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The World in Books: 52 Works of Great Short Nonfiction
A delightful, inspiring, and idea-rich selection of fifty-two of the best, most important short nonfiction works of all time—from Plato to Michael Pollan and Dante to Joan Didion—chosen by historian, lifelong reader, and bestselling author of Don’t Know Much About History. From ancient times to the present day, The World in Books offers a wide-ranging historical education through pleasure reading—and a fantastic introduction to some of the most thought-provoking, profound, and interesting nonfiction works of all time. From Sun Tzu’s The Art of War to Bell Hooks’ All About Love, as well as such recent classics as Barbara Ehrenreich’s Nickel and Dimed and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s We Should All Be Feminists, Davis’s guide suggests a world of nonfiction books and explains just why they’re so historically meaningful and culturally relevant today. The perfect guide for the modern-day reader, these fifty-two selections provide an ideal way to explore some of the most enduring, influential books ever published, introducing us anew to world-shaping historical figures, events, and ideas.
464 pages, Hardcover
Published October 8, 2024
66 people are currently reading
7398 people want to read
About the author
Kenneth C. Davis
56 books424 followersKenneth C. Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of the Don't Know Much About® series of books and audios for adults and children. Don't Know Much About® History, the first title in the series, became a New York Times bestseller in 1991 and remained on the paperback list for 35 consecutive weeks. It has since been revised several times and now has more than 1.6 million copies in print. The 30th anniversary edition of the book was published with a new preface, "From an Era of Broken Trust to an Era of Broken Democracy."
Davis is, according to Publishers Weekly, "a go-to guy for historical insight and analysis."
AMERICA'S HIDDEN HISTORY also became a New York Times bestseller. A NATION RISING also uses dramatic narratives to tell the "stories your textbooks left out." His book, THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF AMERICA AT WAR (May 5, 2015) was called "searing" analysis by Publishers Weekly.
Kenneth C. Davis’s success aptly makes the case that Americans don’t hate history, just the dull version they slept through in class. Davis’s approach is to refresh us on the subjects we should have learned in school. He does it by busting myths, setting the record straight, and always remembering that fun is not a four-word letter word.
His IN THE SHADOW OF LIBERTY: THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF SLAVERY, FOUR PRESIDENTS, AND FIVE BLACK LIVES looks at the lives of five people enslaved by four of America's most famous Presidents and the role of slavery in American history and the presidency. In May 2018, MORE DEADLY THAN WAR: The Hidden History of the Spanish Flu and the First World War was published.
STRONGMAN: The Rise of Five Dictators and the Fall of Democracy was published by Holt. It was named among the best books of 2020 by Kirkus Reviews and the Washington Post.
In November 2022 GREAT SHORT BOOKS: A Year of Reading--Briefly was published by SCribner. A compendium of 58 great short works Davis read during the pandemic lock down, it is a joyous celebration of reading.
Coming in October 2024 is THE WORLD IN BOOKS: 52 WORKS OF GREAT SHORT NONFICTION. It is an accessible and comprehensive guide to some of the most influential and important works of nonfiction, from the earliest days of writing to contemporary times. Each entry includes information about the writers behind these consequential books and the time in which they lived.
Davis is, according to Publishers Weekly, "a go-to guy for historical insight and analysis."
AMERICA'S HIDDEN HISTORY also became a New York Times bestseller. A NATION RISING also uses dramatic narratives to tell the "stories your textbooks left out." His book, THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF AMERICA AT WAR (May 5, 2015) was called "searing" analysis by Publishers Weekly.
Kenneth C. Davis’s success aptly makes the case that Americans don’t hate history, just the dull version they slept through in class. Davis’s approach is to refresh us on the subjects we should have learned in school. He does it by busting myths, setting the record straight, and always remembering that fun is not a four-word letter word.
His IN THE SHADOW OF LIBERTY: THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF SLAVERY, FOUR PRESIDENTS, AND FIVE BLACK LIVES looks at the lives of five people enslaved by four of America's most famous Presidents and the role of slavery in American history and the presidency. In May 2018, MORE DEADLY THAN WAR: The Hidden History of the Spanish Flu and the First World War was published.
