This is Dan from FMHY, and these are the books I recommend reading, and podcasts I recommend also.

I'll preface this book section by saying I AM REALLY INTO HISTORY and this shows.


Books

Ancient History

  • Agrippina: The Most Extraordinary Woman of the Roman World by Emma Southon: A biography of Agrippina the Younger, a prominent figure in the Julio-Claudian dynasty.
  • Alaric the Goth: An Outsider's History of the Fall of Rome by Douglas Boin: A history of Alaric and the Visigoths, and their role in the transformation of the Roman Empire.
  • Caesar: Life of a Colossus by Adrian Goldsworthy: A comprehensive biography of Julius Caesar.
  • Cicero: The Life and Times of Rome's Greatest Politician by Anthony Everitt: A biography of the famed Roman statesman and orator.
  • The Cleopatras: The Three Queens Who Shaped the Roman World by Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones: Explores the lives and influence of several Egyptian queens named Cleopatra, focusing on their impact on the Roman world.
  • The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon: The classic, monumental work detailing the collapse of the Roman Empire.
  • Dynasty: The Rise and Fall of the House of Caesar by Tom Holland: Chronicles the Julio-Claudian emperors, from Augustus to Nero.
  • The Early History of Rome by Livy: The foundational books of Livy's "Ab Urbe Condita," covering Rome's mythical origins and early Republican period.
  • Emperors of Rome by Mary Beard: An exploration of Roman emperors, their power, and their portrayal.
  • The Ghosts of Cannae: Hannibal and the Darkest Hour of the Roman Republic by Robert L. O'Connell: An account of the Battle of Cannae and its impact on Rome.
  • Greek Fire, Poison Arrows, and Scorpion Bombs by Adrienne Mayor: Explores the history of ancient warfare, specifically unconventional weapons.
  • The Horse, the Wheel, and Language: How Bronze-Age Riders from the Eurasian Steppes Shaped the Modern World by David W. Anthony: Investigates the origins of Indo-European languages and cultures through archaeology and linguistics.
  • How Rome Fell: Death of a Superpower by Adrian Goldsworthy: Examines the complex factors contributing to the decline and fall of the Western Roman Empire.
  • In the Name of Rome: The Men Who Won the Roman Empire by Adrian Goldsworthy: Explores the lives and campaigns of Rome's greatest commanders.
  • Messalina by Honor Cargill-Martin: A biography of the Roman Empress Messalina, wife of Claudius.
  • Mortal Republic by Edward J. Watts: Chronicles the collapse of the Roman Republic.
  • Pax Romana: War, Peace and Conquest in the Roman World by Adrian Goldsworthy: An examination of the period of relative peace and stability within the Roman Empire.
  • The Poison King: The Life and Legend of Mithradates, Rome's Deadliest Enemy by Adrienne Mayor: A biography of Mithradates VI of Pontus, a formidable opponent of Rome.
  • Pox Romana by Colin Elliott: Examines the impact of plagues and disease on the Roman Empire.
  • The Rise of Rome: The Making of the World's Greatest Empire by Anthony Everitt: Traces Rome's ascent from a small city-state to a dominant power.
  • A Rome of One's Own by Emma Southon: Focuses on the roles and lives of women in Ancient Rome.
  • Rome and Persia: The Seven Hundred Year Rivalry by Adrian Goldsworthy: Details the long and complex relationship and conflicts between the Roman and Persian empires.
  • SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard: A comprehensive history of Rome from its origins to AD 212.
  • The Storm Before the Storm by Mike Duncan: Details the tumultuous decades leading to the fall of the Roman Republic.
  • Ten Caesars by Barry Strauss: Profiles Roman emperors from Augustus to Constantine.
  • The Twelve Caesars by Suetonius: A classic set of biographies of twelve successive Roman emperors, from Julius Caesar to Domitian.
  • The War That Made the Roman Empire: Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian at Actium by Barry Strauss: Focuses on the pivotal conflict that led to the rise of Augustus and the Roman Empire.

