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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Potatoes : 65 Delicious Ways with the Humble Potato from Fries to Pies - Thryft
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$5.07

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"Potatoes: 65 Delicious Ways with the Humble Potato from Fries to Pies" is perfect for those who are looking for a cookbook with a wide variety of potato-related recipes. The book's unique feature is that it does not only offer classic dishes but also incorporates modern twists to recipes, making it unique and exciting. Additionally, the book's introduction provides a historical overview of the potato's journey, adding an extra dimension to it. This cookbook would be an excellent addition to any home cook's collection, especially for those who love potatoes or are looking for new ways to incorporate them into their diet.
Forty Autumns : A Family's Story of Courage and Survival on Both Sides of the Berlin Wall - Thryft
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"Forty Autumns" is a captivating memoir set in East Germany during the Cold War. It tells the story of five women separated by the Berlin Wall and their eventual reunion after years of longing. The book offers a personal and emotional account of life under Communist rule, as well as insights into the work of an intelligence officer. With vivid descriptions and a strong sense of familial love, "Forty Autumns" is a compelling read for anyone interested in history, espionage, and the human experience.
From Saint Hildegard's Kitchen : Foods of Health, Foods of Joy - Thryft
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From Saint Hildegard's Kitchen contains a collection of tasty and healthy recipes that are easy to follow. The book emphasizes the use of fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden, and the recipes are easy to adapt to a variety of dietary restrictions. The book also includes a brief biography of Hildegard and blessings from Saint Benedict. It would make a great gift for anyone interested in healthy and delicious cooking.
Unbroken - Thryft
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Laura Hillenbrand | Fourth Estate

Unbroken

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Goodreads rating: 4.38

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"Unbroken" will resonate with you if you're captivated by true tales of human endurance. Laura Hillenbrand has woven a narrative that’s as inspiring as it is intense, delving deep into the resilience and fortitude of Louis Zamperini. It’s not just a story of survival; it's an exploration of the indomitable human spirit facing unimaginable odds. If you're moved by personal transformation and tales of grit against the backdrop of history, this book will be one you hold onto long after turning the final page.
Salt: A World History
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Mark Kurlansky | Penguin Books

Salt: A World History

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Goodreads rating: 3.75

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Salt is a unique history book that explores how this one ingredient has shaped civilization from the beginning. It's a fascinating read that's full of intriguing details, colorful characters, and surprising facts. Whether you're interested in history, food, or just looking for a great read, Salt is sure to captivate you and leave you with a new appreciation for this essential ingredient.
Gladys Aylward : The Little Woman - Thryft
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Recommended for those seeking inspiring missionary stories. Gladys Aylward's journey to China without any support will ignite readers' faith in God. The story of her struggles during the Sino-Japanese War and how she triumphed over impossible situations will motivate readers to live with bold faith.
China : A New History - Thryft
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John King Fairbank, Merle Goldman  | Belknap

China : A New History

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Goodreads rating: 3.88

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72% off est. retail
Recommended for history enthusiasts, traces China's rich civilization through its ups and downs with a focus on the struggles of forming and maintaining a cohesive identity, while fiercely protecting individualism, the book offers an insight into how family, intellect, and autocratic rule blend to form what is contemporary China.
Great Mysteries of the Past - Thryft
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Reader's Digest Association | Readers Digest