STRONGMAN: The Rise of Five Dictators and the Fall of Democracy was published by Holt. It was named among the best books of 2020 by Kirkus Reviews and the Washington Post.
In November 2022 GREAT SHORT BOOKS: A Year of Reading--Briefly was published by SCribner. A compendium of 58 great short works Davis read during the pandemic lock down, it is a joyous celebration of reading.
Coming in October 2024 is THE WORLD IN BOOKS: 52 WORKS OF GREAT SHORT NONFICTION. It is an accessible and comprehensive guide to some of the most influential and important works of nonfiction, from the earliest days of writing to contemporary times. Each entry includes information about the writers behind these consequential books and the time in which they lived.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 27, 2024
I am not quite sure what I am rating when I read a book like Kenneth Davis' The World in Books. Do I rate the list? The way he writes about the list? Whether or not I agree with his summaries and explanations? How about all of the above?
The premise is simple but with a few rules. Davis makes a list of 52 books you should probably read because they are classics. The books must be nonfiction and under 200 pages to make for a short read. There are some books almost everyone will know. Specifically, you probably either read the Bible (Davis picks out Genesis and calls it one book) or the Koran. The books are spread out up until the past few years where more contemporary books are identified for the list.
Each book gets a short write-up containing an excerpt, summary, Davis' reason for including it, an author biography, and finally suggestions for further reading if you like this one.
A lot of this is subjective and I can see numerous arguments about a lot of choices. Atheists would probably object to more religious texts while religious folks would object to the atheistic choices. Davis' introduction also pointedly calls out a certain side of the American aisle. Long story short, I want no part of dealing with rating anything about all THAT.
So, I am going with the good old King Solomon and splitting the difference. Davis' prose is solid with deep thoughts and some funny insights. The organization is good and each chapter is easy to read. That said, this is a book of a list that sometimes doesn't even play by its own rules. If you want to expand your mind and have some interesting tidbits at a dinner party (do people do those anymore?) then give this a try.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by the publisher.)
The premise is simple but with a few rules. Davis makes a list of 52 books you should probably read because they are classics. The books must be nonfiction and under 200 pages to make for a short read. There are some books almost everyone will know. Specifically, you probably either read the Bible (Davis picks out Genesis and calls it one book) or the Koran. The books are spread out up until the past few years where more contemporary books are identified for the list.
Each book gets a short write-up containing an excerpt, summary, Davis' reason for including it, an author biography, and finally suggestions for further reading if you like this one.
A lot of this is subjective and I can see numerous arguments about a lot of choices. Atheists would probably object to more religious texts while religious folks would object to the atheistic choices. Davis' introduction also pointedly calls out a certain side of the American aisle. Long story short, I want no part of dealing with rating anything about all THAT.
So, I am going with the good old King Solomon and splitting the difference. Davis' prose is solid with deep thoughts and some funny insights. The organization is good and each chapter is easy to read. That said, this is a book of a list that sometimes doesn't even play by its own rules. If you want to expand your mind and have some interesting tidbits at a dinner party (do people do those anymore?) then give this a try.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by the publisher.)
September 13, 2024
In 'The World in Books', Kenneth C. Davis offers a masterful collection of 52 short nonfiction works that explore a wide range of historical and cultural topics. From ancient civilizations to modern-day politics, Davis weaves together engaging narratives that are both informative and thought-provoking.
Each piece is expertly crafted and thoroughly researched, providing readers with a fascinating window into the past. Whether you're interested in the rise and fall of empires or the cultural significance of famous artists and thinkers, 'The World in Books' has something for everyone.
What's particularly impressive about this collection is the way in which Davis manages to make complex historical events and ideas accessible and enjoyable for readers of all backgrounds. His writing is clear, engaging, and often infused with humor and wit, making 'The World in Books' a joy to read from start to finish.
Overall, 'The World in Books' is a must-read for anyone who loves history, culture, and great storytelling. I highly recommend it to readers of all ages and backgrounds.
** Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. **
Each piece is expertly crafted and thoroughly researched, providing readers with a fascinating window into the past. Whether you're interested in the rise and fall of empires or the cultural significance of famous artists and thinkers, 'The World in Books' has something for everyone.
What's particularly impressive about this collection is the way in which Davis manages to make complex historical events and ideas accessible and enjoyable for readers of all backgrounds. His writing is clear, engaging, and often infused with humor and wit, making 'The World in Books' a joy to read from start to finish.
Overall, 'The World in Books' is a must-read for anyone who loves history, culture, and great storytelling. I highly recommend it to readers of all ages and backgrounds.
** Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. **
June 17, 2025
This book, on books, is superb! Well organized and provides ALL of the foundational information needed to select the best books. It was given to me as a gift from my daughter, and I am sure I will reference and read it for many years to come.
August 17, 2024
Thank you for the Arc. Will read some of the books that mentioned.
October 21, 2025
This was a fascinating book with 52 reviews of great short non-fiction books, as the title promises. Davis first writes about each book, then the author, and then why you should read the book. Of course, I promptly added all 52 to my enormous want-to-read list. He also had the unmitigated gall to add another list of 52 more short non-fiction books you should read. I have already started my reading assignments as we speak. It was an easy read, although some of the books cover very intense subjects like death, lynching, racial injustice, and climate change. All are essential books, and I am anxious to start reading them.
October 25, 2025
Some wonderful ideas of books to read, many I hadn't heard of.
August 23, 2024
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Scribner for an advance copy of this collection of essays dealing with great works of short nonfiction, written by a writer whose passion about words, writing and knowledge show on every page.
One of the questions I get asked most often in the bookstore is, "Why is this cheaper online?" I kid. Most questions are about Cliff Notes, when the next James Patterson is due out, when George Martin's new book is coming out, or if this travel book is woke. That was on Sunday. The questions I love the most are from people looking for something different. New, old, borrowed or blue, they just want to read something that isn't the same, that engages them, makes them want to know more. Or if as school is getting closer to opening which are the smallest books on their summer reading list. Smaller books I am quick to warn aren't easier books. Some small books have changed a lot of minds, a lot of history, and maddened quite a lot of people for different reasons. Kenneth C. Davis is an author I have followed for years starting with his Don't Know Much About Books, dealing with history, geography, the Bible and more. Recently he has turned to books, creating works about publishing history, and fictional books that people should read and why. The World in Books: 52 Works of Great Short Nonfiction features essays on fifty-two different books, a year's worth of reading for the soul, the heart and to understand people. And a guide to remind people the importance of books, and their impact on history.
The book begins with an essay Books Are Weapons in the War of Ideas, a strong opening to the book, one I did not expect. Davis rails against the rising forces of censorship, banning books in school libraries, and how easily banning a book leads to burning a book. This section alone is worth the price, and is a stand many more writers should be taking. Following this are 52 reasons why a lot of people are afraid of books, even if they are short works. Starting with the Epic of Gilgamesh we travel through history from the first saga/history to the modern day. Examples from the Bible, new and old, Sappho's poems, Voltaire, Marx, Douglas, Toni Morrison and more. Each essay has opening words, a summary, words on the author, and the impact of the works, and why they should be read. Davis also adds more works to read, and an interesting collection of sources.
As I wrote, I have long followed Davis and his books, starting I am sure in my first bookstore. I always liked his writing, never talking down, and with a sort of isn't this amazing, isn't this interesting way of writing. In addition he always sourced his works, saying don't take my word for it, please find out yourself. When Davis turned to literature, I really wasn't surprised, as this is a person who loves books, and respects the written word. And respects the rights of people to read it. Books like this are of course subjective, and people might differ on the works chosen, the reasons why, and rail against what was omitted. I have my quibbles, but Davis is showing what is out there. Try it. This might not be your jam, but sitting next to say I book I recommend, might be another book that speaks to you. Maybe by the same author, maybe by somebody else. Just read these books, the one's that people want to ban, and others they haven't come across yet. Books like this make people remember why they read, the power and and joy they give. And hope. Always hope.
