The best 100 US History books

Bourbon Empire (2015) takes you on an exciting journey through time, revealing the complex history of America’s famous corn-based whiskey. Learn how this tipple survived the dry period of Prohibition, numerous corruption scandals and competition from overseas spirits while making its mark in politics and society.

• People interested in what makes a “true” bourbon
• Students curious about the role whiskey played in American history
• Bartenders, mixologists or anyone exploring the popularity of bourbon

The Looming Tower (2006) is all about al-Qaeda, its formation, and the personalities behind it. These blinks detail the route taken to power by al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and the run-up to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack that devastated the United States.

• Anyone interested in the global effects of national policies
• Political science junkies
• History enthusiasts

A People’s History of the United States (2015, first edition 1980) walks you through the United States’ past from the perspective of the marginalized, the disenfranchised and the oppressed. These blinks describe a history of uprisings, protests and activism in the face of a government built for the rich.

• Activists and advocates of social change
• Students of political science and US history
• Readers looking for a fresh perspective on the US government

Age of Anger (2017) examines the world and the upheaval it’s undergoing. These blinks look back to earlier societies and dissect the origins of our current travails. They also pay close attention to the philosophical teachings of the Enlightenment, which still influence Western thought today.

• Anyone with questions about the societal effects of globalization
• Students of philosophy and history
• Anyone with unanswered questions about the current state of the world

The Vietnam War is remembered as one of the longest and bloodiest conflicts of the twentieth century. At the end of 1967, the US government was assuring the public the war was almost won; by February 1968, that was no longer the case. In Hue 1968 (2017) Mark Bowden examines the battle in the city of Hue which changed the way the American public viewed the war.

• Anyone interested in modern American history
• Students of politics or international relations
• Soldiers and veterans

The First Conspiracy (2019) explores the shocking 1776 plot to kidnap, and possibly assassinate, George Washington. Washington was not yet president of the United States, but general of the colonies’ army. Using fascinating anecdotes and insights from this period of history, these blinks examine the suspicions, uncertainty and betrayals in the period leading up to the Revolutionary War.

• History buffs looking for fresh insights into America’s revolutionary era
• True crime enthusiasts
• Anyone interested in George Washington’s life and times

The Silk Roads (2015) is a comprehensive history of the world, written with an eye to the networks of trade that shaped it. The networks of trade first established in ancient Persia and later linked with Chinese trade routes created a great network between the East and the West. But these Silk Roads are not relics of the past. They have morphed and changed, and their impact can be felt today, right down to America’s fateful engagement in the region where it all began.

• Economists looking for historical parallels
• Intrigued followers of world events who want to learn about trade
• Historians of all stripes

Narrated by Oliver Mains

Music by Federico Coderoni

Shoot for the Moon (2019) provides a riveting, wide-ranging account of the early space race. It guides you through the historic Apollo 11 mission which first landed humans on the moon, and sheds light on the legacy of the preceding missions that paved its way.

• Anyone interested in the space race and the Cold War
• Science geeks interested in NASA’s early endeavors
• Future astronauts who need to do their homework

The Conscience of a Conservative (1960) is a classic statement of the conservative mindset. Penned in an age of bipartisan support for big government, Barry Goldwater’s manifesto rekindled a conservative movement committed to shrinking the state. Over the next 20 years, Goldwater’s positions on topics such as taxation, education, and welfare became commonsensical on the American right, laying the foundations for the 1980s Reagan revolution. 

• History buffs and politicos 
• Advocates of limited government 
• Liberals interested in the other side of the argument

Code Girls (2017) is about the thousands of American women who worked as code breakers during World War II. Informed by interviews with over 20 surviving women, archived documents, and recently declassified oral histories, author Liza Mundy details the unprecedented lives of female code breakers in Washington, DC and beyond as well as the American intelligence that led to the success of the Allied war efforts.

• History buffs
• Espionage enthusiasts interested in the history of cryptography
• Students of science or gender studies

Hawai’i (2019) is a detailed history of the economic forces that have shaped Hawaiian society. Author Sumner La Croix traces the arc of commerce, from traditions first established in the twelfth century by Polynesian colonists to the modern Hawaiian state. Along the way, he examines what has changed and what has stayed the same.

• Anyone interested in the dark side of paradise
• Students of colonialism
• Labor historians

Americana (2017) traces the history of the USA from one key perspective: capitalism. Bhu Srinivasan shows how the development of the country has been closely bound up with the development of capitalism, from the New England colonies’ earliest days to the most recent innovations of Silicon Valley or Wall Street.

Named by The Economist as one of the best books of 2017

• American history enthusiasts
• People interested in the economy past and present
• Fans – or enemies – of capitalism

Fall and Rise (2019) recounts the morning of September 11, 2001, a date when the world changed forever. Operating under the direction of Osama bin Laden, terrorists seized control of four commercial airliners, crashing them into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. It tells a story of fear, courage, and strength through the eyes of just a few of the men, women, and children who were there. 

