The term “microhistory” is a useful label for certain kinds of nonfiction books that tend to go deep into one particular subject (cemeteries, say, or sheep) or else zoom in on a particularly narrow strip of history—for instance, a totally fascinating 19th-century destination for women.

Anyone who's had a serious podcast habit will recognize that this angle of approach, with its emphasis on good writing and classic storytelling techniques, also plays especially well in the audiobook format. There’s something about the audio format that seems to optimize the microhistory experience.
 
We’ve collected here some recent microhistory audiobooks that have shown consistent popularity with Goodreads members. You’ll find some familiar names – like Bill Bryson on the history of our familiar domestic routines, or Mary Roach on the history of one domestic routine in particular. The one that’s the most fun, actually.
 
Click around elsewhere for some other fascinating subjects, like the amazing story of the Green Book guide, or a history of popular music in seven genres, or an exploration on deep-sea creatures. And of course, we must salute that celebration of humankind’s most glorious anatomical specific—Butts: A Backstory.
 
Click on the cover images for more details and use the Want to Read button for organizing your future audio queue.

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Now it's your turn! Tell us about your favorite microhistories in the comments below. Bonus points if you listened to them on audiobook!