Medieval History

  • The Anglo-Saxons: A History of the Beginnings of England: 400 – 1066 by Marc Morris: A comprehensive history of Anglo-Saxon England from its origins to the Norman Conquest.
  • The Battle of Hastings: The Fall of Anglo-Saxon England by Jim Bradbury: A detailed account of the pivotal battle of 1066 and its consequences.
  • Crusaders by Dan Jones: Focuses on the religious wars of the Crusades.
  • The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry That Forged the Medieval World by Shelley Puhak: Tells the story of two rival Merovingian queens, Brunhilda and Fredegund.
  • A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century by Barbara W. Tuchman: A vivid depiction of life in 14th-century Europe, a period of crisis and upheaval.
  • Femina: A New History of the Middle Ages, Through the Women Written Out of It by Janina Ramirez: Reclaims the stories of influential women from the Middle Ages.
  • The Greatest Knight by Thomas Asbridge: A biography of William Marshal, a prominent English knight in the Middle Ages.
  • Henry V: The Arrow and the Crown by Dan Jones: A biography exploring the life and reign of King Henry V of England.
  • The Inheritance of Rome: Illuminating the Dark Ages, 400-1000 by Chris Wickham: A history of Europe in the early Middle Ages, after the fall of Rome.
  • Powers and Thrones by Dan Jones: A broad history of the Middle Ages.
  • The Verge: Reformation, Renaissance, and Forty Years that Shook the World, 1490-1530 by Patrick Wyman: Examines a pivotal period of transition in European history.
  • A World Lit Only By Fire: The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance - Portrait of an Age by William Manchester: A sweeping portrayal of the transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.

Modern History & Contemporary Issues

  • The Abyss: The Cuban Missile Crisis 1962 by Max Hastings: A detailed account of the tense standoff that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.
  • All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days: The True Story of the American Woman at the Heart of the German Resistance to Hitler by Rebecca Donner: A biography of Mildred Harnack, an American involved in the anti-Nazi resistance in Germany.
  • Blossoms in the Wind: Human Legacies of the Kamikaze by M. G. Sheftall: Explores the stories and motivations of Japanese Kamikaze pilots during World War II.
  • The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777 by Rick Atkinson: The first volume in a trilogy about the American Revolution.
  • Catherine de' Medici: Renaissance Queen of France by Leonie Frieda: A biography of the influential and controversial 16th-century French queen.
  • The Chrysanthemum and the Sword: Patterns of Japanese Culture by Ruth Benedict: A classic anthropological study of Japanese society and culture, influential in understanding post-WWII Japan.
  • Dear Leader: Poet, Spy, Escapee – A Look Inside North Korea by Jang Jin-sung: A North Korean defector's account of his life within the regime's propaganda machine.
  • Destiny Disrupted by Tamim Ansary: Presents a history of the world from an Islamic perspective.
  • Empires of the Sea: The Siege of Malta, the Battle of Lepanto, and the Contest for the Center of the World by Roger Crowley: Chronicles the 16th-century naval struggle between the Ottoman Empire and Christian Europe for control of the Mediterranean.
  • The End is Always Near by Dan Carlin: Explores historical societal collapses and existential threats, connecting them to contemporary concerns.
  • Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001 by Steve Coll: A Pulitzer Prize-winning account of the events leading up to 9/11.
  • Ghosts of the Tsunami: Death and Life in Japan's Disaster Zone by Richard Lloyd Parry: An account of the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, focusing on the human stories.
  • The Great Successor: The Divinely Perfect Destiny of Brilliant Comrade Kim Jong Un by Anna Fifield: A biography of North Korea's current leader, Kim Jong Un.
  • Hero of Two Worlds: The Marquis de Lafayette in the Age of Revolution by Mike Duncan: A biography of Lafayette, focusing on his roles in the American and French Revolutions.
  • Hiroshima by John Hersey: A landmark piece of journalism detailing the experiences of six survivors of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
  • Hitler (2-volume set: Hubris & Nemesis) by Ian Kershaw: A comprehensive and authoritative biography of Adolf Hitler.
  • How The Word Is Passed by Clint Smith: Examines the legacy of slavery in America and how it is remembered.
  • Lenin, Stalin, and Hitler: The Age of Social Catastrophe by Robert Gellately: A comparative study of three of the 20th century's most destructive dictators.
  • The Longest Winter: The Battle of the Bulge and the Epic Story of World War II's Most Decorated Platoon by Alex Kershaw: A gripping account of the Battle of the Bulge focusing on a single, highly decorated American platoon.
  • Napoleon by Andrew Roberts: A comprehensive biography of Napoleon Bonaparte.
  • A New World Begins: The History of the French Revolution by Jeremy D. Popkin: A detailed narrative of the French Revolution.
  • Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick: Provides an account of life in North Korea through the stories of defectors.
  • On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder: A concise guide to recognizing and resisting tyranny, drawing lessons from history.
  • The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York by Robert A. Caro: A monumental biography of Robert Moses and his shaping of New York City, exploring themes of power and urban development.
  • The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore: Tells the true story of women in the 1920s who worked with radium and suffered from its effects, and their fight for justice.
  • The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany by William L. Shirer: A classic, comprehensive account of Nazi Germany based on captured documents and personal observation.
  • Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky: Explores the profound impact of salt on human civilization throughout history.
  • Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe: Investigates a murder during The Troubles in Northern Ireland and its lasting impact.
  • Sea of Glory: America's Voyage of Discovery, the U.S. Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842 by Nathaniel Philbrick: Chronicles the ambitious and challenging American scientific expedition.
  • The Shortest History of Japan by Curtis Anderson: A concise overview of Japan's history from ancient times to the modern era.
  • Vietnam: An Epic Tragedy, 1945-1975 by Max Hastings: A comprehensive and often harrowing account of the Vietnam War.
  • Works by Alison Weir: A prolific author of historical biographies, particularly focusing on English royalty (e.g., The Six Wives of Henry VIII, Eleanor of Aquitaine, The Lady in the Tower), and also a writer of historical fiction (e.g., the Six Tudor Queens series).

