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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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The New Age of Empire: How Racism and Colonialism Still Rule the World
Kehinde Andrews | Allen Lane

The New Age of Empire: How Racism and Colonialism Still Rule the World

$12.90

Goodreads rating: 4.28

$12.90

If you're ready to confront uncomfortable truths about the world's power structures, "The New Age of Empire" is a must-read. Kehinde Andrews doesn't just scratch the surface; he digs deep into the origins of racism and colonialism that underpin our society. The book doesn't offer simple solutions but it does bring a critical perspective that may change how you see the West's legacy and current role in global inequality. The stark analysis will resonate deeply if you're interested in historical truths and systemic change.
GE2020: Fair or Foul?
Just Arrived
Bertha Henson | Epigram Books

GE2020: Fair or Foul?

$15.90 $10.90 31% off

Goodreads rating: 3.85

$15.90 $10.90 31% off

56% off est. retail
If you follow Singapore politics, this feels like sitting beside a seasoned observer who knows exactly where the real story is hiding. Bertha Henson blends campaign drama with clear-eyed criticism, so the book reads as both a lively chronicle and a serious challenge to how fair the system really is. It’s especially rewarding for readers who want more than headlines and want to understand the machinery behind the spectacle.
The Ten-Year War: Obamacare and the Unfinished Crusade for Universal Coverage
Jonathan Cohn | St. Martin's Press

The Ten-Year War: Obamacare and the Unfinished Crusade for Universal Coverage

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 4.17

$10.90

If healthcare reform conversations stir your intellect, "The Ten Year War" will provide a deep dive into the political trenches of the Obamacare era. Jonathan Cohn's boots-on-the-ground reporting paints the legislative battle in vivid detail, making it an enlightening read for anyone fascinated by the intersection of healthcare, politics, and the tug-of-war for universal coverage. It's a narrative that's as informative as it is gripping.
Siege: Trump Under Fire
Michael Wolff | Little, Brown

Siege: Trump Under Fire

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 3.63

$13.90

If you're intrigued by the whirlwind that was Trump's administration, Michael Wolff's "Siege" is a must-read. Wolff presents a narrative that feels like you're inside the White House witnessing the chaos first-hand. His account begins in Trump's second year and culminates with the Mueller report, offering insights into an administration under constant scrutiny and a president who's both unpredictable and exposed.
The Second Machine Age: Work, Progress, and Prosperity in a Time of Brilliant Technologies
Andrew McAfee, Erik Brynjolfsson  | W. W. Norton & Company

The Second Machine Age: Work, Progress, and Prosperity in a Time of Brilliant Technologies

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.91

$8.90

66% off est. retail
If you're keen on understanding how technology is reshaping the world and what it means for your career or business, "The Second Machine Age" is a must-read. Brynjolfsson and McAfee take you beyond the headlines, delving into how AI and automation are not just changing the landscape but also offering strategies for adapting to the new digital economy. They couple their deep research with an optimistic viewpoint, making this book a thoughtful guide for anyone looking to thrive amidst rapid technological change.
The White House Plumbers: The Seven Weeks That Led to Watergate and Doomed Nixon's Presidency
Just Arrived
Egil “Bud” Krogh | Swift Press

The White House Plumbers: The Seven Weeks That Led to Watergate and Doomed Nixon's Presidency

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 3.33

$11.90

SOON TO BE A FIVE-PART HBO SERIES, STARRING WOODY HARRELSON AND JUSTIN THEROUX. The true story of the White House Plumbers, a secret unit inside Nixon's White House, their ill-conceived plans to stop the leaks of the Pentagon Papers, and how they led to Watergate and the president's demise. On July 17, 1971, Egil "Bud" Krogh was summoned to a closed-door meeting by his mentor—and a key confidant of the president—John Ehrlichman. Expecting to discuss the most recent drug-control program launched in Vietnam, Krogh was shocked when Ehrlichman handed him a file and the responsibility for the Special Investigations Unit, or SIU, later to be notoriously known as "The Plumbers." The Plumbers' work, according to Nixon, was critical to national security; they were to investigate the leaks of top-secret government documents, including the Pentagon Papers, to the press. The White House Plumbers is Krogh's account of what really happened behind the closed doors of the Nixon White House, how a good man can make bad decisions, and the redemptive power of integrity. Including the story of how Krogh served time and later rebuilt his life, The White House Plumbers is gripping, thoughtful, and a cautionary tale of placing loyalty over principle.
Zero Zero Zero
Roberto Saviano, Virginia Jewiss  | Penguin

