Thanks for contributing Joel! I hope it will inspire readers to pick up some tangible books and I will certainly keep my eyes open for some of these volumes in my used bookstore visits.
Re the ebook vs physical book in libraries point - I also worry that ebooks will be edited/amended/not available due to deemed 'objectional content'. This already happens with films on streaming or digital libraries. I've had a few weird moments lately where the DVD version and the streaming version are different, with scenes cut from major motion pictures on the streaming version.
Good point. I have started collecting some classic DVDs as well (most recently a Hitckcock collection, Master and Commander, and The Shawshank Redemption). Thanks for your contributions!
I have much appreciation for this piece. Thank you.
“The problem isn’t just that there’s so much knowledge out there, but that our motivation is driven by the pursuit of personal satisfaction rather than the pursuit of truth.”
The quote above reminds me as a writer of what I am up against… and presses my creativity muscle to explore how my work might be “yes, and”… honoring truth as I see it as well as providing accessibility to those looking to be entertained.
Also… I had no idea that digital library books are subject to re-writing. Fascinating!
A couple of months ago I made a conscious decision to discontinue producing digital versions of my books. 🤔 The idea came because I've started illustrating my prose and I feel a book with illustrations (especially color) is a work of art that should be held in the hands. Now I have another thought supporting my decision.
I especially like the MSG analogy here; it made me think of salt in cooking and how salt enhances all other flavors; perhaps salt is like truth in that it enhances our ability to understand everything? Not sure exactly how the metaphor would work but I feel like it’s there somewhere…
In the past year I've been found two authors, one a scientist, one a historian, that together give a coherent, and compelling perspective on the de-spiritualization of the West.
Wolfgang Smith. (the scientist) - I recommend Cosmos and Transcendence: Breaking Through the Barrier of Scientistic Belief. It includes a 'history of science' of the last 400 years, along with his scientific and metaphysical critique (from a traditionalist Catholic, metaphysical as well as scientific persepctice).
Carlos Erie (The historian) - He has a massive tome (800 pages or so) titled Reformations: The Early Modern World, 1450 - 1650. It gives an excellent overview, loaded with specific historical examples of the major shifts in consciousness and the understanding of the relationship of the material and spiritual worlds in this era of Western European History. His shorter book on a more radical topic, They Flew: A History of the Impossible, covers roughly the same time period, but focuses on accounts (of which there are many) of levitation and bilocation occurring alongside the dawning of the materialist worldview, and how it is that these phenomena and the worldview that would come to deem them impossible coexisted in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Together, these books have helped a great deal with my 'unlearning' much of the materialist view of history (and science) that I received in my public school education.
Many wonderful recommendations here! Thanks, Ruth & Peco.
Regarding the encyclopedia, we got ours at a library book sale when our eldest was just a baby. The kids use it all the time and I am constantly hunting down volumes that someone has taken to a bedroom to just read. I highly recommend trying to get one somehow.
Thanks Dixie! Feel free to add some suggestions for the high school/younger reader section if you can think of any. Also, sneaking books is better than sneaking cookies :)
Although, one time I made the mistake of trying to eat cookies while reading Hilary Mantel's historical novel Wolf Hall...big mistake. Very violent!
I do like the Catholic Textbook Project's narrative textbooks for those who are looking for a Catholic perspective for their young people. And I also do recommend the Oxford series for United States history, which you already have in your list, for adult or advanced high school reading! You'd get a very broad and deep introduction to the political and intellectual history of the nation by systematically reading these books, which are by outstanding historians. A readable single-volume option is Wilfrid McClay's "Land of Hope," which also comes in a version for young people.
I would also encourage people who like history to read widely among monographs by historians. Lots and lots of these books are highly readable, intriguing, and fascinating. I realize that I'm a weirdo (and a professional historian) but some of these are so good that I reread them for pleasure: Vickers, "Young Men and the Sea;" Mintz, "Huck's Raft;" Fenn, "Pox Americana;" McGreevy, "Catholicism and American Freedom;" I could go on and on. Brad Gregory's books, at least one of which is mentioned in your post, are like this. Which one just depends on your particular interests (try Jon Coleman on nature/the American West, or Daniel K. Williams on Evangelicals & politics).
Thanks for adding these recommendations Dixie! Once I catch my breath after compiling this piece, I will sift through the new suggestions and add them in :)
I got an entire set for free from an interior designer who had used them to style bookshelves. (Don't get me started on the concept of buying books by the yard to fill your bookshelves.)
