The Greatest "Nonfiction, European History, Political" Books Since 1950

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Nonfiction

European History

European History is a category of books that focuses on the historical events, people, and cultures of Europe. It covers a wide range of topics, including the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and the modern era. This category of books explores the political, social, economic, and cultural developments that have shaped Europe over the centuries, from the rise and fall of empires to the impact of wars and revolutions. It provides readers with a deeper understanding of the rich and complex history of Europe and its influence on the world.

Political

The "Political" category of books encompasses works that explore the theory, practice, and history of government and politics. These books may cover topics such as political ideologies, political systems, political institutions, political movements, and political leaders. They may also examine the relationship between politics and other areas of society, such as economics, culture, and international relations. Political books can be both informative and thought-provoking, offering readers insights into the complexities of the political world and the challenges of governing in a democratic society.

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  1. 26. Gulag: A History by Anne Applebaum

    "Gulag: A History" provides an in-depth historical account of the Soviet Union's forced labor camp system, known as the Gulag. The book explores the inception of these camps during the reign of Vladimir Lenin, their expansion under Joseph Stalin, and their eventual decline and closure. It also delves into the daily lives of the prisoners, their hardships, and the brutal conditions they endured. The book is based on a wealth of archival material, personal interviews, and memoirs, offering a comprehensive understanding of one of the darkest periods in human history.

    The 8076th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. A Peace To End All Peace by David Fromkin

    The book provides a detailed historical analysis of the Middle East from the onset of the First World War through to the early 1920s, focusing on how the decisions and actions of European powers, particularly Britain, led to the dismantling of the Ottoman Empire and the arbitrary redrawing of borders. It explores the diplomatic intrigues, strategic considerations, and often conflicting interests that shaped the modern Middle East, leading to a legacy of turmoil and conflict. The narrative critically examines the consequences of foreign intervention and the imposition of artificial state boundaries, shedding light on the origins of many of the region's ongoing struggles.

    The 8118th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Stasiland by Anna Funder

    This non-fiction work delves into the haunting legacy of the Stasi, the secret police of the former East Germany, through a series of personal narratives and interviews. The author explores the pervasive surveillance and oppression that characterized the German Democratic Republic, weaving together the stories of those who resisted the regime, those who worked for it, and those who were its victims. The book serves as a poignant examination of the human spirit under the strain of totalitarianism, revealing the scars left by a society where privacy was eradicated and trust was a commodity few could afford.

    The 9078th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. The Future Is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia by Masha Gessen

    This book provides a deeply researched examination of the resurgence of totalitarianism in Russia, focusing on the lives of four individuals born at what promised to be the dawn of democracy. The book explores how, after the fall of the Soviet Union, instead of moving towards a democratic society, Russia has seen a rise in a new form of totalitarianism under its current leadership. It delves into the psychological shift in the Russian populace, the government's use of homophobia as a method of control, and how the internet and social media have been weaponized for political purposes.

    The 9642nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Rough Crossings by Simon Schama

    "Rough Crossings" is a historical account of the experience of African American slaves during the American Revolution. It focuses on the British promise to grant freedom to slaves who joined their cause, and the subsequent journey of these former slaves to Nova Scotia and Sierra Leone. The book explores the complexities of this period in history, questioning the traditional narrative of the American Revolution and shedding light on the struggle for freedom and equality by African Americans.

    The 9869th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Russia Leaves the War by George F. Kennan

    "Russia Leaves the War" is a comprehensive historical analysis of the political, social, and economic factors that led to Russia's withdrawal from World War I. The book provides a detailed account of the internal struggles, international pressures, and key figures that influenced this critical decision. It also explores the impact of the Russian Revolution and the rise of the Bolsheviks on the nation's foreign policy, offering a nuanced understanding of this pivotal period in world history.

    The 10106th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Island on Fire: The Revolt That Ended Slavery in the British Empire by Tom Zoellner

    The book chronicles the 1831 slave rebellion in Jamaica, a significant event that hastened the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. The narrative details the planning and execution of the revolt, the brutal suppression by the colonial authorities, and the aftermath, including the public outrage in Britain that led to legislative reform. The book also explores the role of key figures in the uprising, providing a detailed account of this pivotal moment in history.

    The 10614th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. The Years of Extermination by Saul Friedlander

    "The Years of Extermination" is a comprehensive historical analysis of the Holocaust, examining the genocide from 1939 to 1945. Drawing on a variety of sources, including diaries, letters, and firsthand accounts, it provides a detailed and harrowing account of the systematic extermination of the Jewish people during World War II. The book also explores the responses of various groups, including the Jewish communities in Europe, the international community, and the perpetrators themselves.

    The 10711th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Iron Curtain by Anne Applebaum

    "Iron Curtain" is a compelling historical analysis that delves into the brutal tactics employed by the Soviet Union to establish communist regimes in Eastern Europe after World War II. The book meticulously examines how political parties, cultural institutions, and the media were manipulated and often violently coerced to suppress opposition and control public life. Through personal stories and detailed research, it explores the profound impact of totalitarianism on the lives of individuals and the social fabric of societies behind the Iron Curtain, highlighting the methods of oppression and the legacy of this dark period in European history.

    The 11065th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Between War and Peace: The Potsdam Conference by Herbert Feis

    This book provides a detailed account of the Potsdam Conference, a crucial event in world history that took place in the summer of 1945. It explores the interactions and negotiations between the three most powerful men of that time - Winston Churchill, Harry Truman, and Joseph Stalin - who were tasked with deciding the fate of post-WWII Europe. The book also delves into the political dynamics, personal conflicts, and the profound implications of the decisions made during this conference.

    The 11138th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. The Pope and Mussolini by David I. Kertzer

    This book delves into the secret relationship between Pope Pius XI and the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. The narrative reveals how each man relied on the other to consolidate his power and achieve his political goals, ultimately leading to the Vatican’s endorsement of the Fascist regime. The author uses newly available sources from the Vatican archives to illuminate this dark chapter in the history of the Catholic Church and Italy.

    The 11324th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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