought us a treasure trove of captivating and insightful reads that delve into various periods and aspects of our past. From ancient civilizations to modern-day events, these books offer a rich tapestry of historical narratives that will satisfy your curiosity and broaden your understanding. Here are some of the best history books published in 2018 that you shouldn't miss.

New Perspectives on Ancient History

Kicking off our list is Ancient Worlds: From Ice Age to Empire by Patrick J. Michelson. This comprehensive volume provides a fresh perspective on ancient history, challenging conventional narratives and offering new insights into the rise and fall of civilizations. Michelson's engaging prose makes this book an accessible and enjoyable read for both academic historians and casual history enthusiasts.

Another standout title is Rome's Revolution: Death of a Superpower and the Birth of Europe by Walter Scheidel. Scheidel masterfully explores the decline and fall of the Roman Empire, arguing that its collapse was not a singular event but a complex process that shaped the course of European history. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intricate workings of empires and their legacies.

Medieval and Early Modern History

For those with a fascination for the Middle Ages, The Silk Roads: A New History of the World by Peter Frankopan is an essential read. Frankopan traces the history of the world through the lens of the Silk Roads, the vast network of trade routes that connected the East and West from the 2nd century BCE to the 18th century. This book offers a fresh perspective on global history and challenges the Eurocentric narratives that have dominated historical scholarship for centuries.

Moving into the early modern period, The Great Leveler: Violence and the History of Inequality from the Stone Age to the Twenty-First Century by Walter Scheidel (yes, the same author as the previous title) provides a sweeping analysis of inequality throughout human history. Scheidel argues that violent shocks, such as wars, revolutions, and plagues, have been the primary forces driving the reduction of inequality. This book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between violence and social inequality.

20th Century History and Beyond

For readers interested in the 20th century, Eisenhower in War and Peace by Jean Edward Smith is an excellent choice. This comprehensive biography of Dwight D. Eisenhower offers a nuanced portrait of the man who led the United States through some of its most tumultuous years, from World War II to the early stages of the Cold War. Smith's meticulous research and engaging prose make this book a must-read for anyone interested in American history or the global politics of the mid-20th century.

Finally, for those looking to explore the history of our contemporary world, The Retreat of Western Liberalism by Edward Luce is a timely and thought-provoking read. Luce examines the rise of populism and the decline of liberal democracy in the West, offering a critical analysis of the challenges facing liberal societies in the 21st century. This book is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the complex political landscape of our time.

Honorable Mentions

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari (2018 edition with new material)
• The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity by David Graeber and David Wengrow
• Fascism: A Warning by Madeleine Albright
• The End of the Asian Century: War, Stagnation, and the Risks to the World's Most Dynamic Region by Michael R. Auslin

These honorable mentions offer a diverse range of historical perspectives, from the origins of human civilization to the contemporary geopolitical landscape. Whether you're interested in ancient history, medieval politics, or modern-day events, there's something on this list for every history buff.

So, dive into these captivating reads and expand your historical horizons. Happy reading!