Which is a Subcategory of History Books? My Journey Into Historical Reads

I’ve always been the kind of reader who wanders into the “History” section of a bookstore and feels a little overwhelmed. History is such a massive subject, wars, civilizations, politics, revolutions, biographies, and even niche cultural shifts. At first, I didn’t even realize that history books themselves are broken down into subcategories.

Once I figured this out, my reading became more enjoyable and focused. So if you’ve ever wondered, which is a subcategory of history books?, let’s break it down together.

Why Subcategories Matter for History Readers

When you think of “history,” it can feel endless. But subcategories act like neat little shelves inside a massive library. They help you decide:

• Do I want to learn about people (biographies, memoirs)?
• Do I want to focus on events (wars, revolutions, social movements)?
• Or do I prefer themes (economic history, cultural history, gender history)?

Understanding subcategories makes it easier to pick books that match your interests instead of getting lost in a sea of general history.

Main Subcategories of History Books

Here are some of the most common and fascinating ones I’ve come across:

1. Political History

This digs into governments, leaders, revolutions, and laws that shaped nations. Think books on the American Revolution, the French Revolution, or the Cold War.

2. Military History

Battles, wars, strategies, and soldiers’ stories. From Julius Caesar’s campaigns to World War II narratives, military history has a dedicated following.

3. Social History

This is one of my favorites, it zooms in on everyday people, culture, traditions, and lifestyles. Instead of kings and battles, you get stories about how ordinary folks lived.

4. Economic History

Money makes the world go round, right? These books cover trade, industry, capitalism, financial crises, and how economies shaped societies.

5. Cultural History

Here’s where art, literature, music, and traditions come alive. Cultural history explains how creativity and customs influenced different eras.

6. Biographical & Memoir-Based History

Sometimes, history is best told through individuals. Biographies of leaders, thinkers, or changemakers give us a personal angle on big historical shifts.

7. History of Ideas / Intellectual History

This category looks at philosophies, religions, and schools of thought, how ideas like democracy or feminism developed over time.

8. Regional or National History

Books that focus on one country, region, or community. For instance, “A History of Modern India” or “The History of Japan.”

My Personal Reading Path

When I started, I gravitated toward military history because of my fascination with strategy. Later, I discovered social and cultural history, and honestly, that’s where I felt more connected. Reading about how people lived, their struggles, their innovations, their everyday joys, felt more relatable than just memorizing wars and dates.

How to Pick the Right Subcategory for You

Here’s a little guide I follow when choosing:

• Curious about people? → Go for biographies or social history.
• Love strategy and battles? → Military history is your spot.
• Want to understand nations? → Start with political or national history.
• Interested in culture & lifestyle? → Try cultural history.
• Big-picture thinker? → Explore economic or intellectual history.

Final Thoughts

So, if you’ve been asking, “which is a subcategory of history books?”, the answer is that there are many, and they each unlock a different doorway into the past. For me, diving into these subcategories made history less about memorizing dates and more about connecting with stories. Whether you want to explore battles, economies, or the lives of ordinary people, there’s a subcategory waiting for you.

The best part? Once you know your preference, history stops feeling intimidating and starts feeling like a personal adventure.