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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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Complexity: The Emerging Science at the Edge of Order and Chaos
M. Mitchell Waldrop | Simon & Schuster

Complexity: The Emerging Science at the Edge of Order and Chaos

$11.90 $7.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 4.05

$11.90 $7.90 34% off

If you're intrigued by the intricate dance between order and chaos in our world, "Complexity" might just be your next favorite read. M. Mitchell Waldrop guides you through a fascinating journey where simplicity and complexity intertwine, using real-world phenomena to illuminate the science of complexity. It's a book that connects disparate events to reveal a new way of understanding our unpredictable reality, perfect for anyone who loves to question and learn about the fundamental forces shaping our existence.
The Golden Ratio: The Story of Phi, the World's Most Astonishing Number
Mario Livio | Crown

The Golden Ratio: The Story of Phi, the World's Most Astonishing Number

$7.90

Goodreads rating: 3.8

$7.90

71% off est. retail
If numbers and aesthetics pique your interest, "The Golden Ratio" by Mario Livio will likely resonate with you. It's not just a journey through the mathematical significance of phi, but an exploration of its presence in nature and art that connects deeply with our sense of beauty and the sublime. Livio's narrative is both historical and personal, bringing to life the fascinating figures obsessed with this enigmatic ratio. It's the type of read that might change the way you perceive the world around you.
Mathematical Excursions to the World's Great Buildings
Alexander Hahn | Princeton University Press

Mathematical Excursions to the World's Great Buildings

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 3.67

$10.90

82% off est. retail
This is a wonderful read if you like seeing how ideas on paper become unforgettable spaces in stone, glass, and steel. It makes mathematics feel vivid and surprisingly human, using famous buildings to show why certain forms are beautiful, clever, and structurally brilliant. You come away feeling like architecture is no longer just something to admire, but something you can truly read and understand.
The Self-Made Tapestry: Pattern Formation in Nature
Philip Ball | Oxford University Press

The Self-Made Tapestry: Pattern Formation in Nature

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 4.4

$9.90

82% off est. retail
This is a wonderful read if you've ever stared at shells, stripes, or webs and wondered how such beauty happens without a designer. Philip Ball makes big ideas from physics, biology, and mathematics feel surprisingly graceful and readable. It has the kind of eye-opening charm that leaves you looking at the natural world with much more awe than before.
The Parsimonious Universe: Shape and Form in the Natural World
Stefan Hildebrandt, Anthony J. Tromba  | Copernicus

The Parsimonious Universe: Shape and Form in the Natural World

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 4.42

$9.90

This is a great pick if you love seeing the world a little differently after you close a book. It takes the shapes and patterns around us and reveals the quiet efficiency behind them without getting bogged down in heavy math. Readers who enjoy science made visual, thoughtful, and deeply approachable will likely find it both eye-opening and oddly calming.
Fearless Symmetry: Exposing the Hidden Patterns of Numbers
Robert Gross, Avner Ash  | Princeton University Press

Fearless Symmetry: Exposing the Hidden Patterns of Numbers

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.03

$11.90

This is a wonderful pick if you like math that feels alive rather than mechanical. It takes ideas like symmetry, equations, and number theory and shows how they connect to big mysteries in a way that feels surprisingly human and elegant. Readers who enjoy seeing the story behind mathematics, not just the answers, will likely find it both eye-opening and deeply satisfying.
Hiding in the Mirror: The Mysterious Allure of Extra Dimensions, from Plato to String Theory and Beyond
Lawrence M. Krauss | Viking Adult

Hiding in the Mirror: The Mysterious Allure of Extra Dimensions, from Plato to String Theory and Beyond

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 3.68

$13.90

48% off est. retail
This is a great pick if you love science that feels big, strange, and intellectually playful. Krauss connects philosophy, physics, and pop culture in a way that makes extra dimensions feel less like abstract math and more like a deeply human obsession. Readers who enjoy having their imagination stretched while still being grounded in real scientific debate will likely find it especially rewarding.
National Geographic Kids Skyscrapers
Ages 7-10
Libby Romero | National Geographic Kids