• People who want to go past the headlines and learn more about the individuals who lived and died on this tragic day
• Anyone who wants to know what it was like to be a part of history

Isaac’s Storm (1999) is a gripping account of the hurricane that devastated Galveston, Texas on September 8, 1900. Just as Galveston was becoming a world-class city, a storm arrived with little warning and crushed many of the community’s hopes and ambitions.

• Anyone moved by the indomitable power of nature
• Fans of historical nonfiction
• Storm chasers

The Economists’ Hour (2019) is a compact history of how economists came to dominate our political discourse. This work traces the rise of neoliberal ideology from the 1960s to today.

• Political wonks wanting to parse the current climate
• Citizens concerned about America’s rightward shift
• Anyone asking, “how did things get so bad?”

The Dying Citizen (2021) explores the ways in which modern American democracy is being weakened. Touching on issues like globalization and identity politics, it discusses how left-wing progressives are damaging the foundations of the United States. 

• Conservatives looking for fresh insights
• Fans of Donald Trump 
• Anyone interested in politics and current affairs

Richard Nixon: The Life (2017) is a thorough biography of one of the most controversial American presidents. Tracing Nixon’s life from his humble upbringing through his meteoric political ascent to his crashing downfall in the Watergate scandal, it reveals a complex, troubled, and sentimental man.

• US-politics aficionados
• Biography enthusiasts who love a scandal
• People looking to deepen their knowledge of American history

Killing the Mob (2021) explores America’s uneasy relationship with organized crime. It exposes the shocking influence of the Mafia on twentieth-century history and culture and reveals the outrageous exploits of America’s most notorious gangsters.

• True crime lovers
• gangster movie aficionados
• History buffs looking for a different angle

The 1619 Project (2021) is an anthology of essays investigating the origins of the slave trade in America, and how it has shaped what the country would become. It’s also an exploration of how we create history, and how these stories shape our political present. The essays are accompanied by fictional excerpts and poetry, bringing to life the experiences of enslaved people in America.

• History-lovers interested in learning more about cutting-edge research from the 1619 Project. 
• Americans wanting to learn about how the slave trade has shaped their country.
• Anyone wanting to understand the roots of institutional racism, and how to fight white supremacy.

The American War in Afghanistan (2021) is an in-depth look at one of the defining conflicts of the twenty-first century. This exhaustively-researched analysis dives into the details of this protracted and complex military occupation.

• Engaged citizens keen to keep up with current events
• Civilians seeking insight into military matters 
• Anyone eager to understand a complex conflict

Reagan (2015) is the definitive account of the life of a towering figure in American history. Starting with his childhood in Illinois, the narrative follows the course of Ronald Reagan’s life, from his charmed days in Hollywood to his time as governor of California and, finally, from the White House to the world stage of the Cold War.

• All those who think they know what Reagan was all about
• History buffs
• People looking to understand modern American conservatism

1491 (2005) is a study of the Western Hemisphere before 1492, the year in which an Italian sailor employed by the Spanish empire first set foot in the Americas. Within a century of Columbus’s “discovery” of the New World, some of humanity’s most sophisticated cultures had all but disappeared. In 1491, Charles Mann sets out to recover their ways of life and remarkable achievements.

• History buffs
• Myth-busters 
• Americaphiles

Founding Brothers (2002) complicates and enriches our understanding of the American revolution. The men who founded America lived and worked in uncertain times. The future was far from certain, and even the truths they held to be self-evident often led to strikingly different conclusions. But they clung to one another – as friends, as rivals, and even as enemies. Together, they formed a fraternity of remarkable minds that could collectively solve the problems each of them on their own could not.

• History buffs
• Americanophiles 
• Anyone who loves stories

Forget the Alamo (2021) charts the history of the Alamo, both real and imagined. It looks at how a popular, heroic mythology sprung from the events of 1836 and came to represent both a noble version of Texas independence and a metaphor for American valor. Find out how the Alamo became a touchstone in American culture wars, and discover how the real story paints a not-so-virtuous picture of American history.

• History buffs
• People who enjoy Wild West stories 
• Anyone who thinks they’re familiar with the story of the Alamo

Empire of Pain (2021) follows the rise and fall of the elusive Sacklers, the billionaire family behind Purdue Pharma. Its blockbuster drug, OxyContin, was aggressively marketed as safe, but would go on to spur a devastating opioid crisis that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Yet the Sacklers’ fortress of lawyers, political connections and a philanthropic name would, time and again, protect them from responsibility.

• Current affairs enthusiasts
• Lovers of family dynasty dramas
• Anyone wanting to understand the opioid crisis

The Forgotten 500 (2007) tells the story of Allied airmen who were trapped behind enemy lines in World War II and the courageous citizens of Yugoslavia who risked everything to help them get home. For political reasons, the story remained classified for decades until the 1980s. But now, the events leading to the largest rescue operation of the war are available to us all.