A nice reference that works as a good gift with his previous book Good Books which are fiction books that Davis recommends. These are good reference titles for booksellers, especially during the Summer Reading months. I really enjoyed reading this and look forward to Davis next book, as it's good to see someone still fighting the good fight of reminding people about the power of words.
One of the questions I get asked most often in the bookstore is, "Why is this cheaper online?" I kid. Most questions are about Cliff Notes, when the next James Patterson is due out, when George Martin's new book is coming out, or if this travel book is woke. That was on Sunday. The questions I love the most are from people looking for something different. New, old, borrowed or blue, they just want to read something that isn't the same, that engages them, makes them want to know more. Or if as school is getting closer to opening which are the smallest books on their summer reading list. Smaller books I am quick to warn aren't easier books. Some small books have changed a lot of minds, a lot of history, and maddened quite a lot of people for different reasons. Kenneth C. Davis is an author I have followed for years starting with his Don't Know Much About Books, dealing with history, geography, the Bible and more. Recently he has turned to books, creating works about publishing history, and fictional books that people should read and why. The World in Books: 52 Works of Great Short Nonfiction features essays on fifty-two different books, a year's worth of reading for the soul, the heart and to understand people. And a guide to remind people the importance of books, and their impact on history.
The book begins with an essay Books Are Weapons in the War of Ideas, a strong opening to the book, one I did not expect. Davis rails against the rising forces of censorship, banning books in school libraries, and how easily banning a book leads to burning a book. This section alone is worth the price, and is a stand many more writers should be taking. Following this are 52 reasons why a lot of people are afraid of books, even if they are short works. Starting with the Epic of Gilgamesh we travel through history from the first saga/history to the modern day. Examples from the Bible, new and old, Sappho's poems, Voltaire, Marx, Douglas, Toni Morrison and more. Each essay has opening words, a summary, words on the author, and the impact of the works, and why they should be read. Davis also adds more works to read, and an interesting collection of sources.
As I wrote, I have long followed Davis and his books, starting I am sure in my first bookstore. I always liked his writing, never talking down, and with a sort of isn't this amazing, isn't this interesting way of writing. In addition he always sourced his works, saying don't take my word for it, please find out yourself. When Davis turned to literature, I really wasn't surprised, as this is a person who loves books, and respects the written word. And respects the rights of people to read it. Books like this are of course subjective, and people might differ on the works chosen, the reasons why, and rail against what was omitted. I have my quibbles, but Davis is showing what is out there. Try it. This might not be your jam, but sitting next to say I book I recommend, might be another book that speaks to you. Maybe by the same author, maybe by somebody else. Just read these books, the one's that people want to ban, and others they haven't come across yet. Books like this make people remember why they read, the power and and joy they give. And hope. Always hope.
A nice reference that works as a good gift with his previous book Good Books which are fiction books that Davis recommends. These are good reference titles for booksellers, especially during the Summer Reading months. I really enjoyed reading this and look forward to Davis next book, as it's good to see someone still fighting the good fight of reminding people about the power of words.
October 23, 2025
I was hoping for more books about something. I guess philosophy is something, but when I think of nonfiction I think of books about facts. Books about thinking and feeling and philosophizing are I suppose nonfiction in that they are literally not fiction. This is also a list that I think suffers from a lot of other biases from what I sometimes call the liberal arts mindset - that thinking about thinking or knowing how to think is more important than knowing things or knowing how to do things.
I'm an engineer - I went to engineering school. Rest assured, I learned a lot in engineering school. I learned a lot about math and science and how to apply them. I also learned a lot about how to think - like an engineer. Practically and applicably. This is different from thinking about how to think in the abstract. I was fortunate to have a very good liberal arts foundation in high school such that I still have a bit of a flavor of the liberal arts background. And I absolutely believe that thinking is a key skill most of us need to practice and get better at. I also happen to think that bringing facts to the party and doing some assessment of the data can be awfully informative. How many people? By how much? What percentage of the population are we talking about? What does that work out to per person per day? These sorts of quantitative questions help put things in perspective sometimes.
