Description

Bestselling historian Kenneth C. Davis invites readers on a lively intellectual and cultural journey, presenting a thoughtfully selected collection of great, short nonfiction works written by some of the world’s most renowned authors—from Plato and Marcus Aurelius to Ernest Hemingway, Toni Morrison, Joan Didion, and bell hooks. In The World in Books, readers discover an engaging, year-long guide to reading briefly, enriched by concise biographies, intriguing facts, and valuable insights into the thinkers, historians, philosophers, and literary masters who have profoundly shaped our understanding of the world.

Perfect for avid readers seeking fresh material or those looking to jumpstart a new reading habit, Davis’s illuminating anthology features fifty-two carefully-chosen nonfiction masterpieces, each best enjoyed over one week. Each entry includes a compelling opening passage or brief excerpt, a clear summary of the work, background on the author’s life, an explanation of why the selection matters, and suggestions on what to read next. Davis connects readers with texts addressing timeless yet contemporary concerns, from the search for purpose in Viktor E. Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning and profound considerations of race in Toni Morrison’s The Origin of Others, to the pressing challenge of climate change explored in Elizabeth Kolbert’s Under a White Sky.

Covering a diverse array of topics including philosophy, history, nature, culture, politics, and personal growth, Davis smoothly weaves scholarship and accessibility in a conversational, approachable style. This book offers a comprehensive tour through influential yet digestible works that deliver practical wisdom and fresh perspectives, enhancing readers’ intellectual lives. Described as a source of succinct and entertaining guidance, Davis’s collection presents more than just recommended readings—it’s an enriching educational journey, designed to inspire lifelong learners and curious minds alike.