• Any and all who are interested in the Balkans or World War II history
• Serbians and Americans looking to learn more about their nations’ past
• Everyone who enjoys a riveting story about people overcoming overwhelming odds

The Cold War (2003) provides an overview of the conflict that defined the second half of the twentieth century. Beginning in the immediate aftermath of World War Two, it traces the Cold War’s development through the rest of the century, laying out its underlying causes and overall contours.

• History buffs
• Students of military strategy and foreign relations 
• Those who want to understand one of the twentieth century’s defining conflicts

And There Was Light (2022) is a biography of Abraham Lincoln that takes a nuanced look at a complex leader. Focusing especially on Lincoln’s evolving views on and actions around slavery, it’s a picture of a man who wrestled with his moral convictions while attempting to hold together a divided nation. Echoes of that struggle still ring out today, making it essential to keep Lincoln’s story at the forefront of American consciousness.

• American history enthusiasts
• People interested in controversial historical figures
• Budding political pundits looking to add to their historical knowledge

The Revolutionary (2022) offers a nuanced look at one of the most central figures in the lead-up to the American War of Independence. It reveals a man of character and contradiction, whose revolutionary thinking and deep commitment to civil liberties came to define a revolution.

• History lovers looking for a deep dive into characters that create change
• Political thinkers looking for an inside view of revolutionary politics
• Anyone seeking inspiring examples of ideals put into practice

Mayflower (2006) tells the epic story of the 1620 voyage to establish a colony of religious separatists on North American shores, and the astonishing aftermath of their fateful trip. From life-or-death struggle to peaceful coexistence with native peoples to devastating war just a half century later, it tells the unvarnished truth of the people and politics that went on to shape a nation.

• History buffs looking for new insights into a little-known chapter of America’s past
• Epic saga lovers who crave complex stories of survival, politics, and conflict
• Anyone curious about the real facts behind all the feel-good myths, and how they went on to shape the future of a nation

The Fourth Turning (1997) presents a fascinating picture of history, past, present, and future. Though the people of modern Western societies tend to view history as a linear process, the reality might instead be cyclical, repeated regularly and predictably. By studying the ways in which history does indeed repeat itself, we can better prepare ourselves for what is likely to come in the future.

• History buffs
• Devotees of American politics
•  Future predictors

The Catcher in the Rye (1951) is J. D. Salinger’s classic coming-of-age novel, telling the story of the troubled young Holden Caulfield. Holden has just been expelled from school, and spends several days traversing New York City, sharing his opinions of the world around him.

• Lovers of coming-of-age stories
• Classic literature fans
• People who dislike phonies

Of Mice and Men (1937) is a poignant tale that traces an unlikely friendship between two impoverished workers in California during the Great Depression: compact, quick-witted George Milton, and huge, childlike Lennie Small.

• Lovers of classic literature
• Those entranced by the American dream
• People curious about one of Steinbeck’s greats

Little Women (1868-1869) tells the story of the four March sisters, and the struggles and day-to-day obstacles they faced while becoming young adults. While the story takes place in the American Northeast, it’s a universal coming-of-age story that has been appreciated around the world.

• Fans of stories told from a female perspective
• Lovers of classic literature
• Anyone who likes a good young adult story

The Mosquito Bowl (2022) tells the story of American football stars going to war and playing one more game when they get there. It details a nation divided by bigotry but united by sport and a common enemy.

• History buffs
• World War II aficionados
• College football fans

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969) is the first part of a critically acclaimed seven-volume autobiography by the American writer and poet Maya Angelou. A vivid account of growing up in America during the Depression, it documents Maya’s life between the ages of three and sixteen. Hailed for its unflinching portrayal of displacement, discrimination, and trauma, it is also a life-affirming study of how hope can prevail amidst death and despair. 

• History buffs fascinated by the United States
• Fans of true-life stories and larger-than-life memoirs
• Anyone who loves classic literature

Death of a Salesman (1949) is widely regarded as one of the twentieth century’s greatest plays. A poignant critique of the promises and pitfalls of capitalism and the American Dream, it follows the salesman Willy Loman, his increasingly tense relationships with his family and colleagues, and his tragic, hallucinatory descent into fantasy and madness. 

• Budding playwrights and theater enthusiasts
• People curious about the dangers of unbridled capitalism
• Anyone interested in modern drama

Myth America (2022) is a collection of essays that examine and dismantle some of the most pervasive myths about America: how it was founded, who’s allowed to be here, and how we define a ‘real’ American or American family.

• History buffs
• Students of American politics
• Activists and social justice warriors

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884) is often considered a landmark, if controversial, work in the history of American literature. It tells the story of a young teenager who runs away from an abusive, alcoholic father by fleeing in a raft down the Mississippi River. Along the way, he befriends a man running from slavery and becomes a reluctant accomplice to a pair of con artists.

• Fans of classic literature
• People interested in stories about the antebellum South
• Anyone who likes a good coming-of-age story

The River of Doubt (2005) is about former US President Theodore Roosevelt's perilous 1913–1914 expedition into the Amazon rainforest alongside Brazilian explorer Cândido Rondon. It chronicles the challenges they faced, from disease and dangerous wildlife to potential mutiny, as they navigated an uncharted river. The journey pushed every member to their limits and nearly cost Roosevelt his life.