Zero Zero Zero

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

Goodreads rating: 3.73

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

If you're fascinated by the complexities of international crime syndicates and the dark interplay between wealth and morality, "Zero Zero Zero" might just grip you. Saviano provides a harrowing portrayal of the cocaine trade, and you'll come away with a deeper understanding of its insidious impact on society. It's an eye-opener that's as educational as it is disturbing.
A Thousand Days: John F. Kennedy in the White House
Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. | First Mariner Books

A Thousand Days: John F. Kennedy in the White House

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 4.16

$10.90

If you love political history that feels alive rather than distant, this is a gripping place to land. Schlesinger writes with the access of an insider and the eye of a gifted storyteller, so JFK comes across as vivid, witty, and human. It is long, but readers who enjoy big, immersive biographies often find that depth exactly what makes it so rewarding.
Russia 7
Simon Richmond | Geoplaneta

Russia 7

$12.90 $11.90 8% off

Goodreads rating: 3.96

$12.90 $11.90 8% off

Venturing into Russia can be daunting, but Lonely Planet Russia is like having a well-informed friend by your side. It's packed with practical tips, from navigating cultural quirks to finding hidden treasures that are off the typical tourist trail. Whether you're looking to explore the vast Siberian wilderness or absorb the historic ambiance of Red Square, this guide provides the blueprint for an authentic and enriching Russian adventure.
Paradise Lost: Mahathir & The End of Hope
Dennis Ignatius | Dennis Ignatius

Paradise Lost: Mahathir & The End of Hope

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 3.89

$13.90

If you're keen on understanding contemporary Malaysian politics and how a single figure can influence the course of a nation's history, "Paradise Lost: Mahathir & The End of Hope" is a compelling read. Dennis Ignatius provides a critical view of Mahathir Mohamad's leadership, which can offer valuable lessons on power, governance, and democracy.
Chretien: The Will To Win Volume 1
Lawrence Martin | Lester Publishing

Chretien: The Will To Win Volume 1

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 4.16

$13.90

If you enjoy political biographies that read with momentum, this offers a close look at Jean Chrétien’s drive, resilience, and instinct for survival. It feels especially suited to readers curious about power behind the scenes, where personality matters as much as policy. Even as an ex-library copy, the story itself still promises a vivid portrait of a leader determined to outlast the odds.
Once Upon a Time in Russia: The Rise of the Oligarchs - A True Story of Ambition, Wealth, Betrayal, and Murder
Just Arrived
Ben Mezrich | Atria Books

Once Upon a Time in Russia: The Rise of the Oligarchs - A True Story of Ambition, Wealth, Betrayal, and Murder

$12.90

Goodreads rating: 3.86

$12.90

48% off est. retail
The New York Times bestselling author of Bringing Down the House and The Accidental Billionaires tells his most incredible story. A true drama of obscene wealth, crime, rivalry, and betrayal from deep inside the world of billionaire Russian oligarchs that Booklist called “one more example of just how talented a storyteller [Mezrich] is.” Meet two larger-than-life former mathematician Boris Berezovsky, who moved into more lucrative ventures as well as politics, becoming known as the Godfather of the Kremlin; and Roman Abramovich, a dashing young entrepreneur who built one of Russia’s largest oil companies from the ground up. After a chance meeting on a yacht in the Caribbean, the men became locked in a complex partnership, surfing the waves of privatization after the fall of the Soviet regime and amassing mega fortunes while also taking the reins of power in Russia. With Berezovsky serving as the younger entrepreneur’s krysha —literally, his roof, his protector—they battled their way through the “Wild East” of Russia until their relationship soured when Berezovsky attacked President Vladimir Putin in the media. Dead bodies trailed Berezovsky as he escaped to London, where an associate died painfully of Polonium poisoning, creating an international furor. As Abramovich prospered, Berezovsky was found dead in a luxurious London town house, declared a suicide. With unprecedented, exclusive first-person sourcing, Mezrich takes us inside a world of unimaginable wealth, power, and corruption to uncover this exciting story, a true-life thriller epic for our time—“ Wolf Hall on the Moskva” ( Bookpage ).
More From Less: The Surprising Story of How We Learned to Prosper Using Fewer Resources - And What Happens Next
Andrew McAfee | Simon & Schuster Uk

