My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Scribner for an advance copy of this collection of essays dealing with great works of short nonfiction, written by a writer whose passion about words, writing and knowledge show on every page.

One of the questions I get asked most often in the bookstore is, "Why is this cheaper online?" I kid. Most questions are about Cliff Notes, when the next James Patterson is due out, when George Martin's new book is coming out, or if this travel book is woke. That was on Sunday. The questions I love the most are from people looking for something different. New, old, borrowed or blue, they just want to read something that isn't the same, that engages them, makes them want to know more. Or if as school is getting closer to opening which are the smallest books on their summer reading list. Smaller books I am quick to warn aren't easier books. Some small books have changed a lot of minds, a lot of history, and maddened quite a lot of people for different reasons. Kenneth C. Davis is an author I have followed for years starting with his Don't Know Much About Books, dealing with history, geography, the Bible and more. Recently he has turned to books, creating works about publishing history, and fictional books that people should read and why. The World in Books: 52 Works of Great Short Nonfiction features essays on fifty-two different books, a year's worth of reading for the soul, the heart and to understand people. And a guide to remind people the importance of books, and their impact on history.

The book begins with an essay Books Are Weapons in the War of Ideas, a strong opening to the book, one I did not expect. Davis rails against the rising forces of censorship, banning books in school libraries, and how easily banning a book leads to burning a book. This section alone is worth the price, and is a stand many more writers should be taking. Following this are 52 reasons why a lot of people are afraid of books, even if they are short works. Starting with the Epic of Gilgamesh we travel through history from the first saga/history to the modern day. Examples from the Bible, new and old, Sappho's poems, Voltaire, Marx, Douglas, Toni Morrison and more. Each essay has opening words, a summary, words on the author, and the impact of the works, and why they should be read. Davis also adds more works to read, and an interesting collection of sources.

As I wrote, I have long followed Davis and his books, starting I am sure in my first bookstore. I always liked his writing, never talking down, and with a sort of isn't this amazing, isn't this interesting way of writing. In addition he always sourced his works, saying don't take my word for it, please find out yourself. When Davis turned to literature, I really wasn't surprised, as this is a person who loves books, and respects the written word. And respects the rights of people to read it. Books like this are of course subjective, and people might differ on the works chosen, the reasons why, and rail against what was omitted. I have my quibbles, but Davis is showing what is out there. Try it. This might not be your jam, but sitting next to say I book I recommend, might be another book that speaks to you. Maybe by the same author, maybe by somebody else. Just read these books, the one's that people want to ban, and others they haven't come across yet. Books like this make people remember why they read, the power and and joy they give. And hope. Always hope.

A nice reference that works as a good gift with his previous book Good Books which are fiction books that Davis recommends. These are good reference titles for booksellers, especially during the Summer Reading months. I really enjoyed reading this and look forward to Davis next book, as it's good to see someone still fighting the good fight of reminding people about the power of words.

I loved how this book was organized, that it contained a variety of short works by different authors in different cultures, and at the end, it had information on what to read next and why you should read it. I feel like this book would be perfect to pick a random short work from on a daily or weekly basis to digest and I feel like that is exactly what I plan to do when this book is published. I want to take my time with this book when reading it again.

The cover does not do this book justice, it is more engaging than the vibes the cover gave me. Glad to have trusted the blurb.
This title is a great resource for those who love the books mentioned in it and those who are looking for short non-fiction classics and recommendations.
Content wise, with its rich and cleverly selected selection of 52 books, the detailed approach and what to read next, this book has a lot to offer.
Though, the design could have been more reader friendly and appealing. The prose is 4/5. This is a bit personal and subjective.

It’s a very good book with amazing books mentioned and also with why we should read them and what we should read next. Can’t wait for the release! Thank you so much for letting me to read!

In undergrad I double majored in History and English Literature, as such, The World in Books was an absolute pleasure to read and resulted in the addition of multiple books to my to-be-read list. By laying out the 'rules' governing his choices, the reader was able to better understand the reasoning behind which books were included and which were not. There are so many incredible and influential works in existence, yet it's obvious they could not all be included - though I greatly appreciated the addition of a 'What To Read Next' section at the conclusion of each entry, as well as the "52 More of the Great Short Books that Make Us Think" appendix at the end. To avoid spoiling the fun I won't go into any of the specific works chosen, but I will say that they cover a wide range of topics and extend from B.C.E. to modern day, therefore truly encompassing some of the most significant and thought-provoking nonfiction books throughout the world's history.

In terms of formatting, Davis did a wonderful job of structuring the book so that you progress through the centuries alongside the works, starting in ancient times and bringing you right up into the 2020s. Each entry is also subdivided into five sections - Opening Words, Summary, About the Author, Why You Should Read It, and What You Should Read Next, which breaks up the text is a lovely way. By including these subsections, Davis is able to provide a significant amount of information about each work and it's author, without giving too much away about the actual book, thus largely leaving the experience of reading and interpreting the work to the reader themselves. For a book about books, this never felt dry or drawn out, and each entry was as long as it needed to be to convey the information it needed to convey. Well written and well paced, this is one of those books that reminds me why I love nonfiction, and I'm so very please for having been given the chance to read it.

This book was quite interesting. I loved the selection of books included. There are a wide variety of books that really encompass the diversity of people. Each book is focused in a different chapter and for each there is an introduction, a brief plot summary, a bit about the author, and what you should read next. The way the book is written, it does not matter if you have read the included books or not. If you read the book, it is a good refresher with some extra information included, and if you haven’t read the book, you learn why you probably should in the future. I think everyone should read this book as well as the books featured.

I really like the concept of this book and reading the stories that Davis picked to have in it. Books and stories are a way to learn about our world and history and this is a perfect example how important it is to hold onto the writings of past generations