Books most popular in the United States●Europe

Release date: 2014-10-20 Genre:History $1.99

Release date: 2017-02-21 $1.99

Release date: 2014-07-29 Genre:History $14.99

Comments

1. Brilliant - In this enthralling narrative depicting the almost ethereal, Judas-like dance of Kim Philby, the author weaves a magnificent web, akin to the one Philby himself wove, that will surely ensnare you. A masterclass in historical storytelling that simultaneously vindicates Nicolas Elliot and offers an unbiased view at the greatest intelligence story in modern history. This book should be read by anyone with even a passing interest in espionage or the intricacies of the Cold War. Absolutely brilliant.
2015-06-24

2. Fascinating Story - I knew nothing of Kim Philby before reading this book, so the book was very informative on this world class spy and his close relationships with CIA & British Intelligence figures. It is hard to believe he got away with what he did so the story itself is fascinating. My one major complaint is that there are so many names in a page book your head will spin!...EAF
2014-10-19

Release date: 2020-02-25 Genre:History $13.99

Comments

1. One Terrific read. - A Fantastic historical read. I hated to put the book down each night as my old tired eyes could not read anymore. The author managed to keep my interest constantly. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in WORLD WAR II HISTORY. I am sorry I have come to the “finis” of the book. .
2022-04-30

2. Wonderful Read - I read a lot of history and this struck me as one of he most intimate and well written portrayals of Churchill and his family in his first year as PM. Larson acutely describes the horrors of the bombings of London, which is often not emphasized in history volumes. Most endearing were descriptions of Churchill weeping in times of great sadness. Well done.
2022-01-01

3. Fascinating Book - Fascinating history. Wasn't so interested in reading a book about Winston Churchill and WWII, but have read Devil in the White City and In the Garden of Evil, so I know how Erik Larsen can expertly weave many facets of a story together. He does the deep research and writes in a novel like narrative that makes this history lesson a real page turner.
2020-08-31

4. Fresh Insight on Churchill - I found Larsen's new book, "The Splendid and the Vile", well worth reading. It gave a personal context to the immense challenge which faced England and Churchill when they alone were standing up to Hitler. We see the events through the eyes of those who worked for the prime minister as well as the family and friends he had. A sense of the German actors and their strategies are touched on in a readable way. I thought it ironic that as everyday items came into short supply, King George asked his ambassador to the US to send the Palace toilet paper! Alas, echoes of today's pandemic!
2020-06-04

5. Enamored - My first book on Churchill and Erik Larsen provided me with a vivid story about the man, his family and his staff I feel like I now know them all personally. Frightening years that but for his leadership may have changed the world forever. Thank you for letting these historical figures introduce themselves through their own words and actions. Oh how I wish I could experience a night at Chequers!
2020-03-31

Release date: 2021-11-16 Genre:History $1.99

Release date: 2016-10-04 Genre:History $9.99

Release date: 2013-11-12 Genre:History $1.99

Release date: 2015-01-08 $10.99

Release date: 2022-10-18 Genre:History $14.99

Release date: 2022-04-26 Genre:History $13.99

Release date: 2020-02-11 $2.99

Release date: 1998-07-01 Genre:History $9.99

Comments

1. Excellent book... however, about the iBooks edition - I love me my Mac and I have loooong been an Apple-only customer... however, the pictures from the book in this iBooks edition, as with other iBooks editions of historical books with pictures, looks like they we're photocopied on an old library photocopier in and then photographed and scanned and pasted into the book... Utterly ridiculous for a cutting edge technology company trying to provide an electronic edition to replace the physical book... for those of you old enough to remember 'mimeographed' copies from grade school, that's exactly what these looked like: mimeographed copies of pictures...
2015-05-23

2. Very poor rendition into Ebook - My on-star rating applies to the quality of the conversion of the text into an Ebook. It appears that a temp worker simply scanned the pages into PDF format (or something like that), and as a result, very few footnotes make it into the text, and none link to the end notes. Also, apostrophes and em dashes are consistently omitted or erroneously reproduced. There are many other such errors throughout. The publisher, Penguin, should be ashamed. The overall effect of the utter lack of attention to detail in converting this book to an Ebook is one of distraction: I kept asking myself as I read this, what kinds of errors am I not able to notice, and is this book, in its printed form, as loose and error-filled as the Ebook version? I strongly advise against buying this in Ebook version if you care at all about reading the book the way I presume the author intended it to be read.
2012-08-22

