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History Books

Unearth the past with our wide selection of history books at Thryft. Explore ancient civilisations, world wars, and pivotal moments that shaped humanity. Whether you're a history buff or a curious learner, our collection offers both insight and intrigue.
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A History of Private Life: From the Fires of Revolution to the Great War
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Georges Duby, Philippe Ariès  | Belknap Press: An Imprint Of Harvard University Press

A History of Private Life: From the Fires of Revolution to the Great War

$18.90

Goodreads rating: 4.08

$18.90

74% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by the transformation of personal and social boundaries during a period of explosive change, 'A History of Private Life. 4 From the Fires of Revolution to the Great War' beckons you. Journey through a century’s milestones in individuality, domestic norms, and the reshaping of Western existence, laid out in rich detail by expert historians. This book would be like a time machine for someone who wants to understand the roots of contemporary private life and its interplay with public affairs right before the world-altering impact of the Great War.
Music and Gender: Perspectives from the Mediterranean
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Tullia Magrini | University Of Chicago Press

Music and Gender: Perspectives from the Mediterranean

$18.90

Goodreads rating: 3.86

$18.90

72% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by how culture shapes art, "Music and Gender" offers a compelling dive into the Mediterranean's musical tapestry through the lens of gender studies. It's not just about notes and rhythms; it's a journey into how music reflects, challenges, and shapes identities, bringing a scholarly but accessible exploration of sociology and ethnomusicology to your fingertips. This book could broaden your perspective on the power of music within different societies.
Endangered Peoples
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Art Davidson | Sierra Club

Endangered Peoples

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 4.11

$9.90

If you feel a profound respect for indigenous cultures and want to understand their struggles against overwhelming odds, "Endangered Peoples" could resonate deeply with you. This book provides an intimate look at the lives, challenges, and resilience of native communities, paired with powerful photography that brings the narrative to life. It's not just a read, it's an emotional journey that acknowledges the human faces behind urgent global issues.
History of the World in 100 Modern Objects: Middle-Class Stuff (and Nonsense)
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Francesca Hornak | Portico

History of the World in 100 Modern Objects: Middle-Class Stuff (and Nonsense)

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.75

$8.90

77% off est. retail
If the quirks and trappings of modern middle-class life fascinate you, "History of the World in 100 Modern Objects" is your cup of tea. Hornak's columns are like peering through a series of windows into everyday moments that are at once humorous and identifiable. It's cultural commentary wrapped in charm, perfectly complemented by Joyce's vibrant illustrations—a light-hearted read that's bound to elicit knowing nods and chuckles.
The Human Past: World Prehistory & The Development of Human Societies - Thryft
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Christopher Scarre | Thames & Hudson

The Human Past: World Prehistory & The Development of Human Societies

$16.90 $11.90 30% off

Goodreads rating: 3.8

$16.90 $11.90 30% off

80% off est. retail
"The Human Past" is a treasure for anyone intrigued by the depths of our ancestral heritage. Christopher Scarce's extensive volume, graced with insights from a host of archaeological experts, paints a vivid picture of how humanity has evolved socially, culturally, and economically over the span of millions of years. If stories of ancient civilizations and the ways archaeologists uncover the past fascinate you, this book will be an invaluable guide through the epochs.
The Oracle: The Lost Secrets and Hidden Message of Ancient Delphi - Thryft
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William J. Broad | Penguin Press (london)

The Oracle: The Lost Secrets and Hidden Message of Ancient Delphi

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 3.93

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

85% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the interplay between ancient wisdom and modern science, "The Oracle" is a compelling read. William J. Broad masterfully bridges the gap by revealing how scientists used historical texts and geological advancements to demystify the Oracle of Delphi. It's a true detective story that combines mythology, history, and science to solve one of the ancient world's lingering puzzles.
The Neanderthal's Necklace: In Search of the First Thinkers - Thryft
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Juan Luis Arsuaga, Andy Klatt  | Four Walls Eight Windows

The Neanderthal's Necklace: In Search of the First Thinkers

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 3.78

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

85% off est. retail
If you've ever been fascinated by the distant relatives of modern humans, "The Neanderthal's Necklace" offers a richly detailed portal into the lives of these ancient beings. Juan Luis de Arsuaga brings a blend of scientific rigor and narrative charm, providing a vivid picture of Neanderthals and sparking intriguing questions about our own place in the evolutionary tale. This book is a patchwork of paleontology and heartfelt curiosity that grips you with a quest to understand our oldest ancestors.
The Time Before History - Thryft
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The Time Before History

