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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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My East End: Memories of Life in Cockney London
Gilda O'Neill | Penguin Uk

My East End: Memories of Life in Cockney London

from $9.90

Goodreads rating: 3.87

from $9.90

64% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

"My East End" is like a time machine to a lively, tight-knit community that many people have only glimpsed in movies or heard about in songs. Gilda O’Neill doesn’t just recount facts; she shares living memories that make you feel like you’re wandering through East London, hearing stories from old friends. If you're fascinated by the rich tapestry of urban life and appreciate the value of storytelling, this book is a portal to another world – one of warmth, resilience, and the unmistakable charm of the Cockney spirit.
The Marcos Dynasty - Thryft
Sterling Seagrave | Harpercollins

The Marcos Dynasty

$8.90 from $4.90 51% off

Goodreads rating: 3.93

$8.90 from $4.90 51% off

83% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

"The Marcos Dynasty" is an extraordinary window into the complex world of political power plays, where personal ambition and state governance merge uncomfortably. If you're intrigued by real stories of corruption, entwined with global politics and clandestine affairs, this investigative account of the Marcos era will captivate you with its detailed exploration of how personal, criminal, and political dimensions can intertwine at the highest levels of power.
One Minute to Midnight: Kennedy, Khrushchev, and Castro on the Brink of Nuclear War - Thryft
Michael Dobbs | Vintage

One Minute to Midnight: Kennedy, Khrushchev, and Castro on the Brink of Nuclear War

$10.86 from $4.90 56% off

Goodreads rating: 4.24

$10.86 from $4.90 56% off

85% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

If you're fascinated by the Cold War, "One Minute to Midnight" offers an absorbing, detailed account of the Cuban Missile Crisis, a pivotal moment in history. Michael Dobbs takes you into the nerve-wracking tension with a narrative that's as gripping as it is meticulously researched. Reading it is like experiencing a masterclass in international diplomacy and military brinkmanship.
Better to Have Gone: Love, Death, and the Quest for Utopia - Thryft

Better to Have Gone: Love, Death, and the Quest for Utopia

$9.90 from $3.90 67% off

$9.90 from $3.90 67% off

85% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

"Better to Have Gone" could be a meaningful exploration for you if you're intrigued by the intersection of human idealism and its consequences. Akash Kapur presents a deeply personal narrative that doesn't just recount the formation and struggles of a utopian society but examines the poignant and deeply human tales intertwined with it. It provides a narrative that is as much an ode to human aspiration as it is a cautionary tale of extreme idealism, all woven into the fabric of real, lived history.
Eggs: Delicious Recipes for All Occasions - Thryft
Alex Barker | Apple Press

Eggs: Delicious Recipes for All Occasions

$9.90 from $3.90 64% off

Goodreads rating: 3.0

$9.90 from $3.90 64% off

In stock: Very Good

If you adore eggs, this book is like finding a treasure chest of cooking inspiration. It's not just recipes; it's a journey across the versatile world of eggs, touching on history and the sheer range of dishes they can create. It's practical, too, which means you won't be left with just tantalizing photos but with the know-how to make those dishes yourself. Whether you're planning a fancy brunch or need to spice up your lunch, this book could become your go-to.
Dead Famous: An Unexpected History of Celebrity from Bronze Age to Silver Screen
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Greg Jenner | Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Dead Famous: An Unexpected History of Celebrity from Bronze Age to Silver Screen

$8.90 from $6.90 22% off

Goodreads rating: 3.8

$8.90 from $6.90 22% off

49% off est. retail

Out of stock

"Dead Famous" offers an unexpected journey, taking you well beyond the present-day glitz of social media influencers back to the intriguing origins of celebrity culture. Greg Jenner masterfully uncovers the earliest stars and their stories, providing an absorbing narrative that's not only about how people became icons but also how their fame shaped society. It's a must-read if you enjoy peeling back the layers of history to understand how past celebrity culture informs our current obsession with fame.
At Home : A Short History of Private Life - Thryft
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Bryson Bill | Black Swan

