25 Bizarre History Books, From Fascist Pigs to the History of Severed Heads

History books often take us on captivating journeys through time, shedding light on the significant events and influential figures that shaped our world. But what about the more peculiar and unusual aspects of history? This blog post brings you a list of the 25 weirdest history books ever written, covering topics ranging from the search for Sasquatch to the history of severed heads. Prepare to dive into the bizarre and intriguing as we explore these unconventional historical narratives.

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1. What We Did in Bed: A Horizontal History by Nadia Durrani and Brian Fagan:

Peek behind the covers and explore the diverse and intimate history of the bedroom. Nadia Durrani and Brian Fagan take us on a horizontal journey, revealing the multifaceted roles of the bedroom throughout different time periods, from sleep and sex to rituals and cultural practices.

2. The Monk of Mokha by Dave Eggers:

Follow the remarkable true story of Mokhtar Alkhanshali, a Yemeni-American who immerses himself in the world of coffee and becomes determined to revive Yemen's long-lost coffee heritage. This book blends history, culture, and adventure as it chronicles Mokhtar's journey to reclaim Yemen's place in the coffee industry.

3. Thrust: A Spasmodic Pictorial History of the Codpiece in Art by Michael Glover:

Delve into the fascinating history of the codpiece, a fashion accessory that became an upscale must-have during the Renaissance. Michael Glover's witty and entertaining exploration takes us from the codpiece's practical origins to its symbolic representation of masculinity in art and culture.

4. Fascist Pigs: Technoscientific Organisms and the History of Fascism by Tiago Saraiva:

Uncover the intriguing connection between fascist regimes in Italy, Portugal, and Germany and the breeding of new animals and plants. Tiago Saraiva reveals how technoscientific organisms, such as genetically modified crops and animals, played a central role in the institutionalization and expansion of fascist ideologies.

5. Poisoner in Chief: Sidney Gottlieb and the CIA Search for Mind Control by Stephen Kinzer:

Dive into the shadowy world of the CIA's mind control experiments during the Cold War. Stephen Kinzer exposes the disturbing story of Sidney Gottlieb, the chemist behind the CIA's secret programs involving drugs, mind-altering substances, and unethical human experimentation.

6. Every Word Is a Bird We Teach to Sing: Encounters with the Mysteries and Meanings of Language by Daniel Tammet:

Embark on a mind-expanding journey through the intricacies of language. Daniel Tammet's collection of essays takes us from London to Iceland, exploring the wonders of linguistic diversity, translation, sign language, and the profound power of communication.

7. The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St Clair:

Unveil the hidden stories and cultural significance behind colors throughout history. Kassia St Clair delves into the intriguing world of pigments, dyes, and hues, unraveling the fascinating tales associated with various shades and their impact on art, fashion, and society.

8. In the Valleys of the Noble Beyond: In Search of the Sasquatch by John Zada:

Explore the mysteries of the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia, where stories of encounters with Sasquatch have captivated the locals for centuries. John Zada embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind these legendary man-apes, delving into scientific inquiry, indigenous traditions, and the human imagination.

9. Extraterrestrial Languages by Daniel Oberhaus:

Embark on a quest to understand the mysteries of extraterrestrial communication. Daniel Oberhaus explores humanity's attempts to reach out to non-Earthlings, the languages we might use, and the challenges we face in making contact with potential extraterrestrial civilizations.

10. Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 by Stephen Puleo:

Discover the bizarre and tragic events surrounding the Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919. Stephen Puleo vividly recounts the day when a massive wave of molasses swept through Boston's streets, resulting in destruction and loss of life.

11. Severed: A History of Heads Lost and Heads Found by Frances Larson:

Delve into the unsettling world of severed heads throughout history. Frances Larson explores the various roles that severed heads have played, from war trophies to scientific specimens, shedding light on our complex relationship with this macabre artifact.

12. The Invisible Hook: The Hidden Economics of Pirates by Peter T. Leeson:

Uncover the economic principles and incentives that drove the actions of pirates. Peter T. Leeson reveals the intriguing world of pirate economics, exploring how they organized themselves, governed their crews, and created their unique codes of conduct.

13. The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore:

Step into the lives of the "shining girls," young women who worked in radium-dial factories during the early 20th century. Kate Moore exposes the dark reality behind their glamorous jobs and the legal battles that followed, as these women fought for justice against the companies that knowingly exposed them to radiation.

