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A Necessary Evil
by Garry Wills • 1999
The Constitution was built for action, not gridlock. How Americans came to believe otherwise.
3.78
196
A Necessary Evil Summary
A Necessary Evil 90%
The Constitution was built for action, not gridlock. How Americans came to believe otherwise.
by Garry Wills 1999
3.78
196 ratings
Kill Switch
by Adam Jentleson • 2021
The filibuster was born to protect slavery, not debate. That sin still decides who governs.
4.24
3k+
Kill Switch Summary
Kill Switch 90%
The filibuster was born to protect slavery, not debate. That sin still decides who governs.
by Adam Jentleson 2021
4.24
3k+ 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 90%
Southern oligarchy lost the war but won the West, rebranding as cowboy individualism.
by Heather Cox Richardson 2020
4.31
5k+ ratings
The South Was Right!
by James Ronald Kennedy • 1991
The South legally seceded. The North invaded for economic gain. The rest is propaganda.
3.93
482
The South Was Right! Summary
The South Was Right! 90%
The South legally seceded. The North invaded for economic gain. The rest is propaganda.
by James Ronald Kennedy 1991
3.93
482 ratings
The Royalist Revolution
by Eric Nelson • 2014
Americans rebelled for the king, not against him. The presidency became the crown they were denied.
4.12
116
The Royalist Revolution Summary
The Royalist Revolution 89%
Americans rebelled for the king, not against him. The presidency became the crown they were denied.
by Eric Nelson 2014
4.12
116 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 89%
The math that made Jefferson president: electoral votes from people who could not vote.
by Garry Wills 2003
3.76
285 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
Founding Brothers
by Joseph J. Ellis • 2000
The American founding hung on private dinners, personal feuds, a duel, and one last letter.
3.95
48k+
Founding Brothers Summary
Founding Brothers 89%
The American founding hung on private dinners, personal feuds, a duel, and one last letter.
by Joseph J. Ellis 2000
3.95
48k+ ratings
The Death of Reconstruction
by Heather Cox Richardson • 2001
The North's faith in free labor built Reconstruction, then provided the arguments to tear it down.
3.86
107
The Death of Reconstruction Summary
The Death of Reconstruction 89%
The North's faith in free labor built Reconstruction, then provided the arguments to tear it down.
by Heather Cox Richardson 2001
3.86
107 ratings
America's Three Regimes
by Morton Keller • 2007
Three political orders, not short eras, have governed America. Each endured a century or more.
3.29
45
America's Three Regimes Summary
America's Three Regimes 89%
Three political orders, not short eras, have governed America. Each endured a century or more.
by Morton Keller 2007
3.29
45 ratings
The Price of Greatness
by Jay Cost • 2018
The Constitution's coauthors split over its purpose. That rift still produces American oligarchy.
3.71
245
The Price of Greatness Summary
The Price of Greatness 89%
The Constitution's coauthors split over its purpose. That rift still produces American oligarchy.
by Jay Cost 2018
3.71
245 ratings
We Have Not a Government
by George William Van Cleve • 2017
State free-riding broke the first U.S. government. A debt crisis and revolt forced a grand bargain.
3.99
76
We Have Not a Government Summary
We Have Not a Government 89%
State free-riding broke the first U.S. government. A debt crisis and revolt forced a grand bargain.
by George William Van Cleve 2017
3.99
76 ratings
Southern Nation
by David A. Bateman • 2018
After Reconstruction, the white South ran Congress and built white supremacy into American law.
3.38
13
Southern Nation Summary
Southern Nation 89%
After Reconstruction, the white South ran Congress and built white supremacy into American law.
by David A. Bateman 2018
3.38
13 ratings
Free Soil, Free Labor, Free Men
by Eric Foner • 1971
The ideology that built the Republican Party made its clash with the slave South inevitable.
4.12
1k+
Free Soil, Free Labor, Free Men Summary
Free Soil, Free Labor, Free Men 89%
The ideology that built the Republican Party made its clash with the slave South inevitable.
by Eric Foner 1971
4.12
1k+ ratings
Yankee Leviathan
by Richard Franklin Bensel • 1991
The Confederacy's statist war machine, not the Constitution, built the modern American state.
