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Undaunted Courage
by Stephen E. Ambrose • 1996
A brave captain mapped the West for Jefferson, then got lost in his own mind.
4.23
68k+
Undaunted Courage Summary
Undaunted Courage 90%
A brave captain mapped the West for Jefferson, then got lost in his own mind.
by Stephen E. Ambrose 1996
4.23
68k+ ratings
The Making and Breaking of the American Constitution
by Mark Peterson • 2026
The U.S. Constitution was built to seize a continent. What happens when the land runs out?
4.09
22
The Making and Breaking of the American Constitution Summary
The Making and Breaking of the American Constitution 90%
The U.S. Constitution was built to seize a continent. What happens when the land runs out?
by Mark Peterson 2026
4.09
22 ratings
Choice Theory
by William Glasser • 1999
How the frontier let America flee racism and inequality, until the wall shut the last exit.
4.01
4k+
Choice Theory Summary
Choice Theory 90%
How the frontier let America flee racism and inequality, until the wall shut the last exit.
by William Glasser 1999
4.01
4k+ ratings
Slave Country
by Adam Rothman • 2005
The founders thought slavery would die. Their policies built a slave empire from Georgia to Texas.
3.73
169
Slave Country Summary
Slave Country 90%
The founders thought slavery would die. Their policies built a slave empire from Georgia to Texas.
by Adam Rothman 2005
3.73
169 ratings
The Mammoth Book of the West
by Jon E. Lewis • 1996
Land seized, gold mined, bison slaughtered: how the real West vanished behind the myth.
3.98
137
The Mammoth Book of the West Summary
The Mammoth Book of the West 90%
Land seized, gold mined, bison slaughtered: how the real West vanished behind the myth.
by Jon E. Lewis 1996
3.98
137 ratings
The Pioneers
by David McCullough • 2019
Before the Constitution, one land deal doubled the country and banned slavery in every future state.
3.82
28k+
The Pioneers Summary
The Pioneers 90%
Before the Constitution, one land deal doubled the country and banned slavery in every future state.
by David McCullough 2019
3.82
28k+ ratings
Bill O'Reilly's Legends & Lies
by David Fisher • 2016
The frontier heroes you know hid darker truths. Nine lives that collapse the legend.
4.05
4k+
Bill O'Reilly's Legends & Lies Summary
Bill O'Reilly's Legends & Lies 89%
The frontier heroes you know hid darker truths. Nine lives that collapse the legend.
by David Fisher 2016
4.05
4k+ ratings
Providence and the Invention of the United States, 1607–1876
by Nicholas Guyatt • 2007
God's plan for America was a British idea that justified slavery and empire.
3.93
14
Providence and the Invention of the United States, 1607–1876 Summary
Providence and the Invention of the United States, 1607–1876 89%
God's plan for America was a British idea that justified slavery and empire.
by Nicholas Guyatt 2007
3.93
14 ratings
West of Slavery
by Kevin Waite • 2021
The slave South wanted a Pacific empire and nearly built one before the Civil War.
4.54
52
West of Slavery Summary
West of Slavery 89%
The slave South wanted a Pacific empire and nearly built one before the Civil War.
by Kevin Waite 2021
4.54
52 ratings
Race and Manifest Destiny
by Reginald Horsman • 1981
Manifest Destiny had a hidden engine: a pseudo-science that ranked races and justified conquest.
3.84
150
Race and Manifest Destiny Summary
Race and Manifest Destiny 89%
Manifest Destiny had a hidden engine: a pseudo-science that ranked races and justified conquest.
by Reginald Horsman 1981
3.84
150 ratings
The Journals of Lewis and Clark, 1804-1806
by Meriwether Lewis • 2005
Starvation, rapids, and tribal diplomacy: the raw journal that built an American myth.
3.93
381
The Journals of Lewis and Clark, 1804-1806 Summary
The Journals of Lewis and Clark, 1804-1806 89%
Starvation, rapids, and tribal diplomacy: the raw journal that built an American myth.
by Meriwether Lewis 2005
3.93
381 ratings
Nothing Like It in the World
by Stephen E. Ambrose • 2000
Shopkeepers, swindlers, and immigrant armies: the men who punched a railroad through a continent.
3.99
14k+
Nothing Like It in the World Summary
Nothing Like It in the World 89%
Shopkeepers, swindlers, and immigrant armies: the men who punched a railroad through a continent.
by Stephen E. Ambrose 2000
3.99
14k+ ratings
This Vast Southern Empire
by Matthew Karp • 2016
Why the slaveholding South pushed for a powerful state: to protect and project slavery worldwide.