• History buffs interested in Roosevelt's post-presidential adventures
• Explorers fascinated by the Amazon
• Anyone looking for tales of human endurance

Thirteen Days (1969) offers an inside look into the Cuban Missile Crisis, revealing the intense deliberations and decision-making processes of the U.S. government at the time. It chronicles the 13-day standoff between the U.S. and the Soviet Union that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. Through its pages, readers gain insight into the high-stakes diplomacy and behind-the-scenes actions that took place during this critical period.

• History buffs eager to delve deeper into the Cuban Missile Crisis
• Political enthusiasts curious about U.S. decision-making during crises
• Those intrigued by pivotal moments in twentieth-century history

King (2023) is a compelling biography of Martin Luther King. It tells the story of a man, not a saint, who had a remarkable career. His life was cut short at the age of 39, but in his 13-year career King’s vision of a United States based on equality and justice for all, lives on.

• History lovers particularly interested in the history of social justice movements
• Civil rights activists and advocates inspired by King’s life and strategies
• Inspiration seekers wanting to learn from a story of struggle, resilience, and monumental impact

The Prince and the Pauper (1881) is a classic tale that explores the societal framework of the sixteenth-century English society. The story unravels the unexpected journey of two identical boys – Prince Edward, the royal heir, and Tom Canty, a destitute pauper, as they swap their lives. In exploring each other's worlds, they gain insightful lessons about society, identity, and human kindness, with the story offering a profound commentary on class disparities and social norms.

• History enthusiasts
• Fans of classic literature
• Personal development seekers

The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism (1905) argues that the work ethic and values of early Protestant sects like Calvinism strongly influenced the development of capitalism in Western Europe. Weber's classic text traces these cultural origins, exploring how religious changes catalyzed the rise of modern economic systems by reshaping mindsets surrounding work, enterprise, and the accumulation of wealth.

• History buffs craving works that explore important cultural trends
• Political minds seeking the foundations of contemporary social divides
• Anyone curious about the roots of modern work culture – and how to change it

The Last of the Mohicans (1826) chronicles the thrilling journey of two daughters of a British Colonel, lost in Native American territory during the French and Indian War. It explores themes of racial and cultural conflict, intertwined with poignant romance.

• Fans of historical fiction
• Readers keen on adventure tales
• Individuals interested in Native American history

What Napoleon Could Not Do (2023) explores the contrasting experiences of two Ghanaians, Jacob and Belinda, and their aspirations in the United States. Jacob, an awkward computer programmer who still lives with his father, wants to join his wife in America but is foiled by visa denials. His sister, Belinda, meanwhile, has studied in the US and married an American – Wilder, a prosperous Black Texan businessman. But she, too, contends with disappointment: as she waits for her green card, her perception of America is soured by racism. Their journeys reflect the allure and letdowns of life in a foreign land, and the narrative insightfully captures how each grapples with dreams both realized and thwarted.

• Readers interested in immigrant experiences
• Fans of emotional family dramas
• Anyone who loves character-driven stories

All the Sinners Bleed (2023) is a work of crime fiction, focused on main character Titus Crown’s efforts to investigate several recent killings in his hometown. To solve the crime, Crown must contend with the town’s racist history, a far-right group, and a long-undiscovered serial killer.

• Anyone interested in an action-filled crime novel
• Readers looking to explore the lingering effects of racism in the American South 
• Fans of modern-day noir fiction

Beloved (1987) is a haunting and profound exploration of the enduring legacy of slavery on the African-American psyche. Set in post-Civil War Ohio, the narrative revolves around the life of Sethe, a former slave who escaped from Sweet Home, a brutal Kentucky plantation, and her struggles with the traumatic past that comes back to haunt her in the form of a mysterious and vengeful spirit.

• People who enjoy award-winning fiction
• Lovers of the literary genre of magical realism
• Anyone who enjoys heartbreakingly profound, moving stories

Killing the Witches (2023) revisits one of the most frightening episodes in American history: the Salem Witch Trials, which saw over 200 people accused of witchcraft and 20 killed. This dramatic history reveals how Puritan tradition shaped early America and examines its repercussions to this very day.

• Fans of Bill O’Reilly
• Readers interested in Puritan history and early American culture 
• Those interested in understanding mob mentality and mass hysteria

Foundation (1951) looks at the crumbling of a galactic empire from the perspective of the planet Terminus, located on the Empire’s outer edge. Terminus is home to the Foundation, a community formed by a mathematician who could predict the future and the Empire’s inevitable demise. As the Empire crumbles, the Foundation gains increasing influence through a mixture of atomic power, religion, and economic savvy.

• Sci-fi fans
• Those who’ve watched the new Foundation television series and are curious about the books
• Anyone who likes a good space opera

The House of Morgan (1990) chronicles the influential Morgan dynasty, who shaped the course of modern finance through their shrewd financial acumen and keen understanding of world economic currents. This portrait, spanning four generations, details the rise of the Morgans from Victorian London to their pinnacle during the 1987 financial crisis. 

