The best 37 Asian History books

Behind the Beautiful Forevers describes life in the Annawadi slum in India, close to Mumbai’s international airport. These blinks tell the story of families who live in squalid conditions but still dream of a better life, even though the odds are overwhelmingly against them.

• Anyone who wants to know about life in the slums of Mumbai
• Anyone who liked the movie Slumdog Millionaire
• Anyone who wants to understand the damage caused by corruption

Fukushima (2014) tells the story of how one of the biggest tsunamis in Japan’s history combined with government neglect, corporate interest and propaganda to create the most serious nuclear disaster since Chernobyl. The book was written by the Union of Concerned Scientists, a nonprofit that brings together science and political advocacy.

• Anyone who believes nuclear energy is “safe”
• People who want to know more about the Fukushima disaster

Nothing to Envy (2010) presents fascinating first-hand anecdotes from North Korean defectors, giving intimate insights into the lives of North Koreans under the rule of Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un. The thousands of refugees who arrive in South Korea each year bring with them stories of famine, repression and an isolated nation that has fallen out of touch with the developed world.

• Anyone interested in North Korea
• Anyone who wants to know what it’s like to live under a communist dictatorship
• Those curious about the lives of defectors and refugees

How Asia Works examines the economic development of nine Asian countries and, in the process, sketches a blueprint for other developing nations seeking to achieve sustainable economic growth. Joe Studwell explains why some Asian economies have boomed while others have fallen behind, revealing what history has proved works – and what doesn’t.

• Anyone interested in developing economies and international economics
• Asian history enthusiasts

These blinks will make you re-examine what you thought you knew about the Mongols of the twelfth century. They’ll show you why it’s unfair to imagine them as uncivilized barbarians. Indeed, the Mongol army under Genghis Khan and his descendants brought trade, civilization and order – the Mongol Empire contributed to the making of the modern world.

• Historians interested in the construction of historical narratives
• Global citizens interested in the roots of the modern world
• Students of political science

Killing the Rising Sun (2016) tells the story of the Pacific War, which took place between 1941 and 1945, and its main belligerents, the United States and Japan. From the attack on Pearl Harbor to bloody invasions of Japan to the development of the world’s first atomic bomb, the book portrays the brutality of World War II from a US perspective, and describes how the war was eventually won.

• Fans of world history and politics
• Military enthusiasts
• Anyone obsessed with or fascinated by the story of World War II

The Vietnam War is remembered as one of the longest and bloodiest conflicts of the twentieth century. At the end of 1967, the US government was assuring the public the war was almost won; by February 1968, that was no longer the case. In Hue 1968 (2017) Mark Bowden examines the battle in the city of Hue which changed the way the American public viewed the war.

• Anyone interested in modern American history
• Students of politics or international relations
• Soldiers and veterans

A River in Darkness (2000) is the harrowing true story of one man’s life in and eventual escape from the brutal dictatorship of North Korea. Born in Japan, Masaji Ishikawa was one of hundreds of thousands of Koreans who moved to the country between the 1950s and 1980s. His memoir chronicles the life of drudgery, terror and endless hardship that awaited them.

• Human rights advocates
• History buffs fascinated by the Cold War
• Anyone who loves true life stories

The Silk Roads (2015) is a comprehensive history of the world, written with an eye to the networks of trade that shaped it. The networks of trade first established in ancient Persia and later linked with Chinese trade routes created a great network between the East and the West. But these Silk Roads are not relics of the past. They have morphed and changed, and their impact can be felt today, right down to America’s fateful engagement in the region where it all began.

• Economists looking for historical parallels
• Intrigued followers of world events who want to learn about trade
• Historians of all stripes

Billion Dollar Whale (2018) is the definitive account of how a quick-witted and calculating Malaysian social climber called Jho Low defrauded a national investment fund and pulled off one of the twenty-first century’s most audacious heists. The fruit of years of painstaking research by two of America’s top investigative journalists, it sheds light on the shadowy workings of a globe-spanning network of swindlers, crooks and hustlers.