At Home : A Short History of Private Life

from $7.73

Goodreads rating: 3.98

from $7.73

62% off est. retail

Out of stock

"At Home" provides a delightful and insightful journey through the history of human civilization via the rooms of a single house, revealing the hidden connections between ordinary objects and world-changing events. It is perfect for anyone who is curious about how the things we take for granted today came to be.
About Time : A History of Civilization in Twelve Clocks - Thryft
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David Rooney | Penguin

About Time : A History of Civilization in Twelve Clocks

from $4.70

Goodreads rating: 3.6

from $4.70

63% off est. retail

Out of stock

The measurement of time has always been essential to human civilization, from early Roman sundials to the advent of GPS. But while we have one eye on the time every day, are we aware of the power clocks have given governments, military leaders and business owners, and how they have shaped our lives and our world?In this spectacularly far-reaching book, David Rooney narrates a history of timekeeping and civilization in twelve concise chapters. Over their course, we meet the most epochal inventions in horological history, from medieval water clocks to Renaissance hourglasses, and from stock-exchange timestamps to satellites in Earth's orbit. We discover how clocks have helped people navigate the globe and build empires, but also, on occasion, taken us to the brink of destruction.This is the story of time, and the story of time is the story of us.
The Complete Book of Ghosts : A Fascinating Exploration of the Spirit World from Apparitions to Haunted Places - Thryft
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Paul Roland | Arcturus Publishing

The Complete Book of Ghosts : A Fascinating Exploration of the Spirit World from Apparitions to Haunted Places

from $7.17

Goodreads rating: 3.39

from $7.17

44% off est. retail

Out of stock

This book is no ordinary book of ghost stories. Like others, it offers a rich and spinetingling history of spectral sightings from ancient times through to the present day but unlike other ghost books it does not seek to convince the reader that such entities exist. Instead, the author accepts tha ghosts are a fact: apparitions that are a natural phenomenon, part of this world and part of its natural laws.
The Sleeping Beauties: And Other Stories of Mystery Illness - Thryft
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Suzanne O'Sullivan | Picador

The Sleeping Beauties: And Other Stories of Mystery Illness

$8.68 from $5.90 36% off

Goodreads rating: 3.91

$8.68 from $5.90 36% off

40% off est. retail

Out of stock

"The Sleeping Beauties" isn't just a medical book; it's a deep dive into the human psyche and its responses to cultural and environmental stressors. Dr. O'Sullivan's compassionate exploration of these bewildering illnesses will not only satisfy your curiosity but also challenge how you think about the intersection of health, culture, and the power of the mind. Perfect for anyone fascinated by the enigmas of the human body and the ways our environments shape us.
Salt: A World History
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Mark Kurlansky | Penguin Books

Salt: A World History

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.75

from $8.90

55% off est. retail

Out of stock

Salt is a unique history book that explores how this one ingredient has shaped civilization from the beginning. It's a fascinating read that's full of intriguing details, colorful characters, and surprising facts. Whether you're interested in history, food, or just looking for a great read, Salt is sure to captivate you and leave you with a new appreciation for this essential ingredient.
Ice Cream P/B - Thryft
Sold out
Lyn Severance, Jules Older  | Charlesbridge

Ice Cream P/B

$5.90 from $3.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 3.94

$5.90 from $3.90 34% off

45% off est. retail

Out of stock

The book "Ice Cream" is perfect for anyone who loves the delicious frozen treat and is interested in learning about the history and impact of ice cream on society. The authors provide a witty and enjoyable read for readers of all ages, complete with quizzes to test your knowledge. The most distinctive feature about this book is the unique perspective it provides on how civilization has affected ice cream and vice versa, making it a perfect recommendation for those interested in food and cultural history.
JOURNEYS: TAMILS IN SINGAPORE - Thryft
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Murugaian Nirmala | Straits Times Press