• Financial enthusiasts
• History buffs
• Corporate professionals

Democracy Awakening (2023) looks back at the unique relationship America has had with the concept of democracy over the years. It puts modern events into the larger context of the nation’s ongoing struggle for voting rights, equality, and the looming threat of authoritarian politics.

• History buffs
• Political junkies
• Anyone interested in current events

The Fire Next Time (1963) explores the roots of racism and the possibility of change through two passionately argued essays on religion, justice, and the Black experience in America.

• Students curious about the signature voices of the American civil rights movement 
• Those seeking insight into the interplay of racism and religion in society
• Anyone craving clarity and wisdom on issues of justice, faith, and reconciliation that still resonate today

Citizen (2024) is a reflective memoir that explores former US president Bill Clinton’s life after leaving the White House. It covers pivotal moments in recent history, alongside personal insights about public service and the importance of building a better future. Through these reflections, Clinton emphasizes the power of community and individual action in shaping a more just and compassionate world.

• Civic-minded professionals seeking inspiration for community engagement
• Socially conscious leaders aiming to drive meaningful change
• History enthusiasts interested in post-presidential perspectives

Manias, Panics, and Crashes (1978; 8th edition 2023) analyzes financial crises spanning three centuries to identify recurring patterns in market booms and busts. It demonstrates how speculation, credit expansion, and euphoria have repeatedly led to panic and collapse across different eras and economic systems. Drawing on historical evidence from the South Sea Bubble to the 2008 financial crisis and beyond, it provides a comprehensive framework for understanding why financial instability is inevitable in credit-based economies.

• Finance professionals managing risk and investment decisions
• Regulators and policymakers preventing future financial crises
• Students and researchers studying financial market dynamics

Blood Meridian (1985) tells the gripping tale of “the kid,” a runaway teenager who falls in with several gangs of violent filibusters following the Mexican-American War. Inspired by historical events, the story follows the outlaws as they cut a bloody swath through the desert wilderness, murdering Mexicans, Native Americans, and fellow men alike.

• People interested in the history and mythology of the American West
• Fans of Westerns, curious about a gripping tale that subverts the genre
• Anyone who appreciates a visceral and intense story

Sula (1973) invites you into the lives of Sula Peace and Nel Wright, childhood friends whose lives take sharply different paths. Their story explores friendship, betrayal, and identity, as well as examining life in a quiet African American town in the 1920s.

• Avid readers of literary masterpieces
• Anyone interested in themes of race, gender, or identity
• Enthusiasts of African American history and culture

Prequel (2023) explores a forgotten chapter in modern American history – the attempt by a powerful, Nazi-funded movement to roll back democracy in the United States in the 1930s. The reason we rarely remember this “plot against America” is simple: it failed. But there’s also a good reason to return to this troubling chapter – the citizens who foiled this fascist conspiracy can help us understand how to defeat threats against democracy in our own time. 

• History buffs
• Politicos 
• Activists fighting to protect democracy 

A History of Fake Things on the Internet (2023) explores the origins and evolution of digitally fabricated content, from early photo manipulation to today’s AI-generated deep fakes, analyzing key technological advances that made new forms of deception possible, and tracing their real-world impact back to fundamental aspects of human behavior. It argues that problems stemming from fake online content relate more to creativity and destruction inherent in human nature, rather than the nature of the faked content itself.

• Technology historians
• Media literacy advocates
• Anyone interested in information security

Common Sense argues for American independence from British rule, combining clear moral principles with practical economic and political insights. It played a crucial role in persuading Americans to pursue a revolutionary break from Britain.

• History enthusiasts
• Political theory students
• Revolutionary thought admirers

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (1793) provides an intimate look at Franklin's successes and failures, revealing his views on practical wisdom and self-improvement. It showcases his journey from a young apprentice to a renowned figure in history, offering valuable life lessons along the way.

• History enthusiasts
• Self-improvement seekers
• Fans of personal narratives

The Federalist Papers (1787) present insightful arguments for the ratification of the United States Constitution. Offering fascinating insights into the minds of the Founding Fathers, it explores the fundamental principles of American governance and legal system. It remains on the most influencial texts ever written.

• Constitutional law students
• American history buffs 
• Aspiring politicians

How Fascism Works (2018) provides an analysis of the politics of manipulation and division. In it, you’ll explore how authoritarian ideologies construct narratives, undermine truth, and seek to reshape society in their image. By the end, you’ll be equipped with a deeper understanding of how fascism really works – and how to identify it in the world around you.

• Anyone concerned over the world’s current political trajectory
• Students of history or politics looking to learn lessons of the past
• Individuals curious about how political manipulation works

The Situation Room (2024) provides a detailed look at the high-stakes decision-making processes within the White House Situation Room. It chronicles the dramatic events and critical moments faced by twelve U.S. presidents, offering an insider perspective on how pivotal decisions have shaped American history and global affairs.

