History Books

Recommendation: - This book is a wake-up call for those interested in understanding the hidden dangers of globalization and terrorism. John Robb uncovers the dark side of technological advancements, revealing how terrorists can exploit it to create mayhem and disrupt the global order. With real-world examples and practical insights, Robb outlines the urgent measures we need to take to protect our economies and cultures. If you want a thought-provoking analysis of the vulnerabilities of our interconnected world, this book is a must-read.

Recommendation: - If you're interested in understanding the complex relationship between Islam, democracy, and the West, "Reconciliation" is a powerful and insightful book that offers a fresh perspective. Benazir Bhutto, a courageous woman tragically killed, provides a gripping account of her final months in Pakistan and presents a bold agenda for tackling Islamic radicalism. Her message of tolerance, justice, and the need for global unity is both thought-provoking and inspiring. By reading this book, you'll gain a deeper understanding of modern Islam and the urgent need for reconciliation in our world today.

Recommendation: If you're seeking a riveting historical biography filled with scandal and intrigue, "Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire" is the perfect choice. Amanda Foreman masterfully brings to life the tumultuous world of one of the most flamboyant women of the eighteenth century. From political maneuvering to controversial love affairs, this captivating tale will leave you enthralled from start to finish.

Recommendation: This book is a heartfelt and nostalgic memoir by Richard Lim, a seasoned journalist in Singapore. Through his personal essay published on National Day in 1989, the author beautifully reflects on the changes that accompanied Singapore's independence and how they shaped his upbringing. This collection of essays and columns provides a unique perspective on Singapore's history, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the country's baby-boomer generation and the context in which they grew up.

Recommendation: 1. This book provides a captivating insider's view of the U.S. government's strategy in response to the 2007-2009 global financial crisis. Through the perspectives of the key decision-makers involved, it offers an unparalleled understanding of the internal debates, policy solutions, and the evaluation of successes and failures. If you're interested in unraveling the complexities of this critical period in history and gaining valuable insights for navigating future financial calamities, this book is a must-read. 2. The firsthand accounts from policymakers who led the government's response to the crisis make this book an invaluable historical document. It sheds light on the extraordinary measures taken by the Treasury Department, the Federal Reserve, and other agencies to stabilize the financial system and the economy during this crucial period. Whether you're a student of history or someone seeking lessons for navigating future crises, this book provides unprecedented insight into the decision-making process and offers a comprehensive understanding of the global financial crisis.

From a bestselling author with unprecedented access to Pope Francis, an investigative look at the recent financial scandals at the highest levels of the VaticanA veritable war is waging in the on one side, there is Pope Francis’s strong message for one church of the poor and all; on the other, there is the old Curia with its endless enemies, and the old and new lobbies struggling to preserve their not-so-Christian privileges.The old guard do not back down, they are ready to use all means necessary to stay in control and continue the immoral way they conduct their business. They resist reforms sought by Pope Francis and seek to delegitimize their opponents, to isolate those who want to eliminate corruption. It’s a war that will determine the future of the church. And if he loses the battle against secular interests and blackmail, Pope Francis could resign, much like his predecessor.Based on confidential information―including top secret documents from inside the Vatican, and actual transcripts of Pope Francis’s admonishments to the papal court about the lack of financial oversight and responsibility― Merchants in the Temple illustrates all the undercover work conducted by the Pope since his election and shows the reader who his real enemies are. It reveals the instruments Francis is using to reform the Vatican and rid it, once and for all, of the overwhelming corruption traditionally encrusted in the Roman Catholic Church.Merchants in the Temple is a startling book that will shock every reader. It’s a story worthy of a Dan Brown novel, with its electrifying details of the trickery and scheming against the papacy―except that it is real.

