I've asked the mods and they said it was ok, so I'd like to both ask about some books and ask for some reading recommendations (especially since the Goodreads and Wiki are slow to get updated). I'm open for any type of book or academic article; in fact, I'd prefer academic works. I've also got a few books I'd like your opinions on, if possible.

Does anyone have any opinions of Keay's works? Specifically China: A History and India: A History? Are they good overviews? Is there anything else you'd recommend over them? In particular, I'm mostly interested in pre-Qing China (the further back the better, honestly) and 18th century India (so mostly history from before the major colonial powers). Does anything similar exist for Japan.

Along the same lines, is Mann's 1491 a good overview of he Americas? I realize it must leave a lot out due to the sheer scope of the Americas and the various peoples living there, but does it serve it's purpose in general? If not, what would be better? I'm open to anything about any particular groups, as I really don't know much.

Similarly, is there anything similar to Rogan's The Arabs: A History but that starts further back in time? Truthfully, I'd love some broad (or narrow) reading recommendations of the history of various parts of the world, especially pre-Age of Exploration. I tend to shy away from European history currently, simply because I know more about it and want to extend my knowledge, but feel free to recommend anything.

Another topic that interests me is the training regiments of ancient warriors/assassins/etc. Do we know how the Spartans trained, for instance? What about diets? What about a knight (which I'm sure changed based on time period and locale)? Samurais and ninjas? What about the fida'i of the Nizari Ismailis? Really, any ancient/not-so-ancient training regiments of warriors is interesting.

And, lastly, books on the history of religions. I'm more interested in things pre-Christian though I am interested in that as well (in particular the Cathars and other heretical sects in Christianity), as most of what I've found seems to be New Age mumbo-jumbo instead of research works on the beliefs of the people (again, I realize a lot of conjecture will be necessary here). I'm interested in it throughout the world as well, so pre-Islamic faith, shamanism, etc.

Really, if you recommend something, I'll probably look into it and see if it's interesting, and then try to read it. I do what the recommendations/alternatives to Keay's works, but other than that I'm open to anything to increase my knowledge of history.

Thanks in advance!