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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Boredom: A Lively History
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Peter Toohey | Yale University Press

Boredom: A Lively History

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Goodreads rating: 3.14

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If you've ever felt guilty for being bored, this book will validate and intrigue you. It delves into why boredom is actually a complex and important state of mind that sparks creativity and self-reflection. The author presents a compelling case for why we should embrace and understand boredom rather than hastily try to banish it. It's a fascinating read that might make you see your idle moments in a whole new light.
Creating Freedom: Power, Control and the Fight for Our Future - Thryft
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The idea of freedom is at the heart of our political and economic systems. It is foundational to our democracy, our way of life - our very conception of what it is to be human. But are we free in the way that we think we are?In Creating Freedom, Raoul Martinez compellingly dismantles the sacred myth of freedom, showing that our belief that our institutions are free, even our sense of ourselves as agents of free will, is all based on false understanding. From the lottery of our birth, to the coercive influence of our media, to the self-reinforcing, consent-manufacturing realities of power and money, this far-reaching manifesto fiercely demonstrates just how differently we would act if we accepted how the world really is.It shows that freedom is not something we are given; it is not even something we can easily take. But with empathy, imagination, and determination - it is something we can create.
The Theory of Everything Else - A Voyage into the World of the Weird
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If your bookshelf boasts titles that meld humor with offbeat curiosity, Dan Schreiber's "The Theory Of Everything Else" should be next in line. It's a whimsical ride through the absurd, questioning the fabric of reality with a tongue-in-cheek reverence for the unexplained. Imagine chuckling while your beliefs about the mundane and the profound are playfully turned upside down—a real treat for a curious and imaginative mind.
If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal
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Justin Gregg | August 9, 2022

If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal

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Goodreads rating: 3.88

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This book is an intriguing pick for anyone fascinated by the grand tapestry of life on Earth, and our place within it. Justin Gregg playfully nudges you to reconsider our human-centric view of intelligence, comparing our complex minds to the more streamlined, perhaps enviable, mental frameworks of animals. If you're interested in a mix of humor, philosophy, and science, that could leave you with a newfound respect for the animal world and perhaps a bit of humble pie concerning our own species, "If Nietzsche Were A Narwhal" might just be your next favorite read.
The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined
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Imagine flipping through history with an optimistic lens—that's the journey Steven Pinker offers in "The Better Angels of Our Nature." Pinker doesn't just tell you that violence has declined; he painstakingly proves it, scrutinizing the past and offering a refreshing, hopeful perspective on the trajectory of human behavior. This chunky tome offers more than stats and facts—it's a deep-dive into the better side of our nature that might just leave you feeling surprisingly optimistic about the world.
Loonshots
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Safi Bahcall | Griffin

Loonshots

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Goodreads rating: 4.01

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If you're someone who's fascinated by how maverick ideas evolve into world-changing innovations, "Loonshots" should pique your curiosity. Safi Bahcall doesn't just tell stories; he equips you with an understanding of how structural shifts can foster or foil innovation. This book merges gripping tales with a new scientific framework, offering insights that could transform how you approach and nurture the next big idea.
The Architecture of Happiness
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Botton Alain De | Penguin

The Architecture of Happiness

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Goodreads rating: 3.86

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If you've ever felt a building tug at your emotions or debated the effect of space on your well-being, "The Architecture of Happiness" may resonate deeply with you. Alain de Botton eloquently bridges aesthetics with our everyday experiences, offering an engaging exploration of how our surroundings can influence our mood and satisfaction. This book is like a thoughtful companion for anyone interested in how the spaces we inhabit are designed and, in turn, how they shape us.
The Art of Travel - Thryft
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Alain de Botton | Penguin Books

The Art of Travel

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Goodreads rating: 3.83

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Any Baedeker will tell us where we ought to travel, but only Alain de Botton will tell us how and why. With the same intelligence and insouciant charm he brought to How Proust Can Save Your Life, de Botton considers the pleasures of anticipation; the allure of the exotic, and the value of noticing everything from a seascape in Barbados to the takeoffs at Heathrow. Even as de Botton takes the reader along on his own peregrinations, he also cites such distinguished fellow-travelers as Baudelaire, Wordsworth, Van Gogh, the biologist Alexander von Humboldt, and the 18th-century eccentric Xavier de Maistre, who catalogued the wonders of his bedroom. The Art of Travel is a wise and utterly original book. Don’t leave home without it.
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.
Spinning Straw into Gold : What Fairy Tales Reveal About the Transformations in a Woman's Life - Thryft
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Joan Gould | Random House

Spinning Straw into Gold : What Fairy Tales Reveal About the Transformations in a Woman's Life

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Goodreads rating: 3.81

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Spinning Straw into Gold could be a good read for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the transformations women go through in life. The book offers a unique perspective by exploring the hidden meanings in fairy tales and myths, and relates these stories to women's experiences from youth to old age. Joan Gould's keen observations and inclusion of stories from the lives of ordinary women make this book an enriching and insightful read.
30-Second Psychology: The 50 Most Thought-Provoking Psychology Theories, Each Explained in Half a Minute
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If you're curious about psychology but feel overwhelmed by dense textbooks, "30-Second Psychology" could be your perfect match. It distills complex theories into digestible insights that are perfect for quick learning or as conversation starters. Plus, the vibrant illustrations make the journey through human psyche as engaging as it is enlightening.
The Lion in the Living Room: How House Cats Tamed Us and Took Over the World - Thryft
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Abigail Tucker | Simon & Schuster

The Lion in the Living Room: How House Cats Tamed Us and Took Over the World

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Goodreads rating: 3.62

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If you've ever wondered how your feline friend managed to find a place not just in your home but in the hearts of millions worldwide, "The Lion in the Living Room" is a pursuit you'll find fascinating. Abigail Tucker takes you on a journey that's as much about natural history as it is about the socio-cultural impact of cats. This book promises a colorful trek through time, textures of science, and the quirkiness of cat mania—all served with a dash of humor. It's the purr-fect read for anyone curious about the silent paws treading powerfully through human history.
The Fall of Public Man - Thryft
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Richard Sennett | Gardners Books

The Fall of Public Man

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Goodreads rating: 4.15

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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 Presence of the Past : Morphic Resonance and the Habits of Nature - Thryft
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Rupert Sheldrake | Vintage

The Presence of the Past : Morphic Resonance and the Habits of Nature

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Goodreads rating: 4.2

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"This book is a fascinating analysis of how nature's habits are formed and why they persist, thanks to morphic resonance. Rupert Sheldrake provides a fresh perspective on how an organism's past experiences can influence its present and future behaviors. This is a must-read for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of our natural world."
Guinness World Records 2021 - Thryft
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Guinness World Records | Guinness World Records

Guinness World Records 2021

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Goodreads rating: 4.3

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Guinness World Records 2021 is a must-read for anyone who loves knowing the limits of human potential. From fascinating animal facts to incredible human feats, this book has it all. Its unique feature is the augmented-reality feature that makes the planets in our solar system come to life. For those who love challenges, the book provides try-at-home challenges that could land them a spot in next year's edition. Overall, this book is a fun and educational read that will inspire readers to push their own limits.
Little Book of Big Ideas: Medicine - Thryft
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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.

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.