• True-life story fanatics who love a rip-roaring yarn
• Would-be detectives with a feel for finance 
• Number-crunchers, bankers and accountants 

China in Ten Words (2012) explores the way modern China talks about itself and probes what that tells us about its past, present and likely future. Honing in on ten common concepts, author Yu Huan tells the story of a nation that has seemingly changed beyond recognition, yet in many ways remains closer to its revolutionary origins than one might believe.

• Students of the history of Communist China
• Linguists curious about how language shapes cultural concepts
• Those who are fascinated by the modern “Chinese Miracle”

India after Gandhi (2007) chronicles the story of post-independence India. For centuries, the country was ruled by colonial overlords, but that changed in 1947. After a long struggle for independence, Indians gained self-rule. Since then, the journey hasn’t been easy, but India remains a persevering and determined democracy – and the largest the world has ever seen.

• Students of history interested in the region of south Asia
• Indians looking to learn more about their contemporary history
• Political junkies looking to clue into a new region

Leadership and the Rise of Great Powers (2019) considers the way that leadership determines the fate of nations. Yan Xuetong reflects on the rise of China and the USA’s diminishing stature while speculating on how the international order might look like in a few decades.

• Anyone interested in Sino-American relations
• Geopolitics buffs
• Those working in international relations

The Anarchy (2019) details how the East India Company, an English joint-stock corporation, came to rule the British economy – and the fates of 200 million South Asians. From its founding in 1599 by privateers and pirates to its time as master of the largest standing army in South Asia, the Company fanned the flames of anarchy, then used the resulting chaos as an opportunity to loot an empire.  

• History hounds so appalled by colonialism that they can’t look away
• Those interested in how corporations came to rule our lives
• Travel junkies looking to contextualize their time in India

Myanmar’s Enemy Within (2017) examines a shocking outburst of violence against an ethnic minority – the Rohingya Muslims in western Myanmar. Beginning with an account of the events of 2012 and 2013, these blinks work their way back to explain the historical context of anti-Muslim resentment in the country. Along the way, they explore the legacies of British colonialism, the rise of nationalism, and the country’s troubled transition to democracy.

• History buffs 
• News addicts who want to dig deeper 
• Anyone interested in contemporary Asian politics

Nine Lives (2009) is a study of spirituality and religion in contemporary India. Drawing on William Dalrymple’s in-depth interviews with religious practitioners, these blinks will whisk us from Tibet to Karnataka to Kerala and West Bengal as we explore four remarkable – and remarkably pious – lives. Along the way, we’ll unpack the social and historical context in which these believers’ faiths emerged and continue to be practiced.

• Globetrotters fascinated by the world’s diversity 
• Atheists interested in what motivates the faithful
• History buffs

Minor Feelings (2020) is poet Cathy Park Hong’s searing account of life as an Asian American. Drawing on her own experiences alongside penetrating insights, it paints a picture of the purgatorial status that Asian Americans still face.

• Those looking to explore what it means to be Asian in the United States today
• Memoir lovers
• People who want to expand their understanding of racial issues

Maoism (2019) is a deep dive into Maoist ideology, tracing the origins of the movement in the caves of northwest China to the jungles of India, the high Andean sierra, and the California city parks where The Black Panthers did their military drills. Maoism is a movement that’s hardly limited to China or even Asia.

• Anyone looking to bone up on Chinese history
• Followers of leftist politics
• Those interested in transnational historical arcs

Becoming Kim Jong Un (2020) tells the story of the North Korean dictator from his childhood as the son and grandson of two infamous Korean leaders through to his momentous summit with American president Donald Trump. Setting aside the insults and jokes about Kim that the media and internet often perpetuate, it takes a serious look at Kim’s enigmatic persona and behavior and diagnoses the grave threat that he and his nation⁠ pose to the world.

• People fascinated by international politics and global issues
• History lovers
• Anyone with an interest in modern Asia

Narrated by Marston York

An Autobiography (First published in two volumes; Volume 1, 1927, and Volume 2, 1929) is the autobiography of one of the world’s most famous political icons – Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The book traverses his rebellious childhood, his early activism in South Africa and his work for the Indian Independence Movement up until 1920, and gives insight into Gandhi’s personal philosophy and his lifelong quest for Truth.

