History

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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Shrinks: The Untold Story of Psychiatry
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"Shrinks" offers a remarkable trip through psychiatry's tumultuous history for anyone curious about the mind's inner workings. Jeffrey A. Lieberman combines engaging case studies with biographies of key figures, making this an enlightening exploration. If you're fascinated by the evolution of medical understanding and the human psyche, this book not only informs but also advocates for the destigmatization of mental illness, making it empowering and hopeful.
Sex on the Moon
Ben Mezrich | William Heinemann

Sex on the Moon

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Goodreads rating: 3.39

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If you're drawn to true stories that read like a fast-paced thriller, "Sex on the Moon" will captivate you. It's not merely the audacity of the heist that will keep you hooked but the portrayal of Thad Roberts—a brilliant mind led astray by love and ambition. It's an extraordinary story about the lengths people will go for love, interwoven with the allure of space exploration. This book promises a ride that intertwines science with intense human drama.
Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal
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Mary Roach | W. W. Norton & Company

Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal

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Goodreads rating: 3.93

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Imagine curiosity taking the shape of a book – that's "Gulp" for you. If you've ever pondered the peculiarities of what happens after you swallow your food, Mary Roach beckons you with wit and a no-holds-barred approach to science that can make even the digestive system feel like a trip to an alien world. Roach's infectious enthusiasm turns the seemingly gross into a page-turning exploration.
The Great Influenza
John M. Barry | Penguin Books

The Great Influenza

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Goodreads rating: 3.98

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If you're intrigued by how societies grapple with unforeseen calamities, "The Great Influenza" offers a gripping read. John M. Barry delivers a detailed chronicle that not only delves into the catastrophic effects of the 1918 flu but also illuminates the dawn of modern medical science. The human stories woven through this narrative make it resonate deeply; it's a reminder of resilience amidst despair, and a stark lesson for contemporary readers facing new global health challenges.
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down - Thryft
Anne Fadiman | Farrar, Straus And Giroux

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down

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Goodreads rating: 4.19

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"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.
Elephants on Acid and Other Bizarre Experiments
Alex Boese | Boxtree

Elephants on Acid and Other Bizarre Experiments

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Goodreads rating: 3.76

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If you're looking to be simultaneously amused and astonished, "Elephants on Acid" is your go-to. The book dives into some of the most outlandish experiments ever conducted in the name of science. Perfect for satiating curious minds and those with an appetite for the oddities in scientific pursuits.
Doctors: The Biography of Medicine
Sherwin B. Nuland | Vintage

Doctors: The Biography of Medicine

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Goodreads rating: 4.06

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This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of medicine, as it beautifully captures the key moments, theories and significant advancements in the field, through the lives of those who dedicated their lives to healing and research. Sherwin B. Nuland's style and expertise shines through in this compelling biographical masterpiece.
Ashes to Ashes: America's Hundred-Year Cigarette War, the Public Health, and the Unabashed Triumph of Philip Morris

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This book offers a fascinating and eye-opening journey through the complex and contradicting world of cigarettes. Through a meticulous exploration of the intertwining strands of finance, politics, and public health, Kluger presents the rise of the tobacco industry and the ensuing debates on regulation. The most striking feature of this book is its ability to humanize the key players involved, shedding light on the intricate web of motivations and interests. With its rich detail and dispassionate analysis, "Ashes To Ashes" is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the profound impact of cigarettes on society.
Quinine: Malaria and the Quest for a Cure That Changed the World

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If you're fascinated by the intersection of history, medicine, and global politics, "Quinine" by Fiammetta Rocco is a compelling read. The story of quinine is not just about a drug, but about the geopolitical and scientific journeys that were shaped by the quest for a malaria cure. It entwines adventure, greed, colonialism, and the profound impact on warfare and exploration. This book takes you beyond medicine into the broader effects on human endeavors and the world stage.
The Casebook of Forensic Detection
Colin Evans | Wiley

The Casebook of Forensic Detection

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Goodreads rating: 3.89

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If you've got a keen interest in the interplay between science and criminal justice, "The Casebook of Forensic Detection" can feed your curiosity. It's like dissecting history’s mysteries with a forensic toolkit. Each case offers a glimpse into the evolution of forensic science, making it a captivating read for anyone fascinated by how the tiniest details lead to monumental revelations in crime-solving.
Pox : Genius, Madness, And The Mysteries Of Syphilis - Thryft
Deborah Hayden | Basic Books

Pox : Genius, Madness, And The Mysteries Of Syphilis

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Goodreads rating: 3.75

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Imagine looking at history's luminaries through a new lens – that's "Pox" for you. Hayden intricately weaves the untold impacts of syphilis on brilliant minds. Not only does it offer fresh biographical insights, but it also challenges how we interpret their legacies. The mix of scandal, health, and genius might just redefine your view of the past.
Germ Warfare - Thryft
Discovery Education | Australian Geographic

