Shipman's reading list: history and historical fiction

I hated history in public school. Then, in my thirties, some friends pointed me at some decently written history books, and my attitude changed. Here are some books that I think would be good for converting those who read but don't think they care for history.

History

• My favorite history book is `Shipman's history books: B. H. Liddell Hart's "Why don't we learn from history?"'. The entire book is online.
• Anything by Barbara Tuchman.
  • March of folly is vital. A study of governments that act against their countries' own best interests. How relevant can you get?
  • A distant mirror cured me of my tendency to think that history has to be boring.
• I have a special interest in the history of South Africa.
  • The washing of the spears by Donald Morris chronicles the rise and fall of the Zulu nation. Truly gut-wrenching. Featuring the battle of Isandlhwana, in which Zulus armed with spears and cowhide shields wipe out British troops armed with rifles and artillery. If you have seen the movie ``Zulu!'' or its sequel ``Zulu Dawn,'' read this for the rest of the context.
  • The Boer War by Thomas Pakenham is a marvelous chronicle of stupidity, perversity and failure. This was the war that gave us the Boy Scouts and the concentration camp (both British inventions) and some interesting advances in guerilla warfare by the Voortrekkers.

Historical fiction

• Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin novels are some of my favorite books in the entire library.
• George MacDonald Fraser's Flashman is not really in the same league as O'Brian, but they're good fun and a painless way to soak up history. Warning: Lots of explicit sex.

Last updated: 2005/11/25 23:46:17
URL: http://www.nmt.edu/~shipman/reading/history.html