Interested in learning more about American history?
We've compiled a list of the six best books on the subject. These books provide an excellent overview of America's past, from its earliest days to the present. They are well-written and easy to read, and they offer a variety of perspectives on our country's history.
If you're looking for an enjoyable way to learn more about American history, then these books are perfect for you. Each one provides a comprehensive overview of different aspects of America's past, and together they offer a well-rounded view of the country's history.
Read one or all six of these books today on our website!
How We Choose These 6 Best American History Books
It can be tough to find good books about American history. You might not have time to read through all the reviews yourself, and you don't want to waste your time reading a bad book.
We've done the hard work for you. Our team has read through thousands of user reviews to come up with a list that will show you the best American history books.
Death and The American Civil War
Through intimate stories and fascinating historical detail, Faust brings to life the immense human cost of the Civil War and shows how it forever changed the way we think about life and death.
1. This Republic of Suffering by Drew Gilpin Faust
What Is This Book About
In Drew Gilpin Faust's remarkable book This Republic of Suffering, she explores the aftermath of the Civil War through the lives of those who lived it. 620,000 soldiers lost their lives in the war, an equivalent of six million people in today's population. The death toll left an unimaginable impact on the nation, from every angle: material, political, intellectual, and spiritual. Through intimate stories and fascinating historical detail, Faust brings to life the immense human cost of the Civil War and shows how it forever changed the way we think about life and death. This Republic of Suffering is a beautifully written and essential book for anyone interested in American history.
Why You Will Love It
You will love this book because it is the most impressive non-fiction work you will have ever read. It is a compelling account of the personal and social impact of the savagery and carnage on those who fought and survived the American Civil War as well as on the relatives and friends of those who didn't survive. You will find it informative regarding the mores surrounding death in Victorian America.
About The Author
Charles C. Mann is a respected journalist with a long list of credentials. He has worked as a correspondent for The Atlantic, Science, and Wired, and his writing has appeared in Fortune, The New York Times, Smithsonian, Technology Review, Vanity Fair, and The Washington Post. A three-time National Magazine Award finalist, Charles C. Mann is also the recipient of writing awards from the American Bar Association, the American Institute of Physics, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and the Lannan Foundation. Mann is considered one of today's foremost authorities on science and technology.
The Rise and Fall of The Comanches
This historical account tells the story of the battle between the Comanche Indians (the Most Powerful Indian Tribe) and white settlers for control of the American West.
2. Empire of the Summer Moon by S. C. Gwynne
What Is This Book About
Take a journey back in time to the days of the Wild West with S. C. Gwynne's Empire of the Summer Moon. This historical account tells the story of the battle between the Comanche Indians (the Most Powerful Indian Tribe) and white settlers for control of the American West. Spanning 40 years, this epic tale is full of adventure, drama, and suspense.
Readers will be transported to a time and place where anything was possible and danger lurked around every corner. Meet Quanah, the greatest Comanche chief of them all, and follow his incredible story as he leads his people in a fight for survival. With action-packed writing and meticulous research, Gwynne has crafted a masterful work of historical fiction that will keep you captivated from beginning to end.
Why You Will Love It
You will love this book because Sam Gwynne has given us a rich, vividly detailed rendering of an important era in our history and of two great men, Quanah Parker and Ranald Slidell Mackenzie, whose struggles did much to define it. In Empire of the Summer Moon, Gwynne brings to life the brutal world of the Comanche Indians, a world in which violence was a way of life and unjustifiable killing was an everyday occurrence. He also tells the story of Mackenzie, a tough and tenacious army officer who waged a relentless campaign to bring the Comanches to heel. This is a fascinating and important book.
About The Author
S.C. Gwynne is the author of several best-selling books, including Hymns of the Republic and Rebel Yell. He has also been a journalist for many years, working for Time magazine and Texas Monthly. Gwynne's writing focuses on American history, particularly the Civil War and the Old West. His books have been praised for their vivid portrayal of historical events and their colorful cast of characters. Gwynne is a skilled storyteller who brings history to life for his readers. In addition to his writing, he is also an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hiking and camping with his family.
Winner of The Pulitzer Prize
You'll be transported back in time as you read about the battles and key figures of this pivotal moment in history.
3. 1776 by David McCullough
What Is This Book About
This engaging and well-researched book tells the story of the events leading up to and during the American Revolution, with a focus on the heroic leadership of General George Washington. You'll be transported back in time as you read about the battles and key figures of this pivotal moment in history.