A lesser-known but excellent set of American history books for middle school and up is the Drama of American History series by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier. The set is arranged chronologically and topically and goes into much more depth than is typical for this age level—it is helpful for adults, too. There are 23 volumes in total and they can be found individually on used book sites (as library discards).
Wow! What a list. History isn’t my area and I have some huge gaps in my understanding that I’d like to fill, but I would say that reading primary texts for other reasons (in my case, theology) has led to a general sense of “what was going on in the world at that time” even if names and dates are a bit fuzzy! I share this because I think it may be useful to parents or educators who have kids that aren’t keen on history. Find out what they are curious about and then let the history build up around it!
That's an excellent suggestion Kerri! I am currently doing this with my youngest who has a keen interest in airplanes, which leads natrually into the study of how, when, and why the specific models were used. Personally I found myself steeped in Victorian Era history because of my love for Dickens, althought I would never have otherwise sought out that particular corner of study.
A society existing with faux history sounds like a 1984-esque dystopian nightmare. The dangers of our future were in this article very eloquently explained. Thank you!
This isn’t a history book per se but I loved The Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan. It is subtitled ‘A New History of the World’ and so may scare away people valuing history.However, it is an economic history from the perspective of the East rather than the West and brings so so much history, economics, and politics into the conversation. A very multi-disciplinary kind of book. Reading it clarifies much of our current day struggles in the Middle East. Very enlightening and very very thick! Not for the faint of heart.
Excellent post! And amazing recommendations. My wife and I have been practicing a form of booklegging since we first got married. For recommendations - I would include A Short History of the Arab Peoples by Sir John Glubb as well as his excellent history of Haroon al Rasheed.
Ruth and Peco, you have perfectly articulated this moment in our history. Thank you for the food metaphors -- they really capture the essence of what we are "consuming" as a culture, and how it is "prepared" for us.
I'm struggling with what you've provided in the way of resources (a monumental task, and much-needed as the digital beast swallows everything whole and regurgitates its own platters of "truth"), as it relates to the concept of information gatekeeping. A prime example is the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, which early church fathers specifically excluded (among other gospels) from the Bible in order to shape the Christian faith in a certain way. They were successful for thousands of years, until her gospel -- saved by a few renegade monks -- was unearthed.
If we depend on the transmission of history to tell us the truth, aren't we essentially playing a very long game of "operator," with -- in general, not always -- the most powerful starting the calls?
I ask, not to diminish this excellent essay or your work to preserve knowledge. I'm really just curious what you think, and what others think as well. Best.
“If we depend on the transmission of history to tell us the truth, aren't we essentially playing a very long game of "operator," with -- in general, not always -- the most powerful starting the calls?”
Thanks, Mary. In the case of religious history, an element of faith, I think, always comes into play as to whether a given religious document is seen as history, partly history, or mostly symbolic, etc. The “most powerful” long ago concluded that the Mary Magdelene writings (and other gnostic gospels) weren’t history, while today’s “most powerful” conclude the Bible itself lacks historicity; and on and on it will go. I have my own personal views but those are deeply subjective. I don’t have any objective way of guiding people in this, except to say that if we’re open enough to the possibility that God is real, then we set the question before God with ceaseless humility, and the patience of a lifetime.
I doubt that answers your question, but I’m trying to work within my pay grade. :)
I am a retired AP History teacher and administrator and am grateful for your post regarding this wonderful list. Thank you for the time it took to write this. All the best, Richard
A good beginning is Roberts' "History Of The World." From there, one branches out into discovered subject matter that piques the interest.
The true autodidact is voracious and intellectually, somewhat promiscuous, but the majority will benefit from a bit of inculcation and Roberts does that very well indeed...
What an incredible reading list! If someone is looking to build a great history library for themselves, this is a fantastic place to start.
Thanks for contributing Joel! I hope it will inspire readers to pick up some tangible books and I will certainly keep my eyes open for some of these volumes in my used bookstore visits.
Re the ebook vs physical book in libraries point - I also worry that ebooks will be edited/amended/not available due to deemed 'objectional content'. This already happens with films on streaming or digital libraries. I've had a few weird moments lately where the DVD version and the streaming version are different, with scenes cut from major motion pictures on the streaming version.
Good point. I have started collecting some classic DVDs as well (most recently a Hitckcock collection, Master and Commander, and The Shawshank Redemption). Thanks for your contributions!