Release date: 2013-04-18 $14.99

Comments

1. Historical Page-Turner - Dan Jones’ The Plantagenets transforms soporific classroom fodder into a vibrant and compelling narrative. Contemporary sources paint a vivid picture of a sophisticated and turbulent period, with the ebb and flow of triumph and tragedy framed by the human foibles that drove them. Compelling reading.
2021-12-31

2. Outstanding Survey - This is an outstanding historical survey of the English Plantagenet Dynasty which ruled England in the Middle Ages from to . The book is well-research, thoughtful, and makes sure to describe more than the battles. The book discusses how the English legal system developed, how the Magna Carta had a long-lasting impace on Middle Ages England. The writing style is quite good as well. Anyone interested in English or American history should read this book very carefully.
2019-01-30

3. Really interesting! - I really enjoyed this book. It is informative but not in a dry way. It is great storytelling about a really interesting time in European history. The characters of history are brought to life and the way Dan jones tells this story bridges the gap between the time the characters lived so long ago and today.
2018-04-19

Release date: 1995-04-23 $9.99

Release date: 2011-05-10 Genre:History $10.99

Comments

1. Wow. Just wow… - This mostly chronicled spectacle was impeccably researched, and horrifyingly captivating. One cannot help but wonder, what does the future hold for humankind during the next half-decade? Which prophetic voices will be heard yet inaccurate: which will be unheard and factual? History is the only observer who knows knows the truth for certain. Kudos to the author and the mostly forgotten-to-history Dodd family…
2021-12-13

2. Nazi story brought to life unexpected. - This book takes you back in time to an American family that got involved in Germany during World War II. The book was my first non-fiction that I read in terms of history involving wars. I am mostly a fiction reader and to read a story like this one blew me away. I wasn’t bored nor was I second guessing. The writing was good enough to keep me turning the page. Although I did get characters confused and the plot seemed to jump from one place to the other. I felt like I was an under cover agent in the ranks of the Nazi regime. This book will pull at your heart strings to make you say, “Aw man!” And also say, “No way?!” There were surprises here and there which I will not disclose. How the author described Hitler impressed me and I got to see Hitler for who he was instead of the constant hatred he had for the Jews. When it comes to mentioning the Jews, I think the subject was touched briefly upon. Yes they went through horrific things. To mention that a little bit per chapter kept that sensitivity to the story. I think without mentioning the Jews in this novel it would have read like a documentary. All in all, I recommend this book. If World War II is a touchy subject you don’t like then this isn’t for you. Because this novel takes the touchy subjects head on and morphs it into a story of discovery and self worth.
2020-01-10

3. Not nearly his best work - I'm about halfway through this book and losing interest. I love E.L. And have read both "Dead Wake" and "Devil in the White City". I loved both of those books. This should be a fascinating story of the Nazi rise told through the eyes of American observers. All of the characters and events are there but the story plays slowly and most of it is only mildly interesting. Martha's many lovers grow tiring. Dodd is a disappointed lead character that is unimpressive and hard to feel much for. Later in his life, he ran over a child by accident causing severe injury and immediately fled the scene. This gives you insight into the fortitude of his character. Perhaps another American character would have had a more compelling story. Disappointed.
2016-03-28

4. Could not put it down. - I don't generally read books about WWll but this is after all Erik Larson. I have never been disappointed by his work and after reading "In The Garden of Beasts" I am glad to say that it delivered everything I have come to expect from this author. The level of research is extraordinary in this oh so readable book. Mr. Larson is a storyteller of the highest caliber. His characters are so well developed you feel like you were there at these pivotal points of history. Fair warning, once you pick this book up you may find you can't put it down.
2015-12-05

5. Interesting read - I thought this was well done. It does get a bit dry at times and the author seems to keep things going often by revealing the details of Martha's romantic life which are sultry but become a little boring after a while. Still, the author's gift for writing is evident throughout and I found his viewpoint on the Nazis very grounded and refreshing. Any history buff should love this one.
2015-12-02