Gathers Lincoln's speeches, letters, diary entries, and conversations concerning equality, freedom, and self-determination, and includes introductory essays by historians

Can we trust France? Apparently not. After more than 200 years of shared history and interests, the U.S.-France marriage looks as if it's ending in an acrimonious divorce. Here is the shocking insider account.In the wake of French behavior at the United Nations, where Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin systematically undermined the efforts of Secretary of State Colin Powell to convince the Security Council to authorize force against Iraq, Americans have at best come to suspect our ally of double dealing, and at worst come to view them as the enemy. Almost daily over the past year, new stories have emerged of how the government of French President Jacques Chirac has sought to undermine the U.S. war on terror, publicly sniping at America and inciting other countries to do the same. What's wrong with France? What's behind their recent perfidy? According to bestselling author Kenneth R. Timmerman, the American public doesn't know half the story. After they read The French Betrayal of America , American anger at France will turn to outrage.Timmerman, who worked as a journalist in France for eighteen years and knows the players on both sides, lifts the veil of Jacques Chirac's scandalous love affair with Saddam Hussein, beginning in 1975, when he took him on a tour of top-secret French nuclear facilities. The French attitude toward the dictator, which seemed to baffle American politicians, was in fact entirely predictable. Put bluntly, it was all about money, oil, and guns. Chirac needed Saddam's oil and Saddam's money, and Saddam needed French weapons and French nuclear technology.Despite this, the relationship between France and America was not only amicable but at times very mutually beneficial. That was until the most recent war on Iraq, where France turned the tables, engaging in dirty diplomacy and helping to sway other European countries to their side. French war coverage was not merely It was viciously inaccurate, skewed, and openly anti-American. Timmerman also presents incredible new evidence of France's duplicity, including the fact that the French stood to gain $100 billion from secret oil contracts they had concluded with Saddam Hussein.The French Betrayal of America raises questions of whether the nuclear cooperation agreements still in force with the French today should be canceled in light of France's behavior. Our security interests no longer converge, and our economic systems increasingly appear to be at loggerheads. The war in Iraq harshly exposed French treachery and their desire to do business with the worst of international tyrants, putting their economy, their international standing, and their relationship with a 200-year-old friend in severe jeopardy.Shocking new revelations in The French Betrayal of AmericaThe French president lied to Bush and to the public about the war in Iraq.President Jacques Chirac had personally told President George W. Bush well ahead of time that France would be at America's side.France urged Saddam to commit genocide.Saddam launched his genocidal campaign against the Marsh Arabs in southern Iraq to make their region "safe" for French oil engineers.France helped build Saddam's long-range missiles and nukes.Based on exclusive access to new documents, provided by Iraq to the United Nations -- that French defense companies were key partners in helping Saddam Hussein perfect the long-range missiles that killed U.S. soldiers in Saudi Arabia in 1991 and rained terror onto Israel.Chirac has blocked cooperation on a high-profile terrorism case.France's top counter-terrorism judge was ordered to stop cooperating with the United States in the prosecution of Zacarias Moussaoui despite mounds of documents that would have helped the United States to convict Moussaoui of conspiracy to commit mass murder.France illegally sold U.S. military secrets to Saddam Hussein.A prominent French defense company shipped U.S.-designed laser designator pods to Iraq in the 1980s that compromised the most high-tech weapons in the U.S. arsenal.President Mitterrand, a Socialist, became Ronald Reagan's best ally in Europe.The French Betrayal of America reveals the extent of French strategic and intelligence cooperation with the United States at the peak of the Cold War, in areas that will surprise readers on both sides of the Atlantic. The French ran a key agent inside the KGB, whose "cosmic" reach -- right up to the general secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union -- hastened the collapse of the Soviet Union.President Chirac almost went to jail for corruption.Chirac was on the verge of getting indicted on corruption charges in 1999 until he cooked up an immunity deal with the head of the French Supreme Court, former Socialist foreign minister Roland Dumas. While the French corruption scandals are well known in France, they have rarely been reported in the United States and will alternately shock and amuse American readers.The Bush administration is now offering France the secrets of our national missile defense.The French Betrayal of America reveals the hitherto top secret missile defense cooperation between the United States and France that has taken off at precisely the same time the Chirac government was undermining the United States on Iraq. Meanwhile, United States and French nuclear weapons designers continue to meet to exchange secrets of maintaining our respective nuclear arsenals.

This book is no ordinary book of ghost stories. Like others, it offers a rich and spinetingling history of spectral sightings from ancient times through to the present day but unlike other ghost books it does not seek to convince the reader that such entities exist. Instead, the author accepts tha ghosts are a fact: apparitions that are a natural phenomenon, part of this world and part of its natural laws.

