Michael Grant.
The History of Ancient Israel.
London: Phoenix Paperback / Orion Books, Ltd., 1997.
(Originally published in the UK by Weidenfeld & Nicolson, Ltd., 1984.)

Book information: Amazon.com.

I found this short book very instructive on the origins and development of Judaism and Israel through the first century A.D.; and, since a primary source for much of this history is the Hebrew Bible, a good introduction to the Bible as well. One could also look upon this book as an introductory religious and political history of the Near East from about 2000 B.C. through 70 A.D. I look forward to reading The Oxford History of the Biblical World.

Wilfred M. McClay.
A Student's Guide to U.S. History.
Wilmington, Delaware: ISI Books, 2000.
(Series: ISI Guides to the Major Disciplines)

Book information: publisher, Amazon.com.

A very insightful and useful guide. The author begins with a much needed general discussion of history and historical consciousness or awareness. The major portion of the book is taken up by discussions of some of the major themes in the study of U.S. History: America and Europe, Capitalism, The City, Equality, Founding, Frontier, Immigration, Liberty, Nation and Federation, Nature, Pluralism, Redeemer Nation, Religion, Revolution, Self-Making, The South. McClay gives helpful references to books on all these themes. He closes with a list of canonical works in American history & literature.