6. In the Garden of Beasts - I learned a lot about per World War Germany from this book. I was well-educated on the topic in both High School and then in college as an International Relations major, but this book revealed a perspective to which I was not previously exposed. It was most interesting to understand how the Third Reich slowly chipped away at people's sensitivities until they were able to get away with the most abominable forms of brutality and murder and justified it, not just to the point where society silently accepted it, but actually applauded it. And it was interesting to see it all through the eyes of a misfit of the finest democratic ethics and morality. I would recommend this as required reading in high schools so that our youth can identify what it looks like and feels like to have the government slowly take away freedoms and prevent it from occurring.
2013-12-31

7. Compelling Histo-Narrative - Immersive character portraits of a dark and rapidly passing generation. Reads with imagery of rich detail and precise, well-documented accuracy. A must read for those seeking to understand how true humanity and personality guide and influence the glossy, media accounts of our history, scandals, and events.
2013-01-09

8. Sorry, but no cigar! - As you can guess, I did not enjoy this book. To me it was just a compiling of interesting historical materials. I could not believe Martha wasn't shot or at least shone the exit door to Germany. Why didn't her parents the Dodd's ,exercised control over their daughter's every whim? I thought diplomats had control over their children. I also thought this book was about Mr. Dodd, not his daughter. thank you Susan
2012-08-18

9. Get Ready! - We all know about the horrors that slowly but surely rose in Germany,under the approving eye of HItler and his thugs. Ha! Read this book and you will soon realize how oblivious we all really remain. As you progress through these pages and read about the gradual but constant rise of evil, no longer recognized as such by the German people, you might become a little more aware of what is going on in your own country. I know I have.
2012-05-10

10. No love...no terror.... - The subtitle is "Love, Terror, and an American family in Hitler's Berlin". IMHO the author only got two of the four right. I never felt the love or the terror. Admittedly, people fell in love (more like lust) and unspeakable things were happening everywhere but I did not feel either emotion while reading the book. The portrayal of the characters never came off the pages...they were flat without real personalities. It was my book club choice In the years of our club it was the first book that I was forced to skim thru. Unfortunate given the importance of this story in our history.
2012-03-23

11. Eye Opening - I found this book to be just as engrossing as others by this author. Many anecdotes were new to me although the pre-war Nazi Germany period has been covered many times. A sad story of a well meaning intelligent man serving in a thankless, impossible position. The ambassador's daughter could not possibly have been a worse diplomatic family member and that makes for some jaw dropping stories.
2012-02-13

12. In the Garden of Beasts - Though this book chronicles events that take place in -, before Hitler's rise to total domination is complete, there is a lesson for today's America. I found the descriptions of the various factions of the Nazi regime, and what they stood for, to be eerily similar to what we're witnessing taking shape among the right-wing evangelical Christians who are trying to assume political control of all facets of American life. (As a point of reference see, for example, Rick Santorum.) By reading this book, there's a lesson to be learned about those who wish to control without respect for the rights of others. What the Dodds witnessed was not only the beginning of the oppression of Europe's Jews, but the oppression of anyone whose views were not the same as those of this evil and maniacal government. There was no respect for differences of opinion. There was no respect for those who simply wished to live their lives without threat or fear. The rise of Hitler's Germany, in so many respects, seems to be the blueprint that the ultra-right in today's America is following in its quest for the White House. All should read this book and be warned that it could happen here.
2012-01-21

13. A Great Read - Once again Erik Larson writes a compelling book that is a real page turner. I couldn't put the book down because it is a refreshing story in the early days of Nazi Germany. While I wished to have more details the book itself was very good. Popular history is something I rarely read any more because they always seem to be dumbed down for the masses. This is not the case here as in previous books by this author. I look forward to see what he has next in the pipeline. If you want something new And refreshing to read might I suggest picking this book up.
2012-01-13

14. Riveting - This is a riveting detail of Germany in the s as viewed by the Americans there. At times I felt I was watching a horror movie, with that urge to yell to the characters, "Get out! get out!" It was terrifying to realize how few people could see and understand the evil threat posed by Hitler. Even better and more compelling than Larson's "Devil and the White City."
2012-01-02

