If you enjoy reading books by Tom Holland then you might also like the following authors:
If you like Tom Holland’s engaging style and thoughtful historical insights, try Mary Beard. She's an expert historian who makes ancient history feel vivid and accessible.
Beard writes clearly and intelligently, giving life to important figures and events while connecting them to the ways we live today. Her book SPQR:
A History of Ancient Rome explores the rise and fall of Rome, blending social, political, and cultural ideas into a fascinating narrative.
Adrian Goldsworthy is perfect for readers who like detailed yet readable histories, much like Tom Holland offers. He writes clearly and directly, focusing especially on military history and leadership.
In Caesar: Life of a Colossus, Goldsworthy combines gripping storytelling with rigorous scholarship, showing Julius Caesar’s exceptional abilities and complex character in a fresh, insightful way.
Simon Sebag Montefiore is a lively storyteller whose style will appeal if you enjoy Tom Holland’s accessible and captivating approach to history.
Montefiore often focuses on powerful personalities, highlighting their lives, ambitions, and the dramatic roles they played in history. In his book Jerusalem: The Biography, he uses stories of individual lives to illuminate the city's complex, often turbulent history.
Dan Jones shares Tom Holland’s enthusiasm and engaging writing style. His accessible narrative voice makes complex history fun and easy to read. Jones often focuses on medieval events, kings, and kingdoms, bringing history alive through vivid storytelling.
His book The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England is a wonderful introduction to the dramatic period, full of strong characters and powerful themes.
Peter Frankopan offers a fresh, global perspective that is great for readers who appreciate Tom Holland's wider view of history and culture. His engaging storytelling links distant places and events clearly, highlighting connections we often overlook.
Frankopan’s notable work, The Silk Roads: A New History of the World, tells the story from the perspective of the East rather than the West, offering enlightening insights that challenge traditional ways of thinking about world history.
Barry Strauss writes vivid and engaging history that breathes life into ancient events. He focuses on military conflicts and historical turning points, offering clear explanations of strategy and human drama.
Readers who appreciate Tom Holland's dynamic storytelling will enjoy his book The Death of Caesar, an examination of Julius Caesar's assassination told with rich detail and narrative flair.
Antony Beevor is known for his powerful and accessible narratives of military history, capturing both grand strategy and personal stories of those involved. His straightforward style and meticulous research makes complex events understandable and emotionally real.
His book Stalingrad presents a gripping picture of one of World War II's pivotal battles, similar to Holland's ability to connect readers emotionally with history.
Bettany Hughes writes vibrant accounts of ancient history that combine scholarly insight with a compelling narrative pace. Her work often explores cultural and social issues, painting colorful portraits of eras and characters.
In Helen of Troy: Goddess, Princess, Whore, Hughes blends mythology and history to recreate a vivid and thoughtful portrayal of one of antiquity's most fascinating figures, making her an excellent pick for fans of Tom Holland's approach.
Stacy Schiff brings precision and depth to her biographies, skillfully portraying historical figures with nuance and clarity. Her writing style is elegant yet accessible, delving into human motives and personal stories.
In Cleopatra: A Life, Schiff gives readers a fresh insight into the famed Egyptian queen's character and power. Readers drawn to Tom Holland's insightful character portrayals will find much to admire in Schiff's vivid storytelling.
Roger Crowley specializes in capturing crucial moments of naval history and clashes between civilizations. His books tell gripping stories of ambition, bravery, and conflict, presenting historical events clearly and vividly.
In Empires of the Sea, Crowley describes the intense struggle between the Ottoman Empire and Christian Europe, with the same fast-paced storytelling style and dramatic tension that make Tom Holland appealing.
Paul Cartledge brings ancient Greece vividly to life. He looks beyond famous battles and heroes to show how Greek culture shaped our world. His style is clear and engaging, perfect for readers curious about history and society.
In Thermopylae: The Battle That Changed the World, Cartledge examines the legendary stand of 300 Spartans, highlighting courage, politics, and the enduring legacy of Greek values.
Robin Lane Fox writes history with the ease and excitement of a good novel. He captures detailed scenes of life in ancient times with engaging storytelling.
His book Alexander the Great gives readers a vibrant portrait of the conqueror, showing not only his military genius but also the adventure and ambition driving him forward.
Stephen Dando-Collins tells historical stories with energy and vivid detail, making ancient conflicts feel alive and immediate. He explores famous moments from new perspectives, focusing on the human side of big events.
In his popular book, Legions of Rome: The Definitive History of Every Imperial Roman Legion, he takes readers close to soldiers' experiences and uncovers fascinating tales behind Rome's armies.
Philip Matyszak offers readers history with humor and clarity. His writing style is lively and approachable, making the ancient world understandable and entertaining.
In Ancient Rome on Five Denarii a Day, Matyszak cleverly guides readers through everyday life in Rome with wit and practical detail, making the past enjoyable and relatable.
Guy de la Bédoyère has a talent for bringing out the real-life stories of ancient civilizations. He emphasizes archaeology and historical evidence to tell rich, human-focused histories.
Roman Britain: A New History is an excellent introduction to life in ancient Britain, built on personal stories and revealing artifacts that give readers fresh insight into Roman life.