• Political science students studying crisis management
• History enthusiasts interested in U.S. presidential decisions
• Anyone interested in behind-the-scenes political stories

Mark Twain (2025) is a study of an American original: Sam Clemens, the writer and humorist who discovered his nation’s literary voice under the immortal pen name Mark Twain. Drawing on archives containing thousands of letters, notebooks, and manuscripts, this comprehensive biography lifts the curtain on the man behind the carefully constructed public persona. The result is a portrait of many shades, from the brilliant to the contradictory and tragic.

• Readers curious about the man behind Huckleberry Finn
• Those interested in Twain’s life beyond the legend
• Anyone drawn to Twain’s contradictions, wit, and ambition

The Shortest History of Economics (2024) explores the hidden economic forces that have shaped human history. It examines how capitalism and market systems emerged, linking economic developments to major historical events from the rise of agriculture to modern conflicts. 

• Students seeking context for modern economic theories
• Curious general readers interested in how economies evolve
• Anyone who wants a new lens on human history

Essays in Persuasion (1931) is a collection of pivotal economic writings that shaped modern economic thought and policy. It challenges the conventional wisdom of its time, offering innovative approaches to economic crises, international relations, and social welfare, while also presenting a hopeful vision for humanity’s economic future that continues to spark debate and inspiration nearly a century later.

• Economics enthusiasts looking to understand the foundations of modern economic policies
• History buffs curious about the economic factors that shaped the twentieth century
• Anyone seeking to better understand current debates about government intervention in the economy

Confronting the Presidents (2024) holds a mirror to America’s 45 presidents and confronts them with their records in office. Some come away with a flattering portrait; others are unmasked as the terrible leaders they were. Every president is held to the same standard. The guiding question here is simple: did these men live up to America’s foundational ideals? 

• History and politics buffs 
• Readers of biographies 
• Fans of O’Reilly and Dugard’s previous books

The Demon of Unrest (2024) captures the dramatic chaos and pivotal moments of the American Civil War's early days. It vividly recounts the fall of Fort Sumter and delves into the intense emotions and strategic maneuvers that precipitated the event. Painting an eerily relevant portrait of a world on the brink of war, it displays how every decision and action at this critical time had the potential to alter the course of history.

• History buffs fascinated by the lead-up to the Civil War
• Fans of political drama and pivotal historical events
• Fans of narrative non-fiction

The Message (2024) is a study of framing, narrative, myth, and the stories power tells to excuse injustice. Drawing on the interconnected histories of Black America, Africa, and Palestine, it presents a compelling moral argument: only that which is truly seen can be cared for and cultivated.

• Readers interested in African-American culture and history
• Fans of thought-provoking, narrative-driven essays
• Admirers of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ work

Lincoln vs. Davis (2024) offers a gripping, in-depth look at the personal and political struggles of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis during the American Civil War. Nigel Hamilton explores how these two men – one seeking to preserve the Union, the other fighting for Southern independence – shaped the fate of the nation through their contrasting leadership. With rich historical detail and fresh insights, this book reveals the high-stakes decisions, personal flaws, and moral dilemmas that defined America's most turbulent era.

• History enthusiasts ready for their next chapter
• Civil War buffs looking for a fresh perspective on the war
• Biography fans

Capital Ideas (1991) presents a journey through the groundbreaking ideas that shaped modern finance. It reveals the brilliant economists and daring financial theorists who transformed Wall Street with concepts like diversification and market efficiency – and highlights the origins of the financial systems we rely on today, offering a deeper understanding of the forces that drive our economy. 

• Amateur and professional investors
• Economics students
• History buffs

Growth (2024) challenges the long-held belief that economic growth is the ultimate goal for society. It also puts forth a new philosophy that prioritizes environmental sustainability, social equity, and future generations over relentless growth – inviting us to rethink the very foundations of our economy.

• Anyone concerned about the future
• Economists and policymakers
• Environmentalists and social justice advocates

The Rights of Man (1791) is a defense of liberty, equality, and just governance. It critiques hereditary rule and oppressive systems while advocating for governments that protect natural rights and derive their authority from the consent of the governed.

• Advocates of freedom and equality
• Students of political philosophy
• Anyone curious about revolutions

The Fate of the Day (2025) chronicles the middle years of the American Revolution, when Washington's exhausted Continental Army fought for survival against the world's most formidable military force while the conflict evolved from a colonial rebellion into a global war. This meticulously researched history reveals how the Revolution's brutal middle phase tested both the Continental Army's endurance and the new democracy's demands on its citizens, ultimately transforming a ragtag militia into a force capable of defeating the British Empire.

• History lovers interested in the epic tale of American independence
• Military strategy enthusiasts who want the lowdown on iconic battles
• Biography lovers keen to understand the actions of this era’s key figures

Like (2025) examines the flexible cultural and linguistic power of the word “like,” tracing its evolution from slang to a versatile tool in everyday conversation. It argues that, far from being meaningless filler, “like” helps shape social connection, soften emotional expression, and add nuance to dialogue. It also highlights how the stigma around its use reflects broader societal biases against women, youth, and marginalized speech communities as a whole.