$14.90 $8.90 40% off

$14.90 $8.90 40% off

77% off est. retail
If you've ever been curious about how humanity and Earth have shaped each other, Colin Tudge's "The Time Before History" will feed your fascination. His meticulous blending of various scientific disciplines offers a cohesive journey through our planet's and species' past, making complex topics accessible. It's like a time machine that enriches your understanding of the present.
Other Tribes, Other Scribes: Symbolic Anthropology in the Comparative Study of Cultures, Histories, Religions and Texts
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James A. Boon | Cambridge University Press

Other Tribes, Other Scribes: Symbolic Anthropology in the Comparative Study of Cultures, Histories, Religions and Texts

$17.90 $14.90 17% off

Goodreads rating: 3.25

$17.90 $14.90 17% off

72% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by how culture shapes our understanding of the world, "Other Tribes, Other Scribes" is a treasure trove. James A. Boon masterfully traces the lineage of thought behind interpreting symbolic behavior across societies. This book isn't just an academic read; it's an intellectual journey connecting anthropology, literature, and history, offering a fascinating collage of perspectives. Give it a read and see how the rich tapestry of human culture is pieced together by the minds that have studied it.
Tasting Food, Tasting Freedom: Excursions into Eating, Power, and the Past
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Sidney W. Mintz | Beacon Press

Tasting Food, Tasting Freedom: Excursions into Eating, Power, and the Past

$13.90 $10.90 22% off

Goodreads rating: 3.64

$13.90 $10.90 22% off

70% off est. retail
If you're curious about the intersection of culture, power, and the food on your plate, "Tasting Food, Tasting Freedom" is a tour de force that delves into the deep meanings behind eating practices. Sidney Mintz gives you a scholarly yet accessible perspective on how food choices are intricately linked with history and economy, enriching your understanding of American culinary identity.
Sweetness and Power: The Place of Sugar in Modern History
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Sidney W. Mintz | Penguin Books

Sweetness and Power: The Place of Sugar in Modern History

$8.26

Goodreads rating: 3.78

$8.26

68% off est. retail
Diving into "Sweetness and Power" will unravel the surprising ways sugar has shaped our world, intertwining with complex issues like slavery and economic power. It's a fascinating lens through which to view history, offering a nuanced perspective on how a simple craving influenced social structures and dietary patterns. If you're looking to sweeten your historical knowledge with an unconventional story, this book's for you.
Food, Society, and Environment
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Charles L. Harper, Bryan F. Lebeau  | Prentice Hall

Food, Society, and Environment

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.11

$8.90

If you're curious about the intersection of our eating habits with societal shifts and environmental sustainability, "Food, Society, and Environment" might just feed your curiosity. It's not just a narrative of food through the ages - it's an insightful dissection of how our plates reflect and affect the world we live in, from social justice to ecological impacts. For anyone with a hunger for understanding the broader implications of what's on our forks, this book is a hearty meal for thought.
Time and the Other: How Anthropology Makes Its Object
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Johannes Fabian | Columbia University Press 1983.

Time and the Other: How Anthropology Makes Its Object

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 4.15

$9.90

Johannes Fabian's "Time and the Other" would resonate with you if you're intrigued by the intricate ways in which the concept of time influences our understanding of culture and society. It's a thought-provoking read that delves into how anthropologists engage with their subjects, urging a critical look at the relationship between the observer and the observed. The book challenges conventional methodologies and will appeal to your desire for a deeper understanding of the human condition through the lens of time.
The Study of Culture
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L.L. Langness | Chandler & Sharp Publishers, Inc.

The Study of Culture

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.71

$8.90

If you're intrigued by how societies develop and the frameworks through which we understand human behavior, "The Study of Culture" by L.L. Langness is quite the intellection expedition. It’s a profound dive into the evolution of cultural studies, dissecting various schools of thought. Langness's examination cuts across time, contrasting classical and modern perspectives, surely enriching your grasp on cultural anthropology’s textured landscape.
Some Splendid Crafts of the "Support" Foundation of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand
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Thanphuying Maniratana (letter of introduction) Bunnag | The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage

Some Splendid Crafts of the "Support" Foundation of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$8.90

If you appreciate the intersection of culture, history, and art, this book is a treasure trove that celebrates Thailand's rich crafts heritage. The preservation efforts by Queen Sirikit are vividly documented here, making it a fascinating and visually rich journey through the cultural tapestry of Thailand. Through beautiful imagery and insightful text, it captures a nation's gratitude and the tangible outcomes of patronage in the arts.
Kinship, Gender, and the Cosmic World: Ethnographies of Birth Customs in Taiwan, the Philippines, and Indonesia
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Katsuhiko (ed) Yamaji | Smc Pub

