If you are wondering how this group got to the point of being organized, strategic, and growing steadily in numbers, these journalists can help you sort it all out.

ISIS: Inside the Army of Terror by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan

Inside the Army of Terror is the most comprehensive of the books on the list, but best suited to readers with a working knowledge of the recent history of Iraq and Syria. Interviews include Syrian members of ISIS.

 

 

 

 

 

Black Flags: The Rise of ISIS by Joby Warrick

The most narrative driven of the books on the list, Black Flags is a portrait of Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi, the founder of the Islamic State (also known as ISIS.)

 

 

 

 

 

The Rise of Islamic State: ISIS and the New Sunni Revolution by Patrick Cockburn

The Rise of the Islamic State focuses on the missteps by the opposition, including but not limited to the United States, which helped the organization solidify and grow.

 

 

 

 

 

Empire of Fear: Inside the Islamic State by Andrew Hosken

Empire of Fear examines the political state that led to the creation of ISIS, its sources of funding, and its plans for expansion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ISIS: The State of Terror by Jessica Stern and J. M. Berger

The State of Terror is a fascinating look at the Islamic State’s online presence. How their social media tactics are reaching a global audience and effectively recruiting new jihadists in alarming numbers. (NOTE: Stern and Berger are scholars not journalists. )

 

 

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to​ be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ​picks! Tell us what you'd recommend: Leave a comment or email us.