Reading books is a good habit that enriches the mind and improves mental health. But unlike other books, reading history from textbooks is a different feeling altogether. Among other things, it provides a reader with a deep insight into the events that occurred in the past.

Textbooks on archaeology, the Hundred Years’ War, Atlas Obscura, and others have great significance for learners. These books are currently in high demand among students who learn World and US History.

We’ve rounded up the 10 most popular history books amongst US students so far this year, chosen for how often they’ve been searched on BookScouter. Most learners turn to BookScouter to get the history textbook at the best price. BookScouter also allows a buyback based on a detailed and fair comparison of prices offered by different vendors. Whether you wish to sell, rent, or buy cheap books, it has you covered in all aspects.

Whether you’re looking for a textbook for an upcoming semester or general advice on the best history books, take a look at these 10 most searched ones in 2024.

Archaeology Essentials: Theories, Methods, and Practice

By Renfrew Colin, Paul Bahn 

Written by two reputed authors, this book covers the fundamentals of archaeology in detail. As the name of the book suggests, it emphasizes three core aspects of archaeology: theories, methods, and practice. Apart from supplying the readers with information about these elements, it also lists the latest developments in the field. The fourth edition of the book has two useful resources. These include 20 test-oriented activities and a fun quiz consisting of questions related to archaeology. The presentation of the concepts by the author in lucid language makes it a useful, practical guide for students to acquire command in archaeology.

Principles of Archaeology

By Price T. Douglas, Kelly Knudson 

Most students of archaeology strive to develop their critical thinking ability early on as it enables them to adopt the right approach while working on their projects. Archaeology Essentials: Theories, Methods, and Practice by T. Douglas, Knudson, and Kelly offer valuable guidance to the students of archaeology in this regard. Apart from an explanation in lucid language with in-depth coverage in each chapter, it also delves deeply into scientific concepts in explaining archaeological methods through videos. Currently available in its second edition, this book is a must for those students who find it hard to learn the archaeological methods in the classroom. It is a complete guide and study material for such students.

The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017

By Khalidi Rashid

As the name suggests, this book revolves around the war on Israel that went on for a hundred years and also continues to date. The author of the book highlights various factors that were responsible for the war. The book provides an impartial overview and insight on the matter. From highlighting the mistakes of Palestinian leaders to the tragic clash between Palestine and Israel for a territory, The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017 underlines all necessary aspects. The author of the book has made the best possible effort to ensure transparency in the presentation.

Archaeology: Theories, Methods, and Practice

By Renfrew Colin, Paul Bahn

A bestseller by Colin Renfrew, this book shares valuable information about the method that most archaeologists follow. It explains how they ask questions and finds answers to them through practical and theoretical methods. What makes it the pick of the bunch for learners is its up-to-date information. Besides, the latest version of the book also comes with new and exciting features. It consists of pictures, charts, and sketches to illustrate the information. The book involves information related to archaeology from around the world. From Brauballe Man to Richard III’s burial and other details, this book contains a-z of everything related to archaeology.

Atlas Obscura, 2nd Edition: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders

By Foer Joshua, Ella Morton, Dylan Thuras 

The second edition of Atlas Obscura by Joshua Foer, Ella Morton, and Dylan Thuras is essentially a travel book. Apart from detailed illustrations, just like its previous version, the current version of the book comes with a new set of entries. It consists of a trip map with colors. The primary objective of the authors in publishing the book is to help readers plan their trips. The content has been created by those who have founded atlasobscura.com. Along with photos and maps, the book also has numerous charts, paragraphs, and illustrations to enable readers to understand the concept easily.

The Active Archaeology Notebook

By Leah McCurdy (Editor)

Classroom activities are imperative for students of archaeology. They engage learners in classrooms and motivate them to explore new possibilities. The Active Archaeology Notebook, by a team of instructors, is centered on this approach. It comes with a detailed explanation of various concepts along with fun activities. It is useful for those instructors who look for new and exciting ways to teach archaeology to students in classrooms. For the best outcomes, the book comes in a class-tested form. A firm favorite of the majority of the instructors of archaeology, this book has been in publication since 2018. From then on, it has been a useful tool for learning archaeology thus far.

Mystery on the Isles of Shoals: Closing the Case on the Smuttynose Ax Murders of 1873

By J. Dennis Robinson 

This book by J. Dennis Robinson is a bestselling novel and concerns itself with the murder of two innocent Norwegian women. The incident relates to robbery and murder takes place in 1873 in New Hampshire. It draws the attention of many conspiracy theorists. Despite the capturing of the killer, followed by his conviction in a public trial, he doesn’t confess to committing the crime. A Prussian, and a fisherman by profession, he spends a considerable duration of time in prison. In the process, he gains some admirers who think of him to be innocent. The book covers the whole story. Most readers find the history of the region, and the story of the murders fascinating.

Archaeology: A Brief Introduction

By Fagan Brian M., Durrani Nadia

Authored by Brian M. Fagan and Nadia Durrani, this book introduces to students the methods that archaeologists followed to study human existence in the past. It also lists breakthroughs in archaeology. History, in general, involves changes in the cultural, social, and economic life of individuals over time. This textbook highlights new findings from the global perspective. In line with it, it also consists of findings based on international research. It explains how archaeologists conclude the cultural changes in society in the past. The hallmark feature of the textbook is that it shows the right direction to readers who wish to carve a career in the discipline of archaeology.

Advanced Placement United States History, 2020 Edition

By John J Newman, John M Schmalbach 

John J Newman and John Schmalbach have collaborated and put their best effort into bringing out this book in a fine condition. It is suitable for an AP test and serves as excellent reference material to those who need in-depth information about the history of the United States. It consists of sample questions and essay prompts for practice. In all the chapters, the book mentions the name of different places and dates for an easy understanding. From the Civil War to the other events in the history of the United States, the textbook covers all aspects in detail and lucid language.

A History Of Education In Antiquity (Wisconsin Studies in Classics)

By H.I. Marrou

First published in 1948 in French, A History of Education In Antiquity is the ultimate source of learning about the history of classical studies. H.I. Marrou, the author of the book, outlines the transition of the traditional form of education featuring Hellenistic ideals under the Roman system to its modern form after the rising number of Christian schools. He explains how things changed following the secularization of education. It thoroughly highlights the roots of traditional education that primarily focused on the aspect of the training of youngsters. In his presentation, the author of the book explores Greco-Roman education in detail.

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