What are the concise Islamic history books that you recommend reading?

Among the most important history books are those on the lives of the Prophets, the Rightly Guided Caliphs, and those who followed them. Useful books in this regard include: "Qisas al-Anbiya" (Stories of the Prophets) by Ibn Kathir, "Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum" (The Sealed Nectar) by Al-Mubarakpuri, books by Mahmoud At-Tahhan, "Tarikh al-Khulafa" (History of the Caliphs) by Al-Suyuti, and "Al-Bidaya wa An-Nihaya" (The Beginning and the End) by Ibn Kathir.