Kinship, Gender, and the Cosmic World: Ethnographies of Birth Customs in Taiwan, the Philippines, and Indonesia

$9.90 $7.90 20% off

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$9.90 $7.90 20% off

If you're intrigued by anthropology and the rich tapestry of Southeast Asian cultures, this collection will fascinate you. It's a window into how the deeply personal act of birth is celebrated and ritualized, revealing much about gender roles and cosmic beliefs in these societies. It's not just about the event of birth but a broader understanding of three diverse cultures interwoven by tradition.
Gathering Medicines: Nation and Knowledge in China’s Mountain South - Thryft
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Lili Lai, Judith Farquhar  | University Of Chicago Press

Gathering Medicines: Nation and Knowledge in China’s Mountain South

$17.11

Goodreads rating: 3.33

$17.11

69% off est. retail
In the early 2000s, the central government of China encouraged all of the nation’s registered minorities to “salvage, sort, synthesize, and elevate” folk medical knowledges in an effort to create local health care systems comparable to the nationally supported institutions of traditional Chinese medicine. Gathering Medicines bears witness to this remarkable moment of knowledge development while sympathetically introducing the myriad therapeutic traditions of southern China.Over a period of six years, Judith Farquhar and Lili Lai worked with seven minority nationality groups in China’s southern mountains, observing how medicines were gathered and local healing systems codified. Gathering Medicines shares their intimate view of how people understand ethnicity, locality, the body, and nature. This ethnography of knowledge diversities in multiethnic China is a testament to the rural wisdom of mountain healers, one that theorizes, from the ground up, the dynamic encounters between formal statist knowledge and the popular authority of the wild.
The Means Of Naming - Thryft
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The Means Of Naming

$25.16

$25.16

68% off est. retail

Names are never given accidentally; they are chosen and bestowed according to rules that reflect fundamental features of the society and culture concerned. This is a study of the nature and history of naming practices in Western Europe.


Author: Stephen Wilson
Publisher: Routledge
Publication Date: 1998
Why Did The Chicken Cross The World? - Thryft
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Andrew Lawler | Duckworth

Why Did The Chicken Cross The World?

$5.07

Goodreads rating: 3.74

$5.07

69% off est. retail
- This book is a fascinating exploration of the unexpected global impact of chickens. It delves into the history, biology, and cultural significance of these feathered creatures, taking readers on a journey across continents and centuries. You'll be amazed at how something as simple as a chicken has shaped our world in profound ways. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or just curious about our interconnected world, this book is a must-read.
Mounds of earth and shell : Native Sites: the Southeast - Thryft
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Bonnie Shemie | Tundra Books

Mounds of earth and shell : Native Sites: the Southeast

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

68% off est. retail
This book is a great read for history buffs interested in Native American civilizations before European colonization. It sheds light on the effigy mounds and burial sites that hold important clues to how these ancient peoples lived. Bonnie Shemie's book is particularly unique because it examines the less-traveled backstory of the Southeast Native tribes in detail.
Human Devolution : A Vedic Alternative to Darwin's Theory - Thryft
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Michael A. Cremo | Bbt Science

Human Devolution : A Vedic Alternative to Darwin's Theory

$17.03

Goodreads rating: 4.14

$17.03

77% off est. retail
"Human Devolution provides an in-depth analysis of the Vedic perspective on human origins and consciousness. The book is ideal for readers interested in alternative theories to Darwin's evolution. Cremo’s meticulous research and documentation prove insightful and thought-provoking as he takes readers on a fascinating tour of time and space, exploring a wide range of enigmas and theories related to the origins of humanity. Readers will appreciate the use of state-of-the-art consciousness studies and cutting-edge research to explain how we devolved from pure consciousness to our earthly realm. Overall, this book offers a fresh perspective on human origins that is both engaging and enlightening."
The Origins of Political Order: From Prehuman Times to the French Revolution
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Francis Fukuyama | Profile Books

The Origins of Political Order: From Prehuman Times to the French Revolution

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.18

$8.90

66% off est. retail
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.
Two Cheers for Anarchism : Six Easy Pieces on Autonomy, Dignity, and Meaningful Work and Play - Thryft
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James C. Scott | Princeton University Press