The measurement of time has always been essential to human civilization, from early Roman sundials to the advent of GPS. But while we have one eye on the time every day, are we aware of the power clocks have given governments, military leaders and business owners, and how they have shaped our lives and our world?In this spectacularly far-reaching book, David Rooney narrates a history of timekeeping and civilization in twelve concise chapters. Over their course, we meet the most epochal inventions in horological history, from medieval water clocks to Renaissance hourglasses, and from stock-exchange timestamps to satellites in Earth's orbit. We discover how clocks have helped people navigate the globe and build empires, but also, on occasion, taken us to the brink of destruction.This is the story of time, and the story of time is the story of us.

This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a comprehensive and insightful understanding of Islam. Reza Aslan takes readers on an enlightening journey through the rich history and evolution of the faith, debunking misconceptions along the way. By effortlessly blending academic research with compelling storytelling, Aslan brings Islam to life, making it accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Whether you are a curious beginner or a seasoned scholar, No god but God will challenge your preconceptions and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of Islam.

Recommendation: - If you're curious about the origins and evolution of nationalism and want to understand its impact on the world, "Nations And Nationalism Since 1780 - Programme, Myth, Reality" is a must-read. Hobsbawm brilliantly dissects the intricacies of nationalism, providing insights into its historical context and its influence on modern politics. This book offers a compelling analysis that will broaden your understanding of this complex phenomenon.

The Idea of Justice

Recommendation: - If you're looking to be inspired and motivated, "I Have a Dream: Writings and Speeches That Changed the World" is a must-read. This book captures the powerful words of Martin Luther King Jr., a true visionary and leader in the fight for civil rights. His speeches continue to resonate today, reminding us of the importance of equality and justice. Prepare to be moved by his timeless messages that have shaped history and inspired generations.

Recommendation: - This book is a fascinating journey into the forgotten radicalism of the European Enlightenment. Blom skillfully brings together a group of brilliant minds who challenged the status quo and sparked a revolution of ideas. With atheism, passion, and reason as their driving forces, they forged a new path in philosophy and society. A Wicked Company is a must-read for those curious about the intellectual foundations that shaped our modern world.

Recommendation: - Dive into the wisdom of ancient Japan, as this book uncovers the philosophies that contribute to the country's long, healthy lifespan. With easy-to-follow exercises and stunning illustrations, "A Little Book of Japanese Contentments" is the perfect companion for those seeking a more balanced and gratified life. - This book is for anyone interested in Japanese culture and spirituality, as it delves into the concepts of ikigai (living with purpose), wabi-sabi (the beauty of imperfection), shinrinyoku (forest bathing), and more. Allow this book to guide you on a journey towards cultivating happiness in everyday life.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of race, identity, and heritage. Through a deeply personal narrative, Barack Obama takes us on a journey of self-discovery as he unravels the truth about his father's life and grapples with his own place in the world. With beautiful prose and heartfelt introspection, Dreams From My Father offers a powerful exploration of the universal longing to understand our roots and the forces that shape us.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the dark underbelly of Singapore's legal system. Through in-depth interviews and meticulously researched accounts, Alan Shadrake exposes the cruelty and imprudence of the death penalty. The author's empathy with the victims and their families adds a poignant touch to this eye-opening critique. Human rights activists, in particular, will find this book to be an invaluable resource in their fight for justice.

Recommendation: - This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex history of Singapore. It goes beyond the usual colonial narratives and dives deep into the concept of Merdeka, exploring its meaning for Singaporeans. Through a collection of essays, it challenges the dominant historical discourse and proposes emancipatory possibilities. Get ready to decolonize your understanding of Singapore's past and gain a new perspective on its journey towards independence.

Recommendation: - This book is a must-read for anyone interested in gaining insights into the 2008 financial crisis and its far-reaching implications. George Soros, a legendary financier, offers a unique perspective rooted in decades of experience in financial markets. He delves into the origins of the crisis and connects the dots between individual and institutional behavior. With a combination of practical insight and philosophical depth, Soros makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of this historic event. Prepare to be enlightened and challenged as you navigate through the complexities of the credit crisis and its aftermath.

Recommendation: - This book provides a captivating and informative account of the founding of GIC, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, and its transformation into a global powerhouse. The book delves into the experiences and motivations of Dr Goh Keng Swee, shedding light on the visionary thinking that shaped Singapore's economic success. With its engaging storytelling, readers will gain invaluable insights into the resilience and ingenuity that have propelled Singapore's growth.

