Bestselling Nonfiction

Browse popular, highly rated secondhand nonfiction books at affordable prices, starting from just S$3.90! Titles in this collection boast above 4 stars on Goodreads, with at least 500 ratings.

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The Sleepwalkers: A History of Man's Changing Vision of the Universe

$9.90

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60% off est. retail
This is the kind of big, brainy history that makes the evolution of cosmology feel deeply human rather than dry or technical. Koestler brings scientists to life as flawed, brilliant people shaped by belief, politics, and prejudice, which gives the scientific revolution real drama. If you like books that connect ideas across history, philosophy, and science, this feels rich, provocative, and surprisingly alive.
When the War Was Over: Cambodia and the Khmer Rouge Revolution
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$11.90

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This is the kind of history that feels painfully alive, because Elizabeth Becker blends deep reporting with the voices of people who endured the Khmer Rouge firsthand. It goes beyond dates and politics to show how ideology, fear, and international indifference shattered an entire country. If you want serious nonfiction that is harrowing, authoritative, and impossible to forget, this is a powerful read.
Mirza Ghalib: A Biographical Scenario
Gulzar | Rupa & Co.

Mirza Ghalib: A Biographical Scenario

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Goodreads rating: 4.3

$10.90

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This feels like stepping into Ghalib’s world through Gulzar’s sensitive, cinematic lens. It’s a lovely pick if you enjoy literary lives, especially when the person’s wit, sorrow, and genius are allowed to breathe on the page. Readers drawn to Urdu poetry, history, or artist biographies will likely find it deeply atmospheric and quietly moving.
Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea - Thryft
Gary Kinder | Atlantic Monthly Pr

Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea

Regular price $9.90 $4.90 51% off

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Goodreads rating: 4.29

Regular price $9.90 $4.90 51% off

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88% off est. retail
If the fusion of history and deep-sea adventure tickles your fancy, "Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea" might just be the treasure you're looking to unearth on your reading shelf. It's a compelling narrative that binds the tragic past with the thrill of modern discovery, telling a human tale through the lens of technological triumph. The juxtaposition of 19th-century gold rush fervor with 20th-century ingenuity creates a riveting account that transcends time—you're sure to be anchored to each page.
China Wakes: The Struggle for the Soul of a Rising Power - Thryft

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If you’re intrigued by the evolution of global powers, “China Wakes” offers a deep dive into the complexities of China's ascension. The reporters take you through the multifaceted societal changes with a level of detail that's personal yet panoramic. It's as eye-opening as it is enlightening, providing a snapshot of a pivotal time in China’s history. This book may change the way you see China and its place in the world.
A History of Pi
Petr Beckmann | Hippocrene Books

A History of Pi

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Goodreads rating: 3.94

$9.90

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"A History of Pi" might resonate with you if you have an appreciation for both the evolution of mathematical thought and the socio-historical contexts that shape scientific progress. Petr Beckmann offers more than just a chronology of a mathematical constant; he provides insights into the eras that allowed pi to flourish or flounder, painting a broader picture of human endeavor and its challenges. If you're curious about how a number can encapsulate entire epochs of history, this could be an enlightening read.
The Play of the Diary of Anne Frank

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If you've been moved by Anne Frank's diary, this play brings her poignant story off the pages and into vivid dramatization. Ideal for those who appreciate historical narratives and are looking for a powerful enactment of resilience and hope in the face of daunting adversity. It's a conduit for both understanding the past and educating through performance.
The Two Koreas: A Contemporary History

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If you're intrigued by international politics and history, "The Two Koreas" by Don Oberdorfer could be a treasure trove for you. Oberdorfer's first-hand experience as a journalist provides a vivid, behind-the-scenes look at the volatile relationship between North and South Korea, as well as the pivotal involvement of global powers. It's a thorough and gripping account that might change the way you view the last standing frontier of the Cold War.
Big History
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If you're someone who marvels at the sheer scale of existence, "Big History" is for you. It's not just about what happened, it's about weaving the interconnections between events and disciplines, offering a panoramic view that isn't confined to one subject. Imagine standing on a mountaintop, seeing where we've been and where we might be headed — this book is that view for history and human progress.
The Mask of Command
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John Keegan | Penguin Books

The Mask of Command

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Goodreads rating: 4.12

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63% off est. retail
If you're drawn to the intersection of military prowess and cultural influence, "The Mask of Command" is right up your alley. John Keegan expertly decodes the essence of what it means to be a general, not just on the battlefield, but also in the broader context of history and society. It wins points for depth and insightful analysis, stepping beyond mere biography to explore the very nature of leadership and command.
Down Range: Navy SEALs in the War on Terrorism - Thryft
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Dick Couch | Crown

Down Range: Navy SEALs in the War on Terrorism

Regular price $12.51 $3.90 69% off

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Goodreads rating: 4.0

Regular price $12.51 $3.90 69% off

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86% off est. retail
If high-stakes military operations intrigue you, 'Down Range' will satisfy that craving. Experience the Navy SEALs’ grit in the War on Terrorism through Dick Couch's piercing narrative. You'll be transported right alongside these elite warriors in their most pivotal moments, as real-world geopolitical landscapes unfold under the pressure of their covert operations. It's a read that bridges the gap of understanding the intensity and complexity behind modern warfare.
Standard Operating Procedure - Thryft
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Philip Gourevitch, Errol Morris  | Penguin Press

