Books On Board

Conrad Black Books in Order

  • 15 Books
  • 1977 – 2020 Published

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Reading order
3 of 3 reading orders shown

Where to Start with Conrad Black

Conrad Black’s bibliography consists entirely of rich, dense, and opinionated non-fiction, ranging from sweeping historical surveys to deeply researched political biographies. Because his work is not fiction, there is no single narrative thread linking all of his books. Instead, your best starting point depends on your area of interest:

  • For Presidential History: Start with Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Champion of Freedom (2003). It is widely regarded as one of his most balanced and meticulously researched biographies, offering a detailed look at FDR's leadership through the Great Depression and World War II.
  • For Canadian History: Begin with Rise to Greatness, Volume 1: Colony (2017) to start a chronological journey through Canada's development. If you prefer a single-volume approach, seek out the original 2014 edition of Rise to Greatness: The History of Canada from the Vikings to the Present.
  • For World History: Start with The Political and Strategic History of the World, Volume I: From Antiquity to the Caesars (2023). This begins his grand chronological survey of global history.

The Multi-Volume Historical Series

Black has penned two major multi-volume historical sequences. These are best read in chronological order as they are structured to trace historical progression over time.

1. The History of Canada from the Vikings to the Present

Originally published in 2014 as a single massive volume, this series was later split and updated into three distinct volumes in 2017. They trace the narrative of Canadian history from early exploration to modern times:

  1. Rise to Greatness, Volume 1: Colony (2017) – Covers the period from 1000 to 1867, ending with the Confederation of Canada.
  2. Rise to Greatness, Volume 2: Dominion (2017) – Spans from 1867 to 1949, covering Canada's role in the World Wars and its transition into a mature federal state.
  3. Rise to Greatness, Volume 3: Realm (2017) – Spans from 1949 to 2017, covering modern Canadian politics, culture, and its place on the global stage.

2. The Political and Strategic History of the World

This is an ambitious, massive project tracing global history through key political figures and strategic turning points. It is designed to be read in order:

  1. Volume I: From Antiquity to the Caesars, 14 A.D. (2023) – Traces the rise of early civilizations, Greece, Persia, and the Roman Empire under Augustus.
  2. Volume II: From the Caesars to the Peace of Westphalia and Louis XIV, A.D. 14–1661 (2025) – Follows the decline of Rome, the Middle Ages, the Rise of European nation-states, and the early modern era.
  3. Volume III: Louis XIV to the Brink of World War I, A.D. 1661–1914 (2026) – Focuses on the Age of Discovery, major revolutions (American and French), the American Civil War, and the path to WWI.

Presidential and Political Biographies

Black is highly acclaimed for his deeply researched biographies of key political figures. These can be read entirely as standalone works depending on which political era you wish to study:

  • Render Unto Caesar: The Life and Legacy of Maurice Duplessis (1977) – Black's first book, adapted from his master's thesis, exploring the controversial Quebec Premier.
  • Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Champion of Freedom (2003) – A comprehensive and highly praised look at Roosevelt's strategic genius and legacy.
  • Richard M. Nixon: A Life in Full / The Invincible Quest (2007) – A sympathetic but detailed look at Nixon's foreign policy victories and political comeback.
  • A President Like No Other: Donald J. Trump and the Restoring of America (2018/2020) – A controversial, favorable review of Trump's rise and early presidency.

Strategic Histories, Essays, and Memoirs

If you want to read Conrad Black's reflections on strategic policy, his own life, or his public controversies, you should turn to his memoirs and strategic compilations:

  • A Life in Progress (1993) – An early memoir tracking his rise in the business and media worlds.
  • A Matter of Principle (2011) – A personal account detailing his high-profile legal battles, conviction, and experiences in prison.
  • Flight of the Eagle: The Grand Strategies That Brought America from Colonial Dependence to World Leadership (2013) – A history of American foreign policy and strategic development.
  • Backward Glances: People and Events from Inside and Out (2016) – A collection of essays and profiles written by Black over several decades.
  • The Canadian Manifesto (2019) – A strategic and political argument regarding Canada's future role on the world stage.

Frequently Asked

What is the best order to read Conrad Black's Canadian history books?

You should read them in chronological order starting with Rise to Greatness, Volume 1: Colony, followed by Volume 2: Dominion, and ending with Volume 3: Realm. Alternatively, you can read the single-volume 2014 edition of Rise to Greatness which combines all three.

Are Conrad Black's biographies neutral or opinionated?

Black's writing style is famously erudite, highly detailed, and openly opinionated. While he conducts meticulous research, he writes with a clear conservative perspective and often challenges dominant historical narratives, particularly in his sympathetic biographies of Richard Nixon and Donald Trump.

How many volumes are planned for 'The Political and Strategic History of the World'?

As of 2026, three volumes have been published, covering history from antiquity up to 1914. A forthcoming fourth volume is planned to bring the narrative from World War I to the contemporary era.

Do I need to read Conrad Black's memoirs in order?

It is best to read them in publication order starting with A Life in Progress (1993) for his early career, followed by A Matter of Principle (2011) for his legal trials and experiences during imprisonment.

Which biography of Conrad Black is considered his best work?

His biography Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Champion of Freedom (2003) is widely considered by historians and readers to be his most balanced, comprehensive, and impressive biographical work.