Smithsonian Magazine white logo
  • Smart News
    • History
    • Science
    • Innovation
    • Arts & Culture
    • Travel
  • History
    • Archaeology
    • U.S. History
    • World History
    • Video
    • Newsletter
  • Science
    • Human Behavior
    • Mind & Body
    • Our Planet
    • Space
    • Wildlife
    • Newsletter
  • Innovation
    • Innovation for Good
    • Education
    • Energy
    • Health & Medicine
    • Sustainability
    • Technology
    • Video
    • Newsletter
  • Arts & Culture
    • Museum Day
    • Art
    • Books
    • Design
    • Food
    • Music & Film
    • Video
    • Newsletter
  • Travel
    • Africa & the Middle East
    • Asia Pacific
    • Europe
    • Central and South America
    • U.S. & Canada
    • Journeys
    • Newsletter
  • At The Smithsonian
    • Visit
    • Exhibitions
    • New Research
    • Artifacts
    • Curators' Corner
    • Ask Smithsonian
    • Podcasts
    • Voices
    • Newsletter
  • Podcast
  • Photos
    • Photo Contest
    • Instagram
  • Video
    • Original Series
    • Smithsonian Channel
  • Newsletters
  • Shop

Special Report

The Best Books of 2024

As the year draws to a close, with all its new books stretched out before us, Smithsonian magazine's editors and writers have clear favorites. Whether you're doing some holiday shopping or looking for your own next read, consider our thoughtfully curated lists.


In our efforts to increase and diffuse knowledge, we highly recommend these titles this year. Illustration by Emily Lankiewicz
<em>Smithsonian</em>'s picks for the best history books of 2024 include <em>The Barn</em>, <em>Eden Undone </em>and <em>The Wide Wide Sea</em>.

HISTORY

The Ten Best History Books of 2024

<em>Smithsonian</em> magazine’s top science titles this year.

SMART NEWS

The Ten Best Science Books of 2024

<em>Smithsonian</em>'s picks for the best books about food of 2024 include <em>McAtlas</em>, <em>A Call to Farms</em>, <em>Slow Noodles</em> and more.

ARTS & CULTURE

The Ten Best Books About Food of 2024

This year's list includes <em>Clouds in Space</em>, <em>The Manicurist's Daughter</em> and <em>The Ministry of Time</em>.

SMART NEWS

The Best Books of 2024, as Chosen by Smithsonian Scholars

None

SMART NEWS

The Ten Best Books About Travel of 2024

Smithsonian Magazine Logo in Black

Explore

  • Smart News
  • History
  • Science
  • Innovation
  • Arts & Culture
  • Travel
  • At The Smithsonian
  • Podcast
  • Photos
  • Video

Subscribe

  • Subscribe
  • Give a gift
  • Renew
  • Manage My Account

Newsletters

  • Sign Up

Content Licensing

Our Partners

  • Smithsonian Institution
  • Smithsonian.com
  • Smithsonian Store
  • Smithsonian Journeys
  • Smithsonian Channel
  • Smithsonian Books
  • Smithsonian Membership

Terms of Use

  • About Smithsonian
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising
  • RSS
  • Member Services
  • Sustainability
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement
  • Cookie Policy
  • Advertising Notice

© 2024 Smithsonian Magazine Privacy Statement Cookie Policy Terms of Use Advertising Notice Your Privacy Rights Cookie Settings