Any recommendations for a history of Afghanistan in the latter half of the 20th century? Looking for something that sets up the Soviet invasion and the results there-of. Thanks /r/AskHistorians!

Is the Penguin Monarchs series worthwhile?

Looking for texts on contemporary Greek history, like Greek War of Independence forward. Most of what I've found through searches are written in Greek or are mostly books on the ancient history.

Also interested in any works that discuss modern Greek society and culture's attitudes towards the country's ancient lineage. I know this was a huge factor in the independence war and I'd like to learn more about how it's continued through the 20th and 21st centuries.

Any good recommendations on modern Chinese history? I know it's a broad subject but I'm planning to read Rana Mitter's China's Good War and would like other works too, such as on the cinema of the era.

Preferably newer books too, since they are easier to acquire. Thanks in advance!

I’ve heard The Ancient Economy by Moses Finley is essentially foundational to the study of, well, the economy of antiquity. I’m looking to read that soon, so are there any more recent books that could give me an idea of the current state of scholarship on this topic? I’d be especially interested in the Hellenistic period if some books are more specific.

Can anyone point me to any good books specifically on the Weimar Republic?

Does anyone know of journals/notes of zoologists/botanists that have documented different species (local or exotic)? Hopefully in English, but any culture is fine.

Would anyone have any suggestions, for good reading, surrounding the American west, in the late nineteenth-century? If there is anything which specifically dives into its cultural impact — around the mid-twentieth century — the better!

Are there any good books about John B. Stetson?