Old map

Reading List

Books for history buffs

By Ideas Editor

Curious about the repercussions of the fall Rome or the myriad schemes and dreams that gave rise to modern Brooklyn? Keen to learn more about Michelangelo’s design for the Sistine Chapel, Chaucer’s European travels, or James Baldwin’s eloquent arguments for racial justice? Ever wondered how modern agri-business got its start, considered that Boston may have erred in joining the United States, or puzzled over just how much the Kardashians owe to Sarah Bernhardt?  This list of books for history buffs is full of surprises for readers of all stripes.  

 

Escape from Rome

Escape from Rome: The Failure of Empire and the Road to Prosperity

 

The Fire is Upon Us

The Fire Is upon Us: James Baldwin, William F. Buckley Jr., and the Debate over Race in America

 

Brooklyn

Brooklyn: The Once and Future City 

 

City-State of Boston

The City-State of Boston: The Rise and Fall of an Atlantic Power, 1630-1865

 

Red Meat Republic

Red Meat Republic: A Hoof to Table History of How Beef Changed America 

 

Chaucer

Chaucer: A European Life

 ​​​​​​

Michelangelo, God's Architect

Michelangelo, God’s Architect: The Story of His Final Years and Greatest Masterpiece