Do you like maps and history? Here are 2 books which you are going to love. Geopolitics is a fascinating topic!
Note: this article includes affiliated links. If you decide to buy one of these books, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Tell You Everything You Need to Know About Global Politics
This first book, Prisoners of Geography, is about geopolitics and is quite fascinating. The author, Tim Marshall, is a leading authority on foreign affairs with more than 25 years of reporting experience including from numerous wars of the end of the 20th century.
This is a book to rediscover the power of nature. The geographic borders that no man can ignore. The forces that contain leaders and influence their decisions. The highest mountains, the deepest rivers, oceans and other natural phenomenons have been more efficient in keeping armies on one side rather than the other, than the biggest walls. You may think it is different today. This book will shade new lights, that may make you double think of some of the current diplomatic affairs we are living.
“All leaders are constrained by geography. Their choices are limited by mountains, rivers, seas and concrete. Yes, to follow world events you need to understand people, ideas and movements – but if you don’t know geography, you’ll never have the full picture.”
Some will surely dislike the idea that nature has such a big influence. Probably the same who believe humans are on top of the food chain or those who are climate change deniers. If you are one of those, maybe don’t read this book.
The shortest history of Europe by John Hirst
The second book I want to recommend is The shortest history of Europe by John Hirst. So as the title suggest, it focuses on Europe but don’t despair. It will still be immensely useful in understanding the World we live in.
The author, John Hirst, was an Australian historian, professor and social commentator. Hirst was considered as a creative historian capable of engaging a wide audience and this clearly shows in this book.
The shortest history of Europe is concise and goes trough centuries of history quickly. Yet, it does so with humour and wit, while covering all the important events.
If you’re looking for a refresher on European history, you’re going to like it. And if you’re planning a trip to Europe and want to know key facts and characters who have shaped Europe, this will be a great read on your long flight. It’s only 200 pages and includes charts and maps which provide visual and concise information.
The links
The links below are Amazon affiliated links. If you decide to buy one of these books, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
My French edition version of The shortest history of Europe may have a different cover than the ones shown below but it’s the same book!
Prisoners of Geography, by Tim Marshall.
The shortest history of Europe by John Hirst.
I don’t often recommend books. Like with hotels and other places, when I do make recommendations, it’s because I really liked such places, or in this case, such books. Here, I couldn’t decide which one was best, so I’m recommending both!
If you want to see what few other books I’ve recommended in the past, you can follow the corresponding tag called book suggestions.
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