Best Big-Picture History Books of 2020

by Daina Ramey Berry & Kali Nicole Gross

A vital book for any library or classroom—and for foot soldiers in the fight for racial justice. Full review >

by Jennet Conant

An impressive dual history of a military disaster and a scientific breakthrough. Full review >

by Nancy F. Cott

A revelatory history of a time when journalism was respected and vital. Full review >

by Edmund Fawcett

An immensely stimulating canter through a major segment of Western political tradition. Full review >

by Kim Ghattas

Essential for all who follow world events. Full review >

by Max Hastings

Another Hastings must-read. Full review >

by Erik Larson

A captivating history of Churchill’s heroic year, with more than the usual emphasis on his intimates. Full review >

by Jill Lepore

A fascinating, expertly guided exploration of a little-known corner of the recent past. Full review >

by David Nasaw

A searching, vigorously written history of an unsettled time too little known to American readers. Full review >

by Martin J. Sherwin

A fearfully convincing case that avoiding nuclear war “is contingent on the world’s dwindling reservoir of good luck.” Full review >

by Ian W. Toll

A conventional but richly rewarding history of the last war that turned out well for the U.S. Full review >

by Tim Weiner

A gripping history of 75 years of Russian-American conflict with the dismal conclusion that we seem outmatched. Full review >

by Jia Lynn Yang

Critical in understanding today’s immigration issues. Full review >