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Plutarch's Lives
by Plutarch
Plutarch's method: put Greek beside Roman, compare their virtues, let character judge history.
4.10
6k+
Plutarch's Lives Summary
Plutarch's Lives 92%
Plutarch's method: put Greek beside Roman, compare their virtues, let character judge history.
by Plutarch
4.10
6k+ ratings
Plutarch's Lives
by Plutarch • 2015
Greek meets Roman: paired biographies that map the character traits behind every rise and fall.
4.19
3k+
Plutarch's Lives Summary
Plutarch's Lives 92%
Greek meets Roman: paired biographies that map the character traits behind every rise and fall.
by Plutarch 2015
4.19
3k+ ratings
Alexander the Great
by Paul Cartledge • 2004
Five ancient sources describe how Alexander's historian died. They all say something different.
3.70
2k+
Alexander the Great Summary
Alexander the Great 92%
Five ancient sources describe how Alexander's historian died. They all say something different.
by Paul Cartledge 2004
3.70
2k+ ratings
HOMBRES QUE CAMBIARON LA HISTORIA
by Jaime Maristany • 2014
From Moses to Napoleon: the leadership moves that turned ten mortals into history's architects.
3.28
170
HOMBRES QUE CAMBIARON LA HISTORIA Summary
HOMBRES QUE CAMBIARON LA HISTORIA 92%
From Moses to Napoleon: the leadership moves that turned ten mortals into history's architects.
by Jaime Maristany 2014
3.28
170 ratings
A History of Ancient Greece in Fifty Lives
by David Stuttard • 2014
From Homer to Plutarch, fifty Greek lives reveal a civilization built on myth, war, and reinvention.
3.82
233
A History of Ancient Greece in Fifty Lives Summary
A History of Ancient Greece in Fifty Lives 91%
From Homer to Plutarch, fifty Greek lives reveal a civilization built on myth, war, and reinvention.
by David Stuttard 2014
3.82
233 ratings
Alexander the Great
by Philip Freeman • 2010
The father built the war machine. The son drove it to India in twelve merciless years.
4.33
6k+
Alexander the Great Summary
Alexander the Great 91%
The father built the war machine. The son drove it to India in twelve merciless years.
by Philip Freeman 2010
4.33
6k+ ratings
The Campaigns of Alexander
by Arrian
How Alexander conquered the Persian Empire and was conquered by his own ambition.
4.17
5k+
The Campaigns of Alexander Summary
The Campaigns of Alexander 91%
How Alexander conquered the Persian Empire and was conquered by his own ambition.
by Arrian
4.17
5k+ ratings
Masters of Command
by Barry S. Strauss • 2012
Three ancient generals, ten common instincts, and the single rhythm of war that still defines power.
4.02
883
Masters of Command Summary
Masters of Command 90%
Three ancient generals, ten common instincts, and the single rhythm of war that still defines power.
by Barry S. Strauss 2012
4.02
883 ratings
Cicero
by Anthony Everitt • 2001
A provincial outsider became Rome's most powerful voice. He still could not save the Republic.
3.90
8k+
Cicero Summary
Cicero 90%
A provincial outsider became Rome's most powerful voice. He still could not save the Republic.
by Anthony Everitt 2001
3.90
8k+ ratings
On Sparta
by Plutarch
Lycurgus designed a state that produced fearless soldiers. Wealth broke it faster than any enemy.
4.12
2k+
On Sparta Summary
On Sparta 90%
Lycurgus designed a state that produced fearless soldiers. Wealth broke it faster than any enemy.
by Plutarch
4.12
2k+ ratings
Nemesis
by David Stuttard • 2018
He charmed Athens, betrayed Sparta, and schemed in Persia. His ambition cost Athens its empire.
4.28
162
Nemesis Summary
Nemesis 90%
He charmed Athens, betrayed Sparta, and schemed in Persia. His ambition cost Athens its empire.
by David Stuttard 2018
4.28
162 ratings
The Gallic War
by Gaius Julius Caesar
Caesar's own account of conquering Gaul. Every victory was ammunition for the political war ahead.
4.02
14k+
The Gallic War Summary
The Gallic War 90%
Caesar's own account of conquering Gaul. Every victory was ammunition for the political war ahead.
by Gaius Julius Caesar
4.02
14k+ ratings
曾国藩传
by 张宏杰 • 2018
A slow, clumsy scholar who failed the imperial exam twice became his era's greatest statesman.