4.28
534
This Vast Southern Empire Summary
This Vast Southern Empire 89%
Why the slaveholding South pushed for a powerful state: to protect and project slavery worldwide.
by Matthew Karp 2016
4.28
534 ratings
The Apache Wars
by Paul Andrew Hutton • 2016
A boy's kidnapping, a chief's brutal murder, and a shaman's vengeance ignited America's longest war.
4.12
2k+
The Apache Wars Summary
The Apache Wars 89%
A boy's kidnapping, a chief's brutal murder, and a shaman's vengeance ignited America's longest war.
by Paul Andrew Hutton 2016
4.12
2k+ ratings
A Nation Without Borders
by Steven Hahn • 2016
The United States was an empire before it was a nation. Slavery, rebellion, and conquest built it.
4.00
332
A Nation Without Borders Summary
A Nation Without Borders 89%
The United States was an empire before it was a nation. Slavery, rebellion, and conquest built it.
by Steven Hahn 2016
4.00
332 ratings
The Two Faces of American Freedom
by Aziz Rana • 2010
American freedom depends on subjugation: a hidden bargain that shaped the republic from the start.
4.03
90
The Two Faces of American Freedom Summary
The Two Faces of American Freedom 89%
American freedom depends on subjugation: a hidden bargain that shaped the republic from the start.
by Aziz Rana 2010
4.03
90 ratings
A New Foreign Policy
by Jeffrey D. Sachs • 2018
The world became multipolar. America didn't notice. Here is the cost and the way out.
3.88
337
A New Foreign Policy Summary
A New Foreign Policy 89%
The world became multipolar. America didn't notice. Here is the cost and the way out.
by Jeffrey D. Sachs 2018
3.88
337 ratings
American Exceptionalism
by Deborah L. Madsen • 1998
How a Puritan theology of chosenness became the alibi for a continent's conquest and distant wars.
3.50
16
American Exceptionalism Summary
American Exceptionalism 89%
How a Puritan theology of chosenness became the alibi for a continent's conquest and distant wars.
by Deborah L. Madsen 1998
3.50
16 ratings
An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States
by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz • 2014
Genocide, not liberty, built America. The counterinsurgency tactics born here now circle the globe.
4.37
21k+
An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States Summary
An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States 89%
Genocide, not liberty, built America. The counterinsurgency tactics born here now circle the globe.
by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz 2014
4.37
21k+ ratings
Colossus
by Niall Ferguson • 2004
America has always been an empire. Refusing to admit it is the root of its failures.
3.58
2k+
Colossus Summary
Colossus 89%
America has always been an empire. Refusing to admit it is the root of its failures.
by Niall Ferguson 2004
3.58
2k+ ratings
Blood and Thunder
by Hampton Sides • 2006
To conquer the Southwest, America sent an illiterate tracker who became both a hero and a butcher.
4.30
20k+
Blood and Thunder Summary
Blood and Thunder 88%
To conquer the Southwest, America sent an illiterate tracker who became both a hero and a butcher.
by Hampton Sides 2006
4.30
20k+ ratings
Nemesis
by Chalmers Johnson • 2007
Empire and democracy cannot coexist. America chose empire; the bill is coming due.
4.07
968
Nemesis Summary
Nemesis 88%
Empire and democracy cannot coexist. America chose empire; the bill is coming due.
by Chalmers Johnson 2007
4.07
968 ratings
American Exceptionalism and American Innocence
by Roberto Sirvent • 2019
American history is the original fake news: a cover story for genocide, slavery, and endless war.
4.08
287
American Exceptionalism and American Innocence Summary
American Exceptionalism and American Innocence 88%
American history is the original fake news: a cover story for genocide, slavery, and endless war.
by Roberto Sirvent 2019
4.08
287 ratings
The Other Trail of Tears
by Mary Stockwell • 2014
The Cherokee weren't first. Ohio's tribes walked a forgotten removal trail decades earlier.
4.16
85
The Other Trail of Tears Summary
The Other Trail of Tears 88%
The Cherokee weren't first. Ohio's tribes walked a forgotten removal trail decades earlier.
by Mary Stockwell 2014
4.16
85 ratings
Negro President
by Garry Wills • 2003
The math that made Jefferson president: electoral votes from people who could not vote.
3.76
285
Negro President Summary
Negro President 88%
The math that made Jefferson president: electoral votes from people who could not vote.
by Garry Wills 2003
3.76
285 ratings
The Jungle Grows Back
by Robert Kagan • 2018
The global peace is a fluke. American power built it; without constant effort, it collapses.
