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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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Einstein's German World
Fritz Stern | Princeton University Press

Einstein's German World

$11.90 $7.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 3.65

$11.90 $7.90 34% off

If you're intrigued by the man behind the genius, "Einstein's German World" offers a fascinating look at the cultural and intellectual landscape that shaped one of history's greatest minds. It's a dive not just into Einstein's life, but also into the fabric of the society he was part of, giving you a richer understanding of both the scientist and his era.
D-Day: 24 Hours That Saved the World
Time Inc. | Time

D-Day: 24 Hours That Saved the World

$18.90 $10.90 42% off

Goodreads rating: 4.26

$18.90 $10.90 42% off

If you're drawn to pivotal moments in history, "D-Day: 24 Hours That Saved the World" is more than just a history lesson; it's a profound tribute to the sheer bravery and strategic genius that marked one of the most significant days of the 20th century. You'll gain intimate portraits of the prominent figures and unsung heroes. This book could be your time portal to the beaches of Normandy, feeling the weight of sacrifice and the intensity of hope that shaped our modern world.
USN Battleship Vs IJN Battleship: The Pacific 1942-44 - Duel
Alan Gilliland, Mark E. Stille, Paul Wright  | Osprey Publishing

USN Battleship Vs IJN Battleship: The Pacific 1942-44 - Duel

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.19

$8.90

70% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by World War II naval battles, "USN Battleship Vs IJN Battleship" offers a riveting deep dive into the rare face-to-face confrontations between American and Japanese battleships. The book meticulously dissects the strategies, tactics, and outcomes of these colossal engagements, enriched with expert analysis and visual aids. Ideal for military history enthusiasts craving details on these historic maritime clashes.
The Making of Modern Japan
Just Arrived
Marius B. Jansen | Belknap Press: An Imprint Of Harvard University Press

The Making of Modern Japan

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.04

$11.90

80% off est. retail
If you want a deep, authoritative history of Japan, this is the kind of book that feels endlessly rewarding rather than dry. Readers often admire how it connects shoguns, samurai culture, modernization, war, and postwar reform into one flowing story. It is especially great for anyone who wants to understand not just what changed in Japan, but what remarkably endured.
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.
50 Tales of Valour, Victory and the Vanquished
James Cutler | Rupa Publications

50 Tales of Valour, Victory and the Vanquished

$10.90 $6.90 37% off

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$10.90 $6.90 37% off

If you're someone who finds the interplay of heroism and tragedy in history captivating, then "50 Tales of Valour, Victory, and the Vanquished" might just be your next favorite read. This collection will take you through a rollercoaster of emotions as you explore different facets of human courage and the somber realities of defeat, all stitched together in bite-sized historical narratives.
Bomber Boys Fighting Back, 1940-1945
Patrick Bishop | Harperperennial

Bomber Boys Fighting Back, 1940-1945

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 4.18

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

75% off est. retail
If the valor of unsung WWII heroes stirs something within you, "Bomber Boys" will resonate deeply. Patrick Bishop doesn't just recite history; he revives the heartbeats of those young pilots, bringing to light their incredible bravery and the injustices of their forgotten legacy. It's a read that's as much about honor and remembrance as it is about the stark realities of war.
Cold Burial - A True Story Of Endurance And Disaster - Thryft
Clive Powell-Williams | St. Martin's Press

Cold Burial - A True Story Of Endurance And Disaster

$14.90 $3.90 74% off

Goodreads rating: 3.68

$14.90 $3.90 74% off

90% off est. retail
If you're drawn to true stories of adventure and endurance against overwhelming odds, "Cold Burial" may resonate deeply with you. It's an immersive experience into the harsh realities that can emerge from the pursuit of proving oneself against nature. This narrative, reconstructed from a long-lost journal, speaks of youthful ambition and the grave cost it can entail—a poignant reminder of the thin line between bravery and folly.
Armies of the Soviet Union
Andy Chambers | Osprey Publishing

