9 Fantastic Books About History & War by Margaret MacMillan

Are you looking for a complete list of Margaret MacMillan books? Our list offers you a look at all of the books she’s written and a brief description of what they are about.

MacMillan is a professor at Oxford University, and she has also held posts at both Trinity College and the University of Toronto.

She is an expert on both history and current affairs. Most of her books focus on war or other important stories in history. 

Margaret MacMillan Books

1. Paris, 1919: Six Months that Changed the World

Paris, 1919: Six Months that Changed the World

Published: October 29th, 2002

Pages: 570

Paris 1919 is a deeply researched, engaging book that pulls the reader into the six months after World War I. The final treaty which ended the war was signed in this city, but it only lasted for about 20 years before another world war broke out.

This book tells of how it all happened with fascinating political history. It also discusses the creation of many new countries around the world and some familiar ones like Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia.

It’s one of the most well-known Margaret MacMillan books.

You will also see it published under the names “Peacemakers: The Paris Peace Conference of 1919 and Its Attempt to End War” and “Peacemakers: Six Months That Changed the World.”

>> More books about World War I

2. The War That Ended Peace: The Road to 1914

The War That Ended Peace

Published: October 29th, 2013

Pages: 739

It is difficult to imagine the world before World War I, but Margaret Macmillan's The War That Ended Peace: The Road to 1914 does an excellent job of bringing together various factors that contributed to the war.

This book provides a clear understanding of how alliances formed and why it was impossible for them not to lead to war. It also shows how political infighting and small mistakes caused by major powers' leaders made peace nearly unattainable.

3. War: How Conflict Shaped Us

War: How Conflict Shaped Us

Published: September 22nd, 2020

Pages: 304

War: How Conflict Shaped Us is a fascinating and informative book about the development of war and its shaping of human civilization.

This book takes us from the beginning of time to the present day, exploring different styles of warfare as well as looking at what can be done to decrease violence in our world today.

It’s an engrossing read that I would recommend for anyone who wants to learn more about conflict throughout history or anyone interested in philosophy, psychology, anthropology, or political science.

4. The Uses and Abuses of History

The Uses and Abuses of History

Published: April 15th, 2008

Pages: 208

History has always been a contentious subject, and Margaret Macmillan takes this topic head-on in her book, The Uses and Abuses of History.

She explores how history is used to justify various political agendas and how it can be abused for personal gain.

From Napoleon's exploitation of his "invasion" of Egypt to Hitler's use of the Treaty of Versailles to rally German nationalism just after WWI, she shows that history should not be taken lightly or without consideration.

It’s another one of the popular Margaret MacMillan books.

5. Nixon and Mao: The Week That Changed the World

Nixon and Mao

Published: March 5th, 2007

Pages: 404

In February 1972, President Richard Nixon made a groundbreaking trip to China and was the first American president to make this journey.

His visit was part of an effort to establish relations with the People's Republic of China.

The implications for American foreign policy were enormous, but few could anticipate just how influential it would be in world history.

Not only will you learn about these two leaders meeting for the first time, but also the cast of characters surrounding them that played a role in this history-making meeting.

6. History's People: Personalities and the Past

History's People

Published: September 8th, 2015

Pages: 304

This book is a fascinating look at the characters of history and how they shaped it. It goes through people like Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Hitler, Stalin, and Margaret Thatcher, and she also includes some lesser-known people that made a significant impact on the world.

It explores what made them who they were and what pushed them to make such bold moves in their historical setting.

What makes this book so interesting to read is that it takes you through history as if you were there yourself instead of just reading about it from a textbook. You get an inside look into each person's life and how the world around them influenced their decisions, leading to changes that we still see today!

This book will leave you feeling inspired by all those before us who have done so much for our world, even though many never knew the impact they had on others or events.

7. Women of the Raj

Women of the Raj

Published: April 18th, 1988

Pages: 256

This book explores what happened during the Raj era in India by telling stories about the great women who faced sexism on nearly every level.

From being threatened with sexual violence or death to being ostracized from society because of their sex, it's no wonder, so many women lost hope and felt powerless against their oppressors.

But through grit and determination, some found ways to break free of societal constraints and pave a new way forward.

8. The Rhyme of History: Lessons of the Great War

The Rhyme of History

Published: December 18th, 2013

Pages: 24

The Great War, or WWI, is one of the most studied wars of all time. It has been scrutinized by historians and analyzed for decades. Margaret Macmillan's essay The Rhyme of History: Lessons of the Great War offers a fresh perspective on the war that had profound implications for Europe and beyond.

The lesson learned? Understanding history can help us better understand what we are currently witnessing today.

9. Stephen Leacock

Stephen Leacock

Published: December 14th, 2011

Pages: 204

Stephen Leacock is a Canadian author and one of the most influential humorists in the English language. This book is all about his life and times.

MacMillan discusses how he used satire to highlight social ills such as class inequality, political corruption, war profiteering, and complacent academics in the book.

The book provides an engaging overview of the early 20th century with all its changes and highlights that some things never change, such as human nature's thirst for power and glory no matter what time we live in.

About Margaret Macmillan

Margaret MacMillan was born in Toronto, Ontario, in 1943. She is a descendant of David Lloyd George, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity College, Toronto. She also has two degrees from Oxford: a Bachelor of Philosophy and a Doctor of Philosophy.

Her teaching credentials include Ryerson University, Trinity College, and St. Anthony’s College in Oxford.

In addition to the Margaret MacMillan books mentioned above, she has also collaborated with other writers, helped with editing on notable books, and wrote the forward in a few books.