Recs if you like Threads of Empire: A History of the World in Twelve Carpets...

Niche nonfiction, aka micro-histories!

This list was a winner of the Q2 2026 Community Voting event - if you'd like to participate in the Quest, a link is pinned in the comments.

fill in the blank and maybe learn something new!

histories and stories of textiles, ceramics, beadwork, wood that shaped economies, storytelling, gender politics, and conquest

list is nascent so feel free to suggest additions in the comments 📝

Super specific history of unexpected things