This Week in History — Week of July 6, 2026

Biggest Gainers

1873: The Rothschilds, the First Great Depression, and the Making of the Modern World by Liaquat Ahamed

Published: June 2, 2026

This new release added 8 ratings this week, the highest increase among the most read books. Compared to other books in the list, 1873 has the fastest growth rate at 3.9%. Despite being a new release, it is already gaining more traction than more established titles like Medieval Horizons. The book's fresh perspective on the first global financial calamity and its impact on the modern world may be attracting readers looking for insightful and timely historical analysis.

Stats: 206 → 214 (+8)

Medieval Horizons: Why the Middle Ages Matter by Ian Mortimer

Published: February 23, 2023

Medieval Horizons is the second biggest gainer this week, adding 3 ratings. This steady growth indicates a continued interest in medieval history. With a growth rate of 0.23%, it is lagging behind 1873 but is still performing better than most other books on the list. The book's unique perspective on the Middle Ages and its impact on the modern world may be contributing to its enduring popularity.

Stats: 1,302 → 1,305 (+3)

The Revolution Betrayed by Leon Trotsky, Max Eastman

Published: February 20, 2004

This classic work on the Russian Revolution is the third biggest gainer this week, adding 1 rating. With a growth rate of 0.05%, it is one of the slower-growing books on the list. However, its continued presence on the list indicates that readers are still interested in historical and political analysis, even if they are not necessarily seeking new releases. The book's timeless themes and insightful commentary may be attracting readers looking for a deeper understanding of the Russian Revolution and its aftermath.

Stats: 2,119 → 2,120 (+1)

Surprise of the Week

Mobilize: How to Reboot the American Industrial Base and Stop World War III by Shyam Sankar, Madeline Hart

Published: March 17, 2026

This new release was not expected to perform well, given its niche topic and lack of established authorship. However, with a growth rate of 0.60%, it has surpassed expectations and is now one of the faster-growing books on the list. The book's focus on revitalizing the American industrial base and preventing global conflict may be resonating with readers concerned about the current state of international affairs. As a debut, Mobilize is off to a strong start, and its performance bears watching in the coming weeks.

Stats: 167 → 168 (+1)

Quick Hits

1873: The Rothschilds, the First Great Depression, and the Making of the Modern World by Liaquat Ahamed

The top-rated book this week, 1873 is a new release that has quickly gained traction. With 214 ratings, it is the most popular book on the list, and its growth rate of 3.9% is the highest. Stats: 206 → 214 (3.9%, +8)

Medieval Horizons: Why the Middle Ages Matter by Ian Mortimer

Medieval Horizons continues to perform well, with a growth rate of 0.23% and 1,305 ratings. While it is not growing as quickly as 1873, its steady performance indicates a consistent interest in medieval history. Stats: 1,302 → 1,305 (0.23%, +3)

The Revolution Betrayed by Leon Trotsky, Max Eastman

This classic work on the Russian Revolution has added 1 rating this week, bringing its total to 2,120. With a growth rate of 0.05%, it is one of the slower-growing books on the list, but its continued presence indicates a lasting interest in historical and political analysis. Stats: 2,119 → 2,120 (0.05%, +1)

Empty Vessel: The Story of the Global Economy in One Barge by Ian Kumekawa

Empty Vessel has added 1 rating this week, bringing its total to 234. With a growth rate of 0.43%, it is one of the mid-tier performers on the list. The book's unique perspective on the global economy may be attracting readers looking for a fresh take on economic history. Stats: 233 → 234 (0.43%, +1)

Mobilize: How to Reboot the American Industrial Base and Stop World War III by Shyam Sankar, Madeline Hart

As mentioned earlier, Mobilize is a surprise performer this week, with a growth rate of 0.60% and 168 ratings. The book's focus on revitalizing the American industrial base and preventing global conflict may be resonating with readers concerned about the current state of international affairs. Stats: 167 → 168 (0.60%, +1)

Given the data, the most interesting story this week is 1873: The Rothschilds, the First Great Depression, and the Making of the Modern World by Liaquat Ahamed. With a growth rate of 3.9% and 214 ratings, it is the fastest-growing book on the list and has quickly become the most popular. Its performance is all the more notable given that it is a new release, and its success may indicate a growing interest in historical and economic analysis. As the top-rated book this week, 1873 is the pick of the week, and its continued performance bears watching in the coming weeks.