Top Picks for History Books in 2024: BBC History Magazine's Annual Book Awards
In the realm of historical literature, 2024 promises a treasure trove of captivating narratives that delve into the past, offering fresh perspectives and uncovering hidden stories. BBC History Magazine has selected some of the best history books of the year, showcasing a diverse range of topics and time periods.
Stephanie McCarter's anthology, "Women in Power: Classical Myths and Stories, from the Amazons to Cleopatra," collects vivid ancient texts that tell of powerful women, some legendary, some real. Exploring stories that can be two-edged, the book sheds light on why (for ancient men) women should not be running the world.
Dan Jones's "Henry V: The Astonishing Rise of England's Greatest Warrior King" tells the story of Henry V, focusing on the climax of the Hundred Years' War and the battle of Agincourt. This book was specifically noted as one of BBC History Magazine's Books of the Year for 2024.
Mishal Husain's "Broken Threads: My Family from Empire to Independence" tells the story of her grandparents' lives and loves, set against the partition of India. Weaving together all kinds of different sources, the book represents day-to-day hopes and fears against the vast canvas of one of the great global events of the 20th century.
Another noteworthy title is Dr Eleanor Barnett's "Leftovers: A History of Food Waste & Preservation," praised for its meticulous research and readability. This book was also highlighted by historians in related historical discussions around 2024.
Nicola Tallis's "Young Elizabeth: Princess. Prisoner. Queen." offers a vivid portrayal with compelling new insights into the real woman behind the iconic 'Gloriana.' The book explores Elizabeth's early life, her close acquaintance with the daughter of one of the men executed for adultery with her mother, Anne Boleyn, and her turbulent path to the throne.
Simon Sebag Montefiore's updated edition of "Jerusalem: The Biography" offers an elegant and enthralling read that is urgently necessary. The book reaches into our own present day, offering a timely exploration of the city's history and its ongoing significance.
Shalina Patel's "The History Lessons" is for anyone who wishes they knew more about British history, or who wants to fill gaps in their school education. The book takes us from the Roman period to today, writing back into the narrative people who have been often overlooked.
Annette Kehnel's "The Green Ages: Medieval Innovations in Sustainability" offers insights into medieval use of common land, careful quotas for resource extraction, and an acute consciousness that nature's bounty is finite. The book gives us much pause for thought today.
Andrew Ziminski's "Church Going: A Stonemason's Guide to the Churches of the British Isles" equips readers with the ability to decode the secrets and uncover the delights of British churches. The book offers insights into flying buttresses, rood screens, lychgates, and chancels.
Nathen Amin's "Son of Prophecy: The Rise of Henry Tudor" argues that Henry Tudor's path to the throne and his turbulent reign were every bit as dramatic as his son's, Henry VIII.
Mary Beard recommends "Legion: Life in the Roman Army" as a wonderful, lasting version of a British Museum exhibition. The book offers a different view of the Roman army, revealing men with wives, children, life beyond the army, and occasional extravagant shopping habits.
Dorian Lynskey's "Everything Must Go: The Stories We Tell About the End of the World" is an exploration of the human obsession with the end of the world, covering science, history, religion, culture, and politics.
Terry Deary's "A History of Britain in Ten Enemies" is a history book written for people who don't read history, focusing on Britain's imperial past and its impact on the country's memory.
Kavita Puri's "The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World" argues that ancient India and the empire of ideas it exported were central to the seeding of civilization, as important as ancient Greece.
Tyler Anbinder's "Plentiful Country: The Great Potato Famine and the Making of Irish New York" follows the fortunes of 19th-century immigrants who built their lives anew in New York after fleeing the Great Famine in Ireland.
Lastly, Ronald Hutton's "Oliver Cromwell: Commander in Chief" is a follow-up to the first volume of a biography that radically changed and improved our understanding of Oliver Cromwell, presenting him as a cunning manipulator and wily political player.
These books, selected by historians for BBC History Magazine, offer a rich and diverse exploration of the past, providing both scholarly value and popular appeal. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the world's past, these books promise to captivate and enlighten.
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