Six banger history books for casual readers

Summary

In this video, the creator offers a guide for those new to history books, recommending a subgenre called Popular History, which is more accessible and engaging than dense academic texts. The creator highlights three compelling books for beginners: *Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World*, *Destiny Disrupted*, and *A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum*, each offering fascinating perspectives on history. The video also encourages viewers to explore these works as an entry into history, while providing a candid reflection on biases and the importance of finding diverse historical viewpoints.

Takeaways

• 😀 History books can be intimidating, but there are accessible ways to get started in the genre.
• 😀 The subgenre of Popular History offers engaging storytelling and dramatic events, making history more accessible to general readers.
• 😀 Popular History books may not always be as academically rigorous, but they offer a more engaging and digestible introduction to history.
• 😀 Genghis Khan's Mongol Empire, while known for brutality, also sparked positive cultural and technological developments in the regions they conquered.
• 😀 'Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World' by Jack Weatherford is a revisionist look at the Mongol Empire, focusing on their global impact beyond their violence.
• 😀 'Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes' by Tamim Ansari offers an engaging and comprehensive look at 1,500 years of Islamic history.
• 😀 'Destiny Disrupted' is conversational in tone, making it an excellent introduction to Islamic history with plenty of fascinating insights and perspectives.
• 😀 Emma Southern's 'A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' explores the history of murder in ancient Rome with humor and deep analysis, far beyond Julius Caesar's assassination.
• 😀 'Greek Fire, Poison Arrows, and Scorpion Bombs' by Adrien Mayer explores the history of biological and chemical warfare in the ancient world, debunking the myth that these tactics are modern inventions.
• 😀 The importance of reading history books to gain different perspectives, especially those written outside of the Western lens, is emphasized, particularly in the case of Islamic history.
• 😀 The video encourages readers to engage with different aspects of history, not just for education but also for enjoyment, with quick-fire recommendations for history books that offer varied and unique perspectives.

Q & A

Why can history books be intimidating to read?

History books can be intimidating because they are often written in a dry, academic style that can feel inaccessible or boring. This is especially true if you haven't had a teacher who made the subject engaging, or if you've only encountered dense, scholarly texts in the past.

What is 'Popular History' and why is it recommended for new history readers?

Popular History is a subgenre of history books written with the goal of being more accessible to a wider audience. It prioritizes storytelling, engaging details, and dramatic events over technical academic jargon, making it a great choice for beginners who want to dive into history without getting bogged down in dense material.

How does Jack Weatherford's book about Genghis Khan challenge common perceptions?

Weatherford's book presents a revisionist view of the Mongol Empire, arguing that while Genghis Khan's conquests were brutal, they also led to significant cultural exchange, technological advances, and intellectual growth. This perspective challenges the common view of the Mongols as merely a destructive force.

What are some of the criticisms of Weatherford's 'Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World'?

While Weatherford's book is accessible and engaging, it has been criticized for downplaying the death toll caused by the Mongol invasions, particularly the estimated 20 to 57 million deaths in Persia and Mesopotamia. Some readers feel that the book minimizes the brutality of the Mongol conquests.

What makes 'Destiny Disrupted' by Tamim Ansary a unique take on world history?

Destiny Disrupted offers a sweeping history of the world from an Islamic perspective, focusing on key events and figures in Islamic history. It’s written in an engaging, conversational style that makes it accessible, and it presents a refreshing alternative to the typical Western-centered narratives of world history.

Why is Ansary’s book considered an excellent introductory text?

Ansary's book is considered an excellent introduction because it simplifies complex topics, providing a broad overview of Islamic history in a way that is both informative and highly readable. The storytelling style and conversational tone make it engaging, while the book serves as a great starting point for further research.

What is the focus of Emma Southern’s 'A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum'?

Emma Southern's book focuses on the topic of murder in ancient Rome, examining how different types of murders were dealt with, from political assassinations to murders within families. It explores the broader social, political, and legal implications of these crimes, and is written with Southern’s characteristic humor.

What makes Southern’s book different from other works on Roman history?

Southern’s book stands out by focusing specifically on the topic of murder and its social ramifications in ancient Rome, rather than offering a broad retelling of Roman history. She presents this dark topic with humor and flair, making it both informative and entertaining.

What is the central theme of 'Greek Fire, Poison Arrows, and Scorpion Bombs' by Adrien Mayer?

Adrien Mayer’s book explores the use of biological and chemical warfare in the ancient world, covering topics such as poison gas, plague, and other deadly methods used long before modern technology. It highlights the creative and often deadly ways ancient civilizations used biology and chemistry in warfare.

Why does the author recommend treating 'Destiny Disrupted' as a 'sampler platter'?

The author suggests treating 'Destiny Disrupted' as a 'sampler platter' because, while it provides an excellent overview of Islamic history, it doesn’t go into extreme depth on every subject. Readers can use the book as a springboard to explore more specific topics or figures that intrigue them, delving deeper into those areas with more focused readings.

How does 'The Greatest Knight' by Thomas Asbridge combine personal biography with historical context?

'The Greatest Knight' tells the life story of William Marshal, a knight who played a crucial role in English history during the Middle Ages. Alongside Marshal’s personal biography, the book also provides historical context on the political and social developments of England from 1146 to 1219, offering a broader picture of the time period.

What is the significance of 'Pathogenesis: A History of the World in Eight Plagues'?

Jonathan Kennedy’s 'Pathogenesis' examines how plagues and diseases have shaped human history, from the extinction of the Neanderthals to the present day. The book highlights how bacteria and viruses have been crucial in shaping societal development, providing an interesting lens through which to view historical events.