McCullough's writing is accessible and engaging, making this an enjoyable and educational read for anyone interested in learning more about this important period in American history.
Why You Will Love It
You will love this book because it gives an excellent portrayal of the Revolutionary War. It is informative and inspirational, and it is one of the best books written about our country's origin. If you like history, you will love this!
About The Author
David McCullough is one of America's most celebrated historians. He has twice received the Pulitzer Prize, for his biographies of Harry S. Truman and John Adams, and he has twice received the National Book Award, for The Path Between the Seas and Mornings on Horseback. His other widely praised books include 1776, Brave Companions, The Great Bridge, and The Johnstown Flood. In addition to these prestigious awards, McCullough has also been honored with the National Book Foundation Distinguished Contribution to American Letters Award, the National Humanities Medal, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. A prolific and popular author, McCullough has devoted his career to bringing American history to life for readers of all ages. McCullough brings his subjects to life with skillful storytelling and meticulous research. As a result, his books provide an essential look at some of the most important events in American history.
Winner of The Pulitzer Prize
Founding Brothers is a fascinating read that provides insight into the minds of some of our most important historical figures.
4. Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation by Joseph J. Ellis
What Is This Book About
In his National Book Award-winning book Founding Brothers, Joseph J. Ellis tells the story of the extraordinary group of men who helped to shape our nation. These seven founding fathers - Hamilton, Burr, Jefferson, Franklin, Washington, Adams, and Madison - were gifted individuals who faced many challenges as they worked to set the course for our country. They laid the foundation for our democracy and helped to establish the United States as a leading power on the world stage. Despite their flaws, these men were instrumental in shaping our nation and ensuring its continued success. Founding Brothers is a fascinating read that provides insight into the minds of some of our most important historical figures.
Why You Will Love It
You will love this book because it is humane, learned, written with flair, and radiant with calm intelligence and wit. Lively and illuminating, it leaves the reader with a visceral sense of a formative era in American life. Masterful, fascinating, and elegant stylist, Ellis captures the passion the founders brought to the revolutionary project. You will not be able to put this book down!
About The Author
Joseph J. Ellis is a historian and author of several award-winning books. His most recent book, The Passionate Sage, explores the life of Thomas Jefferson. Ellis draws on Jefferson's own words to examine his character and motivations. Additionally, Ellis uses Jefferson's letters and other writings to provide insights into his thinking on various topics. In particular, Ellis highlights Jefferson's thoughts on democracy, education, and religion. Ultimately, Ellis provides a sympathetic yet nuanced portrait of one of America's most complex Founding Fathers.
New Revelations Of The Americas Before columbus
This book is a groundbreaking work of science, history, and archaeology that radically alters our understanding of the Americas before the arrival of Columbus in 1492.
5. 1491 by Charles C. Mann
What Is This Book About
This Pulitzer Prize-nominated book offers a radically new perspective on the pre-Columbian Indians, who were not simply sparsely-settled nomads, but rather highly-developed people who had a profound impact on the land around them.
You'll learn about the amazing Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, which had running water and immaculately clean streets - something that would have been unheard of in any European city at the time. You'll also discover how Mexican cultures created corn through a specialized breeding process, an early example of what we now call genetic engineering.
With its groundbreaking revelations and eye-opening insights, 1491 is sure to change the way you think about American history.
Why You Will Love It
This book is a groundbreaking work of science, history, and archaeology that radically alters our understanding of the Americas before the arrival of Columbus in 1492. A journalistic masterpiece, it is a sweeping portrait of human life in the Americas before the arrival of Columbus. A remarkably engaging writer, Keegan weaves a fascinating tale that is sure to captivate readers. A landmark of a book, it drops ingrained images of colonial America into the dustbin, one after the other. You will not be able to put this book down!
About The Author
Author of New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus Charles C. Mann is a respected journalist with a long list of credentials. A three-time National Magazine Award finalist, Charles C. Mann is also the recipient of writing awards from the American Bar Association, the American Institute of Physics, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and the Lannan Foundation. Mann is considered one of today's foremost authorities on science and technology.
The Classic National Bestseller
A People's History of the United States is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand this country's complex past.