National Geographic Kids Skyscrapers

$6.90 $3.90 43% off

Goodreads rating: 4.31

$6.90 $3.90 43% off

74% off est. retail
If your curiosity stretches as tall as a skyscraper, this book will satisfy your architectural intrigue. It's a great fit for kids who are fluent readers and ready to climb the ladder of knowledge about humanity’s towering achievements. You'll find yourself amazed, learning how these giants are constructed and what makes each one stand out.
The Puzzling World of Polyhedral Dissections
Stewart T. Coffin | Oxford University Press

The Puzzling World of Polyhedral Dissections

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 5.0

$9.90

If you love the feeling of turning abstract geometry into something you can actually build and solve, this is a deeply satisfying read. It has that rare mix of mathematical elegance, puzzle-history charm, and maker energy, with plenty of unusual forms to spark obsession. You can imagine readers coming away eager to sketch, construct, and lose themselves in these ingenious interlocking solids.
Beyond Measure
Jay Kappraff | World Scientific Publishing Company

Beyond Measure

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.5

$11.90

If you like books that make mathematics feel alive rather than abstract, this one has a special pull. It wanders through music, architecture, ancient symbols, and natural forms, showing how the same patterns quietly echo across worlds. Readers who enjoy big connecting ideas will likely find it thoughtful, surprising, and oddly enchanting.
Genius at Play: The Curious Mind of John Horton Conway
Siobhan Roberts | Bloomsbury Usa

Genius at Play: The Curious Mind of John Horton Conway

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 3.96

$11.90

This is the kind of biography that makes mathematics feel gloriously alive, not abstract or distant. Conway comes across as dazzling, mischievous, and deeply human, so even his wildest ideas feel inviting rather than intimidating. If you like books about brilliant eccentrics and the joy of thinking differently, this one feels like spending time inside a truly original mind.
Polyhedra
Peter R. Cromwell | Cambridge University Press

Polyhedra

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.2

$11.90

87% off est. retail
This is a wonderful pick if you enjoy mathematics with both visual elegance and intellectual depth. Cromwell makes polyhedra feel alive, showing how these shapes connect centuries of ideas in geometry, symmetry, and abstraction. Readers who like seeing rigorous maths grounded in history and illustration will find it especially satisfying and surprisingly captivating.
Mathematics from the Birth of Numbers
Jan Gullberg, Peter J. Hilton  | W. W. Norton & Company

Mathematics from the Birth of Numbers

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 4.19

$9.90

This is the kind of book for someone who wants math to feel alive rather than intimidating. It moves from the birth of numbers to advanced ideas with a warm, surprisingly readable style, mixing history, illustrations, and humor in a way that makes the subject feel human. Readers who like learning deeply and wandering through big intellectual landscapes will find it endlessly rewarding.
Entanglement
Amir D. Aczel | Plume

Entanglement

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.01

$11.90

58% off est. retail
If big scientific ideas usually feel intimidating, this one sounds like a smart friend walking you through them. It turns a famously strange concept into a lively story of curiosity, rivalry, and discovery, so you get both the science and the people behind it. A great pick if you want nonfiction that makes your brain light up without ever feeling dry.
King of Infinite Space: Donald Coxeter, the Man Who Saved Geometry
Siobhan Roberts | Walker Books

King of Infinite Space: Donald Coxeter, the Man Who Saved Geometry

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 3.82

$9.90

78% off est. retail
This is a wonderful pick if you like science writing that feels both intellectually rich and deeply human. It brings Donald Coxeter to life not just as a mathematician, but as the quiet guardian of a whole way of seeing the world. Readers who enjoy books where ideas connect art, architecture, and everyday life will probably find this especially satisfying and unexpectedly inspiring.
I Used to Know That: Stuff You Forgot from School
Caroline Taggart | Reader's Digest

I Used to Know That: Stuff You Forgot from School

$13.90 $9.90 29% off

Goodreads rating: 3.42

$13.90 $9.90 29% off

If you're looking to jog your memory with those nuggets of knowledge that slipped through the cracks since your school days, "I Used to Know That" is perfect for you. Whether you need a light-hearted conversation starter or just a fun way to brush up on varied subjects, Caroline Taggart's compilation promises to deliver a sense of achievement as piece by piece, you reclaim your forgotten education.
E=Mc²: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation
Ralph L. Fowler, David Bodanis  | Walker And Company