• Anyone interested in Gandhi’s life and personal philosophy
• Students of history and political science
• People cultivating leadership skills

Hiroshima (1946 and 1985) is journalist John Hersey’s classic account of six survivors of the 1945 atom bomb attack on Japan. Amid the wreckage, these six lived to offer their accounts of the devastating experience.

• History devotees
• Character-driven non-fiction (or fiction) enthusiasts
• Budding journalists

A Passage to India explores the complex dynamics between the British colonialists and the Indian citizens in the setting of Chandrapore, a fictional city in British India. It delves into themes of friendship, culture clash, and the quest for understanding across cultural divides.

• History enthusiasts  
• Fans of British literature  
• Cultural studies scholars

Midnight’s Children (1981) is the tale of Saleem Sinai, a child born at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947 – the exact moment of India’s independence. This biographical and historical coincidence shapes his destiny, connecting him to a thousand other midnight’s children endowed with miraculous powers and intertwining his own fate with that of his nation. 

• Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of magical realism
• Individuals interested in exploring the themes of identity, nationalism, and postcolonialism
• Those looking to delve into a complex and imaginative narrative that challenges conventional storytelling

Hagakure (1716) is a collection of insights and wisdom that serves as a guide to the way of the samurai, emphasizing honor, loyalty, and the acceptance of death. Its eleven books reflect on the virtues and ethics that governed the samurai’s life, offering advice and philosophical musings on living with integrity and courage.

• Enthusiasts of samurai lore and literature 
• Students of Japanese history and culture 
• Practitioners of martial arts

New Cold Wars (2024) chronicles the United States’ confrontations with Russia and China as they vie for global supremacy. It details the turbulent struggle for military, economic, political, and technological dominance, exploring the pivotal questions of our era – from Ukraine’s battlefield to Taiwan’s tech hubs to the White House Situation Room.

• Political science enthusiasts
• History buffs
• Professionals in national security and defense

The Arthashastra (3rd century BCE ) is a foundational Sanskrit text on statecraft and political strategy. It emphasizes a pragmatic approach to decision-making, stability, and various methods leaders can employ to maintain power, prosperity within their states, and a robust foreign policy.

• Aspiring leaders seeking governance strategies
• Students of political science and history
• Business professionals interested in strategic management

The Great Partition (2007) The story of how British India was divided into two separate nations in 1947 exposes the human cost of political decisions made under impossible pressure. Drawing on survivor testimonies and historical records, it demonstrates how centuries of coexistence on the subcontinent collapsed into communal violence and permanent separation 

• History buffs interested in 20th-century decolonization and the end of the British Empire
• Current affairs followers trying to understand the historical roots of contemporary India-Pakistan tensions
• Anyone who enjoys accessible historical narratives that connect past events to present-day issues

Lee Kuan Yew (2013) draws on five decades of unparalleled experience at the intersection of East and West to illuminate the hidden forces shaping our global future. Through penetrating analysis of China’s rise, America’s resilience, and emerging global challenges, it reveals a strategic framework for understanding how civilizations think and evolve. These insights from Singapore’s legendary founder – sought after by presidents, prime ministers, and CEOs alike – can transform perspectives on power, culture, and leadership in the modern world.

• Ambitious professionals seeking deeper understanding of global power dynamics
• Strategic thinkers fascinated by cultural patterns and societal transformation
• Business leaders navigating relationships between East and West

Why Taiwan Matters (2023) explores how Taiwan became the thriving democracy and semiconductor powerhouse it is today, while explaining its precarious position at the center of US-China tensions. It examines how Taiwan’s 23 million people manage their complex relationship with China that increasingly threatens to forcibly reclaim the island – potentially triggering a global conflict.

• Technology and business leaders concerned with Asia-Pacific markets
• Fans of history, international relations, and geopolitics
• Anyone who cares about the future of democracy in Asia

A History of Iran (2016) is your ultimate guide to the rich and complex history of one of the most enigmatic nations in the Middle East. From ancient Persian empires to today's Islamic republic, this chronicle unravels the fascinating contradictions that define the country’s identity – revealing the backstory of its religion, revolutions, and its current nuclear ambitions.

