Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford
This is a thoroughly enjoyable book on an extremely prejudiced area of History. Before reading the book I knew very little about the Mongol Empire, but I now cannot see how post 13th century History can be studied without reference to this epoch. Weatherford skilfully untangles the misconceptions of Khan and his descendants, whilst still confronting their sometimes barbarous approaches to warfare. He maps the rise and fall of an Empire, highlighting successful military tactics alongside leadership weaknesses. The author explains the links of the Mongol Empire to European Jewish persecution, the Bubonic Plague and the Renaissance, making it a rigorously entertaining book. This is the most interesting and engaging Historical narrative I have read in a long time, I would definitely recommend.
Carthage Must Be Destroyed: The Rise and Fall of an Ancient Civilisation by Richard Miles 
Whilst this book explores an area of History I am extremely interested in, I found it slightly disappointing. Miles is a great writer and historian, and I cannot fault his attention to detail. However, he sets out his distaste for Carthage being viewed solely from a Roman perspective in his introduction, then proceeds to only focus on Carthage in terms of its relation to Rome. He also attacks the Roman Historian Polybius for his overwhelming bias, yet uses his ‘The Histories’ as his primary source of information. Whilst reading his perception on the Punic Wars was refreshing in its realistic approach, he assigns hundreds of pages to the topic, and only two to the contested claims of child sacrifice. If you’re looking for a comprehensive book on Carthage that focuses on its society and religion, this is not the book for you, however that is not to say it lacks interesting information.
The Lessons of History by Will & Ariel Durant 
The most formative book I have ever read. The Durants have compiled a comprehensive guide for historiography that focuses on breadth not depth, but still ensures to include many interesting examples. It strips back History to the basics, arguing that it follows a pattern because human nature doesn’t change. It does not shy away from the criticisms of historical study such as ‘is history “a fable” not quite “agreed upon’?” and “most history is guessing, the rest is prejudice” making it refreshing in its honesty. My only criticism is that some of the views expressed are certainly of its age. My favourite chapters are II. History and the Earth, III. Biology and History and IV. Socialism and History, with my favourite aspect of the book being its definitions of key terms such as society and progress. This collection of essays will definitely shape all of my future historical study.
Confronting the Classics by Mary Beard 
A great book on general Classics for both the newcomer and specialist. Mary Beard writes colloquially and engagingly, making this both an informative and enjoyable read. Each chapter reviews one or multiple previous books/essays and therefore is just as useful in terms of historiography as it is on Ancient History and Classics. Beard takes a rational, moderate view on Classics, debunking many myths of the ancient world. She covers such topics as art theft, Boudicaa, Pompeii and tourism making this a comprehensive novel of the subject’s biggest 21st century questions. A definite must read for any History or Classics student, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and being challenged by its content.
Oxford World’s Classics Aristophanes Birds and Other Plays by Stephen Halliwell
Stephen Halliwell crafts accessible translations to Aristophanes’ comedies, he is so skilled that he was able to make me laugh out loud to 2000 year old plays. In terms of my Classical Civillisation A-level and its topic on Greek drama, the introduction was extremely useful as it acted as both a revision guide and a source of new information. His explanatory notes are indispensable and gave the crucial context to each play simply. This book has provided me with my new favourite Ancient Greek play, The Assembly-Women, and I know that Halliwell’s version of it will remain my favourite. To conclude, this book does exactly what it says it will, gives simple and funny translations to four examples of old comedy whilst also providing the reader with extensive context.
The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood 
A very interesting retelling of ‘The Odyssey’ by Homer. It greatly develops the character of Penelope, whilst exploring interesting familiar ties, allowing the contemporary reader to see her as a strong independent woman,instead of the pathos inducing victim that Homer presents her as. The inclusion of the twelve maids as the Greek chorus gives us an opportunity to fully assess and judge the actions of Odysseus and Telemachus – making us question their standing as Tragic heroes. A must read for any Classical Civilisation student or enthusiast.
HiSZtory 