Big History & Anthropology

  • Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow by Yuval Noah Harari: Explores the future of humanity, focusing on projects like overcoming death, creating happiness, and achieving divinity.
  • Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari: A sweeping overview of human history, from the Stone Age to the present day.

Crime & True Crime (Non-Fiction)

  • Five Families: The Rise, Decline, and Resurgence of America's Most Powerful Mafia Empires by Selwyn Raab: A definitive history of the New York Mafia's five families.
  • Tokyo Vice: An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan by Jake Adelstein: A memoir detailing an American journalist's experiences covering organized crime in Tokyo.
  • Yakuza: Japan's Criminal Underworld by David E. Kaplan and Alec Dubro: An in-depth investigation into the history, culture, and operations of the Yakuza.

Science & Natural History

  • The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs by Steve Brusatte: Chronicles the history of dinosaurs, their evolution, and extinction.
  • Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker: Explores the science of sleep and its critical importance for health and well-being.

Philosophy & Self-Development

  • Courage Is Calling: Fortune Favors the Brave by Ryan Holiday: Explores the virtue of courage and how to cultivate it in everyday life, drawing on historical examples and Stoic wisdom.
  • The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman: Offers daily Stoic meditations and reflections for practical application.
  • Discipline Is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control by Ryan Holiday: Argues for the critical role of discipline in achieving goals and living a virtuous life, rooted in Stoic principles.
  • Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday: Explores the dangers of ego and how to manage it for greater success and fulfillment.
  • The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday: Draws on Stoic philosophy to provide a framework for turning life's obstacles into advantages.
  • Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday: Argues for the importance of inner peace and stillness in a chaotic world, drawing on Stoic and Buddhist philosophies.

