Book Collection and Overview

Overview of My History Books Collection

My book library, started in spring 2023, consists mainly of global history books spanning different periods and subjects. These include the culture, society, and development of Ancient Empires, aspects of Medieval Europe, records of the Crusades and the Reformation, and significant Twentieth Century events. I also have an extensive digital reading list comprising Kindle books, audiobooks, and over 300 PDFs across various genres.

I welcome your thoughts on any books you’ve read from my collection and appreciate any recommendations for new additions. Feel free to share your insights; they are greatly valued.

Book Collection

1. Self-Publishing and Writing Guides: This category is focused on resources for aspiring authors, particularly those interested in self-publishing and historical writing. It’s a valuable section for those looking to navigate the complex world of publishing and historical research.
   • Rampolla, Mary Lynn. “A Pocket Guide to Writing in History.” A compact and accessible guide aimed to help students in their historical writing endeavors. Rampolla provides practical advice on navigating historical sources, constructing arguments, and writing clearly and persuasively.
   • Poynter, Dan. “Dan Poynter’s Self-Publishing Manual: How to Write, Print and Sell Your Own Book.”An essential guide for aspiring authors, providing a comprehensive overview of the self-publishing process. Poynter offers practical advice on writing, printing, and selling one’s own book, making it an invaluable resource for those entering the world of self-publishing.
2. Religious and Spiritual History: These books examine religious history and thought, with a particular focus on Christianity. This includes biographical accounts of religious figures, explorations of Christian theology, and historical overviews of the Christian church.
   • Baker, Robert A. “A Summary of Christian History.” This book provides a concise overview of Christian history, making it a useful resource for those seeking a quick understanding of the major events and figures in Christianity.
   • Driver, S.R. “An Introduction to the Literature of the Old Testament.” Driver’s book is an insightful guide to the Old Testament, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of its literature and historical context.
   • “Every Catholic’s Guide to the Sacred Scriptures.” This guide is a valuable resource for Catholics, providing clear and accessible explanations of the Sacred Scriptures, their theological significance, and their place within the context of Catholic faith.
   • “Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary.” An essential tool for anyone studying the Bible, this illustrated dictionary offers clear and comprehensive definitions of biblical terms, characters, and concepts, all enhanced by helpful illustrations.
   • Cheney, Sheldon. “Men Who Have Walked with God.” This book explores the lives and teachings of significant spiritual figures across different cultures and religions.
   • Duffy, Eamon. “Saints and Sinners.” Duffy offers a comprehensive history of the papacy in this book, examining the lives and influence of various popes throughout history.
   • Sigmund, Paul E. (Trans & Ed.). “St. Thomas Aquinas On Politics and Ethics.” This book provides a collection of St. Thomas Aquinas’ significant works on politics and ethics, offering readers a deep insight into his philosophical thought.
   • Williams, Walter J. “The Books of the Law” (A guide for Bible Readers). In this guide, Williams provides a detailed analysis and commentary on the Books of the Law in the Bible, aiding readers in their understanding of these significant texts.
   • Dunn, James D. G. “The Theology of Paul the Apostle.” Dunn explores the theology of Paul the Apostle in this book, examining his teachings and influence on Christianity.
   • Wurmbrand, Pastor Richard. “Tortured for Christ” 30th Anniversary Edition. This book is a harrowing account of Pastor Richard Wurmbrand’s persecution and resilience under a communist regime due to his Christian faith.
   • Wurmbrand, Pastor Richard. “Tortured for Christ.” This is the original version of Pastor Richard Wurmbrand’s account of his religious persecution, offering readers a raw and powerful insight into his experiences.
3. British and English History: This is a comprehensive collection of books covering various aspects of English and British history, from the medieval period to the English Civil Wars. It includes both narrative histories and primary sources like Bede’s works.
   • Moorman, J. R. H. “A History of the Church in England.” A comprehensive exploration of the history of the Church in England, covering significant religious events, changes, and movements.
   • Bede. “A History of the English Church and People” (Penguin Classics). Bede’s work provides an in-depth look into the history of the English church and its people, offering valuable insights into the religious and societal structures of the time.