Armies of the Soviet Union

$11.90 $8.90 25% off

Goodreads rating: 4.02

$11.90 $8.90 25% off

If you're a Bolt Action enthusiast eager to recreate the iconic battles that defined the Eastern Front, this book is your atlas. It offers detailed lists and context that can transform your gameplay, providing historical depth alongside practical tips. Dive in, and let the meticulously researched content guide your Soviet army to victory—or a memorable stand—on your tabletop battlefield.
Wartime: Understanding and Behavior in the Second World War - Thryft

Wartime: Understanding and Behavior in the Second World War

$11.90 $3.90 67% off

$11.90 $3.90 67% off

87% off est. retail
If you've ever wondered how the ordinary soldier or civilian experienced World War II beyond the battle tactics and political strategies, "Wartime" is an illuminating read. Paul Fussell's personal engagement in the war provides a narrative filled with depth, exploring the changes in social psyche, language, and literature caused by the conflict. This book isn't just about what happened, but how it felt and altered the inner lives and cultural expression of those who lived through it.
Great-Uncle Harry: A Tale of War and Empire
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Michael Palin | Penguin Books

Great-Uncle Harry: A Tale of War and Empire

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.18

$8.90

58% off est. retail
If you're drawn to narratives that blend personal discovery with historical intrigue, "Great-Uncle Harry" might resonate with you. Michael Palin leads us on a quest that is as much about family and memory as it is about the echoes of war. The book connects the past with the present through painstaking research that reveals not just a family member's life, but also a slice of world history. His storytelling could offer you both an emotional connection and a richer understanding of the Great War's personal impact.
Grand Slam Baseball: The Lore & Legends of America's Game - Thryft
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Paul Adomites | Publications International, Ltd.

Grand Slam Baseball: The Lore & Legends of America's Game

$17.42 $5.90 66% off

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$17.42 $5.90 66% off

If baseball is your game, this read is a home run. It's not just facts and figures; it's the untold stories and quirky trivia that will give you a new appreciation for every pitch and home run. You'll find yourself amazed and sharing these anecdotes with fellow fans.
Bad Faith: A Forgotten History of Family, Fatherland and Vichy France - Thryft
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Carmen Callil | Vintage

Bad Faith: A Forgotten History of Family, Fatherland and Vichy France

$10.90 $3.90 64% off

Goodreads rating: 3.9

$10.90 $3.90 64% off

85% off est. retail
If history fascinates you, particularly the harrowing times of World War II and the Vichy regime, "Bad Faith" offers a stark look at one of its most notorious figures. Carmen Callil doesn't only recount the chilling actions of Louis Darquier de Pellepoix but also delves into the profound personal impact of his legacy. It's a compelling read that masterfully blends thorough research with a narrative that's as insightful as it is haunting. It’s history, but it reads with the emotional force of a personal story.
Life : Our Call to Arms - The Attack on Pearl Harbour - Thryft
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Time-Life Books | Life

Life : Our Call to Arms - The Attack on Pearl Harbour

$11.80

Goodreads rating: 4.04

$11.80

75% off est. retail
Recommendation: Life: Our Call to Arms would be a great read for history enthusiasts who are looking for a comprehensive visual documentation of the events surrounding the Pearl Harbor attack. The book features rarely seen photographs and survivor's stories that allow readers to get an inside look into the terror, heroism, and aftermath of one of the worst battle defeats ever suffered by the United States. The unique and distinctive feature of this book is its powerful visual narrative, which captures the immediacy and poignancy of what happened on that awful day.
The Investigation: Oratorio in Eleven Cantos - Thryft
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Alexander Gross, Peter Weiss  | Marion Boyars Publishers Ltd

The Investigation: Oratorio in Eleven Cantos

$5.07

Goodreads rating: 4.29

$5.07

74% off est. retail
The Investigation could be a good read for those interested in a factual and emotional recounting of the war crimes that occurred in Auschwitz. The author, Peter Weiss, offers no artistic license, providing readers with an unfiltered and realistic perspective. Readers will be drawn into the powerful testimonies of those who survived and are searching for truth and justice.
Shocking Paris - Thryft
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Stanley Meisler | St. Martin's Press