I have much appreciation for this piece. Thank you.
“The problem isn’t just that there’s so much knowledge out there, but that our motivation is driven by the pursuit of personal satisfaction rather than the pursuit of truth.”
The quote above reminds me as a writer of what I am up against… and presses my creativity muscle to explore how my work might be “yes, and”… honoring truth as I see it as well as providing accessibility to those looking to be entertained.
Also… I had no idea that digital library books are subject to re-writing. Fascinating!
Thanks for your kind words. Yes, digital books may seem convenient but they are not static.
A couple of months ago I made a conscious decision to discontinue producing digital versions of my books. 🤔 The idea came because I've started illustrating my prose and I feel a book with illustrations (especially color) is a work of art that should be held in the hands. Now I have another thought supporting my decision.
Commendable decision!
I especially like the MSG analogy here; it made me think of salt in cooking and how salt enhances all other flavors; perhaps salt is like truth in that it enhances our ability to understand everything? Not sure exactly how the metaphor would work but I feel like it’s there somewhere…
An excellent metaphor . . . After all, Jesus said we are to be the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13), preserving his truth.
In the past year I've been found two authors, one a scientist, one a historian, that together give a coherent, and compelling perspective on the de-spiritualization of the West.
Wolfgang Smith. (the scientist) - I recommend Cosmos and Transcendence: Breaking Through the Barrier of Scientistic Belief. It includes a 'history of science' of the last 400 years, along with his scientific and metaphysical critique (from a traditionalist Catholic, metaphysical as well as scientific persepctice).
Carlos Erie (The historian) - He has a massive tome (800 pages or so) titled Reformations: The Early Modern World, 1450 - 1650. It gives an excellent overview, loaded with specific historical examples of the major shifts in consciousness and the understanding of the relationship of the material and spiritual worlds in this era of Western European History. His shorter book on a more radical topic, They Flew: A History of the Impossible, covers roughly the same time period, but focuses on accounts (of which there are many) of levitation and bilocation occurring alongside the dawning of the materialist worldview, and how it is that these phenomena and the worldview that would come to deem them impossible coexisted in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Together, these books have helped a great deal with my 'unlearning' much of the materialist view of history (and science) that I received in my public school education.
Thanks for your recommendations Mark! Will be sure to take a look at these and add them to the list.
Many wonderful recommendations here! Thanks, Ruth & Peco.
Regarding the encyclopedia, we got ours at a library book sale when our eldest was just a baby. The kids use it all the time and I am constantly hunting down volumes that someone has taken to a bedroom to just read. I highly recommend trying to get one somehow.
Thanks Dixie! Feel free to add some suggestions for the high school/younger reader section if you can think of any. Also, sneaking books is better than sneaking cookies :)
Why not sneak both?? Ha! My kids do!
Although, one time I made the mistake of trying to eat cookies while reading Hilary Mantel's historical novel Wolf Hall...big mistake. Very violent!
I do like the Catholic Textbook Project's narrative textbooks for those who are looking for a Catholic perspective for their young people. And I also do recommend the Oxford series for United States history, which you already have in your list, for adult or advanced high school reading! You'd get a very broad and deep introduction to the political and intellectual history of the nation by systematically reading these books, which are by outstanding historians. A readable single-volume option is Wilfrid McClay's "Land of Hope," which also comes in a version for young people.
I would also encourage people who like history to read widely among monographs by historians. Lots and lots of these books are highly readable, intriguing, and fascinating. I realize that I'm a weirdo (and a professional historian) but some of these are so good that I reread them for pleasure: Vickers, "Young Men and the Sea;" Mintz, "Huck's Raft;" Fenn, "Pox Americana;" McGreevy, "Catholicism and American Freedom;" I could go on and on. Brad Gregory's books, at least one of which is mentioned in your post, are like this. Which one just depends on your particular interests (try Jon Coleman on nature/the American West, or Daniel K. Williams on Evangelicals & politics).
And of course, I am an enormous fan of historical fiction as a jumping-off point for children in terms of history. Thoughts and recommendations here: https://hearthandfield.com/when-teaching-children-history-embrace-imagination/#:~:text=The%20facts%20will%20be%20of,the%20importance%20of%20the%20past.
Thanks for adding these recommendations Dixie! Once I catch my breath after compiling this piece, I will sift through the new suggestions and add them in :)
It's funny, I tried not to answer your original post on Notes because I knew I'd overdo it -- and alas, now I have overdone it anyways. Oh, well!