More From Less: The Surprising Story of How We Learned to Prosper Using Fewer Resources - And What Happens Next

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 3.9

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

68% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the interplay between economics and sustainability, "More from Less" could offer you some fascinating insights. Andrew McAfee crafts a compelling narrative that challenges the preconception that economic growth is inextricably linked to material consumption. The book paints an optimistic yet thought-provoking picture of our future, one where innovation leads to both prosperity and environmental stewardship. It's a read that might change the way you think about progress and sustainability.
How We Lead: Canada in a Century of Change
Joe Clark | Vintage Canada

How We Lead: Canada in a Century of Change

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 3.58

$13.90

65% off est. retail
This is a thoughtful, big-picture read for anyone curious about what Canada could stand for in a changing world. Joe Clark blends lived political experience with a genuine belief in the country’s strengths, so it feels both informed and personal. If you like books that mix history, policy, and national self-examination, this one offers a hopeful but challenging vision of leadership.
First Platoon: A Story of Modern War in the Age of Identity Dominance
Just Arrived
Annie Jacobsen | Dutton

First Platoon: A Story of Modern War in the Age of Identity Dominance

$16.90

Goodreads rating: 4.16

$16.90

A powerful story of war in our time, of love of country, the experience of tragedy, and a platoon at the center of it all. This is a story that starts off close and goes very big. The initial part of the story might sound familiar as it is about a platoon of mostly nineteen-year-old boys sent to Afghanistan, and an experience that ends abruptly in catastrophe. Their part of the story is inexorably linked to those soldiers and never comprehensively reported before: the U.S. Department of Defense’s quest to build the world’s most powerful biometrics database, with the ability to identify, monitor, catalog, and police people all over the world. First Platoon is an American saga that illuminates a transformation of society made possible by this new technology. Part war story, part legal drama, it is about identity in the age of identification. About humanity—physical bravery, trauma, PTSD, a yearning to do right and good—in the age of biometrics, which reduce people to iris scans, fingerprint scans, voice patterning, detection by odor, gait, and more. And about the power of point of view in a burgeoning surveillance state. Based on hundreds of formerly classified documents, FOIA requests, and exclusive interviews, First Platoon is an investigative exposé by a master chronicler of government secrets. First Platoon reveals a post–9/11 Pentagon whose identification machines have grown more capable than the humans who must make sense of them. A Pentagon so powerful it can cover up its own internal mistakes in pursuit of endless wars. And a people at its mercy, in its last moments before a fundamental change so complete it might be impossible to take back.
FTSE: The Inside Story
Mark Makepeace, James Ashton  | Nicholas Brealey

FTSE: The Inside Story

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 3.6

$13.90

If you’re curious how a stock index became a global symbol of money and trust, this gives you the story from the inside. It feels part business memoir, part backstage pass to high finance, packed with sharp personalities, political tension, and dealmaking drama. Readers who enjoy seeing how big institutions are really built will find it especially rewarding.
Meltdown: The End of the Age of Greed
Paul Mason | Verso

Meltdown: The End of the Age of Greed

$10.90 $8.90 18% off

Goodreads rating: 3.83

$10.90 $8.90 18% off

64% off est. retail
If you're keen on understanding the real-life dynamics that led to the catastrophic financial crisis of 2008, "Meltdown" is a must-read. Paul Mason doesn't just chronicle events; he takes you to the ground level and weaves a narrative that connects the boardrooms to the factory floors, revealing the systemic arrogance that precipitated a global crisis. As you turn its pages, you may find yourself freshly informed and critically aware of the intricate workings of our economic systems and the ideologies that shape them. This book isn't just history; it's a cautionary tale that resonates in today's financial climates.
Collusion: How Russia Helped Trump Win the White House
Just Arrived
Luke Harding | Guardian Faber Publishing