Two Cheers for Anarchism : Six Easy Pieces on Autonomy, Dignity, and Meaningful Work and Play

$11.12

Goodreads rating: 3.94

$11.12

71% off est. retail
Two Cheers for Anarchism could be a good read for someone looking to challenge traditional structures of hierarchy. Scott offers a unique perspective on everyday social and political interactions that inspire readers to consider constructive anarchism. The book celebrates the ingenuity and judgement of individuals exercising their creative and moral capacities. Readers will enjoy relatable anecdotes and examples that touch on a wide range of subjects, including globalization, assembly-line production, and historical explanation.
The Sun, The Genome, and The Internet : Tools of Scientific Revolution - Thryft
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Freeman Dyson | New York Public Library

The Sun, The Genome, and The Internet : Tools of Scientific Revolution

$7.46 $5.22 30% off

Goodreads rating: 3.81

$7.46 $5.22 30% off

72% off est. retail
The Sun, The Genome, and The Internet is a must-read for anyone interested in the potential of emerging technologies to make the world a better place. Dyson argues that solar energy, genetic engineering, and the internet have the power to create a more equal society, eliminating cultural isolation and restoring economic vitality to communities that have been devalued by globalization. His passionate conviction about the ethical uses of science make this book an inspiring call to action for people who want to be part of this transformative movement.
The Fall of Public Man - Thryft
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Richard Sennett | Gardners Books

The Fall of Public Man

$7.53 $5.27 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.15

$7.53 $5.27 30% off

78% off est. retail
Recommendation: The Fall of Public Man is a thought-provoking analysis of the decline in public life and political involvement in recent decades. Richard Sennett's erudition and historical imagination brilliantly describe the growing imbalance between private and public experience in modern society. This book provides a fascinating perspective on the relationship between public life and the cult of the individual, and argues for a more formal public culture to reconnect with our communities.
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down - Thryft
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Anne Fadiman | Farrar, Straus And Giroux

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 4.19

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

75% off est. retail
"The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down" is a profound exploration into the clash between two worlds - the Hmong culture's deeply rooted traditions and the stark rationality of Western medicine. Understanding this book could open your eyes to the complexities of cultural assimilation and the often overlooked nuances in healthcare. It's a must-read if you're interested in the ways in which cultural differences impact lives in very real, tangible ways.
Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Survive
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Jared Diamond | Penguin Books

Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Survive

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 3.93

$13.90

"Collapse" isn't just about the past; it's a thoughtful exploration of the patterns that have led societies to their zenith and their nadir. You'll be taken on a global tour of history, learning from the lessons etched in the remains of once-great civilizations. As you delve into these narratives, you may find yourself pondering the sustainability of our own society. It's a compelling read for those who enjoy history with a side of existential inquiry.
Albion's Seed : Four British Folkways in America - Thryft
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David Hackett Fischer | Oxford University Press

Albion's Seed : Four British Folkways in America

$13.10 $7.86 40% off

Goodreads rating: 4.36

$13.10 $7.86 40% off

97% off est. retail
Albion's Seed is a great read for a history enthusiast, particularly those interested in the formation of America's regional cultures. Fischer's work effectively outlines the folkways and cultural differences between early British settlers in America, and how they have persisted to varying degrees in different areas of the country. This book is a valuable resource for understanding American cultural history, and would be a particularly good fit for those studying the social sciences or anyone with a keen interest in American regionalism.
Ain't There No More : Louisiana's Disappearing Coastal Plain - Thryft
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Robert Twilley, Donald Edward Davis, Carl A. Brasseaux  | University Press Of Mississippi

Ain't There No More : Louisiana's Disappearing Coastal Plain

$13.61 $5.85 57% off

Goodreads rating: 4.29

$13.61 $5.85 57% off

87% off est. retail
"Ain't There No More" is a must-read for anyone worried about rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and climate change. The book describes the struggles of Louisiana's coastal wetlands inhabitants and their environmental knowledge that could help global communities adapt to modern challenges. The authors use a combination of research and unpublished images to explore the history of the region and provide valuable insights and solutions. It is a powerful testimony to the human consequences of environmental policy and neglect.

Dive into the annals of time

At Thryft, we carry a vast collection of history books that transport you to different eras and locales. From the wonders of ancient Egypt to the complexities of the Cold War, we've curated an array of works that cater to both seasoned historians and casual readers. With selections that shed light on the socio-political landscapes of yesteryears, each book promises a journey into rich narratives and factual revelations. Expand your understanding of human progression with works that are as educational as they are exciting.