No such thing as overdoing when one is asked to contribute:) Always happy to hear your suggestions!
I got an entire set for free from an interior designer who had used them to style bookshelves. (Don't get me started on the concept of buying books by the yard to fill your bookshelves.)
🤯
A lesser-known but excellent set of American history books for middle school and up is the Drama of American History series by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier. The set is arranged chronologically and topically and goes into much more depth than is typical for this age level—it is helpful for adults, too. There are 23 volumes in total and they can be found individually on used book sites (as library discards).
Thanks for your recommendation Megan!
There is also, it is rumored, of older movies being digitally edited to show geoengineering trails.
I would include in your list Will and Ariel Durant's multi-volume Story of Civilization.
Yes, I actually had this on my personal list and just added it :)
Definitely.
Wow! What a list. History isn’t my area and I have some huge gaps in my understanding that I’d like to fill, but I would say that reading primary texts for other reasons (in my case, theology) has led to a general sense of “what was going on in the world at that time” even if names and dates are a bit fuzzy! I share this because I think it may be useful to parents or educators who have kids that aren’t keen on history. Find out what they are curious about and then let the history build up around it!
That's an excellent suggestion Kerri! I am currently doing this with my youngest who has a keen interest in airplanes, which leads natrually into the study of how, when, and why the specific models were used. Personally I found myself steeped in Victorian Era history because of my love for Dickens, althought I would never have otherwise sought out that particular corner of study.
A society existing with faux history sounds like a 1984-esque dystopian nightmare. The dangers of our future were in this article very eloquently explained. Thank you!
This is a great reading list, I have enjoyed many of these volumes myself. Here is an index of schools and other institutions promoting great books:
https://swiftenterprises.substack.com/p/invisible-academies
This is the first article in a series discussing the formation of independent institutions.
This isn’t a history book per se but I loved The Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan. It is subtitled ‘A New History of the World’ and so may scare away people valuing history.However, it is an economic history from the perspective of the East rather than the West and brings so so much history, economics, and politics into the conversation. A very multi-disciplinary kind of book. Reading it clarifies much of our current day struggles in the Middle East. Very enlightening and very very thick! Not for the faint of heart.
Excellent post! And amazing recommendations. My wife and I have been practicing a form of booklegging since we first got married. For recommendations - I would include A Short History of the Arab Peoples by Sir John Glubb as well as his excellent history of Haroon al Rasheed.
Ruth and Peco, you have perfectly articulated this moment in our history. Thank you for the food metaphors -- they really capture the essence of what we are "consuming" as a culture, and how it is "prepared" for us.
I'm struggling with what you've provided in the way of resources (a monumental task, and much-needed as the digital beast swallows everything whole and regurgitates its own platters of "truth"), as it relates to the concept of information gatekeeping. A prime example is the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, which early church fathers specifically excluded (among other gospels) from the Bible in order to shape the Christian faith in a certain way. They were successful for thousands of years, until her gospel -- saved by a few renegade monks -- was unearthed.
If we depend on the transmission of history to tell us the truth, aren't we essentially playing a very long game of "operator," with -- in general, not always -- the most powerful starting the calls?
I ask, not to diminish this excellent essay or your work to preserve knowledge. I'm really just curious what you think, and what others think as well. Best.
“If we depend on the transmission of history to tell us the truth, aren't we essentially playing a very long game of "operator," with -- in general, not always -- the most powerful starting the calls?”
Thanks, Mary. In the case of religious history, an element of faith, I think, always comes into play as to whether a given religious document is seen as history, partly history, or mostly symbolic, etc. The “most powerful” long ago concluded that the Mary Magdelene writings (and other gnostic gospels) weren’t history, while today’s “most powerful” conclude the Bible itself lacks historicity; and on and on it will go. I have my own personal views but those are deeply subjective. I don’t have any objective way of guiding people in this, except to say that if we’re open enough to the possibility that God is real, then we set the question before God with ceaseless humility, and the patience of a lifetime.
I doubt that answers your question, but I’m trying to work within my pay grade. :)
I am a retired AP History teacher and administrator and am grateful for your post regarding this wonderful list. Thank you for the time it took to write this. All the best, Richard
A good beginning is Roberts' "History Of The World." From there, one branches out into discovered subject matter that piques the interest.
The true autodidact is voracious and intellectually, somewhat promiscuous, but the majority will benefit from a bit of inculcation and Roberts does that very well indeed...