Great Mysteries of the Past

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Goodreads rating: 4.27

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"Great Mysteries of the Past" is an excellent choice for history buffs interested in diving deeper into some of the most perplexing and highly speculated events in history. Each mystery is explored with detailed analysis and factual information, making it a great resource for those seeking to expand their knowledge on these captivating topics.
This book is an essential guide for students who want to engage with history in a critical and analytical manner. It provides a framework for understanding the true value of the past and the importance of historical thinking in the present and future. The strategies and insights presented in this book will help students cultivate fair-mindedness and critical thinking skills that they can apply to any field of study.
HRC: State Secrets and the Rebirth of Hillary Clinton - Thryft
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This book offers an in-depth look into the career of acclaimed politician Hillary Clinton, detailing the ups and downs of her political career. Readers will appreciate the behind-the-scenes accounts of the strategies, machinations and decision-making that contributed to one of the greatest political comebacks in history. Recommended for fans of political memoirs and those interested in first-hand insights leading up to a historical moment.
The Surgeon of Crowthorne : A Tale of Murder, Madness and the Oxford English Dictionary - Thryft
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"The Surgeon of Crowthorne" could be a good read for those interested in the history of the English language, as well as true crime enthusiasts. The book's most unique and distinctive feature is the unlikely story of how a convicted murderer ended up being one of the most important volunteers in the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary. Readers will be intrigued by the strange and fascinating life of W C Minor, as well as the incredible effort it took to compile the dictionary over the course of 50 years.
Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China
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Recommended for history buffs, particularly those interested in China's past and the experiences of women throughout the tumultuous times. This book is a gripping account of three generations of women as they navigate through significant events in China's history. It provides unique insights into the culture and politics of China, whilst simultaneously highlighting the challenges and resilience of women during this period.
Boom! - Voices Of The Sixties : Personal Reflections On The '60S And Today - Thryft
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Boom! provides valuable insights into how the '60s changed American institutions from politics to social values. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the impact of the cultural upheaval that defined this pivotal era in our nation's history.
Reading Like a Historian : Teaching Literacy in Middle and High School History Classrooms - Thryft
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Reading Like a Historian : Teaching Literacy in Middle and High School History Classrooms

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Goodreads rating: 4.2

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This book is great for history teachers looking to incorporate primary sources into their lessons to improve their students' reading comprehension skills. It provides a wealth of resources and guidance to help teachers assess their students' understanding of important historical events. Wineburg's approach to teaching emphasizes the use of primary documents to engage students and foster their curiosity about history.
Brief Lives: Honore De Balzac - Thryft
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David Carter | Hesperus Press

Brief Lives: Honore De Balzac

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Goodreads rating: 3.82

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Brief Lives: Honore De Balzac provides a fascinating insight into the life of Honore de Balzac and how it influenced his impressive body of work. This book would be a great read for anyone interested in literature, particularly French realism. David Carter not only provides a comprehensive biography of the author but also sets his works in context, giving readers a deeper understanding of his contribution to literature. Many who read this book would appreciate the discoveries of Balzac's literary works and his significance in French literature.
Building Students' Historical Literacies : Learning to Read and Reason with Historical Texts and Evidence - Thryft
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This book is an excellent resource for history teachers who are looking for practical ways to incorporate content-area literacy instruction into their teaching. It focuses on the specific literacies of historical inquiry, providing a historian's perspective on texts used to understand history. The book includes a range of practical instructional strategies that can be immediately implemented in the classroom to help students meet national standards for history teaching. With the recent inclusion of historical literacy in the English Language Arts Common Core Standards Initiative, this book is also relevant to English, language arts, and reading teachers who want to engage their students in historical reading and writing.
Charles Dickens at Home - Thryft
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Graham Salter, Hilary Macaskill, Florian Schweizer  | Frances Lincoln

Charles Dickens at Home

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Goodreads rating: 4.27

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This book delves into the life of Charles Dickens and the impact his homes had on his writing. It offers a unique perspective on the author and his works, making it a great read for fans of Dickens' literature. The book provides an in-depth look at the places where the author lived, and how they influenced the setting and characters of his novels. Dickens' attention to detail and acute observation are highlighted, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the author's life and work. The book is illustrated with archive material and original photography, making it a beautiful addition to any book lover's collection.
Unbroken : A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption - Thryft
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Laura Hillenbrand | Random House

Unbroken : A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

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Goodreads rating: 4.38

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This book is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the true story of human resilience. Hillenbrand’s meticulous and dramatic retelling of Zamperini’s tale will keep readers gripped from start to finish. The book’s unflinching portrayal of a man’s triumph over inhuman treatment will inspire readers for years to come.
American Gun : A History of the U.S. in Ten Firearms - Thryft
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William Doyle, Chris Kyle  | William Morrow Paperbacks