Of course there are plenty of things that approach is totally not suited for - eloquently stated by Randall Munroe: https://xkcd.com/55/. Of course none of HIS short works of nonfiction made the list. Too technical and mathy I suppose.
But I digress. I try to find at least one book every year to challenge my opinions and beliefs, to make me think about other people and how they view things differently than I. This book does not count, but it certainly provides a slew of contenders.
No list can be uncontroversial - that's half the point of making a list right? The thinking and considering and arguing is what you sign up for. I don't like to start lists by assigning quotas to fill of how many female authors or how many books about slavery or whatever. To be fair, the author here - as far as I recall - only asserts a requirement that half the books be by women. It's not clear how he tallied books without authors, but I suspect he didn't allow them to count in the half for women as they're not demonstrably by women. Making weird rules leads to weird results. Like Genesis, Luke, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Koran being included as nonfiction.
But I digress. I'm also not so fascinated with the Lost Generation Parisian a holes as to need so many books by that crowd, even if it was technically only about 2. I suppose they had a big impact on fiction writing in the 20th century for people who care. I'm not one of them so this was not going to land well with me. To each there own...
With all those complaints, I don't think I can can make any real arguments that there are books here that SHOULDN'T be on the list (aside from maybe the scriptures being considered nonfiction (but I understand that's touchy (but they can't ALL be nonfiction))). I'm also unfamiliar with many of the books, but he certainly makes a compelling case. So read this book if you're interested in what this guy thinks. You can peruse my goodreads list and understand that there isn't a huge overlap between my interests and his. And I'm ok with that, and a little intellectually richer for having read this one.
I'm an engineer - I went to engineering school. Rest assured, I learned a lot in engineering school. I learned a lot about math and science and how to apply them. I also learned a lot about how to think - like an engineer. Practically and applicably. This is different from thinking about how to think in the abstract. I was fortunate to have a very good liberal arts foundation in high school such that I still have a bit of a flavor of the liberal arts background. And I absolutely believe that thinking is a key skill most of us need to practice and get better at. I also happen to think that bringing facts to the party and doing some assessment of the data can be awfully informative. How many people? By how much? What percentage of the population are we talking about? What does that work out to per person per day? These sorts of quantitative questions help put things in perspective sometimes.
Of course there are plenty of things that approach is totally not suited for - eloquently stated by Randall Munroe: https://xkcd.com/55/. Of course none of HIS short works of nonfiction made the list. Too technical and mathy I suppose.
But I digress. I try to find at least one book every year to challenge my opinions and beliefs, to make me think about other people and how they view things differently than I. This book does not count, but it certainly provides a slew of contenders.
No list can be uncontroversial - that's half the point of making a list right? The thinking and considering and arguing is what you sign up for. I don't like to start lists by assigning quotas to fill of how many female authors or how many books about slavery or whatever. To be fair, the author here - as far as I recall - only asserts a requirement that half the books be by women. It's not clear how he tallied books without authors, but I suspect he didn't allow them to count in the half for women as they're not demonstrably by women. Making weird rules leads to weird results. Like Genesis, Luke, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Koran being included as nonfiction.
But I digress. I'm also not so fascinated with the Lost Generation Parisian a holes as to need so many books by that crowd, even if it was technically only about 2. I suppose they had a big impact on fiction writing in the 20th century for people who care. I'm not one of them so this was not going to land well with me. To each there own...
With all those complaints, I don't think I can can make any real arguments that there are books here that SHOULDN'T be on the list (aside from maybe the scriptures being considered nonfiction (but I understand that's touchy (but they can't ALL be nonfiction))). I'm also unfamiliar with many of the books, but he certainly makes a compelling case. So read this book if you're interested in what this guy thinks. You can peruse my goodreads list and understand that there isn't a huge overlap between my interests and his. And I'm ok with that, and a little intellectually richer for having read this one.
October 11, 2024
A perfect book for the reader seeking to be 'better read.' The World in Books: 52 Works of Great Short Nonfiction offers the reader a short book a week, presented chronologically. Kenneth C. Davis wrote this volume as a sequel to 2022's literary focused Great Short Books.
