Favourite History book

[Sean Clark]

I have a book case with my book collection proudly sitting in our dining room. It holds my favourite books with the rest which didn't make the cut, but cherished none the less sitting unloved in boxes in our loft following a recent house move.

I cant claim to have read every book cover to cover, but each one is important to me. The majority are American Civil War themed with WW1 a close second (perhaps AWI comes a close third). There is then one or two on most other periods from Ancients, through WSS, Napoleonics, Sudan, WW2 and Vietnam. No Seven Years War yet.

To  choose a favourite would be like choosing which of the first three Star Wars films is the best (impossible right?).

But, if pushed, which then turned to shoving, I would have to choose Shelby Footes 'Civil War, a narrative'. Ok there are three in the series, but if stranded on some desert island, with one book to read for all eternity, I would take volume 1.

His style is journalisitc with an eye for detail. Character oozes from the page and his battle descriptions beat Bruce Caton in my eyes. And having watched Ken Burns 'Civil War' in which Foote featured heavily, I hear his southern tones when reading.

Thats mine, whats yours

Sean

[Maenoferren]

Peter Conolloly books

[Luddite]

This Sceptred Isle.

Indespensible and engaging chronology of the history of Britain.

Every shelf should have one.

[Sean Clark]

I shall get one

[goat major]

One of my favourites is The Sharp End by John Ellis. One of the best books written about the experiences of fighting men in WW2 (mostly concentrating on the Western Allies)

[Ben Waterhouse]

“His Majesty’s Britannic Army in Germany during the Seven Years War” by Sir Reginald Savory.

I have waited 30 years to get my copy...

[Stuart]

Harald Hardrada - The Warrior's Way by John Marsden.
Excellent biography of an amazing man who is not just the viking leader killed at Stamford Bridge.