14. Porneia: On Desire and the Body in Antiquity by Aline Rousselle:

Explore the fascinating world of sexuality in ancient Greece and Rome. Aline Rousselle delves into the cultural attitudes, practices, and taboos surrounding desire, love, and sexuality during this period, revealing a complex and intriguing history.

15. Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky:

Embark on a journey through the history of salt, an essential mineral that has shaped civilizations and sparked wars. Mark Kurlansky's book explores the cultural, economic, and political significance of salt, revealing its profound impact on human development.

16. Milk!: A 10,000-Year Food Fracas by Mark Kurlansky:

Discover the incredible journey of milk throughout human history. Mark Kurlansky explores the cultural, culinary, and economic aspects of milk, from its domestication and various uses to its modern controversies and debates.

17. Dancing in the Streets: A History of Collective Joy by Barbara Ehrenreich:

Unearth the history of collective joy and communal celebrations across cultures and time periods. Barbara Ehrenreich delves into the significance of rituals, festivals, and ecstatic experiences, exploring the human desire for shared moments of jubilation.

18. The Mystery of the Exploding Teeth: And Other Curiosities from the History of Medicine by Thomas Morris:

Prepare to be both amused and horrified by bizarre medical treatments and curiosities throughout history. Thomas Morris presents a collection of strange cases and medical practices, offering insights into the evolution of medical knowledge and the resilience of the human body.

19. Newton the Alchemist: Science, Enigma, and the Quest for Nature's Secret Fire by William Newman:

Unravel the enigmatic world of Isaac Newton's alchemical pursuits. William Newman explores Newton's experiments and beliefs in alchemy, shedding light on his lesser-known endeavors and their influence on his scientific discoveries.

20. Kepler's Witch: An Astronomer's Discovery of Cosmic Order Amid Religious War, Political Intrigue, and the Heresy Trial of His Mother by James A. Connor:

Immerse yourself in the fascinating story of Johannes Kepler, the 16th-century mathematician and astronomer. James A. Connor intertwines Kepler's scientific achievements with the backdrop of religious conflict and his mother's trial for witchcraft, providing a captivating narrative of cosmic exploration.

21. Debt: The First 5,000 Years, Updated and Expanded (Revised) by David Graeber:

Delve into the complex history of debt and its impact on societies throughout millennia. David Graeber challenges conventional economic theories by exploring the cultural, social, and political dimensions of debt, revealing its pervasive influence on human relationships and systems of power.

22. The Bedroom: An Intimate History by Michelle Perrot:

Unlock the secrets of the bedroom and its significance in human lives. Michelle Perrot examines the evolution of the bedroom from a private space to a reflection of social, cultural, and gender dynamics. This book offers insights into the intimate aspects of our lives and how they intersect with broader historical contexts.

23. Skeleton Keys: The Secret Life of Bone by Riley Black (Brian Switek):

Uncover the remarkable history of bones and their cultural, scientific, and symbolic significance. Riley Black takes us on a journey from archaeological discoveries to forensic investigations, exploring the role of bones in medicine, anthropology, mythology, and even crime-solving.

24. A Burglar's Guide to the City by Geoff Manaugh:

Explore the intriguing relationship between architecture and crime. Geoff Manaugh delves into the minds of burglars and the built environment they navigate, providing insights into the ways in which buildings and urban landscapes can be exploited for illicit activities.

25. How to Invent Everything: A Survival Guide for the Stranded Time Traveler by Ryan North:

Imagine being stranded in the past and needing to rebuild civilization from scratch. Ryan North offers a humorous and informative guidebook, providing instructions on everything from basic survival skills to creating modern technology, making it a must-read for any stranded time traveler.

Conclusion:

History is a vast tapestry, interwoven with tales both extraordinary and unusual. The 25 weirdest history books on this list offer a glimpse into the lesser-known aspects of our past, revealing intriguing stories and shedding light on topics that might otherwise remain hidden. Whether you're interested in cryptids, peculiar artifacts, or the unconventional side of human existence, these books will take you on a captivating journey through the peculiarities of history. So, step into the weird and wonderful world of these books and uncover the untold stories that shape our understanding of the past.