Books like Against the Grain

Against the Grain by James C. Scott reads as analytical, provocative. These 12 books share its genome — matched by how they actually read, not just their shelf label.

The Dawn of Everything

David Graeber · 2021

Both explore human history

83% genome match

Foragers, farmers, and fossil fuels

Ian Morris · 2015

Both explore human history & civilization

71% genome match

The ascent of money

Niall Ferguson · 2008

Same nonfiction feel

61% genome match

Dominion

Tom Holland · 2019

Same nonfiction feel

62% genome match

Cows, pigs, wars, & witches

Marvin Harris · 1974

Same nonfiction feel

62% genome match

The human web

John Robert McNeill · 2002

Same nonfiction feel

61% genome match

Horse

Juliet Clutton-Brock · 1992

Both explore domestication

64% genome match

Forbidden knowledge

Roger Shattuck · 1996

Same nonfiction feel

57% genome match

Guns, Germs, and Steel

Jared Diamond · 1997

Both explore civilization

57% genome match

1493

Charles C. Mann · 2011

Same nonfiction feel

59% genome match

Maps of Time

David Christian · 2004

Both explore human history

62% genome match

The Precipice

Toby Ord · 2020

Same philosophy feel

60% genome match