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Guide Picks - Top 10 Fun History Books
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What makes the history section in a bookstore so daunting are the large number of books that cover very specific topics. If you aren't sure what topic your history buff loves most, try some of the more general, light-hearted, fun books that are generic enough to please every history buff but also informative enough to entertain them.
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1) 20th Century Day by Day
Amazing! A very detailed chronology of the twentieth century. "News" style stories from major events for every month of every year are included in this huge text. There is a historical note for almost every day of the century. Truly a fantastic resource and wonderful gift for any history buff.
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2) Letters of the Century: America 1900-1999
A spectacular collection of over 400 letters about famous people and important events that bring history to life. A treasure trove of first-person accounts that will amaze and fascinate. Letters from Charlie Chaplin, FDR, Janis Joplin, Jerry, Falwell, Cher, and much much more.
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3) Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things
This book is the supreme historical trivia lover's book. It provides the history and origin of over 500 everyday objects, customs, magazines, foods, and even superstitions. Don't miss the origins of Tupperware, Yankee Doodle, and Pajamas - you won't be able to put this one down!
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4) The Pessimist's Guide to History
This chronology of interesting blurbs about low points in history, with particular emphasis on earthquakes, massacres, disease, and war. Not for the optimist! Pure catastrophe and chaos at its best.
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5) One-Night Stands With American History: Odd, Amusing, and Little-Known Incidents
A fascinating collection of vignettes that will entertain and amuse. I especially enjoyed "A Freshman Congressman Elected Speaker of the House" and "FDR and the Case of the Missing Map." It's fun to read even just a few of the short vignettes per sitting. Great for the coffee table.
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6) What Everyone Should Know About the 20th Century
Two hundred of the most important historic events of the 20th century. You'll be surprised to discover many events in this book. This is a great read and a great reference.
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7) How Did They Die?
The final days of three hundred and twenty-five people are detailed in this book, which provides insight about the deaths of people like Galileo Galilei, Huey Long, and Kit Carson. A morbid yet intriguing tome.
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8) Almost History : Close Calls, Plan B's & Twists of Fate in America's Past
A collection of documents related to history as it did not happen, from JFK's speech he never gave in Dallas to telegraphed warnings to the Titanic. Compiled by an administrator of the National Archives, this well-annotated collection is most interesting.
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9) Don't Know Much About History
Kenneth Davis jumps around American history in this popular book that will be interesting to most but might be a bit of a bore to more well-read armchair historians. Definitely a fun ride through American history nonetheless!
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10) Lies My Teacher Told Me
Author James Loewen explores the fascinating and politically correct process of the creation of American history textbooks in schools and tells you what's wrong with the system and with the books. A disturbing look at the state of our kids' education.
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