Davis is well know for his Don't Know Much About... series, and The World in Books follows his general format. While the book does hold together as a cohesive hold, much o the content can be read as separate individual essays. For each of the 52 books, Davis begins with a small portrait followed by an excerpt from the text. Davis then explores the known biography of the author(s) and the impact or value of the selected text. Each section ends with a what to read next. The latter often begins with other works by the same author, or thematically linked titles. It is here the book expands the possibilities, moving beyond the short book criteria, listing in-depth studies.
Unlike the more traditional classical canon, frequently dominated by dead white men, Davis looked globally and culturally. Selected titles include: Gilgamesh, Sun Tzu, Sappho, Frederick Douglass, Simone de Beauvoir and Elizabeth Kolbert.
A great work for readers of books about books.
Recommended for public libraries, readers who like lists, or readers looking for a new reading goal or plan for 2025.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
Davis is well know for his Don't Know Much About... series, and The World in Books follows his general format. While the book does hold together as a cohesive hold, much o the content can be read as separate individual essays. For each of the 52 books, Davis begins with a small portrait followed by an excerpt from the text. Davis then explores the known biography of the author(s) and the impact or value of the selected text. Each section ends with a what to read next. The latter often begins with other works by the same author, or thematically linked titles. It is here the book expands the possibilities, moving beyond the short book criteria, listing in-depth studies.
Unlike the more traditional classical canon, frequently dominated by dead white men, Davis looked globally and culturally. Selected titles include: Gilgamesh, Sun Tzu, Sappho, Frederick Douglass, Simone de Beauvoir and Elizabeth Kolbert.
A great work for readers of books about books.
Recommended for public libraries, readers who like lists, or readers looking for a new reading goal or plan for 2025.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
October 23, 2024
Thank you, @ScribnerBooks, #ScribnerInfluencer for the free book.
Attention, nonfiction enthusiasts and book lovers! If you're captivated by books about books, this gem is tailor-made for you. As an avid reader, I find myself enchanted by the exploration of older works, some delightfully archaic, penned by literary greats.
This collection presents 52 carefully curated works, each entry brief enough to hold your attention while offering a wealth of information. You'll discover concise descriptions of the texts, fascinating historical tidbits, and compelling reasons why these works deserve a place on your reading list. As a bonus, suggestions for additional reading accompany each entry, perfect for those hungry for more.
I'm fortunate to have experienced this treasure trove in audiobook format as well. The narration is well-paced and engaging, striking a perfect balance between informative and conversational – you won't feel like you're sitting through a dry lecture.
Personally, I've found it most rewarding to digest two works at a time, allowing me to savor the rich content without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you're a seasoned bibliophile or just dipping your toes into the vast ocean of literature, this book offers a delightful journey through the written word's most influential creations.
Attention, nonfiction enthusiasts and book lovers! If you're captivated by books about books, this gem is tailor-made for you. As an avid reader, I find myself enchanted by the exploration of older works, some delightfully archaic, penned by literary greats.
This collection presents 52 carefully curated works, each entry brief enough to hold your attention while offering a wealth of information. You'll discover concise descriptions of the texts, fascinating historical tidbits, and compelling reasons why these works deserve a place on your reading list. As a bonus, suggestions for additional reading accompany each entry, perfect for those hungry for more.
I'm fortunate to have experienced this treasure trove in audiobook format as well. The narration is well-paced and engaging, striking a perfect balance between informative and conversational – you won't feel like you're sitting through a dry lecture.
Personally, I've found it most rewarding to digest two works at a time, allowing me to savor the rich content without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you're a seasoned bibliophile or just dipping your toes into the vast ocean of literature, this book offers a delightful journey through the written word's most influential creations.
November 20, 2024
This is an ambitious work spanning authors and works across centuries and continents. Davis provides enough background and context for the reader to understand and appreciate the importance and influence of these works and authors on the greater society, indeed, even to our modern era. As if I don't already have a long list of books on my "to-read" list which will live longer than I will, Davis makes a compelling case to add many more to my list - some of these are books that we've probably all heard about (and maybe even attempted to read or have faked reading - lol), but there are also a number of books and authors that I'm curious to learn more about. In addition to sharing his reasoning for including each book in this volume, Davis shares additional resources for readers who want to delve even deeper. 3.5/5 - this is a great reference for readers of all types.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for the e-arc.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for the e-arc.
