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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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Seeing and Believing: How the Telescope Opened Our Eyes and Minds to the Heavens
Richard Panek | Penguin Books

Seeing and Believing: How the Telescope Opened Our Eyes and Minds to the Heavens

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 3.88

$11.90

52% off est. retail
This is a great pick if you enjoy science told through big shifts in human thinking. It is not just about the invention itself, but about the people who used it to completely reframe our sense of the universe. Readers who like concise, idea-rich nonfiction will probably find it both eye-opening and quietly awe-inspiring.
Comm Check...: The Final Flight of Shuttle Columbia
William Harwood, Michael Cabbage  | Free Press

Comm Check...: The Final Flight of Shuttle Columbia

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 4.26

$9.90

65% off est. retail
If you're drawn to real-life disaster stories with depth, this is the kind of book that stays with you. It goes beyond the tragedy itself and shows how small decisions, pressure, and missed warnings built toward something catastrophic. Readers who like space history and behind-the-scenes accountability will find it both heartbreaking and quietly infuriating.
Aurora
Candace Savage | Douglas & Mcintyre Ltd

Aurora

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$9.90

This is a lovely pick if you want nature writing that also satisfies your curiosity. Candace Savage makes the aurora feel both mysterious and understandable, weaving together folklore, history, and science without ever becoming dry. It’s the kind of book readers enjoy when they want to feel wonder, but also come away feeling they truly learned something.
The Once and Future Moon
Paul D. Spudis | Smithsonian Institution Press

The Once and Future Moon

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 3.87

$13.90

This is a great pick if you want science writing that feels both approachable and full of wonder. It takes the moon beyond familiar moon-landing imagery and shows why its geology and hidden far side matter so much to our understanding of the solar system. Readers who enjoy learning through big, thought-provoking connections will likely find it especially rewarding.
How to Build a Time Machine: The Real Science of Time Travel
Brian Clegg | St. Martin's Press

How to Build a Time Machine: The Real Science of Time Travel

$10.90 $8.90 18% off

Goodreads rating: 3.59

$10.90 $8.90 18% off

If your curiosity extends beyond science fiction and you find yourself captivated by the mysteries and paradoxes of time, "How to Build a Time Machine" by Brian Clegg is a journey you'll want to embark on. Clegg's exploration of time travel is rooted in real scientific theories and current research, making it a stimulating and thought-provoking read. It's an invitation to ponder what was once impossible, with a touch of scientific rigor that makes the impossible seem tantalizingly plausible.
Doctor Who: The Dalek Handbook - Thryft
Na, James Goss, Steve Tribe  | Bbc Books

Doctor Who: The Dalek Handbook

$3.90

Goodreads rating: 4.05

$3.90

81% off est. retail
If you're a Doctor Who fan and fascinated by the iconic Daleks, "Doctor Who: The Dalek Handbook" is a must-read. This book takes you on a journey through the Daleks' origins, their battles with various species, and the secrets behind their design. With stunning artwork and photographs spanning six decades of Doctor Who, this book is the ultimate celebration of these iconic villains. Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of the Daleks and discover why they have become such a beloved and enduring part of the Doctor Who universe.
The Last Man on the Moon: Astronaut Eugene Cernan and America's Race in Space
Eugene Cernan, Donald A. Davis  | St. Martin's Press

The Last Man on the Moon: Astronaut Eugene Cernan and America's Race in Space

$12.90 $8.90 31% off

Goodreads rating: 4.3

$12.90 $8.90 31% off

You'd appreciate Eugene Cernan's raw account if you're fascinated by the human elements of space exploration—the personal sacrifices, the intense camaraderie among astronauts, and the sheer thrill of achieving the extraordinary. "The Last Man on the Moon" dives into not just the technicalities and adventures of spaceflight but also the profound emotions and behind-the-scenes struggles of those who aimed for the stars. It's a story of human ambition and the price one pays for glory, narrated by someone who's been to the very edge of human experience.
The Scientific Indian - Thryft
Y.S. Rajan, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam  | Penguin Books India Pvt. Ltd