Germ Warfare

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Goodreads rating: 0.0

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Germ Warfare can be a good read for those interested in understanding the history and science behind pandemics. The book provides insightful facts and interesting topics related to pandemics and global events. The material is written to appeal to young readers at varying reading levels, and stimulates critical thinking.
War Hospital: A True Story of Surgery and Survival
Sheri Fink | Publicaffairs

War Hospital: A True Story of Surgery and Survival

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Goodreads rating: 4.14

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If you're gripped by real-life heroics and the resilience of the human spirit in the darkest of times, "War Hospital" paints an intimate picture of doctors faced with impossible choices. It's a tale that goes beyond the battlefield to explore profound moral quandaries and the limits of human compassion. Your heart will be with these medics every step of their harrowing journey.
Little Book of Big Ideas: Medicine - Thryft
Susan Aldridge | Chicago Review Press

Little Book of Big Ideas: Medicine

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Goodreads rating: 3.56

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If you're fascinated by how medical knowledge has evolved, this gem weaves a historical tapestry, from Hippocrates to modern pioneers. It's an enlightening read that reveals how past insights and milestones in medicine shape current practices and ethical debates. Arm yourself with this overview, and you might just become the go-to person for medical history in your circle.
Genome - The Autobiography Of A Species In 23 Chapters - Thryft
Matt Ridley | Fourth Estate Ltd

Genome - The Autobiography Of A Species In 23 Chapters

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Goodreads rating: 4.05

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If you're intrigued by the fusion of science and storytelling, "Genome" could captivate you. Matt Ridley takes you on a journey along the chromosomes, making the complex world of genetics both accessible and engaging. Imagine unlocking the secrets of your very essence; Ridley gives you the metaphorical key.
The World Encyclopedia - Thryft
Oxford University Press | Oxford University Press

The World Encyclopedia

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Goodreads rating: 5.0

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Recommended as a great resource for students, educators and anyone seeking comprehensive knowledge, with engaging illustrations, timelines and feature boxes.
Germs: America's Secret War against Biological Weapons - Thryft
Stephen Engelberg, Judith Miller, William J. Broad  | Simon & Schuster

Germs: America's Secret War against Biological Weapons

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Goodreads rating: 3.63

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This book is a gripping and eye-opening account of the shocking reality of biological weapons. It takes you behind the scenes of covert operations and reveals the terrifying potential of these weapons of mass destruction. Through detailed research and firsthand interviews, the authors expose the deadly capabilities that lie within a simple lab, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in national security and the threats we face in the 21st century. Be prepared to be both fascinated and horrified by what you learn.
Webster's New World Encyclopedia - Thryft
Unknown | John Wiley & Sons Inc

Webster's New World Encyclopedia

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Goodreads rating: 2.5

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A one-volume reference from a trustworthy source compiles more than twenty-five thousand up-to-date entries that include figures from the 1990 census and spans topics ranging from the abacus to in vitro fertilization.
The Sleeping Beauties: And Other Stories of Mystery Illness - Thryft
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Suzanne O'Sullivan | Picador

The Sleeping Beauties: And Other Stories of Mystery Illness

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Goodreads rating: 3.91

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"The Sleeping Beauties" isn't just a medical book; it's a deep dive into the human psyche and its responses to cultural and environmental stressors. Dr. O'Sullivan's compassionate exploration of these bewildering illnesses will not only satisfy your curiosity but also challenge how you think about the intersection of health, culture, and the power of the mind. Perfect for anyone fascinated by the enigmas of the human body and the ways our environments shape us.
Duty of Care - Thryft
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Dominic Pimenta | Welbeck Publishing Group Ltd

Duty of Care

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Goodreads rating: 4.1

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"Duty of Care" serves as an intimate journey through the eyes of a doctor entrenched in the battle against COVID-19. Its raw portrayal of the pandemic's early days captures the tension, the humanity, and the unyielding spirit of healthcare workers. Reading it may offer you a deeper appreciation for the bravery and challenges faced by those at the frontline, with the added bonus that the book's royalties support healthcare heroes.
Great Medical Disasters - Thryft
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Richard Gordon | Marboro Books

Great Medical Disasters

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Goodreads rating: 3.15

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If you enjoy a touch of dark humor and have a curiosity for the quirks of medical history, "Great Medical Disasters" will be right up your alley. Richard Gordon, with his background in both medicine and comedy writing, gives an account that's both educational and entertaining. Imagine laughing and cringing in equal measure as you learn about the strange accidents of medical yesteryears.

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.