American Gun : A History of the U.S. in Ten Firearms

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Goodreads rating: 4.04

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American Gun would appeal to history buffs and gun enthusiasts as it weaves together the story of America and the firearms that helped shape it. Chris Kyle's background as a Navy SEAL adds a unique perspective to the book as he chronicles the development of ten iconic guns and the people who used them, from the American long rifle to the M16 rifle. The bonus chapter on shotguns, derringers, and the Browning M2 machine gun adds even more depth to this sweeping epic of bravery, adventure, invention, and sacrifice.
A Lifelong Passion: the Letters of Nicholas and Alexandra - Thryft
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"A Lifelong Passion: the Letters of Nicholas and Alexandra" is a must-read for those fascinated by the lives of the royal family. The book offers a rare glimpse into the private world of Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra, revealing their undying love for each other. The letters showcase the couple's unwavering devotion, which is both unique and touching. It is a great pick for those interested in Russian history, or anyone curious about the personal relationships of historical figures.
The Lost Painting : The Quest for a Caravaggio Masterpiece - Thryft
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The Lost Painting tells the story of an Italian graduate student Francesca Cappelletti, who discovers a clue that leads to the search for a lost painting. This book is perfect for art enthusiasts who love a good mystery and want to learn about Caravaggio's life and paintings. Harr's narrative style creates suspense and adventure that keep readers hooked until the very end.
The Complete MAUS - Thryft
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Art Spiegelman | Penguin Books

The Complete MAUS

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Goodreads rating: 4.57

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On the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of its first publication, here is the definitive edition of the book acclaimed as “the most affecting and successful narrative ever done about the Holocaust” (Wall Street Journal) and “the first masterpiece in comic book history” (The New Yorker).The Pulitzer Prize-winning Maus tells the story of Vladek Spiegelman, a Jewish survivor of Hitler’s Europe, and his son, a cartoonist coming to terms with his father’s story. Maus approaches the unspeakable through the diminutive. Its form, the cartoon (the Nazis are cats, the Jews mice), shocks us out of any lingering sense of familiarity and succeeds in “drawing us closer to the bleak heart of the Holocaust” (The New York Times).Maus is a haunting tale within a tale. Vladek’s harrowing story of survival is woven into the author’s account of his tortured relationship with his aging father. Against the backdrop of guilt brought by survival, they stage a normal life of small arguments and unhappy visits. This astonishing retelling of our century’s grisliest news is a story of survival, not only of Vladek but of the children who survive even the survivors. Maus studies the bloody pawprints of history and tracks its meaning for all of us.
Yosemite : The Story Behind the Scenery - Thryft
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This book is perfect for nature lovers and anyone looking to admire the beauty of Yosemite. The full-color photography captures the natural scene in a brilliant and accurate manner, while the interpretive text delves into the human history of national parks. Dr. Bertrand Piccard's expertise in exploring and appreciating the wonders of the world shines through in this insightful and captivating read.
We Remember : Cameos of Pioneer Life - Thryft
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Yvonne Quahe | Landmark Books

We Remember : Cameos of Pioneer Life

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Goodreads rating: 0.0

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Anne Frank's Story - Thryft
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Carol Ann Lee | Puffin

Anne Frank's Story

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Goodreads rating: 4.19

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The life story of Anne Frank, from her early happy childhood in Frankfurt, growing up in Amsterdam, her two years in hiding and the last few months of her life in the concentration camps. Narrated in six clearly written chapters, this biography for children answers the many detailed questions about Anne that readers of the Diary often have, and includes interesting anecdotes from friends who survived her. There is an Historical Note at the beginning of the book and a map of Europe, so that children will be able to understand the situation at the time, and an Introduction by Anne Frank's cousin, Buddy Elias.
Robert Graves : A Biography - Thryft
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Bruce Alvin King | Haus Publishing