The Scientific Indian

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

Goodreads rating: 4.29

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

78% off est. retail
The Scientific Indian is a great read for anyone who is curious and wants to learn more about India's scientific advancements. It offers a comprehensive overview of India's recent progress in space exploration, satellite technology, missile development, agriculture, energy, and healthcare. The book emphasizes the importance of tailoring innovation to the goal of national development and provides a pragmatic vision of technological development that will drive India to the forefront of the world in the decades to come. This book will inspire the curious and adventurous mind and encourage tomorrow's scientists and technologists to dream big and work hard to make their dreams come true.
Power Crystals: Spiritual and Magical Practices, Crystal Skulls, and Alien Technology
John DeSalvo | Destiny Books

Power Crystals: Spiritual and Magical Practices, Crystal Skulls, and Alien Technology

$15.90 $9.90 38% off

Goodreads rating: 4.15

$15.90 $9.90 38% off

68% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by the intersection of the scientific and the mystical, "Power Crystals" could be a revelation for you. John DeSalvo takes you through a journey that connects ancient wisdom with modern implications, not just theoretically but with practical exercises too. Imagine wielding a piece of Atlantis's mystique or tapping into a primordial communication network; this book might just be your guide.
Earth's Dynamic Systems
Eric H. Christiansen, W. Kenneth Hamblin  | Pearson College Div

Earth's Dynamic Systems

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 4.19

$10.90

89% off est. retail
This feels like a big-picture geology guide that helps everything click, from plate tectonics to the water cycle. It is especially good if you want more than scattered facts, because it shows how Earth’s systems connect and shape the planet over time. Readers who like clear visuals and a global perspective would probably find it both grounding and genuinely eye-opening.
In Space - The History News
Michael Johnstone | Walker Books Ltd

In Space - The History News

$18.90 $3.90 79% off

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$18.90 $3.90 79% off

If you're intrigued by the cosmos and the milestones that have shaped our understanding of it, "In Space" offers a creative twist on conventional history books. With its unique newspaper format, every page turns the wonders of space into tangible headlines and articles that connect you to space's grand narrative like a time traveler catching up on the past’s latest news. Whether you're a seasoned stargazer or a curious reader, this book will engage you with a blend of educational content and entertaining presentation.
Messier's Nebulae and Star Clusters
Kenneth Glyn Jones | Cambridge University Press

Messier's Nebulae and Star Clusters

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 4.33

$10.90

If you love the feeling of actually finding something extraordinary in the night sky, this book really delivers. It blends Messier’s historic catalog with practical guidance, maps, and drawings that make distant nebulae and clusters feel reachable through your own telescope. Amateur astronomers would probably love how it turns skywatching into both a scientific adventure and a personal treasure hunt.
Tell Me Why?
Chancellor Press | Chancellor Press

Tell Me Why?

$3.90

Goodreads rating: 4.06

$3.90

45% off est. retail
If you're the type who loves to amass random facts or find yourself often falling down the rabbit hole of trivia, "Tell Me Why?" is like a treasure chest for your brain. Perfect for those short on time but high on inquisitiveness, it's a book that can bring fun to family quiz nights or be a secret weapon for school projects.
Fallen Astronauts: Heroes Who Died Reaching for the Moon
Kate Doolan, Colin Burgess, Eugene A. Cernan  | University Of Nebraska Press

Fallen Astronauts: Heroes Who Died Reaching for the Moon

$22.90 $13.90 39% off

Goodreads rating: 4.17

$22.90 $13.90 39% off

72% off est. retail
"Fallen Astronauts" is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the face of human ambition and exploration. It takes you beyond the celebrated achievements of spaceflight to reveal the heart-wrenching stories of those who gave everything for a dream they wouldn't live to see fulfilled. Anyone with a reverence for space history or an interest in the personal cost of monumental endeavors will find this book both enlightening and profoundly moving.
Stephen Hawking - A Life in Science
John Gribbin, Michael White  | Plume

Stephen Hawking - A Life in Science

$10.90 $5.90 46% off

Goodreads rating: 3.78

$10.90 $5.90 46% off

71% off est. retail
If you’re intrigued by the cosmos and the resilience of the human spirit, "Stephen Hawking - A Life In Science" will not disappoint. It doesn’t just lay out the science; it allows you to witness the trials and triumphs of one of the most extraordinary physicists, as Hawking’s personal and professional life unfold in a narrative as engaging as his theories are profound.
History of the Future - A Chronology
John Hogue | Doubleday

