

I just read Robert K. Massie's "Catherine the Great" and enjoyed it so much that I'm now reading "Nicholas and Alexandra". In general, I like reading books on history, but have found them to be hit or miss- some are quite dry and almost a chore to read, at least for me.



Can you recommend great history books that are written with warmth and genuine interest for the human players within them, while also being well-researched and including many interesting facts and details?



I am, right now, particularly interested in reading about women in history and Japanese and Russian history, but open to pretty much anything.

Please recommend your favorite books on history that are a delight to read.