Shocking Paris

$14.86

Goodreads rating: 3.84

$14.86

66% off est. retail
"Shocking Paris" could be a great read for art lovers who are interested in immigrant artists' contributions to the School of Paris. This book provides a vivid description of the art scene in Montparnasse and portrays the lives of immigrant artists, including Chaim Soutine, Amedeo Modigliani, Marc Chagall, and Jules Pascin. The book mainly focuses on Soutine's life, who was considered the most talented artist among all immigrant artists. The book describes the struggles and hardships that Soutine and other immigrant artists faced while living in Paris before and after World War II and how the fear of persecution affected their work.
Bonzo's War : Animals Under Fire 1939 -1945 - Thryft
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Clare Campbell | Constable

Bonzo's War : Animals Under Fire 1939 -1945

$5.51

Goodreads rating: 3.57

$5.51

84% off est. retail
Bonzo's War explores the untold stories of the animals during World War II, including the devastating impact of war on pets and the army's use of loaned family dogs. This heartwarming and heartbreaking book gives voice to the forgotten creatures in a time of human conflict.
I Know Nothing! - Thryft
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Andrew Sachs | Robson Press

I Know Nothing!

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

Goodreads rating: 3.97

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

81% off est. retail
"I Know Nothing! is a powerful memoir that follows Andrew Sachs' journey from a young child witnessing the brutality of the Nazis to his rise to fame as an actor. Sachs shares his personal experiences with honesty, humor, and humility, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in the human experience during one of the darkest times in history. His story of resilience and perseverance will inspire readers of all ages."
Unbroken : A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption - Thryft
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Laura Hillenbrand | Random House

Unbroken : A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

$16.32 $11.42 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.38

$16.32 $11.42 30% off

74% off est. retail
This book is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the true story of human resilience. Hillenbrand’s meticulous and dramatic retelling of Zamperini’s tale will keep readers gripped from start to finish. The book’s unflinching portrayal of a man’s triumph over inhuman treatment will inspire readers for years to come.
The Killer They Called a God - Thryft
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Ian Ward | Media Masters

The Killer They Called a God

$5.90

Goodreads rating: 3.27

$5.90

70% off est. retail
This book is a gripping account of Colonel Masanobu Tsuji, a notorious war criminal who managed to escape justice. The author takes the reader on a thrilling journey from the blood-soaked beaches of Singapore to the baffling conclusion, unraveling the shocking secrets and the role of American and British authorities in his escape. If you're a history enthusiast seeking to understand the tangled web of politics and war, this book offers a captivating exploration into the hidden chapters of World War II.
Anne Frank's Story - Thryft
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Carol Ann Lee | Puffin

Anne Frank's Story

$5.90 $3.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 4.19

$5.90 $3.90 34% off

71% off est. retail
The life story of Anne Frank, from her early happy childhood in Frankfurt, growing up in Amsterdam, her two years in hiding and the last few months of her life in the concentration camps. Narrated in six clearly written chapters, this biography for children answers the many detailed questions about Anne that readers of the Diary often have, and includes interesting anecdotes from friends who survived her. There is an Historical Note at the beginning of the book and a map of Europe, so that children will be able to understand the situation at the time, and an Introduction by Anne Frank's cousin, Buddy Elias.
Singapore at War: Secrets from the Fall, Liberation and the Aftermath of WWII
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Romen Bose | Marshall Cavendish Editions

Singapore at War: Secrets from the Fall, Liberation and the Aftermath of WWII

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 3.5

$10.90

70% off est. retail
If World War II history piques your interest, particularly the lesser-explored Asian theatre, "Singapore at War" will be a treasure trove for you. Romen Bose weaves together a detailed, behind-the-scenes look at pivotal events, from the fall of Singapore to its post-war legacy and remembrance. The research delves into newly uncovered secrets that could shift your understanding of how the war unfolded in Southeast Asia.

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.