Introduction:

History is a tapestry woven from the threads of human experiences, a journey through time that unveils the stories of civilizations, revolutions, and remarkable individuals. If you're captivated by the narratives of the past and yearn to explore the events that have shaped our world, Oxford Summer Courses invites you to embark on a transformative journey through our History summer school. Delve into the annals of time and discover the rich and diverse narratives that have sculpted our present.

Who’s Eligible to Apply to Oxford Summer Courses?

Eligibility for standard courses across all age groups (ages 9-24) requires applicants to be proficient in English and possess a keen interest in exploring the subjects they are applying for. For advanced courses in Cambridge for ages 18-24, students must have completed at least the second year of an undergraduate qualification (or equivalent) in the same area as the subject they wish to study. Apply now to check your eligibility and apply for our courses.

Disclaimer:

Please note that the following list of books is recommended reading to broaden your knowledge and deepen your appreciation of history. While some of these books may be included in the Oxford Summer Courses curriculum, the specific content of the summer school can vary. If you wish to study history with us, you can apply to our History summer school.

1. A History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters, by Julian Barnes

• "Wood for the trees. We are like ignorant shepherds living on a site where great civilizations once flourished. The shepherds play with the fragments that pop up to the surface, having no notion of the beautiful structures of which they were once a part."
• Published in 1989, "A History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters" by Julian Barnes offers a unique perspective on history, presenting a collection of diverse stories and accounts that span different eras and themes.
• Discussion: How does Julian Barnes challenge traditional historical narratives with his unconventional approach in this book?

2. The Guns of August, by Barbara W. Tuchman

• "War is the unfolding of miscalculations."
• Set against the backdrop of the events leading to World War I, "The Guns of August" by Barbara W. Tuchman meticulously examines the political and military decisions that shaped the course of history during this critical period.
• Discussion: What lessons can we draw from the events leading up to World War I, and how do they relate to the geopolitics of today?

3. A People's History of the United States, by Howard Zinn

• "There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people."
• Howard Zinn's "A People's History of the United States" presents an alternative perspective on American history, focusing on the experiences and struggles of ordinary people often overlooked in traditional history books.
• Discussion: How does Zinn's portrayal of history challenge the conventional narratives of American exceptionalism?

4. The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, by William L. Shirer

• "Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this island or lose the war."
• William L. Shirer's monumental work, "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich," provides an in-depth account of Nazi Germany's history, from its ascent to its eventual collapse.
• Discussion: What insights into the nature of totalitarian regimes and the consequences of unchecked power can we gain from Shirer's comprehensive history?

5. The Diary of a Young Girl, by Anne Frank

• "I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart."
• Anne Frank's diary, written during her time in hiding in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, offers a poignant and personal account of the Holocaust and the resilience of the human spirit.
• Discussion: How does Anne Frank's diary humanize the Holocaust and its impact on individuals and families?

6. The Wright Brothers, by David McCullough

• "It is not really necessary to look too far into the future; we see enough already to be certain it will be magnificent. Only let us hurry and open the roads."
• David McCullough's biography of the Wright brothers, pioneers of aviation, delves into their relentless pursuit of flight and the profound impact it had on the course of history.
• Discussion: How did the achievements of the Wright brothers change the way we perceive travel, technology, and human potential?

7. The Silk Roads: A New History of the World, by Peter Frankopan

• "All roads indeed lead to Rome, but theirs also is a more mystical destination, some bourne of which no traveller knows the name, some city, they all seem to hint, even more eternal."
• In "The Silk Roads," Peter Frankopan offers a fresh perspective on world history by highlighting the significance of the trade routes that connected cultures and civilizations across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
• Discussion: How does Frankopan's book reshape our understanding of the interconnectedness of world history through trade and cultural exchange?

8. The Making of the Atomic Bomb, by Richard Rhodes

• "Scientists are not intrinsically more noble or admirable or patriotic or wise than the rest of humanity. It is folly to expect them to be."
• Richard Rhodes' Pulitzer Prize-winning book, "The Making of the Atomic Bomb," provides a detailed account of the scientific discoveries and political decisions that led to the development of nuclear weapons during World War II.
• Discussion: What ethical and geopolitical questions arise from the history of nuclear weapons, as explored in Rhodes' book?

9. The Second Sex, by Simone de Beauvoir

• "One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman."
• Simone de Beauvoir's groundbreaking work, "The Second Sex," examines the history of women's oppression and explores the concept of women's "otherness" in society.
• Discussion: How has Simone de Beauvoir's analysis of gender and patriarchy influenced feminist movements and our understanding of gender roles?

10. The Wright Brothers, by David McCullough

• "To conquer the air is to conquer the world."
• David McCullough's biography of the Wright brothers, pioneers of aviation, delves into their relentless pursuit of flight and the profound impact it had on the course of history.
• Discussion: How did the achievements of the Wright brothers change the way we perceive travel, technology, and human potential?

Summary:

Oxford Summer Courses invites you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of History. In this blog post, we present a meticulously curated list of 10 classic books that will expand your horizons and deepen your understanding of the past. From Julian Barnes' diverse narratives in "A History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters" to Anne Frank's poignant diary, these literary works offer unique perspectives on historical events and the human experience. Through our History programme, you will have the opportunity to explore and discuss these influential texts, gaining valuable insights into the complexities of our shared history. Join us on this historical journey and embark on a transformative experience that will enrich your understanding of the world.

Ready to Join Oxford Summer Courses?

After submitting your application, we'll be in touch very soon to inform you of the outcome. Apply now to begin your journey with Oxford Summer Courses!

About the author

Rhys Mackenzie is the Website Marketing Manager at Oxford Summer Courses. With extensive experience in SEO and digital content management, they are passionate about showcasing the best that Oxford has to offer. Their previous role at Experience Oxfordshire gave them a deep appreciation for the city's unique cultural and academic offerings. Learn more about Rhys here.