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Reading lists are available on the Oxbridge page for all those true die-hards.
Berlin, the Downfall 1945 by Anthony Beevor
This a remarkably thorough book (as all history books generlly are). He goes into detail starting from the beginning of that rather important year, through the collapse of the Reich with such detail it, well, is excellent. He researches so heavily into everything that the bibliography and notes are close to exceeding the length of the book. The actual book is not, however, your usual history. It does not go all round the houses or go into theory after theory. He gets to the point and doesn't labour it. And that is a sign of a good history writer. Not a sociologist or psychiatrist. An historian. If you are a modern historian, this is the place to start reading without a doubt. This period is the start of modern day Europe. Great read!
Six Days by Jeremy Bowen
This book is an extremely thorough account of the 1967 war in the Middle East. As a journalist, he goes into extreme detail, never missing out an important detail. This book gives a great understanding of how they got to the situation in the Middle East at the minute (although for a full account, you need to read the Old Testemant, Qu'ran, books on the crusades, mass conversions, centuries of wars etc. This book tells how the specific land allocations exist, not the long-standing feud). Although J.B. works for the BBC, it is a very impartial book. It makes for good reading, and if you are interested in current affairs, this book certainly gives you a good background. Next time something is in the news about it, you can say, "Hmm. I know about this. It's 'cos of 1967" and so on...Enjoy.
Imperium by Robert Harris
Despite the fact that MGShistory.org has already recommended a historical fiction novel, I am recommending this one because it is so brilliant. Even Shakespeare woud be proud. Perhaps not.
This book is about Cicero, a Roman senator, as the Roman empire neared its fall and the rise of Julius Ceasar. After some previous historical fiction by Harris (Enigma, Fatherland, Pompeii and Archangel), this book is at the height of Harris' brilliance. He really shines with this novel, and the twists and turns of the book demonstrate why he is such a successful author. Cicero was, perhaps, the greatest orator ever to live, but as I was not around then I cannot make that judgment. Harris certainly manages to persuade the reader as such. A truly gripping read, and I could not put it down at all. Firmly recommended.
Churchill's Hour by Michael Dobbs
This book mixes fiction with historical truths. It is remarkably accurate for a book that still has a significant aspect of fiction in. Dobbs manages to weave a story that many would not even begin to perceive, and his remarkable telling capacity really makes this a worthwhile read. The mix of stories makes this book excellent: the tale of Averell Harriman and Churchill's daughter-in-law Pamela, with the worldwide issues and Churchill's relationship with Roosevelt makes this book not just a brilliant history, but a very enjoyable novel too. Firmly recommended (especially for those who find non-fiction too heavy).
Man in the Shadows by Ephraim Halevy
This book is essentially an autiobiography by an ex-head of the Mossad, the Israeli external spy service. As a world-renowned institution it makes good reading, but largely because the author had such a large role in international and internal politics, making this a book largely about the Middle East at large, while providing an insider's insight into the conflict. Due to his position, he tells of many covert, secret meetings that really make it more interesting. Despite that, however, it was a book that sent me to sleep after about 3 pages. It is ideal for insomniacs! Nevertheless, it does give a balanced, definitive guide to approximately 30/35 years of Middle Eastern politics.
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