Collusion: How Russia Helped Trump Win the White House

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 4.16

$10.90

64% off est. retail
#1 New York Times Bestseller. "It's a superb piece of work, wonderfully done and essential reading for anyone who cares for his country. Amazing research and brilliantly collated." John Le Carré. "Collusion is so essential and ... I wish everyone who is skeptical that Russia has leverage over Trump would read it ... Invaluable." The New York Times. Moscow, July 1987. Real-estate tycoon Donald Trump visits Soviet Russia for the first time at the invitation of the government. London, December 2016. Luke Harding meets former MI6 officer Christopher Steele to discuss the president-elect's connections with Russia. Harding follows two leads; money and sex. Washington, January 2017. Steele's explosive dossier alleges that the Kremlin has been 'cultivating, supporting, and assisting' Trump for years and that they have compromising information about him. Trump responds on Twitter, 'FAKE NEWS.' In Collusion, award-winning journalist Luke Harding reveals the true nature of Trump's decades-long relationship with Russia and presents the gripping inside story of the dossier. It features exclusive new material and draws on sources from the intelligence community. Harding tells an astonishing story of offshore money, sketchy real-estate deals, a Miss Universe Pageant, mobsters, money laundering, hacking and Kremlin espionage. He shines a light on powerful Russian players like Aras Agalarov, Natalia Veselnitskaya and Sergey Kislyak, whose motivations and instructions may have come from Vladimir Putin himself. The special prosecutor, Robert Mueller, has already indicted several of the American protagonists, including Trump's campaign manager, Paul Manafort. More charges are likely as the crisis engulfs Trump's administration. This book gets to the heart of the biggest political scandal of the modern era. Russia is reshaping the world order to its advantage: this is something that should trouble us all.
Inventing Freedom: How the English-Speaking Peoples Made the Modern World
Daniel Hannan | Broadside Books

Inventing Freedom: How the English-Speaking Peoples Made the Modern World

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 4.09

$13.90

50% off est. retail
This will likely appeal if you enjoy big-idea history with a strong political argument and don’t mind a clearly opinionated voice. Hannan makes the story of freedom feel contingent rather than inevitable, which gives the book urgency and bite. Readers who like provocative takes on democracy, law, and national identity may find it energising, even when they disagree.
The Pentagon's Brain: An Uncensored History of DARPA, America's Top Secret Military Research Agency
Just Arrived
Annie Jacobsen | Back Bay Books

The Pentagon's Brain: An Uncensored History of DARPA, America's Top Secret Military Research Agency

$12.90

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$12.90

71% off est. retail
National Bestseller. A Pulitzer Prize Finalist, and the definitive history of DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, from the author of the New York Times bestseller Area 51. No one has ever written the history of the Defense Department's most secret, most powerful, and most controversial military science R&D agency. In the first-ever history of the organization, New York Times bestselling author Annie Jacobsen draws on inside sources, exclusive interviews, private documents, and declassified memos to paint a picture of DARPA, or "the Pentagon's brain," from its Cold War inception in 1958 to the present. This is the book on DARPA—a compelling narrative about this clandestine intersection of science and the American military—and the often frightening results.
Occupation: The Policies and Practices of Military Conquerors
Eric Carlton | Routledge

Occupation: The Policies and Practices of Military Conquerors

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$10.90

If you're drawn to the nuanced interplays of power and resistance in historical contexts, "Occupation: The Policies and Practices of Military Conquerors" could enrich your understanding. Eric Carlton's meticulous analysis of military occupations, from the British Raj to Nazi Germany, delves into the moral complexities that come with authority and control. It's a thought-provoking read that might challenge the way you think about history and power.
Phenomena: The Secret History of the U.S. Government's Investigations Into Extrasensory Perception
Just Arrived
Annie Jacobsen | Little, Brown Paperbacks

Phenomena: The Secret History of the U.S. Government's Investigations Into Extrasensory Perception

