There is still some time to get your summer reading list piled up, but right now there is that Spring Fever feeling to get out and discover things, or expand our own mind with some great history lessons.

There are plenty of books to ignite that flame. Here are three random read to set out on a table for anyone to enjoy.

The Story of Art by Ernst Gombrich

Whether used as a text book or personal reference, Gombrich’s 1950 history of art from prehistoric times to the experimentation of the 20th century is now on its 16th edition. What I like about this is it poses the question at the end of the different perspectives of Art (with a capital A) from modern artists, to art teachers to museums without telling us specifically what we should consider as art. There are plenty of images of famous art through the years and around the world, including painting, sculpture and architecture. This book may give you either a bigger appreciation of the past or concern for the future, but it is thorough and fascinating either way.

Atlas Obscura by Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras and Ella Morton

Everybody’s gotten a copy of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die at some gift exchange, but Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to The World’s Hidden Wonders is so much more fun. You can also find the always-expanding content on their website atlasobscura.com, but there’s something cool about a big fun book to look through and start conversations. “Have you seen the ‘Escaped Animal Drill Practice’ in Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo.” “Do you think the big red-eyed bronco sculpture at the Denver Airport is really cursed?” It also lets you know if and when these places are accessible to the public, as well as some other points of interest in the area. We still have the first edition, but there is a second edition, kid’s version, foodie version and now a wildlife version. This book is a roadside attraction and weird history rabbit hole. You will read about one thing, then begin looking up maps, routes and more history. It is addictive.

Civilsation by Kenneth Clark

Back in the 60s, art historian Kenneth Clark hosted a BBC series Civilisation, where he celebrates the history, culture and diversity of the artistic works of Western Man. The book is basically his series word-for-word in book form. It contains his intelligently crafted narrative, and much of the images seen on the show, from the works of intricate writings of the Celts, to viking ships, to beautifully carved pieces from crucifixes to busts of Emperor Charlemagne. There is no apologizing for the past, no hatred of Christian values or of the need to keep things beautiful and elegant.. He simply shows you the works of the past, and lets them also speak for themselves. This book has never been out of print since it was first published in 1969, and it is a wonderful reminder that beauty, art ,and spiritual strength are vital to keeping a civilization going. We must not lose those things at all costs, and they are worth fighting for.

These three books have collectedly been so popular, you won’t have a hard time finding one at a retail or used bookstore. Grab them, do some armchair exploring and start some fun conversations now.