The Histories
Herodotus · 440 BCE
The "Father of History," and of travel writing, ethnography, and narrative nonfiction. Herodotus ranged across the known world to explain the Persian Wars, collecting stories and customs and marvels along the way with insatiable curiosity. His method (go there, talk to people, write it down) is the foundation of journalism.
The case against
Gold-digging ants, flying snakes, Ethiopians who live to a hundred and twenty: Herodotus passes along whatever he was told, and his ancient rivals already called him the father of lies. The Persian War you came for arrives only after long Egyptian detours; wonderful wandering, maddening as war history.
Non-Fiction · the Pro canon
The case for it and the rest of the canon open with Pro.
if this one calls to you, so will these →