$12.90

Goodreads rating: 3.94

$12.90

69% off est. retail
The definitive history of the military's decades-long investigation into mental powers and phenomena, from the author of Pulitzer Prize finalist The Pentagon's Brain and international bestseller Area 51. This is a book about a team of scientists and psychics with top-secret clearances. For more than forty years, the U.S. government has researched extrasensory perception, using it in attempts to locate hostages, fugitives, secret bases, and downed fighter jets, to divine other nations' secrets, and even to predict future threats to national security. The intelligence agencies and military services involved include CIA, DIA, NSA, DEA, the Navy, Air Force, and Army—and even the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Now, for the first time, New York Times bestselling author Annie Jacobsen tells the story of these radical, controversial programs, using never-before-seen declassified documents as well as exclusive interviews with, and unprecedented access to, more than fifty of the individuals involved. Speaking on the record, many for the first time, are former CIA and Defense Department scientists, analysts, and program managers, as well as the government psychics themselves. Who did the U.S. government hire for these top-secret programs, and how do they explain their military and intelligence work? How do scientists approach such enigmatic subject matter? What interested the government in these supposed powers and does the research continue? Phenomena is a riveting investigation into how far governments will go in the name of national security.
The Last Spike: The Great Railway, 1881-1885
Pierre Berton | Anchor Canada

The Last Spike: The Great Railway, 1881-1885

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.15

$11.90

If you enjoy big true stories driven by outsized personalities, this feels vivid, urgent, and surprisingly dramatic. Pierre Berton turns a massive engineering project into a human saga full of risk, ambition, political tension, and sheer momentum. It’s especially rewarding if you like history that reads like an epic adventure while showing how a country was stitched together.
What Happened
Hillary Rodham Clinton | Simon & Schuster

What Happened

$8.90 $4.90 45% off

Goodreads rating: 3.92

$8.90 $4.90 45% off

88% off est. retail
As someone interested in politics and history, you might find "What Happened" a captivating read. It offers a rare, personal perspective from Hillary Rodham Clinton herself, providing a blend of raw reflections and sharp analysis on her 2016 presidential campaign. If you're curious about the internal and external dynamics of a groundbreaking election, this memoir doubles as both an intimate narrative and a lesson in political resilience.
Churchill and America
Martin Gilbert | Mcclelland & Stewart

Churchill and America

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.05

$11.90

If you’re drawn to big personalities shaping world history, this feels especially rewarding because it shows Churchill through one of his most defining relationships. Martin Gilbert brings rare authority, so the book has the confidence and depth of someone who truly knows the archives inside out. It’s the kind of history that makes diplomacy feel personal, revealing how friendship, instinct, and political vision helped shape the modern Anglo-American alliance.
Art Hats in Renaissance City: Reflections and Aspirations of Four Generations of Art Personalities
Renee Foong Ling Lee, Ling Lee Renee Foong  | World Scientific Pub Co Inc

Art Hats in Renaissance City: Reflections and Aspirations of Four Generations of Art Personalities

$5.90

Goodreads rating: 5.0

$5.90

90% off est. retail
This book would be a good read for someone who is curious about the journey of Singapore's art scene. Through personal reflections and aspirations, it provides an authentic voice of those who have shaped the cultural landscape of the city. It not only showcases the diversity of creative industries but also highlights the crucial role of heritage development in Singapore's artistic evolution. Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply interested in understanding the transformation of a city through art, this anthology offers valuable insights and real-life experiences that will leave you inspired.
The Chickenshit Club: Why the Justice Department Fails to Prosecute Executives
Just Arrived
Jesse Eisinger | Simon & Schuster

The Chickenshit Club: Why the Justice Department Fails to Prosecute Executives

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 3.79

$10.90

If you’ve ever wondered why powerful executives seem untouchable, this is the kind of book that turns that frustration into a gripping, deeply reported story. It reads with the urgency of a thriller but gives you the institutional detail that makes the outrage land harder. You come away feeling like you’ve finally seen the machinery behind corporate impunity laid bare.
What Happened
Hillary Rodham Clinton | Simon & Schuster

What Happened

$20.90 $16.90 19% off

Goodreads rating: 3.92

$20.90 $16.90 19% off

If you're intrigued by American politics, "What Happened" is not just another election post-mortem. It's a candid account from the perspective of the first female major-party presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton herself. Reading it feels like having a personal conversation with Clinton about the factors, both public and private, that played into the 2016 election. This book offers a unique opportunity to experience her journey, thoughts, and reflections, and is especially resonant for anyone interested in women's role in politics.
Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World
Anand Giridharadas | Vintage

Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.13

$8.90

If you're someone who's been skeptical about the grand gestures of the ultra-wealthy and their so-called philanthropy, "Winners Take All" could resonate with you. Anand Giridharadas doesn't just question the sincerity of these endeavors but digs into how they often serve to maintain the inequality they purport to solve. It's a trenchant, thought-provoking read that might alter how you see the relationship between wealth, power, and social change.
Unhinged: An Insider's Account of the Trump White House
Omarosa Manigault Newman | Gallery Books

Unhinged: An Insider's Account of the Trump White House

$18.90

Goodreads rating: 3.34

$18.90

53% off est. retail
If you're drawn to political drama and are curious about the inner workings of recent American leadership, "Unhinged" may just satisfy that curiosity. Omarosa's firsthand account promises to peel back the curtain on the Trump administration with personal anecdotes that could redefine your understanding of the presidency and the corridors of power in Washington. It's a candid and potentially controversial perspective that assures a compelling read for those intrigued by the political spectacle.
Why It's Still Kicking Off Everywhere: The New Global Revolutions
Paul Mason | Verso Books

Why It's Still Kicking Off Everywhere: The New Global Revolutions

$12.90

Goodreads rating: 3.91

$12.90

48% off est. retail
If current events and social movements stir your interest, Paul Mason's update to "Why It's Still Kicking Off Everywhere" will resonate with you. Mason's blend of on-the-ground reportage and analytical prowess offers a vivid snapshot of various movements, from Occupy to the Arab Spring. It's a compelling read for those keen on understanding the intersection of technology, economics, and political activism in shaping today's world.
Fate of Abraham
Peter Oborne | Simon Schuster Uk

Fate of Abraham

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 4.17

$10.90

If you’re drawn to spiritual history and the human side of biblical figures, this could be a rewarding read. Even without a detailed description, the title suggests a thoughtful exploration of Abraham’s influence, destiny, and meaning across generations. It feels like the kind of book that invites quiet reflection and gives familiar religious history a deeper, more personal resonance.
China In Ten Words: Essays
Allan H. Barr, Yu Hua  | Vintage

China In Ten Words: Essays

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.05

$11.90

If you’re curious about the complexities of life in modern China, "China in Ten Words" might be the guide you never knew you needed. Yu Hua offers a rare lens, one colored by both affection and critique, that brings to light the contrasts and transformations within Chinese society. His personal anecdotes serve as a relatable touchstone for anyone looking to understand China beyond the headlines.
Joseph Anton: A Memoir
Just Arrived
Salman Rushdie | Random House

Joseph Anton: A Memoir

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 3.65

$10.90

This is more than a celebrity memoir; it feels like being locked inside a writer’s mind while the world tries to erase him. Rushdie brings the absurdity, fear, loneliness, and stubborn humor of those years vividly to life. If you’re drawn to books about freedom, identity, and what it costs to keep speaking, this is a gripping, deeply human read.
Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose
Joe Biden | Flatiron Books

Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose

$10.90 $6.90 37% off

Goodreads rating: 4.14

$10.90 $6.90 37% off

"Promise Me, Dad" offers a window into the soul of Joe Biden, a man navigating the stormy intersection of profound personal grief and public service. It's a year in the life of a vice president, a father, and a widower, which captivates with its raw emotionality and the relatable struggle to balance professional obligations with family — a situation many can empathize with, particularly those who have grappled with loss while shouldering life's myriad responsibilities.
The Finish: The Killing of Osama bin Laden
Just Arrived
Mark Bowden | Grove Press