15. In the Garden of Beasts - An absolutely fantastic book which will teleport you in time to the 's and pre World War II America and Germany! It gives great insight into the politics of Roosevelt and of the barbaric mentally unstable Adolfo Hitler. Set during the great depression in America it reveals the sights, sounds and the fear which grew into a new normal in Germany. The Ambassador to Germany Dodd, while prejudiced and I suspect not pro jewish himself still was able to foresee and speak out against the coming holocaust of jews in Germany which was downplayed by public opinion and later caused Dodd's own isolation. He was then opened to ridicule rather than being taken serious by the status seeking bean counters in our State Department who had finally gotten him fired by Roosevelt. It's a sad and scary tale of events which really occurred during this time period. An excellent book!!!!
2011-12-30

16. Larson's best? - If you read Larson's works like The Devil in the White City and Thunderstruck, you know this isn't his best piece. I enjoyed Martha Dodd and Ambassador Dodd but both "characters" were flat and I never really cared about either. During several areas of the book, I felt as if I was reading a listing of daily activities with no details other than describing the day's weather. However, I was curious and enjoyed reading about Martha and her Russian lover. And, I did appreciate Larson's ability to hide the twist in their relationship- that I liked! If you like Larson, you have to read this book. It's good, just not his best.
2011-12-12

17. Not his best - This book is informative if you care for this particular point in history. The characters are not as appealing as in his other works. It gets slow at points, but I still found myself interested in what was to become of most of the characters in the end. The book does a good job describing what life must have been like for those involved at the birth of the third reich. It also paints a vivid portrait of America's view of Nazi germany in the early to mid thirties.
2011-12-02

18. In the Garden of Beasts - This book is excellent - it is excellently researched, thrilling, chilling, and exquisitively enlightening - however, the ending is underwritten, and thus frustrating. I felt the same about Thunderstruck, but not Devil in the White City (one of my favorite books of all time). Definitely worth the read!
2011-09-26

19. Fascinating, Disturbing & Downright Shocking! - I downloaded the free sample of this book on a whim, and I'm glad I did. It's very well written, with a smooth, engaging style that transports you back to Germany during the rise of Hitler. Told from the perspective of Americans stationed there- the new Ambassador and his family- the author captures the uncertainty and unrest that followed the disastrous economic policies of the Weimar Republic. As the story heats up, their concerns grow to fear and downright alarm. It's hard to imagine now, but American tourists were beaten in the streets because they failed to return a Nazi salute. This is a captivating story and well worth reading.
2011-09-01

20. In the Garden of Beasts - I thought The Nazi era had examined from every angle. This book was a surprisingly fresh and personally intimate look at their reign of terror. Written from the perspective of the US ambassador and his daughter in the s it makes for compelling reading. Well worth a look from those interested in this remarkable period of history.
2011-08-28

21. In the garden of the beasts - Denial, appeasement, and compromise are as ineffective against tyrants and bullies as they are against cancer. That is brought to the fore as the theme of this - diary of the early days of nazi Germany. The book brings the reader, as a fly on the wall, into the bedrooms, embassy back rooms, and dinner parties of the principals, mainly through the eyes of the American ambassador, William Dodd and his daughter, Martha. The theme is timeless; the story is fascinating and well told; ttthe text is fast moving.
2011-08-01

22. Cautionary tale for our time - Usually, I read action adventure and thrillers, but this historically set narrative carries all the inducement of my favorite reads. How startling to me when what the book described found parallels in today's goings on. The saying goes that history repeats itself, unless the players make themselves informed.
2011-07-03

23. Inside their pants & minds - I really appreciated how the book was both objectively factual and emotionally revealing. It really showed the deep personal struggles, denial, and strange brew of contradictory ideologies that were polarizing people on the international stage. The access Martha Dodd unwittingly gained thru her indiscriminate romancing also reveals the internal deceits, paranoia and calculated savagery of the Reich's inner circle.
2011-06-11

