best historical non fiction books

Historical non-fiction books have the remarkable ability to transport readers to different eras, enlighten them about past events, and provide valuable insights into the world's history. In this article, we will explore some of the best historical non-fiction books available, written by renowned authors who masterfully blend facts and storytelling to create compelling narratives. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply looking to expand your literary horizons, these books are sure to captivate your imagination and deepen your understanding of the past.

1. "The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America" by Erik Larson:
Set against the backdrop of the Chicago World's Fair in 1893, this gripping narrative intertwines the stories of two men - Daniel H. Burnham, the brilliant architect behind the fair, and H.H. Holmes, a serial killer who used the fair's chaotic atmosphere to prey on young women. Erik Larson meticulously researches and reconstructs the events, offering a fascinating glimpse into the dark side of the Gilded Age.

2. "The Guns of August" by Barbara W. Tuchman:
Considered a masterpiece of narrative history, this book delves into the complex events leading up to the outbreak of World War I. Barbara W. Tuchman meticulously analyzes the political and military decisions made by key players in August 1914 and explores how a seemingly avoidable conflict became an inevitable tragedy. Her vivid storytelling and deep understanding of the subject make this book a must-read for any history lover.

3. "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari:
In this thought-provoking book, Yuval Noah Harari takes readers on a journey through the entire history of Homo sapiens. From our evolution as a species to the rise and fall of civilizations, Harari explores the key factors that shaped human history. With a blend of science, anthropology, and philosophy, "Sapiens" offers a fresh perspective on our place in the world and the forces that have shaped us.

4. "Band of Brothers" by Stephen E. Ambrose:
This gripping account tells the story of Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, from their initial training to the end of World War II. Stephen E. Ambrose chronicles the experiences of these brave men, capturing their camaraderie, sacrifices, and heroism. "Band of Brothers" offers a deeply personal and emotional portrayal of the realities of war and the bonds forged in the face of adversity.

5. "The Silk Roads: A New History of the World" by Peter Frankopan:
Peter Frankopan challenges the Eurocentric view of history by shifting the focus to the Silk Roads, the interconnected trade routes that spanned Asia, Africa, and Europe. Exploring the influences and exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures along these routes, the book reveals the pivotal role the Silk Roads played in shaping the world we live in today. Frankopan's comprehensive research and engaging writing style make this an enlightening and illuminating read.

To further explore the world of historical non-fiction, websites like Goodreads and BookBub offer comprehensive lists and recommendations, allowing you to discover even more captivating titles. Remember, the pursuit of knowledge never ends, and these books provide a gateway to the rich tapestry of our collective past. Happy reading!
Hero of Great Jin Fiction
Hero of Great Jin

Princess Loulan, born with special abilities, finds herself in distress in Luoyang. She dedicates herself to mastering gambling skills and gathering an army, vowing to reclaim her homeland. In a surprising turn of events, the beautiful youth transforms into a deadly assassin, but amidst utter despair, obtains an unparalleled divine skill! I seek revenge! I long to regain my masculinity! The city of Luoyang is overrun with zombies, causing terror everywhere. Who will break the impasse? With this invisibility cloak, one can freely do whatever they desire without being seen, but absolutely no misdeeds should be committed! As chaos engulfs the world, who will emerge as the ultimate ruler? It is time to save the people!

76.18 Million words | 2021-04-10 14:47Update

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The First Beauty and Wealth in Ancient Times. Fiction
The First Beauty and Wealth in Ancient Times.

One day, she crossed over and unexpectedly became the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister's residence. Su Li Luo felt that she had really pulled off a great act! What? This legitimate daughter is ugly and useless? No way! How could she, a genius descendant of a prestigious medical family in the modern era, be so pathetic? Open a medical clinic, establish a tavern, embrace handsome men, and make a fortune; watch how Su Li Luo abuses scum and earns money, rising to the peak of life, becoming a rich and beautiful woman, and marrying a handsome prince who pretends to be a pig and devours tigers! "Princess, what should I do if I can't perform?" "It's okay, impotence is a disease, and Princess has the medicine!" Su Li Luo smiled brightly, but before she

144.29 Million words | 2023-03-06 04:22Update

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Zheng Tu Fiction
Zheng Tu

Zheng Fei travels through time to the Song dynasty, assuming the role of Zheng Tuzhen in the world of "Water Margin". Watch as he gathers heroes, ascends to Liangshan, enters the imperial court, fights against foreign invaders, and ultimately brings peace to the world! (The end! Thank you all for your support!)

