Bestselling Nonfiction

This updated version of The Straight Path includes a new Epilogue by John Esposito in which he addresses the impact 9/11 and its aftermath have had on both the Muslim and non-Muslim world, discussing Islam's relationship to democracy and modernity and focusing more sharply on theorigins and growth of extremism and terrorism in the name of Islam.This exceptionally successful survey text introduces the faith, belief, and practice of Islam from its earliest origins up to its contemporary resurgence. Esposito, an internationally renowned expert on Islam, traces the development of this dynamic faith and its impact on world history andpolitics, discussing the formation of Islamic belief and practice and chronicling the struggle of Muslims to define and adhere to their Islamic way of life. Lucidly written and expansive in scope, The Straight Path provides keen insight into one of the world's least understood religions andis ideally suited for use in courses on Islam, comparative religions, and Middle Eastern history and culture.

You might find "The Rise and Fall of Nations" by Ruchir Sharma particularly enlightening if you're interested in how political and economic climates interlace with global events. Sharma provides a front-row seat to understanding economic nuances by simplifying complex concepts into ten accessible rules. His blend of personal encounters and analytical acumen makes it a thought-provoking read for anyone looking to grasp the intricacies of national fortunes in a post-crisis world.

If you're looking to understand the enigma that is North Korea, "The Impossible State" is your portal into the heart of this isolated country. Victor Cha doesn't just recount facts; he offers a deep dive into the psyche of a nation under the Kim dynasty. It's like sitting down with an expert who has been on the inside, unveiling the layers of complexity that make up North Korean society, economy, and the alarming reality of its global relationships. A must-read if you find yourself captivated by geopolitical puzzles and dystopian realities.

If the intermingling of science, history, and human drama captivates you, "The Clockwork Universe" is your pick. Edward Dolnick masterfully narrates the transformation of chaos into order by the luminaries of the era, providing fascinating insight into the minds that pioneered the scientific revolution. Reading this book is like watching the modern world hatch from the egg of the old.

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.

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.

This book could be a good read for someone seeking the insights of a highly respected and experienced leader on global affairs. Lee Kuan Yew's unique perspective, gained through his interactions with key world leaders, offers a fresh and candid take on the future of major powers like China, America, and Europe. Through thought-provoking analysis, he explores society, beliefs, and the prospects of nations in the upcoming balance of power. The Q&A sections with journalists provide an additional layer of depth to this gripping read, making it a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the global landscape.

If you're intrigued by the monumental question of what makes countries thrive or dive, "Why Nations Fail" could prove to be an enlightening read. Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson weave an accessible narrative brimming with historical cases, arguing that a nation's fortunes hinge on its political and economic institutions. It's a rigorous yet digestible analysis that prompts reflection on global inequality, and it may very well shift your perspective on how countries can foster prosperity for their citizens.

Recommended for history buffs and adventure-seekers, this book provides an in-depth account of Magellan's iconic journey, including his ambitions, conflicts, and discovery of the Spice Islands. The author's use of first-person accounts and vivid descriptions gives readers a personal insight into the dangers faced by Magellan and his crew.

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Black Flags, the harrowing true story of the mission to find and destroy Syria's chemical weapons and defeat ISIS - only to lose control of both.'Presents [the story] sharply and compellingly' Washington Post'Excellent' IndependentIn August 2012, Syrian president Bashar al-Assad was clinging to power in a vicious civil war. Concerned that Assad might resort to chemical weapons, the international community warned that any such use would cross "a red line", warranting a military response. When a year later Assad bombed the Damascus suburb of Ghouta with sarin gas, killing hundreds, global leaders were torn between living up to their word and becoming mired in another unpopular Middle Eastern war. So when Russia offered to store Syria's chemical weapons, the world leaped at the solution.So begins a race to find, remove, and destroy 1,300 tons of chemical weapons in the middle of Syria's civil war. Told in harrowing detail, the initial effort is a tactical triumph for the West, but soon Russia's long game becomes it has UN cover to assist Assad's regime. Meanwhile, the territory gains of ISIS further destabilise the country, and the terrorist organisation seeks to secure Syria's chemical arsenals for itself, with horrifying consequences.Red Line is a classic Joby Warrick true-life a character-driven narrative with a cast of heroes and villains, including weapons hunters, politicians, commandos, diplomats, and spies. Through original reporting and eyewitness accounts from direct participants, Joby Warrick reveals how a well-intentioned effort to save Syrian lives became swept up in a calamitous chain of events that would spawn a terrorist movement, unleash torrents of refugees, frustrate two U.S. presidents and empower the Western alliance's most dangerous foes.

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.

If you're a fan of "Downton Abbey," imagine stepping directly into its opulent dining rooms and bustling kitchen with this cookbook. It's a delightful mix of culinary history and fan service, offering a tactile connection to the series through dishes you can create at home. You'll appreciate the rich context provided for the time's food trends and the effort to remain faithful to the series' aesthetic and historical accuracy, making each meal feel like a personal event at the grand estate.

Vengeance is a true story that reads like a novel. It is the account of five ordinary Israelis, selected to vanish into "the cold" of espionage secrecy -- their mission to hunt down and kill the PLO terrorists responsible for the massacre of eleven Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics in 1972.This is the account of that secret mission, as related by the leader of the group -- the first Mossad agent to come out of "deep cover" and tell the story of a heroic endeavor that was shrouded in silence and speculation for years. He reveals the long and dangerous operation whose success was bought at a terrible cost to the idealistic volunteer agents themselves."Avner" was the leader of that team, handpicked by Golda Meir to avenge the monstrous crime of Munich. He and his young companions, cut off from any direct contact with Israel, set out systematically to find and kill the central figures of the PLO's Munich operation, tracking them down wherever they lived.The mechanics, the horror, the day-by-day suspense of what they did surpass by far anything John le Carré or Robert Ludlum could imagine, as they themselves were tracked in turn (and some killed) by PLO assassins, changing identities constantly, moving from country to country, devoting their young lives to the brutal task of vengeance.Vengeance is a profoundly human document, a real-life espionage classic that plunges the reader into the shadow world of terrorism and political murder. But it goes far beyond that, to explore firsthand the feelings of disgust and doubt that gradually came to torment each member of the Israeli team, and that in the end inexorably changed their view of the mission -- and themselves.Vengeance opens a window onto a secret world, a book that at the same time inspires and horrifies. For its subject is an act of revenge that goes to the very heart of the ancient biblical questions of good and evil.

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.

The Origins of Political Order by Francis Fukuyama is an insightful and comprehensive analysis of the development of political systems throughout history. Fukuyama explores the evolution of political systems, tracing the origins of institutions and ideas that shaped society as we know it today. By examining the paths that different societies have taken, this magisterial study provides readers with a better understanding of the origins of political order and how it affects society today. Readers interested in history, politics and anthropology would find this book informative and thought-provoking.