• Linguists fascinated by modern speech patterns
• Socially aware feminists challenging language-based bias
• Anyone interested in cultural shifts and trends

Confronting Evil (2025) recounts the deeds of history’s worst men. Evil, it suggests, is multifaceted. From Roman emperors to American slave traders, Nazi officials to Mexican drug cartels, it shows us that while evil often is truly monstrous, it can also be disconcertingly ordinary. And because it can be found everywhere, we have to remain vigilant. 

• History buffs drawn to notorious figures and dark chapters
• Readers interested in moral lessons from past atrocities
• Fans of true crime and political power gone wrong

Everything Is Tuberculosis (2025) reveals how humanity’s deadliest infection is not just a biological problem but a story of profound injustice. Through the unforgettable journey of a young Sierra Leonean man named Henry Reider, you’ll discover how the disease was shaped by prejudice, why a cure that has existed for decades is withheld by corporate greed, and what it takes to fight back. It’s an urgent call to understand that the true cause of tuberculosis is injustice, and therefore, the cure must be justice.

• History buffs interested in the social impact of disease
• Activists passionate about global health equity and human rights
• Anyone curious about the intersection of medicine and society

Black AF History (2025) offers an in-depth look at the documented stories of American history that reveal it through the perspectives of the Black Americans who built the original colonies, the national economy, and the country’s infrastructure long before the United States was even a country. It also tells the tale of the centuries that followed, through Civil War, Reconstruction, backlash, and progress to uncover the resilience and self determination of Black Americans.

• History buffs craving an inside look into the personalities and events that have shaped America as it is today
• Those curious about the deep background for current events and politics
• Anyone wanting a more comprehensive history of the world, and a more complete picture of those who have made a difference

The Idaho Four (2025) pulls you inside the small college town of Moscow, Idaho, where four students were brutally killed in the middle of the night. Their murder sparked fear, grief, and a desperate search for answers. This story weaves together a chilling timeline of the crime, the frantic search for answers, and the raw voices of the shattered families. It’s a gripping true-crime story that asks how such horror could unfold in a place that seemed so safe.

• True crime enthusiasts
• News junkies eager for behind-the-scenes details
• Anyone interested in criminal psychology

1929 (2025) explores the events leading up to the most devastating stock market crash in modern history. Tracing the unchecked speculation, economic euphoria, and regulatory complacency that created the conditions for the collapse, it reveals how illusions of endless growth blinded an entire generation.

• Anyone curious about market bubbles and crashes
• History lovers interested in economic turning points
• Readers of accessible financial journalism

To Rescue the American Spirit (2025) traces the rise of a political giant who dragged the United States kicking and screaming into the American Century. You’ll discover how Roosevelt’s uncompromising beliefs guided a nation out of its isolation and onto the world stage. By the end, you’ll have seen how character and courage can single-handedly shift the trajectory of a whole nation.

• History junkies fascinated by the Gilded Age
• Anyone interested in political strategy and foreign policy
• Americans hoping to learn of how their nation once overcame adversity and division

Warhead (2025) explores war from a neuroscience perspective. By studying the brain, we can gain a deeper understanding of why people fight each other, how people behave during conflict, and to what extent war is inevitable.

• Anyone who wants to understand why war exists
• People interested in neuroscience
• Anyone who wants a better understanding of their own brain

Evergreen (2025) explores the history of a Christmas ritual – putting up a tree. Reflecting on humanity’s long-running relationship with evergreens, it raises questions of belief, tradition, and environmental responsibility.

• Tree lovers
• People interested in history
• Anyone who wants to make more environmentally friendly choices

The American Revolution (2025) expands on the sweeping saga of the American Revolutionary War for independence from the six-part PBS series of the same name. It captures, with considerable detail and rich empathy for the individuals on all sides, the broad international context for the conflict which kick-started more than two centuries of anti-colonial revolutions around the world.

• Those craving the behind-the-scenes context and global impacts of important events
• History buffs curious about resistance movements and decolonial revolutions around the world
• Anyone interested in the less known context of America’s founding and revolutionary perspectives that are often overlooked

The Breath of the Gods (2025) explores wind as a force that shapes both planetary history and daily human life, from travel and exploration to disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, and storms. It investigates how shifting global wind patterns are intensifying under climate change and examines the tension between wind as a destructive power and as a potential climate savior through renewable energy.

• Curious climate-conscious explorers of Earth’s natural forces
• Technically minded weather and geography enthusiasts
• Anyone seeking engaging science storytelling

Capitalism (2025) chronicles the birth and development of our current economic system, tracing a thousand years of history across six continents. Developing from diverse trading networks spanning Asia, Africa, and Europe, capitalism explosively reshaped the world—with enslaved labor camps serving as a crucial launchpad. This work reveals that what now feels inevitable is actually a recent human creation, one that has never matched the ideal of free markets and whose reach still has limits.