63.55 Million words | 2023-05-29 01:11Update

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The Special Forces: I'm Slightly Self-disciplined Fiction
The Special Forces: I'm Slightly Self-disciplined

"Private! Your level of discipline is outstanding!" "Report, sir! I'm just a little more disciplined than others." "Just a little? I'd say it's a billion times more!" "Even without a system, I would still be disciplined! Because discipline is a quality every soldier must possess!" A regular soldier born in an era of elite troops, he possesses a precious quality from birth. He writes a remarkable military life. How important is discipline for a soldier? And how will this disciplined private bring about change in the unit? Let's wait and see.

375.63 Million words | 2022-07-28 04:09Update

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Return to the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty. Fiction
Return to the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty.

Feng Yao, who unexpectedly crossed over to the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, had to accept the fact that he was still an orphan. Just as the protagonist was indulging in his fantasies, he realized that reality was often different from what he had read in books! A mysterious background! Twisty experiences! Fierce struggles on the battlefield! Stirring love and enmity in chaotic times! Here, there are almost no rules! Here, only the strong can have the final say! Here, is the most real and darkest chaotic era!! Bloodshed! Slaughter! War! Power struggles! Conspiracies! Fame and fortune! Women! Reversal!... Let's see how the protagonist, starting off as a worthless orphan, eventually becomes the ruler of the world!

326.70 Million words | 2022-12-25 09:06Update

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A Tongue-Tied Hogwarts Fiction
A Tongue-Tied Hogwarts

Dahlia Dursley stared at the reflection of a blond, blue-eyed girl in the mirror, lost in thought. When she discovered that she had traveled back in time and transformed into Harry's eldest cousin, she knew something was not right in this world. Hagrid's umbrella concealed a giant boning knife instead of being a normal hunting guard. Snape, the genius prince of hotpot, taught his potion class by boiling tripe. Is everything really okay? Gryffindors love spiciness, Ravenclaws follow the rules of sauce, Slytherins believe in the essence of ingredients, and Hufflepuffs just care about being able to eat! Was Voldemort and the Death Eaters killing everywhere years ago just to resist the muggle invention of air fryers and microwaves? Something seems off. What happened to Hogwarts and the magical world?! Dahlia grabbed her beloved kitchen knife and exclaimed, 'Mapo Tofu!' In an instant, roaring flames erupted. She sighed, 'I guess this can also be considered magic? It's just that my way of time travel might be a little off...' If you enjoy 'A Tongue-Tied Hogwarts,' please remember to recommend it to your friends on QQ and Weibo!

158.80 Million words | 2022-03-22 08:58Update

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Qin dominates the world. Fiction
Qin dominates the world.

The new book "Campus Sorcerer" by Zhong Limai has been released. Please give it your support. Why did the mighty Qin Dynasty collapse within three years? Are Xiang Yu and Han Xin truly invincible? Traveling back to the time of Qin Emperor II, amidst a sea of flowers, enjoying all the glorious fortunes of the world. In the court, Zhao Gao fell victim to a hidden scheme. On the battlements of Wu Pass, Liu Bang was struck down. With its mighty national strength, the Qin Dynasty reestablished its dominance over the six states, crushing the rising Xiongnu Empire with unstoppable force, leaving them powerless to retaliate-

247.57 Million words | 2023-04-08 01:25Update

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Attack of Big Brother Wu Fiction
Attack of Big Brother Wu

Kill her husband and take his wife, plot for his wealth and occupy his house. On the third day of transmigrating into Wu Dalang's body, Wu Kai lay on Ximenqing's bed, embracing Ximenqing's wife, and made the above conclusion - if ignoring the fact that he was currently surrounded by hundreds of Song soldiers, this counterattack could truly be described as 'perfect'! Unfortunately... Facts are facts, and cannot be ignored.