6. A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn
What Is This Book About
As the only history book to tell America's story from the point of view of the people who lived it, A People's History of the United States is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand this country's complex past. Howard Zinn expertly weaves together the stories of factory workers, African-Americans, Native Americans, the working poor, and immigrant laborers to create a powerful and eye-opening account of our nation's history.
With its clear prose and rigorous research, A People's History of the United States is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand our country's past—and its potential future.
Why You Will Love It
You will love this book because it is a brilliant and moving history of the American people. It tells the story of our country from its humble beginnings to its current position as a world leader. It is full of fascinating facts and insightful analysis. You will learn about the people who shaped our nation and the events that shaped our history. You will come to understand the true meaning of America and its potential for the future. This is a book that should be read by every American, student or otherwise, who wants to understand his country. You will not be disappointed.
About The Author
Howard Zinn was one of the most influential historians of our time. He was best known for his book A People's History of the United States, which told the story of America from the perspective of those who have been marginalized throughout its history. The book was a runaway success, selling more than two million copies and being featured on popular TV shows.
Best American History Books FAQs
People are always asking about the best history books, but it can be hard to keep track of all the different suggestions.
It's tough to know which book is right for you when there are so many different opinions out there.
We've put together a list of the most frequently asked questions about history books to help you make the best decision for your needs.
What is the best book to learn about American history?
The best book to learn about American history is "The American Pageant: A History of the Republic" by David M. Kennedy. It's a college textbook, but it's an excellent overview of America's history from colonial times to the present.
Other good books on American history include "The Concise Columbia History of the United States" and "The American Revolution: A History in Pictures".
What is a good reading list for American history?
There are many great books on American history, but here are five that I would recommend:
1. The American Revolution: A History in Pictures by Jon Gettman
2. The Civil War: A History in Pictures by Jon Gettman
3. The American West: A History in Pictures by Jon Gettman
4. 20th-Century America: A History in Pictures by Jon Gettman
5. The Presidents of the United States of America: A History in Pictures by Jon Gettman
What are the best books to learn about history?
The best books to learn about history are textbooks. A textbook will provide a comprehensive overview of the topic, as well as recommended readings for further exploration.
Some good-quality textbooks to consider include A History of the World in Sixteen Chapters by J.M. Roberts and Peter H. Wilson; History: The Human Experience by Diane B. Havlicek and Carol Delaney; and Western Civilization: A Brief History, Volume I by Steven Kreis.
Where do I start learning about American history?
There are a lot of great places to start learning about American history. A few recommended places to start would be to read the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Federalist Papers. Another great way to learn about American history is by reading biographies of some of America's most important historical figures such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King Jr. Additionally, there are several great documentaries available on American history which can provide a more in-depth look at certain aspects of America's past.
What is America's most-read book?
America's most-read book is the Bible. According to a Pew Research study, in 2012, 43% of American adults reported reading the Bible in some form during the previous week. The Bible was also the most commonly read book in 2012 among all formats, including print, electronic, and audiobooks.
What is the most widely read book in history?
The Bible is the most widely read book in history. It has been translated into hundreds of languages and has sold more than six billion copies.
What is America's favorite book?
It's hard to say definitively, but one could make a strong case for either The Great Gatsby or To Kill a Mockingbird. Both novels are quintessentially American in their themes and storytelling, and they continue to be popular more than fifty years after they were originally published.
Interestingly, both novels were also controversial upon release, with The Great Gatsby being attacked for its immoral characters and decadent lifestyle, and To Kill a Mockingbird being accused of promoting racism. But it's their very controversy that has made them endure as some of the most beloved books in America.
What is the most-sold book in American history?
The Bible. It has been translated into more languages than any other book in history and has outsold every other book by a wide margin. According to one estimate, the Bible has sold 6 billion copies worldwide.
What is the number 1 book series of all time?
Though this is a difficult question to answer, many people believe that the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling is the number 1 book series of all time.
Who is the most-read American author?
The most-read American author is James Patterson. He has written numerous bestsellers, including Along Came a Spider, Kiss the Girls, and The Big Bad Wolf.
What are the 5 most famous books in the world?
The Bible The Koran The Bhagavad Gita The I Ching The Torah
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an interesting and well-written history book that covers a particular American historical event or period, then one of the books on our list is sure to suit your needs. Tens of hours spent reading customer reviews have helped us narrow down the field to only the best of the best – so click on the button above to get started!