October 13, 2024
I have enjoyed Kenneth C. Davis' other books and I was excited to find The World in Books : 52 Words of Great Short Nonfiction that came out 10/8. This compilation has 52 selection divided into chapters that share an excerpt from the featured book, summary of the book, about the author, why you should read the book, and other notable works by the author. The format allows you to start at any place in the book to discover a non-fiction book.
I appreciated the author's well thought out explanations for what was included. The variety of authors and ideas featured in the book was impressive .I found the featured books interesting, diverse, and thoughtful. I highly recommend The World in Books : 52 Words of Great Short Nonfiction by Kenneth C. Davis.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the free copy for review
I appreciated the author's well thought out explanations for what was included. The variety of authors and ideas featured in the book was impressive .I found the featured books interesting, diverse, and thoughtful. I highly recommend The World in Books : 52 Words of Great Short Nonfiction by Kenneth C. Davis.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the free copy for review
June 9, 2025
A solid review of a series of relatively short works of non-fiction written by some of the more famous/noted authors/thinkers/people in human history. The works start all the way back to the Book of Genesis and the Epic of Gilgamesh, which did not have a defined author per se. From there, it moves up to shorter, but no less important works from various sources/authors, span a wide swath of nations/peoples/eras/cultures. Plenty of interesting considerations for a reading list. Would you actually read all of these? Hard to say. However, it does offer some food for thought. While Davis provides the brief synopsis, the meat of most of his analysis of each work centers on the author/authors and the time/place of the writing, giving significance as to why you should care about such works. Overall, an engaging read.
December 19, 2024
While I've not read the entire book - I consider it to be almost like an encyclopedia where I grab entries 3 or 4 at a time based on an era I am researching, for example - I'm finding it one of my best purchases (from an indie bookstore in our small town).
There is so much context to know about each and every writer I know and love. And a lot that's interesting about writes I have never delved into before going back to the Greeks and Romans. I don't have much of a classic background, but this gives me fascinating glimpses.I am not sure if I have the patience or time to read tomes by Socrates, but reading about his life and having his most sparkling insights held up to me is really rewarding.
There is so much context to know about each and every writer I know and love. And a lot that's interesting about writes I have never delved into before going back to the Greeks and Romans. I don't have much of a classic background, but this gives me fascinating glimpses.I am not sure if I have the patience or time to read tomes by Socrates, but reading about his life and having his most sparkling insights held up to me is really rewarding.
February 23, 2025
When I first got this book, I was expecting an anthology of collected works of non-fiction. So I was surprised and, to be honest, disappointed when I found out it was basically a book length book review of 52 works. But as I read, I was taken away by the sheet scope of literature discussed and the monumental task of identifying 52 books to define the non-fiction genre. After reading this my B&N wishlist is now groaning under the weight of more book recommendations and I'm inspired to expand the scope of my nonfiction reading. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to start reading nonfiction to get some ideas of "the classics" that they can start with. Very good book!
January 2, 2025
Excellent reference book for 52 works of nonfiction from antiquity to the present. One of the criteria for selection was that the book had to speak to the current time, not only the time it was written. Each entry has an excerpt, and summary of the book, a biography of the other and suggestions what to read next based on this topic and author. Though I've read a lot and want to read more of these 52, I feel so much better informed about some of the great books after reading these highlights, as well as background about the author and her times.
November 16, 2024
I took an extra long time reading this book so usually just read one entry every day or two. I think that is the only way to read a book such as this. The author lays out some of the most important works of short non-fiction that exist in the world. From Genesis to Toni Morrison, the list is varied and important. I enjoyed the conversation about these books and have already read a small number of them. I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
February 22, 2025
A good list of 52 short works of nonfiction. I have read many of these, but many I had never heard of. Davis gives a short summary of each work, with a short biography of the author, followed by Why you Should Read It and What You Should Read Next sections. One could stay busy for a year or more reading all these works, all of them seeming to be worth your time.
