📚 Books of the Month

Here are the books that we enjoyed reading last month... July 2024 Books of the Month Dear Reader Even though we publish digitally, we absolutely love books! Here's our monthly selection of books that our editorial team has reviewed. [Smoke and Ashes: Opium's Hidden Histories]( "Smoke and Ashes: Opium’s Hidden Histories" is a sweeping and jarring work of how opium became an insidious capitalistic tool to generate wealth for the British Empire and other Western powers at the expense of an epidemic of addiction in China and the impoverishment of millions of farmers in India. The legacy of this “criminal enterprise,” as the author puts it, left lasting influences that reverberate across cultures and societies even today. [Read full review]( [The Ptolemies, Rise of a Dynasty: Ptolemaic Egypt 330–246 BC]( The first volume of John D. Grainger's trilogy on the Ptolemaic Kingdom provides an overview of Ptolemaic history from 330 to 246 BCE. It explains the formation of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, focusing on the reign of Ptolemy II. A new overview of the Ptolemies is a timely idea but the result is underwhelming. The book adequately covers the dynasty's development and interactions with neighboring states. Yet, Grainger's shallow grasp of politics and society in Ptolemaic Egypt decreases its value. [Read full review]( [The Ptolemies, Apogee and Collapse: Ptolemiac Egypt 246–146 BC]( "The Ptolemies, Apogee and Collapse" is the second volume in Grainger's trilogy on the Ptolemaic Kingdom. It covers the timespan from 246 to 146 BCE, a period marked by massive battles in Syria, civil wars, and domestic unrest. As the title suggests, it is a general overview of the Ptolemaic dynasty’s decline from one of the great powers of the Mediterranean to a faded shadow of its former glory. Like the previous title in the series, it is of mixed quality but contains more good than bad. [Read full review]( [The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper]( "The Five" by Hallie Rubenhold offers a fresh perspective on the victims of Jack the Ripper, focusing on their lives rather than their deaths. Rubenhold's meticulous research brings these women to life, challenging misconceptions and shedding light on the socio-economic struggles of Victorian London. Unlike typical true crime narratives, this book emphasizes the humanity of its subjects. It's a must-read for history enthusiasts of all levels. [Read full review]( [The History of the Ancient World: From the Earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome]( This comprehensive and engaging narrative covers many ancient civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, early China, Greece, and Rome. Bauer's accessible writing and use of primary sources make complex historical events understandable and interesting. Ideal for history enthusiasts and general readers, this book offers a balanced and detailed overview of ancient history. [Read full review]( [More History Book Reviews]( Disclaimer: We receive a commission for books sold through our website. Write a Review Why not write a book review for the most widely read ancient history encyclopedia online? [Submit a Review]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [Pinterest]( [YouTube]( [World History Foundation]( is a non-profit organization registered in Canada. [World History Publishing Ltd]( is a non-profit company registered in the United Kingdom. Our mission is to engage people with cultural heritage and to improve history education worldwide. [Donate Now]( You are receiving this email because you have either signed up for our weekly newsletter or subscribed to our membership. Our mailing address is: World History Publishing Ltd Brook House Mint StreetGodalming, Surrey GU7 1HE United Kingdom [Add us to your address book]( Want to change how you receive these emails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe from this list](. [Mailchimp Email Marketing](