Best History Books of 2015

by Antony Beevor

Essential reading for anyone interested in World War II. Full review >

by Anna Bikont translated by Alissa Valles

Bikont’s fearless research—she even confronted the brothers known to have led the Jedwabne murders—makes this a fantastic... Full review >

by Lillian Faderman

In this superbly researched book, acclaimed LGBT scholar Faderman (My Mother’s Wars, 2013, etc.) examines the roots of the... Full review >

by Bryan Burrough

A superb chronicle, long—but no longer than needed—and detailed, that sheds light on how the war on terror is being waged... Full review >

by David Crane

A historical tour de force—a fascinating panorama of Great Britain during the summer of Waterloo. Full review >

by Christopher Dickey

A great book explaining the workings of what Dickey calls an erratic, cobbled-together coalition of ferociously independent... Full review >

by Joseph J. Ellis

This is Ellis’ ninth consecutive history of the Revolutionary War era and yet another winner. Full review >

by Eric Burns

In this delightfully readable book, the author expertly shows how those affected by the Great War linked together, nourished... Full review >

by Thomas Fleming

Among historians, Jefferson’s star has been falling for 50 years. Fleming’s frank hostility puts him at the far end of the... Full review >

by Robert Goodwin

Any student of the Renaissance should read this excellent work showing Spain’s enormous impact on the arts and, with her... Full review >

by Sarah Helm

Not just another tale of concentration camp terrors, Helm delivers a gripping story of the women who outlasted them and had... Full review >

by Bruce Hoffman

An authoritative, sweeping, important history that shows how terrorism “is neither irrational nor desperate but instead... Full review >

by Walter Kempowski translated by Shaun Whiteside

A riveting portrait of what Kurt Weill called the “total breakdown of all human dignity,” revealed through the bric-a-brac... Full review >

by Erika Lee

A powerful, timely story told with method and dignity. Full review >

by Lisa McGirr

An important book that warrants a place at the forefront of Prohibition histories. General readers will love it, and... Full review >

by Patrick Rael

There are not enough superlatives to describe the wealth of information in this book and the bright, clear way in which it... Full review >

by James M. Scott

A spirited, comprehensive and highly readable account of the tremendous wherewithal required for this extraordinary effort. Full review >

by Susan Southard

A valiant, moving work of research certain to provoke vigorous discussion. Full review >

by David Talbot

Washington, D.C., regulars may know some of this information, and foreign nations certainly do, but all engaged American... Full review >

by Nikolaus Wachsmann

A comprehensive, encyclopedic work that should be included in the collections of libraries, schools and other institutions. Full review >

by Joseph Wheelan

Wheelan has combed entire libraries to make this thoroughly readable, lucid survey. Well-practiced buffs will welcome the... Full review >

by Jay Winik

A complex history rendered with great color and sympathy. Full review >