79.27 Million words | 2020-07-13 18:49Update

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Rebirth of the Gang Leader in the Kanto Region Fiction
Rebirth of the Gang Leader in the Kanto Region

Qi Tian, a special forces soldier from the Hua Xia Shen Yang Military Region, went on a mission and perished alongside foreign mercenaries at the border of Bai Tou Mountain. Rewinding time, he is reborn at the foot of Bai Tou Mountain as a hunter with the same name. In this chaotic world, Qi Tian, who possesses the family's inherited sword skills, relies on cold weapons and vows to clash with firearms. In an era plagued by warlords and rampant banditry, the young Qi Tian emerges from Bai Tou Mountain and embarks on

70.04 Million words | 2021-09-04 20:51Update

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Floating Inn: Book of Beauties Fiction
Floating Inn: Book of Beauties

In the capital city, there is an inn called Fusheng. The innkeeper possesses two treasures: wine and "The Book of Beauties". The wine is a soul-stirring strong liquor, while "The Book of Beauties" contains the ever-changing stories of beautiful women in the mortal world. In just a few words, it encompasses the joys and sorrows of life, and the legendary lives of these beauties are like songs. The stories are about wine, and the listeners are numerous, with not an empty seat in the house. With a bang on the wooden stage, the story begins: Today, let's talk about the day when Su's daughter married Nanqing, which almost caused a sensation in the entire city of Nanjing! As the saying goes, forcibly picked fruits are not sweet. This husband, obtained at gunpoint, also comes with a pregnant young woman trailing behind him...

62.95 Million words | 2023-06-16 00:11Update

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The First Eye Techniques Practitioner Fiction
The First Eye Techniques Practitioner

Yun Zhen, a genius pupil and sorceress from the hidden clan of Hua Nation! One day, she transmigrated and became a worthless person despised by the world! Worthless? With

312.23 Million words | 2021-07-26 04:45Update

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Leap of a Thousand Years Fiction
Leap of a Thousand Years

During an unexpected incident in his mission in Africa, international mercenary Luo Kai was transported back in time, a thousand years ago, to Africa. He found himself surrounded by pitch-black tribes and wild beasts of the grasslands. Even encounters with the local people were a group he couldn't fully accept. How could he survive in this unfamiliar land? Despite being a warlord, his individual strength was insignificant, especially without a sense of belonging in Africa. So... he decided to return home. In the unfamiliar city, he was a lawless savage, kidnapping Fatima's renowned scientist... looting the academic library in Constantinople... monopolizing the artisans under Abbasid's rule... However, upon returning to his homeland in the East, he realized he couldn't even set foot on his own ancestral land. The Eternal Prosperity Army of the Song Dynasty and the bureaucrats of the Qin Feng Road saw him as nothing more than a fat lamb to be exploited...

440.90 Million words | 2023-05-10 16:43Update

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Phoenix in the Nine Skies Fiction
Phoenix in the Nine Skies

Feng Ming, a powerless young boy from the countryside, accidentally enters the palace while searching for his relatives in the capital city. He is forced to get involved in the political scene of the West Lei Dynasty and meets the regent prince Rong Tian. After several encounters, they develop a deep bond. Rong Tian, ambitious and aspiring to revive the West Lei Dynasty, seeks to end the chaotic times. With the assistance of Feng Ming's wisdom and strategies, they stabilize the internal affairs, embark on diplomatic missions, and quell wars. Through various challenges, they experience the desires of the people to escape the turmoil and live in peace. Feng Ming, kind-hearted and brave, often displays his ingenious wit, while Rong Tian demonstrates his military and political acumen, caring for the people and solving numerous difficulties. Eventually, through their perfect cooperation, they unite various forces, defeat evil influences, repel enemies, uphold justice, and each achieves a legendary life.