4.59
112
曾国藩传 Summary
曾国藩传 89%
A slow, clumsy scholar who failed the imperial exam twice became his era's greatest statesman.
by 张宏杰 2018
4.59
112 ratings
The Forum and the Tower
by Mary Ann Glendon • 2011
Lasting law is a two-person job: a thinker and a ruler, together despite themselves.
3.95
66
The Forum and the Tower Summary
The Forum and the Tower 89%
Lasting law is a two-person job: a thinker and a ruler, together despite themselves.
by Mary Ann Glendon 2011
3.95
66 ratings
Cleopatra
by Alberto Angela • 2018
The seductress myth hides a multilingual strategist who used intellect and intimacy to defy Rome.
3.85
2k+
Cleopatra Summary
Cleopatra 89%
The seductress myth hides a multilingual strategist who used intellect and intimacy to defy Rome.
by Alberto Angela 2018
3.85
2k+ ratings
Character Is Destiny
by John McCain • 2005
Character, not circumstance, writes your future. A senator's tour through the lives that prove it.
3.95
562
Character Is Destiny Summary
Character Is Destiny 89%
Character, not circumstance, writes your future. A senator's tour through the lives that prove it.
by John McCain 2005
3.95
562 ratings
The First Muslim
by Lesley Hazleton • 2013
Exiled at fifty, died triumphant at sixty-two. The human Muhammad between the revelations.
3.99
5k+
The First Muslim Summary
The First Muslim 89%
Exiled at fifty, died triumphant at sixty-two. The human Muhammad between the revelations.
by Lesley Hazleton 2013
3.99
5k+ ratings
The Last Founding Father
by Harlow Giles Unger • 2009
America's least-known founder doubled its land, drew a line around a hemisphere, and died bankrupt.
3.94
11k+
The Last Founding Father Summary
The Last Founding Father 89%
America's least-known founder doubled its land, drew a line around a hemisphere, and died bankrupt.
by Harlow Giles Unger 2009
3.94
11k+ ratings
King David
by Jonathan Kirsch • 2000
Outlaw, mercenary, seducer, murderer, and God's chosen king. The uncensored life of David.
3.82
317
King David Summary
King David 89%
Outlaw, mercenary, seducer, murderer, and God's chosen king. The uncensored life of David.
by Jonathan Kirsch 2000
3.82
317 ratings
Rome's Last Citizen
by Rob Goodman • 2012
Cato chose suicide over Caesar's pardon, turning a provincial port into the Republic's last stand.
4.16
1k+
Rome's Last Citizen Summary
Rome's Last Citizen 89%
Cato chose suicide over Caesar's pardon, turning a provincial port into the Republic's last stand.
by Rob Goodman 2012
4.16
1k+ ratings
John Adams
by David McCullough • 2001
Washington led the army, Jefferson wrote the words. Adams did the work that saved them both.
4.09
379k+
John Adams Summary
John Adams 89%
Washington led the army, Jefferson wrote the words. Adams did the work that saved them both.
by David McCullough 2001
4.09
379k+ ratings
Emperor of Rome
by Mary Beard • 2023
Rome's one-man rule was an accident, sustained by performance, paperwork, and palace murders.
4.08
7k+
Emperor of Rome Summary
Emperor of Rome 89%
Rome's one-man rule was an accident, sustained by performance, paperwork, and palace murders.
by Mary Beard 2023
4.08
7k+ ratings
Lives of the Stoics
by Ryan Holiday • 2020
Shipwreck, slavery, and empire: the Stoic art of living, taught by the lives that forged it.
4.03
8k+
Lives of the Stoics Summary
Lives of the Stoics 89%
Shipwreck, slavery, and empire: the Stoic art of living, taught by the lives that forged it.
by Ryan Holiday 2020
4.03
8k+ ratings
Muhammad
by Karen Armstrong • 1993
Traces Islam's violence to its founder: an orphan who built a cult, not just a religion.
4.18
7k+
Muhammad Summary
Muhammad 89%
Traces Islam's violence to its founder: an orphan who built a cult, not just a religion.
by Karen Armstrong 1993
4.18
7k+ ratings
Benjamin Franklin
by Walter Isaacson • 2003
A runaway apprentice who tamed lightning, charmed Paris, and lost a son to the crown.
4.05
151k+
Benjamin Franklin Summary
Benjamin Franklin 89%
A runaway apprentice who tamed lightning, charmed Paris, and lost a son to the crown.
by Walter Isaacson 2003
4.05
151k+ ratings
Tacitus' Annals
by Ronald Mellor • 2010
Tacitus turned history into a mirror for tyrants. Here is how to read his darkest masterpiece.