3.69
49
Yankee Leviathan Summary
Yankee Leviathan 89%
The Confederacy's statist war machine, not the Constitution, built the modern American state.
by Richard Franklin Bensel 1991
3.69
49 ratings
Slavery's Constitution
by David Waldstreicher • 2009
Six of 84 clauses protected slavery. The compromise that made the Civil War inevitable.
3.69
250
Slavery's Constitution Summary
Slavery's Constitution 89%
Six of 84 clauses protected slavery. The compromise that made the Civil War inevitable.
by David Waldstreicher 2009
3.69
250 ratings
Black Flags, Blue Waters
by Eric Jay Dolin • 2018
From welcomed economic partners to hanged outlaws: the real story of pirates in colonial America.
3.76
5k+
Black Flags, Blue Waters Summary
Black Flags, Blue Waters 89%
From welcomed economic partners to hanged outlaws: the real story of pirates in colonial America.
by Eric Jay Dolin 2018
3.76
5k+ ratings
The Golden Age of Piracy
by Benerson Little • 2016
No parrots, no plank, no buried treasure. The real pirates were slave-trading democrats.
3.40
366
The Golden Age of Piracy Summary
The Golden Age of Piracy 89%
No parrots, no plank, no buried treasure. The real pirates were slave-trading democrats.
by Benerson Little 2016
3.40
366 ratings
The Original Compromise
by David Brian Robertson • 2012
Shared ideals didn't build it. Raw bargains, evasions, and a tragic deal on slavery did.
3.86
35
The Original Compromise Summary
The Original Compromise 89%
Shared ideals didn't build it. Raw bargains, evasions, and a tragic deal on slavery did.
by David Brian Robertson 2012
3.86
35 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 89%
The Declaration was not a small-government manifesto but a blueprint for a powerful, activist state.
by Steve Pincus 2016
3.64
36 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 89%
North African pirates enslaved Americans and demanded tribute. Jefferson chose war and built a navy.
by Brian Kilmeade 2015
3.80
17k+ ratings
Raiders and Rebels
by Frank Sherry • 1986
How brutalized sailors built a floating republic and waged a thirty-year war against global empire.
4.24
282
Raiders and Rebels Summary
Raiders and Rebels 89%
How brutalized sailors built a floating republic and waged a thirty-year war against global empire.
by Frank Sherry 1986
4.24
282 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 89%
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
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 89%
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
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
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 89%
The conservative reply to Zinn: America's record, from Columbus to 9/11, earns its patriotism.
by Larry Schweikart 2004
4.11
4k+ ratings
Slavery and Politics in the Early American Republic
by Matthew Mason • 2006
Slavery was not a sleeping giant in the early republic; it was the first partisan weapon.
3.74
31
Slavery and Politics in the Early American Republic Summary
Slavery and Politics in the Early American Republic 89%
Slavery was not a sleeping giant in the early republic; it was the first partisan weapon.
by Matthew Mason 2006
3.74
31 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 89%
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
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 89%
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 Republic of Pirates
by Colin Woodard • 2007
Sailors broken by the navy built their own republic: democratic, armed, and flying the black flag.
3.89
12k+
The Republic of Pirates Summary
The Republic of Pirates 89%
Sailors broken by the navy built their own republic: democratic, armed, and flying the black flag.
by Colin Woodard 2007
3.89
12k+ 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 89%
A burned capital, failed invasions, a victory after peace: the disaster that united a country.
by Walter R. Borneman 2004
3.91
2k+ ratings
Longstreet
by Elizabeth R. Varon • 2023
Lee's closest general backed Reconstruction and Black voting rights. The South never forgave him.
4.06
1k+
Longstreet Summary
Longstreet 89%
Lee's closest general backed Reconstruction and Black voting rights. The South never forgave him.
by Elizabeth R. Varon 2023
4.06
1k+ ratings
The Demagogue's Playbook
by Eric A. Posner • 2020
The Founders built a republic to keep demagogues out. Two centuries later, the safeguards are gone.
3.79
147
The Demagogue's Playbook Summary
The Demagogue's Playbook 89%
The Founders built a republic to keep demagogues out. Two centuries later, the safeguards are gone.
by Eric A. Posner 2020
3.79
147 ratings
Crisis and Command
by John Yoo • 2010
America's greatest presidents kept breaking the rules. That was the point.