E=Mc²: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 4.1

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

If the sheer ubiquity of E=mc² baffles you, and its deep impact on our world intrigues you, "E=mc²: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation" is your must-read. David Bodanis makes the profound accessible, transforming a symbol of complexity into a compelling narrative of human endeavor and intellectual triumph. This isn't just for science buffs; it's a book that anyone curious about the forces shaping our universe would thoroughly enjoy.
The Man Who Knew Infinity
Robert Kanigel | Abacus

The Man Who Knew Infinity

$10.90 $7.90 28% off

Goodreads rating: 4.03

$10.90 $7.90 28% off

74% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the intersection of genius, culture, and history, "The Man Who Knew Infinity" is a must-read. It's not just the extraordinary life story of the Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan; it's a chronicle of an inspiring, if unlikely, partnership and a testament to the power of perseverance. Kanigel paints a vivid picture that's bound to captivate you whether you're a lover of mathematics or simply a fan of human triumphs.
The Man Who Knew Infinity: A Life of the Genius, Ramanujan
Robert Kanigel | Washington Square Press

The Man Who Knew Infinity: A Life of the Genius, Ramanujan

$8.90 $3.90 56% off

Goodreads rating: 4.02

$8.90 $3.90 56% off

Imagine diving into a world where raw intuitive genius meets academic rigor. "The Man Who Knew Infinity" is more than a biography; it's a tale that juxtaposes the beauty of numbers with the profound human story of Srinivasa Ramanujan. His collaboration with G H Hardy is not only a narrative of intellectual pursuit but also a compelling account of cultural and personal contrasts. If you're enchanted by mathematics or just love an extraordinary life story, this book could reveal to you how the purest form of intellect can emerge from the most unexpected places.
The Archimedes Codex: Revealing the Secrets of the World's Greatest Palimpsest
Reviel Netz | Phoenix

The Archimedes Codex: Revealing the Secrets of the World's Greatest Palimpsest

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 3.91

$10.90

35% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by the intersection of history, science, and detective work, "The Archimedes Codex" is a compelling choice. It's a real-life treasure hunt that takes you on a journey back to the genius of Archimedes and the painstaking effort to reclaim his thoughts from the ravages of time. It's not just a book; it's an exploration into the deep intellectual history that shaped our world.
Across the Board
John Watkins | Princeton University Press

Across the Board

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 3.64

$10.90

84% off est. retail
This is the kind of book that makes you look at a chessboard and suddenly see a whole universe of patterns, logic, and surprising beauty. It goes far beyond standard chess, turning classic puzzles into a lively journey through graph theory, history, and modern mathematical thinking. If you enjoy books that feel both playful and brain-stretching, this one has that satisfying sense of discovery on every page.
The Pea and the Sun: A Mathematical Paradox
Leonard M. Wapner | A K Peters/crc Press

The Pea and the Sun: A Mathematical Paradox

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 3.94

$9.90

This is a wonderful pick if you love books that make impossible ideas feel strangely approachable. Wapner turns the Banach-Tarski paradox into a lively story of people, discovery, and mathematical wonder, so it never feels like a dry lesson. Readers who enjoy having their intuition delightfully broken will find this both fascinating and unexpectedly readable.
Li, Qi and Shu: An Introduction to Science and Civilization in China
Just Arrived
Ho Peng Yoke | Dover Publications

Li, Qi and Shu: An Introduction to Science and Civilization in China

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 3.6

$11.90

41% off est. retail
This is a great read if you love seeing how a whole civilization made sense of the world through interconnected ideas. It brings Chinese thought alive not as abstract theory, but as something shaping astronomy, mathematics, alchemy, and the search for immortality. Readers who enjoy big-picture intellectual history will find it rich, unusual, and quietly mind-expanding.
A History of Pi
Petr Beckmann | Hippocrene Books