Release date: 2023-03-07 Genre:History $14.99

Release date: 2015-08-04 $11.99

Release date: 2011-10-23 $14.99

Release date: 2017-11-07 $13.99

Release date: 2022-02-22 $7.99

Release date: 1979-11-12 $4.99

Release date: 2012-10-16 $3.99

Comments

1. Fascinating story of organized crime - From the Mesolithic peoples to the Romans and Celts and Danes, to Alfred up through the first of the Tudors, this entertaining and brisk history does a great job of explaining how thugs, crime lords and Mafiosa ran England through one reign of lawless violence after another. It’s a credit to the writing and amazing details that the book never gets repetitive, because the history of English medieval monarchs is one long receptive cycle of sociopaths duking it out for what was usually a short and toxic reign. I learned two things: England NEVER had a single decent monarch in this period, not once, not even Alfred. I haven’t started Part , but I’m pretty sure Henry VIII doesn’t break the pattern. It’s not a huge surprise to hear that chivalry was a myth and joke, but it was surprising to realize that every single monarch (even Shakespeare’s favorite, Henry V) was a venal, paranoid, murderous tyrant. Secondly, I hope anyone who believes democracy is for snowflakes understands that the alternative is horrifying no matter what side you’re on, because a lot of these egopathic greedy self-obsessed psychos reminded me of some recent politicians who are more than willing to turn on each other as it suits them. Strong man rule means chaos and death for a nation. History repeated itself over and over again in the illiteracy of the English medieval ages; we have no excuse for it now. Highly recommend!
2021-11-22

Release date: 2019-11-03 $5.99

Release date: 2017-07-18 Genre:History $9.99

Comments

1. Endurance: Shackleton's Extraordinary Voyage - This story was amazing! Stories like this are life's encouragement builders. Along with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, family and friends. This book will help me sail through the many challenges of life. A great read that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
2018-08-26

2. Endurance: Shackleton's Extraordinary Voyage - Terrific true story , however a little slow once the crew is no longer able to sail the Enduance. Enjoyed the extreme survival spirit of the ship's crew but it needed to move a little faster! I felt the ending needed to be up played more as that was the real triumph of the story.
2017-07-25

3. Blow by Blow - I like historical non-fiction that provides a bit of insight, context and depth. While an excellent account of Shackleton's expedition, Endurance is sadly lacking in those areas. Too bad, as Bryce is an excellent chronicler and descriptive writer. A quick and bare bones account of an extraordinary undertaking.
2017-07-20

Release date: 2014-10-14 $14.99

Comments

1. Wars of the Roses/Cousins Wars - A good look at a tumultuous, bloody, dramatic period of English history. The book is mostly chronological, but within each chronological section, the chapters bounce around a bit making it complicated to follow along at times. Never mentioned the original name of this period or the history behind why it became known as the Wars of the Roses.
2019-04-26

2. Very Good - I'm an American so my British history is a little vague. My bloodline comes from Yorkshire. It is interesting to know what my ancestors experienced at this point in history and I'm amazed at what people will do to gain power. I think there were a lot of reasons for all this bloodshed. I believe you can start with the weak rule of Henry VI. I will learn more by reading Jones book on the Plantagenets. Also need to read more on Richard III. Very nicely done. Even an ignorant American can learn details of British medieval history. Jones, keep moving along through time, I'll get up to scratch on British history eventually.
2015-04-19

Release date: 2022-02-22 $4.99

Release date: 2018-02-06 Genre:History $14.99

Release date: 2015-03-24 $9.99

Release date: 2021-01-18 $11.99

Release date: 2015-10-16 Genre:History $12.99

Comments

1. An inescapable truth - I recently watched the HBOMax mini series “Chernobyl” and hesitated to read this book fearing I’d be bored - NOT AT ALL! The stories in this book were far more gripping and soul shattering than any portrayal could ever do justice. Strap in for a seriously macabre journey that will leave you with more questions than you started with.
2021-07-02

