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In the Hurricane's Eye
by Nathaniel Philbrick • 2018
Yorktown was won not by siege but by hurricane season and a French admiral's wild gamble.
4.13
6k+
In the Hurricane's Eye Summary
In the Hurricane's Eye 92%
Yorktown was won not by siege but by hurricane season and a French admiral's wild gamble.
by Nathaniel Philbrick 2018
4.13
6k+ ratings
George Washington's Secret Six
by Brian Kilmeade • 2013
Six civilians ran Washington's spy ring in occupied New York. Their names stayed hidden 150 years.
3.86
21k+
George Washington's Secret Six Summary
George Washington's Secret Six 91%
Six civilians ran Washington's spy ring in occupied New York. Their names stayed hidden 150 years.
by Brian Kilmeade 2013
3.86
21k+ ratings
John Adams
by David McCullough • 2001
Washington led the army, Jefferson wrote the words. Adams did the work that saved them both.
4.09
379k+
John Adams Summary
John Adams 91%
Washington led the army, Jefferson wrote the words. Adams did the work that saved them both.
by David McCullough 2001
4.09
379k+ ratings
Washington's Spies
by Alexander Rose • 2006
Washington's spies weren't professionals. They were neighbors who took their secret to the grave.
3.82
6k+
Washington's Spies Summary
Washington's Spies 90%
Washington's spies weren't professionals. They were neighbors who took their secret to the grave.
by Alexander Rose 2006
3.82
6k+ 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 90%
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
The First Conspiracy
by Brad Meltzer • 2019
The secret plot to capture George Washington came from inside his own guard.
3.82
14k+
The First Conspiracy Summary
The First Conspiracy 90%
The secret plot to capture George Washington came from inside his own guard.
by Brad Meltzer 2019
3.82
14k+ 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 90%
The American founding hung on private dinners, personal feuds, a duel, and one last letter.
by Joseph J. Ellis 2000
3.95
48k+ ratings
Our First Civil War
by H.W. Brands • 2021
Before fighting Britain, Americans fought each other. The Revolution as a civil war among neighbors.
3.90
1k+
Our First Civil War Summary
Our First Civil War 90%
Before fighting Britain, Americans fought each other. The Revolution as a civil war among neighbors.
by H.W. Brands 2021
3.90
1k+ ratings
1776
by David McCullough • 2005
How a year of defeats and desertions almost ended the American Revolution before it began.
4.10
250k+
1776 Summary
1776 90%
How a year of defeats and desertions almost ended the American Revolution before it began.
by David McCullough 2005
4.10
250k+ ratings
Alexander Hamilton
by Ron Chernow • 2004
From Caribbean orphan to architect of American capitalism: the scandal and duel that ended him.
4.22
202k+
Alexander Hamilton Summary
Alexander Hamilton 90%
From Caribbean orphan to architect of American capitalism: the scandal and duel that ended him.
by Ron Chernow 2004
4.22
202k+ ratings
Benjamin Franklin
by Walter Isaacson • 2003
A runaway apprentice who tamed lightning, charmed Paris, and lost a son to the crown.
4.05
151k+
Benjamin Franklin Summary
Benjamin Franklin 90%
A runaway apprentice who tamed lightning, charmed Paris, and lost a son to the crown.
by Walter Isaacson 2003
4.05
151k+ ratings
Bunker Hill
by Nathaniel Philbrick • 2013
Before the Declaration, a Boston doctor built the rebellion. Bunker Hill was his last stand.
4.07
11k+
Bunker Hill Summary
Bunker Hill 90%
Before the Declaration, a Boston doctor built the rebellion. Bunker Hill was his last stand.
by Nathaniel Philbrick 2013
4.07
11k+ ratings
Benjamin Franklin
by Hourly History • 2016
Ran away at 17 with empty pockets; by 70, he charmed France into bankrolling America.
4.18
632
Benjamin Franklin Summary
Benjamin Franklin 90%
Ran away at 17 with empty pockets; by 70, he charmed France into bankrolling America.
by Hourly History 2016
4.18
632 ratings
Revolutionary Characters
by Gordon S. Wood • 2006
Not demigods but Enlightenment thinkers who had to turn philosophy into a working republic.
3.96
4k+
Revolutionary Characters Summary
Revolutionary Characters 89%
Not demigods but Enlightenment thinkers who had to turn philosophy into a working republic.
by Gordon S. Wood 2006
3.96
4k+ 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
George Washington
by James MacGregor Burns • 2004
How Washington invented the presidency from scratch, and why his precedents still rule the office.
3.97
1k+
George Washington Summary
George Washington 89%
How Washington invented the presidency from scratch, and why his precedents still rule the office.
by James MacGregor Burns 2004
3.97
1k+ ratings
Thomas Jefferson
by Jon Meacham • 2012
How the Declaration's author became the most quietly effective politician of the founding era.
