Two History Books for You

My friends know I enjoy history and reading history. I think it's crucial for men today be students of history, at least enough to understand our place in it. Unfortunately, most schools do a poor job of teaching history to our kids.

Here are two books I strongly recommend:

The Guns of August (by Barbara Tuchman)

This is the story of the first month of WW I, very carefully documented, written in an exciting fashion without being fiction or using imaginary information. This book really helped fill out some gaps in my understanding of the 20th century. If you read this you'll understand much more about how the Germans, French, British, and Russians thought and planned, and the limitations of diplomacy. You'll see how the horrible losses of the Russian army set the stage for Lenin and the revolution; you'll see why Chamberlain was so eager to avoid another war with Germany in the events leading up to WW II; you'll understand why the French and British negotiated such a harsh settlement at Versailles; you'll understand the European views on the United States at that time. Amazing story, all true, mostly tragic and sad. Much to learn from!


A War Like No Other (by Victor Davis Hanson)

This is the story and analysis of the Peloponnesian war, where the Athenians and Spartans practically destroyed the best of Greece over 30 years. This a readable, understandable book, much more accessible than Thucydides and the other Greek historians. Hanson describes terrific lessons that should be understood today.

This war changed everything in Greece -- politics, military strategy, economics, foreign alliances, balance of power in the Mediterranean, and the practice of democracy. You'll be amazed at how contemporary the problems and situations were. It is no accident that military and political scholars continue to study the Peloponnesian war.


I recommend you put both books on your reading list. No fluff here, no easy reading, but you'll be terrifically blessed from the material.