JOURNEYS: TAMILS IN SINGAPORE

from $6.34

Goodreads rating: 0.0

from $6.34

67% off est. retail

Out of stock

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in delving deep into the rich history and heritage of the Tamil community in Singapore. With a perfect blend of historical accounts, personal anecdotes, and captivating descriptions, JOURNEYS: TAMILES IN SINGAPORE takes you on an immersive journey through the arrival, growth, and social and political contributions of the Tamils in Singapore. The inclusion of rare photographs adds a visual delight to the narrative, making it a truly enriching and enlightening read.
The Time Before History - Thryft
Sold out

The Time Before History

$14.90 from $8.90 42% off

$14.90 from $8.90 42% off

59% off est. retail

Out of stock

If you've ever been curious about how humanity and Earth have shaped each other, Colin Tudge's "The Time Before History" will feed your fascination. His meticulous blending of various scientific disciplines offers a cohesive journey through our planet's and species' past, making complex topics accessible. It's like a time machine that enriches your understanding of the present.
Eels: An Exploration, From New Zealand to the Sargasso, of the World's Most Mysterious Fish
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James Prosek | Harper

Eels: An Exploration, From New Zealand to the Sargasso, of the World's Most Mysterious Fish

from $11.90

Goodreads rating: 3.93

from $11.90

60% off est. retail

Out of stock

If you're fascinated by nature's unsolved mysteries, you'll find "Eels" absolutely intriguing. It's an exploration that takes you from the rivers of New Zealand to the wide expanse of the Sargasso Sea, delving into the life of one of the world's most secretive creatures. The narrative weaves science, history, and personal anecdotes into a tapestry as compelling and enigmatic as the eels themselves. This book could be an excellent companion for your next deep dive into natural history.
Fiery Dragons: Banks, Moneylenders and Microfinance in Burma
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Sean Turnell | Nias Press

Fiery Dragons: Banks, Moneylenders and Microfinance in Burma

$33.90 from $26.90 21% off

Goodreads rating: 4.5

$33.90 from $26.90 21% off

44% off est. retail

Out of stock

If you're intrigued by how economics intertwines with history, "Fiery Dragons" is a compelling read. It doesn't just chronicle Burma's financial changes; it serves as a deep dive into the country's transformation from wealth to poverty. Sean Turnell has expertly linked monetary developments with historical events, bringing to light how crucial financial systems are, especially in a context as complex as Burma's. It's a read that'll offer you new perspectives on the importance of financial institutions and their impact on a country's fate.
Great Mysteries of the Past - Thryft
Sold out
Reader's Digest Association | Readers Digest

Great Mysteries of the Past

$6.90 from $4.90 38% off

Goodreads rating: 4.27

$6.90 from $4.90 38% off

84% off est. retail

Out of stock

"Great Mysteries of the Past" is an excellent choice for history buffs interested in diving deeper into some of the most perplexing and highly speculated events in history. Each mystery is explored with detailed analysis and factual information, making it a great resource for those seeking to expand their knowledge on these captivating topics.
The Adventure of English - The Biography of a Language
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Melvyn Bragg | Arcade

The Adventure of English - The Biography of a Language

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.94

from $8.90

61% off est. retail

Out of stock

If you've ever been curious about how English became the complex, far-reaching language it is today, Melvyn Bragg's 'The Adventure of English' is a page-turner you shouldn't miss. It's like watching history unfold through the lens of language, revealing fascinating instances of evolution, survival, and transformation. This book has the potential to deepen your appreciation for every word you speak or write.
The Potato: From the Andes in the Sixteenth Century to Fish and Chips, the Story of How a Vegetable Changed History
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Larry Zuckerman | London : Macmillan

The Potato: From the Andes in the Sixteenth Century to Fish and Chips, the Story of How a Vegetable Changed History

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.61

from $8.90

Out of stock

If you're fascinated by how a single crop can influence the world, "The Potato" will take you on an intriguing journey through time and cuisine. This book combines history with cultural studies, exploring how the humble potato left its mark from the Andes to modern-day fish and chips. It's great for anyone interested in the unexpected impacts of agriculture on global history.

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.