Best History Books About War (2026): 5 Compared

War history rewards a good storyteller, and the best history books about war are the ones that read like a novel. We compared five war history books by pages, war covered, publication date and author, using only what each listing publishes. Every pick names who it suits and who should skip it.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	A Higher Call	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	The Complete Illustrated History	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	The Forgotten 500	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Against All Odds	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	A Short History of World War I	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

A Higher Call

Adam Makos·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 400-page WWII story of combat and chivalry, suited to an adult history reader.

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Pros

• 400 pages, WWII
• 18 years and up
• True story, 1943

Cons

• 400 pages, a long read
• 18+, not for young readers
• WWII only, not WWI

2

The Complete Illustrated History

Donald Sommerville·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 512-page illustrated history of both world wars, suited to a visual learner.

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Pros

• 512 pages, illustrated
• 1000+ photos and maps
• WWI and WWII

Cons

• 512 pages, very long
• No reading age stated
• WWI and WWII, broad focus

3

The Forgotten 500

Gregory A. Freeman·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 336-page WWII rescue story, suited to a reader who likes untold missions.

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Pros

• 336 pages, WWII
• Rescue mission story
• 2008, reprint edition

Cons

• 336 pages, mid-length
• No reading age stated
• 2008 publication, older

4

Against All Odds

Alex Kershaw·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 2022 WWII book about four Medal of Honor recipients, suited to a reader who likes hero stories.

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Pros

• 2022 publication
• Four Medal of Honor stories
• WWII, narrative

Cons

• No page count stated
• No reading age stated
• WWII only, not WWI

5

A Short History of World War I

James L. Stokesbury·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A WWI history, Book 1 of 2, suited to a reader who wants WWI specifically.

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Pros

• WWI focus
• Book 1 of 2
• Includes maps

Cons

• No page count stated
• No reading age stated
• WWI only, not WWII

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Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 21 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for a war history reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best history books about war

WWI or WWII

A Higher Call, The Forgotten 500 and Against All Odds cover WWII; A Short History covers WWI; the Illustrated History covers both. For young readers, see our best history books for young readers.

Story or reference

A Higher Call and Against All Odds are narrative; the Illustrated History is a visual reference with 1000+ photos. For notable lists, see our best history books new york times.

Before you buy

• Pick the war: WWI, WWII or both.
• Check the pages: 336 to 512 where stated.
• A Higher Call is marked 18 years and up.
• The Illustrated History has 1000+ photos and maps.
• Check the format: hardcover, paperback or ebook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which book is the longest?

The Complete Illustrated History at 512 pages.

Which covers WWI?

A Short History of World War I and the Illustrated History.

Which is marked 18+?

A Higher Call, reading age 18 years and up.

Which is the newest?

Against All Odds, published March 2022.

Still deciding? Our top pickA Higher Call

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Related lists

See every history and biography list and all nonfiction books lists. Also see our best history books for young readers.

More lists: browse history biography books, nonfiction books and history books new york times.