4.05
43k+
Thomas Jefferson Summary
Thomas Jefferson 89%
How the Declaration's author became the most quietly effective politician of the founding era.
by Jon Meacham 2012
4.05
43k+ ratings
Bolívar
by Marie Arana • 2013
The general who liberated six nations died in exile, too controversial for the countries he created.
4.21
4k+
Bolívar Summary
Bolívar 89%
The general who liberated six nations died in exile, too controversial for the countries he created.
by Marie Arana 2013
4.21
4k+ ratings
My Dear Hamilton
by Stephanie Dray • 2018
She survived Hamilton's scandal and his duel. His death began her fight to write history.
4.30
55k+
My Dear Hamilton Summary
My Dear Hamilton 88%
She survived Hamilton's scandal and his duel. His death began her fight to write history.
by Stephanie Dray 2018
4.30
55k+ ratings
The Battle of New Orleans
by Robert V. Remini • 1999
Two thousand British fell. Seven Americans died. The battle that forged a nation was already over.
3.85
755
The Battle of New Orleans Summary
The Battle of New Orleans 88%
Two thousand British fell. Seven Americans died. The battle that forged a nation was already over.
by Robert V. Remini 1999
3.85
755 ratings
The Common Cause
by Robert G. Parkinson • 2016
Racial fear united the colonies. The propaganda outlasted the war to define American citizenship.
4.10
49
The Common Cause Summary
The Common Cause 88%
Racial fear united the colonies. The propaganda outlasted the war to define American citizenship.
by Robert G. Parkinson 2016
4.10
49 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
Grant
by Ron Chernow • 2017
Failed farmer, rumored drunk. How Ulysses Grant won the Civil War and fought the Klan as president.
4.50
45k+
Grant Summary
Grant 88%
Failed farmer, rumored drunk. How Ulysses Grant won the Civil War and fought the Klan as president.
by Ron Chernow 2017
4.50
45k+ 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 88%
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
Founding Faith
by Steven Waldman • 2008
The founders wanted religious freedom not despite their faith, but because of it.
4.07
872
Founding Faith Summary
Founding Faith 88%
The founders wanted religious freedom not despite their faith, but because of it.
by Steven Waldman 2008
4.07
872 ratings
Common Sense
by Thomas Paine • 1776
A plain argument that kings and birthright are frauds, and America must walk away now.
4.00
40k+
Common Sense Summary
Common Sense 88%
A plain argument that kings and birthright are frauds, and America must walk away now.
by Thomas Paine 1776
4.00
40k+ 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 88%
Lee's closest general backed Reconstruction and Black voting rights. The South never forgave him.
by Elizabeth R. Varon 2023
4.06
1k+ ratings
Walt Whitman
by Justin Kaplan • 1980
A failed journalist shattered poetry's rules, then spent the Civil War comforting dying soldiers.
3.94
326
Walt Whitman Summary
Walt Whitman 88%
A failed journalist shattered poetry's rules, then spent the Civil War comforting dying soldiers.
by Justin Kaplan 1980
3.94
326 ratings
Cape Cod and the Civil War
by Stauffer Miller • 2010
A peninsula voted its morals over its money, then became the Union's lifeline at sea.
4.14
7
Cape Cod and the Civil War Summary
Cape Cod and the Civil War 88%
A peninsula voted its morals over its money, then became the Union's lifeline at sea.
by Stauffer Miller 2010
4.14
7 ratings
The Fiery Cross
by Diana Gabaldon • 2001
On the Carolina frontier, a governor's decree forces a Highland time-crossed family to take up arms.
4.26
228k+
The Fiery Cross Summary
The Fiery Cross 87%
On the Carolina frontier, a governor's decree forces a Highland time-crossed family to take up arms.
by Diana Gabaldon 2001
4.26
228k+ ratings
Unruly Americans and the Origins of the Constitution
by Woody Holton • 2007
Statehouses were too soft on debtors, so the Constitution shifted power to creditors.
3.66
525
Unruly Americans and the Origins of the Constitution Summary
Unruly Americans and the Origins of the Constitution 87%
Statehouses were too soft on debtors, so the Constitution shifted power to creditors.
by Woody Holton 2007
3.66
525 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 87%
How a lawyer with zero military training became the most hands-on commander in chief.
by James M. McPherson 2008
4.09
6k+ ratings
American Sphinx
by Joseph J. Ellis • 1997
Jefferson's greatest invention was a mind in which freedom and slavery never had to meet.
3.94
29k+
American Sphinx Summary
American Sphinx 87%
Jefferson's greatest invention was a mind in which freedom and slavery never had to meet.
by Joseph J. Ellis 1997
3.94
29k+ ratings
Forge
by Laurie Halse Anderson • 2010
Escaping slavery, a boy enlists in the Continental Army only to face Valley Forge's brutal winter.