The Finish: The Killing of Osama bin Laden

$15.90

Goodreads rating: 3.86

$15.90

From Mark Bowden, the preeminent chronicler of our military and special forces, comes The Finish: The Killing of Osama bin Laden, a gripping account of the hunt for Osama bin Laden. With access to key sources, Bowden takes us inside the rooms where decisions were made and on the ground where the action unfolded. After masterminding the attacks of September 11, 2001, Osama bin Laden managed to vanish. Over the next ten years, as Bowden shows, America found that its war with al Qaeda—a scattered group of individuals who were almost impossible to track—demanded an innovative approach. Step by step, Bowden describes the development of a new tactical strategy to fight this war—the fusion of intel from various agencies and on-the-ground special ops. After thousands of special forces missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, the right weapon to go after bin Laden had finally evolved. By Spring 2011, intelligence pointed to a compound in Abbottabad; it was estimated that there was a 50/50 chance that Osama bin Laden was there. Bowden shows how three strategies were a drone strike, a precision bombing, or an assault by Navy SEALs. In the end, the President had to make the final decision. It was time for the finish.
Greg Sorbara: The Battlefield of Ontario Politics: An Autobiography
Greg Sorbara | Dundurn Press

Greg Sorbara: The Battlefield of Ontario Politics: An Autobiography

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$13.90

This is a strong pick if you like politics told by someone who was actually in the room when decisions were made. Sorbara gives you the strategy, the personality clashes, and the practical trade-offs behind big Ontario policy shifts. It feels especially rewarding for readers curious about how elections are won and how governing really works once the slogans fade.
Saving Europe: How National Politics Nearly Destroyed the Euro
Carlo Bastasin | Brookings Institution Press

Saving Europe: How National Politics Nearly Destroyed the Euro

$39.90

Goodreads rating: 4.07

$39.90

Imagine you're fascinated by the complexities of European economics and how political intricacies almost capsized an entire currency system. "Saving Europe" isn't just a history lesson; it's a deep dive into the razor's edge walk of the Euro, offering insights into the balancing act between national interests and collective financial stability. If you appreciate understanding the backstories to major economic events, this book reads almost like a thrilling political drama, revealing the tightrope walked by policymakers.
Curfewed Night
Basharat Peer | Harper Press

Curfewed Night

$20.90 $15.90 24% off

Goodreads rating: 4.07

$20.90 $15.90 24% off

If you're drawn to understand the personal impact of geopolitical conflicts, "Curfewed Night" might resonate with you deeply. Basharat Peer's first-hand account of growing up in Kashmir offers a poignant, intimate view into the lives shaped by the ongoing conflict. The book's strength lies in transforming the news headlines into human experiences, making the events in Kashmir achingly real.
Harvard Rules: Lawrence Summers and the Battle for the World's Most Powerful University — Sex, Ambition, and Elite Power at America's Institution
Richard Bradley | Harper Perennial

Harvard Rules: Lawrence Summers and the Battle for the World's Most Powerful University — Sex, Ambition, and Elite Power at America's Institution

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 3.37

$13.90

If you’re drawn to real-life institutional drama, this is a sharp, gossipy, surprisingly gripping look at Harvard at a moment of identity crisis. It reads like a backstage account of power clashing with idealism, with Lawrence Summers at the center of the storm. You come away feeling like elite universities are not just places of learning, but arenas where ambition, politics, and personality shape the future.
All Out War: The Full Story of How Brexit Sank Britain's Political Class
Tim Shipman | William Collins

All Out War: The Full Story of How Brexit Sank Britain's Political Class

$11.90 $8.90 25% off

Goodreads rating: 4.29

$11.90 $8.90 25% off

If you're eager to understand the tumultuous political shifts of 2016, "All Out War" is a timely dive into the Brexit vote complexities. Tim Shipman offers an insider's look at the paths to the UK's EU departure, filled with high-stakes decisions and political intrigue. It reads like a thriller, but it's all real—a gripping narrative for anyone fascinated by modern political strategy and the forces that shape history.
1968: The Year That Rocked the World
Mark Kurlansky | Ballantine Books (ny)

1968: The Year That Rocked the World

$12.90 $9.90 23% off

Goodreads rating: 3.82

$12.90 $9.90 23% off

60% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by history with a pulse, "1968: The Year That Rocked the World" might just be your next favorite read. Mark Kurlansky has a knack for bringing the vibrancy of historical events to life, and this book is no exception. It's a vivid time capsule that puts you right in the heart of a year where every corner of the globe seemed to be on the edge of monumental change.
Global Disorder
Robert Harvey | Robinson Publishing