   • Stenton, Sir Frank. “Anglo-Saxon England.” This book offers a detailed account of Anglo-Saxon England, shedding light on the political, cultural, and social aspects of the period.
   • Frere, Sheppard. “Britannia: A History of Roman Britain.” Frere’s work covers the period of Roman rule in Britain, offering a comprehensive view of the significant events, changes, and societal structures of the time.
   • Bede. “Ecclesiastical History of the English People.” Another significant work by Bede, this book focuses on the ecclesiastical history of the English people, drawing from various sources to offer a well-rounded view of the church’s influence and evolution.
   • Abbott, Jacob. “History of Charles I of England.” This book provides a detailed biography of Charles I of England, exploring his reign, policies, and the societal and political changes that occurred under his rule.
   • “Larousse Encyclopedia of British History.” This encyclopedia offers a broad overview of British history, covering a wide range of topics and periods in an accessible and informative way.
   • Gies, J. & Gies, F. “Life in a Medieval City.” This book provides a comprehensive look at the daily life, architecture, and societal structures of a medieval city, offering invaluable insights into this historical period.
   • Huntingdon, H. “The History of the English People 1000-1154” (Oxford World’s Classics). This classic work delves deep into the history of English people from 1000-1154, offering a detailed account of political, social, and cultural changes during this period.
   • Ollard, R. “The Image of the King: Charles I and Charles II.” This book offers an in-depth analysis of the reigns of Charles I and Charles II, focusing on their policies, personal lives, and the impact they had on England.
   • Durant, W. “The Reformation” (The Story of Civilization Part VI). Part of the acclaimed ‘Story of Civilization’ series, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the Reformation, detailing its causes, progression, and long-lasting effects.
   • Adams, M. “The Viking Wars: War and Peace in King Alfred’s Britain.” This book delves into the Viking invasions of Britain during King Alfred’s reign, providing a detailed account of the wars, peace treaties, and cultural assimilation that occurred.
   • Ollard, R. “This War without an Enemy: A History of the English Civil Wars.” This book offers a comprehensive overview of the English Civil Wars, detailing the political conflicts, major battles, and societal changes that occurred during this tumultuous period.
   • Penman, S.K. “When Christ and His Saints Slept.” This historical novel brings to life the power struggles and political intrigue of 12th-century England, providing a vivid and engaging account of this period.
4. General European and Western History: A broad category covering a range of European historical periods and themes, from the Late Antiquity to the 20th century. This category provides a sweeping view of Western history.
   • Cantor, N.F. “Civilization of the Middle Ages.” In this resource, Cantor explores the societal and cultural aspects of the Middle Ages, providing readers with an in-depth understanding of this historical period.
   • Jordan, W.C. “Europe in the High Middle Ages.” Published as part of The Penguin History of Europe, Jordan’s book offers a comprehensive view of Europe during the High Middle Ages, covering various aspects of politics, society, and culture.
   • Bloch, M. “Feudal Society.” This work by Bloch is a detailed analysis of feudal society during the Middle Ages, providing insights into the social, economic, and political structures of the period.
   • Bowersock, G.W., Brown, P., & Grabar, O. (Eds.). “Late Antiquity: A Guide to the Postclassical World.” This edited volume provides a comprehensive overview of the Late Antiquity, covering a range of topics related to the political, cultural, and social changes during this period.
   • Power, E. “Medieval People.” Power’s book offers a detailed exploration of the lives of people during the Middle Ages, providing a personal and human perspective on this historical period.
   • Moss, H. St. L. B. “The Birth of the Middle Ages 395-814.” Moss’s work traces the origins of the Middle Ages, providing a detailed account of the historical events and changes that marked the start of this period.
   • Fried, J. “The Middle Ages.” Fried’s book offers a broad overview of the Middle Ages, covering a variety of topics related to this period, including politics, culture, and society.
   • Bishop, M. “The Middle Ages.” In this work, Bishop provides a comprehensive exploration of the Middle Ages, covering a multitude of aspects, from politics and warfare to culture and religion.
   • Holmes, George (Ed.). “The Oxford History of Medieval Europe.” This edited volume provides a comprehensive overview of Medieval Europe, offering a balance of political, economic, social, and cultural history.