Historical Fiction

  • Essex Dogs (Essex Dogs Trilogy #1) by Dan Jones: The first novel in the Essex Dogs historical fiction trilogy, set during the Hundred Years' War.
  • Wolves of Winter (Essex Dogs Trilogy #2) by Dan Jones: The second novel in the Essex Dogs historical fiction trilogy, set during the Hundred Years' War.
  • Marigold (Essex Dogs Trilogy #3) by Dan Jones: The concluding novel in the Essex Dogs historical fiction trilogy.
  • House of Lilies: The Dynasty That Made Medieval France by Katerina Dunne: Explores the Capetian dynasty and its role in shaping medieval France.

Science Fiction & Fantasy

  • Dungeon Crawler Carl series by Matt Dinniman: An ongoing LitRPG/portal fantasy series known for its dark humor and action.
  • The First Law world books by Joe Abercrombie: Includes The First Law trilogy, standalone novels, and the Age of Madness trilogy, known for grimdark fantasy.
  • Red Rising Saga by Pierce Brown: A science fiction series set on Mars and across the solar system, following Darrow's quest for justice and revolution.
  • The Wheel of Time Omnibus by Robert Jordan (et al.): The early books of the epic fantasy series known for its intricate world-building and magic system.

Hobbies & Reference

  • The World Atlas of Coffee by James Hoffmann: A comprehensive guide to coffee, from bean to cup, covering origins, brewing, and tasting.

Podcasts

Crime

  • Darknet Diaries: Hosted by Jack Rhysider, this podcast features true stories from the dark side of the internet. It delves into tales of hacking, data breaches, cybercrime, and the people involved, offering a fascinating and sometimes unsettling look into the digital underground.
  • Empire City: Award-winning host Chenjerai Kumanyika takes listeners on a journey to uncover the hidden history of the largest police force in the world – from its roots in slavery, to rival police gangs battling across the city, to everyday people who resisted every step of the way.

General Interest

  • The Joe Rogan Experience: A long-form conversation podcast hosted by comedian Joe Rogan. It features a wide array of guests, including scientists, comedians, athletes, authors, and public figures, discussing diverse topics from current events and science to philosophy and comedy.
  • The Louis Theroux Podcast: Renowned documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux engages in in-depth, candid conversations with a variety of fascinating and often controversial figures, bringing his signature curiosity and insightful questioning to the podcast format.
  • The Shawn Ryan Show: Hosted by former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan, this podcast features long-form interviews with individuals who have extraordinary stories, often from military special operations, intelligence agencies, or other high-stakes professions, focusing on their experiences and lessons learned.

Comedy

  • Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet: Hosted by siblings Christine and Alex Schiefer, this podcast features dramatic readings of one-star reviews for various locations and products, finding humor in the often absurd and overly critical comments.
  • Beef and Dairy Network Podcast: A surreal and hilarious mockumentary podcast presented as a trade publication for the beef and dairy industries, created by Benjamin Partridge. It features bizarre news, interviews, and segments from a fictional world obsessed with beef and dairy.
  • Chatabix: Hosted by comedians Joe Wilkinson and David Earl (with Poppy Hillstead), this podcast features often rambling, absurd, and hilarious conversations and listener interactions.
  • Crowley Time! with Tom Crowley: An improvised, character-driven comedy podcast by Tom Crowley, often featuring surreal scenarios and quick-witted humor.
  • Elis James & John Robins: Comedians Elis James and John Robins share humorous anecdotes, observations, and tackle listener correspondence, often delving into themes of shame, social awkwardness, and everyday life with their distinctive Welsh and English comedic styles. (Note: This podcast has had different iterations and availability over time).
  • No Such Thing as a Fish: Presented by the "QI Elves" (the researchers behind the TV show QI), this podcast features the four hosts discussing the most interesting, amusing, and bizarre facts they've discovered that week.
  • Off Menu: Comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster invite a special guest each episode to choose their dream meal – starter, main course, side dish, dessert, and drink – leading to hilarious conversations and culinary fantasies.
  • RHLSTP (Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast): Comedian Richard Herring interviews a different guest, usually another comedian or celebrity, in front of a live audience. Known for its often absurd "emergency questions" and Herring's anarchic interview style.
  • Three Bean Salad: Comedians Mike Wozniak, Benjamin Partridge, and Henry Paker engage in rambling, often absurd, and highly entertaining conversations loosely based on a theme suggested by a listener.
  • Ungeniused: Hosted by Myke Hurley and Stephen Hackett, this podcast humorously explores some of the weirdest and most interesting articles found on Wikipedia.