History of the Future - A Chronology

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

If you have an appetite for prophecies and the interplay between history and future predictions, "History of The Future" provides an intriguing tapestry that blends both. It's for the curious minds who enjoy pondering what could be, all while gaining a unique perspective on our past. The authors, Hogue and Lorie, offer a thought-provoking journey that may just expand your understanding of time itself.
Doctor Who: The Episode Guide
Mark Campbell, Kim Newman  | Pocket Essentials

Doctor Who: The Episode Guide

$5.90 $3.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 3.28

$5.90 $3.90 34% off

87% off est. retail
If you're a Whovian, this book's a treasure trove that meticulously catalogues the fantastical journey of the Time Lord. It offers more than just episode summaries; it's an affectionate exploration of the show's lore, characters, and the ever-evolving narrative that's charmed audiences for decades. Get ready to travel through time with facts, figures, and insights that will enrich your Doctor Who experience.
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.
The Challenger Launch Decision: Risky Technology, Culture, and Deviance at NASA
Diane Vaughan | University Of Chicago Press

The Challenger Launch Decision: Risky Technology, Culture, and Deviance at NASA

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 4.07

$9.90

This is the kind of book that quietly changes how you see disasters. Instead of hunting for a villain, it shows how smart, well-meaning people can drift into catastrophic decisions through routine, pressure, and culture. If you like sharp, unsettling nonfiction that makes big systems feel human and disturbingly familiar, this is a fascinating read.
Oxford Reading Tree: Level 12: Treetops Non-Fiction: Breaking News: Shipwreck!
Ruth Clarke | Oxford University Press

Oxford Reading Tree: Level 12: Treetops Non-Fiction: Breaking News: Shipwreck!

$9.90 $5.90 40% off

Goodreads rating: 3.75

$9.90 $5.90 40% off

If you're captivated by the mysteries and dramas of the ocean, "Shipwreck!" will surely engage you. With its combination of compelling facts and vibrant visuals, it delivers more than just a recount of maritime disaster. It's an invitation for young readers to dive into history with a sense of adventure, and experience the allure of true-life tales from the depths.
Investigate: Space - Thryft

Investigate: Space

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

This book is perfect for anyone with an interest in astronomy or a desire to delve into the mysteries of the universe. Spike Wademan does an excellent job of providing a comprehensive overview of space and what it entails. From the history of space exploration to the current understanding of the cosmos, Investigate: Space is an engaging read that will leave readers with a newfound appreciation for the world beyond our planet.
The Sleepwalkers: A History of Man's Changing Vision of the Universe
Herbert Butterfield, Arthur Koestler  | Arkana/penguin

The Sleepwalkers: A History of Man's Changing Vision of the Universe

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 4.24

$9.90

60% off est. retail
This is the kind of big, brainy history that makes the evolution of cosmology feel deeply human rather than dry or technical. Koestler brings scientists to life as flawed, brilliant people shaped by belief, politics, and prejudice, which gives the scientific revolution real drama. If you like books that connect ideas across history, philosophy, and science, this feels rich, provocative, and surprisingly alive.
Future War: Armed Conflict in the Next Decade
Frank Barnaby | Michael Joseph

Future War: Armed Conflict in the Next Decade

$11.90 $3.90 67% off

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$11.90 $3.90 67% off

If you're drawn to the intricate dance between technology and military strategy, "Future War" might just resonate with your curiosity. It paints a realistic scenario for the near future, merging insights from defense experts with potential technological advances. Reading it feels like being briefed on a high-level defense strategy for conflicts yet to unfold.
1900
Mike Jay, Michael Neve  | Penguin Books

1900

$8.90 $4.90 45% off

Goodreads rating: 3.5

$8.90 $4.90 45% off

If you're drawn to the historical parallels between past and present societal shifts, "1900" could be a treasure trove for you. It captures the cultural zeitgeist of the fin-de-siecle with a variety of perspectives, including both the discomfort with rapid change and the excitement for the future. This anthology offers a prism through which to view our current times, possibly giving you a deeper understanding of contemporary concerns in the light of history.
To a Rocky Moon: A Geologist's History of Lunar Exploration
Don E. Wilhelms | University Of Arizona Press