   • Boardman, John, Griffin, Jasper & Murray, Oswyn (Eds.). “The Oxford History of the Classical World.” Edited by renowned historians, this book offers an in-depth exploration of the Classical World, spanning ancient Greece, Rome, and more.
   • Roberts, J. M. “The Penguin History of the World.” Roberts’ authoritative work provides a global perspective on history, covering all corners of the world from the earliest times to the 20th century.
   • Huizinga, J. “The Waning of the Middle Ages.” A seminal work in historiography, Huizinga’s book offers an intricate depiction of the late Middle Ages, focusing on the societal and cultural changes of the period.
   • Raeff, Marc. “Understanding Imperial Russia.” This book provides a comprehensive exploration of Imperial Russia, offering critical insights into the socio-political structures and events that shaped this era.
   • “Western Awakening: A History of the Twentieth Century.” Although the author’s name is not provided, this book examines the significant events, people, and movements that shaped the 20th century, providing comprehensive coverage of this tumultuous era.
5. Specific Historical Figures or Events: Books in this category focus on individual historical figures or specific events. They offer in-depth insights into influential personalities and significant historical occurrences.
   • Runciman, Steven. “A History of the Crusades: Volume I, The First Crusade and the Foundation of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.” This book is the first volume of Steven Runciman’s history of the Crusades. It provides an in-depth account of the First Crusade and the establishment of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
   • “Czars: Russia’s Rulers for Over One Thousand Years.” This book offers a comprehensive history of the Russian rulers, the Czars. It spans over a thousand years, detailing the rise and fall of the Czars and their impact on Russia.
   • Robinson, John J. “Dungeon, Fire and Sword: The Knights Templar in the Crusades.” Robinson’s book provides a detailed account of the Knights Templar, a Catholic military order that played a significant role in the Crusades. The book discusses the order’s formation, its participation in the Crusades, and its eventual dissolution.
   • Gibbon, Edward. “Gibbon’s Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire” Illustrated and Abridged. This illustrated and abridged edition of Edward Gibbon’s classic work offers a comprehensive history of the Roman Empire’s decline and fall. It covers a broad range of topics, including the rise of Christianity, the migration of barbarian tribes, and the factors leading to the empire’s collapse.
   • Stormer, John A. “None Dare Call It Treason.” Stormer’s book is a controversial critique of American liberalism and its alleged influence on the nation’s educational, cultural, and governmental institutions. It was a significant publication during the Cold War era.
   • Kishlansky, Mark A. “Parliamentary Selection: Social and Political Choice in Early Modern England.” This book provides insights into the social and political processes that influenced parliamentary selection in early modern England, providing a nuanced understanding of political history during this period.
   • Hyde, H. Montgomery. “Stalin: The History of a Dictator.” Hyde offers a comprehensive biography of Joseph Stalin, exploring his rise to power, his dictatorship, and his lasting impact on Russia and the world.
   • Manchester, William. “The Arms of Krupp: 1587-1968.” This book provides an in-depth look at the powerful Krupp dynasty, a family that significantly influenced the arms industry from the 16th to the 20th century.
   • Thompson, E. A. “The Huns.” Thompson’s work provides a detailed examination of the Huns, a nomadic people who played a critical role in the fall of the Roman Empire.
   • Radzinsky, Edvard. “The Last Tsar: The Life and Death of Nicholas II.” This biography offers a comprehensive overview of the life, reign, and tragic end of the last Tsar of Russia, Nicholas II.
   • Nixon, Richard. “The Memoirs of Richard Nixon.” Written by the former U.S. President himself, this memoir provides an intimate look at Nixon’s life, his presidency, and the events leading to his resignation.
   • Craughwell, Thomas J. “The Rise and Fall of the Second Largest Empire in History.” Craughwell’s book provides a comprehensive overview of the Mongol Empire, detailing its rapid expansion, its societal structures, and its eventual decline.
6. Military and War History: Focused on military history, this category includes books on military orders and weaponry, providing insight into the martial aspects of history.
   • Levine, & Walland. “Knives, Swords, Daggers” (Complete Handbook). This comprehensive handbook explores various types of knives, swords, and daggers, offering deep insights into the historical use and significance of these weapons. It serves as an excellent resource for military history enthusiasts and those interested in weaponry.
