Basic Books Gifts for Dads
Find the perfect gift for dad with this curated Father’s Day reading list.
An acclaimed legal scholar’s “insightful and accessible” (Publishers Weekly) exposé of the Supreme Court’s increasing use of unsigned, unexplained orders to change the law—all behind closed doors
A magisterial intellectual history of the last century of American conservatism.
“Continetti captures beautifully the ad hoc, rearguard nature of American conservatism.”
—Wall Street Journal
An essential new history of Central Europe, the contested lands so often at the heart of world history.
“An unparalleled resource for anyone concerned about the future of Europe and the history of its nations.”—Library Journal, starred review
A riveting account of the five most crucial days in twentieth-century diplomatic history: from Pearl Harbor to Hitler’s declaration of war on the United States.
“An engaging and insightful account of the forces that shaped Hitler’s fateful decision.”—Wall Street Journal
“A sweeping, delightfully readable effort to remind us of Assyria’s place in history…Mr. Frahm balances a clear-eyed account of Assyria’s gruesome politics with empathetic portraits of everyday life.”
—Wall Street Journal
Named a Best Book of 2022 by The Economist and the Financial Times
“Magnuson eloquently explains how issues such as principal-agent problems, competition law and environmental and labour rights have cropped up throughout history.”
—The Economist
*A New York Times Editor’s Choice pick
*Shortlisted for the 2022 Pacific Northwest Book Awards
A beloved natural historian explores how climate change is driving evolution.
—Jonathan Balcombe, New York Times
“A fascinating, shocking, and inspiring guide to the future by one of the most creative and eloquent biologists of our time. Dunn’s book is packed full of insight from the latest scientific discoveries about the wonders and troubles of the living Earth.”
—David George Haskell, author of The Forest Unseen
A “thrilling” (Wall Street Journal) history of the Vikings by a pre-eminent scholar.
“A thrilling read….The stereotype of the Viking that we know from history books and popular media is here dismantled and presented anew by Mr. Price in all its wonderful, terrifying complexity and ambiguity. By clarifying the long-reaching effects of Scandinavian influence, Children of Ash and Elm brings a dramatically altered understanding of the Viking Age to a wider international audience.”—Wall Street Journal
“A magisterial history.”
—Paul Krugman
Named a Best Book of 2022 by Financial Times * Economist * Fast Company
“A convincing, and faith-restoring, case that genuine, unadulterated miracles can happen in baseball.”
—Washington Post
“John Eisenberg tells the fascinating account of how five owners, including the Bears’s George Halas, cut through their disputes and differences to work together to form the foundations of the league.”
—Chicago Tribune
Finalist for the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award
“A masterly synthesis of scientific research and personal observation.”
—Wall Street Journal
The basis of the Netflix documentary BLOOD BROTHERS, the first book to bring to life the fateful friendship between Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali.
“Absorbing and provocative… An engrossing and important book.”
—David Margolick, Wall Street Journal
“One of the most gripping, suspenseful, intense stories anyone will ever read.”
—Chicago Tribune
“Clear and concise… Among economists of the past thirty years, Thomas Sowell stands very proud indeed.”
—Wall Street Journal