Robert Graves : A Biography

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Goodreads rating: 3.0

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"Robert Graves: A Biography" is a must-read for anyone interested in the life of one of the 20th century's most distinguished poets. The book offers a unique glimpse into Graves' unconventional life, including his unusual relationships with strong-willed women, his search for poetic inspiration, and his experiences in the First World War. With its vivid descriptions and insightful analysis, this biography sheds new light on the life of one of the great literary figures of the past century."
In less than a decade, the commonwealth of Oliver Cromwell was dramatically transformed into the very different realm of the Restoration monarchy. This is the first detailed account of this vital and eventful period, which witnessed the end of a republic, the reestablishment of royal government, naval wars, plague, religious persecution, and the destruction of the capital in the Great Fire. Drawing on a wealth of public and private manuscript sources to rework each issue anew, Hutton explores the way government policy was set and put into practice during these nine years and how national concerns, local issues, and various social, political, and religious groups all interacted to influence the shifting currents of the nation's affairs.
Escape from Camp 14 : One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West - Thryft
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"Escape from Camp 14" is a vivid account of the life inside North Korea's political prison. The book portrays the story of Shin Dong-hyuk, the only person born inside one of these camps to have escaped. It highlights the inhumane conditions of the political prison camps and the brutalities people had to deal with on a daily basis. It is a must-read for those interested in human rights and political issues.
History of Arab Peoples - Thryft
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Albert Hourani | Warner Books

History of Arab Peoples

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Goodreads rating: 3.87

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69% off est. retail
Encyclopedic and panoramic in its scope, this fascinating work chronicles the rich spiritual, political, and cultural institutions of Arab history through 13 centuries.No region in the world today is more important than the Middle East: no people more misunderstood than the Arabs. In this definitive masterwork, distinguished Oxford historian Albert Hourani offers the most lucid, enlightening history ever written on the subject. From the rise of Islam to the Palestinian issue, from the Prophet Mohammed to Mu'ammar al-Qadhafi. A History of the Arab Peoples chronicles the rich spiritual, political and cultural institutions of this civilization through thirteen centuries of war, peace, literature and religion. Lauded by authorities, encyclopedic and panoramic in its scope, here is a remarkable window on today's conflicts and on the future of a glorious and troubled land.
First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers
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This book is a gripping and harrowing memoir that takes you on a journey through the terrifying experiences of a young girl during the Cambodian genocide. Loung Ung's story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and courage in the face of unimaginable brutality. If you are looking for a deeply moving and inspiring read that will stay with you long after you turn the last page, this book is for you.
Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter - Thryft
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Born in 1937 in a port city a thousand miles north of Shanghai, Adeline Yen Mah was the youngest child of an affluent Chinese family who enjoyed rare privileges during a time of political and cultural upheaval. But wealth and position could not shield Adeline from a childhood of appalling emotional abuse at the hands of a cruel and manipulative Eurasian stepmother. Determined to survive through her enduring faith in family unity, Adeline struggled for independence as she moved from Hong Kong to England and eventually to the United States to become a physician and writer.A compelling, painful, and ultimately triumphant story of a girl's journey into adulthood, Adeline's story is a testament to the most basic of human needs: acceptance, love, and understanding. With a powerful voice that speaks of the harsh realities of growing up female in a family and society that kept girls in emotional chains, Falling Leaves is a work of heartfelt intimacy and a rare authentic portrait of twentieth-century China.
Angela's Ashes - Thryft
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Frank McCourt | Harper Perennial

Angela's Ashes

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Goodreads rating: 4.14

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Angela's Ashes is a poignant memoir that highlights the resilience of human spirit amidst poverty, despair and hardships. Frank McCourt chronicles his family's struggles in Limerick, painting vivid descriptions of the trials and tribulations they face. His witty, humorous writing style is heartwarming and adds a unique flair to his storytelling. The book is highly recommended for those who enjoy autobiographical accounts, especially ones that showcase the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.

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.