Global Disorder

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

Goodreads rating: 3.13

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

If you're intrigued by global politics and how past events shape our present world, "Global Disorder" by Robert Harvey could add a new perspective to your understanding. Harvey's book goes beyond the initial optimism of a post-Cold War world to examine the complexities and challenges that came with it. His critical analysis on ethnic nationalism, the uncontrolled globalization of capitalism, and the need for security reform makes this a timely read, even years after its publication.
Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire
Amanda Foreman | Harper Perennial

Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire

$11.90 $8.90 25% off

Goodreads rating: 3.78

$11.90 $8.90 25% off

If you revel in the scandalous sagas of high society peppered with robust political drama, "Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire" by Amanda Foreman might just become your next obsession. It's a deep dive into the tumultuous life of an 18th-century icon whose existence was as complex as it was extravagant. The connection with Princess Diana adds a layer of perennial interest to engross those who are fascinated by influential women throughout history.
Enemies Within: Inside the NYPD's Secret Spying Unit and Bin Laden's Final Plot Against America
Matt Apuzzo, Adam Goldman  | Atria Books

Enemies Within: Inside the NYPD's Secret Spying Unit and Bin Laden's Final Plot Against America

$19.90 $14.90 25% off

Goodreads rating: 3.89

$19.90 $14.90 25% off

If the interplay of espionage and real-world events draws you in, "Enemies Within" could be a compelling read for you. Apuzzo and Goldman, with their expert journalistic chops, shed light on post-9/11 internal security tactics. It's the kind of book that not only informs but also immerses you in the high-stakes tension of thwarting terrorism.
An Imperfect Offering: Humanitarian Action in the Twenty-First Century
James Orbinski | Doubleday Canada

An Imperfect Offering: Humanitarian Action in the Twenty-First Century

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 4.33

$13.90

50% off est. retail
This is for readers who want moral clarity without easy answers. Orbinski writes with the raw authority of someone who was there, so the book feels both intimate and world-shaking. It’s devastating, but also deeply humane, especially in how it insists on dignity, courage, and responsibility even in history’s darkest moments.
Memoirs
Brian Mulroney | Douglas Gibson Books

Memoirs

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 3.97

$9.90

If you enjoy political life stories with real backstage texture, this feels especially rewarding. Mulroney doesn’t just recount events, he draws you into the personalities, rivalries, and high-stakes negotiations that shaped modern Canada. It has the sweep of history, but also the intimacy of private reflection, making it appealing even if you want more than a standard politician’s victory lap.
Money for Nothing
Roger Bootle | Nicholas Brealey Publishing

Money for Nothing

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 3.76

$11.90

52% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by economic theories and the potential of the 'intangible economy,' "Money for Nothing" could be your guide to understanding how innovations today might herald a wealth surge reminiscent of the Industrial Revolution. Roger Bootle navigates through complex market realities, offering a vision of hope that hinges on avoiding economic pitfalls. This book might just change how you perceive the potential of our digital age and it’s worth a read for its optimistic, yet cautious stance on future prosperity.
Private Empire: ExxonMobil and American Power
Steve Coll | The Penguin Press

Private Empire: ExxonMobil and American Power

$13.90 $10.90 22% off

Goodreads rating: 3.99

$13.90 $10.90 22% off

76% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the inner workings of a business giant, "Private Empire" will be a compelling read. Steve Coll takes you on a deep dive, exposing how ExxonMobil's tendrils stretch far into the political and economic fabric of the nation. Perfect for those fascinated by corporate power dynamics and their impact on society.
The Trillion Dollar Meltdown: Easy Money, High Rollers, and the Great Credit Crash
Charles R. Morris | Publicaffairs

The Trillion Dollar Meltdown: Easy Money, High Rollers, and the Great Credit Crash

$51.90

Goodreads rating: 3.72

$51.90

If you're fascinated by the intricacies of economic crises and enjoy a deep dive into the causes behind financial turmoil, "The Trillion Dollar Meltdown" is a compelling read. Morris brings a critical eye to pre-2008 excesses, making complex concepts accessible. You'll come away with a richer understanding of the factors that led to a financial system on the brink.

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.