4.09
1k+
The Jungle Grows Back Summary
The Jungle Grows Back 88%
The global peace is a fluke. American power built it; without constant effort, it collapses.
by Robert Kagan 2018
4.09
1k+ ratings
The Heart of the Declaration
by Steve Pincus • 2016
The Declaration was not a small-government manifesto but a blueprint for a powerful, activist state.
3.64
36
The Heart of the Declaration Summary
The Heart of the Declaration 88%
The Declaration was not a small-government manifesto but a blueprint for a powerful, activist state.
by Steve Pincus 2016
3.64
36 ratings
The Slaveholding Republic
by Don E. Fehrenbacher • 2001
The federal government was not neutral on slavery. It became the slaveholder's most powerful weapon.
4.21
63
The Slaveholding Republic Summary
The Slaveholding Republic 88%
The federal government was not neutral on slavery. It became the slaveholder's most powerful weapon.
by Don E. Fehrenbacher 2001
4.21
63 ratings
The Hell of Good Intentions
by Stephen M. Walt • 2018
After the Cold War, America tried to lead the world. It overreached, failed, and learned nothing.
4.01
735
The Hell of Good Intentions Summary
The Hell of Good Intentions 88%
After the Cold War, America tried to lead the world. It overreached, failed, and learned nothing.
by Stephen M. Walt 2018
4.01
735 ratings
Affairs of State
by Morton Keller • 1977
After the Civil War, the real fight was over how much government America would accept.
3.80
10
Affairs of State Summary
Affairs of State 88%
After the Civil War, the real fight was over how much government America would accept.
by Morton Keller 1977
3.80
10 ratings
The Last Founding Father
by Harlow Giles Unger • 2009
America's least-known founder doubled its land, drew a line around a hemisphere, and died bankrupt.
3.94
11k+
The Last Founding Father Summary
The Last Founding Father 88%
America's least-known founder doubled its land, drew a line around a hemisphere, and died bankrupt.
by Harlow Giles Unger 2009
3.94
11k+ ratings
How the South Won the Civil War
by Heather Cox Richardson • 2020
Southern oligarchy lost the war but won the West, rebranding as cowboy individualism.
4.31
5k+
How the South Won the Civil War Summary
How the South Won the Civil War 88%
Southern oligarchy lost the war but won the West, rebranding as cowboy individualism.
by Heather Cox Richardson 2020
4.31
5k+ ratings
Give Your Heart to the Hawks
by Win Blevins • 1973
Three hundred miles from the nearest law, mountain men ruled only themselves. It could not last.
3.98
425
Give Your Heart to the Hawks Summary
Give Your Heart to the Hawks 88%
Three hundred miles from the nearest law, mountain men ruled only themselves. It could not last.
by Win Blevins 1973
3.98
425 ratings
Railroaded
by Richard White • 2011
Corrupt, overbuilt, taxpayer-funded: the transcontinentals failed their way into modern America.
3.63
912
Railroaded Summary
Railroaded 88%
Corrupt, overbuilt, taxpayer-funded: the transcontinentals failed their way into modern America.
by Richard White 2011
3.63
912 ratings
Internal Improvement
by John Lauritz Larson • 2001
Public works were meant to knit the early republic together. Private capital drew the map instead.
3.73
33
Internal Improvement Summary
Internal Improvement 88%
Public works were meant to knit the early republic together. Private capital drew the map instead.
by John Lauritz Larson 2001
3.73
33 ratings
1812
by Walter R. Borneman • 2004
A burned capital, failed invasions, a victory after peace: the disaster that united a country.
3.91
2k+
1812 Summary
1812 88%
A burned capital, failed invasions, a victory after peace: the disaster that united a country.
by Walter R. Borneman 2004
3.91
2k+ ratings
Nations Apart
by Colin Woodard • 2025
Your politics and lifespan were set centuries ago, by whichever settlers claimed your region.
4.10
309
Nations Apart Summary
Nations Apart 88%
Your politics and lifespan were set centuries ago, by whichever settlers claimed your region.
by Colin Woodard 2025
4.10
309 ratings
Mayflower
by Nathaniel Philbrick • 2006
The first Thanksgiving was followed by a war bloodier per capita than the Civil War.