   • Hanson, Victor Davis. “Ripples of Battle.” In this fascinating book, Hanson explores the profound effects of military conflicts on history and society. He examines how the outcomes of battles can send ripples through time, affecting far beyond the immediate conflict.
   • “Warriors of the Lord: The Military Orders of Christendom.” This book provides an in-depth look at the military orders of Christendom, focusing on their origins, roles, and impact on history. It offers a valuable perspective on the intertwining of faith and warfare in historical contexts.Global and Ancient History:These books offer a wide-ranging view of global history, covering ancient empires and significant historical epochs. This category is essential for understanding the broader context of world history.
7. Global and Ancient History: These books offer a wide-ranging view of global history, covering ancient empires and significant historical epochs. This category is essential for understanding the broader context of world history.
   • “Age of Optimism: 1800-1914” Milestones of History Vol. 5/6: The fifth volume of Milestones of History, this book offers an insightful look at the period from 1800-1914. Termed the “Age of Optimism,” it discusses significant advancements and changes in society during this optimistic era.
   • “Ancient Empires: 3000 BC-AD 70” Milestones of History Vol. 1/6: This book provides a broad overview of ancient empires, covering a span from 3000 BC to AD 70. It forms the first volume of the Milestones of History series and offers a comprehensive insight into the rise and fall of early civilizations.
   • “The Book of History: A History of all Nations from the Earliest Times to the Present, With Over 8000 Illustrations.” Complete Set. Published by The Grolier Society in New York and The Educational Book Co. in London. This exhaustive set provides an in-depth narrative of world history, covering all nations from the earliest times to the present. The inclusion of over 8000 illustrations enriches the text, offering readers a multifaceted understanding of history.
   • “The Expanding World of Man: 1215-1688” Milestones of History Vol. 3/6: This third volume of Milestones of History examines the period from 1215-1688. It provides an exploration of how humanity’s understanding of the world expanded during these centuries.
   • “The Fires of Faith: AD 312-1204” Milestones of History Vol. 2/6: The second volume in the Milestones of History series, this text delves into the period from AD 312-1204. It focuses on the significance of faith in shaping historical events and societies during this time.
   • “National Geographic Society Atlas of World History.” This comprehensive atlas offers a visual exploration of world history, making it a valuable resource for understanding geographical transformations over time. It provides detailed maps and illustrations that cover significant historical periods, geographical regions, and pivotal events.
   • “Twilight of Princes: 1491-1790” Milestones of History Vol. 4/6: This book, the fourth volume in the Milestones of History series, covers the period from 1491-1790. It provides a comprehensive narrative of this era marked by the decline of monarchies and the rise of new political structures.
8. Cultural and Societal Studies: This category appears to contain books that offer insights into specific cultures and societies, particularly in the context of their historical development.
   • Rying, Bent. “Denmark: Introduction · Prehistory.” Vol. 1. Royal Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.This volume, written by Bent Rying and published by the Royal Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provides a comprehensive introduction to the prehistory of Denmark. The author offers an in-depth analysis of the early cultures and civilizations that existed in the region, offering readers a clear understanding of Denmark’s historical origins. This source is particularly useful for those interested in the early history of Northern Europe.
9. Literature and Literary Analysis: This category contains both classic literature and works that examine literary themes and history, directly linking historical context with literary expression.
   • Huxley, Aldous. “Brave New World.” A dystopian novel by English author Aldous Huxley, written in 1931 and published in 1932. Set in London of AD 2540 (632 A.F. in the book), the novel anticipates developments in reproductive technology, sleep-learning, psychological manipulation, and classical conditioning that combine to profoundly change society.
   • Huxley, Aldous. “Brave New World Revisited.” A collection of essays on a variety of topics. In this work, Huxley comments on the societal changes that had occurred since the publication of “Brave New World,” including advances in technology and overpopulation.
   • Bronowski, J. “The Ascent of Man.” A 13-part British documentary series produced by the BBC and Time-Life Films, first transmitted in 1973, written and presented by Jacob Bronowski. It covers a wide range of scientific topics and technological advancements, tracing the intellectual history of mankind.

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