A History of Pi

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 3.94

$9.90

"A History of Pi" might resonate with you if you have an appreciation for both the evolution of mathematical thought and the socio-historical contexts that shape scientific progress. Petr Beckmann offers more than just a chronology of a mathematical constant; he provides insights into the eras that allowed pi to flourish or flounder, painting a broader picture of human endeavor and its challenges. If you're curious about how a number can encapsulate entire epochs of history, this could be an enlightening read.
Understanding the Human Machine: A Primer for Bioengineering
Max E. Valentinuzzi | World Scientific Publishing Company

Understanding the Human Machine: A Primer for Bioengineering

$36.90

Goodreads rating: 4.14

$36.90

If you're delving into the realm of biomedical engineering, especially at the undergrad level, this book strikes a balance between educational and engaging. Max E. Valentinuzzi presents complex concepts with a touch of humor, ensuring the material is digestible and memorable. The interactive approach with exercises and historical context isn't just about rote learning; it's about truly understanding the "human machine" you'll be working with. For someone who appreciates learning by doing, this book is like a knowledgeable friend who doesn't mind cracking jokes while helping you study.
Indra's Pearls: The Vision of Felix Klein
David Mumford, David Wright, Caroline Series  | Cambridge University Press

Indra's Pearls: The Vision of Felix Klein

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 4.41

$10.90

89% off est. retail
This feels like discovering a secret garden where geometry, mythology, and computing all meet. It takes big mathematical ideas and makes them surprisingly tangible, guiding you toward creating intricate fractal images yourself. If you like books that are both intellectually rich and visually mesmerizing, this one has the thrill of seeing abstract thought turn into something beautiful.
Kepler's Conjecture: How Some of the Greatest Minds in History Helped Solve One of the Oldest Math Problems in the World
George G. Szpiro | Wiley

Kepler's Conjecture: How Some of the Greatest Minds in History Helped Solve One of the Oldest Math Problems in the World

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 3.59

$9.90

72% off est. retail
This is a great read if you like big ideas made surprisingly approachable. It turns a deceptively simple question about stacking spheres into a sweeping story of obsession, rivalry, and intellectual persistence across centuries. Readers who enjoy popular math with strong historical texture will likely find it both clever and deeply satisfying.
Mapping Time: The Calendar and Its History
E.G. Richards | Oxford University Press

Mapping Time: The Calendar and Its History

$30.90 $19.90 36% off

Goodreads rating: 3.65

$30.90 $19.90 36% off

If you've ever wondered how the dates on your calendar came to be, "Mapping Time" offers a fascinating deep dive into the subject. You'll come away with new insights into why and how humanity has tried to harness time throughout history—perfect for the intellectually curious mind intrigued by the intertwining of culture, history, and astronomy.
Webster's New World Encyclopedia
Unknown | John Wiley & Sons Inc

Webster's New World Encyclopedia

$27.90 $23.21 17% off

Goodreads rating: 2.5

$27.90 $23.21 17% off

80% off est. retail
If you're ever curious or in need of a trustworthy source, the Webster's New World Encyclopedia could be your go-to companion. Its depth of information, covering a vast array of topics, and user-friendly organization make it an invaluable asset for students, professionals, or any knowledge-seeker wanting to delve into various subjects with reliable content and visual aids.
The Turing Tests Expert Code Puzzles
Gareth Moore | Arcturus Publishing

The Turing Tests Expert Code Puzzles

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 2.67

$9.90

If you're someone who loves a good brain-teaser and has an appreciation for the history of computing, "The Turing Tests" might just be the next book to capture your imagination. Gareth Moore's puzzles are as ingenious as they are challenging, provoking that satisfying "eureka" moment with each solution. It's a cerebral adventure that pays homage to one of the greatest minds in the field, Alan Turing, and it's sure to keep you engaged for hours.
Piano-Hinged Dissections: Time to Fold!
Greg N. Frederickson | A K Peters/crc Press

Piano-Hinged Dissections: Time to Fold!

