6+ Favorite Books on European History (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on european history (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

Storm of War by Andrew Roberts
$15.91

In Storm of War, Andrew Roberts takes a fresh look at the Second World War, focusing on why the Axis powers, particularly Germany, ultimately lost despite their initial advantages. He dives into various theaters of war and provides a human touch to the soldiers' experiences while also addressing the political blunders of the time. I was genuinely impressed by how Roberts tied together complex historical threads in a way that made the past come alive. Honestly, I didn’t expect to find anything new about WWII, but this book really delivered. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in history, though I didn’t find much to criticize.
Pros:
Comprehensive and detailed account of World War II
Engaging writing that ties together many historical threads
Masterful and humane descriptions of soldiers and officers
Clear and accessible narrative for readers
Refreshing judgments on politicians and commanders
Denounces the murder of millions of Jews
Award-winning book recognized for its quality
Cons:
Not a whole lot - amazing book.
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01/27/2026 10:01 am GMT
Postwar by Tony Judt
$13.46

In Postwar, Tony Judt takes us on a journey through European history from the end of World War II to 2005. He weaves together a vast narrative that explores the political and cultural shifts across thirty-four nations, highlighting how the aftermath of the war shaped the continent. I appreciated how Judt connects past events to our current situation, offering a fresh perspective by viewing Europe as a whole rather than splitting it along the Iron Curtain. While the book is lengthy, it’s engaging and even works well as an audiobook. Overall, it's a must-read for anyone wanting to grasp the complexities of modern Europe.
Pros:
Comprehensive coverage of six decades of European history
Engaging narrative that connects past events to the present
Avoids simplistic dichotomies, offering a holistic view of Europe
Excellent resource for understanding contemporary European issues
Cons:
It's a bit long.
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01/27/2026 10:02 am GMT
How The Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill
$9.00

In How The Irish Saved Civilization, Thomas Cahill explores how Ireland, often overlooked by history, played a crucial role in preserving Western civilization after the fall of the Roman Empire. He highlights the significance of Ireland’s conversion to Christianity and its impact on classical culture. I appreciated Cahill's engaging writing style and his ability to dig deeper into topics many of us learned only superficially in school. However, while his narrative is compelling, I felt he sometimes stretched the facts a bit. Overall, it's an enlightening read that underscores the resilience of culture and civilization.
Pros:
Engaging writing style
In-depth exploration of familiar topics
Highlights the role of Christianity in preserving culture
Cons:
Author is not a professional historian, leading to some questionable facts.
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01/27/2026 01:03 pm GMT
Sailing The Wine Dark Sea by Thomas Cahill
$9.89

In Sailing The Wine Dark Sea, Thomas Cahill dives into the legacy of ancient Greece, exploring how its culture shaped Western society. He takes us through the highs of Greek achievements in art and philosophy while also addressing some of the darker aspects, like militarism and the marginalization of women. I appreciated how Cahill makes complex ideas accessible, going beyond what most of us learned in school. While he's not a professional historian and occasionally stretches the facts a bit, the book remains engaging and thought-provoking. Overall, it’s a fascinating read that sheds light on Greece's lasting impact.
Pros:
Well-written and interesting narrative
In-depth exploration of familiar topics
Highlights both achievements and shortcomings of Greek culture
Cons:
Not a professional historian, which may lead to some exaggerated facts.
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01/27/2026 06:02 pm GMT
A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century by Barbara W. Tuchman
$11.16

In A Distant Mirror, Barbara Tuchman explores the tumultuous 14th century, drawing parallels to the 20th century's own struggles, particularly during World War I. The book tackles major events like the Black Plague, the Hundred Years' War, and popular revolts, all while painting a vivid picture of life across different social classes. I loved the depth and detail, especially how environmental changes influenced society. However, the book can feel dense at times, requiring some patience to get through. Overall, it's a rich and thought-provoking read that resonates with our current world.
Pros:
Fascinating era in medieval history.
Insightful connections between environmental shifts and human action.
Detail and richness in the writing.
Cons:
The book is dense and requires time to get through.
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01/27/2026 06:00 pm GMT
The Middle Ages: Everyday Life in Medieval Europe by Jeffrey L. Singman
$14.01

I stumbled upon The Middle Ages: Everyday Life in Medieval Europe by Jeffrey Singman and, honestly, it turned out to be a delightful surprise. Unlike many history books that focus on battles or politics, this one dives into the everyday experiences of people back then, making it super engaging and easy to read. The visuals really enhance the content, making it feel like a grown-up version of those DK Eyewitness books. While it took longer to read than I expected, the insights I gained about medieval life were totally worth it. Singman does a fantastic job reminding us that history is about real people living rich, complex lives. Definitely a book I’d recommend!
Pros:
Very readable and approachable writing style
Excellent graphics and illustrations enhance the experience
Thorough coverage of various aspects of medieval society
Cons:
It took longer to read than I expected.
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01/28/2026 06:03 am GMT
The Darkening Age: The Christian Destruction of the Classical World
$12.57

Nixey's "The Darkening Age" challenges traditional narratives by documenting how Christian zealots systematically destroyed classical civilization after gaining political power under Constantine. Rather than focusing on Christians as persecuted victims, the book reveals how they violently dismantled temples, burned libraries, murdered philosophers like Hypatia, and deliberately erased Greek and Roman intellectual traditions. Despite this provocative thesis, Nixey maintains a measured perspective, acknowledging the period's complexity while mourning humanity's lost artistic and intellectual treasures through this orchestrated cultural destruction.
Pros:
Clear, engaging, and deeply-researched presentation that challenges conventional historical narratives with vivid, detailed examples
Maintains measured perspective despite provocative thesis, acknowledging complexity and avoiding oversimplified villainization of early Christians
Provides valuable alternative viewpoint on cultural transition, helping readers understand how much classical knowledge was deliberately lost
Cons:
Provocative framing could be seen as one-sided despite author's attempts at nuanced analysis
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01/28/2026 08:01 am GMT