Standard Operating Procedure

Regular price $10.90 $4.90 55% off

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Goodreads rating: 3.92

Regular price $10.90 $4.90 55% off

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88% off est. retail
"Standard Operating Procedure" offers you a chance to dive deep beneath the headlines you remember, straight into the human elements of the Abu Ghraib scandal. Not only will it challenge your perceptions of right and wrong in extraordinary circumstances, but it also offers a nuanced perspective that transcends black-and-white judgments. It's a compelling read if you're ready to confront uncomfortable truths and explore the complex tapestry of war, responsibility, and morality.
Restless Empire: China and the World Since 1750 - Thryft
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As the twenty-first century dawns, China stands at a crossroads. The largest and most populous country on earth and currently the world’s second biggest economy, China has recently reclaimed its historic place at the center of global affairs after decades of internal chaos and disastrous foreign relations. But even as China tentatively reengages with the outside world, the contradictions of its development risks pushing it back into an era of insularity and instability—a regression that, as China’s recent history shows, would have serious implications for all other nations.In Restless Empire, award-winning historian Odd Arne Westad traces China’s complex foreign affairs over the past 250 years, identifying the forces that will determine the country’s path in the decades to come. Since the height of the Qing Empire in the eighteenth century, China’s interactions—and confrontations—with foreign powers have caused its worldview to fluctuate wildly between extremes of dominance and subjugation, emulation and defiance. From the invasion of Burma in the 1760s to the Boxer Rebellion in the early 20th century to the 2001 standoff over a downed U.S. spy plane, many of these encounters have left Chinese with a lingering sense of humiliation and resentment, and inflamed their notions of justice, hierarchy, and Chinese centrality in world affairs. Recently, China’s rising influence on the world stage has shown what the country stands to gain from international cooperation and openness. But as Westad shows, the nation’s success will ultimately hinge on its ability to engage with potential international partners while simultaneously safeguarding its own strength and stability.An in-depth study by one of our most respected authorities on international relations and contemporary East Asian history, Restless Empire is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand the recent past and probable future of this dynamic and complex nation.
The Birth of the Modern: World Society 1815-30
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Paul Johnson | Weidenfeld & Nicholson

The Birth of the Modern: World Society 1815-30

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Goodreads rating: 4.16

Regular price $10.90 $7.90 28% off

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If you're intrigued by how today's world came to be, "The Birth of the Modern: World Society 1815-1830" is a compelling read. Paul Johnson dives deep into pivotal historical moments, making clear connections between the events of the past and the standards of the modern era. His narrative is not just a list of dates and facts; it's a story about the birth of modern society that continues to shape our world.
Big Chief Elizabeth : How England's Adventurers Gambled and Won the New World - Thryft
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$6.80

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68% off est. retail
This book is a captivating historical adventure that delves into the fascinating story of Queen Elizabeth I and her favorite, Sir Walter Ralegh. Set in the Elizabethan era, it follows their daring expedition to establish the first English settlement in the New World. Through first-hand accounts, the author unveils a thrilling tale of heroism, mystery, and the forgotten history of early English colonization. If you enjoy immersive historical narratives, this book will transport you back in time and keep you mesmerized until the very end.
Guests of the Ayatollah: The Iran Hostage Crisis: The First Battle in America's War with Militant Islam
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Regular price $13.90 $4.90 65% off

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87% off est. retail
This book is a thrilling and eye-opening account of the Iran hostage crisis, providing a unique perspective from the hostages, soldiers, captors, and diplomats involved. Mark Bowden's meticulous research and storytelling skills make the reader feel as if they are right in the midst of this tense and dangerous situation. If you are interested in learning about a pivotal moment in American history and the complexities of militant Islam, this book is a must-read.
World Order
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Henry Kissinger | Penguin Publishing Group

World Order

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Goodreads rating: 4.05

$5.90

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This book is a must-read for those seeking a deep understanding of the world's geopolitical challenges. Henry Kissinger, a renowned diplomat, draws on his extensive experience to provide a thorough analysis of the historical roots of global disorder and offers a compelling vision for building a shared international order. Through his insightful examination of key events in recent history, such as the Vietnam War and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, Kissinger sheds light on the complexities of international relations. Provocative and articulate, World Order is a guide that offers invaluable insights into navigating the complexities of our rapidly changing world.
Nations And Nationalism Since 1780 - Programme, Myth, Reality - Thryft
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$5.07

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87% off est. retail
Recommendation: - If you're curious about the origins and evolution of nationalism and want to understand its impact on the world, "Nations And Nationalism Since 1780 - Programme, Myth, Reality" is a must-read. Hobsbawm brilliantly dissects the intricacies of nationalism, providing insights into its historical context and its influence on modern politics. This book offers a compelling analysis that will broaden your understanding of this complex phenomenon.
The 48 Laws of Power
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Robert Greene | Penguin Books

The 48 Laws of Power

$9.90

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Goodreads rating: 4.08

$9.90

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60% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by the inner workings of power dynamics and enjoy analyzing strategic thought across history, "The 48 Laws of Power" will likely captivate you. The blend of historical anecdotes and strategic advice gives insight into the ruthless side of human nature and power struggles, making it a compelling read for aspiring tacticians and those intrigued by realpolitik.