“For me, it’s writing a book and telling people about this story.”
History is filled with incredible stories, but many of the best history books never get the attention they deserve. While bestsellers dominate the spotlight, underrated history books often provide fresh perspectives, untold narratives, and fascinating insights into the past. If you’re looking for hidden gem history reads or lesser-known history books that deserve more recognition, this is the list for you. From overlooked biographies to forgotten events, these obscure historical books uncover stories you won’t find in mainstream recommendations. Whether you love war history, ancient civilisations, or historical mysteries, these overlooked history books offer a deeper dive into fascinating moments that shaped the world. If you’ve already read the big names and want history books you haven’t read yet, these unheard-of history books here at What We Reading will both surprise and inspire you!
The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks – Rebecca Skloot
Kicking off our list of underrated history books is Rebecca Skloot’s The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, a fascinating read that tells the remarkable and often tragic story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cells were taken without her knowledge or consent in the 1950s. Henrietta’s cells, later known as HeLa cells, became one of the most important tools for medicine, leading to breakthroughs in cancer research, vaccine development, and many other scientific advances.
Skloot’s narrative intertwines the scientific journey of HeLa cells with the personal story of Henrietta and her family. The book explores the ethical issues of medical experimentation, particularly with marginalised communities, and the Lacks family’s struggle for recognition and justice. Through impeccable research and sensitive storytelling, Skloot sheds light on the profound impact Henrietta’s contributions had on science, while also emphasising the deep human cost of her exploitation.
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The Last Days Of The Incas – Kim MacQuarrie
The Last Days of the Incas by Kim MacQuarrie chronicles the dramatic and heartbreaking collapse of the Inca Empire, honing in on the clash between the mighty Incas and the small group of Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro. The book delves into the fascinating history of the Incan civilisation, one of the largest and most advanced empires in the Americas, and its sudden collapse in the sixteenth century.
MacQuarrie’s narrative is centred around the key figures involved in the conquest, from the courageous Incan emperor Atahualpa, who was captured and executed by the Spanish, to Pizarro’s brutal ambition, and the complicated dynamics between the two cultures. The book also explores the role of indigenous allies, disease and the Spanish tactics that led to the empire’s destruction.
The Man Who Fed The World – Leon Hesser
The Man Who Fed the World tells the inspiring story of Dr. Norman Borlaug, a groundbreaking agricultural scientist whose innovations in crop breeding helped save millions from hunger and famine. Often lauded as the ‘Father of the Green Revolution’, Borlaug developed high-yielding varieties of wheat that revolutionised farming practices, especially in developing nations.
Hesser’s biography reveals Borlaug’s tireless contributions in countries like Mexico, India and Pakistan, where his work dramatically increased food production and prevented widespread famine. The book also delves into Borlaug’s advocacy for sustainable agriculture practices, and his efforts to promote new technologies to solve global hunger issues. The Man Who Fed the World is an underrated history book that highlights not only Borlaug’s scientific achievements but also his deep commitment to social causes and lasting imprint on world history.
The Mongol Art Of War – Timothy May
Timothy May’s The Mongol Art of War offers an in-depth exploration of the military strategies and tactics devised by the Mongol Empire, which became one of the most feared and powerful forces in history. May examines the organisational structure, training methods, and innovative warfare techniques that allowed Genghis Khan and his successors to conquer vast territories across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Through meticulous research and analysis, The Mongol Art of War not only sheds light on the military genius of the Mongols but is also one of the most underrated history books that offer insights into their enduring impact on the world’s military history. May also explores the leadership principles that guided the Mongols, including Genghis Khan’s ability to unite a diverse group of people under a single, ruthless vision.
A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century – Barbara W. Tuchman
A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century by Barbara Tuchman presents a compelling exploration of one of the most turbulent periods in history. Tuchman focuses on the fourteenth century, an era marred by widespread upheaval, including the Black Death, the Hundred Years’ War, the Papal Schism, and volatile social unrest across Europe.
Through the life of one central figure, the French nobleman Engurerrand de Coucy, Tuchman weaves a narrative that brings this chaotic century to life. Through Coucy, readers witness the period’s political strife, religious tensions and cultural shifts. Tuchman’s masterful storytelling depicts a society in turmoil, torn between feudalism and the emerging power of monarchies, grappling with plagues and famines, and struggling to reconcile faith with the harsh realities of the time, making it an overlooked reading gem for how this period shaped the future of Europe.
The Storm On Our Shores – Mark Obmascik
Mark Obmascik’s The Storm on Our Shores recounts the powerful and emotional story of the 1943 battle for the island of Attu in the Aleutian Islands during the Second World War, one of the most brutal and forgotten conflicts of the Pacific theatre. The book delves into the often overlooked struggle between American and Japanese forces, as well as the profound impact it had on both the soldiers and indigenous Aleut people.
Obmascik deftly ties together the personal stories of soldiers, both American and Japanese, who fought and died on the island, alongside the history of the Aleut people, who were forcibly relocated by the US to internment camps during the war. Another one of the most fascinating overlooked history books, The Storm on Our Shores offers a poignant reflection on the human cost of conflict, the cruelty of the battle and the long-lasting impact on the people who lived through it, making it a compelling read for those interested in military history, Pacific War and untold stories from World War II.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
