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 2022

By year's end, after all the new books hit shelves, Smithsonian magazine's editors and writers have clear favorites. Whether you are looking for some gift ideas or a great read to enjoy on the plane or cozied up over the holidays, consider our carefully curated lists.


In our efforts to increase and diffuse knowledge, we highly recommend these 44 titles this year. Illustration by Emily Lankiewicz
This year's picks include <em>Half American</em>, <em>Saving Yellowstone </em>and <em>River of the Gods</em>.

HISTORY

The Ten Best History Books of 2022

This year’s picks include <em>Fresh Banana Leaves</em>, <em>Origin</em> and <em>Starry Messenger.</em>

SCIENCE

The Ten Best Science Books of 2022

This year's titles include <em>Watermelon and Red Birds</em>, <em>To Boldly Grow</em>, <em>Budmo! </em>and <em>Diasporican</em>.

ARTS & CULTURE

The Ten Best Books About Food of 2022

This year's list includes <em>Bird Planet</em>, <em>Floridas</em>, <em>I Just Wanna Surf</em> and more.

ARTS & CULTURE

The Ten Best Photography Books of 2022

This year's titles include <em>I Was Better Last Night</em>, <em>Accidental Ecosystem</em> and <em>Winslow Homer: American Passage</em>.

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Smithsonian Scholars Pick Their Favorite Books of 2022

This year's picks include <em>Black Lion</em>, <em>The Catch Me If You Can</em> and <em>The Slow Road to Tehran</em>.

TRAVEL

The Ten Best Books About Travel of 2022

This year's picks include <em>Nellie vs. Elizabeth</em>, <em>Uncle John's City Garden</em> and <em>Bedtime for Bo</em>.

ARTS & CULTURE

The Ten Best Children's Books of 2022

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