The best intro book for the history of western philosophy is

The Great Conversation: A Historical Introduction to Philosophy

by Norman Melchert

The best intro book for the history of cryptanalysis is

The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography

by Simon Singh

The best intro book for the history of the Middle East is

A History of the Arab Peoples

by Albert Hourani, Malise Ruthven

The best intro book for folklore is

Living Folklore: An Introduction to the Study of People and Their Traditions

by Martha Sims, Martine Stephens

The best intro book for scenic art is

Scenic Art for the Theatre: History, Tools, and Techniques

by Peter Beudert, Susan Crabtree

The best intro book for Egyptian history is

The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt

by Ian Shaw

The best intro book for Egyptian hieroglyphics is

How to Read Egyptian Hieroglyphs: A Step-by-Step Guide to Teach Yourself

by Mark Collier, Bill Manley

The best intro book for history is

Historical Thinking and Other Unnatural Acts: Charting the Future of Teaching the Past

by Sam Wineburg

The best intro book for DJing is

Last Night a DJ Saved My Life: The History of the Disc Jockey

by Bill Brewster, Frank Broughton

The best intro book for the American Revolution is

The Creation of the American Republic

by Gordon S. Wood