My knowledge in history is very poor. I want to know some basic history. Please recommend some books that don’t dwell on a single incident or period but rather gives an overview. Preferably, books on medieval history. It would be a plus if the book has beautiful prose.

Thank you.

  • jordanlund@lemmy.world
    2·
    4 days ago

    I mean, it depends on “history of what”?

    If you’re looking for a generalized Western history, that’s more of a textbook kind of thing.

    If you want specific locations and eras:

    Low Life: Lures and Snares of Old New York by Lucy Sante is a great read:

    https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374528997/lowlife/

    Be aware, some older editions are published under her deadname.

      • jordanlund@lemmy.world
        1·
        3 days ago

        Well, what are your interests? Chinese history is totally different from Western history

        History of language (etymology) is totally different from the history of places, and the history of things or artifacts is even more different.

        “History” isn’t really a single category. It’s incredibly broad, pretty much any category you might be interested in has a history.

        • Karl@literature.cafeOP
          2·
          3 days ago

          I think I’ll be interested in the history of south asian countries like India and its neighbors and also their relationships with other parts of the world in history. That would be the most relevant to me.

          • jordanlund@lemmy.world
            2·
            3 days ago

            Well there you go then!

            I’d say start with “The Discovery of India” by Jawaharlal Nehru". Nehru was India’s first Prime Minister, so it would make sense reading a history from his perspective vs. that of some white European.

            A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India by Upinder Singh also sounds fascinating, though I have not read it.

            I’m told that, as far as white European perspectives go, “India: A History” by John Keay is very good. As is “The Wonder That Was India” by A.L. Basham. The latter book sounds like the focus is on pre-Muslim India, and the phrasing of the title in THAT context sounds like it could be problematic.

            Now, that being said, I’d argue you might also want to find histories of the other countries around India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, and Burma. But I don’t have good sources there.

            One other thing: India has a deep religious and mythological history. You’d want to be aware of the content of the Vedas, Puranas, Ramayana, and Mahabharata. But that’s a MASSIVE amount of original texts to read first hand and I’m not sure of what the best translations there are.

            I really want to get my hands on the comic book adaptation but I haven’t pulled the trigger yet:

            https://us.amarchitrakatha.com/products/epics-mytho-pack-of-25