329.82 Million words | 2021-06-02 23:03Update

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The Strongest Military Spirit Fiction
The Strongest Military Spirit

If I exist, the dignity of the nation cannot be humiliated. If I perish, the enemy invaders cannot survive. A haunting secret phrase, a mysterious beauty captured in a photograph. The retired soldier awakens, returning to the military camp, with a steel gun in hand, winning the admiration of a beautiful woman. From a tooth of the wolf to a fang of the dragon, he becomes the king of soldiers. From the snowy mountains to the grasslands, he is unstoppable. The squad he leads, known as "a gathering of madmen," ruthlessly tramples on incoming enemies. Though our country is vast, if we seek war, we will perish. The world can only be safe when we forget war, for forgetting it will bring danger.

450.41 Million words | 2022-03-18 11:08Update

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Ming Dynasty tycoon Fiction
Ming Dynasty tycoon

In the era of Longwan, money flowed freely, maritime trade prospered, and the whip of capitalism began sprouting, leading the Great Ming toward the pinnacle of power. This was an era where politics and commerce were intertwined, where scholars were also entrepreneurs. This was an era of grandeur and decline, a turning point in history. This was an era of extravagance and splendor, where everything seemed dazzling. This was an era of waiting for industries to flourish, a time to showcase one's capabilities. In this era, old systems came to an end, while new systems emerged, paving the way for the Great Ming to embark on another path towards world domination.

113.04 Million words | 2022-08-19 17:20Update

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Marrying a Primitive Man Fiction
Marrying a Primitive Man

She admits that she is a woman without any dreams, her top three favorites are: first, vacation; second, television; third, instant noodles. She wants vacation when she is working, and even during vacation, she still wants more vacation. However, just because she is not ambitious, it doesn't mean she should be thrown into a place where it's desolate and idle, where all there is are trees and firewood, and besides her, a two-legged person, everyone else either has four legs or can fly without using their legs. She used to long for vacation every day, but now, all she longs for is a bowl, a bowl of instant noodles.

200.53 Million words | 2021-01-10 06:45Update

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The Glorious Era Fiction
The Glorious Era

Glory of the Golden Age, the magnificent empire! The Great Ming Empire, which has ruled the world for hundreds of years, is gradually declining, and unrest is brewing everywhere. Let's witness how Zhang Cheng from the 21st century rides through battles and reshapes the empire's glory with unmatched valor and determination! In this prosperous and everlasting age, the glory of the Middle Kingdom shines brightly. Everything is within the realm of brilliance.

178.74 Million words | 2022-02-02 23:52Update

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Adorable Master is here: Rebel, don't mess around. Fiction
Adorable Master is here: Rebel, don't mess around.

Entering the cultivation novel, I definitely had to compete with the protagonist for opportunities! I couldn't be the male version of Long Aotian, so why not be the female version? Unfortunately, my wishful thinking was shattered when I was ultimately defeated by the male lead and became the boss! Luckily, I was reborn and went back to when the male lead was a child! Looking at the skinny little figure before me, with a hint of kingly aura shining through his brows, I had two options. Kill him and see how arrogant he'll be in the future! Nurture him and demand repayment openly and honestly in the future! Thinking about the treasures that only the male lead could unlock, my greed got the best of me and I ultimately chose to nurture him. Little did I know, with one wrong move, I turned the righteous and adorable little boy into a cunning and scheming wolf! When he grew up, he even used treasures to entice me! "Master, want it? If you do, then let's cultivate together?" Tears filled my master's face. If she had known that trading her looks for treasures would work, what would she have done as a boss in her previous life? Master and disciple, nurturing, V, a sweet and pampering story. Welcome to adopt! W

277.63 Million words | 2021-12-21 21:56Update

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From Chenqiao to Yashan. Fiction
From Chenqiao to Yashan.

The Informal History of the Song Dynasty: The Cycle from One Year-Old Child to Another Year-Old Child

507.59 Million words | 2020-08-08 18:01Update

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Chief National Scholar Fiction
Chief National Scholar

The young cross-talk actor accidentally traveled to the feudal era and started telling stories, singing songs, and showcasing entertainment, packaging himself as a celebrity. The beautiful woman giggles by the Yangliu River, while the smoke and wind rise in the east. What? Compete with me in poetry, intelligence, wealth, and women? Ha, who can rival the heroes of the world? Let's see how the chief national scholar's skills unfold! Chief National Scholar.

585.58 Million words | 2021-01-12 14:41Update

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