4.21
24
Tacitus' Annals Summary
Tacitus' Annals 89%
Tacitus turned history into a mirror for tyrants. Here is how to read his darkest masterpiece.
by Ronald Mellor 2010
4.21
24 ratings
Napoleon
by Andrew Roberts • 2014
A single volume spanning Corsica to St. Helena: the ambition, the genius, the fatal misjudgments.
4.25
29k+
Napoleon Summary
Napoleon 89%
A single volume spanning Corsica to St. Helena: the ambition, the genius, the fatal misjudgments.
by Andrew Roberts 2014
4.25
29k+ ratings
The Art of Living
by John Sellars • 2003
Before philosophy became a classroom subject, it was a set of exercises for curing the soul.
4.09
75
The Art of Living Summary
The Art of Living 89%
Before philosophy became a classroom subject, it was a set of exercises for curing the soul.
by John Sellars 2003
4.09
75 ratings
Thomas Jefferson
by Jon Meacham • 2012
How the Declaration's author became the most quietly effective politician of the founding era.
4.05
43k+
Thomas Jefferson Summary
Thomas Jefferson 89%
How the Declaration's author became the most quietly effective politician of the founding era.
by Jon Meacham 2012
4.05
43k+ ratings
Abraham Lincoln, Philosopher Statesman
by Joseph R. Fornieri • 2013
Lincoln's secret: he wrestled with eternal principles before he ever grasped for power.
4.67
6
Abraham Lincoln, Philosopher Statesman Summary
Abraham Lincoln, Philosopher Statesman 89%
Lincoln's secret: he wrestled with eternal principles before he ever grasped for power.
by Joseph R. Fornieri 2013
4.67
6 ratings
Conversations of Socrates
by Xenophon
The Socrates who masters desire, runs a household, and believes the gods care about virtue
4.04
3k+
Conversations of Socrates Summary
Conversations of Socrates 89%
The Socrates who masters desire, runs a household, and believes the gods care about virtue
by Xenophon
4.04
3k+ ratings
George Washington
by James MacGregor Burns • 2004
How Washington invented the presidency from scratch, and why his precedents still rule the office.
3.97
1k+
George Washington Summary
George Washington 89%
How Washington invented the presidency from scratch, and why his precedents still rule the office.
by James MacGregor Burns 2004
3.97
1k+ ratings
بیست و سه سال
by علی دشتی • 1974
He denied performing miracles. A critical life of Mohammad and the politics that built Islam.
4.01
1k+
بیست و سه سال Summary
بیست و سه سال 88%
He denied performing miracles. A critical life of Mohammad and the politics that built Islam.
by علی دشتی 1974
4.01
1k+ ratings
The Truth About Trump
by Michael D'Antonio • 2015
A Queens developer's decades-long project of self-invention, and how it conquered America.
3.54
795
The Truth About Trump Summary
The Truth About Trump 88%
A Queens developer's decades-long project of self-invention, and how it conquered America.
by Michael D'Antonio 2015
3.54
795 ratings
Grant
by Ron Chernow • 2017
Failed farmer, rumored drunk. How Ulysses Grant won the Civil War and fought the Klan as president.
4.50
45k+
Grant Summary
Grant 88%
Failed farmer, rumored drunk. How Ulysses Grant won the Civil War and fought the Klan as president.
by Ron Chernow 2017
4.50
45k+ ratings
Cyrus the Great
by Larry Hedrick • 2007
How an ancient king turned a minor tribe into an empire: the leadership lessons history forgot.
4.23
753
Cyrus the Great Summary
Cyrus the Great 88%
How an ancient king turned a minor tribe into an empire: the leadership lessons history forgot.
by Larry Hedrick 2007
4.23
753 ratings
Augustine of Hippo
by Peter Brown • 1967
A garden conversion, a collapsing empire, and the restless mind behind Western Christianity.
4.27
2k+
Augustine of Hippo Summary
Augustine of Hippo 88%
A garden conversion, a collapsing empire, and the restless mind behind Western Christianity.
by Peter Brown 1967
4.27
2k+ ratings
The Annals/The Histories
by Tacitus • 2003
Four emperors in one year, a city in flames, and a historian who watched it all.
4.03
375
The Annals/The Histories Summary
The Annals/The Histories 88%
Four emperors in one year, a city in flames, and a historian who watched it all.
by Tacitus 2003
4.03
375 ratings
The Good Book
by A.C. Grayling • 2011
King Croesus asked a philosopher who was the happiest man alive. The answer destroyed him.