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 5.0

$11.90

80% off est. retail
If you enjoy math that feels tactile and surprising, this is the kind of book that can really pull you in. It takes the niche idea of dissections and makes it feel vivid through clear illustrations, foldable transformations, and a real sense of motion. Readers who love elegant problem-solving will likely find it both intellectually satisfying and genuinely fun to explore.
Magical Mathematics: The Mathematical Ideas That Animate Great Magic Tricks
Ron Graham, Persi Diaconis  | Princeton University Press

Magical Mathematics: The Mathematical Ideas That Animate Great Magic Tricks

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 3.88

$11.90

80% off est. retail
This is a great read if you love books that make clever ideas feel playful instead of intimidating. It doesn’t just explain tricks, it lets you see the hidden mathematical patterns that make them work, which gives the whole book a real sense of delight. Readers who enjoy smart, surprising nonfiction will probably find it both entertaining and genuinely mind-expanding.
The Turing Tests Expert IQ Puzzles
Eric Saunders | Arcturus

The Turing Tests Expert IQ Puzzles

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 3.67

$9.90

40% off est. retail
If you enjoy brain teasers that stretch your intellect and provide a satisfying challenge, "The Turing Tests Expert IQ Puzzles" is for you. It's packed with various puzzles that are not only engaging but also crafted to improve your problem-solving skills. This book offers a gratifying way to keep your mind sharp and entertained.
Universe on a T-Shirt: The Quest for the Theory of Everything
Dan Falk | Bpr Publishers,

Universe on a T-Shirt: The Quest for the Theory of Everything

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 3.92

$13.90

This is a great pick if you like science books that make huge, mind-bending questions feel approachable rather than intimidating. Dan Falk takes the search for a theory of everything and gives it a human, curious energy, so it feels less like a lecture and more like joining an ongoing adventure. Readers who enjoy physics, cosmology, and the thrill of seeing how everything might connect will likely find it both smart and genuinely exciting.
Hypatia of Alexandria: Mathematician and Martyr - Thryft
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Michael A.B. Deakin | Prometheus

Hypatia of Alexandria: Mathematician and Martyr

$14.90 $10.90 27% off

Goodreads rating: 3.55

$14.90 $10.90 27% off

76% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by the crossroads of history, science, and gender, "Hypatia of Alexandria" transports you to ancient times, where you'll meet an extraordinary woman ahead of her time. Hypatia's story is not just educational; it's a poignant reflection on the struggles women faced in a realm dominated by men, making it a gripping read for those interested in the human stories behind historical figures.
Time and the Calendars
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W.M. O'Neil | Sydney University Press

Time and the Calendars

$9.90 $7.90 20% off

Goodreads rating: 3.0

$9.90 $7.90 20% off

If you have an interest in how societies throughout history have measured time, "Time and the Calendars" is quite illuminating. It's not just about the mechanics of ancient calendars, but how the very concept of time influenced cultures, from Babylonian mathematics to the construction of our modern-day calendar. It can be particularly captivating if you're into history, astronomy, or the evolution of mathematical ideas.
Sir Isaac Newton's Mathematical Principles Of Natural Philosophy And His System Of The World - Thryft
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Isaac Newton | University Of California Press

Sir Isaac Newton's Mathematical Principles Of Natural Philosophy And His System Of The World

$6.34

Goodreads rating: 4.24

$6.34

78% off est. retail
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in unraveling the secrets of nature. Sir Isaac Newton's Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy and His System of the World provides a comprehensive and accessible explanation of the laws that govern our universe. With a revised translation and a helpful appendix, this book bridges the gap between the ancient text and the modern scientist. Prepare to be astounded as you embark on a journey to comprehend the fundamental principles that shape our reality.
The O Level Book : Genuine Exam Questions From Yesteryear - Thryft
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Martin Stephen | Michael O'mara

The O Level Book : Genuine Exam Questions From Yesteryear

$5.27

Goodreads rating: 4.14

$5.27

62% off est. retail
Recommended for those interested in vintage education and those who want to test their knowledge. The book offers a challenging collection of authentic O Level exam papers from the 1950s, covering various subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Geography, and more. It is an interesting way to compare old-school education with modern-day learning.

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.