Release date: 2016-08-10 Genre:History $2.99

Release date: 2020-09-22 Genre:History $3.99

Release date: 2020-04-28 Genre:History $3.99

Release date: 2023-03-09 $12.99

Release date: 2023-02-21 Genre:History $15.99

Release date: 2011-09-26 $12.99

Comments

1. Something missing - Overall I enjoyed the book it was a good read. The author was eloquent in his style and the book flowed well. The subject itself was intriguing and from the beginning it set high expectation to what was to come. I was somewhat disappointed how the story unravelled. There was no climax as such and the story slowly started to lose steam at the very end. I was also surprised that there was no reference to the Islamic scholars of the period. There was a brief mention of ibn Rushd but it didn't serve these scholars there right. For the Islamic scholars of this age were instrumental in preserving the rich culture of the pre dark age west. I
2013-03-03

2. Time to learn French - I bought this book in the hopes of listening to it with the voice function turned on. For some reason the voice speaks in French, all of the titles and navigation are in the usual English but the text on each page is spoken in a strong French accent. I like to listen to books while I work because I have so little time, now instead of enjoying the book this week I will read little bits here and there for a month or two when I get a minute. I don't feel like I got what I was promised. Please do something about this.
2012-01-08

3. Absolutely stunning - Imagining how the world could have been if only Lucretius wasn't lost and, instead of reviled, followed as the visionary he clearly was, is tantalizing and inspirational. I read it cherishing each word and part of the story. When I got to the end I went right back to the first page and read it all again. Any person who has any interest in anything should know this story.
2011-11-18

Release date: 2012-01-24 $4.99

Comments

1. Worthwhile - A captivating and well written saga on the ascendancy and decline of the Venetian Republic. My only gripe is that it ends rather abruptly, seemingly rushed. The iPad version's maps are all but illegible as well. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this read; highly recommended if you have any interest in medieval Europe or the history of Venice at large.
2012-08-29

Release date: 2015-04-23 Genre:History $8.99

Release date: 2016-11-08 Genre:History $13.99

Release date: 2022-08-02 $19.99

Release date: 2019-10-01 $9.99

Comments

1. Ummm… what? - For years Christian’s and Muslims had lived together? Ummm… Islam was began in AD. Not AD, geniuses. So that would be around years. Not , years. And it says the Christians “began” the period of war with the first crusade? Umm…. So I guess the Islamic conquest of Jerusalem, Palestine, Asian Minor, North Africa, and Spain and souther France…. That doesn’t count? That’s all considered “peace”? But the response of the crusades is what “started” the period of war? How do you just knowingly Lie about things like this? So annoying. And how can you make such a bizarre mathematical/chronological error?
2022-10-02

Release date: 2020-10-27 Genre:History $11.99

Release date: 2021-08-26 $2.99

Release date: 2021-03-14 $6.99

Release date: 2020-10-01 $2.99

Release date: 2020-11-03 $9.99

Comments

1. History, Scotland, and Mild to Moderate Insanity - Even though I’m not an Outlander fan, this book was hilarious. I couldn’t stop laughing at the banter between Sam and Graham, and the hijinx they managed to get up to. Next time I’m having a bad day, I’m just going to read a chapter of this and things will certainly be brighter. If you’re into history, Scotland, or mild to moderate insanity, this book is for you!!!
2020-11-16

2. Surprisingly funny and sweet - I had no idea Graham McTavish could be so funny and laugh so much at himself. I expected the hijinks from Sam, but, perhaps not the tenderness. This is a lovely recounting of two men who actually love one another on a journey of unscripted comedic proportions. I highly recommend it!
2020-11-13

Release date: 2019-04-09 Genre:History $14.99

Release date: 2021-07-20 $11.99

Comments

1. If you want to know a major pivot point in history, this is THE book - As always, Patrick paints a wonderfully clear picture of the time, places, and people which makes history real. How he lines up the view points to make his point on why this period of history was the verge that set the human race on our current path. I loved it!!! Looking forward to a pre-history book next!!
2021-09-24

Release date: 2014-04-05 $0.99

Release date: 2002-05-13 Genre:History $9.99

Comments

1. Fall of Berlin - Although not of great consequence, tattoos in arm pits of SS were not universal. One prime example of significance was the episode involving Polish troops being rather heavy handed with the NAZIs they were guarding at the Nuremberg trials. Americans replaced them with Latvians. Poles complained that these were all SS and asked Americans to examine their arms for the tattoos. No tattoos were found. My uncle was one of the Latvians and confirmed that they had been SS but for some reason never were tattooed.
2021-07-23