3.64
132
Crisis and Command Summary
Crisis and Command 89%
America's greatest presidents kept breaking the rules. That was the point.
by John Yoo 2010
3.64
132 ratings
American Taxation, American Slavery
by Robin L. Einhorn • 2006
The anti-government tradition Americans celebrate was built to shield slavery, not liberty.
4.17
46
American Taxation, American Slavery Summary
American Taxation, American Slavery 89%
The anti-government tradition Americans celebrate was built to shield slavery, not liberty.
by Robin L. Einhorn 2006
4.17
46 ratings
A Revolution in Favor of Government
by Max M. Edling • 2003
The U.S. Constitution was a state-building project, not a charter of limited government.
3.78
65
A Revolution in Favor of Government Summary
A Revolution in Favor of Government 89%
The U.S. Constitution was a state-building project, not a charter of limited government.
by Max M. Edling 2003
3.78
65 ratings
The Storm Before the Calm
by George Friedman • 2020
Every eighty years America's government breaks; every fifty, its economy. Now both arrive at once.
4.05
3k+
The Storm Before the Calm Summary
The Storm Before the Calm 89%
Every eighty years America's government breaks; every fifty, its economy. Now both arrive at once.
by George Friedman 2020
4.05
3k+ ratings
Why We Love Pirates
by Rebecca Simon • 2020
How the execution of one privateer turned pirate created the outlaw myth we still sail with.
3.67
340
Why We Love Pirates Summary
Why We Love Pirates 89%
How the execution of one privateer turned pirate created the outlaw myth we still sail with.
by Rebecca Simon 2020
3.67
340 ratings
Confronting the Presidents
by Bill O'Reilly • 2024
Every president had flaws, some fatal. A blunt survey of who delivered, who failed, and why.
4.26
7k+
Confronting the Presidents Summary
Confronting the Presidents 89%
Every president had flaws, some fatal. A blunt survey of who delivered, who failed, and why.
by Bill O'Reilly 2024
4.26
7k+ ratings
Broken Government
by John W. Dean • 2007
Nixon's White House counsel reveals how Republicans broke Congress, the presidency, and the courts.
4.06
331
Broken Government Summary
Broken Government 89%
Nixon's White House counsel reveals how Republicans broke Congress, the presidency, and the courts.
by John W. Dean 2007
4.06
331 ratings
Tried by War
by James M. McPherson • 2008
How a lawyer with zero military training became the most hands-on commander in chief.
4.09
6k+
Tried by War Summary
Tried by War 89%
How a lawyer with zero military training became the most hands-on commander in chief.
by James M. McPherson 2008
4.09
6k+ ratings
Cuba
by Ada Ferrer • 2021
Cuba was America's obsession long before Castro. The Cold War just froze a deeper fight.
4.46
6k+
Cuba Summary
Cuba 89%
Cuba was America's obsession long before Castro. The Cold War just froze a deeper fight.
by Ada Ferrer 2021
4.46
6k+ 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 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 89%
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
The Wrath of Cochise
by Terry Mort • 2013
One bungled arrest, five executed hostages, and the single spark that ignited a decade of war.
3.73
217
The Wrath of Cochise Summary
The Wrath of Cochise 89%
One bungled arrest, five executed hostages, and the single spark that ignited a decade of war.
by Terry Mort 2013
3.73
217 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
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 89%
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
The March of Folly
by Barbara W. Tuchman • 1984
From Troy to Vietnam, power makes governments ignore the warnings right in front of them.
4.03
7k+
The March of Folly Summary
The March of Folly 89%
From Troy to Vietnam, power makes governments ignore the warnings right in front of them.
by Barbara W. Tuchman 1984
4.03
7k+ ratings
Railroaded
by Richard White • 2011
Corrupt, overbuilt, taxpayer-funded: the transcontinentals failed their way into modern America.
3.63
912
Railroaded Summary
Railroaded 89%
Corrupt, overbuilt, taxpayer-funded: the transcontinentals failed their way into modern America.
by Richard White 2011
3.63
912 ratings
Bill O'Reilly's Legends and Lies
by David Fisher • 2015
Before cinema cleaned them up, Wild West legends were killers, traitors, and pragmatists.
3.98
6k+
Bill O'Reilly's Legends and Lies Summary
Bill O'Reilly's Legends and Lies 89%
Before cinema cleaned them up, Wild West legends were killers, traitors, and pragmatists.
by David Fisher 2015
3.98
6k+ ratings
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