On Monday I published a little gift guide to historical fiction books for you, so today I’m going to talk about actual history – you know, the non-fiction variety that I adore. Some excellent history for the general reader was published in 2011; here are the recommendations that I think would make beautiful gifts.
Cleopatra, Stacy Schiff
Okay, I lied already; this book wasn’t published in 2011, it was published in 2010. But now it’s out in paperback, which means it is the perfect gift for anyone who has enjoyed any manifestation of Cleopatra. This book was sold a bit strangely in that many people thought it was closer to historical fiction, but as an actual biography which peels back the layers to reveal a little bit more of the real Cleopatra, it is an amazing choice.
She-Wolves, Helen Castor
I’ve read both of Castor’s published popular histories and they are both fantastic. This one is a choice for the feminist on your list. It looks back at medieval women in power and examines how history changed to allow Elizabeth, England’s first fully fledged female queen, to reign in peace at last. It demonstrates that women have not been simple chattel throughout history while at the same time acknowledging the difficulties they had and still have in being in power without becoming a man. Brilliant.
Blood Work, Holly Tucker
Not a book for the squeamish, this goes into depth about the history of blood transfusions and a curious mystery surrounding one of the principal players. It’s one of those books I love that uses a single case to illuminate a whole era of history, which is why I recommend it highly. And, like She Wolves above, it doesn’t hesitate in demonstrating how history is still incredibly relevant to our lives today.
The Plantagenets, Derek Wilson and The Age of Chivalry, Hywel Williams
I’ll admit that I haven’t finished either of these books yet, but I’ve been dipping in ever since they hit my mailbox, and in truth they seem to suit that method. These large, beautiful, coffee table books are absolutely perfect for the person who loves history and who wants to show it off. They are both full of beautiful illustrations and provide a surface, top layer view which is excellent for someone who perhaps enjoys World War II history but has never felt the desire to go further back. They are completely gorgeous gift choices – so I couldn’t omit them from this list!
What histories would or are you giving as gifts this year?
I received some of these books for free for review.
I can’t believe I still haven’t read Holly’s Blood Work. After all, I was a blood geneticist in my younger days. Too many books, too little time.
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I am thinking I might buy myself She-Wolves after Christmas… It sounds really interesting! The others all sound good, too. I have really been slack on historical fiction and non-fiction this year.
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I bought Cleopatra when it was first published. I really need to read it!
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I really don’t read much historical non-fiction at all.
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I really enjoyed She Wolves. I am going to snag Cleopatra from my Dad when he’s done with it…it sounds really good!
I don’t remember seeing that book about Cleopatra reviewed anywhere! I’m a big Cleopatra buff so I will definitely have to keep an eye out for it.
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As much as I love history a lot of my friends don’t sadly
So your gift list is more helping me to create a list for other’s to buy me rather than me buy them lol.
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Oh my gosh, I want all of these! These gift guides are so dangerous for me!
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I’m going to pick up She-Wolves (IF it is available in an eBook version) although I doubt that it touches on the fascinating history of women in Scotland. Still looks worth reading. Because I read so much Scottish history and there isn’t anything new out as far as books (a number of interesting articles in historical journals though), I’m not adding much otherwise.
I won’t be giving these as gifts but hopefully I’ll get some Amazon certificates. Then I’ll get them as gifts.
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I think the cover of Cleopatra confuses, because it does look like typical hist-fic. Glad to know She-Wolves is good. I picked it up a while ago, but wans’t sure.