4.16
18k+
Forge Summary
Forge 87%
Escaping slavery, a boy enlists in the Continental Army only to face Valley Forge's brutal winter.
by Laurie Halse Anderson 2010
4.16
18k+ 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 87%
The U.S. Constitution was a state-building project, not a charter of limited government.
by Max M. Edling 2003
3.78
65 ratings
A Girl Called Samson
by Amy Harmon • 2023
A servant disguises herself as a man to join the Revolution, then falls for her commander.
4.46
58k+
A Girl Called Samson Summary
A Girl Called Samson 87%
A servant disguises herself as a man to join the Revolution, then falls for her commander.
by Amy Harmon 2023
4.46
58k+ ratings
Slave Nation
by Alfred W. Blumrosen • 2005
The American Revolution was not about taxes. It began when a British judge ruled slavery illegal.
4.02
113
Slave Nation Summary
Slave Nation 87%
The American Revolution was not about taxes. It began when a British judge ruled slavery illegal.
by Alfred W. Blumrosen 2005
4.02
113 ratings
Personal Memoirs Personal Memoirs Personal Memoirs
by Ulysses S. Grant • 1885
Cancer-ridden and bankrupt, a president writes the war he won, racing death to save his family.
4.14
10k+
Personal Memoirs Personal Memoirs Personal Memoirs Summary
Personal Memoirs Personal Memoirs Personal Memoirs 87%
Cancer-ridden and bankrupt, a president writes the war he won, racing death to save his family.
by Ulysses S. Grant 1885
4.14
10k+ ratings
Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge
by Erica Armstrong Dunbar • 2019
In 1796, Ona Judge walked out of George Washington's house and onto a ship. She never returned.
3.97
2k+
Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge Summary
Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge 87%
In 1796, Ona Judge walked out of George Washington's house and onto a ship. She never returned.
by Erica Armstrong Dunbar 2019
3.97
2k+ ratings
First Principles
by Thomas E. Ricks • 2020
Locke and Montesquieu get the credit. America's founders were actually reading Cicero and Cato.
4.06
4k+
First Principles Summary
First Principles 87%
Locke and Montesquieu get the credit. America's founders were actually reading Cicero and Cato.
by Thomas E. Ricks 2020
4.06
4k+ 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 87%
A burned capital, failed invasions, a victory after peace: the disaster that united a country.
by Walter R. Borneman 2004
3.91
2k+ ratings
Call Sign Chaos
by Jim Mattis • 2019
Lead from the squad to the strategy table: a doctrine forged in combat and wide reading.
4.29
14k+
Call Sign Chaos Summary
Call Sign Chaos 87%
Lead from the squad to the strategy table: a doctrine forged in combat and wide reading.
by Jim Mattis 2019
4.29
14k+ 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 87%
A brave captain mapped the West for Jefferson, then got lost in his own mind.
by Stephen E. Ambrose 1996
4.23
68k+ 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 87%
America's greatest presidents kept breaking the rules. That was the point.
by John Yoo 2010
3.64
132 ratings
History of the Negro Race in America From 1619 to 1880. Vol 1 Negroes as Slaves, as Soldiers, and as Citizens
by George Washington Williams • 2012
The 1883 history that began in African empires and ended with the Constitution enshrining slavery.
4.03
29
History of the Negro Race in America From 1619 to 1880. Vol 1 Negroes as Slaves, as Soldiers, and as Citizens Summary
History of the Negro Race in America From 1619 to 1880. Vol 1 Negroes as Slaves, as Soldiers, and as Citizens 87%
The 1883 history that began in African empires and ended with the Constitution enshrining slavery.
by George Washington Williams 2012
4.03
29 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 87%
The conservative reply to Zinn: America's record, from Columbus to 9/11, earns its patriotism.
by Larry Schweikart 2004
4.11
4k+ ratings
Abraham Lincoln, Philosopher Statesman
by Joseph R. Fornieri • 2013
Lincoln's secret: he wrestled with eternal principles before he ever grasped for power.
4.67
6
Abraham Lincoln, Philosopher Statesman Summary
Abraham Lincoln, Philosopher Statesman 87%
Lincoln's secret: he wrestled with eternal principles before he ever grasped for power.
by Joseph R. Fornieri 2013
4.67
6 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 87%
The Constitution's coauthors split over its purpose. That rift still produces American oligarchy.
by Jay Cost 2018
3.71
245 ratings
Boyd
by Robert Coram • 2002
The F-16 and the Gulf War were born from a fighter pilot's study of thermodynamics.
4.19
8k+
Boyd Summary
Boyd 87%
The F-16 and the Gulf War were born from a fighter pilot's study of thermodynamics.
by Robert Coram 2002
4.19
8k+ ratings
Writings of Abraham Lincoln
by Abraham Lincoln • 1953
The man who saved the Union, in his own words: the speeches and letters behind the legend.
4.13
313
Writings of Abraham Lincoln Summary
Writings of Abraham Lincoln 87%
The man who saved the Union, in his own words: the speeches and letters behind the legend.
by Abraham Lincoln 1953
4.13
313 ratings
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