Are you new to history? Here are 20 authors to check out

Mary Beard writes about ancient Rome with clarity and a consistent respect for primary sources. SPQR is an excellent starting point, as it explains how Roman society and politics functioned—not just who held power. If you’re looking for a serious yet accessible history of antiquity, this is an excellent place to start. 

Tom Holland crafts a narrative that is accessible to beginners while providing a realistic context. Books such as Rubicon and Dynasty not only chronicle Roman politics but also highlight the significance of the choices made. It is a true masterclass in understanding cause and effect. 

Bettany Hughes focuses on the ancient world and writes for a broad audience. Her books often draw connections between classical texts and the physical evidence that historians rely on, such as archaeological sites and artifacts. If you’re looking for a clear and comprehensive introduction to Greece and Rome, you can count on her.

Peter Frankopan examines world history through the connections between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. His books on the Silk Road are popular because they help us fully understand how and why this region of the world is often considered the cradle of cultural exchange, treating these regions as central drivers of change.

William Dalrymple writes about the history of South Asia with an eye for detail and a definite talent for storytelling. In The Anarchy, he explains how the East India Company came to wield political power for 50 years in 18th-century India. It’s a good choice if you want a complex subject explained to you without getting confused.

Margaret MacMillan is best known for her work on diplomatic history and the long-term consequences of major decisions. Paris 1919 explores the highly tense six-month period following World War I, covering the negotiations that took place afterward. Readers who enjoy politics and international relations generally appreciate her work.

John Keegan helped make military history accessible by focusing on what war was like up close. In works such as The Face of Battle, he emphasizes the experience, strategy, and limitations of command. His writings are useful for those who want to understand the subtleties of active warfare rather than the dates and names of battles.

Antony Beevor is widely read for his detailed accounts of 20th-century wars. His books, notably Stalingrad and Berlin, weave together military operations, politics, and civilian suffering into a single narrative. If you enjoy history that’s vivid yet well-organized, he’s the author for you.

Ian Kershaw is a leading historian of Nazi Germany, best known for his work on Adolf Hitler. He not only covers Hitler’s life but also explains how a dictatorship functioned within a modern society. Choose this book if you’re looking for a thorough yet accessible guide to this period.

Anne Applebaum writes about the Soviet system and Eastern Europe in a clear and concise manner, without oversimplifying the subject. Gulag: A History explains the forced-labor camps and their significance for politics and daily life. This will give you a solid foundation for understanding the region.

Timothy Snyder’s work focuses on Central and Eastern Europe, particularly on mass violence in the mid-20th century. Bloodlands examines the massacres carried out under the Nazi and Soviet regimes between 1933 and 1945. 

John Lewis Gaddis is a leading historian of the Cold War and grand strategy. His work explains the policy of containment, alliances, and nuclear risk in a structured way that beginners can follow. If you want a clear framework for this era, start with him.

Jill Lepore writes American history by linking politics, culture, and law to everyday life. Her work primarily consists of books on the Cold War, but also explores the broader history of grand strategic theory throughout history. 

Doris Kearns Goodwin is known for her studies of presidential history, which are easy to read and based on solid research. Team of Rivals shows how Abraham Lincoln managed a divided cabinet during the Civil War. If you learn best through leadership and decision-making, you’ll love her style.

David McCullough’s biographies are popular because they use letters and firsthand accounts to weave a clear narrative. Books like John Adams and Truman offer detailed accounts of two powerful political figures, but require no prior knowledge. They’re an excellent choice when you want to familiarize yourself with historical nonfiction.

Barbara Tuchman has written classic historical accounts that focus on events and their significance. The Guns of August explains the outbreak of World War I and the decisions that shaped the first month of the fighting. 

Eric Foner is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the Civil War and Reconstruction era in the United States. He explains how citizenship, the right to vote, and federal power changed after the end of slavery, and how these struggles continued. If you’re looking for a scholarly yet accessible book, you can count on him.

Marc Morris writes about medieval history with a clear structure, which is helpful when names and kingdoms start to pile up. The Anglo-Saxons traces English history through the centuries while highlighting key turning points. It is a solid introduction to the medieval period. 

Adrian Goldsworthy specializes in ancient Rome and writes biographies that make politics easy to understand. His works on Augustus and Julius Caesar focus on institutions, the military, and leadership decisions. You’ll get an incredible amount of detail without losing sight of the bigger picture.

Peter Heather’s work focuses on Late Antiquity and the fall of the Western Roman Empire. In The Fall of the Roman Empire, he argues that external pressures and migration played a major role, and he carefully lays out his arguments. Reading it is a good way to see how historians compare competing explanations.