• Readers curious about how our current economic system came to dominate the world
• History enthusiasts interested in understanding global connections between different regions and time periods
• Students and scholars of economics, politics, or sociology seeking a broad historical perspective on capitalism's development

Blank Space (2025) argues that the past twenty-five years have been marked by creative stagnation, resulting in a culture where reboots, viral trends, and profit-driven content thrive and artistic risk-taking is all but nonexistent. Tracing the economic, technological, and social landscape of the 21st century, it analyzes the broader pressures that have flattened contemporary culture.

• Pop culture enthusiasts
• Artists and creators
• Millennials and Gen Zs looking to make sense of their cultural moment

The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World (1851) takes us from ancient Athens to the Napoleonic Era, explaining how a handful of conflicts shaped history and set the stage for the modern world. It offers a strong, understandable narrative for European development and the military strategy that changed its trajectory over the years.

• History lovers who want the big picture
• Listeners of history podcasts
• Fans of military history and strategy

So You Want to Own Greenland? (2025) explores how one vast, icy island keeps drawing the attention of explorers, empires, and superpowers. From vanished Viking settlements to underground Cold War military bases, Greenland’s story is full of twists and turns. It unpacks how history, geopolitics, and climate are colliding to make Greenland an unexpected headline grabber while the nation continues to try and shape its own future.

• People interested in global politics
• History lovers who like stories that connect ancient and modern events
• Anyone curious about Greenland

Comandante (2013) follows Hugo Chávez from his rise as a charismatic outsider to the creation of a highly personalized political system that transformed Venezuela. It blends intimate scenes from inside his inner circle with reporting on how power, ideology, and oil wealth reshaped the country. It also explores the widening gap between the revolution’s promises and everyday reality for Venezuelans.

• Curious Latin America politics students and researchers
• Skeptical journalism fans seeking behind-the-scenes power
• Anyone interested in modern populism

Being Thomas Jefferson (2026) digs into the life and times of a Founding Father who is both celebrated and lamented. It holds a light to the man whose eloquence helped establish American independence and orchestrate a new democratic government, but it also exposes his shortcomings and contradictions to try to paint a fuller picture of this iconic man.

• History buffs curious about early America
• Fans of narrative biographies
• People interested in the psychology of a Founding Father

The Coming Storm (2026) draws lessons from years before the First World War and applies them to our current geopolitical landscape. It offers an in-depth analysis of the rivalries and dynamics of the great European powers of the early 20th century, drawing a line between that era and the early 21st century, paying particular attention to the rivalry between the US and China. It offers an explanation of how WWI eventually broke out and suggests how we might avoid another Great Power war.

• Politically-savvy folk looking for fresh insights on the current geopolitical landscape
• History buffs who know that it always repeats itself
• Anyone who reads the news and feels fear for the future

World Cup Fever (2026) traces the history of football’s greatest tournament, the World Cup. This four-yearly collision of athletic brilliance, geopolitical theatre and corporate excess is about so much more than football. Each tournament is a window onto the wider world: reunification, apartheid, revolution, authoritarianism, and the enduring human need for collective joy. 

• Football fans looking for an insider’s view of iconic World Cup moments
• History buffs interested in viewing historical events through a sporting lens
• Political junkies who want to understand how sport and political power intersect

The Impossible Factory (2026) is the remarkable story of the engineer who transformed a small, unconventional workshop into one of the most innovative organizations in history, creating aircraft that reshaped World War II, the Cold War, and the future of aviation. It shows how one team accomplished what experts believed couldn't be done by trusting talented people, eliminating bureaucracy, and solving problems with ingenuity and speed.

• People who enjoy stories of innovation and invention
• Aviation enthusiasts interested in legendary aircraft
• History buffs interested in World War II and Cold War espionage

American Patriarch (2026) crafts an intimate and detailed biography of  George Washington. From his early life in the Virginia Colony, to his retirement from public life to become a gentleman farmer, his impact on the founding of the United States of America, its government and political philosophy is still evident almost two and a half centuries later.

• History buffs curious about the notable figures of the past
• Those curious about how an individual’s life and experience can shape global events for centuries
• Anyone interested in the events and personalities that helped create the world we live in today

1873 (2026) reveals how a forgotten financial crisis transformed the global economy and helped shape the modern world in ways that will feel surprisingly familiar. It tracks the rise and fall of fortunes, the ambitions of bankers and politicians, and the decisions that brought about decades of political, economic, and social upheaval.

• People interested in sweeping stories that detail political and economic history
• Investors, business professionals, and finance enthusiasts
• Anyone fascinated by the origins of globalization

The Secret History of Gold (2025) gives a brief but in-depth account of how gold has shaped our civilizations throughout the ages. From the very first gold coins to the desperation of rulers and the various money systems tied to the precious metal, it shows how this substance has always been, and always will be, a key component of how wealth is viewed, measured, and made.

• Gold-lovers who want to learn more about the precious metal
• Financial history buffs looking for fresh insights on how our money system was created
• Savvy investors with an appetite for hard facts