October 25, 2025
Interesting to see how so many of the great writers are connected. Just have to make it through the author’s non-stop political whining, exaggeration, and uneducated assertions. Also disappointed the author chose to exclude any works that did not meet his political ideologies or have contributed to some of the less joyful events of history even though they influenced them.
April 2, 2025
This is an interesting book to rate, considering its a reading guide for short non-fiction. I'd say its a good guide; the recommendations are good, and they are presented in an engaging and informative manner. Not much more to say. 4.0 stars
June 6, 2025
A profile on 52 books that supposedly can be completed in one year. These are shorter books and all nonfiction covering an array of subject matter. The editor/author is a dedicated liberal so bear that in mind. Yet it will offer books to consider to widen your perspective if you are so inclined.
January 13, 2026
I appreciated the suggestions, especially because I have read only a handful of the short non-fiction books featured. The author's choices reveal a political bent and a fear of what is happening in the United States i.e. authoritarian rule and censorship.
November 19, 2024
As someone whose obsessed with books, nonfiction in particular, I loved it
December 10, 2024
Maybe don't compare text that are considered holy to some people to simpler stories
December 18, 2024
This was a great book. I highly recommend it!
October 6, 2024
In undergrad I double majored in History and English Literature, as such, The World in Books was an absolute pleasure to read and resulted in the addition of multiple books to my to-be-read list. By laying out the 'rules' governing his choices, the reader was able to better understand the reasoning behind which books were included and which were not. There are so many incredible and influential works in existence, yet it's obvious they could not all be included - though I greatly appreciated the addition of a 'What To Read Next' section at the conclusion of each entry, as well as the '52 More of the Great Short Books that Make Us Think' appendix at the end. To avoid spoiling the fun I won't go into any of the specific works chosen, but I will say that they cover a wide range of topics and extend from B.C.E. to modern day, therefore truly encompassing some of the most significant and thought-provoking nonfiction books throughout the world's history.
In terms of formatting, Davis did a wonderful job of structuring the book so that you progress through the centuries alongside the works, starting in ancient times and bringing you right up into the 2020s. Each entry is also subdivided into five sections - Opening Words, Summary, About the Author, Why You Should Read It, and What You Should Read Next, which breaks up the text is a lovely way. By including these subsections, Davis is able to provide a significant amount of information about each work and it's author, without giving too much away about the actual book, thus largely leaving the experience of reading and interpreting the work to the reader themselves.
For a book about books, this never felt dry or drawn out, and each entry was as long as it needed to be to convey the information it needed to convey. Well written and well paced, this is one of those books that reminds me why I love nonfiction, and I'm so very pleased for having been given the chance to read it.
Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In terms of formatting, Davis did a wonderful job of structuring the book so that you progress through the centuries alongside the works, starting in ancient times and bringing you right up into the 2020s. Each entry is also subdivided into five sections - Opening Words, Summary, About the Author, Why You Should Read It, and What You Should Read Next, which breaks up the text is a lovely way. By including these subsections, Davis is able to provide a significant amount of information about each work and it's author, without giving too much away about the actual book, thus largely leaving the experience of reading and interpreting the work to the reader themselves.
For a book about books, this never felt dry or drawn out, and each entry was as long as it needed to be to convey the information it needed to convey. Well written and well paced, this is one of those books that reminds me why I love nonfiction, and I'm so very pleased for having been given the chance to read it.
Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2025
The World in Books is not an anthology of short nonfiction works, but a summary of 52 various pieces of nonfiction writing throughout history. Each chapter contains a very short excerpt, summary of the work, about the author, why you should read it, and related works to read next. These summaries are very interesting for the history and author information and are written in a very casual and digestible style. Thanks to this book, I have added several works highlighted in The World in Books to my 'want to read' list. However, few works discussed within or their authors were a surprise to me and I would have liked to see more foreign and older titles included, so I can't see myself reading this book cover to cover.
I recieved this book as part of a goodreads giveaway.
I recieved this book as part of a goodreads giveaway.
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