• Students and educators looking for a comprehensive overview of Iran’s history
• Travelers and cultural enthusiasts fascinated by Persian culture
• Anyone seeking to understand the historical background of current developments in the Middle East  

Iran’s Grand Strategy (2025) takes you inside the mindset of Tehran’s leaders, revealing how decades of calculated resistance have reshaped the Middle East. Drawing on history, geopolitics, and behind-the-scenes insights, it shows how Iran’s mix of proxy warfare and regional alliances have become an effective plan for power. This is the story of how one nation’s determination to outlast its rivals is redefining the balance of power in one of the world’s most volatile regions.

• Students of Middle Eastern politics and history
• Activists and human rights advocates interested in Iran’s social and political dynamics
• Anyone who wants to understand Iran’s role and strategy in global politics

Shadows at Noon (2023) examines how the promise of independence in South Asia was undermined by the enduring trauma of partition and the contradictions within anti-colonial movements. It traces how religious mobilization against British rule inadvertently deepened communal divisions, creating wounds that continue to shape the subcontinent’s politics, culture, and daily life across three nations.

• History lovers looking to understand how colonial legacies continue to shape the modern world
• Culture fans curious about how literature, film, and art process collective trauma across generations
• Anyone interested in how historical events create lasting divisions in society – and what it means for post-conflict regions

From Third World to First (2000) details the improbable story of how a tiny, resource-poor island was transformed into a global economic powerhouse within a single generation. You will discover the unsentimental and pragmatic strategies used to forge a nation out of a divided populace. It is an inside account of the tough, often controversial, decisions required to navigate a perilous world and secure a future for a nation that few believed would survive.

• Students of political leadership and nation-building
• Anyone curious about Asia’s economic development and growth models
• Leaders seeking lessons in long-term strategic planning and governance

King of Kings (2025) pulls you into the opulent, delusional world of the Shah of Iran, showing how oil wealth, hubris, and Western blindness produced one of the twentieth century’s most shocking revolutions. You’ll discover the fatal miscalculations that turned a self-proclaimed “island of stability” into a theocratic state that reshaped the Middle East permanently.

• History buffs fascinated by the modern Middle East
• Curious minds interested in the psychology of political power
• Anyone curious about the roots of US-Iran tensions

Chinese Cinderella is a memoir by Adeline Yen Mah that tells the story of her difficult childhood in China. Born the fifth child to an affluent family, Adeline is treated as an unwanted daughter and faces emotional and physical abuse from her stepmother. Despite the hardships, she finds solace in her love for literature and eventually overcomes adversity to achieve success. This poignant and inspiring book sheds light on the power of resilience and the importance of pursuing one's dreams.

• Readers interested in stories of resilience and overcoming adversity
• Individuals curious about Chinese culture and history
• People seeking inspiration and motivation to overcome their own challenges

Red Sorghum is actually a novel by Chinese author Mo Yan, translated by Howard Goldblatt. It tells the story of three generations of a Chinese family during the tumultuous years of the Japanese invasion and occupation of China. Filled with vivid descriptions and rich symbolism, the book explores themes of love, war, and the resilience of the human spirit.

• Readers who are interested in Chinese history and culture

• Those who enjoy literary fiction with rich and vivid storytelling

• Individuals who appreciate a unique narrative style and non-linear storytelling

The Secret Traditions of the Shinobi by Antony Cummins delves into the mysterious world of the ninja, revealing the hidden practices and philosophies of these legendary warriors. Drawing on historical texts and extensive research, the book uncovers the truth behind ninja myths and explores their unique techniques, strategies, and code of conduct. A fascinating read for anyone intrigued by the ancient art of ninjutsu.

• Enthusiasts of Japanese history and culture

• Martial artists seeking to understand the origins of ninja techniques

• Readers interested in uncovering the truth behind the myths and legends surrounding the shinobi