3.71
902
The Good Book Summary
The Good Book 88%
King Croesus asked a philosopher who was the happiest man alive. The answer destroyed him.
by A.C. Grayling 2011
3.71
902 ratings
The Voice of Human Justice
by George Jordac • 2008
Ali governed with a justice so radical that fourteen centuries later, no state has matched it.
4.36
128
The Voice of Human Justice Summary
The Voice of Human Justice 88%
Ali governed with a justice so radical that fourteen centuries later, no state has matched it.
by George Jordac 2008
4.36
128 ratings
Eureka!
by Peter V. Jones • 2014
Never a nation, always a competition. The story of ancient Greece that skips the boring parts.
3.53
445
Eureka! Summary
Eureka! 88%
Never a nation, always a competition. The story of ancient Greece that skips the boring parts.
by Peter V. Jones 2014
3.53
445 ratings
The Man Who Created Sherlock Holmes
by Andrew Lycett • 2007
Holmes made him famous and miserable. Doyle preferred séances, battlefields, and righting wrongs.
3.91
299
The Man Who Created Sherlock Holmes Summary
The Man Who Created Sherlock Holmes 88%
Holmes made him famous and miserable. Doyle preferred séances, battlefields, and righting wrongs.
by Andrew Lycett 2007
3.91
299 ratings
The Greatest Minds and Ideas of All Time
by Will Durant • 2002
Genius, not economics, is the engine of history: a tour of the minds that built civilization.
3.72
3k+
The Greatest Minds and Ideas of All Time Summary
The Greatest Minds and Ideas of All Time 88%
Genius, not economics, is the engine of history: a tour of the minds that built civilization.
by Will Durant 2002
3.72
3k+ ratings
The Persian Expedition
by Xenophon
An army of 10,000 Greeks, betrayed and stranded in Persia, must fight its way home.
4.11
10k+
The Persian Expedition Summary
The Persian Expedition 88%
An army of 10,000 Greeks, betrayed and stranded in Persia, must fight its way home.
by Xenophon
4.11
10k+ ratings
Herodotus
by Elizabeth Vandiver • 2000
Before Herodotus, the past was myth. After him, it was evidence, causes, and human choice.
4.24
420
Herodotus Summary
Herodotus 88%
Before Herodotus, the past was myth. After him, it was evidence, causes, and human choice.
by Elizabeth Vandiver 2000
4.24
420 ratings
Thoughts of a Philosophical Fighter Pilot
by James B. Stockdale • 1995
A downed pilot applies Stoicism in a torture cell. The blueprint for surviving the unsurvivable.
4.11
644
Thoughts of a Philosophical Fighter Pilot Summary
Thoughts of a Philosophical Fighter Pilot 88%
A downed pilot applies Stoicism in a torture cell. The blueprint for surviving the unsurvivable.
by James B. Stockdale 1995
4.11
644 ratings
Leadership in War
by Andrew Roberts • 2019
Wartime leaders share a playbook. So why do some become Churchill and others become Hitler?
3.80
2k+
Leadership in War Summary
Leadership in War 88%
Wartime leaders share a playbook. So why do some become Churchill and others become Hitler?
by Andrew Roberts 2019
3.80
2k+ ratings
Saint Pius V
by Roberto de Mattei • 2021
He purged a corrupt Church, excommunicated a queen, and sank the Ottoman navy at Lepanto.
4.55
51
Saint Pius V Summary
Saint Pius V 88%
He purged a corrupt Church, excommunicated a queen, and sank the Ottoman navy at Lepanto.
by Roberto de Mattei 2021
4.55
51 ratings
The Children of Athena. Greek Intellectuals in the Age of Rome
by Charles Freeman • 2023
Rome ruled, but Greek thinkers kept advancing philosophy, science, and medicine for 500 years.
3.98
82
The Children of Athena. Greek Intellectuals in the Age of Rome Summary
The Children of Athena. Greek Intellectuals in the Age of Rome 88%
Rome ruled, but Greek thinkers kept advancing philosophy, science, and medicine for 500 years.
by Charles Freeman 2023
3.98
82 ratings
Genghis Khan
by John Man • 2004
16 million men share his chromosome. His empire reshaped Eurasia. His grave has never been found.
3.72
2k+
Genghis Khan Summary
Genghis Khan 88%
16 million men share his chromosome. His empire reshaped Eurasia. His grave has never been found.
by John Man 2004
3.72
2k+ ratings
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