To a Rocky Moon: A Geologist's History of Lunar Exploration

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 4.38

$9.90

82% off est. retail
If you love space history but want more than astronaut memoirs, this gives you the Moon from the scientists’ side of the story. It shines in the behind-the-scenes detail of how landing sites were chosen and how geology shaped the missions themselves. Readers who enjoy smart, authoritative nonfiction will likely find it deeply satisfying, especially because it makes lunar exploration feel both human and rigorously scientific.
A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts
Andrew Chaikin | Viking Adult

A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 4.49

$9.90

80% off est. retail
If you’ve ever wanted the Apollo missions to feel vivid and personal rather than distant and technical, this is a wonderful pick. It gives you the scale, danger, and brilliance of the program without losing the people inside the spacesuits. Readers often love how it turns a familiar historical milestone into something dramatic, intimate, and genuinely awe-inspiring.
The Right Stuff - Thryft
Tom Wolfe | Picador

The Right Stuff

$8.90 $3.90 56% off

Goodreads rating: 4.23

$8.90 $3.90 56% off

If space exploration has ever sparked your curiosity, "The Right Stuff" could be a starry addition to your bookshelf. Tom Wolfe meticulously dissects the gutsy heart of America's pioneering astronauts with a language that's both sharp and enveloping. It humanizes legends, unpacking the gripping realities behind the stoic facades of the space race's finest, making their celestial escapades earthly and relatable. Wolfe crafts a narrative so vivid and personal, it's as if you're strapping in alongside these brave souls, ready for liftoff.
Granta 173: India
Thomas Meaney | Granta Magazine

Granta 173: India

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 3.9

$11.90

This feels ideal if you want to understand contemporary India beyond headlines and big-city clichés. It brings together fiction, reportage, history and photography in a way that feels alive, restless and politically sharp. Readers who like literary magazines with real range will probably love how it captures both intimate human care and sweeping national arguments in one issue.
Planet Quest: The Epic Discovery of Alien Solar Systems
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Ken Croswell | Oxford Univ Pr

Planet Quest: The Epic Discovery of Alien Solar Systems

$9.90 $4.90 51% off

Goodreads rating: 4.04

$9.90 $4.90 51% off

73% off est. retail
You'd probably enjoy "Planet Quest" if you have a keen interest in astronomy and the never-ending question of whether there's life beyond Earth. Ken Croswell combines vivid storytelling with deep scientific insights to create a narrative that's as educational as it is engrossing. It's like a tour through the cosmos with each page potentially leading to the great unknown—ideal if you're seeking that blend of adventure and knowledge from your reading experience.
Guinness World Records 2010 - Thryft
Sold out
Craig Glenday | Guinness World Records Ltd

Guinness World Records 2010

$6.90 $3.90 43% off

Goodreads rating: 4.23

$6.90 $3.90 43% off

90% off est. retail
The Guinness World Records 2010 is a must-read for anyone who loves to be amazed by incredible human achievements. With a decade's worth of top records, this book is jam-packed with mind-blowing facts and figures that will leave you absolutely astounded. The highlight is the section on James Bond, featuring the world's largest collection of Bond memorabilia. Get ready to be inspired and wowed by the unparalleled achievements of individuals from all over the world.
Black Holes and Baby Universes : And Other Essays - Thryft
Sold out
Stephen Hawking | Bantam Books

Black Holes and Baby Universes : And Other Essays

$8.86

Goodreads rating: 4.17

$8.86

68% off est. retail
NY Times bestseller. 13 extraordinary essays shed new light on the mysteries of the universe & on one of the most brilliant thinkers of our time.In his phenomenal bestseller A Brief History of Time, Stephen Hawking literally transformed the way we think about physics, the universe, reality itself. In these thirteen essays and one remarkable extended interview, the man widely regarded as the most brilliant theoretical physicist since Einstein returns to reveal an amazing array of possibilities for understanding our universe. Building on his earlier work, Hawking discusses imaginary time, how black holes can give birth to baby universes, and scientists’ efforts to find a complete unified theory that would predict everything in the universe. With his characteristic mastery of language, his sense of humor and commitment to plain speaking, Stephen Hawking invites us to know him better—and to share his passion for the voyage of intellect and imagination that has opened new ways to understanding the very nature of the cosmos.

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.