History

  • Dan Carlin's Hardcore History: Known for its epic scope and Carlin's engaging storytelling, this podcast offers deep, multi-hour dives into dramatic historical events and figures, presented with a unique and powerful narrative style.
  • Empire: Hosted by William Dalrymple and Anita Anand, this podcast explores the stories, personalities, and legacies of empires throughout history, with a particular focus on the British Empire and its impact.
  • The History of Rome: A landmark podcast by Mike Duncan that chronologically details the entire history of the Roman Empire, from its mythical founding to the fall of the West.
  • In Our Time: Hosted by Melvyn Bragg, this BBC podcast features a panel of academic experts discussing a specific topic from history, philosophy, science, religion, or culture in a concise and informative manner.
  • The Rest is History: Historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss a wide range of historical topics with enthusiasm, humor, and academic insight, making history accessible and entertaining.
  • Revolutions: Hosted by Mike Duncan (also known for "The History of Rome"), this podcast provides detailed narrative histories of various political revolutions from around the world, from the English Civil War to the Russian Revolution.
  • We Have Ways of Making You Talk: Historians James Holland and Al Murray discuss all aspects of World War II, often with expert guests, personal anecdotes, and lively debate.

Science

  • Huberman Lab: Neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman discusses neuroscience and how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health. He also provides science-backed tools for everyday life.
  • The Infinite Monkey Cage: Hosted by physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince, this BBC podcast brings together scientists and comedians to discuss scientific topics in an accessible, witty, and often irreverent way.
  • The Joy of Why: From Scientific American, this podcast delves into the biggest questions about our world, our minds, and our universe, with host Dr. Steven Strogatz interviewing leading scientists.
  • Lex Fridman Podcast: Lex Fridman hosts long-form conversations with leading figures in science, technology, artificial intelligence, philosophy, and other fields, exploring complex ideas and diverse perspectives.
  • Radiolab: A Peabody Award-winning podcast that uses innovative sound design and investigative journalism to explore big questions in science, philosophy, and the human experience.

Education

  • 99% Invisible: A podcast about all the thought that goes into the things we don't think about — the unnoticed architecture and design that shape our world. Hosted by Roman Mars.
  • Lateral: Hosted by Tom Scott, this is a quiz podcast where contestants try to connect seemingly disparate pieces of information to arrive at a hidden theme or answer, testing lateral thinking.
  • Life Kit: An NPR podcast offering practical advice and actionable tips on a wide range of topics, including personal finance, health, parenting, relationships, and more, designed to help listeners navigate life.
  • Making Sense with Sam Harris: Neuroscientist, philosopher, and author Sam Harris hosts conversations about important and often controversial topics, including science, spirituality, ethics, current events, and the human mind, often featuring expert guests.
  • More or Less: Behind the Stats: A BBC podcast that aims to explain and often correct the numbers and statistics used in public debate, politics, and the media, typically hosted by Tim Harford.
  • Stuff You Should Know: Hosted by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, this podcast explores a vast range of topics, explaining how things work and providing interesting facts and stories in an engaging and conversational style.
  • What You Will Learn: Hosts Adam Ashton and Adam Jones discuss the best bits and key takeaways from popular non-fiction books, aiming to distill actionable knowledge and insights.

Wellbeing & Niche

  • The Empty Bowl: A meditative podcast about cereal, where hosts Justin McElroy and (previously) Dan Goubert (Cerealously) or (currently) various guests discuss new cereals, cereal news, and evoke the calm, nostalgic feeling of eating a bowl of cereal.
  • Nothing Much Happens: Bedtime stories for adults, where "nothing much happens," designed to help listeners relax and fall asleep. Hosted by Kathryn Nicolai.
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Pub: 15 May 2025 16:25 UTC
Edit: 14 Jun 2025 03:40 UTC
Views: 494