Recommendation: - This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the economic landscape of the United States over the past two decades. Paul Krugman takes a critical look at the rival ideologies that have influenced economic policy, exposing the flaws in their thinking. His ability to dissect economic fallacies and offer practical solutions makes this book a valuable resource for those seeking clarity in an age of diminished expectations.

This book is a visual feast for the curious traveler, offering an immersive experience through stunning 3-D cutaway artwork that allows you to explore the inner workings of iconic landmarks. From ancient wonders to modern marvels, each destination is carefully chosen for its historical and architectural significance. Whether you're an avid globetrotter or an armchair explorer, this book will ignite your wanderlust and transport you to the must-see places of the world.

“In the past, for reasons I try to explain, I’ve often felt I had to be careful in public, like I was up on a wire without a net. Now I’m letting my guard down.” —Hillary Rodham Clinton, from the introduction of What HappenedFor the first time, Hillary Rodham Clinton reveals what she was thinking and feeling during one of the most controversial and unpredictable presidential elections in history. Now free from the constraints of running, Clinton takes you inside the intense personal experience of becoming the first woman nominated for president by a major party in an election marked by rage, sexism, exhilarating highs and infuriating lows, stranger-than-fiction twists, Russian interference, and an opponent who broke all the rules. This is her most personal memoir yet.In these pages, she describes what it was like to run against Donald Trump, the mistakes she made, how she has coped with a shocking and devastating loss, and how she found the strength to pick herself back up afterward. With humor and candor, she tells readers what it took to get back on her feet—the rituals, relationships, and reading that got her through, and what the experience has taught her about life. She speaks about the challenges of being a strong woman in the public eye, the criticism over her voice, age, and appearance, and the double standard confronting women in politics.She lays out how the 2016 election was marked by an unprecedented assault on our democracy by a foreign adversary. By analyzing the evidence and connecting the dots, Clinton shows just how dangerous the forces are that shaped the outcome, and why Americans need to understand them to protect American values and democracy in the future.The election of 2016 was unprecedented and historic. What Happened is the story of that campaign and its aftermath—both a deeply intimate account and a cautionary tale for the nation.

- 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.

This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to truly understand the meaning behind popular Bible stories. Eric J. Bargerhuff takes us on a journey through history and scripture to reveal the original purpose and message of each story. With fascinating insights and a concise writing style, he helps us untangle the misconceptions and gain a deeper understanding of these timeless narratives. Whether you are a well-intentioned Christian or simply curious about the Bible, this book will challenge your assumptions and leave you with a renewed appreciation for these stories.

Recommendation: This book provides a fascinating look into the life of Liem Sioe Liong, who went from a penniless migrant to the wealthiest businessman in Suharto's Indonesia. Through serendipity and good instincts, he became an important pillar of support for Suharto and played a crucial role in the country's history. The book offers elusive insights from Liem and his son Anthony Salim, taking readers on a journey through the birth and development of the Salim Group, a giant conglomerate. It is a captivating tale of wealth, power, and Indonesian history that is sure to intrigue anyone interested in business, politics, and Southeast Asia.

Recommendation: This book offers an unprecedented and meticulously researched account of the chaos and dysfunction within President Trump's administration. It paints an intimate and unsettling portrait of a president with no empathy and a proclivity for lying. Fear is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the inner workings of the Trump presidency and the people surrounding him.

Recommendation: - Letters to Camondo is a deeply moving and poignant book that delves into the tragic history of the Camondo family. Through the unique format of imagined letters to a renowned art collector, Edmund de Waal creates a narrative that explores themes of assimilation, family, art, and the enduring power of memory. This book is a must-read for those who appreciate historical accounts that immerse you in the lives of unforgettable characters and make you question the impact of history on our present.

Few of us have heard of Catherine von Bora. And yet, as the beloved wife of Martin Luther, she can very justifiably be seen as one of the most influential figures in the Reformation. She made her home a haven of rest for the storm tossed man that was her husband. Luther once said, 'Next to God's Word, the world has no more precious treasure than holy matrimony. God's best gift is a pious, cheerful, God-fearing wife, with whom you may live peacefully, to whom you may entrust your goods, your body, and your life.'