3.89
47k+
Mayflower Summary
Mayflower 88%
The first Thanksgiving was followed by a war bloodier per capita than the Civil War.
by Nathaniel Philbrick 2006
3.89
47k+ ratings
A Patriot's History of the United States
by Larry Schweikart • 2004
The conservative reply to Zinn: America's record, from Columbus to 9/11, earns its patriotism.
4.11
4k+
A Patriot's History of the United States Summary
A Patriot's History of the United States 88%
The conservative reply to Zinn: America's record, from Columbus to 9/11, earns its patriotism.
by Larry Schweikart 2004
4.11
4k+ ratings
The Frontiersmen
by Allan W. Eckert • 1967
The Shawnee captured a teenage fugitive to burn him alive. He became their brother instead.
4.46
5k+
The Frontiersmen Summary
The Frontiersmen 88%
The Shawnee captured a teenage fugitive to burn him alive. He became their brother instead.
by Allan W. Eckert 1967
4.46
5k+ ratings
The Comanche Empire
by Pekka Hämäläinen • 2008
How the Comanches built a nomadic empire that made European colonies into its economic hinterland.
4.17
2k+
The Comanche Empire Summary
The Comanche Empire 88%
How the Comanches built a nomadic empire that made European colonies into its economic hinterland.
by Pekka Hämäläinen 2008
4.17
2k+ ratings
Blowback
by Chalmers Johnson • 2000
Covert empire: why policies hidden from the American public keep producing violent retaliation.
4.06
3k+
Blowback Summary
Blowback 88%
Covert empire: why policies hidden from the American public keep producing violent retaliation.
by Chalmers Johnson 2000
4.06
3k+ ratings
A True History of the United States
by Daniel A. Sjursen • 2021
Genocide, slavery, and concentrated wealth: an unblinking history from the bottom up.
4.43
707
A True History of the United States Summary
A True History of the United States 88%
Genocide, slavery, and concentrated wealth: an unblinking history from the bottom up.
by Daniel A. Sjursen 2021
4.43
707 ratings
Crazy Horse and Custer
by Stephen E. Ambrose • 1975
Crazy Horse and Custer: two lives fated to collide. The parallel path to Little Bighorn.
4.23
9k+
Crazy Horse and Custer Summary
Crazy Horse and Custer 88%
Crazy Horse and Custer: two lives fated to collide. The parallel path to Little Bighorn.
by Stephen E. Ambrose 1975
4.23
9k+ ratings
The Great Contradiction
by Joseph J. Ellis • 2025
To create a nation, the founders protected slavery. Indian removal was the other price of union.
4.20
1k+
The Great Contradiction Summary
The Great Contradiction 88%
To create a nation, the founders protected slavery. Indian removal was the other price of union.
by Joseph J. Ellis 2025
4.20
1k+ ratings
Spying on the South
by Tony Horwitz • 2019
America's red-blue fault line was forged in the 1850s South. Retracing Olmsted's journey proves it.
4.00
5k+
Spying on the South Summary
Spying on the South 88%
America's red-blue fault line was forged in the 1850s South. Retracing Olmsted's journey proves it.
by Tony Horwitz 2019
4.00
5k+ ratings
Unworthy Republic
by Claudio Saunt • 2020
Eighty thousand deported. A ledger-obsessed bureaucracy. The hidden cost behind the Trail of Tears.
4.22
2k+
Unworthy Republic Summary
Unworthy Republic 88%
Eighty thousand deported. A ledger-obsessed bureaucracy. The hidden cost behind the Trail of Tears.
by Claudio Saunt 2020
4.22
2k+ ratings
Not "A Nation of Immigrants"
by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz • 2021
Behind the immigrant myth: a settler state founded on land theft, genocide, and a war economy.
4.35
1k+
Not "A Nation of Immigrants" Summary
Not "A Nation of Immigrants" 88%
Behind the immigrant myth: a settler state founded on land theft, genocide, and a war economy.
by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz 2021
4.35
1k+ ratings
Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates
by Brian Kilmeade • 2015
North African pirates enslaved Americans and demanded tribute. Jefferson chose war and built a navy.
3.80
17k+
Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates Summary
Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates 88%
North African pirates enslaved Americans and demanded tribute. Jefferson chose war and built a navy.
by Brian Kilmeade 2015
3.80
17k+ ratings
Jefferson's Empire
by Peter S. Onuf • 2000
An empire built on consent that required conquest: the paradox at the core of American identity.
3.56
57
Jefferson's Empire Summary
Jefferson's Empire 88%
An empire built on consent that required conquest: the paradox at the core of American identity.
by Peter S. Onuf 2000
3.56
57 ratings
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